Matthew 21:22 – "If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer." Tag someone in need of prayer, and kindly share your prayer requests here. https://bit.ly/3GdFXpR Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IrQUC5-9B-I
Lesson 5.Faith Against All Odds | 5.1 God’s Word Alone
Lesson 5: Faith Against All Odds
God’s Unwavering Faithfulness: Strength, Protection, and Hope Amid Challenges
Welcome to the fifth lesson of our study series! Today, we delve into the profound topic of “Faith Against All Odds.” Life is full of challenges, trials, and times when we may feel lost or hopeless. Yet, it is precisely in these moments that the true strength of our faith is revealed.
In this lesson, we will explore the power and significance of faith, which sustains us not only in good times but especially when we are faced with adversity. We will delve into the inspiring stories of figures such as Martin Luther and John Wesley, who have left invaluable lessons about the power and grace of God through their faith journeys.
Additionally, we will delve deeper into biblical teachings to understand how faith helps us to grow, transform, and guide us in our pursuit of holiness. This lesson will encourage us to stand firm in our faith, even when life challenges us, and equip us with the tools we need to put our faith into action.
Join us on this journey of discovery to learn how to strengthen and deepen our faith in all circumstances, and learn how to remain steadfast and advance in our faith journey despite all odds.
5.1 God’s Word Alone
The transformative power of God’s Word during the Reformation and today
Read Psalm 119:103–104, 147, 162. What was David’s attitude towards the Word of God? How did this influence the Reformers and how does it impact our lives today?
The Word of God, as depicted in Psalm 119:103–104, 147, 162 and by the Reformers, reflects a deep reverence and devotion to Holy Scripture. David, the psalmist, demonstrates an intimate relationship with the Word of God, which he describes as sweetness, light, and joy. This attitude of David became the foundation for the Reformers, who recognized that the Word of God is the unwavering source of truth and divine guidance.
Inspired by the Bible, the Reformers viewed it not just as a book, but as the living expression of God Himself. They lived and died for this conviction, firmly believing that truth is stronger than any human powers and resistance. Their deep connection to the Word of God enabled them to remain steadfast despite persecution, danger, and rejection.
Today, in a world full of uncertainties, the Word of God remains an unwavering source of hope, wisdom, and strength. It offers us comfort in times of need, provides guidance in times of confusion, and strengthens our faith in times of doubt. Like the Reformers, we too can find renewed strength and courage through the Word of God to face life’s challenges.
The story of John Wycliffe is a vivid example of the transformative power of the Word of God. Despite danger and resistance, he passionately advocated for making the Bible accessible to all. His steadfastness and faith that truth will ultimately prevail are a legacy that should inspire us today.
Overall, reflecting on Psalm 119 and the influence of the Reformers reminds us that the Word of God is alive and powerful. It challenges us to deepen our relationship with it, trust in it, and allow it to enrich and transform our lives in every way.
How has Scripture comforted you in times of trial?
For many people, Scripture has a comforting and strengthening effect in times of trial. The Bible offers hope, comfort, encouragement, and wisdom, providing people with guidance and support in challenging situations. Through the words of Scripture, many people find answers to their questions, peace in the midst of storms, and the assurance that they are not alone.
Some people report that specific verses or stories from the Bible have guided them through difficult times and provided them with strength and courage. These personal encounters with Scripture can have profound emotional and spiritual impacts, helping people to cope with trials and challenges.
Scripture can also provide comfort through community and the exchange with other believers. In community, people can support, encourage, and remind each other of the promising words of the Bible that offer comfort and hope. Overall, Scripture can be an unwavering source of strength, comfort, and hope for many people in times of trial, showing them that God is present, loves them, and cares for them, even in the most difficult moments of life.
The connection between Scripture and our daily lives and faith is profound and formative. The Word of God is not just a historical or theological concept, but it has direct implications for our daily lives, decisions, relationships, and character.
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Guidance and compass: The Holy Scripture provides us with clear guidance and a compass for our lives. In a world often confusing and unstable, the Bible gives us firm principles and values to align our lives with.
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Comfort and hope: In times of trial and suffering, the Holy Scripture serves as a source of comfort. Its promising words remind us that God does not abandon us and that there is always hope, even in the darkest moments.
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Character formation: Regular reading and meditation on Scripture help shape and develop our character. It teaches us patience, compassion, love, forgiveness, and other important virtues crucial for a fulfilling and meaningful life.
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Community and relationships: The Bible emphasizes the importance of community and relationships. It reminds us to love one another, support each other, and be there for one another. Through faith in the shared truths of Scripture, relationships can be strengthened and deepened.
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Life guidance: The Word of God offers practical advice and wisdom for the various areas of our lives, whether it be in family, work, leisure, or in the community. It helps us make wise decisions and lead a balanced and fulfilling life.
In summary, the Holy Scripture has a vibrant and relevant significance for our daily lives and our faith. It is an inexhaustible source of wisdom, comfort, guidance, and inspiration that helps us live an authentic Christian life and deepen our relationship with God and others.
Thought of the day: The Word of God is not only a source of inspiration but also an unwavering foundation that provides us with guidance, comfort, and strength in all situations.
Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-5-faith-against-all-odds-5-1-gods-word-alone/
“Give Me This Mountain”
I am as strong this day as I was in the day that Moses sent me…. Now therefore give me this mountain. Joshua 14:11, 12.
Before the distribution of the land had been entered upon, Caleb, accompanied by the heads of his tribe, came forward with a special claim. Except Joshua, Caleb was now the oldest man in Israel. Caleb and Joshua were the only ones among the spies who had brought a good report of the Land of Promise, encouraging the people to go up and possess it in the name of the Lord. Caleb now reminded Joshua of the promise then made, as the reward of his faithfulness: “The land whereon thy feet have trodden shall be thine inheritance, and thy children’s forever, because thou hast wholly followed the Lord.” He therefore presented a request that Hebron be given him for a possession…. His claim was immediately granted. To none could the conquest of this giant stronghold be more safely entrusted….
Caleb’s faith now was just what it was when his testimony had contradicted the evil report of the spies. He had believed God’s promise that He would put His people in possession of Canaan, and in this he had followed the Lord fully. He had endured with his people the long wandering in the wilderness, thus sharing the disappointments and burdens of the guilty; yet he made no complaint of this, but exalted the mercy of God that had preserved him in the wilderness when his brethren were cut off…. The brave old warrior was desirous of giving to the people an example that would honor God, and encourage the tribes fully to subdue the land which their fathers had deemed unconquerable. Caleb obtained the inheritance upon which his heart had been set for forty years, and, trusting in God to be with him, he “drove thence the three sons of Anak.” …
The cowards and rebels had perished in the wilderness, but the righteous spies ate of the grapes of Eshcol. To each was given according to his faith. The unbelieving had seen their fears fulfilled. Notwithstanding God’s promise, they had declared that it was impossible to inherit Canaan, and they did not possess it. But those who trusted in God, looking not so much to the difficulties to be encountered as to the strength of their Almighty Helper, entered the goodly land.41Ibid., 513-514.
Conflict and Courage p. 123
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Prayer Requests
—- I need prayer for a hedge of protection to be put around me and my whole family. I have an ex daughter in law who has serious mental problems and or demon possession and she has put a hit out on my family and I where we live. . Her uncle is high up in the Hells Angels group in Arizona. I have the Hells Angels group checking out my Facebook page now and also on my son’s. Connie
—-Please continue to pray for Hannah and her family during their time of loss. Rose
—-E and family need special prayer. R
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Dear Friends,
When my grandmother, Ida, was in her twenties, she worked as a secretary for Dr. Upjohn. She looked forward to working each day. Indeed, her work did not seem like work, but it was a pleasure, because he was such a kind man. Dr. Upjohn treated his workers with respect and was always concerned for their welfare. Those who worked for him, felt that he was their friend, their benefactor. And he was. Their wages were higher, their benefits better, their future brighter than any other employees of any other company throughout the nation. Other companies were having labor problems, but the workers at the his company, were happy and content. Dr. Upjohn put into practice our Dear Saviour’s admonition: “Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.” Matt 7:12
The disciples had to learn this principle. They were always fighting for first place. “Then came to him the mother of Zebedee’s children with her sons, worshiping him, and desiring a certain thing of him. And he said unto her, What wilt thou? She saith unto him, Grant that these my two sons may sit, the one on thy right hand, and the other on the left, in thy kingdom. But Jesus answered and said, Ye know not what ye ask. Are ye able to drink of the cup that I shall drink of, and to be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with? They say unto him, We are able. And he saith unto them, Ye shall drink indeed of my cup, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with: but to sit on my right hand, and on my left, is not mine to give, but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared of my Father. And when the ten heard it, they were moved with indignation against the two brethren. But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them. But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant: Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.” Mat 20:20-28
A life of service should be our focus as well. Selfishness and self-seeking have no part in God’s Great Kingdom of Love. Yet, how often we gossip and criticize and wound the very ones we should be helping and loving. Paul wrote, “be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.” “Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.” Phil 2:2-4; Gal 2:2 Indeed, our Loving Creator’s plan was for His creatures to find their greatest happiness in serving others. He said, “If any man desire to be first, the same shall be last of all, and servant of all.” “He that is greatest among you shall be your servant. And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.” Mark 9:35; Matt 23:11, 12
May we put self aside and truly be “the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart, loving Him with all of our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and following in the footsteps of the One Who “humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.” Eph 6:6; Phil 2:8
Rose
Source: https://rosesdevotional.org/give-me-this-mountain-2.html
Lesson 4 | Standing for the Truth”
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