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Dannah Gresh unpacks the good and the bad aspects of the purity culture movement, speaking against legalism and shame without abandoning God’s design for sexuality. She shares about her experiences healing from sexual sin and equips women to live with sexual integrity.
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When you think about your faith journey, has it become routine, dull, kind of like you’re living in a spiritual rut? Chip looks at what destroys God’s work in our lives, and how we can prevent that from happening in the future.
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Do you struggle to hear God speaking into your life? What if God has always been speaking to you, but you just haven’t been listening?
Sermon Overview
Scripture Passage: Hebrews 11:30
Sometimes, we may experience obstacles that stand between us and our most holy ambitions.
Adrian Rogers says, “Faith is the link that binds our nothingness to His Almightiness.”
In Joshua 5, the Israelites had left Egypt and were ready to capture the land of Canaan. However, the pagan city of Jericho stood in their way. This story shows what it means to overcome obstacles by faith.
Hebrews 11:30 says, “By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they were encircled for seven days.”
First, we should note the worship of faith.
In Joshua 5:13-15, Joshua encounters the pre-incarnate Jesus Christ, and as a response, he falls to his face in worship.
Worshiping Jesus always builds our faith; when we face Jericho-sized problems in our lives, we must remember to set our affections on things above—fix our eyes on Jesus, and let our faith grow.
Second, we see the obedient work of faith.
The Lord did not tell Joshua to dig a tunnel or build ladders to scale the impenetrable walls of Jericho. Instead, He told Joshua to march around the city’s perimeter.
God’s plan for victory seemed very strange; however, it is not our job to understand our instruction from God, but to obey, living by faith. The Israelites obeyed God, and that was enough.
Third, we see the wait of faith.
The Israelites were completely dependent on God’s timing. Many obstacles we face are opportunities to learn patience. Waiting on God is never wasted time. Our faith in Him is meant to last—to be strengthened through endurance.
Fourth, we see the word of faith.
Joshua spoke the Word of God to his army because he had received it for himself. By its simplest definition, faith is agreeing with the Word of God. We can only believe God for something that already is so in His heart and mind.
Finally, we must note the wonder of faith.
Joshua 6 tells us that the walls of Jericho came falling down. God gave the victory to Israel and brought judgment to the people of Jericho. In a nation as ripe for judgment as ours, a life of faith is our only hope.
Apply it to your life
Are you facing obstacles today that must be overcome by faith?
Adrian Rogers says, “Take your eyes off Jericho and put them on Jesus. Don’t dwell on your problems; dwell on your Lord.”
Imagine life if you were 100% in tune with God all the time! Sadly, things get in the way—squabbles with our loved ones, difficult circumstances, disappointments. John Burke reminds us that God is the source of life and of our contentment and joy. He gives us a clear picture of what it looks like to do life with God and how you can trust Him with your strongest and deepest desires! Just like branches connected to the Vine, with John’s 60-60 experiment (connecting with God every 60 minutes for 60 days), you can cling to God’s peace and love, allowing that to overflow to your relationships and everything you do.
Receive the book Soul Revolution for your donation of any amount! and an audio download of "Staying Connected to God: A 60-Day Challenge" for your donation of any amount!
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If you enjoyed listening to Focus on the Family with Jim Daly, please give us your feedback.
You’ve heard about how the Christian life is one of power, of peace, of joy. But if you’re honest, your experience doesn’t line up like that and frankly, you’re not sure if this Christianity stuff is all it’s cranked up to be. Chip unpacks some ways to evaluate your faith and begin experiencing peace, joy, and power like never before.
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