Growing a Culture of Hope & Faith

Growing a Culture of Hope & Faith

(Preaching Outline)

1)      I am excited because of a deep conviction in my heart that God is awakening a faith in us that can change the spiritual trajectory of people’s lives and the nation.

a)      1 Timothy 6:12 (NKJV) — 12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.

b)      Jude 3 (NKJV) — 3 Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our common salvation, I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints.

c)      What is the fight of faith?

2)      Exploring several scriptures that may not give a clear enough answer to satisfy our desire for simplicity, but will, I believe, stir something in our spirits toward a spiritual awakening.

a)      Mark 6:1–6 (NKJV) — 1 Then He went out from there and came to His own country, and His disciples followed Him. 2 And when the Sabbath had come, He began to teach in the synagogue. And many hearing Him were astonished, saying, “Where did this Man get these things? And what wisdom is this which is given to Him, that such mighty works are performed by His hands! 3 Is this not the carpenter, the Son of Mary, and brother of James, Joses, Judas, and Simon? And are not His sisters here with us?” So they were offended at Him. 4 But Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his own country, among his own relatives, and in his own house.” 5 Now He could do no mighty work there, except that He laid His hands on a few sick people and healed them. 6 And He marveled because of their unbelief. Then He went about the villages in a circuit, teaching.

b)      Luke 18:1–8 (NKJV) — 1 Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart, 2 saying: “There was in a certain city a judge who did not fear God nor regard man. 3 Now there was a widow in that city; and she came to him, saying, ‘Get justice for me from my adversary.’ 4 And he would not for a while; but afterward he said within himself, ‘Though I do not fear God nor regard man, 5 yet because this widow troubles me I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.’ ” 6 Then the Lord said, “Hear what the unjust judge said. 7 And shall God not avenge His own elect who cry out day and night to Him, though He bears long with them? 8 I tell you that He will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?”

c)      His question (verse 8b) is intended as a warning that believers should take heed not to let their faith waver, notwithstanding His apparent delay in coming. So He concludes the parable with a powerful summons to His followers to maintain true belief in Him, through whom the Father will give final victory^[1]

d)      James 1:2-8 – Lack wisdom, ask, but do not doubt.

e)      Numbers 11:10–15 (NKJV) — 10 Then Moses heard the people weeping throughout their families, everyone at the door of his tent; and the anger of the Lord was greatly aroused; Moses also was displeased. 11 So Moses said to the Lord, “Why have You afflicted Your servant? And why have I not found favor in Your sight, that You have laid the burden of all these people on me? 12 Did I conceive all these people? Did I beget them, that You should say to me, ‘Carry them in your bosom, as a guardian carries a nursing child,’ to the land which You swore to their fathers? 13 Where am I to get meat to give to all these people? For they weep all over me, saying, ‘Give us meat, that we may eat.’ 14 I am not able to bear all these people alone, because the burden is too heavy for me. 15 If You treat me like this, please kill me here and now—if I have found favor in Your sight—and do not let me see my wretchedness!”

3)      The faith Jesus will find.

a)      Jude 19–21 (NKJV) — 19 These are sensual persons, who cause divisions, not having the Spirit. 20 But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, 21 keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.

b)      Esther & Mordecai

c)      David & Goliath

d)      Jonathan & his armorbearer

e)      The Spirit from Moses poured out on the Elders.

4)      Mission & Vision

a)      Vision: To restore human flourishing through the gospel of Jesus Christ.

b)      Mission: Becoming a community that restores the world by reproducing the life of Christ with imperfect people growing in grace and serving through the gift of the Spirit.

c)      The fall of leaders in the church today.

d)      Duncan Campbell and the Revival on the Isle of Lewis.

5)      What can you do to fulfill the mission and vision of LSCC?

a)      Nurture the Spirit and culture.

b)      Worship

c)      Pray

d)      Engage

i)        Maybe join the outreach committee.

ii)      Build Friendships

iii)    Reach out – the net.

e)      Own and live the vision and mission of the church.

f)       GROW A CULTURE OF HOPE AND FAITH