This was Pastor Bill Johnston’s second to last speaking Sunday with us and he concluded his series, Adventures in Faith, with a message on hope for the future. First, we watched this video . Controlled by fear and worry, our minds often race to the worst-case scenario in any circumstance. However, God wants us to trust Him with our tomorrows, and realize that He is faithful to walk with us through whatever may come.
At the start of his message, Pastor Bill gave us a very humorous list: “Some time ago Wanda and I discovered evidence that even senior citizens have their own texting codes. ”
BTW – By The Way – has become: Bring The Wheelchair
LOL – Laughing Out Loud – has become: Left Over Lunch
BFF – Best Friends Forever – has become: Best Friend Fell
FWIW – For Whatever It’s Worth – has become: Forgot Where I Was
ROTFL – Rolling On The Floor Laughing – has become ROTFLACGU: Rolling On The Floor Laughing And Can’t Get Up
TTYL – Talk To You Later – has become: Talk To You Louder
And then there’s:
ATD – At The Doctors
BYOT – Bring Your Own Teeth
GHA – Got Heartburn Again
GGPBL – Gotta Go Pacemaker Battery Low
IMHAO – Is My Hearing Aid On?
LMDO – Laughing My Dentures Out
OMSG – Oh My Sorry Gas
OMMR – On My Message Recliner (Sign in store, camping, Kawartha Lakes, ‘17)
FAITH AND THE FUTURE
Message by Bill Johnston – September 30, 2018
FOUR CHARACTERISTICS OF GOD THAT IMPACT OUR FAITH AND THE FUTURE
1. FAITH IN THE GOD OF PROMISE
Matthew 16:18 Now I say to you that you are Peter (which means ‘rock’), and upon this rock I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it.
Hebrews 11:1 Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see.
2. FAITH IN THE GOD OF PURPOSE
Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”
Isaiah 55:10-11 (NIV) As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.
Psalm 57:2 I cry out to God most high, to God who will fulfill his purpose for me.
Acts 13:36 (NASB) For David… served the purpose of God in his own generation.
Philippians 3:12-14 (NIV) I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
3. FAITH IN THE GOD WHO IS POWERFUL
Ephesians 1:19-20 I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God’s power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honour at God’s right hand in the heavenly realms.
Genesis 17:1-2 When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the Lord appeared to him and said, “I am El-Shaddai—‘God Almighty.’ Serve me faithfully and live a blameless life. I will make a covenant with you, by which I will guarantee to give you countless descendants.”
Psalm 62:11 [David] God has spoken plainly, and I have heard it many times; Power, O God, belongs to you.
2 Corinthians 12:8-10 Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
4. FAITH IN THE GOD WHO IS PRESENT
Joshua 1:5,9 No one will be able to stand against you as long as you live. For I will be with you as I was with Moses. I will not fail you or abandon you…This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.
Matthew 28:20b And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.
Isaiah 43:18-19 Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.
TAKEAWAYS
Promise – Choose to hold on to God’s promises concerning you as well as the church.
Purpose – Take steps to understand God’s purpose for your life.
Power – Allow God to use your weaknesses as a tool to demonstrate His power.
Presence – Ask God to give you a growing awareness of His presence in your life.
About Bill Johnston: Bill Johnston is currently serving as Interim Pastor at Westheights Church. Bill served as Senior Pastor at Cross Roads BIC Church for 21 years before deciding to minister as an Intentional Transition Pastor. He has been married to Wanda for 30 years and they have three adult children. Bill and Wanda live in Cambridge.
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