In his antepenultimate message at Westheights, Pastor Bill Johnston continues with his teaching series, Adventures in Faith, with a message on faith in times of doubt. What seems impossible to us, what causes us deep concern and leaves us doubtful, often opens the door of possibility with God, and that open door can inspire faith in us in spite of—and perhaps even because of—our perplexing circumstances. Pastor Bill’s final speaking Sunday at Westheights Church will be Sunday, October 7th (Thanksgiving weekend).
FAITH OVER DOUBT
Message by Bill Johnston – September 16, 2018
“Faith [is] an ability to trust in and draw upon the power of God beyond my rationality, my instinctive pessimism, my willingness to settle for less than best.” (MacDonald)
4 THINGS WE LEARN FROM JEHOSHAPHAT’S EXPERIENCE
1. THE VALUE OF SHIFTING OUR FOCUS
2 Chronicles 20:3-4 (NASB) Jehoshaphat was afraid and turned his attention to seek the Lord … Judah gathered together to seek help from the Lord; they even came from all the cities of Judah to seek the Lord.
“Faith hears the inaudible, sees the invisible, believes the incredible, and receives the impossible.” (Anonymous)
Hebrews 11:6 And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.
2. THE URGENCY OF PRAYER
2 Chronicles 20:5-6 (NASB) O Lord, the God of our fathers, are You not God in the heavens? And are You not ruler over all the kingdoms of the nations? Power and might are in Your hand so that no one can stand against You.
3. THE NECESSITY OF OWNING OUR LIMITATIONS
a. We are powerless
2 Chronicles 20:12a (NASB) … we are powerless before this great multitude…
b. We are helpless
2 Chronicles 20:12b (NASB) …nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are on You.
4. THE NEED FOR ENCOURAGEMENT
a. Fear and discouragement are unnecessary
2 Chronicles 20:15a (NASB) … thus says the Lord to you, “Do not fear or be dismayed because of this great multitude.”
b. It’s not your battle
2 Chronicles 20:15b (NASB) For the battle is not yours but God’s.
c. You are not alone
2 Chronicles 20:17 (NASB) Do not fear or be dismayed; tomorrow go out to face them, for the Lord is with you.
d. Trust leads to stability
2 Chronicles 20:20 (NASB) … put your trust in the Lord your God and you will be established.
Isaiah 7:9b “Unless your faith is firm, it cannot make you stand firm.” (Even in the midst of the darkness!)
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