By Faith
September - October 2023
By Faith We Get Married
October 29, 2023 • Pastor Dave Koop • Proverbs 3:5, Genesis 24:1–14, Genesis 24:15–28, Genesis 24:48–67
This last great act of faith we see from Abraham is the finding of a wife for his son Isaac. The fulfillment of the promise God gave him, that through his seed he would bless the nations, depended on Isaac finding the right wife. Likewise, one of the greatest steps of faith we will make in our lives is choosing who we will marry. The courtship of Isaac and Rebekah provides valuable wisdom of how we should go about looking for a spouse.
By Faith We Pass The Test of Faith
October 22, 2023 • Pastor Dave Koop • Genesis 22:1–18, Hebrews 11:17–19, 1 Peter 1:5–9, James 5:10–11, Luke 22:42
Abraham’s test of faith is one of the most well-known accounts of his life and one of the most challenging to understand. To learn from Abraham’s example we must understand the following: - Understand the difference between a test and temptation. - Understand there are options in taking the test. - Understand that faith is obedience and unwavering trust in God’s goodness. - Understand the end your heavenly Father has in mind. - Understand that Jesus passed the ultimate test for us.
By Faith We Intercede For Others
October 15, 2023 • Pastor Cheryl Koop • Genesis 18:16–33, Genesis 19:12–16, 1 Timothy 2:1, James 5:16–20
Throughout the Bible, believers are urged to pray for one another, to lift up the needs and concerns of others in prayer, and to intercede on their behalf. Intercession is a powerful way to express love and care for one another, following the example of Jesus, who interceded on behalf of humanity.
By Faith We Give Thanks
October 8, 2023 • Pastor Dave Koop • 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18, Ephesians 5:18–20, Romans 1:21, Romans 10:8–9, Mark 11:22–24
This year our theme has been The Journey. As believers we are called to journey of faith, and a crucial aspect of this journey is our continual thanks to our Heavenly Father, even before our prayers are answered.
One Word From God Can Change Everything
October 1, 2023 • Carl Gustaf-Severin • Mark 4:35–41, Mark 4:39–40
The disciples, fearing for their lives, woke Jesus and cried out for help. In response, Jesus rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” Immediately, the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. Jesus then questioned his disciples about their faith, wondering why they were so afraid when he was with them. Just as the disciples faced a life-threatening storm, people today encounter various storms in their lives, be it personal challenges, global crises, or uncertainties. The story reminds us to have faith even in the midst of adversity, trusting that God is capable of calming the storms we face.
By Faith We Enjoy the Promises
September 24, 2023 • Pastor Dave Koop • Deuteronomy 7:9, Jeremiah 31:31–33, Hebrews 8:6, 2 Peter 1:3–4
We live in a society where promises are easily broken, so we find it hard to believe God would keep His Word. However, God is a covenant keeping God who never changes and we can fully put our trust in His promises.
By Faith We Face the Impossible
September 17, 2023 • Guest Speaker: Isak Pretorius • Genesis 15:1–6, Genesis 16:1–4, Genesis 17:1–6, Genesis 21:1–3, Ephesians 2:8
God is bigger than your mountain, more powerful than your suppressor, greater than your depression and has given you victory over all things! However, without FAITH we can receive nothing from God! Faith takes courage, for the blind to see, cripple to walk, for your life to be radically changed, to see your breakthrough – it requires you to take a step forward.
By Faith We Learn From Mistakes
September 10, 2023 • Pastor Cheryl Koop • Genesis 12:10–20, Hebrews 6:12–15, Proverbs 11:3, Psalm 32:5, Hebrews 4:15–16
We all make mistakes. Just as it takes faith to step out and follow God, it also takes faith to turn back to God after we have made a mistake. Abraham’s journey of faith is not only noted for his incredible obedience, but also for his human frailty. In Genesis 12:10-20, we find a pivotal moment in his life when he ventured to Egypt during a time of famine and there lied about his wife Sarah. Through Abraham’s experience, we can learn some valuable lessons on how to overcome our shortcomings and embrace God’s grace.
By Faith We Respond to the Call
September 3, 2023 • Pastor Dave Koop • Hebrews 11:8, Genesis 12:2, Galatians 3:7–9, Hebrews 11:8–12, Genesis 12:5–6
Abraham’s journey teaches us that a life of faith begins with responding to a call from God. This call involves obedience, trusting in God’s promises, navigating challenges, enduring trials, and ultimately surrendering to God’s will. His story resonates throughout the pages of the Bible, echoing the message that faith is the foundation of our relationship with God. Just as Abraham’s faith transformed his life, we too need to respond to the call God has given us to come and follow Him. As Hebrews 11:6 reminds us, “And without faith, it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.”