Faith Temple Church
Communion Sunday- December 7
  • O Magnify The Lord
  • Bless The Lord With Me
  • We're Blessed

      • Psalm 150:1–6KJV1900

  • You Deserve It

      • Matthew 16:13–18NKJV

      • Joshua 6:1–5NKJV

      • 2 Corinthians 10NKJV

      • 1 Corinthians 11:23–31KJV1900

  • Big Idea: The walls in our lives are not a permanent fixture—through faith in Christ, we are capable of dismantling them and stepping into new freedom and opportunities.
    Recommended Study: As you prepare, I recommend diving deeper into the biblical accounts of God’s interventions in seemingly hopeless situations. Using Logos, research the exegesis behind New Testament themes of spiritual warfare and redemption, focusing on how Christ’s work disarms obstacles in our lives. This could give you rich insights on how today’s barriers can be compared to those faced throughout biblical history.
    David and Goliath 1 stone Nemiah rebuild the
    Big Idea: God's power can turn our greatest obstacles into avenues for His greatness—what stands in your way can become the stage for His glory.
    Recommended Study: I suggest exploring the nature of divine intervention in your study. Use Logos to examine various texts that discuss walls and barriers, such as the walls of Jericho in Joshua, and how God responded to Israel's crises. This will deepen your insights into how God’s intervention can provoke faith in contemporary contexts. Don’t forget to look at the typological connections between Old Testament events and New Testament fulfillments in Christ.

    1. Unconventional Instructions

    Joshua 6:1-5
    You could explore how God gave the Israelites unconventional instructions to bring down the walls of Jericho, emphasizing that God's methods often defy human reasoning. Encourage your audience to embrace faith-driven obedience, trusting in God's unparalleled wisdom to guide them through their barriers and into His promises.

    Standing Strong Against the Gates

    Summary: The theme of the Gates of Hades serves as a metaphor for the internal and external struggles Christians face. It encapsulates the tension between faith and doubt, temptation and obedience, highlighting that these battles are as much within us as they are against external forces. This theme urges believers to recognize their agency in fighting against spiritual attacks, emphasizing their ability to claim victory through Christ's power.
    Application: This sermon can help Christians become more aware of their internal battles with sin, guilt, and fear. By understanding that the Gates of Hades represent both spiritual oppression and personal struggles, believers can find hope in actively engaging in their faith journey, relying on God's strength to overcome their challenges.
    Teaching: This message teaches that while the Gates of Hades may represent formidable opposition, Christians are not powerless. It emphasizes the necessity of a proactive faith, equipping believers to confront their doubts and fears with the truth of God's Word, leading to spiritual growth and resilience.
    How this passage could point to Christ: Jesus is central to this theme as the One who not only overcomes external evil but also transforms the hearts of believers. His victory over sin and death opens the door for believers to receive the Holy Spirit, who empowers them to face their inner battles and live victoriously.
    Big Idea: Through faith in Christ, believers are equipped not only to stand against external spiritual enemies but also to confront and conquer their inner struggles, achieving true victory and peace.
    Recommended Study: As you prepare this sermon, consider investigating the imagery of gates in biblical literature, paying special attention to passages that discuss spiritual warfare, such as 2 Corinthians 10:3-5. Utilizing Logos, look for resources that explore the theological implications of the Gates of Hades and how it influences Christian living. It might also be helpful to analyze the nature of temptation and the inner battles believers face, perhaps through the lens of historical and contemporary Christian figures who have written on this theme.

    1. Prevailing Through Christ

    Matthew 16:13-18
    You could focus on Peter’s declaration of Jesus as the Christ and how Jesus promises that the Gates of Hades will not prevail against the Church. This point may emphasize the authority and power of Jesus, assuring believers that no external force can overcome His Church. Believers can take courage in knowing that their faith is grounded in the truth of who Christ is, which fortifies them against the 'gates' or trials they face.

    1. Unconventional Instructions

    Joshua 6:1-5
    You could explore how God gave the Israelites unconventional instructions to bring down the walls of Jericho, emphasizing that God's methods often defy human reasoning. Encourage your audience to embrace faith-driven obedience, trusting in God's unparalleled wisdom to guide them through their barriers and into His promises.

    2. Power in God's Armor

    Ephesians 6:10-13
    Perhaps explore how believers are equipped to stand firm against spiritual forces. You might consider illustrating the importance of putting on the full armor of God. This point might encourage believers that through wearing this spiritual armor, they are empowered to withstand both external and internal challenges, ensuring they are not overcome. The spiritual armor is essential in confronting and conquering the Gates of Hades within.

    3. Peace in Christ's Love

    Romans 8:31-39
    Maybe delve into the assurance Paul gives that nothing can separate believers from the love of Christ. This point could reassure that despite facing both internal struggles and external trials, believers are more than conquerors through Christ. It would be appropriate to encourage believers to find peace in this promise, motivating them to confront personal battles with confidence in their perpetual victory in Him.
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