Under The Circumstances, Part 2: Promises, Promises // Andy Stanley
Oct 29, 2023
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Join them as they share a childhood sin and bond with the audience. Explore the distinction between the Old and New Testaments and the establishment of a new covenant by Jesus. Discover the significance of the book of Hebrews and the promise made to Abraham. Understand how to endure opposition and find grace in difficult circumstances.
Fixing our eyes on Jesus in difficult circumstances and not allowing circumstances to determine God's presence.
The importance of perseverance and trust in God, casting away hindrances and sins, and finding strength and comfort in God's mercy and grace.
Deep dives
The Power of Fixing Our Eyes on Jesus
The speaker emphasizes the importance of fixing our eyes on Jesus in the midst of difficult circumstances. He talks about how preachers sometimes forge God's promises and how Christians tend to look to circumstances to determine God's presence. The speaker highlights the distinction between the old covenant with Israel and the new covenant through Jesus. He encourages listeners to focus on the promise made to Abraham and reminds them that they can approach God's throne of grace with confidence because of Jesus' sacrifice. He encourages perseverance and assures that God's mercy and grace are available in times of need.
Looking Beyond Circumstances to Find God's Presence
The speaker addresses the tendency to judge God's presence and faithfulness based on current circumstances. He shares stories of individuals who endured great difficulty and suffering while remaining faithful to God. The speaker emphasizes the importance of fixing our eyes on Jesus and not on our circumstances. He encourages listeners to approach God's throne with confidence and receive His mercy and grace. The speaker highlights the promise of God's sustaining grace in the midst of extraordinary circumstances and invites the audience to stand as a testimony to its reality.
The New Covenant and God's Unchanging Love
The speaker discusses the new covenant established by Jesus and its significance for believers. He explains that this new covenant offers eternal life and fellowship with God, unlike the old covenant with Israel. The speaker encourages listeners to trust in God's faithfulness regardless of their circumstances. He reminds them of Jesus' sacrifice on the cross and his presence at God's right hand. The promise of approaching God's throne with confidence and receiving mercy and grace in times of need is emphasized as a source of strength and hope.
Persevering in Faith Through Difficult Times
The speaker acknowledges the challenges and hardships faced by individuals in their faith journey. He highlights the importance of perseverance and trust in God, even in the face of adversity and suffering. The speaker invites listeners to run their race with perseverance, fixing their eyes on Jesus. He encourages them to cast away hindrances and sins that can hinder their faith. The promise of receiving mercy and finding grace in times of need is emphasized as a source of comfort and strength in difficult times.