Our Identification with Christ

When Faith Seems to Fail

In this powerful sermon, Adrian Rogers delves into the essence of faith, exploring how it serves as an anchor through life's most challenging circumstances. Through Biblical examples and personal anecdotes, he illustrates how true faith transcends superficial beliefs and aligns with God's sovereign will. By examining the lives of Biblical figures who overcame obstacles by faith, Rogers encourages believers to develop a mature, enduring faith that trusts in God's promises no matter the outcome.

Star Wars

Sermon Overview Scripture Passage: Hebrews 11:32-34   Hebrews 11:32-34 lists several champions of faith, who exemplify tremendous character all throughout Scripture. One figure mentioned is Barak, a military leader, whose faith in God helped deliver Israel from a 20-year oppression of Canaan.   Judges 5:20 explains, “They fought from the heavens; the stars from their courses fought against Sisera.”   These passages reveal four reasons why the heavenlies sided with Barak and fought to bring him the victory.   First, we identify the woman that God chose: Deborah.   Deborah was a judge and prophetess in Israel. She was a godly woman who used her gifting and wisdom to minister to Barak. God still chooses women like Deborah to use their gifts and talents in ministry.   Second, we see the warrior that God called: Barak.   There was a battle to be fought to deliver the Israelites from their oppressors. God chose Barak to lead the charge because his faith was rooted in the God of Israel and he lived as he believed.   Third, we recognize the warfare that God conducted.   Barak and his army did not stand a chance against the Canaanites’ flashy weaponry and 900 iron chariots. But the fight was fixed, for the stars themselves fought the battle. Before the battle began, God sent a rainstorm to soften the ground. This rendered the chariots useless and weighed down the Canaanites’ heavy armor.   Adrian Rogers says, “The God who created the Universe and flung those stars out into space, programmed everything against Sisera.” When we love and serve God, God is on our side and programs us for victory.   Finally, we notice the wickedness that God cursed.   Judges 5:23 says, “‘Curse Meroz,’ said the angel of the Lord, ‘Curse its inhabitants bitterly, because they did not come to the help of the Lord, to the help of the Lord against the mighty.’”   In a time of crisis, the city of Meroz did not join the fight against the Canaanites. This is a crucial reminder to stand up for what is right and to fight alongside our brothers and sisters in Christ.   Apply it to your life   Every day, we face battles even more real than the one on Mount Tabor. As we face spiritual warfare and principalities and powers of darkness, we must act as men and women of…

People God Uses

Sermon Overview Scripture Passage: Hebrews 11:32-34 The champions of faith listed in Hebrews 11 give us an idea of the kind of people God uses to accomplish His mighty plans. Hebrews 11:32-34 says, “...For the time would fail me to tell of Gideon… who through faith subdued kingdoms, worked righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, became valiant in battle...” This passage reminds us of Gideon’s story in Judges 6-7 and shows five characteristics of people that God uses. First, God uses common people. By His Spirit, God turned Gideon, a once fearful farmer, into a valiant warrior. God does not rely on our abilities, but on our availability to Him to work through us in extraordinary ways. Second, God uses cleansed people. Before God could send Gideon to battle, Gideon had to do away with the idols in His life and surrender in worship. Adrian Rogers says, “An idol is anything you love, fear, serve or value more than God.” God will not use us if there is unconfessed sin in our lives. We must crush our idols, repent, and be cleansed from the inside out. Third, God uses courageous people. In Judges 7, God gives Gideon the command to send away soldiers who are afraid. This shows us that God can better use a smaller number of brave souls than a larger group of fearful ones. As children of God, we have been given a spirit of power and love. This does not mean we become naturally courageous—it means we are filled with His Spirit. Fourth, God uses cautious people. We are called to be on guard at all times, ready to fight against the temptation to sin. Adrian Rogers says, “Sin is a combination of an unexpected opportunity, an unprotected life and an undetected weakness.” Finally, God uses confident people. Gideon led the charge with confidence because He knew God was with Him. God gave them victory that day, and when we are confident that God is with us, we can be used in victorious ways. Apply it to your life God has mighty plans and He wants to use us to accomplish them. Make certain that your heart is clean. He may not use you the way you expect, but if you make yourself available to Him, He…

Transforming Power of Faith

In this episode, journey through Hebrews chapter 11 as we delve into the transformative story of Rahab, a harlot who became a revered figure in the lineage of faith. Known as the Shady Lady of Jericho, Rahab's story echoes the profound power of faith to change lives. Explore with us how her encounter with divine providence and the Word of God led to her remarkable redemption and inclusion in the spiritual Hall of Fame.

Overcoming Obstacles by Faith

Sermon Overview Scripture Passage: Hebrews 11:30 Sometimes, we may experience obstacles that stand between us and our most holy ambitions. Adrian Rogers says, “Faith is the link that binds our nothingness to His Almightiness.” In Joshua 5, the Israelites had left Egypt and were ready to capture the land of Canaan. However, the pagan city of Jericho stood in their way. This story shows what it means to overcome obstacles by faith. Hebrews 11:30 says, “By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they were encircled for seven days.” First, we should note the worship of faith. In Joshua 5:13-15, Joshua encounters the pre-incarnate Jesus Christ, and as a response, he falls to his face in worship. Worshiping Jesus always builds our faith; when we face Jericho-sized problems in our lives, we must remember to set our affections on things above—fix our eyes on Jesus, and let our faith grow. Second, we see the obedient work of faith. The Lord did not tell Joshua to dig a tunnel or build ladders to scale the impenetrable walls of Jericho. Instead, He told Joshua to march around the city’s perimeter. God’s plan for victory seemed very strange; however, it is not our job to understand our instruction from God, but to obey, living by faith. The Israelites obeyed God, and that was enough. Third, we see the wait of faith. The Israelites were completely dependent on God’s timing. Many obstacles we face are opportunities to learn patience. Waiting on God is never wasted time. Our faith in Him is meant to last—to be strengthened through endurance. Fourth, we see the word of faith. Joshua spoke the Word of God to his army because he had received it for himself. By its simplest definition, faith is agreeing with the Word of God. We can only believe God for something that already is so in His heart and mind. Finally, we must note the wonder of faith. Joshua 6 tells us that the walls of Jericho came falling down. God gave the victory to Israel and brought judgment to the people of Jericho. In a nation as ripe for judgment as ours, a life of faith is our only hope. Apply it to your life Are you facing obstacles today that must be overcome by faith? Adrian Rogers says, “Take your eyes off Jericho and put them on Jesus. Don’t dwell on your…