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August 14, 2023

Iron Faith: A Faith that Goes the Distance

The ability to endure begins with what you hear with your ears, understand with your mind and receive with your heart.

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LIFE APPLICATION

As we endure in our faith journey, it is necessary periodically to look at our environment, or soil, where our Christian life is planted. We all want our "seed" planted in rich, healthy soil that produces fruit for God's kingdom. Consider how you can improve your soil's condition this week. 

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Ten Assessment Questions of the Diamond of Your Life: Are You in Good Soil or Bad Soil?

1. Are you aware of your need for a Savior?

2. Would you rather live an autonomous life doing what you want or a dependent life doing what God wants?

3. Do you have a deep-seated gratitude for who Jesus is and what He has done for you?

4. Is Jesus part of your life, or the whole of your life?

5. Are you tight-fisted with your materials and resources, or open-handed?

6. Do you see yourself as the owner of your wealth or a steward of God's wealth?

7. Do you look for a preacher to tell you what you want to hear, or look for a preacher that will tell you what you need to hear?

8. Is your love for and commitment to Jesus tied to who He is and what He has done for you, or to the present condition of your life?

9. Would you rather Jesus serve you, or you serve Jesus?

10. What is the end goal of your life?

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SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

  • When you have had to endure a difficult situation, how did you work through it?
  • What kinds of soil and seeds does Jesus teach about in this parable?
  • Why do you think the disciples had difficulty understanding what Jesus was teaching?
  • What is the goal of enduring in our faith journey?
  • How does the Holy Spirit help us as we practice endurance and become faithfully fruitful disciples?

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DAILY DEVOTIONAL BIBLE PASSAGES

  • Day 1-Endurance-Galatians 6:9; Philippians 4:13; Romans 15:4
  • Day 2-Hearing (Ears)-Matthew 11:15; Revelation 2:7; Matthew 7:24-27
  • Day 3-Understanding (Mind)-Proverbs 4:5; 1 John 5:20; Proverbs 3:5
  • Day 4-Fruit-Galatians 5:22-23; John 15:16; Matthew 7:16-20
  • Day 5-God Promises as we Endure-Colossians 3:23-24; Psalm 23:5; Matthew 6:33

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PRAYER

Lord, I ask that You give me the endurance to live a faithful, God-centered life with iron faith. Help me to cultivate a rich environment where I can flourish and thrive, growing fruitfully as Your disciple. Help me to have ears that hear, a mind that is receptive to your message and a heart that is devoted to you. Let me see people around me that I need to care for and with whom I need to share my faith in King Jesus. Let me be bold in my witness for you through the power of the Holy Spirit.  

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ADDITIONAL RESOURCES