This is the manuscript of "Crossing The Red Sea" the first sermon in the series The Way Of Faith. At the Red Sea God performed a miracle to deliver his people from the hands of the Egyptians. Many truths about faith can be found in the account of God’s people crossing the Red Sea. The writer of Hebrews described the crossing of the Red Sea like this:
Hebrews 11:29 ESV By faith the people crossed the Red Sea as on dry land, but the Egyptians, when they attempted to do the same, were drowned.
To hear the audio click on the YouTube image at the end of the manuscript.
Scripture Reading:
Exodus 14:10-3-15:2(ESV)10 When Pharaoh drew near, the people of Israel lifted up their eyes, and behold, the Egyptians were marching after them, and they feared greatly. And the people of Israel cried out to the LORD.11 They said to Moses, “Is it because there are no graves in Egypt that you have taken us away to die in the wilderness? What have you done to us in bringing us out of Egypt?12 Is not this what we said to you in Egypt: ‘Leave us alone that we may serve the Egyptians’? For it would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the wilderness.”13 And Moses said to the people, “Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will work for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall never see again.14 The LORD will fight for you, and you have only to be silent.”15 The LORD said to Moses, “Why do you cry to me? Tell the people of Israel to go forward.16 Lift up your staff, and stretch out your hand over the sea and divide it, that the people of Israel may go through the sea on dry ground.17 And I will harden the hearts of the Egyptians so that they shall go in after them, and I will get glory over Pharaoh and all his host, his chariots, and his horsemen.18 And the Egyptians shall know that I am the LORD, when I have gotten glory over Pharaoh, his chariots, and his horsemen.”19 Then the angel of God who was going before the host of Israel moved and went behind them, and the pillar of cloud moved from before them and stood behind them,20 coming between the host of Egypt and the host of Israel. And there was the cloud and the darkness. And it lit up the night without one coming near the other all night.21 Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and the LORD drove the sea back by a strong east wind all night and made the sea dry land, and the waters were divided.22 And the people of Israel went into the midst of the sea on dry ground, the waters being a wall to them on their right hand and on their left.23 The Egyptians pursued and went in after them into the midst of the sea, all Pharaoh’s horses, his chariots, and his horsemen.24 And in the morning watch the LORD in the pillar of fire and of cloud looked down on the Egyptian forces and threw the Egyptian forces into a panic,25 clogging their chariot wheels so that they drove heavily. And the Egyptians said, “Let us flee from before Israel, for the LORD fights for them against the Egyptians.”26 Then the LORD said to Moses, “Stretch out your hand over the sea, that the water may come back upon the Egyptians, upon their chariots, and upon their horsemen.”27 So Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and the sea returned to its normal course when the morning appeared. And as the Egyptians fled into it, the LORD threw the Egyptians into the midst of the sea.28 The waters returned and covered the chariots and the horsemen; of all the host of Pharaoh that had followed them into the sea, not one of them remained.29 But the people of Israel walked on dry ground through the sea, the waters being a wall to them on their right hand and on their left.30 Thus the LORD saved Israel that day from the hand of the Egyptians, and Israel saw the Egyptians dead on the seashore.31 Israel saw the great power that the LORD used against the Egyptians, so the people feared the LORD, and they believed in the LORD and in his servant Moses. 1 Then Moses and the people of Israel sang this song to the LORD, saying, “I will sing to the LORD, for he has triumphed gloriously; the horse and his rider he has thrown into the sea.2 The LORD is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation; this is my God, and I will praise him, my father’s God, and I will exalt him.
Text:
Exodus 14:13-15 ESV And Moses said to the people, "Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the Lord , which he will work for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall never see again. The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent." The Lord said to Moses, "Why do you cry to me? Tell the people of Israel to go forward.
Introduction
For 430 years God’s people had been in bondage in Egypt. After the death of the firstborn throughout Egypt, God’s people were thrown out
Exodus 12:29-33 ESV At midnight the Lord struck down all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, from the firstborn of Pharaoh who sat on his throne to the firstborn of the captive who was in the dungeon, and all the firstborn of the livestock. And Pharaoh rose up in the night, he and all his servants and all the Egyptians. And there was a great cry in Egypt, for there was not a house where someone was not dead. Then he summoned Moses and Aaron by night and said, "Up, go out from among my people, both you and the people of Israel; and go, serve the Lord , as you have said. Take your flocks and your herds, as you have said, and be gone, and bless me also!" The Egyptians were urgent with the people to send them out of the land in haste. For they said, "We shall all be dead."
It is estimated that 1.5 to 2 million people marched out of Egypt. We see that in
Exodus 12:37-38 ESV And the people of Israel journeyed from Rameses to Succoth, about six hundred thousand men on foot, besides women and children. A mixed multitude also went up with them, and very much livestock, both flocks and herds.
What a sight! The day of deliverance had arrived; God’s people had been set free.
God led his people through the wilderness by the Red Sea. During the day he went before them in a pillar of cloud, and at night he went before them in a pillar of fire.
Exodus 13:17-18 ESV When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them by way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near. For God said, "Lest the people change their minds when they see war and return to Egypt." But God led the people around by the way of the wilderness toward the Red Sea. And the people of Israel went up out of the land of Egypt equipped for battle.
Exodus 13:21-22 ESV And the Lord went before them by day in a pillar of cloud to lead them along the way, and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, that they might travel by day and by night. The pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night did not depart from before the people.
God had also revealed to Moses that Pharaoh would pursue God’s people.
Exodus 14:2-3 ESV "Tell the people of Israel to turn back and encamp in front of Pi-hahiroth, between Migdol and the sea, in front of Baal-zephon; you shall encamp facing it, by the sea. For Pharaoh will say of the people of Israel, 'They are wandering in the land; the wilderness has shut them in.'
When the Israelites saw the Egyptians march after them, they paniced.
Exodus 14:10-12 ESV When Pharaoh drew near, the people of Israel lifted up their eyes, and behold, the Egyptians were marching after them, and they feared greatly. And the people of Israel cried out to the Lord . They said to Moses, "Is it because there are no graves in Egypt that you have taken us away to die in the wilderness? What have you done to us in bringing us out of Egypt? Is not this what we said to you in Egypt: 'Leave us alone that we may serve the Egyptians'? For it would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the wilderness."
It was then that Moses said,
Exodus 14:13-14 ESV And Moses said to the people, "Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the Lord , which he will work for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall never see again. The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent."
Then in the next verse the Lord told Moses;
Exodus 14:15 ESV ... "Why do you cry to me? Tell the people of Israel to go forward.
At the Red Sea God performed a miracle to deliver his people again from the hands of the Egyptians. The writer of Hebrews described the crossing of the Red Sea like this:
Hebrews 11:29 ESV By faith the people crossed the Red Sea as on dry land, but the Egyptians, when they attempted to do the same, were drowned.
BY FAITH.
Many truths about faith can be found in the account of God’s people crossing the Red Sea. Let’s consider just a few of them.
Hebrews 11:29 ESV By faith the people crossed the Red Sea as on dry land, but the Egyptians, when they attempted to do the same, were drowned.
To hear the audio click on the YouTube image at the end of the manuscript.
Scripture Reading:
Exodus 14:10-3-15:2(ESV)10 When Pharaoh drew near, the people of Israel lifted up their eyes, and behold, the Egyptians were marching after them, and they feared greatly. And the people of Israel cried out to the LORD.11 They said to Moses, “Is it because there are no graves in Egypt that you have taken us away to die in the wilderness? What have you done to us in bringing us out of Egypt?12 Is not this what we said to you in Egypt: ‘Leave us alone that we may serve the Egyptians’? For it would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the wilderness.”13 And Moses said to the people, “Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will work for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall never see again.14 The LORD will fight for you, and you have only to be silent.”15 The LORD said to Moses, “Why do you cry to me? Tell the people of Israel to go forward.16 Lift up your staff, and stretch out your hand over the sea and divide it, that the people of Israel may go through the sea on dry ground.17 And I will harden the hearts of the Egyptians so that they shall go in after them, and I will get glory over Pharaoh and all his host, his chariots, and his horsemen.18 And the Egyptians shall know that I am the LORD, when I have gotten glory over Pharaoh, his chariots, and his horsemen.”19 Then the angel of God who was going before the host of Israel moved and went behind them, and the pillar of cloud moved from before them and stood behind them,20 coming between the host of Egypt and the host of Israel. And there was the cloud and the darkness. And it lit up the night without one coming near the other all night.21 Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and the LORD drove the sea back by a strong east wind all night and made the sea dry land, and the waters were divided.22 And the people of Israel went into the midst of the sea on dry ground, the waters being a wall to them on their right hand and on their left.23 The Egyptians pursued and went in after them into the midst of the sea, all Pharaoh’s horses, his chariots, and his horsemen.24 And in the morning watch the LORD in the pillar of fire and of cloud looked down on the Egyptian forces and threw the Egyptian forces into a panic,25 clogging their chariot wheels so that they drove heavily. And the Egyptians said, “Let us flee from before Israel, for the LORD fights for them against the Egyptians.”26 Then the LORD said to Moses, “Stretch out your hand over the sea, that the water may come back upon the Egyptians, upon their chariots, and upon their horsemen.”27 So Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and the sea returned to its normal course when the morning appeared. And as the Egyptians fled into it, the LORD threw the Egyptians into the midst of the sea.28 The waters returned and covered the chariots and the horsemen; of all the host of Pharaoh that had followed them into the sea, not one of them remained.29 But the people of Israel walked on dry ground through the sea, the waters being a wall to them on their right hand and on their left.30 Thus the LORD saved Israel that day from the hand of the Egyptians, and Israel saw the Egyptians dead on the seashore.31 Israel saw the great power that the LORD used against the Egyptians, so the people feared the LORD, and they believed in the LORD and in his servant Moses. 1 Then Moses and the people of Israel sang this song to the LORD, saying, “I will sing to the LORD, for he has triumphed gloriously; the horse and his rider he has thrown into the sea.2 The LORD is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation; this is my God, and I will praise him, my father’s God, and I will exalt him.
Text:
Exodus 14:13-15 ESV And Moses said to the people, "Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the Lord , which he will work for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall never see again. The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent." The Lord said to Moses, "Why do you cry to me? Tell the people of Israel to go forward.
Introduction
For 430 years God’s people had been in bondage in Egypt. After the death of the firstborn throughout Egypt, God’s people were thrown out
Exodus 12:29-33 ESV At midnight the Lord struck down all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, from the firstborn of Pharaoh who sat on his throne to the firstborn of the captive who was in the dungeon, and all the firstborn of the livestock. And Pharaoh rose up in the night, he and all his servants and all the Egyptians. And there was a great cry in Egypt, for there was not a house where someone was not dead. Then he summoned Moses and Aaron by night and said, "Up, go out from among my people, both you and the people of Israel; and go, serve the Lord , as you have said. Take your flocks and your herds, as you have said, and be gone, and bless me also!" The Egyptians were urgent with the people to send them out of the land in haste. For they said, "We shall all be dead."
It is estimated that 1.5 to 2 million people marched out of Egypt. We see that in
Exodus 12:37-38 ESV And the people of Israel journeyed from Rameses to Succoth, about six hundred thousand men on foot, besides women and children. A mixed multitude also went up with them, and very much livestock, both flocks and herds.
What a sight! The day of deliverance had arrived; God’s people had been set free.
God led his people through the wilderness by the Red Sea. During the day he went before them in a pillar of cloud, and at night he went before them in a pillar of fire.
Exodus 13:17-18 ESV When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them by way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near. For God said, "Lest the people change their minds when they see war and return to Egypt." But God led the people around by the way of the wilderness toward the Red Sea. And the people of Israel went up out of the land of Egypt equipped for battle.
Exodus 13:21-22 ESV And the Lord went before them by day in a pillar of cloud to lead them along the way, and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, that they might travel by day and by night. The pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night did not depart from before the people.
God had also revealed to Moses that Pharaoh would pursue God’s people.
Exodus 14:2-3 ESV "Tell the people of Israel to turn back and encamp in front of Pi-hahiroth, between Migdol and the sea, in front of Baal-zephon; you shall encamp facing it, by the sea. For Pharaoh will say of the people of Israel, 'They are wandering in the land; the wilderness has shut them in.'
When the Israelites saw the Egyptians march after them, they paniced.
Exodus 14:10-12 ESV When Pharaoh drew near, the people of Israel lifted up their eyes, and behold, the Egyptians were marching after them, and they feared greatly. And the people of Israel cried out to the Lord . They said to Moses, "Is it because there are no graves in Egypt that you have taken us away to die in the wilderness? What have you done to us in bringing us out of Egypt? Is not this what we said to you in Egypt: 'Leave us alone that we may serve the Egyptians'? For it would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the wilderness."
It was then that Moses said,
Exodus 14:13-14 ESV And Moses said to the people, "Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the Lord , which he will work for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall never see again. The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent."
Then in the next verse the Lord told Moses;
Exodus 14:15 ESV ... "Why do you cry to me? Tell the people of Israel to go forward.
At the Red Sea God performed a miracle to deliver his people again from the hands of the Egyptians. The writer of Hebrews described the crossing of the Red Sea like this:
Hebrews 11:29 ESV By faith the people crossed the Red Sea as on dry land, but the Egyptians, when they attempted to do the same, were drowned.
BY FAITH.
Many truths about faith can be found in the account of God’s people crossing the Red Sea. Let’s consider just a few of them.
1.God is the source of faith.
When Moses and God’s people arrived at the shores of the Red Sea, they could see the Egyptians rapidly approaching behind them. God did something unusual to solve this problem.
Exodus 14:19-20 ESV Then the angel of God who was going before the host of Israel moved and went behind them, and the pillar of cloud moved from before them and stood behind them, coming between the host of Egypt and the host of Israel. And there was the cloud and the darkness. And it lit up the night without one coming near the other all night.
When Moses came to the Red Sea, he prayed about the problem that God’s people faced with the Red Sea in front and Pharaoh’s army close behind. Why do I say that he prayed because God said to Moses ““Why do you cry to me?” Well his prayer was answered quickly. He was to lift up his rod and stretch his hand over the Red Sea, and Israel was to go forward on dry ground, through the midst of the sea.
Exodus 14:16 ESV Lift up your staff, and stretch out your hand over the sea and divide it, that the people of Israel may go through the sea on dry ground.
This a a perfect example of of why we should believe and trust God which is what faith is. God who is the source said it and then He did it. Which is why we can believe Him.
Surely God is the source and center of our faith.
2 Peter 1:1 ESV Simeon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who have obtained a faith of equal standing with ours by the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ:
That's us.
Faith comes from God, and God gives faith to us.
Galatians 2:20 ESV I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
Hebrews 12:2 ESV looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.
The King James Version says
Hebrews 12:2 NKJV looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Faith is something given to us by God and Jesus, the. Son of God, is the Author and Finisher of our faith.
Our faith is not only in Christ as it said in Galatians 2:20 And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
but it is of Christ who is the Author and Finisher of our faith.
How do we get it this faith?
Romans 10:17 ESV So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.
It is the Word of God that produces faith. Someone could receive faith while hearing a sermon teaching the gospel, someone else by reading about Jesus in the Bible—any time the true gospel of Jesus is communicated, there is potential for faith. This is why it’s so important for us, the church, to be obedient to the Great Commission and tell people what Christ has done for humanity. Faith is given through the message about Jesus. This is the means God has chosen for us to get faith.
Jesus told His disciples;
Matthew 28:19-20 NIV Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
We must trust him and take him at his word. Let’s seek his will and then do what he commands us to do.
II. The secret of faith is to fear not.
When we are surrounded with difficulties and don’t know what to do, we should fear not and stand still. Don’t panic. The restlessness of the human heart often causes us to rush ahead without God. We cannot dry up the Red Seas of life or annihilate the hosts of Egyptians who plague us. The only things that we can control are our responses to things. We can’t control the things.
We can’t make food appear when we don’t know where we will get our next meal. We can’t make cancer go away just because we don’t want to be sick. We can’t make that employer hire us just because we want that job.
The only thing we can do is;
Exodus 14:13 ESV And Moses said to the people, "Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the Lord , which he will work for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall never see again.
The Lord will fight for you, you just have to be still until He says move.
2 Chronicles 20:15 ESV And he said, "Listen, all Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem and King Jehoshaphat: Thus says the Lord to you, 'Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed at this great horde, for the battle is not yours but God's.
The secret of faith is to fear not and stand still. God will act. Isaiah said,
Isaiah 40:30-31 ESV Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.
III. Faith’s success is found in going forward, when the Lord says move, and going in confidence because the Lord’s fighting for you.
Exodus 14:13-16 ESV And Moses said to the people, "Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the Lord , which he will work for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall never see again. The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent." The Lord said to Moses, "Why do you cry to me? Tell the people of Israel to go forward. Lift up your staff, and stretch out your hand over the sea and divide it, that the people of Israel may go through the sea on dry ground.
God is great in his mercy. He opens the way where people can walk in faith.
When God speaks we must go forward.
How many people are faithless and discouraged when facing some sea of difficulty? They say, “I can’t do this” or “I can’t do that.”
No progress is possible unless God speaks. And he does speak!
He says go forward in prayer
Matthew 7:7-8 ESV "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened.
He says go forward in evangelism
Matthew 28:18-20 ESV And Jesus came and said to them, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."
He says go forward in Bible study and teaching God’s Word.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 ESV All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.
2 Timothy 4:2 ESV preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching.
He says go forward under the Holy Spirit’s leadership.
Zechariah 4:6 ESV Then he said to me, "This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of hosts.
When we remember that the battle is the Lord’s, he fights for us.
God knows how to fight and win the battle. He can send hail from heaven, like he did;;
Joshua 10:6-8, 11 ESV And the men of Gibeon sent to Joshua at the camp in Gilgal, saying, "Do not relax your hand from your servants. Come up to us quickly and save us and help us, for all the kings of the Amorites who dwell in the hill country are gathered against us." So Joshua went up from Gilgal, he and all the people of war with him, and all the mighty men of valor. And the Lord said to Joshua, "Do not fear them, for I have given them into your hands. Not a man of them shall stand before you." And as they fled before Israel, while they were going down the ascent of Beth-horon, the Lord threw down large stones from heaven on them as far as Azekah, and they died. There were more who died because of the hailstones than the sons of Israel killed with the sword.
The earth can open and swallow up people.
Numbers 16:31-35 ESV And as soon as he had finished speaking all these words, the ground under them split apart. And the earth opened its mouth and swallowed them up, with their households and all the people who belonged to Korah and all their goods. So they and all that belonged to them went down alive into Sheol, and the earth closed over them, and they perished from the midst of the assembly. And all Israel who were around them fled at their cry, for they said, "Lest the earth swallow us up!" And fire came out from the Lord and consumed the 250 men offering the incense.
The angel of death can destroy all night.
2 Kings 19:35 ESV And that night the angel of the Lord went out and struck down 185,000 in the camp of the Assyrians. And when people arose early in the morning, behold, these were all dead bodies.
God planned to destroy the Egyptians in the Red Sea. When his people stood on the other shore after passing through the Red Sea, they were speechless.
The only thing they did was to obey God’s command. God won the victory.
The battle is not yours it’s the Lord’s
2 Chronicles 20:15 ESV And he said, "Listen, all Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem and King Jehoshaphat: Thus says the Lord to you, 'Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed at this great horde, for the battle is not yours but God's.
The battle was the Lord’s—and still is today.
When Moses and God’s people arrived at the shores of the Red Sea, they could see the Egyptians rapidly approaching behind them. God did something unusual to solve this problem.
Exodus 14:19-20 ESV Then the angel of God who was going before the host of Israel moved and went behind them, and the pillar of cloud moved from before them and stood behind them, coming between the host of Egypt and the host of Israel. And there was the cloud and the darkness. And it lit up the night without one coming near the other all night.
When Moses came to the Red Sea, he prayed about the problem that God’s people faced with the Red Sea in front and Pharaoh’s army close behind. Why do I say that he prayed because God said to Moses ““Why do you cry to me?” Well his prayer was answered quickly. He was to lift up his rod and stretch his hand over the Red Sea, and Israel was to go forward on dry ground, through the midst of the sea.
Exodus 14:16 ESV Lift up your staff, and stretch out your hand over the sea and divide it, that the people of Israel may go through the sea on dry ground.
This a a perfect example of of why we should believe and trust God which is what faith is. God who is the source said it and then He did it. Which is why we can believe Him.
Surely God is the source and center of our faith.
2 Peter 1:1 ESV Simeon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who have obtained a faith of equal standing with ours by the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ:
That's us.
Faith comes from God, and God gives faith to us.
Galatians 2:20 ESV I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
Hebrews 12:2 ESV looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.
The King James Version says
Hebrews 12:2 NKJV looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Faith is something given to us by God and Jesus, the. Son of God, is the Author and Finisher of our faith.
Our faith is not only in Christ as it said in Galatians 2:20 And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
but it is of Christ who is the Author and Finisher of our faith.
How do we get it this faith?
Romans 10:17 ESV So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.
It is the Word of God that produces faith. Someone could receive faith while hearing a sermon teaching the gospel, someone else by reading about Jesus in the Bible—any time the true gospel of Jesus is communicated, there is potential for faith. This is why it’s so important for us, the church, to be obedient to the Great Commission and tell people what Christ has done for humanity. Faith is given through the message about Jesus. This is the means God has chosen for us to get faith.
Jesus told His disciples;
Matthew 28:19-20 NIV Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
We must trust him and take him at his word. Let’s seek his will and then do what he commands us to do.
II. The secret of faith is to fear not.
When we are surrounded with difficulties and don’t know what to do, we should fear not and stand still. Don’t panic. The restlessness of the human heart often causes us to rush ahead without God. We cannot dry up the Red Seas of life or annihilate the hosts of Egyptians who plague us. The only things that we can control are our responses to things. We can’t control the things.
We can’t make food appear when we don’t know where we will get our next meal. We can’t make cancer go away just because we don’t want to be sick. We can’t make that employer hire us just because we want that job.
The only thing we can do is;
Exodus 14:13 ESV And Moses said to the people, "Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the Lord , which he will work for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall never see again.
The Lord will fight for you, you just have to be still until He says move.
2 Chronicles 20:15 ESV And he said, "Listen, all Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem and King Jehoshaphat: Thus says the Lord to you, 'Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed at this great horde, for the battle is not yours but God's.
The secret of faith is to fear not and stand still. God will act. Isaiah said,
Isaiah 40:30-31 ESV Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.
III. Faith’s success is found in going forward, when the Lord says move, and going in confidence because the Lord’s fighting for you.
Exodus 14:13-16 ESV And Moses said to the people, "Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the Lord , which he will work for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall never see again. The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent." The Lord said to Moses, "Why do you cry to me? Tell the people of Israel to go forward. Lift up your staff, and stretch out your hand over the sea and divide it, that the people of Israel may go through the sea on dry ground.
God is great in his mercy. He opens the way where people can walk in faith.
When God speaks we must go forward.
How many people are faithless and discouraged when facing some sea of difficulty? They say, “I can’t do this” or “I can’t do that.”
No progress is possible unless God speaks. And he does speak!
He says go forward in prayer
Matthew 7:7-8 ESV "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened.
He says go forward in evangelism
Matthew 28:18-20 ESV And Jesus came and said to them, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."
He says go forward in Bible study and teaching God’s Word.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 ESV All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.
2 Timothy 4:2 ESV preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching.
He says go forward under the Holy Spirit’s leadership.
Zechariah 4:6 ESV Then he said to me, "This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of hosts.
When we remember that the battle is the Lord’s, he fights for us.
God knows how to fight and win the battle. He can send hail from heaven, like he did;;
Joshua 10:6-8, 11 ESV And the men of Gibeon sent to Joshua at the camp in Gilgal, saying, "Do not relax your hand from your servants. Come up to us quickly and save us and help us, for all the kings of the Amorites who dwell in the hill country are gathered against us." So Joshua went up from Gilgal, he and all the people of war with him, and all the mighty men of valor. And the Lord said to Joshua, "Do not fear them, for I have given them into your hands. Not a man of them shall stand before you." And as they fled before Israel, while they were going down the ascent of Beth-horon, the Lord threw down large stones from heaven on them as far as Azekah, and they died. There were more who died because of the hailstones than the sons of Israel killed with the sword.
The earth can open and swallow up people.
Numbers 16:31-35 ESV And as soon as he had finished speaking all these words, the ground under them split apart. And the earth opened its mouth and swallowed them up, with their households and all the people who belonged to Korah and all their goods. So they and all that belonged to them went down alive into Sheol, and the earth closed over them, and they perished from the midst of the assembly. And all Israel who were around them fled at their cry, for they said, "Lest the earth swallow us up!" And fire came out from the Lord and consumed the 250 men offering the incense.
The angel of death can destroy all night.
2 Kings 19:35 ESV And that night the angel of the Lord went out and struck down 185,000 in the camp of the Assyrians. And when people arose early in the morning, behold, these were all dead bodies.
God planned to destroy the Egyptians in the Red Sea. When his people stood on the other shore after passing through the Red Sea, they were speechless.
The only thing they did was to obey God’s command. God won the victory.
The battle is not yours it’s the Lord’s
2 Chronicles 20:15 ESV And he said, "Listen, all Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem and King Jehoshaphat: Thus says the Lord to you, 'Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed at this great horde, for the battle is not yours but God's.
The battle was the Lord’s—and still is today.
IV. Faith ends in praise.
After the Israelites crossed over on dry land and the Egyptians had been destroyed when the Red Sea went back to being a Sea and not a pathway to safety. They praised God for their deliverance.
Exodus 15:1 ESV Then Moses and the people of Israel sang this song to the Lord , saying, "I will sing to the Lord , for he has triumphed gloriously; the horse and his rider he has thrown into the sea.
Exodus 15:21 ESV And Miriam sang to them: "Sing to the Lord , for he has triumphed gloriously; the horse and his rider he has thrown into the sea."
There is power in praise. A singing Christian is a victorious Christian. A singing church is a growing, witnessing church.
Let’s lift our voices to the Lord because we have seen his salvation.
Psalms 100:1-5 ESV Make a joyful noise to the Lord , all the earth! Serve the Lord with gladness! Come into his presence with singing! Know that the Lord , he is God! It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name! For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations.
Psalms 96:1-4 ESV Oh sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord , all the earth! Sing to the Lord , bless his name; tell of his salvation from day to day. Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples! For great is the Lord , and greatly to be praised; he is to be feared above all gods.
Ephesians 5:18-21 ESV And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.
Conclusion
Psalms 115:1 ESV Not to us, O Lord , not to us, but to your name give glory, for the sake of your steadfast love and your faithfulness!
1 Corinthians 15:56-58 ESV The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.
Do you know God? Do you know his mighty power of deliverance?
After the Israelites crossed over on dry land and the Egyptians had been destroyed when the Red Sea went back to being a Sea and not a pathway to safety. They praised God for their deliverance.
Exodus 15:1 ESV Then Moses and the people of Israel sang this song to the Lord , saying, "I will sing to the Lord , for he has triumphed gloriously; the horse and his rider he has thrown into the sea.
Exodus 15:21 ESV And Miriam sang to them: "Sing to the Lord , for he has triumphed gloriously; the horse and his rider he has thrown into the sea."
There is power in praise. A singing Christian is a victorious Christian. A singing church is a growing, witnessing church.
Let’s lift our voices to the Lord because we have seen his salvation.
Psalms 100:1-5 ESV Make a joyful noise to the Lord , all the earth! Serve the Lord with gladness! Come into his presence with singing! Know that the Lord , he is God! It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name! For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations.
Psalms 96:1-4 ESV Oh sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord , all the earth! Sing to the Lord , bless his name; tell of his salvation from day to day. Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples! For great is the Lord , and greatly to be praised; he is to be feared above all gods.
Ephesians 5:18-21 ESV And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.
Conclusion
Psalms 115:1 ESV Not to us, O Lord , not to us, but to your name give glory, for the sake of your steadfast love and your faithfulness!
1 Corinthians 15:56-58 ESV The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.
Do you know God? Do you know his mighty power of deliverance?
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