Sharks With Laser Beams

Welcome to “Sharks With Laser Beams” by Colonial Church STA in St. Augustine, Florida! We’re thrilled to have you here, and we encourage you to subscribe and share this message with others. At Colonial Church, we believe that with Jesus, the best is yet to come. We invite you to connect with us through our website or on social media.  The regular pastors, Matt and Jill, are not present as Matt is on vacation. The title of the talk is “Sharks with Laser Beams,” and it focuses on Numbers 13:16, where Moses sends 12 spies to explore the promised land. The spies give a report to Moses and the congregation, with some giving a bad report, and fear begins to grip the people. However, Joshua and Caleb try to reassure them that the land is good and that God is with them. The content also discusses the anxiety that can arise from reading the Book of Revelation and emphasizes the importance of genuine faith, which comes from hearing God’s voice and reading scripture. The article further explores the concept of faith through examples from the Bible, such as Abraham and Noah. It also underlines the importance of being courageous in standing up for one’s beliefs. The content concludes with a call to build the church and have faith in Jesus’ provision. A prayer is offered for the church, and an invitation is extended to those who have not yet accepted Jesus, with a free Bible being offered as a gift for new believers.

Sharks With Laser Beams

Pastor Introduction

Welcome to today’s sermon, and thank you for joining us at our church. We’re thrilled to see so many familiar faces and new visitors. If you haven’t already, please consider subscribing to our newsletter and sharing our content with your friends and family. We believe that the message we have to share today is not only timely but also relevant to every Christian’s journey.

As Christians, we often face challenges and obstacles that can make us question our faith and trust in God. In today’s talk, we will explore the story of the Israelites and their journey to the Promised Land as recorded in the book of Numbers. Specifically, we will focus on the negative report from the spies, the fear and rebellion of the congregation, and the reassurance provided by Joshua and Caleb.

But before we dive into that, let’s take a moment to connect with one another. We’ve set up a website and social media accounts where you can find information about upcoming events, resources to deepen your faith, and ways to get involved in our church community. Whether you’re joining us online or in person, we want you to know that you are loved, valued, and welcomed here. We’ve missed having our regular pastors with us, but we trust that God will still move powerfully through our time together.

Title and Scripture Reference

Today’s message is titled “Sharks With Laser Beams,” and our scripture reference is Numbers 13:16. This title may sound a bit unconventional, but bear with me as we go on this journey together.

Summary of Numbers 13

In the book of Numbers, we find the account of Moses sending twelve spies to explore the Promised Land. These spies were chosen from each of the twelve tribes of Israel. They were tasked with gathering information about the land, its inhabitants, and its resources.

Upon their return, they brought back an abundance of fruit as evidence of the land’s fertility. However, they also reported that the inhabitants were strong and that the land was inhabited by giants. This created a sense of fear and uncertainty among the people.

Negative Report from Spies

The spies’ report painted a negative picture of the Promised Land. They claimed that the land devoured its inhabitants and that everyone living there was a giant. This caused panic and fear to spread among the congregation. People started questioning the wisdom of leaving Egypt and wished to return to their familiar surroundings.

Fear and Rebellion of Congregation

In the face of fear and uncertainty, the people of Israel rebelled against Moses, Aaron, Joshua, and Caleb. They cried out, expressing their desire to return to Egypt and abandon their journey towards the Promised Land.

Reassurance from Joshua and Caleb

Amidst all the fear and rebellion, Joshua and Caleb stood up to encourage the people not to fear. They reminded them of God’s promise to give them the land and urged them to trust in His faithfulness. While the majority of the spies gave a negative report, Joshua and Caleb maintained unwavering faith in God’s promise.

Reference to Revelation 21:8

In times of anxiety and fear, it is helpful to remember the words of Jesus in Revelation 21:8. This verse serves as a reminder that fear is not from God, and that ultimately, He will deal with those who cause fear and harm. It is important to anchor our trust in Him, knowing that He is in control.

Author’s Anxiety and Fear

This story resonates with many of us because we can relate to the author’s anxiety and fear. Sometimes, it feels like we are surrounded by giants and that the challenges we face are insurmountable. We may have family members or friends who question our faith, causing doubt to creep in. But just like the author’s brave and adventurous brother, we can choose to confront our anxiety head-on, knowing that God is with us every step of the way.

Importance of Faith Coming from God

The Promised Land represented so much more than just a physical location for the Israelites. It symbolized the fulfillment of God’s promises, a land flowing with milk and honey. Similarly, our faith must come from God. We cannot rely on our own strength or understanding but must trust in His faithfulness to guide us through life’s challenges.

Faith and Promises in Scripture

Throughout the Bible, we see numerous examples of men and women who demonstrated unwavering faith in God’s promises. From Abraham and Sarah to Moses and Joshua, their faith served as a testimony to the faithfulness of God. The promises in scripture remind us that God is faithful to fulfill what He has promised, even when circumstances seem impossible.

Hall of Faith in the Bible

In Hebrews 11, often referred to as the “Hall of Faith,” we find a list of individuals who exemplified extraordinary faith in God. These men and women faced tremendous trials and tribulations, yet they remained faithful to God’s promises. Their stories inspire us to trust in God and serve as a reminder that our faith can move mountains.

Importance of Being a Faithful Witness

As Christians, we are called to be faithful witnesses of God’s love and faithfulness. We are called to live out our faith daily, even when faced with challenges and opposition. Just as Joshua and Caleb stood firm in their faith and reassured the congregation, we too must stand firm and encourage others to trust in God.

Struggles of Christians Today

In today’s world, Christians face various struggles. We may encounter skepticism, ridicule, and even persecution for our beliefs. But just as Joshua and Caleb reminded the Israelites of God’s faithfulness, we must also remind ourselves and others that God is with us. We must cling to our faith and place our trust in Him.

Following Jesus Amidst Challenges

Following Jesus amidst challenges may not always be easy, but it is worth it. We may face opposition, but we can overcome through the power of Christ. We must fix our eyes on Jesus and rely on His strength, knowing that He is with us every step of the way.

Joshua’s Name Change and Trust in God

Joshua’s original name was Hoshea, which means “salvation.” But Moses renamed him Joshua, which means “the Lord is salvation.” This name change reflected Joshua’s trust in God as the ultimate source of salvation. Similarly, we must recognize that our salvation is found in Jesus alone. We must trust in Him and Him alone for our deliverance.

Combatting Negative Thoughts with God’s Promises

Just as Joshua and Caleb combatted the negative thoughts and fears of the congregation with God’s promises, we too can combat negative thoughts with His promises. When doubt and anxiety creep in, we can turn to the truth of God’s Word. We can remind ourselves of His faithfulness, His promises, and His enduring love for us.

Building the Church and Overcoming Obstacles

The Israelites faced many obstacles as they journeyed towards the Promised Land, but they overcame them through God’s guidance. In the same way, we as the church must continue to build and advance God’s kingdom, even in the face of challenges. We may encounter financial uncertainty, resistance, and other obstacles, but we can trust that God will provide and lead us forward.

Financial Uncertainty and Investing in the Church

Financial uncertainty can be a major concern for many churches and individuals. However, it is in times of uncertainty that we are called to invest even more in the kingdom of God. We must trust that God will provide for our needs as we faithfully give of our time, talents, and resources. By investing in the church, we are partnering with God’s work and advancing His kingdom here on earth.

Confidence in Jesus’ Provision

Ultimately, our confidence lies not in our own abilities or in worldly provisions but in Jesus’ provision. Just as God provided for the Israelites throughout their journey, He will provide for us. We can have confidence in His faithfulness and trust in His promises, knowing that He will supply all our needs according to His riches in glory.

Prayer for the Church and Invitation to Accept Jesus

As we conclude our time together today, let us pray for our church, its leaders, and all those involved in the ministry. Let us pray for protection, wisdom, and discernment as we navigate through these challenging times. And if you haven’t yet accepted Jesus into your life, I want to extend an invitation to you. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. He offers us hope, forgiveness, and eternal life. If you would like to accept Jesus as your savior, I invite you to reach out to us and take that step today. We also have a free Bible available for new believers as a resource to help you grow in your faith.

Thank you for joining us today, and may you be encouraged to walk in faith, overcome challenges, and trust in Jesus’ provision. Remember, you are not alone, for God is with you every step of the way.

WELCOME TO CHURCH!

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Ps. Jill McCloghry Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/jillmccloghry/