Sacred Stories
Pastor Terry Inman
August 25, 2024
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Main Topics Discussed
Introduction
Passing of the senior pastor role to Pastor Tim, who is doing an excellent job leading the church.
Church growth over the summer, even when other churches experience a drop in attendance.
Personal update: Sabbatical in Montana with family, and gratitude for being back home.
Clarification: Not retired, just retitled as Senior Associate Pastor.
Recounting Sacred Stories
Purpose: Recount stories of God's faithfulness throughout the journey at Harbor Light.
Importance of remembrance: Scriptures call us to remember God’s works (Psalm 78:4).
Personal reflection: Family stories shared during sabbatical, now sharing Harbor Light’s stories.
Calling to Harbor Light (1994)
Moving from North Hollywood to Fremont despite financial challenges.
God’s clear direction through Ezekiel 12:3, calling them to move and trust in His provision.
Decision to accept the call despite economic concerns and personal financial burdens.
Overcoming Church & School Conflict
Arrived at Fremont during a period of serious financial and organizational conflict.
First day: Addressing the hurting staff with words of hope and reconciliation.
Biblical resolution and healing brought unity to both the church and school.
Personal Financial Miracle
Faced a personal $100,000 debt from the previous home.
Within two years, God provided through various unexpected means:
Overcharged interest refund from the North Hollywood church.
Fremont church matching the amount.
An unexpected gift from the speaker’s brother.
Building Projects at Harbor Light
2005: Construction of a new preschool, which grew to 200 students before the pandemic.
2002: Rebuilding elementary classrooms after a fire.
2009: Launching a $15 million high school building project despite the financial downturn.
Challenges of the Pandemic
School enrollment dropped during the pandemic.
Committed to keeping staff employed and offering online learning options.
God's provision through government programs, keeping the school and church operational.
Prayer and Ministry Expansion
Introduction of prayer teams and recovery ministries (Celebrate Recovery, Cleansing Streams).
Renewed focus on personal outreach through the “Prayer, Care, Share” model.
Testimony of international students finding Christ through Fremont Christian School.
Spiritual Refreshing and Revival
Recount of the early 2000s when the church experienced a significant outpouring of God’s presence.
Visitors like Randy Clark and Heidi Baker played a role in refreshing the congregation.
Four Core Values of Harbor Light
Rescue: Guiding people to Christ.
Recover: Helping people find freedom and healing.
Rebuild: Discipleship and personal growth through small groups.
Release: Empowering people for their purpose and ministry.
Community and Global Outreach
Local and global mission partners: Cityserve, Convoy of Hope, Project Rescue, and more.
Emphasis on Matthew 25: Feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, and caring for the sick.
Conclusion
Reflect on God’s faithfulness in your life: Remember His past works to build faith for the future.
Call to action: Trust God with current challenges and step into what He is leading you to do.
Invitation for prayer: Encouraging individuals to come forward for prayer and healing.
Biblical References
Psalm 78:4 – “We will not hide them from their children; we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, His power, and the wonders He has done.”
Lesson: Recounting God's faithfulness helps future generations grow in faith.
Ezekiel 12:3 – “Therefore, son of man, pack your belongings for exile, and in the daytime, as they watch, set out and go from where you are to another place.”
Lesson: Obeying God's call, even when it doesn't make sense, brings blessings.
Luke 10:5-9 – “When you enter a house, first say, ‘Peace to this house.’ ... Heal the sick who are there and tell them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you.’”
Lesson: Blessing others and demonstrating care opens doors for the gospel.
1 Thessalonians 5:24 – “The one who calls you is faithful, and He will do it.”
Lesson: God is faithful to fulfill His promises when we trust Him.
Matthew 25:35-36 – “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in...”
Lesson: Serving others is a direct way to serve Christ and reflect His love.
These verses emphasize remembering God's faithfulness, trusting His guidance, blessing others, and serving with compassion.
Reflection Questions
How has God shown His faithfulness in your life during times of challenge or transition?
Reflect on specific moments where God provided or guided you through difficult circumstances.
What personal stories of God's provision or guidance could you share with others to encourage their faith?
Consider how sharing your testimony might help others trust in God’s faithfulness.
In what areas of your life is God calling you to trust Him, even when it doesn’t make sense?
Reflect on whether there are current decisions or transitions where God is asking for your obedience.
How can you actively bless and serve those around you, following the example in Luke 10:5-9?
Think about practical ways you can bring peace, healing, or care to your community.
What steps can you take to be more intentional in recalling and celebrating God’s faithfulness in your daily life?
Reflect on how you can build a habit of gratitude and remembrance to strengthen your faith.
Daily Activities
Monday: Reflect on God's Faithfulness
Activity: Spend 30 minutes journaling specific moments where you have experienced God's faithfulness in your life—financial provisions, personal breakthroughs, guidance during difficult times.
Application: As you write, pray a prayer of thanksgiving, thanking God for His provision and recalling these moments to strengthen your faith in His continued faithfulness.
Tuesday: Bless Someone Intentionally
Activity: Use the "Prayer, Care, Share" model from Luke 10. Identify a neighbor, coworker, or friend who may be in need of encouragement. Pray for them and find a tangible way to show care—such as offering help, writing a note, or simply listening.
Application: By actively blessing someone, you participate in God’s call to bless others and demonstrate Christ's love, opening doors for future gospel conversations.
Wednesday: Share Your Story of God’s Faithfulness
Activity: Think of one impactful story from your life where God provided for you in an unexpected way. Share this story with a friend, family member, or even on social media, highlighting how God worked in that situation.
Application: Sharing your testimony strengthens others' faith and fulfills the calling in Psalm 78:4 to recount God’s praiseworthy deeds to the next generation, reminding them of His power and goodness.
Thursday: Take a Step of Obedience
Activity: Identify an area in your life where God is calling you to trust Him more deeply, even if it feels uncertain. Take one specific, practical step today toward obedience, whether it’s initiating a conversation, starting a project, or volunteering.
Application: Like the speaker’s story of trusting God despite financial uncertainty, this step of faith moves you closer to God’s will for your life and allows Him to work through your trust and obedience.
Friday: Pray with Others for God's Provision
Activity: Arrange a time to pray with a small group, friend, or family member. Focus the prayer on areas where you need God’s provision or breakthrough, just as Harbor Light experienced during its challenges.
Application: By praying together, you align with Matthew 25’s call to serve and support others. This also builds your faith, trusting God for miracles in your life, church, or community, knowing He has been faithful before and will be again.
Each day combines practical action with an intentional reflection or prayer, helping you apply the sermon’s message throughout the week.
