Faith Can Lead You Out of Your Crisis | Dr Tony Evans | Sermon Notes — Hello Pastor

Sermon Notes

Faith Can Lead You Out of Your Crisis

Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship • Oct 8, 2025 • 22 min

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Take this message with you through a journey of Scripture, reflection, and prayer.

Summary

In times of deep trial and crisis, true biblical faith requires us to act on God's truth before we see the solution. By looking at the story of Lazarus, Dr. Tony Evans shows how God allowed a delay for a higher kingdom purpose and glory. While Jesus gives us spiritual life, He calls the church family to help unbind one another so every believer can experience true freedom.

Themes

Faith vs. SightGod's Glory in CrisesTheology and EmotionThe Living Word vs. Written WordCommunity and Freedom

Key Points

1.
Faith must always precede sight, meaning we must act on what God says before seeing the outcome.
2.
Faith is not merely a feeling; it is acting like God is telling the truth even when circumstances look contrary.
3.
God allows difficult situations in our lives that are not preferential to us so that His glory can be revealed.
4.
It is acceptable to be honest with God about pain and disappointment, provided we anchor our emotions in solid biblical doctrine.
5.
Knowing scripture and sound doctrine should always lead to a personal, experiential relationship with the living Christ.
6.
Delays in answered prayers often indicate that God is working out a larger spiritual and kingdom purpose.
7.
While Jesus bestows eternal life directly, He relies on the local church body to help unbind believers from emotional, spiritual, and physical bondages.

Sermon Moments

“Faith is acting like God is telling the truth. It is acting like it is so even when it's not so in order that it might be so simply because God said so.”

“God will allow things in our lives that are not preferential to us but are glorifying to him.”

“Martha marries her emotions with her theology.”

“The written word must always lead you to the living word.”

“When tears are coming down your eyes, they're coming down his eyes.”

“He offers life through his blood, but he sets folk free through his people.”

This Week

In your current crisis, identify what 'stone' God is asking you to move in active obedience before you see the outcome.

When overwhelmed by emotions, ground yourself in a clear theological truth about God's character.

Ask God in prayer, 'What glory do You want to receive through this difficult situation?'

Bring your honest pain and disappointment to Jesus in prayer, knowing He sympathizes and feels your sorrow.

Ensure your Bible study leads you to an intimate encounter with Jesus, rather than head knowledge alone.

Get actively connected with a local church community where you can share struggles and find accountability.

Look for opportunities to serve and help unbind fellow believers who are struggling with bondages or difficulties.

Remember This

Faith is acting like God is telling the truth before seeing the outcome, trusting that He uses our crises for His glory and sets us free through His people.

A Challenge for You

Do not settle for just coming to church to serve yourself; get involved in the family of faith to help unbind and set others free.

These are personal sermon notes shared to help you remember the message — not a replacement for Scripture, your church, or your pastors.