https://youtu.be/1EtdSUGAS2A?si=9URmG_CtbSjug4HuSpeakers: Matt and Julie Hattabaugh
Scripture Focus: 1 Thessalonians 2:13, 2 Timothy 1:7

Overview

This message is a powerful testimony of faith, healing, and transformation from Matt and Julie, who have served in Lebanon since 2018. Despite the significant ongoing conflict in the Middle East—including over 800 strikes in a single week and the displacement of a million people—the work of the Gospel is not only continuing but expanding. The core of the message encourages every believer to receive the Word of God as absolute truth and to act as a missionary in their own daily lives.

Key Takeaways

1. The Power of Receiving the Word

The sermon focuses extensively on 1 Thessalonians 2:13, emphasizing that we must receive God’s Word not as human words, but as divine truth.

• Action over Evidence: True faith involves believing and acting on God’s promises even when there is no visible evidence.
• The Example of Abraham: Just as Abraham carried God’s promise for 25 years before seeing it fulfilled, we are called to persistent, patient belief.

2. Rejecting the Spirit of Fear

In a region marked by violence, Matt describes fear as something that has no place in a believer’s life.

• A Sound Mind: By claiming 2 Timothy 1:7, believers can replace anxiety with a spirit of love, power, and a sound mind.
• Peace in the Storm: Like a passenger focused on their destination during a turbulent flight, we can remain calm by trusting in God’s ultimate plan.

3. Personal Evangelism is for Everyone

The mission field isn’t just in Lebanon; it is in your workplace, grocery store, and neighborhood.

• The Story of Ali: Matt shared how a simple, prompted invitation to a Starbucks cashier led to a life-changing conversion, proving that God’s power transcends cultural barriers.
• “Love, Grow, Serve, Go”: Every believer is called to be a “vessel” for God’s work, whether locally or internationally.

Ministry Milestone Timeline

| Date | Event / Activity | Notes | | 2018 | Partnership Established | Connection with Redemption Church began. | | Feb 28 | School Launch | Ministry training school opened with 21 children. | | Ongoing | Conflict Response | Ministry continues despite strikes and displacement. | | May 2 | Graduation | 61 ministry students graduating; 23 already serving. | | Future | Beirut Expansion | Plans to expand to 4 new locations in Beirut. |

Scriptural Application

| Reference | Key Message | Life Application | | 2 Timothy 1:7 | Spirit of power and love | Rejecting anxiety and fear. | | Galatians 3 | Redeemed from the curse | Walking in healing and freedom. | | 1 Thess. 2:13 | Receiving God’s Truth | Faithful acceptance leads to transformation. | | 2 Cor. 5:17 | New creation in Christ | Embracing a new identity in Jesus. |

Final Encouragement

The Word of God is alive and powerful. We are invited to identify with these scriptural truths daily—declaring “I am a new creation” and “fear has no place in me”—and to pray for the same transformative power to work in our communities as it is currently working in Lebanon.