Going Without Knowing

Service Introduction

Pastor introduces guest speakers Pastor Palo and wife from "Equipping for Life, Married for Life" ministries, formerly of Restoration Church (previously North Providence Assembly).​
Wife shares briefly on family spirit in the church and reads from Hosea about God's righteous ways versus rebellion, urging attendees to give God a chance for blessings.​

Main Sermon: Faith and Obedience

Speaker (Pastor Palo) shares personal transition from pastoring (last service Dec 29, 2024), emphasizing avoiding "professional faith" at age 56.​
Key scripture: Hebrews 11:8—Abraham obeyed by faith, going without knowing destination (cross-references Genesis 12:1).​
Highlights: No backstory/mentors for Abraham (age 75, pagan background); prioritize "yes" to God over clarity/prayers/fleeces; faith is promise, trust is process; discouragement disconnects from courage.​

Key Teachings

• Obedience Now: "Leave, go, [God will] show"; promises are "yes" in Christ (2 Cor 1:20); avoid delaying like Israel's 40 years.​

• Trust Over Clarity: Stories of son stepping into water, Appalachian Trail supplies, Amish time ("three sunsets"); God as "very present help" (Ps 46).​

• Combating Discouragement: Praise/thanksgiving list; dream shifting from complaining to gratitude; enemy uses it like quicksand.​

Worship and Altar Call

Song: "I Give Myself Away" with lyrics emphasizing surrender ("My life is not my own... Let your will be done on earth").​
Prophetic prayers for individuals (e.g., Shiana for rest/leading; Denzel for mind healing; businesses/relationships to end; Oliver for rejection).​
Call to break discouragement, start businesses, obey God fully.