Understanding Jesus
Notes
Transcript
Pointing to Belief
Pointing to Belief
Introduction:
Illustration:
Introduction:
As we work through our study of the Gospel of John, last week we finished up chapter 5 and heard from 4 witnesses (The Father, John the Baptist, Miracles, and OT Scriptures) who gave testimony to the truth of who Jesus is… the Son of God, sent by the Father with all authority.
In chapter 5 Jesus was in Jerusalem (Southern Judea) during what was probably either the feast or booths (tabernacles) or Passover. just says that it was a “feast of the Jews”. If 5:1 was talking about the feast of booths then there is about a 6 month gap in time between the ending of chapter 5 and the beginning of chapter 6. If 5:1 is referring to Passover, then there is a 1 year time span between the end of chapter 5 and chapter 6.
The amount of time is not super important, but there are key understandings to take away from small details like this. The events in the Bible are real events involving real people in a real time frame.
As we come to chapter 6, between 6 months and a year have passed by and now Jesus is no longer in Jersualem but in the norther part of Israel around the Sea of Galilee.
We are given this information in the first few verses of chapter 6. Look at verse 1
After this Jesus went away to the other side of the Sea of Galilee, which is the Sea of Tiberias. And a large crowd was following him, because they saw the signs that he was doing on the sick. Jesus went up on the mountain, and there he sat down with his disciples. Now the Passover, the feast of the Jews, was at hand.
John 6:1-
The phrase “after this” in verse 1 connects the event back to what happened previously. Basically, after the events recorded in chapter 5 happened… then these events in chapter 6 happened. While there is a gap in time between the two events, they are being placed as in a chronological order. … this happened… and then this happened… and then this happened...
While chapters 5 and 6 may record different events, there are some similarities. They both take place around Jewish holidays, they both lead to a discussion which focuses on the deity of Christ,
While chapters 5 and 6 may record different events, there are some similarities. They both take place around Jewish holidays, they both lead to a discussion which focuses on the deity of Christ,
Ch. 5 takes place in Southern Judea and Jerusalem… Ch. 6 takes place in Northern part of Israel around Galilee… and In both locations Jesus is rejected…
The overall context of the book of John places chapter 6 in a timeframe where Jesus is doing a lot of miracles & signs… and as a result He is stirring up quite a few controversies with the religious leaders of the day…
The overall context of the book of John places chapter 6 in portion of John where Jesus is doing a lot of miracles & signs… and as a result He is stirring up quite a few controversies with the religious leaders of the day…
What miracles had Jesus done so far?
Chapter 2 Jesus turns water into wine
Chapter 4 Jesus heals a sick boy… an Officials son.
Chapter 5 Jesus heals a paralyzed man
and now in Chapter 6 we will look at the familiar passage of the feeding of the 50000.
It is also interesting to point out that the event of the feeding of the 5000 is one of the only events that are recorded in all 4 Gospels (, , , ).
It is also interesting to point out that the event of the feeding of the 5000 is one of the only events that are recorded in all 4 Gospels (, , , ).
As we work through the text today, we will actually see two miracles that further help to prove the truth about who Jesus is and are specifically designed to lead people to true understanding and belief.
As we work through the text today, we will actually see two miracles that further help to prove the truth about who Jesus is and are specifically designed to point people to true understanding and belief.
It is Passover (6:4)
Picture the scene.... it is Passover.... a time for Jewish people to celebrate one of their biggest holidays of the year....
Jesus has come to Northern Israel to the area of Galilee where He is trying to spend some time resting with His disciples.
A huge crowd is following Jesus… because of all of all the signs, miracles (healing the sick) that they had either seen Him do or heard about him doing.
While chapters 5 and 6 are different in their content, there are some similarities. they both take place around Jewish holidays, they both lead to a discourse focused on the deity of Christ,
he setting for this event is that it is Passover and there are a bunch of people following Jesus as He tries to spend time resting with His disciples.
Then in verse 5 we are told…
Ch. 5 takes place in Southern Judea and Jerusalem… Ch. 6 takes place in Northern part of Israel around Galilee. —> In both locations Jesus is rejected…
Lifting up his eyes, then, and seeing that a large crowd was coming toward him, Jesus said to Philip, “Where are we to buy bread, so that these people may eat?” He said this to test him, for he himself knew what he would do.
Lifting up his eyes, then, and seeing that a large crowd was coming toward him, Jesus said to Philip, “Where are we to buy bread, so that these people may eat?” He said this to test him, for he himself knew what he would do. Philip answered him, “Two hundred denarii worth of bread would not be enough for each of them to get a little.” One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, said to him, “There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish, but what are they for so many?”
Here in verses 5-6 we are presented with a problem.... but, it may not be the problem you have in mind. Let’s look at the problem Jesus presents the disciples, and see how He uses it as a teachable moment to point them to true understanding.
After this Jesus went away to the other side of the Sea of Galilee, which is the Sea of Tiberias. And a large crowd was following him, because they saw the signs that he was doing on the sick. Jesus went up on the mountain, and there he sat down with his disciples. Now the Passover, the feast of the Jews, was at hand. Lifting up his eyes, then, and seeing that a large crowd was coming toward him, Jesus said to Philip, “Where are we to buy bread, so that these people may eat?” He said this to test him, for he himself knew what he would do. Philip answered him, “Two hundred denarii worth of bread would not be enough for each of them to get a little.” One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, said to him, “There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish, but what are they for so many?”
John 6:1-
I. The Problem (1-6)
After reading these two verses, think about what the problem is that Jesus is presenting to the Disciples?
On the surface it seems like the overall problem is the huge crowd standing there with their stomachs growling after a long day of following after Jesus and listening to Him teach.
Trying to feed a huge group of people is definitely an issue… we are even told in verse 5 that Jesus had compassion on the people.
While we can learn a lot about compassion from Christ… and as Christians we are to be compassionate as Christ was compassionate… the text suggests that compassionately meeting peoples’ physical needs is not the main problem that Jesus is pointing out to His disciples.
As we look at this miracle of the feeding of the 5000 (actually probably closer to 20,000 when you account for women and children), we have to ask ourselves… Why did Jesus do this miracle? What was the point?
I’m going to suggest to you today that the physical needs of the people was not the primary problem Jesus was dealing with here in chapter 6.
The primary problem was that Jesus’ disciples.... the men who had been with him every day since he started his public ministry back in chapter 2, still.... do not really understand who Jesus is....
they still don’t really get it....
they have embraced the idea of Jesus… they have embraced the excitement of Jesus… but they have not yet truly embraced and placed their belief in the truth of who Jesus is and what He came to do.
Think about it. The disciples had tasted the wine that Jesus made from water.... they had been with Jesus as the Officials son was miraculously healed… they had watched while the healed the paralytic man on the Sabbath… But.... we come to this event.... and we will see that there is still a lack of faith.
While the miracle that Jesus does is fantastic and wonderful… this moment in the overall narrative of Scripture is a time when the Disciples are being Tested.
This problem presented by Jesus is really a moment of testing for the Disciples.
a. Disciples Tested
Verse 6 supports the idea that this event was purposely being lived out for the benefit of the disciples... after Jesus asks Philip where they would buy bread we are told that “He said this to test him, for He himself knew what he would do.”
This problem presented by Jesus is really a moment of testing for the Disciples.
The reality was that there was a need. People were hungry. Now, they would not have died if they didn’t eat right away. But, Jesus’ teaching might have been lost if the people were miserable and hungry on their walk back home. So, Jesus called on the disciples to come up with a solution.
Even while asking the disciples what they would do… Jesus already knew what He was going to do… but he asks the question in order to expand the disciples’ spiritual understanding. He wanted them to see how to practically apply the power and sufficiency of Christ to real world situations… in order to make a difference in their lives. (Mac)
Interestingly enough, how the disciples responded… their View of Christ that is communicated may very well give us a glimpse of our own hearts and our own understanding of Christ.
Let’s look at verses 7-9 and see two different Views of Christ represented.
II. The Views (of Christ): (7-9)
Philip answered him, “Two hundred denarii worth of bread would not be enough for each of them to get a little.” One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, said to him, “There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish, but what are they for so many?”
First we are presented with a Defective view of Christ as Philip and Andrew respond to Christ’s question.
a. Defective View:
Philip the Calculator & Andrew the Almost
Jesus most likely asks Philip where to buy bread because Philip was from this region of the country.
He most likely knew where the closest grocery store was located.
But, when asked.... Philip doesn’t really answer Jesus’ question... but gives him the business statistics report. “200 denarii wouldn’t even give this crowd a little.”
Let’s put Philips comment into numbers we can understand because we don’t use Denarii any more and most of us are not up to date on the 2000 year old exchange rate of Dollars to Denarii.
Basically, 200 denarii would have been about 8 months wages. So, Philip is saying...
“Not even 8 months wages would buy enough bread so that all of these people can even have a taste!”
In Philip’s answer, his problem is revealed.
Philip was the kind of guy that decided everything with a calculator. Philip was the kind of person that always looked at the external evidence but always had a hard time seeing the big picture.... seeing what something could be.
When Philip was first introduced to Jesus back in , knowing Philips personality… Nathanael urges him to “come and see” for yourself. Then, later in , in the Upper Room, Philip says to Jesus… “Lord, show us the Father and that is enough for us...”
Philip wanted visible evidence… now every family, business, and church has people like this. They are practical people that want to see the facts. Not a bad thing. We need people with qualities like this.
The problem with Philip is that he let the details of the situation prevent him from seeing the true potential of the situation. Philip had forgotten who he was talking to.
Andrew starts off better, but then his own heart issues are exposed. On the surface Andrew’s response appears to be better. It seems like he has at least gone out into the masses and looked through everyone’s bagged lunches to see what was available.
He starts out right by stating… “There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish”… but revealing his faith… or lack there of… finishes his statement by saying… “but what are they for so many?”
You would have thought that after spending so much time with Jesus, after having seen Jesus do miracle after miracle… that Andrew, when he found the boy with the loaves and fish would have said… ‘Hey, boy…, let me borrow your lunch. You’ll be amazed at what Jesus will do with it!!!’
But, instead… almost with an attitude of defeat… he says… “How far will this small lunch go among so many people”.
To both Philip and Andrew the physical problem they were facing was so big in their minds and hearts that it blinded them to the supernatural resource that was literally staring them in the face.
As you read the other Gospel accounts we learn that the other disciples get together and don’t come up with anything better. So, we can’t just give Philip and Andrew a hard time. All the disciples were in the same boat. They all had a Defective view of Jesus. That was their problem.... and often that is the root of our problem as well.
Our view and understanding of who Jesus is will effect how we approach Him… how much time we spend with Him… and the level with which we will truly trust Him…
The Disciples had a defective view of Christ… but there was at least one in the crowd that had a different view… one quite the opposite of the disciples.... a young boy shows us what it means to have an expectant view of Christ.
b. Expectant View:
ii. A Boy with childlike faith (Look back at verse 9… and notice the boy)
“There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish, but what are they for so many?”
In the crowd… amongst the thousands of people there was a boy.... a young boy with a poor man’s lunch. We are not told anything else about this boy. For the most part, he is insignificant. All that we know about him is that Andrew took his lunch.
We are told that the bread was “barley” loaves. That was the cheapest of all breads.
The Mishnah (Jewish book of traditions connected with the jewish law), talks about an offering a woman would bring if she had committed adultery. She was supposed to bring a bread offering, but the Mishnah qualifies it by saying that it should be a barley loaf, the food of beasts, for the woman’s sin was the sin of a beast.
This seemingly insignificant boy gives his lunch… of the cheapest and most looked down upon bread along with two greasy little pickled fish that you would eat simply to help the dry bread go down..... this boy decides to give his lunch to Jesus… why?
Jesus said, “Have the people sit down.” Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, about five thousand in number. Jesus then took the loaves, and when he had given thanks, he distributed them to those who were seated. So also the fish, as much as they wanted. And when they had eaten their fill, he told his disciples, “Gather up the leftover fragments, that nothing may be lost.” So they gathered them up and filled twelve baskets with fragments from the five barley loaves left by those who had eaten.
Well… aside from God’s sovereignly working in the situation.... the boy must have heard about Jesus.... and possibly listened to Him speak.....
… seeing the situation.... with child-like faith expected Jesus to do something great and wanted to be part of it.
This boy’s expectation was that Jesus could provide for whatever was needed… whether it seemed logical or not.
How often do you find yourself saying.... ‘Lord, you don’t understand my problem.... If you only knew how I feel..... I have thought it all out..... I have calculated everything.... I have asked for advice.... i have consulted with the experts.... and I’m at the end of my rope..... there is nothing that I can do!
It is much harder to give God our weaknesses than our strengths.
It is easy to say… “God, here is my awesome musical talent… you can have my amazing administrative skills.... God use my amazing humility.... because I have so much of it!!! You can use it all and add your grace to it....and it will be awesome !
It is much harder to give God our weaknesses than our strengths.
The Lord says… “Give me whatever you have, including your weaknesses and insufficiencies.”
Many of us miss the great opportunities God has wanted to give us because we have been unwilling to give him our deficiencies.... our inabilities.... our brokenness.... because of our pride.
Do we believe that God is big enough to handle our problems? Do we believe that Jesus is sufficient to provide for us? We need to have the correct understanding of who God is … then surrender our weaknesses and deficiencies to Him.
Maybe you think that you have nothing to give? Then give that. Your nothing plus God is everything.
We need to have an expectant view of Jesus.... believing that God is big enough… then give our problems to Him.... setting aside our pride and giving it all to Him.
Jesus wanted his disciples to see that no matter what they had.... even the tiniest or most insignificant thing… if they really gave it to Him… He could use it. Little is much when God is in it.
He wanted them to see that truth in a most dramatic way.
So, Jesus has presented the disciples with a problem.
The disciples have demonstrated a defective understanding of Christ, but this young boy has shown us what a truly expectant faith can look like.
Now, the stage is set for something amazing to happen.
There are thousands of hungry people just standing around waiting… the disciples have failed their test and all but given up… it seems like they had not even thought about affirming the power of Jesus to provide…
...not know what to do or where to get the food for these people.... all they have in hand are 5 dry biscuits and two little pickled fish.
Let’s look at verse 10 as Jesus steps in and shows us a sign.... Pointing to Belief.
III. The Sign: Pointing to Belief: (10-13)
Jesus said, “Have the people sit down.” Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, about five thousand in number. Jesus then took the loaves, and when he had given thanks, he distributed them to those who were seated. So also the fish, as much as they wanted. And when they had eaten their fill, he told his disciples, “Gather up the leftover fragments, that nothing may be lost.” So they gathered them up and filled twelve baskets with fragments from the five barley loaves left by those who had eaten.
This event is a real life fleshing out of the phrase “little is much when God is in it”.
a. Little is Much
After the disciples show their weak faith, notice that Jesus doesn’t reprimand them. He simply takes over the situation and puts them to work.
We are told here that Jesus instructs the disciples to have the people sit down. In Marks account of this event, he records that the disciples seated the people in groups of fifty and one hundred (). This was probably done to make it easier to distribute the food.
All four gospels record that there were 5000 men present. gives us the understanding that women and children were also present. That would probably make the number of people there that day anywhere between 15,000 and 20,000.
Let’s pause for a moment and think back about the bread and fish that was given by the boy.
With the potential of 20,000 people to feed… Why would Christ use this food? … It was literally the cheapest and most insignificant bread available, presented by a boy that was for the most part insignificant. His name is not recorded and we know nothing else about him...
Jesus wanted his disciples to see that no matter what they had.... even the tiniest or most insignificant thing… if they really gave it to Him… He could use it.
Little is much when God is in it. He wanted them to see that truth in a most dramatic way.
He wanted them to see that truth in a most dramatic way.
Then, without any show or pomp and circumstance, we are told in verse 11 that “Jesus then took the loaves, and when he had given thanks, he distributed them to those who were seated. So also the fish, as much as they wanted.”
Jesus didn’t create an enormous amount of food all at once… but, he continually “broke the loaves” and kept giving it to them, in order for the disciples to pass it out to the people.
It must have been amazing to witness.... those people seated on that hillside were able to be eyewitnesses to the Creator God at work.
Jesus didn’t have to use the disciples you know. He could have just as easily made the food appear in each persons bowl by some supernatural means. But, praise God that He works through weak, fallible, broken people.... people like the disciples.... people like Moses, Gideon, David..... people just like us.
Don’t miss this truth… Jesus took a seemingly insignificant gift… and multiplied it! Then he used the disciples who had weak faith and were no where near perfect.... to be instruments of His grace.
Paul would later remind the church at Corinth of this very truth in
But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us.
God uses broken clay jars… earthen vessels… that can do nothing on our own… fills us with His Spirit in order to highlight His surpassing power!
This sign points us to the belief that God is able to do far more than we could ever think....
Jesus wanted his disciples to see that no matter what they had.... even the tiniest or most insignificant thing… if they really gave it to Him… He could use it. Little is much when God is in it.
He wanted them to see that truth in a most dramatic way.
… this sign also shows us that Jesus is able to provide for more than just today.
b. Providing for more than just today
In verses 12-14 we are told that when the people had eaten themselves full.... the disciples gathered up all of the leftovers and amazingly filled 12 baskets full of bread.
In this amazing display of God’s abundant grace, the leftovers far exceeded the original five loaves that were given.
Just think about this in a very practical way. We know that there were 12 baskets of food left because there were 12 disciples who were gathering the leftovers. Jesus had not only provided enough food for the massive crowd, but he also had provided the disciples with lunch for the next day.
Leading up to this event the disciples are in a place where they believe in Jesus.... or at least the idea of Jesus.
They want to believe, but are not sure exactly what that looks like.... what does it mean to truly trust Jesus in all areas of life. Jesus presents the disciples with a problem… an opportunity to demonstrate their trust in Him to provide for whatever need and situation comes their way…
The disciples fail this test and look to their calculators and budget proposals to solve the issue… (Views of Christ)
In order to help the disciples learn a valuable lesson Jesus does a sign... Jesus steps up and creates an over abundance of food from what seems to be an insignificant gift.
The belly’s of the people are all filled and you would think that the eyes and minds of the people are opened to the true reality of who Jesus is.
Now, let’s look at verse 14 and see the response to Jesus’ sign.
When the people saw the sign that he had done, they said, “This is indeed the Prophet who is to come into the world!”
Perceiving then that they were about to come and take him by force to make him king, Jesus withdrew again to the mountain by himself.
When evening came, his disciples went down to the sea, got into a boat, and started across the sea to Capernaum. It was now dark, and Jesus had not yet come to them. The sea became rough because a strong wind was blowing. When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the sea and coming near the boat, and they were frightened. But he said to them, “It is I; do not be afraid.” Then they were glad to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat was at the land to which they were going.
IV. The Response: (14-21) Look at verse 14-15
When the people saw the sign that he had done, they said, “This is indeed the Prophet who is to come into the world!”
Perceiving then that they were about to come and take him by force to make him king, Jesus withdrew again to the mountain by himself.
How did the crowd respond to this miracle that Jesus had done? They pushed for a quick coronation.
a. Quick Coronation (14-15)
The people in the crowd no doubt connected this miracle with the messianic prophecy given by Moses in , which is where Moses said that one day God will raise up a “Prophet” like me from among you.
Feeding this huge crowd most likely reminded the people of how God provided the Manna for Israel when they were in the wilderness under Moses’ ministry.
The people in the crowd correctly realized that the miracle was supernatural and proved that Jesus was the Messiah… but, they jumped to the wrong conclusion about what that meant.
Think about it. They wanted to crown Jesus as king right after He had healed their sick and filled their bellies. This reveals what the people were really looking for in a messiah. They wanted an earthly deliverer, one who would meet all their physical needs — and food and health were at the top of that list.
Just imagine… with Jesus as their provider, they would never want for food, and would have the potential of being healed fro every sickness. They could march into Jerusalem, overthrow the Romans, and establish the ultimate social welfare state.
Jesus, however, refused to be made king because of their selfish (and probably unrepentant) desires.
So, we are told that Jesus, again withdrew to the mountain by himself.
Other Gospel accounts, such as in Mark, tell us that Jesus sent his disciples away in a boat and then he went up on the mountain to pray.
Based on the crowds response… had they truly understood who Jesus is?
They realized that He was the Messiah.... and could do miraculous things.... but, they missed the true reason why Messiah had come…
The Messiah was ever intended to come and merely provide comfort and happiness or political and social reform....
No, the Messiah was to come and provide forgiveness and reconciliation.
The crowd demonstrates that they want Jesus for what He can do… but they don’t really understand who Jesus is.
Let’s see how the disciples respond as we close today.
Verses 16-21 tells us about the miraculous event when Jesus walked on water, which happened right after the feeding of the masses. Jesus withdraws and the disciples get into a boat to cross the Sea of Galilee. The parallel account of this event is recorded in . Mark gives us a few interesting details that should not be overlooked.
b. Water Walking (16-21/ Mark 6:45-52)
When evening came, his disciples went down to the sea, got into a boat, and started across the sea to Capernaum. It was now dark, and Jesus had not yet come to them. The sea became rough because a strong wind was blowing. When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the sea and coming near the boat, and they were frightened. But he said to them, “It is I; do not be afraid.” Then they were glad to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat was at the land to which they were going.
Immediately he made his disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, to Bethsaida, while he dismissed the crowd. And after he had taken leave of them, he went up on the mountain to pray. And when evening came, the boat was out on the sea, and he was alone on the land. And he saw that they were making headway painfully, for the wind was against them. And about the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea. He meant to pass by them, but when they saw him walking on the sea they thought it was a ghost, and cried out, for they all saw him and were terrified. But immediately he spoke to them and said, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.” And he got into the boat with them, and the wind ceased. And they were utterly astounded, for they did not understand about the loaves, but their hearts were hardened.
Jesus has just fed thousands of people in a miraculous way, demonstrating the fact that He is God.... and can be trusted to provide for whatever situation comes up. Now, the disciples are in a boat on the Sea of Galilee. The sea is rough… the winds are beating the boat… tossing it back and forth....
then… after hours of fighting to keep the boat on coarse in the midst of this storm… they see someone walking by on top of the water… What is it??? Is it a ghost??? …
NO, it’s Jesus.
No,
He speaks to the disciples. It’s me… don’t be afraid. and then as soon as Jesus gets into the boat the wind stops and the sea is calmed.
There are 2 things to point out here. The first is that in verse 50 (), we have recorded for us the 2nd of 7 stand alone “I am” statements that Jesus makes during his earthly ministry. (in your text it says “it is I”…)
Each time he makes this statement it echo’s the phrase that God said to Moses when Moses asked God.... “Who should I say sent me?” God responded by saying.... “I am.” The phrase I AM (Yahweh) is the covenant name for God… it speaks to the fact that He is Eternal, Self-Existent, and that He is a Promise Keeping God.
When Jesus says “I AM”..... He is saying.... I am God.....
Jesus not only proves that He is God by defying the laws of gravity by walking on top of the water as well as commanding the seas.... but he verbally affirms to the disciples.... I AM… I am God.
The disciples response is amazing… look at verses 51-52...
“They were utterly astounded, for they did not understand about the loaves but their hearts were hardened.”
The disciples had watched Jesus do miracle after miracle.... they had seen Jesus Himself create… command Creation itself.... and yet.... they didn’t understand the significance behind the miracles they had witnessed.... while they wanted to believe in Jesus… and be with Him.... they did not yet truly understand Jesus.
Conclusion/ Application:
How about us? Do we really understand Jesus? Do we really understand who He is.... and why He truly came?
What trial or test has God allowed to take place in your life to help you believe?..... to bring you to a point of clear and true Biblical understanding… To a true trust in Jesus for who He is and what He came to do......
What trial or test has God allowed to take place in your life to help you believe?..... to bring you to a point of clear and true Biblical understanding… To a true trust in Jesus for who He is and what He came to do......
Are we truly trusting in Jesus to:
forgive our
help us respond to Him in faith.... repent of our sins and be forgiven?
- save people in Alliance…
We are trusting God to save people in Alliance…
- provide for our needs as a church
- provide the location needed…. the people needed… the money needed…
It is easy to look at our life situations and say “We can’t”… And for the most part, you would be absolutely right…. we can’t.
For example: There is no way we can afford to buy property…. there is no way that we can afford to build a building… or even renovate a building…. But, God Can!
Whatever the problem… instead of meeting challenges with “I can’t….”
Let’s look at the opportunities placed in front of us with the attitude of “He Can!”
One of the beautiful parts about being part of Christ’s kingdom… being a subject of King Jesus… is that we don’t have to deliver the final result…. we aren’t responsible for the final end product….
But, what we are responsible for is our faithfulness in trusting in Jesus in all areas of life….
He has given us all that we need for spiritual growth and development in the local church… let’s take advantage of all of the gifts and resources that Christ has given us.
A Truth for Today:
True faith in Christ means having the right understanding of who He is… and placing your complete trust in Him to supply all of your needs.
True faith in Christ means having the right understanding of who He is… and placing your complete trust in Him.... (to supply all of your needs).
True faith in Christ means obeying and trusting…. even when you don’t understand…. even when you are are being faced with the impossible.
The God who created the same God who created the universe…. is the same God who has provided a way through Christ for you to become part of His family….
How are we to respond to today’s truth?
Look past the details… look past the numbers… look past the seemingly endless number of reasons why something won’t work… and Trust Christ to provide for what He has called you to do.
(finances… repentance/ faith/ salvation… trust… relationships… )
If we can help you to know what it means to truly trust Christ… we would love to talk with you. If there is a question in your heart today about trusting and knowing Christ.... don’t leave today without talking with someone. We would love to help you.
Let’s pray: