Confronting Evil Spirits pg.1
Luk 4:31 Then he went down to Capernaum, a town in Galilee, and on the Sabbath he taught the people. 32 They were amazed at his teaching, because his words had authority.
After having been rejected in his hometown of Nazareth, and escaping possible death by the crowd who wanted to throw him off a cliff at Nazareth. Jesus moves on, intent on his mission, He stops at Capernaum and on the Sabbath day he began to teach in their Synagogue, as was his custom. How is that done? This was known as "the freedom of the synagogue. It was a policy that developed early in synagogue life to allow for various teachers, and the ruler had the responsibility to determine who that teacher would be. Here Jesus spoke with authority His words carried a powerful message. There was a commanding force in it. But as usually happens where Jesus is involved, something else also happens to further emphasize his ministry.
Q.1 Does his near death experience in Nazareth seem to have any effect on Jesus?
Q.2 Did you ever question how Jesus just walked into a Synagogue and began to teach?
Q.3 What do we hope to hear on our own Sabbath day?
Q.4 Does the fact that “his words had authority” convey any special meaning to us?
Luk 4:33 In the synagogue there was a man possessed by a demon, an impure spirit. He cried out at the top of his voice,
Luk 4:34 "Go away! What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are--the Holy One of God!"
This is the first of several encounters with demonic spirits that Jesus has, and in each case the demonic spirits recognize and acknowledge Jesus as the Son of God. No doubt he was speaking at this time. Then the demon which possessed the man recognizes who Jesus is, and knows what is going to happen to him. He begins to call out for Jesus to leave him alone. In addition he causes the possessed man to fall to the floor. But immediately at Jesus command the demon leaves the man. It does not take long when in the presence of our Lord Jesus that evil, will flee. In fact even the mention of his name causes great distress to the evil one. And that was the case in this incident
Q.1 What two things stand out in these two verses? Q.2 What was a demon possessed person doing in the synagogue ? Q.3 What does a demonic spirit want with anyone? Q.4 Do we believe that there are evil spirits, evil people and evil throughout the world? Q.5 Do the evil spirits, evil people and evil throughout the world, know who Jesus is ? Q.6 Do even the evil spirits listen to him?
Pe 5:8 Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.
Pg.2
Luk 4:35 "Be quiet!" Jesus said sternly. "Come out of him!" Then the demon threw the man down before them all and came out without injuring him.
Here we have the first instance where Jesus performs an exorcism. There are many more instances. In each instance, the demons leave in a dramatic fashion. This instance of Jesus’ power, which many in our day make light of, was then looked upon as greatly magnifying him in power and authority. During Jesus’ time, there were no psychiatrists or mental therapists. And there were no treatment facilities for those with psychological disorders. Today we have the doctors, and treatment facilities, psychologists, and psychiatrists that are available for those who have mental and emotional disorders. We can treat them and usually bring the disorder under control. But is that the same as an exorcism? And are the possessed people of today simply not recognized?
Q.1 How did the Demonic spirits recognize Jesus right away? Q.2 What did people do in Jesus’ day with these possessed people? Q.3 Do we hear of such possessed persons in our world today? Q.4 Do You believe that Jesus can heal such demon possessed people today, or was that just during his time on earth ?
Luk 4:36 All the people were amazed and said to each other, "What words these are! With authority and power he gives orders to impure spirits and they come out!"
Luk 4:37 And the news about him spread throughout the surrounding area.
Jesus with one single command silences the demon, and with another , drives him out of the man. Don’t we all wish for the authority of such a man as Jesus. There are those people today who suffer possession by demons. Demon possession is not necessarily an illness and Satan is clever at disguising his demons. Only Jesus can conquer that which Satan is attempting to take from us. Jesus is the doctor of our souls and the author of our salvation, and he cares deeply about what we are going through as we live day to day.
That one single gift of God can and does provide for our salvation. That is the message of this exorcism. That words from Jesus can overcome the demons in our lives. Jesus Saves!
Q.1 How is it that this man was there that Sabbath day when Jesus was there too?
Q.2 Do you consider it is the providence of God that allows us to meet Jesus?
Q.3 Is there a definite recognition of demon possession of which we are aware ? Q.4 Is it a reasonable possibility that thru Jesus power even today that demonic spirits can be exorcised?
]
Pg.3
Meditation
Today's world rarely recognizes a demonic spirit as anything other than a sickness, or mental, or personality disorder. And to be other than normal is just a human defect. True enough these things are real and do have consequences, and must be treated. But could it be possible that the common man of the world today is just not able to comprehend what the power of Satan is doing in our world? We keep, drifting farther and farther from the reality of the power of Jesus’ name. We seem to be catering more and more to the occult and to the heretical views of our world today. We try not to be offensive in our presentation of our religious beliefs. We do not want to offend anyone. Of course then the question is, What if Jesus had conducted his mission in similar fashion. Where would that leave the hope of our salvation? Even the demons recognize him and have no choice but to obey his commands. Actually Satan knows very well that his world is a doomed world and simply wants to inflict As much harm, grief, pain and hopelessness as is possible while he is here. But we have this one thing as our hope. And that is the amazing power given to us at just the mention of Jesus’ name. We can call on him even in the hopelessness brought on us by our demons.
Satan leaves no stone unturned. But Jesus shows us his power and majesty over our demons through this example and many others which we will cover in our studies. This is just the first of several instances where Jesus recovers a lost soul from certain destruction by his powerful presence. We are not told what happens to the man after the exorcism, only that he was not harmed and the evil spirit left him. We would be left with the thought that after Jesus has finished this miracle, that life and the wholeness that Jesus has restored in the man has returned to normal. And he can resume his presence and worship of God in the synagogue. Jesus does that to all lives he touches. He changes the way one approaches life’s trials and tribulations. He magnifies his presence and diminishes the evils that plague mankind. Increasing the faith of the individual to such that even Satan’s wiles no longer claim our souls and we are free to worship God because of Jesus.
I highly doubt that the man with the unclean spirit was there in the synagogue by accident. In most cases, those with unclean spirits were kept in the homes, they were locked up or in ostracized communities, or they lived away and alone like the man who lived among the tombs with the legion of demons which possessed him. Thus, we can ascertain that this was not a coincidence here. That is why this confrontation is intriguing. Those that are looking for the truth see the authoritative teaching, and the signs and wonders that back up what Jesus, the teacher is saying. The power to subdue evil belongs to Jesus, and Jesus only. Had the demoniac been able to buy his freedom from the demons, one has to wonder if that isn’t what he would have done.
News about good things spreads fast. This is what Christians are to exemplify in their lives so as to be living witnesses to the miraculous power that Jesus has to transform lost souls into redeemed souls for Christ.. Remember, the Christian is to be bold for Christ at all times, especially in difficult situations.
Opening Prayer: Pg.4
Father God, we come to study about Your Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ whom we believe with all our heart is our Savior. We understand that there are people in this world who need to meet Jesus, and be cleansed. Our study today takes us to one of those places. We ask that no word be spoken here tonight which might be contrary to your will and that each word be blessed with your approval, or it not be spoken. Bless those who are here tonight with the perfect understanding of those things which You would have us learn from this study. Bless our brothers and sisters in Christ who need your healing touch, give them reassurance that even though you are not present in body, you are most certainly with us in spirit. Offer them your healing Spirit as you truly are there with them. We ask this in the name of Jesus Amen
Our study today is about Jesus in a synagogue in Capernaum with a very disturbed man who beseeches Jesus to leave him alone. This man had an urgent need, Jesus answered his need and removed the spirit of evil which had captivated him. As a result the man was healed and Jesus had only to speak to the demon and it fled his presence. The man was unharmed because the power to subdue evil belongs to Jesus, and Jesus only. Had the demoniac been able to buy his freedom from the demons, one has to wonder if that isn’t what he would have done.
News about good things spreads fast. This is what Christians are to exemplify in their lives so as to be living witnesses to the miraculous power that Jesus has, to transform lost souls into redeemed souls because of Christ. Remember, the Christian is to be bold for Christ at all times, especially in difficult situations. Jesus can do miracles, we just need to trust him at his word.
Closing Prayer:
Father God, be with us now as we leave this place. May we carry with us your blessing as we continue in our efforts to live the life of a disciple of Jesus Christ. We pray for your continued watch over our loved ones and those among us who need your healing hand to touch them in their time of distress. Some are ill some are conflicted, all need your healing power. We pray now that we will have Your guidance as we continue in our day to day living. It is in Jesus name we pray, AMEN
The seven major exorcism accounts in the Synoptic Gospels which have details, and imply specific teachings
· Exorcism at the Synagogue in Capernaum,
· Exorcism of the Gerasene demoniac,
· Exorcising the Canaanite woman's daughter,
· Exorcising the blind and mute man
· Exorcising a boy possessed by a demon,
· Jesus exorcising at sunset
· Jesus exorcising a mute
· Jesus healing two blind men.
Saturday, May 24, 2014
Sunday, May 18, 2014
Jesus and rejection
Jesus and rejection
Jesus returns home Pg.1
Luke 4:14 Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and news about him spread through the whole countryside. 15 He was teaching in their synagogues, and everyone praised him. 16 He went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue, as was his custom. He stood up to read,
It is important to note that he had already gained some fame and respect for what he had been doing just prior to coming back to Nazareth. Each of the towns had a synagogue and Jesus had been teaching in the various towns in the Galilee area. He came back to Nazareth to visit, and pay his respects and to partake of worship in the synagogue This seems to refer to what had been the habit of the life of Jesus while he had lived at Nazareth. And surely all the people knew him.
Q.1 He returned to Galilee in the power of the spirit, what does that statement imply ?
Q.2 What reasons would bring Jesus back to Nazareth ?
Q.3 Going back to his hometown, and teaching. Would that be welcomed?
Jesus speaks
Luke 4:17 and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. Unrolling it, he found the place where it is written: 18 "The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, 19 to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor." 20 Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him. 21 He began by saying to them, "Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing." 22 All spoke well of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his lips. "Isn't this Joseph's son?" they asked.
This is the very heart of what Jesus is doing at this time. And it is what he tells the people there in the synagogue, He told them that the scripture in Isaiah 61:1 which he read to them there, was now fulfilled. and they spoke well of him and recognized him as Josephs son. One would suppose that at that moment there were those who would be very pleased to see a hometown boy doing such a good job.
Q.1What do you think the townspeople felt about his presence in Nazareth at this time?
Q.2 Would there be any ill feelings or jealousy of him by some?
Q.3 What does the Isaiah scripture reveal to us as we read it?
Q.4 Would it have the same meaning to those Jews to whom Jesus was reading?
Q.5 What did Jesus mean by saying to them that the Isaiah scripture was fulfilled?
Jesus is critical Pg.2
Luke 4:23 Jesus said to them, "Surely you will quote this proverb to me: 'Physician, heal yourself!' And you will tell me, 'Do here in your hometown what we have heard that you did in Capernaum.” 24 "Truly I tell you," he continued, "no prophet is accepted in his hometown.
Here we hear Jesus beginning a critical observation as to what these townspeople probably will think of him. That is that a man ought to look at home, and take care of himself, and of those that belonged to him; and Christ was aware that his townsmen would object this to him, that if he was the person he was said to be, and could do the miracles and cures which were ascribed to him, he ought to do something of this kind at home, among them, who were his townsmen, neighbors, relations, and acquaintances. Familiarity breeds contempt; and we are apt to think meanly of those whose conversation we have been accustomed to; He then quotes an old proverb, "no prophet is accepted in his hometown”.
Q.1 What is the reason that Jesus would speak out like this to his own hometown people?
Q.2 Is Jesus trying to provoke his fellow townspeople?
Q.3 Is there a possibility that he is reading the hearts of his townspeople?
Q.4 Do you agree or disagree that this old proverb is probably correct?
Jesus explains
Luke 4:25 I assure you that there were many widows in Israel in Elijah's time, when the sky was shut for three and a half years and there was a severe famine throughout the land.
26 Yet Elijah was not sent to any of them, but to a widow in Zarephath in the region of Sidon.
27 And there were many in Israel with leprosy in the time of Elisha the prophet, yet not one of them was cleansed--only Naaman the Syrian."
28 All the people in the synagogue were furious when they heard this.
29 They got up, drove him out of the town, and took him to the brow of the hill on which the town was built, in order to throw him off the cliff.
30 But he walked right through the crowd and went on his way.
Here Jesus speaks very frankly to the citizens of Nazareth. He taught in their synagogues, their places of public worship, where they met, not, as in the temple, for ceremonial services, but for the moral acts of devotion, to read, expound, and apply, the word, to pray and praise, and for church-discipline; and they were not responsive to his work in such a way that it served to show that they were changed in any way. And as an example he cites two instances; One where God thru Elijah does not come to the Jews during the three and a half years of famine, but only to a widow in Zarephath in Sidon who was in need. And anotherinstance where there were many in Israel with leprosy in the time of Elisha the prophet, yet not one of them was cleansed--only Naaman the Syrian." God responds to those who respond to his servants
Q.1 Is there something Jesus know about his hometown people?
Q.2 So what did the people think of this criticism?
Q.3 Were the townspeople seriously thinking of killing Jesus?
Q.4 Do you find their reaction too severe?
Q.5 Was Jesus response miraculous or simply the providence of God?
Q.5 What do we know about the providence of God?
Opening Prayer
Jesus our savior, and our intercessor, we pray your blessing tonight, on this study. We pray that you would put the words and their meaning into our hearts and minds, those words that you would have us learn from this study. We pray that no word be spoken here tonight, contrary to thy will, and that all here will be subject to your guiding Spirit.We ask your blessing on all families represented here tonight and bless all those who are seeking your healing hand for illness or conflicting relationships. We pray that your grace may abound and give them healing. These things we ask in your Holy name Jesus, AMEN
This is the return to Nazareth that Jesus does where his hometown people ultimately reject him. What does he do? It is our intention to learn the intricate and minute details of each event in his life with a teaching moment in it. There is no word he spoke and no act he committed that is not of paramount import to any who seek Jesus and his teaching. We will attempt to relate these events to life as we know it in our world today. We pray that we will never be faced with the realization that these townspeople come to know
Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father, God of our salvation. It is you through your Son Jesus who has made us and not we ourselves. We sometimes become so wrapped up in our own network of concerns that we forget that it is You through your Son Jesus who really is in control of our world. We pray that your loving concern for us will be such that we will learn to be attentive to the words of Your son Jesus and that we will listen to him. We pray that we will respond to His call, we pray that you will find us and teach and minister to us and that we will never be guilty of rejecting Jesus, and that our response will be acceptable to Him. In the Name of Jesus we pray. AMEN
Wednesday, May 14, 2014
Jesus Speaks Healing
Where is Jesus? Pg.1
John 5:2 Now there is in Jerusalem near the Sheep Gate a pool, which in Aramaic is called Bethesda and which is surrounded by five covered colonnades.
Until the 19th century, there was no evidence outside of John’s Gospel for the existence of this pool; therefore, scholars argued that the gospel was written later, probably by someone without first-hand knowledge of the city of Jerusalem, and that the ‘pool’ had only a metaphorical, rather than historical, significance. Then in the 19th century, archaeologists discovered the remains of a pool fitting the description in John’s Gospel. The name of the pool is said to mean house of mercy or house of grace. In both Hebrew and Aramaic the word could also mean 'shame, disgrace'. This dual meaning may have been thought appropriate since the location was seen as a place of disgrace due to the presence of invalids, and a place of grace, due to the granting of healing.
Q1. As Christians who believe the bible is the inspired word of God, are we to take all these location descriptions literally?
Q2.What other locations can you name that are verifiable
What Jesus Knows
John 5:3 Here a great number of disabled people used to lie--the blind, the lame, the paralyzed. 4 For an angel went down at a certain season into the pool, and troubled the water: whosoever then first after the troubling of the water stepped in was made whole of whatsoever disease he had. 5 One who was there had been an invalid for thirty-eight years. 6 When Jesus saw him lying there and learned that he had been in this condition for a long time, he asked him, "Do you want to get well?"
This man has been an invalid for 38 years. He has been hanging out at this pool near the temple, receiving alms for the poor. He has probably grown pretty accustomed to this lifestyle. No work, other people around. Even his answer is not a “yes”, but an “I’m trying to get in the water for healing but can’t get there fast enough.” I believe that God asks us this question more often than we realize: “Do you want to get well?” Jesus has the power to heal, not just physically but emotionally, psychologically, relationally.
Q1.Does one know when one wants to be healed? Q2.How did Jesus learn of this mans condition? Q3.What reason did he have for having never gotten into the pool? Q2.What are some of the problems of today's sick and ailing or crippled? Q5.What are some of today's obstacles that prevent our being healed? Q6.What is your feeling about vs. 4.
Question 6 is slightly off the subject of the lesson; Vs.4 is included in the KJV and not in the NIV, there are many theories and opinions. Some believe that the waters were medicinal and were more so at different times of the year; Some believe it was an Angel, seen or unseen: All try to explain it, but are there those who need no explanation, who actually do believe it? Who is there that will deny that God has angels, and that they do his bidding? Was this the case at this pool?
What Jesus Does Pg.2
John 5:7, "Sir," the invalid replied, "I have no one to help me into the pool when the water is stirred. While I am trying to get in, someone else goes down ahead of me."
8 Then Jesus said to him, "Get up! Pick up your mat and walk."
Never was a sinner more helpless than was this man. If God gave him strength to do his will, so he can all others; and the plea that we can do nothing could have been urged with far more propriety by this man than it can be by any impenitent sinner. This man has been crippled for life, now he has been instructed to get up and walk. No doubt his crippled legs were straightened, and made whole while he lay there. Then when Jesus spoke, he did as he was told. It was a remarkable command. The poor man had been sick for a long time, and it does not appear that he expected to be healed except by being put into the waters. Yet Jesus, when he gives a commandment, can give strength to obey it. It is our business to obey the commands of Jesus, however feeble we feel ourselves to be. His grace will be sufficient for us, and his burden will be light.
Q1. Would it appear to this man at this point in his life that he has a chance for healing?
Q2. What would be our natural reaction to this command?
Q3. What is it about Jesus that is different from most men of that day?
Q4. To add drama to the event, what did Jesus tell him?
Q5. The man was told to get up and walk, Was that a possibility, considering his condition?
Q6. To respond to Jesus , the man needed incentive and strength, where was it to be found ?
Q7. When Jesus speaks things happen, are we prepared to respond when he speaks to us?
Who Jesus is
Joh 5:9 At once the man was cured; he picked up his mat and walked. The day on which this took place was a Sabbath, 10 and so the Jewish leaders said to the man who had been healed, "It is the Sabbath; the law forbids you to carry your mat." 11 But he replied, "The man who made me well said to me, 'Pick up your mat and walk.”12 So they asked him, "Who is this fellow who told you to pick it up and walk?" 13 The man who was healed had no idea who it was, for Jesus had slipped away into the crowd that was there.
There will always be those who are willing, and given the grace of God to perform the tasks that God has set before us. There will also always be those who are determined to stop his work. They will use whatever means there are to make that happen. Satan has his ways of making a willing heart for God be as much inconvenienced as is possible. But if one is determined, Satan’s work will be nullified. Nevertheless Satan does not relent in his constant barrage against God’s will and against those who have a heart for God. What did Jesus do to answer Satan in the Wilderness
Q1.Could the man have done this without Jesus?
Q2.Are there those today that are that evil?
Q3.The man was simply doing as Jesus had told him, and should he have done that?
Q4.Why are these people so interested in what Jesus does?
Q5.Jesus had healed him without ever telling the man who he was, Why?
Q6.Are there times when people will want to chase Jesus away from us?
Pg.3
What Jesus says
John 5:14 Later Jesus found him at the temple and said to him, "See, you are well again. Stop sinning or something worse may happen to you." 15 The man went away and told the Jewish leaders that it was Jesus who had made him well.
One might preach an entire sermon on vs.14 or on vs. 15. Actually the Gospel message that John was teaching and preaching during these same times, was that very message, Repent of our sins and be baptized, or something very bad is our destiny. And Vs. 15, Go and tell, evangelize all who will listen. In every case thus far, when Jesus worked a miracle or healing, it was then that the recipient of the act went and broadcast the news.
Q1. What did Jesus imply in vs. 14?
Q2. As the woman at the well, the man wanted it known that it was Jesus who healed him Why?
Q3. Rules, The Jews are quoting the law, why are they doing this ?
Q4. Are there miraculous works that Jesus does, that people broadcast today?
Jesus’ defense
16 So, because Jesus was doing these things on the Sabbath, the Jewish leaders began to persecute him. 17 In his defense Jesus said to them, "My Father is always at his work to this very day, and I too am working."18 For this reason they tried all the more to kill him; not only was he breaking the Sabbath, but he was even calling God his own Father, making himself equal with God.
17
And now here we are in today's world, still faced with some of the same situations and conditions. Jesus is being persecuted, The world leaders are aligning against Christianity, and Jesus speaks from the words in the Bible.
Mat 4:4 Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'"
Mat 4:7 Jesus answered him, "It is also written: 'Do not put the Lord your God to the test.'"
Mat 4:10 Jesus said to him, "Away from me, Satan! For it is written: 'Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.'"
Mat 4:17 From that time on Jesus began to preach, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near."
Mat 4:19 "Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will send you out to fish for people."
Q2. Jesus, as the progenitor of God answers their charges with his defense. What is his defense?
Q3. And how do people today feel about that? Pro & Con.
Q4. Are there those charges today, against Christians? Who is doing that?
Opening Prayer: Pg.4
Father God, we come to study about Your Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ whom we believe with all our heart is our Savior. We understand that there are people and places in this world where His presence is anticipated, and welcomed. Our study today takes us to one of those places. We ask that no word be spoken here tonight which might be contrary to your will and that each word be blessed with your approval, or it not be spoken. Bless those who are here tonight with the perfect understanding of those things which You would have us learn from this study. Bless our brothers and sisters in Christ who need your healing touch, give them reassurance that even though you are not present in body, you are most certainly with us in spirit. Offer them your healing Spirit as you truly are there with them. We ask this in the name of Jesus Amen
Our study today shows Jesus in a discourse with a very prominent man who beseeches Jesus to go with him to heal his dying son. Jesus is indeed our healer, he redeems, forgives, leads, and directs our lives if we but take the time to ask and believe that he can do as he says. All we need is to trust in him and do as he says. This man came to Jesus with an urgent need, Jesus answered his need and deepened his relationship with him. As a result the man’s son was healed and Jesus never even touched him, indeed never even saw him or even knew his name. Jesus can do miracles, we just need to trust him at his word.
Closing Prayer:
Father God, be with us now as we leave this place. May we carry with us your blessing as we continue in our efforts to live the life of a disciple of Jesus Christ. We pray for your continued watch over our loved ones and those among us who need your healing hand to touch them in their time of distress. Some are ill some are conflicted, all need your healing power. We pray now that we will have Your guidance as we continue in our day to day living. It is in Jesus name we pray, AMEN
Meditation:
In this Scripture, we glimpse how the encounter with Christ can strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith…and that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.” May that be our personal mission statement. God has plans for your life, and the lives of your loved ones. Our life is God’s gift to us, It may be filled with more hardships than we think we can possibly bear at times. That is when we rely on the faith we have gained in times of communion with Christ. God desires that we have a relationship with his Son, He desires for us to listen to him and learn from him, Our choice is to try to say “yes” not just when loving and trusting are easy, but even when it is very difficult and scary, and we desperately need him to respond. We are never alone. We are ever loved beyond all measure. But we need to be aware and certainly never underestimate what Jesus can do in our life if given an opportunity. He can do Miracles. The Lord will rescue his servants, become one of them.
John 5:2 Now there is in Jerusalem near the Sheep Gate a pool, which in Aramaic is called Bethesda and which is surrounded by five covered colonnades.
Until the 19th century, there was no evidence outside of John’s Gospel for the existence of this pool; therefore, scholars argued that the gospel was written later, probably by someone without first-hand knowledge of the city of Jerusalem, and that the ‘pool’ had only a metaphorical, rather than historical, significance. Then in the 19th century, archaeologists discovered the remains of a pool fitting the description in John’s Gospel. The name of the pool is said to mean house of mercy or house of grace. In both Hebrew and Aramaic the word could also mean 'shame, disgrace'. This dual meaning may have been thought appropriate since the location was seen as a place of disgrace due to the presence of invalids, and a place of grace, due to the granting of healing.
Q1. As Christians who believe the bible is the inspired word of God, are we to take all these location descriptions literally?
Q2.What other locations can you name that are verifiable
What Jesus Knows
John 5:3 Here a great number of disabled people used to lie--the blind, the lame, the paralyzed. 4 For an angel went down at a certain season into the pool, and troubled the water: whosoever then first after the troubling of the water stepped in was made whole of whatsoever disease he had. 5 One who was there had been an invalid for thirty-eight years. 6 When Jesus saw him lying there and learned that he had been in this condition for a long time, he asked him, "Do you want to get well?"
This man has been an invalid for 38 years. He has been hanging out at this pool near the temple, receiving alms for the poor. He has probably grown pretty accustomed to this lifestyle. No work, other people around. Even his answer is not a “yes”, but an “I’m trying to get in the water for healing but can’t get there fast enough.” I believe that God asks us this question more often than we realize: “Do you want to get well?” Jesus has the power to heal, not just physically but emotionally, psychologically, relationally.
Q1.Does one know when one wants to be healed? Q2.How did Jesus learn of this mans condition? Q3.What reason did he have for having never gotten into the pool? Q2.What are some of the problems of today's sick and ailing or crippled? Q5.What are some of today's obstacles that prevent our being healed? Q6.What is your feeling about vs. 4.
Question 6 is slightly off the subject of the lesson; Vs.4 is included in the KJV and not in the NIV, there are many theories and opinions. Some believe that the waters were medicinal and were more so at different times of the year; Some believe it was an Angel, seen or unseen: All try to explain it, but are there those who need no explanation, who actually do believe it? Who is there that will deny that God has angels, and that they do his bidding? Was this the case at this pool?
What Jesus Does Pg.2
John 5:7, "Sir," the invalid replied, "I have no one to help me into the pool when the water is stirred. While I am trying to get in, someone else goes down ahead of me."
8 Then Jesus said to him, "Get up! Pick up your mat and walk."
Never was a sinner more helpless than was this man. If God gave him strength to do his will, so he can all others; and the plea that we can do nothing could have been urged with far more propriety by this man than it can be by any impenitent sinner. This man has been crippled for life, now he has been instructed to get up and walk. No doubt his crippled legs were straightened, and made whole while he lay there. Then when Jesus spoke, he did as he was told. It was a remarkable command. The poor man had been sick for a long time, and it does not appear that he expected to be healed except by being put into the waters. Yet Jesus, when he gives a commandment, can give strength to obey it. It is our business to obey the commands of Jesus, however feeble we feel ourselves to be. His grace will be sufficient for us, and his burden will be light.
Q1. Would it appear to this man at this point in his life that he has a chance for healing?
Q2. What would be our natural reaction to this command?
Q3. What is it about Jesus that is different from most men of that day?
Q4. To add drama to the event, what did Jesus tell him?
Q5. The man was told to get up and walk, Was that a possibility, considering his condition?
Q6. To respond to Jesus , the man needed incentive and strength, where was it to be found ?
Q7. When Jesus speaks things happen, are we prepared to respond when he speaks to us?
Who Jesus is
Joh 5:9 At once the man was cured; he picked up his mat and walked. The day on which this took place was a Sabbath, 10 and so the Jewish leaders said to the man who had been healed, "It is the Sabbath; the law forbids you to carry your mat." 11 But he replied, "The man who made me well said to me, 'Pick up your mat and walk.”12 So they asked him, "Who is this fellow who told you to pick it up and walk?" 13 The man who was healed had no idea who it was, for Jesus had slipped away into the crowd that was there.
There will always be those who are willing, and given the grace of God to perform the tasks that God has set before us. There will also always be those who are determined to stop his work. They will use whatever means there are to make that happen. Satan has his ways of making a willing heart for God be as much inconvenienced as is possible. But if one is determined, Satan’s work will be nullified. Nevertheless Satan does not relent in his constant barrage against God’s will and against those who have a heart for God. What did Jesus do to answer Satan in the Wilderness
Q1.Could the man have done this without Jesus?
Q2.Are there those today that are that evil?
Q3.The man was simply doing as Jesus had told him, and should he have done that?
Q4.Why are these people so interested in what Jesus does?
Q5.Jesus had healed him without ever telling the man who he was, Why?
Q6.Are there times when people will want to chase Jesus away from us?
Pg.3
What Jesus says
John 5:14 Later Jesus found him at the temple and said to him, "See, you are well again. Stop sinning or something worse may happen to you." 15 The man went away and told the Jewish leaders that it was Jesus who had made him well.
One might preach an entire sermon on vs.14 or on vs. 15. Actually the Gospel message that John was teaching and preaching during these same times, was that very message, Repent of our sins and be baptized, or something very bad is our destiny. And Vs. 15, Go and tell, evangelize all who will listen. In every case thus far, when Jesus worked a miracle or healing, it was then that the recipient of the act went and broadcast the news.
Q1. What did Jesus imply in vs. 14?
Q2. As the woman at the well, the man wanted it known that it was Jesus who healed him Why?
Q3. Rules, The Jews are quoting the law, why are they doing this ?
Q4. Are there miraculous works that Jesus does, that people broadcast today?
Jesus’ defense
16 So, because Jesus was doing these things on the Sabbath, the Jewish leaders began to persecute him. 17 In his defense Jesus said to them, "My Father is always at his work to this very day, and I too am working."18 For this reason they tried all the more to kill him; not only was he breaking the Sabbath, but he was even calling God his own Father, making himself equal with God.
17
And now here we are in today's world, still faced with some of the same situations and conditions. Jesus is being persecuted, The world leaders are aligning against Christianity, and Jesus speaks from the words in the Bible.
Mat 4:4 Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'"
Mat 4:7 Jesus answered him, "It is also written: 'Do not put the Lord your God to the test.'"
Mat 4:10 Jesus said to him, "Away from me, Satan! For it is written: 'Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.'"
Mat 4:17 From that time on Jesus began to preach, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near."
Mat 4:19 "Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will send you out to fish for people."
Q2. Jesus, as the progenitor of God answers their charges with his defense. What is his defense?
Q3. And how do people today feel about that? Pro & Con.
Q4. Are there those charges today, against Christians? Who is doing that?
Opening Prayer: Pg.4
Father God, we come to study about Your Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ whom we believe with all our heart is our Savior. We understand that there are people and places in this world where His presence is anticipated, and welcomed. Our study today takes us to one of those places. We ask that no word be spoken here tonight which might be contrary to your will and that each word be blessed with your approval, or it not be spoken. Bless those who are here tonight with the perfect understanding of those things which You would have us learn from this study. Bless our brothers and sisters in Christ who need your healing touch, give them reassurance that even though you are not present in body, you are most certainly with us in spirit. Offer them your healing Spirit as you truly are there with them. We ask this in the name of Jesus Amen
Our study today shows Jesus in a discourse with a very prominent man who beseeches Jesus to go with him to heal his dying son. Jesus is indeed our healer, he redeems, forgives, leads, and directs our lives if we but take the time to ask and believe that he can do as he says. All we need is to trust in him and do as he says. This man came to Jesus with an urgent need, Jesus answered his need and deepened his relationship with him. As a result the man’s son was healed and Jesus never even touched him, indeed never even saw him or even knew his name. Jesus can do miracles, we just need to trust him at his word.
Closing Prayer:
Father God, be with us now as we leave this place. May we carry with us your blessing as we continue in our efforts to live the life of a disciple of Jesus Christ. We pray for your continued watch over our loved ones and those among us who need your healing hand to touch them in their time of distress. Some are ill some are conflicted, all need your healing power. We pray now that we will have Your guidance as we continue in our day to day living. It is in Jesus name we pray, AMEN
Meditation:
In this Scripture, we glimpse how the encounter with Christ can strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith…and that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.” May that be our personal mission statement. God has plans for your life, and the lives of your loved ones. Our life is God’s gift to us, It may be filled with more hardships than we think we can possibly bear at times. That is when we rely on the faith we have gained in times of communion with Christ. God desires that we have a relationship with his Son, He desires for us to listen to him and learn from him, Our choice is to try to say “yes” not just when loving and trusting are easy, but even when it is very difficult and scary, and we desperately need him to respond. We are never alone. We are ever loved beyond all measure. But we need to be aware and certainly never underestimate what Jesus can do in our life if given an opportunity. He can do Miracles. The Lord will rescue his servants, become one of them.
Friday, May 9, 2014
Faith In Times Of Crisis
Faith in Times of Crisis Pg.1
Where Jesus goes
John 4:43 After the two days he left for Galilee. 44 (Now Jesus himself had pointed out that a prophet has no honor in his own country.)
Christ went into Galilee, into the country of Galilee, but not to Nazareth, which was strictly his own country. He went among the villages, but declined going to Nazareth for a reason. Jesus himself testified, who knew the temper of his countrymen, the hearts of all men, and the experiences of all prophets, and it is this, That a prophet has no honor in his own country. Prophets ought to have honor, because God has put honor upon them and we do or may receive benefit by them. The honor due to the Lord's prophets has very often been denied them, and contempt put upon them. This due honor is more frequently denied them in their own country. Men's pride and envy make them scorn to be instructed by those who once were their fellow co-workers.
Q 1. What is this about, what’s wrong with Nazareth?
Q 2. Can anything good come out of Nazareth?
Q 3. Did Jesus know that he would not be effective in Nazareth?
Q 4. Does Jesus know where he is not appreciated?
Q 5. Have you ever been in that position?
A warm welcome
John 4:44 When he arrived in Galilee, the Galileans welcomed him. They had seen all that he had done in Jerusalem at the Passover Festival, for they also had been there. 45 Once more he visited Cana in Galilee, where he had turned the water into wine. And there was a certain royal official whose son lay sick at Capernaum. 47 When this man heard that Jesus had arrived in Galilee from Judea, he went to him and begged him to come and heal his son, who was close to death.
We seek any possibility of aid when we are suffering, Jesus had just arrived, and the Galileans had welcomed him because they had heard of, or had witnessed his miracles. So the matter of his visit reached all ears and a royal official came to him with a request to come and heal his son. The mans request was an honest appeal to Jesus who can read all or any hearts desire. We do not get more desperate than when we have children in danger or near to death, we will do whatever it takes to help our children. Jesus no doubt saw this in the man and we see in the following
Q 1. Why did the people in The Galilee welcome him?
Q 2. He went into Cana, in Galilee, knowing that he would be welcomed there. Why?
Q 3. Why is the royal official seeking Jesus? Why not send a servant to fetch him?
Q 4. Might it be because he remembered Jesus’ act of turning water into wine?
Q 5. Did he have a need that Jesus could answer?
Q 6. So what is it that he is asking?
Q 7. And what was Jesus’ answer?
What Jesus means Pg2
John 4:48 Unless you people see signs and wonders," Jesus told him, "you will never believe." 49 The royal official said, "Sir, come down before my child dies." 50 "Go," Jesus replied, "your son will live." The man took Jesus at his word and departed.
Jesus does not tell this man that he had no faith, but that he had not enough. Although it was a general statement of the Jews of that day, describing the way their faith seemed to depend on actually seeing some sign or wondrous act which Jesus has accomplished in front of witnesses. If the official did not have faith of a sort, he would not have come from Capernaum to Cana, to beg him to heal his son. However he was like most of us even today, we expect Jesus to come to our aid and if he doesn’t then we are conflicted. If he had enough faith , he would have been contented with recommending his son to our Lord, without entreating him to go to Capernaum to heal him. It is not that he did not believe, it was just that at that time Jesus had performed real miracles and there were witnesses to it. This man probably thought it had to be done that way. Here we learn that our faith needs to be stronger, That we need not “Visit A Healer” to have access to what Jesus can do for us. He will do it “Long Distance” and without an intermediary.
Q 1. Do you see in Jesus’ answer as a hesitation to act ?
Q 2. Why did Jesus answer the way he did?
Q 3. And what was the response of the official ?
Q 4. Is this his second request?
Q 5. So is it a matter of how many times we make the request?
What Jesus did
John 4:51While he was still on the way, his servants met him with the news that his boy was living. 52 When he inquired as to the time when his son got better, they said to him, "Yesterday, at one in the afternoon, the fever left him."
Jesus had healed him even without knowing his name, what sort of person he was or even going to minister to him, he just did it. In many instances Jesus does his healing and we do not know it, We don’t even know when or how. Many times in our lives the providence of God is working even before we ask in prayer. Jesus knows our heart, knows our intention and can work his miracle in us and we not even know it. The Father had come to Jesus and Jesus had performed the work of healing and no others in the family nor even the servants who worked for the man knew how it took place, they only knew it had happened, and they rushed to tell the father the good news. Just as do we when the goodness of God works miracles in our lives we like to let it be known, we like to tell of it. We “Go tell it on the Mountain”
Q 1. That must have been very uplifting, what do you think?
Q 2. And what was the response of the official ?
Q 3. Why did he want to know the time?
Q 4. What effect does knowing what time it happened have on the matter?
Q 5. Do we like to have confirmation of what God is doing in our lives?
The Jesus effect Pg.3
Then the father realized that this was the exact time at which Jesus had said to him, "Your son will live." So he and his whole household believed. 54 This was the second sign Jesus performed after coming from Judea to Galilee
Once we realize that it is God who sustains us, and brings us through crisis after crisis it does make our faith stronger. But with some people it does not take a crisis, it just takes commitment and encouragement. Not all of us are the same in faith and belief. With some of us it might have taken somewhat longer to make the metamorphosis but we do not need a miracle to show us what God can do if we just trust his care for us. We owe our lives to Jesus Christ thorough whom all things come into being. Some of us by miraculous healing. Some of us just by the providence of God’s looking after us day by day, like a shepherd looks after his sheep. And all by the Grace of God. And that is what Jesus does for the Christian Believer.
What we believe
Rom 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
Rom 8:29 For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.
Rom 8:30 And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.
Rom 8:31 What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?
Rom 8:32 He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all--how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?
Rom 8:33 Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies.
There is no better or more loving relationship that human beings have to understand, than that of a parent and child relationship. However, once we realize that God Has a Son, and his Son is loved by him even more than you love your child, You will begin to understand that through the Grace of God he has Given Jesus’ life, and power, and privilege, so that he may own us as his children, you will then understand just how much Jesus loves you. He died for you. You are a Child Of God. He loves you ! He will heal you.
Q 1. Every Christian should already know this, but do we always act like it?
Q 2. Does it seem to you that when we are in crisis we get more of it?
Q 3. When it is shown that God has acted on our behalf, is our faith strengthened?
Q 4. Why did Jesus say what he did in vs. 48? (Go to the top of page 2)
Q 5. Does it seem to be that way to you? (Or do you just take him at his word)
Opening Prayer: Pg.4
Father God, we come to study about Your Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ whom we believe with all our heart is our Savior. We understand that there are people and places in this world where His presence is anticipated, and welcomed. Our study today takes us to one of those places. We ask that no word be spoken here tonight which might be contrary to your will and that each word be blessed with your approval, or it not be spoken. Bless those who are here tonight with the perfect understanding of those things which You would have us learn from this study. Bless our brothers and sisters in Christ who need your healing touch, give them reassurance that even though you are not present in body, you are most certainly with us in spirit. Offer them your healing Spirit as you truly are there with them. We ask this in the name of Jesus Amen
Our study today shows Jesus in a discourse with a very prominent man who beseeches Jesus to go with him to heal his dying son. Jesus is indeed our healer, he redeems, forgives, leads, and directs our lives if we but take the time to ask and believe that he can do as he says. All we need is to trust in him and do as he says. This man came to Jesus with an urgent need, Jesus answered his need and deepened his relationship with him. As a result the man’s son was healed and Jesus never even touched him, indeed never even saw him or even knew his name. Jesus can do miracles, we just need to trust him at his word.
Closing Prayer:
Father God, be with us now as we leave this place. May we carry with us your blessing as we continue in our efforts to live the life of a disciple of Jesus Christ. We pray for your continued watch over our loved ones and those among us who need your healing hand to touch them in their time of distress. Some are ill some are conflicted, all need your healing power. We pray now that we will have Your guidance as we continue in our day to day living. It is in Jesus name we pray, AMEN
Meditation:
In this Scripture, we glimpse how the encounter with Christ can strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith…and that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.” May that be our personal mission statement. God has plans for your life, and the lives of your loved ones. Our life is God’s gift to us, It may be filled with more hardships than we think we can possibly bear at times. That is when we rely on the faith we have gained in times of communion with Christ. God desires that we have a relationship with his Son, He desires for us to listen to him and learn from him, Our choice is to try to say “yes” not just when loving and trusting are easy, but even when it is very difficult and scary, and we desperately need him to respond. We are never alone. We are ever loved beyond all measure. But we need to be aware and certainly never underestimate what Jesus can do in our life if given an opportunity. He can do Miracles. The Lord will rescue his servants, become one of them.
Where Jesus goes
John 4:43 After the two days he left for Galilee. 44 (Now Jesus himself had pointed out that a prophet has no honor in his own country.)
Christ went into Galilee, into the country of Galilee, but not to Nazareth, which was strictly his own country. He went among the villages, but declined going to Nazareth for a reason. Jesus himself testified, who knew the temper of his countrymen, the hearts of all men, and the experiences of all prophets, and it is this, That a prophet has no honor in his own country. Prophets ought to have honor, because God has put honor upon them and we do or may receive benefit by them. The honor due to the Lord's prophets has very often been denied them, and contempt put upon them. This due honor is more frequently denied them in their own country. Men's pride and envy make them scorn to be instructed by those who once were their fellow co-workers.
Q 1. What is this about, what’s wrong with Nazareth?
Q 2. Can anything good come out of Nazareth?
Q 3. Did Jesus know that he would not be effective in Nazareth?
Q 4. Does Jesus know where he is not appreciated?
Q 5. Have you ever been in that position?
A warm welcome
John 4:44 When he arrived in Galilee, the Galileans welcomed him. They had seen all that he had done in Jerusalem at the Passover Festival, for they also had been there. 45 Once more he visited Cana in Galilee, where he had turned the water into wine. And there was a certain royal official whose son lay sick at Capernaum. 47 When this man heard that Jesus had arrived in Galilee from Judea, he went to him and begged him to come and heal his son, who was close to death.
We seek any possibility of aid when we are suffering, Jesus had just arrived, and the Galileans had welcomed him because they had heard of, or had witnessed his miracles. So the matter of his visit reached all ears and a royal official came to him with a request to come and heal his son. The mans request was an honest appeal to Jesus who can read all or any hearts desire. We do not get more desperate than when we have children in danger or near to death, we will do whatever it takes to help our children. Jesus no doubt saw this in the man and we see in the following
Q 1. Why did the people in The Galilee welcome him?
Q 2. He went into Cana, in Galilee, knowing that he would be welcomed there. Why?
Q 3. Why is the royal official seeking Jesus? Why not send a servant to fetch him?
Q 4. Might it be because he remembered Jesus’ act of turning water into wine?
Q 5. Did he have a need that Jesus could answer?
Q 6. So what is it that he is asking?
Q 7. And what was Jesus’ answer?
What Jesus means Pg2
John 4:48 Unless you people see signs and wonders," Jesus told him, "you will never believe." 49 The royal official said, "Sir, come down before my child dies." 50 "Go," Jesus replied, "your son will live." The man took Jesus at his word and departed.
Jesus does not tell this man that he had no faith, but that he had not enough. Although it was a general statement of the Jews of that day, describing the way their faith seemed to depend on actually seeing some sign or wondrous act which Jesus has accomplished in front of witnesses. If the official did not have faith of a sort, he would not have come from Capernaum to Cana, to beg him to heal his son. However he was like most of us even today, we expect Jesus to come to our aid and if he doesn’t then we are conflicted. If he had enough faith , he would have been contented with recommending his son to our Lord, without entreating him to go to Capernaum to heal him. It is not that he did not believe, it was just that at that time Jesus had performed real miracles and there were witnesses to it. This man probably thought it had to be done that way. Here we learn that our faith needs to be stronger, That we need not “Visit A Healer” to have access to what Jesus can do for us. He will do it “Long Distance” and without an intermediary.
Q 1. Do you see in Jesus’ answer as a hesitation to act ?
Q 2. Why did Jesus answer the way he did?
Q 3. And what was the response of the official ?
Q 4. Is this his second request?
Q 5. So is it a matter of how many times we make the request?
What Jesus did
John 4:51While he was still on the way, his servants met him with the news that his boy was living. 52 When he inquired as to the time when his son got better, they said to him, "Yesterday, at one in the afternoon, the fever left him."
Jesus had healed him even without knowing his name, what sort of person he was or even going to minister to him, he just did it. In many instances Jesus does his healing and we do not know it, We don’t even know when or how. Many times in our lives the providence of God is working even before we ask in prayer. Jesus knows our heart, knows our intention and can work his miracle in us and we not even know it. The Father had come to Jesus and Jesus had performed the work of healing and no others in the family nor even the servants who worked for the man knew how it took place, they only knew it had happened, and they rushed to tell the father the good news. Just as do we when the goodness of God works miracles in our lives we like to let it be known, we like to tell of it. We “Go tell it on the Mountain”
Q 1. That must have been very uplifting, what do you think?
Q 2. And what was the response of the official ?
Q 3. Why did he want to know the time?
Q 4. What effect does knowing what time it happened have on the matter?
Q 5. Do we like to have confirmation of what God is doing in our lives?
The Jesus effect Pg.3
Then the father realized that this was the exact time at which Jesus had said to him, "Your son will live." So he and his whole household believed. 54 This was the second sign Jesus performed after coming from Judea to Galilee
Once we realize that it is God who sustains us, and brings us through crisis after crisis it does make our faith stronger. But with some people it does not take a crisis, it just takes commitment and encouragement. Not all of us are the same in faith and belief. With some of us it might have taken somewhat longer to make the metamorphosis but we do not need a miracle to show us what God can do if we just trust his care for us. We owe our lives to Jesus Christ thorough whom all things come into being. Some of us by miraculous healing. Some of us just by the providence of God’s looking after us day by day, like a shepherd looks after his sheep. And all by the Grace of God. And that is what Jesus does for the Christian Believer.
What we believe
Rom 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
Rom 8:29 For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.
Rom 8:30 And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.
Rom 8:31 What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?
Rom 8:32 He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all--how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?
Rom 8:33 Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies.
There is no better or more loving relationship that human beings have to understand, than that of a parent and child relationship. However, once we realize that God Has a Son, and his Son is loved by him even more than you love your child, You will begin to understand that through the Grace of God he has Given Jesus’ life, and power, and privilege, so that he may own us as his children, you will then understand just how much Jesus loves you. He died for you. You are a Child Of God. He loves you ! He will heal you.
Q 1. Every Christian should already know this, but do we always act like it?
Q 2. Does it seem to you that when we are in crisis we get more of it?
Q 3. When it is shown that God has acted on our behalf, is our faith strengthened?
Q 4. Why did Jesus say what he did in vs. 48? (Go to the top of page 2)
Q 5. Does it seem to be that way to you? (Or do you just take him at his word)
Opening Prayer: Pg.4
Father God, we come to study about Your Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ whom we believe with all our heart is our Savior. We understand that there are people and places in this world where His presence is anticipated, and welcomed. Our study today takes us to one of those places. We ask that no word be spoken here tonight which might be contrary to your will and that each word be blessed with your approval, or it not be spoken. Bless those who are here tonight with the perfect understanding of those things which You would have us learn from this study. Bless our brothers and sisters in Christ who need your healing touch, give them reassurance that even though you are not present in body, you are most certainly with us in spirit. Offer them your healing Spirit as you truly are there with them. We ask this in the name of Jesus Amen
Our study today shows Jesus in a discourse with a very prominent man who beseeches Jesus to go with him to heal his dying son. Jesus is indeed our healer, he redeems, forgives, leads, and directs our lives if we but take the time to ask and believe that he can do as he says. All we need is to trust in him and do as he says. This man came to Jesus with an urgent need, Jesus answered his need and deepened his relationship with him. As a result the man’s son was healed and Jesus never even touched him, indeed never even saw him or even knew his name. Jesus can do miracles, we just need to trust him at his word.
Closing Prayer:
Father God, be with us now as we leave this place. May we carry with us your blessing as we continue in our efforts to live the life of a disciple of Jesus Christ. We pray for your continued watch over our loved ones and those among us who need your healing hand to touch them in their time of distress. Some are ill some are conflicted, all need your healing power. We pray now that we will have Your guidance as we continue in our day to day living. It is in Jesus name we pray, AMEN
Meditation:
In this Scripture, we glimpse how the encounter with Christ can strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith…and that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.” May that be our personal mission statement. God has plans for your life, and the lives of your loved ones. Our life is God’s gift to us, It may be filled with more hardships than we think we can possibly bear at times. That is when we rely on the faith we have gained in times of communion with Christ. God desires that we have a relationship with his Son, He desires for us to listen to him and learn from him, Our choice is to try to say “yes” not just when loving and trusting are easy, but even when it is very difficult and scary, and we desperately need him to respond. We are never alone. We are ever loved beyond all measure. But we need to be aware and certainly never underestimate what Jesus can do in our life if given an opportunity. He can do Miracles. The Lord will rescue his servants, become one of them.
Sunday, May 4, 2014
JESUS & SERENDIPITY
Isa 12:2 Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The LORD, the LORD himself, is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation." Isa 12:3 With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation. Isa 12:4 In that day you will say: "Give praise to the LORD, proclaim his name; make known among the nations what he has done, and proclaim that his name is exalted.
Jesus did not have to leave Judea, but knowing that the Jews in Judea were getting very jealous of him and knowing that he was gaining a reputation by spreading his ministry in that area, and realizing he could go to the Galilee and continue to spread his ministry even more. And safer.
Q 1.Is Jesus really worried about what the Pharisees think?
Q 2.All things work together for good…Do you consider it a good thing, Jesus relocating?
Q 3.Do you ever feel you should change the direction your life is taking?
Q 4.What motivates your spiritual life?
The Jews did not look forward to having any type of contact with any Samaritan. But there were times, of necessity that they might use their services or accept their goods. Usually in the business of commerce.
Jesus had to go through Samaria because His love and mission compelled Him to go. He did not skirt around to avoid encountering the disenfranchised, the outcasts, the broken, unwanted, and despised Samaritans. His encounter with this woman is enriched by his asking for a drink of water. It was not provocation, It was out of Love for humanity that Jesus even spoke to her.
Jesus will speak sometimes, we must always be aware.
Q 1. Can you recall relationships that have been served by chance encounters?
Q 2. What is different about this meeting, and the meeting Jesus had with Nicodemus last week?
Q 3. Was there something Jesus could do to make this woman’s life better?
Q 4. Is there something we can do to make someone else’s life better?
10 Jesus answered her, "If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water."
The Jews did not associate with the common citizen of Samaria thus this woman was both surprised and perhaps even offended that Jesus spoke to her. She answered perhaps mockingly, and she responded in the negative. Yet Jesus at that moment gives her his message of ministry. After only two sentences, he gives her an interesting challenge. We never know from which of our encounters with others will come the one with the blessings from God.
Q 1. What was Jesus reason for asking for water, He could have gotten a drink?
Q 2. What did the woman react to, and why?
Q 3. Why did Jesus answer her the way he did?
Q 4. Have you ever experienced a blessing coming to you from an unexpected source?
A serendipitous moment?
Pg.2
The obvious comment is made by the woman, she could see he had nothing to draw water yet he says he will give her living water. How? Is he someone special? Then Jesus answer is even more intriguing, water offering eternal life? She certainly wants that.
Q 1. Jesus had nothing to work with so how was he to do this living water thing?
Q 2. Do you think that she began to question his accuracy or validity?
Q 3. I think we know what Jesus meant, but does she understand ?
Q 4. Have you ever questioned The direction Jesus wants for you?
Q 5. What did Jesus want for this woman?
A typical response from the woman, A practical application of what Jesus has offered her. It will greatly aid her lifestyle making her life easier. Did she have a hard life? Then Jesus answer is strange, and provoking. Totally off the subject, He tells her to call her husband, this reveals her lifestyle, and Jesus comments about it. Does He really know all about her, husbands and all?. He knows about her sins. She then begins to realize he is special. How is that?
Q 1. Jesus answer about the water seemed to get her attention, could he help her?
Q 2. Jesus changes the subject. He brought up her personal failings, was that necessary?
Q 3. The woman realizes Jesus knows her and all about her. What does she do then?
Q 4. Jesus knows all about each of us, does that make you stop and think?
Q 1. What about Jesus made this woman even speak with him, wasn’t she beneath him?
Q 2. Jesus changes everything. We often underestimate what He will do, why is that the case?
Pg.3
Jesus begins to tell her the real truth of honest worship. She is not worshipping the true God. No false Gods, idols etc which the Samaritans all took part in. The salvation of her soul is from the Jews. God is spirit and must be worshipped in spirit and in truth. Then she speaks of what she believes to be the truth, That the Messiah is coming.
Q 1. Jesus speaks firmly, the truth of worship, what point is he making?
Q 2. He says that the Samaritans do not worship as they should. What does he mean?
Q 3. This is getting to be a religious philosophical discussion. Is it confusing to her??
Q 4. Are we willing to do this discussion with Jesus, examine our religious beliefs?
Q 5. Did she come to realize that Jesus was The Messiah?
Q 6. Do we act as if we realize that Jesus is The Messiah? Some do, some don’t, why?
Q 7. Here was Jesus, the Son of God, and the Author of her salvation, actually speaking to her, devoting time to her, giving her the realization of her salvation, what effect did it have?
42 They said to the woman, "We no longer believe just because of what you said; now we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this man really is the Savior of the world." The woman then became the first of what we would call a witness for Christ. She was the very first woman Evangelist. She begins to tell everyone she meets about him. She is so taken with him that her enthusiasm is contagious, and the whole town comes out to see him. No doubt with the question, who is this man? Can he actually be the Messiah?
Q 1. By asking for a drink of water from a common sinner, what has Jesus done?
Q 2. The woman is excited about Jesus and what response does that generate?
Q 3. Would one call that a proper response upon coming to know Jesus?
Q 4. She had to go and witness, had to agree with his intimate knowledge of her, Why?
Q 5. And so what is it the whole town is coming out to see?
Q 6. Are we too, destined to bring attention to Jesus by our testimony?
Opening Prayer:
Father God, we come to study about Your Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ whom we believe with all our heart is our Savior. We understand that there are people and places in this world where His presence is not anticipated, neither is it welcomed. Our study today takes us to one of those places. We ask that no word be spoken here tonight which might be contrary to your will and that each word be blessed with your approval, or it not be spoken. Bless those who are here tonight with the perfect understanding of those things which You would have us learn from this study. We ask this in the name of Jesus Amen
Our study today. Last week, we were introduced to Nicodemus who comes to Jesus by night with a single question. This weeks encounter with Jesus, the Samaritan woman at the well. The contrast between Nicodemus and the Samaritan woman is striking. She is a woman, she has no name, but she meets Jesus at noon, in full daylight. She was the first person to whom he revealed he was the Messiah. Jesus gives her the most profound discourse in Scripture on the subject of worship. That God is spirit and that worship is not an approach of the body to a church, or a thing or object but an approach of the soul to the spirit of God. In their spiritual conversation this stranger (Jesus) was to her, first simply "a Jew"…then "Sir"…then "a prophet." Finally she sees him for who he really is, The "Messiah. Like Nicodemus, she first interprets Jesus' words on a literal level, but she is able to ask for what Jesus has to offer rather than question the possibility, as Nicodemus did. She is not certain that Jesus is the Christ, but she does not let that stop her from leaving behind her water jar, going into the city, and inviting the people to their own encounter with Jesus. She demonstrates what can happen when we actually engage in conversation and questions about our faith. She becomes a witness for him, she became the first evangelist.
Closing Prayer:
Father God, be with us now as we leave this place. May we carry with us your blessing as we continue in our
efforts to live the life of a disciple of Jesus Christ. Grant to us your protection as we leave here and go with us as we travel. Bless the families represented here tonight. We pray for your continued watch over our loved ones and those among us who need your healing hand to touch them in their time of distress. Some are ill some are conflicted, all need your healing power. We pray that we will come to realize as the woman in our study did , that Your son Jesus is, our messiah, our counselor, our savior and our guide. And the only giver of that living water of eternal life. It is in Jesus name we pray, AMEN
Meditation:
We desire the life that is imaged by Living Water—we want to feel alive within ourselves—we want deep, fulfilling relationships; we want to be able to transcend our sometimes dreary day-to-day routines and discover beauty and grace, meaning and goodness. St. Augustine has said, “Our hearts are restless until they rest in Thee.” We know this about ourselves. It is the deep thirst each of us has—for a life of integrity and love. Our sins throw up impediments to those things. Without harsh accusation or disparagement, Jesus reveals the truth of our brokenness. Christ’s loving presence and his total acceptance of each of us has likely affected us more than we can realize in this life. The Samaritan woman came to this realization quickly. Ought we not also to do that?
In this Scripture, we glimpse how the encounter with Christ can set one’s life on fire. His spirit enlivens, gives one courage to face the truth of oneself and to reach out in love to others. It motivates, it fills, it nourishes. In his letter to the Ephesians, St Paul prays, “that God may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith…and that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.” May that be our personal mission statement. God has plans for your life. Your life is God’s gift to you, capable of being a participation in his own life and love. It may be filled with more hardships than you think you can possibly bear at times. That is when we rely on the faith we have gained in times of communion with Christ. God desires that his living water flood each of our lives and the entire universe, flowing in you and me, in us, through us and all around us. Our choice is to try to say “yes” not just when loving and trusting are easy, but even when it is very difficult and scary, even when we are in the painful process of being transformed and pruned by him. We are never alone. We are ever loved beyond all measure. But we need to be aware and certainly never underestimate what Jesus can do in our life if given an opportunity. He can do Miracles.
A chance encounter with Jesus! Pg.1
What motivated this chance encounter?
Joh 4:1 Now Jesus learned that the Pharisees had heard that he was gaining and baptizing more disciples than John-- 2 although in fact it was not Jesus who baptized, but his disciples. 3 So he left Judea and went back once more to Galilee.Jesus did not have to leave Judea, but knowing that the Jews in Judea were getting very jealous of him and knowing that he was gaining a reputation by spreading his ministry in that area, and realizing he could go to the Galilee and continue to spread his ministry even more. And safer.
Q 1.Is Jesus really worried about what the Pharisees think?
Q 2.All things work together for good…Do you consider it a good thing, Jesus relocating?
Q 3.Do you ever feel you should change the direction your life is taking?
Q 4.What motivates your spiritual life?
Why Did Jesus stop at this well?
Joh 4:4 Now he had to go through Samaria. 5 So he came to a town in Samaria called Sychar, near the plot of ground Jacob had given to his son Joseph. 6 Jacob's well was there, and Jesus, tired as he was from the journey, sat down by the well. It was about noon. 7 When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, "Will you give me a drink?" 8 (His disciples had gone into the town to buy food.)The Jews did not look forward to having any type of contact with any Samaritan. But there were times, of necessity that they might use their services or accept their goods. Usually in the business of commerce.
Jesus had to go through Samaria because His love and mission compelled Him to go. He did not skirt around to avoid encountering the disenfranchised, the outcasts, the broken, unwanted, and despised Samaritans. His encounter with this woman is enriched by his asking for a drink of water. It was not provocation, It was out of Love for humanity that Jesus even spoke to her.
Jesus will speak sometimes, we must always be aware.
Q 1. Can you recall relationships that have been served by chance encounters?
Q 2. What is different about this meeting, and the meeting Jesus had with Nicodemus last week?
Q 3. Was there something Jesus could do to make this woman’s life better?
Q 4. Is there something we can do to make someone else’s life better?
A serendipitous moment with Jesus?
John 4:9 The Samaritan woman said to him, "You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?" (For Jews do not associate with Samaritans.)10 Jesus answered her, "If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water."
The Jews did not associate with the common citizen of Samaria thus this woman was both surprised and perhaps even offended that Jesus spoke to her. She answered perhaps mockingly, and she responded in the negative. Yet Jesus at that moment gives her his message of ministry. After only two sentences, he gives her an interesting challenge. We never know from which of our encounters with others will come the one with the blessings from God.
Q 1. What was Jesus reason for asking for water, He could have gotten a drink?
Q 2. What did the woman react to, and why?
Q 3. Why did Jesus answer her the way he did?
Q 4. Have you ever experienced a blessing coming to you from an unexpected source?
A serendipitous moment?
Pg.2
Jesus answers questions
Joh 4:11 "Sir," the woman said, "you have nothing to draw with and the well is deep. Where can you get this living water? 12 Are you greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well and drank from it himself, as did also his sons and his livestock?" 13 Jesus answered, "Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, 14 but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life."The obvious comment is made by the woman, she could see he had nothing to draw water yet he says he will give her living water. How? Is he someone special? Then Jesus answer is even more intriguing, water offering eternal life? She certainly wants that.
Q 1. Jesus had nothing to work with so how was he to do this living water thing?
Q 2. Do you think that she began to question his accuracy or validity?
Q 3. I think we know what Jesus meant, but does she understand ?
Q 4. Have you ever questioned The direction Jesus wants for you?
Q 5. What did Jesus want for this woman?
What Jesus Knows
Joh 4:15 The woman said to him, "Sir, give me this water so that I won't get thirsty and have to keep coming here to draw water." 16 He told her, "Go, call your husband and come back. 17 "I have no husband," she replied. Jesus said to her, "You are right when you say you have no husband. 18 The fact is, you have had five husbands, and the man you now have is not your husband. What you have just said is quite true." 19 "Sir," the woman said, "I can see that you are a prophet. 20 Our ancestors worshiped on this mountain, but you Jews claim that the place where we must worship is in Jerusalem."A typical response from the woman, A practical application of what Jesus has offered her. It will greatly aid her lifestyle making her life easier. Did she have a hard life? Then Jesus answer is strange, and provoking. Totally off the subject, He tells her to call her husband, this reveals her lifestyle, and Jesus comments about it. Does He really know all about her, husbands and all?. He knows about her sins. She then begins to realize he is special. How is that?
Q 1. Jesus answer about the water seemed to get her attention, could he help her?
Q 2. Jesus changes the subject. He brought up her personal failings, was that necessary?
Q 3. The woman realizes Jesus knows her and all about her. What does she do then?
Q 4. Jesus knows all about each of us, does that make you stop and think?
The Jesus effect
Jesus is real, he actually does know everything about each of us, and what we need. If we would just let him, he would minister to our needs. So often, we are driven to fix it ourselves. Just as the woman when he spoke to her about the water of eternal life. She wanted it so that she could do it herself. If we just enter into dialog with him. He Speaks, we listen, and we become affected by his interest, as was this woman. Then as she did, we are compelled to let it be known. We then become his disciple.Q 1. What about Jesus made this woman even speak with him, wasn’t she beneath him?
Q 2. Jesus changes everything. We often underestimate what He will do, why is that the case?
Pg.3
What Jesus Reveals
Joh 4:21 "Woman," Jesus replied, "believe me, a time is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. 22 You Samaritans worship what you do not know; we worship what we do know, for salvation is from the Jews. 23 Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. 24 God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth." 25 The woman said, "I know that Messiah" (called Christ) "is coming. When he comes, he will explain everything to us." 26 Then Jesus declared, "I, the one speaking to you--I am he."Jesus begins to tell her the real truth of honest worship. She is not worshipping the true God. No false Gods, idols etc which the Samaritans all took part in. The salvation of her soul is from the Jews. God is spirit and must be worshipped in spirit and in truth. Then she speaks of what she believes to be the truth, That the Messiah is coming.
Q 1. Jesus speaks firmly, the truth of worship, what point is he making?
Q 2. He says that the Samaritans do not worship as they should. What does he mean?
Q 3. This is getting to be a religious philosophical discussion. Is it confusing to her??
Q 4. Are we willing to do this discussion with Jesus, examine our religious beliefs?
Q 5. Did she come to realize that Jesus was The Messiah?
Q 6. Do we act as if we realize that Jesus is The Messiah? Some do, some don’t, why?
Q 7. Here was Jesus, the Son of God, and the Author of her salvation, actually speaking to her, devoting time to her, giving her the realization of her salvation, what effect did it have?
Jesus Changes everything
Joh 4:27 Just then his disciples returned and were surprised to find him talking with a woman. But no one asked, "What do you want?" or "Why are you talking with her?" 28 Then, leaving her water jar, the woman went back to the town and said to the people, 29 "Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Messiah?" 30 They came out of the town and made their way toward him. Joh 4:40 So when the Samaritans came to him, they urged him to stay with them, and he stayed two days. 41 And because of his words many more became believers.42 They said to the woman, "We no longer believe just because of what you said; now we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this man really is the Savior of the world." The woman then became the first of what we would call a witness for Christ. She was the very first woman Evangelist. She begins to tell everyone she meets about him. She is so taken with him that her enthusiasm is contagious, and the whole town comes out to see him. No doubt with the question, who is this man? Can he actually be the Messiah?
Q 1. By asking for a drink of water from a common sinner, what has Jesus done?
Q 2. The woman is excited about Jesus and what response does that generate?
Q 3. Would one call that a proper response upon coming to know Jesus?
Q 4. She had to go and witness, had to agree with his intimate knowledge of her, Why?
Q 5. And so what is it the whole town is coming out to see?
Q 6. Are we too, destined to bring attention to Jesus by our testimony?
Opening Prayer:
Father God, we come to study about Your Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ whom we believe with all our heart is our Savior. We understand that there are people and places in this world where His presence is not anticipated, neither is it welcomed. Our study today takes us to one of those places. We ask that no word be spoken here tonight which might be contrary to your will and that each word be blessed with your approval, or it not be spoken. Bless those who are here tonight with the perfect understanding of those things which You would have us learn from this study. We ask this in the name of Jesus Amen
Our study today. Last week, we were introduced to Nicodemus who comes to Jesus by night with a single question. This weeks encounter with Jesus, the Samaritan woman at the well. The contrast between Nicodemus and the Samaritan woman is striking. She is a woman, she has no name, but she meets Jesus at noon, in full daylight. She was the first person to whom he revealed he was the Messiah. Jesus gives her the most profound discourse in Scripture on the subject of worship. That God is spirit and that worship is not an approach of the body to a church, or a thing or object but an approach of the soul to the spirit of God. In their spiritual conversation this stranger (Jesus) was to her, first simply "a Jew"…then "Sir"…then "a prophet." Finally she sees him for who he really is, The "Messiah. Like Nicodemus, she first interprets Jesus' words on a literal level, but she is able to ask for what Jesus has to offer rather than question the possibility, as Nicodemus did. She is not certain that Jesus is the Christ, but she does not let that stop her from leaving behind her water jar, going into the city, and inviting the people to their own encounter with Jesus. She demonstrates what can happen when we actually engage in conversation and questions about our faith. She becomes a witness for him, she became the first evangelist.
Closing Prayer:
Father God, be with us now as we leave this place. May we carry with us your blessing as we continue in our
efforts to live the life of a disciple of Jesus Christ. Grant to us your protection as we leave here and go with us as we travel. Bless the families represented here tonight. We pray for your continued watch over our loved ones and those among us who need your healing hand to touch them in their time of distress. Some are ill some are conflicted, all need your healing power. We pray that we will come to realize as the woman in our study did , that Your son Jesus is, our messiah, our counselor, our savior and our guide. And the only giver of that living water of eternal life. It is in Jesus name we pray, AMEN
Meditation:
We desire the life that is imaged by Living Water—we want to feel alive within ourselves—we want deep, fulfilling relationships; we want to be able to transcend our sometimes dreary day-to-day routines and discover beauty and grace, meaning and goodness. St. Augustine has said, “Our hearts are restless until they rest in Thee.” We know this about ourselves. It is the deep thirst each of us has—for a life of integrity and love. Our sins throw up impediments to those things. Without harsh accusation or disparagement, Jesus reveals the truth of our brokenness. Christ’s loving presence and his total acceptance of each of us has likely affected us more than we can realize in this life. The Samaritan woman came to this realization quickly. Ought we not also to do that?
In this Scripture, we glimpse how the encounter with Christ can set one’s life on fire. His spirit enlivens, gives one courage to face the truth of oneself and to reach out in love to others. It motivates, it fills, it nourishes. In his letter to the Ephesians, St Paul prays, “that God may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith…and that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.” May that be our personal mission statement. God has plans for your life. Your life is God’s gift to you, capable of being a participation in his own life and love. It may be filled with more hardships than you think you can possibly bear at times. That is when we rely on the faith we have gained in times of communion with Christ. God desires that his living water flood each of our lives and the entire universe, flowing in you and me, in us, through us and all around us. Our choice is to try to say “yes” not just when loving and trusting are easy, but even when it is very difficult and scary, even when we are in the painful process of being transformed and pruned by him. We are never alone. We are ever loved beyond all measure. But we need to be aware and certainly never underestimate what Jesus can do in our life if given an opportunity. He can do Miracles.
Friday, May 2, 2014
Prayer? why do that?
Question: "Why pray? What is the point of prayer when God knows the future and is already in control of everything. If we cannot change God's mind, why should we pray?"
Answer: For the Christian, praying is like breathing. It is easier to do it than to not do it. We pray for a variety of reasons. For one thing, prayer is a form of serving God (Luke 2:36-38) and obeying Him. We pray because God commands us to pray (Philippians 4:6-7). Prayer is exemplified for us by Christ and the early church (Mark 1:35; Acts 1:14; 2:42; 3:1; 4:23-31; 6:4; 13:1-3). If Jesus thought it was worthwhile to pray, we should also. If He needed to pray to remain in the Father’s will, how much more do we need to pray?
Another reason to pray is that God intends prayer to be the means of obtaining His solutions in a number of situations. We pray in preparation for major decisions (Luke 6:12-13); to overcome demonic barriers (Matthew 17:14-21); to gather workers for the spiritual harvest (Luke 10:2); to gain strength to overcome temptation (Matthew 26:41); and to obtain the means of strengthening others spiritually (Ephesians 6:18-19).
We come to God with our specific requests, and we have God's promise that our prayers are not in vain, even if we do not receive specifically what we asked for (Matthew 6:6; Romans 8:26-27). He has promised that when we ask for things that are in accordance with His will, He will give us what we ask for (1 John 5:14-15). Sometimes He delays His answers according to His wisdom and for our benefit. In these situations, we are to be diligent and persistent in prayer (Matthew 7:7; Luke 18:1-8). Prayer should not be seen as our means of getting God to do our will on earth, but rather as a means of getting God's will done on earth. God’s wisdom far exceeds our own.
For situations in which we do not know God's will specifically, prayer is a means of discerning His will. If the Syrian woman with the demon-influenced daughter had not prayed to Christ, her daughter would not have been made whole (Mark 7:26-30). If the blind man outside Jericho had not called out to Christ, he would have remained blind (Luke 18:35-43). God has said that we often go without because we do not ask (James 4:2). In one sense, prayer is like sharing the gospel with people. We do not know who will respond to the message of the gospel until we share it. In the same way, we will never see the results of answered prayer unless we pray.
A lack of prayer demonstrates a lack of faith and a lack of trust in God’s Word. We pray to demonstrate our faith in God, that He will do as He has promised in His Word and bless our lives abundantly more than we could ask or hope for (Ephesians 3:20). Prayer is our primary means of seeing God work in others' lives. Because it is our means of acknowledging and accepting God's power in our lives, it is our means of defeating Satan and his army that we are powerless to overcome by ourselves. Therefore, may God find us often before His throne, for we have a high priest in heaven who can identify with all that we go through (Hebrews 4:15-16). We have His promise that the fervent prayer of a righteous man accomplishes much (James 5:16-18). May God glorify His name in our lives as we believe in Him enough to come to Him often in prayer.
Answer: For the Christian, praying is like breathing. It is easier to do it than to not do it. We pray for a variety of reasons. For one thing, prayer is a form of serving God (Luke 2:36-38) and obeying Him. We pray because God commands us to pray (Philippians 4:6-7). Prayer is exemplified for us by Christ and the early church (Mark 1:35; Acts 1:14; 2:42; 3:1; 4:23-31; 6:4; 13:1-3). If Jesus thought it was worthwhile to pray, we should also. If He needed to pray to remain in the Father’s will, how much more do we need to pray?
Another reason to pray is that God intends prayer to be the means of obtaining His solutions in a number of situations. We pray in preparation for major decisions (Luke 6:12-13); to overcome demonic barriers (Matthew 17:14-21); to gather workers for the spiritual harvest (Luke 10:2); to gain strength to overcome temptation (Matthew 26:41); and to obtain the means of strengthening others spiritually (Ephesians 6:18-19).
We come to God with our specific requests, and we have God's promise that our prayers are not in vain, even if we do not receive specifically what we asked for (Matthew 6:6; Romans 8:26-27). He has promised that when we ask for things that are in accordance with His will, He will give us what we ask for (1 John 5:14-15). Sometimes He delays His answers according to His wisdom and for our benefit. In these situations, we are to be diligent and persistent in prayer (Matthew 7:7; Luke 18:1-8). Prayer should not be seen as our means of getting God to do our will on earth, but rather as a means of getting God's will done on earth. God’s wisdom far exceeds our own.
For situations in which we do not know God's will specifically, prayer is a means of discerning His will. If the Syrian woman with the demon-influenced daughter had not prayed to Christ, her daughter would not have been made whole (Mark 7:26-30). If the blind man outside Jericho had not called out to Christ, he would have remained blind (Luke 18:35-43). God has said that we often go without because we do not ask (James 4:2). In one sense, prayer is like sharing the gospel with people. We do not know who will respond to the message of the gospel until we share it. In the same way, we will never see the results of answered prayer unless we pray.
A lack of prayer demonstrates a lack of faith and a lack of trust in God’s Word. We pray to demonstrate our faith in God, that He will do as He has promised in His Word and bless our lives abundantly more than we could ask or hope for (Ephesians 3:20). Prayer is our primary means of seeing God work in others' lives. Because it is our means of acknowledging and accepting God's power in our lives, it is our means of defeating Satan and his army that we are powerless to overcome by ourselves. Therefore, may God find us often before His throne, for we have a high priest in heaven who can identify with all that we go through (Hebrews 4:15-16). We have His promise that the fervent prayer of a righteous man accomplishes much (James 5:16-18). May God glorify His name in our lives as we believe in Him enough to come to Him often in prayer.
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