Speaking the Word of Faith

SPEAKING THE WORD OF FAITH

Luke 7:1-10

Introduction: George Mueller was a great man of faith. He believed in the greatness of God and prayed accordingly. A Christian steamship captain, a contemporary of George Mueller, once told of an experience involving Mueller’s great faith. While sailing off the coast of Newfoundland in extremely heavy fog, Mueller came to him and said, “Captain, I need to tell you that I must be in Quebec on Saturday afternoon. “The captain told him that it was simply not possible, due to the weather conditions. Mueller said, “Very well, if your ship cannot take me, God will find some other way, for I have never missed an engagement in fifty-seven years.

            Let’s go down to the chartroom to pray. “Again, the captain protested, saying, “Mr. Mueller, do you realize how dense the fog is?” “No,” replied Mueller, “my eye is not on the dense fog but on the living God, who controls every circumstance of my life.” The captain then told how Mueller knelt down and prayed one of the simplest prayers he’d ever heard.

            When he finished, the captain himself started to pray. But to his surprise, Mueller put his hand on the captain’s shoulder and told him not to pray. “First,” he said, “you do not believe God will answer, and second, I believe He has. Consequently, there is no need whatsoever for you to pray about it. Captain, I have known my Lord for fifty-seven years, and there has never been even a single day that I have missed an appointment. Get up, Captain, and open the door, and you will see that the fog is gone. “The captain got up, opened the door, and sure enough, the fog was gone. And George Mueller made his appointment for Saturday afternoon in Quebec.”[1]

            Our society has been obsessed by the use of an ancient Greek word as a type of prefix. The Greek word is mega which means great. We believe the bigger the better. Think about it. We use mega a great deal. For example:  Mega-mall, Mega-Phone, Megabytes, Mega-size drinks, Mega Bucks, Megachurches etc. But the real deal is that we are to be people of mega-faith. We need people who will live out a lifestyle of mega-faith, and confidently speak the word of faith.  

            We have been on a journey to learn about faith by observing the lives of people in the Bible. The faith of four friends helped a paralytic to experience healing and salvation.  The desire of the disciples to grow in their faith taught us, that faith the size of a mustard seed can move mountains. We learned that Biblical faith comes by hearing the words of God. Last week we learned the importance of not remaining in our doubtful stage but to cry out to God to help us with our doubts. Today we will look into the story of a Roman Centurion and his faith. Luke 7:1-10. Let’s unpack this story verse by verse.

I. A Master’s concern for his servant (1-3)

            In the passage we read, Jesus confirmed what he had been teaching earlier on the Mountain by curing someone from a distance, that was the centurion’s servant. Jesus came down from the mountain and entered Capernaum. What do we know about Capernaum? It was an ancient fishing village on the north shore of the Sea of Galilee in northeastern Israel. Capernaum was one of the most prominent towns of Jesus’ life. It is mentioned 16 times in the Gospels and was the site for much of His teaching and many of His miracles. Matthew calls Capernaum Jesus’ “own city.”[2] It was Jesus’ ministry head quarter. We will pick up our story from here.

            Vs 2, “There a centurion’s servant, whom his master valued highly, was sick and about to die.” The context shows that this centurion or the captain of hundred men is a Gentile.

            We neither know his name, nor whether he worked for Herod Antipas the Tetrarch. However, the passage does reveal his nature, beliefs and the noble acts he did for the nation and the town of Capernaum. This man had a servant who was sick and at the verge of death. By his account we know that this servant has earned his master’s trust and was very valuable to him.        Vs3, “When the centurion heard about Jesus, he sent to him elders of the Jews, asking him to come and heal his servant.” The centurion had probably heard how Jesus had healed the son of his fellow-townsman in Galilee which is not too far from Capernaum. (John 4:46-54). He wanted to make an appeal to Jesus on behalf of his servant instead of going himself directly he sent some of the elders of the Jews to Christ, to represent the case, and solicit for him. Why?

            He may have thought he was an uncircumcised Gentile, and Christ, being a prophet, would not care for conversing with him let alone come into his house. For that reason, he sent Jews, not ordinary Jews but elders of the Jews, persons in authority. This tells us the measure of respect this man had in the community, that the Jewish elders would be willing to plead his case.     Observe the way the elders were recommending the centurion to Jesus. Vs 4, “When they came to Jesus, they pleaded earnestly with him, “This man deserves to have you do this, because he loves our nation and has built our synagogue.” Firstly, “This man deserves to have you do this.” Can you understand the implications of that statement?  In those days, it was rather unusual for the Jews to relate with, and speak highly of uncircumcised Gentiles.

            Secondly, they said, “he loves our nation,” which few of the Gentile did. Probably he had read the Old Testament, learned about how certain kings were kind and favorable towards those they conquered, and vice-versa certain Jews appreciated God fearing gentiles. Thirdly, they said, “he has built our synagogue.” Some Gentiles like this centurion became sponsors of local synagogues. The ruins of Capernaum show the ruins of a synagogue.

            It was a beautiful structure, built of white limestone. It shows by its architectural features that it was built in the time of the Herods. The centurion may have had his share in building it. After that heavy recommendation Jesus decided to visit the centurion’s home.

II. The Humility & Faith of the Centurion: (6-8)

            Quite a few centurions were mentioned in the N.T, all of their characteristics are to be admired. (Matt 27:54, Acts 10:2; 23:17-18; 27:43) This centurion is one among them. His By reading his responses and faith declaration we can conclude that God may have been working on this man for quite some time prior to his encounter with Jesus.  When Jesus was not too far from the house, the centurion sends his friends to spare him the trouble of coming to his house.    Vs 6-7, “Lord, don’t trouble yourself, for I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. That is why I did not even consider myself worthy to come to you.” This shows his humility. Vs 7b-8, “But say the word, and my servant will be healed. For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and that one, ‘Come,’ and he comes. I say to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.”

           

            By addressing Jesus, as “Lord,” he acknowledged the authority of Jesus. And the statement, “But say the word, and my servant will be healed,” tells us that the centurion knew how the power and authority of the words of the Roman lords works. Whatever they say and want will be done. In line of that tradition he approached Jesus with confidence.

            He believed in his heart that Jesus can do any and everything. He recognized the power in the words of Jesus so he said just say the word and that will be sufficient. Notice what he said about his servant’s healing. There is no ambiguity, and no going back and forth. He didn’t say he may be healed, or someday he will be healed, but he said emphatically, “he will be healed.”  That is called speaking the word of faith. That is exercising his absolute confidence in Jesus.

            Vs 9, “When Jesus heard this, he was amazed at him, and turning to the crowd following him, he said, “I tell you, I have not found such great faith even in Israel.” Pay attention to the word “amazed or marveled.”! It is amazing to note that, Jesus expressed amazement only twice in the Newt Testament. Here in this passage because of the faith of an uncircumcised Gentile. The second time because of the lack of faith of many, including his followers in his hometown. (Mark 6:6) The centurion has earned a honorable badge saying, “he was a man of great faith.”

            Why did Jesus turned to the crowd and made this bold declaration? So that they will take note of the great examples of faith, especially from those who do not necessarily follow him. Believe me, at times the unbelievers whom we call, “non-Christians or the heathen” seem to exhibit more faith in God, than the so-called church going Christians. Let’s not pride in ourselves being Christians and look down upon those who have not yet become the followers of Christ.  You will never know on whose heart the Holy Spirit is tugging and drawing them to the truth.

            As Jesus himself acknowledged, John 6:44 “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them, and I will raise them up at the last day.” Saving people is the work of the Holy Spirit. Our job is to pray for the salvation of the unsaved and try our best to live out a lifestyle of faith in our great God. What made this centurion to stand apart from the rest? What brought healing to his servant? Was it his knowledge of scriptures, or all his good works?

III. SPEAKING THE WORD OF FAITH.

            The centurion’s faithful servant was healed, instantly without Jesus visiting his home and laying his hands on him, because his master dared to believe in the power of the words of Jesus and exercised his faith by speaking the word of faith. Remember he said, “Just say the word and my servant will be healed.” This is the difference between those who keep begging God to do a miracle and those who believe in the power of Christ and confidently speak the word of faith.

            The big take away from this story is not how much you know of the bible, but whether or not you are exercising faith by taking steps according to His Word. God is not impressed by people who only simply believe in Him but by those but those who tenaciously hold on to his word and confidently speak the word of faith. These are the ones who will earn a badge of “Great men and Women of Faith. God is pleased by such faith and is not ashamed to be called their God. We find many such examples in Hebrews chapter eleven. They encourage us to speak the word of faith in our own struggles and trails. How do we do it practically?

            Romans 10:8-10, “But what does it say? “The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart… If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.”

            This confession of faith gets you on a journey of faith, on this journey you may face opposition, hard times, and challenging situations. What gets you through those times? When you face sickness, speak the words of faith, “By his wounds I am healed.” Isa 53:5. When you face opposition speak, “If God is for me who can be against me.” Romans 8:31.

            If you are afraid, speak, “I am not afraid for I have been redeemed. God knows my name. I am his property. When I pass through the rivers I will not be drowned, when I walk through the fire I will not be burned, because He is with me” Isaiah 43:1-2. If we have faith the size of a mustard seed we can speak to the mountains to move (difficulties in our lives). Are you facing mountains? What is stopping you from exercising your faith? Trust in the Lord. Do not be afraid to speak the word of faith. God will move those mountains from your path. So, what are you waiting for? The word of God is near you, it is in your mouth. Don’t hesitate, believe in the power of Christ, take a confident step and speak the word of faith. Amen!

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[1] L.B. Cowman, Streams in The Desert, edited by James Reimann, published by Zondervan Publishing House, Grand Rapids, Michigan; pgs. 314 & 315

https://biblescienceguy.wordpress.com/2012/11/28/24-hike-the-bible-miracles-at-capernaum/[2]

Help Me With My Doubts

Help Me with My Doubts!

Mark 9:14-29 

           The amazing story of Charles Blondin, a famous French tightrope walker, is a wonderful illustration of what true faith is. Blondin's greatest fame came on September 14, 1860, when he walked across the mighty Niagara Falls. People from both Canada and America came from miles away to see this great feat. He walked across, 160 feet above the falls, several times... each time with a different daring feat - once in a sack, on stilts, on a bicycle, in the dark, and blindfolded. One time he even carried a stove and cooked an omelet in the middle of the rope!

            A large crowd gathered and the buzz of excitement ran along both sides of the river bank. The crowds went wild as Blondin carefully walked across - one dangerous step after another - pushing a wheelbarrow holding a sack of potatoes. Then at one point, he asked for the participation of a volunteer. Upon reaching the other side, the crowd's applause was louder than the roar of the falls! Blondin suddenly stopped and addressed his audience:

            "Do you believe I can carry a person across in this wheelbarrow?" The crowd enthusiastically yelled, "Yes! You are the greatest tightrope walker in the world. We believe! “Okay," said Blondin, "Who wants to get into the wheelbarrow.” The crowds went silent! no one dared to step in that wheel barrow at that time![1] So, Blondin turned to his manager Harry Colcord.  “Harry, do you believe I can carry you across?”  “Yes”, said Harry, “I know you can.”  “Then climb on!”  And Harry became the only man who was ever carried across the raging Niagara Falls by his friend since he was the only man with real faith in Blondin.

            This unique story illustrates a real-life picture of what faith actually is. The crowd watched these daring feats. They said they believed. But... their actions proved they truly did not believe but were imprisoned to their doubts and fears. Similarly, we say we believe in God, come to church regularly, hear faith building stories and messages. However, when it comes to entrusting all of our life into the hands of Jesus Christ, and believe that he can forgive, heal, and provide for our needs we get paralyzed by our doubts.

            Today we will look at a story where Jesus once again proved that nothing is impossible for him, while harshly rebuking the unbelieving crowds and helping a desperate father who was plagued with his own doubts. Mark 9:14-29. Here is the background of this story. In the first twelve verses of chapter nine, Mark records one of the most spectacular events in the gospels, the transfiguration of Jesus on a mountain. For the very first time Jesus’ three closest disciples witnessed the transformation of Jesus and his conversation with Moses and Elijah. They heard the affirming voice of God the father that said, “This is my son, the one I love. Listen to him!

            Peter thought of capturing this rare event, suggested to build three shelters one for Jesus, one for Moses and Elijah. But Jesus knew his mission was not yet accomplished so he instructed them not tell this event to anyone until he has been raised from the dead. Then four of them made their way down to the other nine disciples. There they saw a large crowd, and legal experts arguing with the disciples. Jesus asked, what’s all this fuss about? Let’s pick our story from here.

I “O, Unbelieving Generation!”

            Vs, 17-19, “A man out of the crowd answered, “Teacher, I brought my mute son, made speechless by a demon, to you. Whenever it seizes him, it throws him to the ground. He foams at the mouth, grinds his teeth, and goes stiff as a board. I told your disciples, hoping they could deliver him, but they couldn’t.” The answer of this father evoked a sharp response from Jesus.    Jesus replied, “O, unbelieving generation, “how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy to me.”

            The word “generation” indicates that Jesus ‘exasperation was not merely with the father of the boy, or the nine disciples but also with the unbelieving scribes, who were no doubt gloating over the disciple’s failure.

            We see here Jesus’ frustration with people who in spite of seeing many miracles remained unbelieving. At one-point Jesus denounced his home town Capernaum for their refusal to believe him as the messiah. Matthew 11:23, “And you, Capernaum, will you be exalted to heaven? You will be brought down to Hades. For if the mighty works done in you had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. But I tell you that it will be more tolerable on the day of judgment for the land of Sodom than for you.” This scripture indicates that Jesus was particularly upset about the hardness and the unbelieving heart of the people of his own home town where he performed a great deal of miracles. Let’s translate this into our context.

            What would Jesus think and say about our generation? What would he say about Christians everywhere who in spite of seeing Christ’s power remain doubtful? What would he say about the members of Hope Church who even after seeing God’s intervention, provision, restoration and healing yet refuse to surrender their lives to the Lordship of Jesus?  Hope none of us are included in that harsh rebuke of Jesus that is aimed at unbelieving people.

II. THE POWER OF THE EVIL SPIRITS.

            Though the crowds, the teachers of the law, the father of the boy and his own disciples have failed to see and recognize the power and the authority of Jesus, but the evil spirit knew who Jesus really was. During Jesus’ ministry the evil spirits recognized Jesus from a distance. Remember on one occasion a demon actually spoke through a man?

            Mark 1:24, “What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God.” I John 3:8, “The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil.” Yes, when Jesus died on the cross and rose again he has defeated Satan and put a dent into his works on the earth. One day he will completely and permanently destroy Satan and all his followers forever. For more on this matter read my sermon series on “The Lord’s Prayer.”

            In the passage we read, a father brings his son who was being tormented by an evil spirit from childhood. This particular evil spirit was powerful, violent and a dangerous one. It made this boy mute. Besides that, the evil spirit would throw him in to the fire and water with an intention to destroy him. When the boy was brought before Jesus the real confrontation begins. When the evil spirit saw Jesus, it immediately threw the boy into convulsion, and he fell on the ground and rolled about, foaming at the mouth.” Listen to the tone of the father.

III A HELPLESS FATHER.

            Vs 18, “So I asked your disciples to cast it out, and they were not able.” The disciples’ failure to cast this particular evil spirit is surprising, in light of the power granted them by Jesus earlier. Mk 3:14-15, “And he appointed twelve (whom he also named apostles) so that they might be with him and he might send them out to preach 15 and have authority to cast out demons.” Mk 6:13, “And they cast out many demons and anointed with oil many who were sick and healed them.” Yet on this occasion, they could not cast out this particular demon why?

            The following sentence explains the desperate nature of the situation and the helplessness of a father. The father said to Jesus, “if you can do anything, have compassion on us and help us.” Listen to this interesting back and forth conversation between a helpless father and Jesus.

IV. HELP ME WITH MY DOUBTS

            One could only Imagine what this poor father must have been going through. The father’s statement explains the gravity of the situation. The demon has caused much harm to the boy. He may have been disfigured from burn scars, and possibly further ostracized because of them. His situation also created a hardship for his family, who would have to watch the boy constantly protect him from harm. They have tried everything to find relief from this situation, including brining the boy to the disciples and asking them to heal him, but his disciples couldn’t help.

            So, out of such desperation the father said, “if you could do anything, have compassion on us and help us.” Apparently, this father had given up all hope. The issue here however is not whether Jesus can heal this boy but it is does the father believe that he can. It is not about Jesus’ lack of power, but it is about the lack of faith of the father. Though Jesus often healed apart from the faith of those involved in this particular situation, he chose to emphasize the power of faith.

            Jesus said, If you can! All things are possible for one who believes.” In other words, if you can believe I can heal your son then you will see a miracle. Immediately the father cried out, “I believe, help my unbelief.” In the Message, it reads, “Then I believe. Help me with my doubts!” The father here represents a much bigger and wider problem of unbelief. 

            As we look through the pages of the Bible many struggled with unbelief. God had to rebuke the nation of Israel for their lack of faith in Him in spite of all the great wonders He had performed. It was the same situation during Jesus’ time, the crowds and the disciples had a hard time believing in Jesus, and a similar pattern seems to continue even today. Who among us never had any doubts about God, Jesus, salvation and about what he says about life and the life to come claims of the Bible? We all did, and we may continue to struggle with doubts from time to time. If you are struggling with doubts right now, you are not alone, welcome to the club.

            In the story the father on one hand believed, but on the other hand recognized his own unbelieving heart, so he cried out saying, “Help me with my doubts.” I think it is a good prayer to pray. Jesus responded to that prayer and rebuked the evil spirit to leave that boy and never to enter him ever again. The evil spirit came out after violently convulsing the boy, and the boy looked like as though he was dead. Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him to his feet, and he stood up. When he came into the house the disciples asked him a question that had been bothering them since the beginning of this encounter. Why couldn’t we drive it out?  Jesus replied, this kind can come out only by prayer and fasting.

            He said this to emphasize the fact that certain confrontations from the evil spirits require persistent prayer coupled with fasting, as he himself fasted for 40 days and prayed when he faced Satan in the wilderness. Similarly, certain difficult situations and problems we encounter in our own lives require persistent prayer and fasting before we can see a break through. Let me conclude this message with the following statements: There is nothing impossible for God, He can do all things. If only we believe we will see the glory of God.

            The evil spirits are powerful but remember Jesus who lives in our hearts is greater than all the power of the evil spirits put together. Are you facing a desperate situation? Are your feeling helpless? Bring it to Jesus, let him handle it, ask him for his mercy and compassion. Are you plagued with doubts? It is OK to have doubts, but do not remain in your doubts, exercise your faith, cry out to Jesus, “Lord help me with my doubts” It is a powerful prayer, repeat it as often as you need it, and you will see Jesus delivering you from the evil one. Amen!

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[1] http://www.inspire21.com/stories/faithstories/CharlesBlondin

Growing In Your Faith

GROWING IN YOUR FAITH

Faith Builders Series Luke 17:1-6, 7/15/2018

           It was 1985, for the very first time in my life I left my small hometown where I and went to a big city called Madras, in India to do a Discipleship Training School with YWAM. Away from my Mom and Dad, everything was new and strange. In the first week of my training, on a Saturday some one told me that I got mail. I picked my mail and opened the envelop and to my surprise I found a 100 rupees bill equivalent of two US dollars and a note which read, “Francis we love you, trust God for your all your needs and finances.”

            It was simple yet powerful. For the first time someone told me that I could actually trust God for money. Up until that time I always looked to my Mom and Dad for all my financial needs just like any son who grows up in the east would do. But from now on my heavenly father is calling me to trust him for all my needs including finances. That was the beginning of my journey of faith. Along the way I have learned a lot of lessons of faith and I am still learning.

            Last week we have learned in the story of the healing of a paralytic man that Jesus was impressed by the simple faith that was in the eyes of the paralytic and his four friends. Seeing their faith Jesus said, Son your sins are forgiven pick up your matt and go home.

            It was faith in Jesus that brought about the greatest miracle of all, which is the salvation of that man’s soul along with it also physical healing to his paralyzed body. Today, we will look at some questions pertaining to FAITH. What is faith? Where does faith come from? What does the Bible say about faith? How can we grow in faith? Luke 17: 1-6.

            A man slipped and fell of a cliff while hiking on a mountaintop. Luckily, he was able to grab a branch on his way down. Holding on for dear life, he looked down only to see a rock valley some fifteen hundred foot below.

            When he looked up it was twenty feet to the cliff where he had fallen from. Panicked, he yelled, “Help! Help! Is anybody up there? A booming voice spoke up. “I am her, and I will save if you believe in me.” The young man said, who are you? The voice said, “I am God.” The young man yelled, I believe; I believe! Then the voice said, “if you believe me, let go of the branch and then I will save you.” The young man hearing what the voice said, looked down again. Seeing the rock valley below, he quickly looked up and shouted, “Is there anybody else up there!” Really! Who else will be up there other than God; If God can’t save us who will?

            When it comes to understanding faith, no one can better explain it other than our Lord Jesus Christ. It was said of him in Hebrews 12:2-3 “looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.”

            Someone said, “Life is a never-ending struggle. But to give up, to give into helplessness or resignation or paralysis, is to die when we are still alive. And who wants to do that?”[1] If we don’t want to grow weary in our struggles we are to look to the founder and perfecter of our faith. Rightly, so in the passage we read the disciples came to Jesus and said, “Increase our Faith.” The came to the right person with a right question but with a wrong perception.

            Somehow, they thought that Jesus can increase their faith. Jesus was not at all impressed with their request of him to increase their faith. He was indignant that, in spite of seeing all the miracles he performed they failed to recognize Him as God and believe in Him that he was indeed the messiah of the world. So, Jesus, taught them this basic principle of Faith.

I WHAT IS FAITH?

            According to a dictionary definition, faith is “complete trust or confidence in someone or something. It is belief, confidence, conviction; and optimism. A strong belief in God or in the doctrines of a religion, church, sect, denomination, ideology etc. What is biblical faith then?          First, let’s look at what biblical faith is not. It is not some wishful thinking. By definition wishful thinking is, “when the desire for something to be true is used in place of/or as evidence for the truthfulness of the claim” For example, if say, “I know in my heart of hearts that our home basketball team Celtics will win the NBA championship this year.” The truth of the matter is, No! I don’t know, what is my heart of hearts anyway? This is classic wishful thinking. I just wanted my home team to win so I make it sound like it is true and it is going to happen for sure. 

            Biblical faith is not presumption. Presumption means jumping to conclusions. It is taking something for granted, an idea, an answer, an event without having any real knowledge about it, and that is usually not a good thing. For instance, we can presume on God’s protection. We know that scripture says in Psalm 91:11, “For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.” Based on this scripture thinking that nothing will happen to me even if I jump from the top of a ten-story building, probably that is not a good idea, the law of gravity will prevail

            Biblical faith is not a man made “name it and claim it gospel.” Another name for this gospel is, “health and wealth” or prosperity gospel. Unfortunately, these days many gospel preachers are twisting the truth of the gospel for their own financial gain and deceiving many Bible believing Christians. They are preaching a gospel of wealth, health and prosperity, in contrary to what Christ has taught us pertaining to such matters. Therefore, it is imperative for Christians to know what the Bible says faith is, and how it works in our day to day life.

II. WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY ABOUT FAITH?

            A clear definition of biblical faith is found in Hebrews eleventh chapter. Which can be called, “the Hall of fame of faith.” It lists the names of the heroes and heroines of faith. The bible defines faith as, the substance, or the base of all of life. Hebrews 11:1-2 “Now faith is the assurance (substance) of things hoped (expected) for, the conviction (evidence) of things not seen. For by it the men of old gained approval (obtained a good testimony).”

            Life is full of hopes. What is hope? It is a feeling of expectation and desire for a certain thing to happen. For example, high school seniors hope to get to finish their school and get into a first-class college. Once they graduated they hope that they will land into a job that pays six figured salary. In the mean time they hope to meet and marry their perfect dream girl or a boy.         Once they are married they hope to have ten children, buy nice home, and peruse the all-American dream. But what is the substance for their hopes? What is the evidence of the things they haven’t yet seen but they hope and wish that they would happen?  It is having faith in God.

            Biblical Faith is the vehicle that will carry our hopes and dreams into the presence of the almighty God who loves us and wants the best for our lives, which may vary from person to person. Biblical Faith is not about what we can make it happen, but it is about resting and relying the assurance of God’s promises. It is not putting our trust in things but in the person of Jesus Christ. The Apostle Paul encourages Corinthian believers to put their faith in Jesus Christ alone.

            II Cor 1:18-20, “As surely as God is faithful, our word to you has not been Yes and No. For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, whom we proclaimed among you, Silvanus and Timothy and I, was not Yes and No, but in him it is always Yes. For all the promises of God find their Yes in him. That is why it is through him that we utter our Amen to God for his glory.”

           

III. WHERE DOES BIBLICAL FAITH COME FROM?

            Faith always begins with, sustained by and ends in God. God is the one who gives us faith. It is a free gift to all those who belong to him. If you are a born-again Christian, you have already been given a measure of faith. In other words, you don’t have to look elsewhere, or ask God for faith, it has already been given to you and it is in you. Consider these scriptures:

            Romans 12:3, “For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned.” This scripture says that no one has more faith than the others in the body of Christ. It is the spiritual gift the Holy Spirit gives each believer. We all have been given the same measure of faith, how much faith is it?  Jesus quantified faith that each of us were given by answering the request of the disciples, “Increase our faith.”

IV. GROWING IN YOUR FAITH:

            Vs 5-6, “The apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith!” And the Lord said, “If you had faith like a grain of mustard seed, you could say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you.” In another parable Jesus compared the kingdom of God to “a mustard seed, Matthew 13:31-32 “The kingdom of heaven is like a grain of mustard seed that a man took and sowed in his field. It is the smallest of all seeds, but when it has grown it is larger than all the garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches.” In both these incidents Jesus used the analogy of a muster seed to explain how faith grows and the kingdom of God operates. Have you ever seen a mustard seed?

            Those coming from the east would know what I am talking about. It is very common in Indian cooking to use mustard seed as garnishing in curries. It is a tiny seed. In the region of Israel there are three species of the mustard plants were common.

            One of them is the black mustard, Sinapsis nigra, is specifically singled out and cultivated as a condiment. Each of these species produces an extremely small seed, and all of them in favorable soil conditions and climate grow to an impressive size. While four feet tall is an average maximum height, noted examples of the Sinapis nigra have been in the range of ten to fifteen feet in height.”[2] What is the meaning of the mustard seed analogy?

            God has given each of us faith the size of a mustard seed to begin with. When we take that seed of faith into our hearts and let it grow through continual exercise and application in time our faith will become like a tree of blessing to many. Where does such faith come from?

            In Romans10:17 we read, “So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” In another farm parable Jesus compared God’s word to the seed. (Luke 8:11) The key to growing in faith is taking God’s word, believing it with all our heart and appropriating for our difficult situations and circumstances.  Let me share a few faith builders. Are struggling with finances, don’t know where the money will come from to pay your bills and debts.?

            Philippians 4:19, “And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” In my life I have seen God come through over and over and provided for my needs. Are you anxious and fearful about your present and the unknown future? I Peter 5:7, “casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.” Are you searching for a Job?

            Psalm 37:5, “Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act.” Are you lonely and discouraged? Hebrews 13:5 “I will never leave you nor forsake you?” I can go on and on with scriptures, but it won’t do any good unless you believe in them and take those small steps of obedience then you will see your faith grow. Like with everything else in life, Faith starts small and grows big in time. May the Lord help us all to take those small steps of Faith today. Amen!

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[1] Naomi Levy, “Hope will Find You.” Page XI Preface

[2] https://bibleistrue.com/qna/pqna59.htm

The Greatest Miracle

THE GREATEST MIRACLE

MARK 2:1-12 

       I was at a protest rally against immigrant children being separated from their parents. In that rally several people spoke against the administration’s policies. Some, from faith communities, including certain pastors attributed the quick reversal of a policy decision to, “public pressure” They incited the crowd to step up the protest and increase the pressure on the government. When my turn came to speak, I spoke from the Bible how God wants us to love our neighbors as ourselves and how we have been praying for God’s intervention in keeping the families together in our church. I encouraged the crowd it is OK to put pressure on the elected officials to do the right thing but in the end, it is God, who will intervene through our prayers.

            Afterwards I wondered, how many in the crowd actually paid attention to my appeal for prayer? On another occasion one of the survivors of a shooting, sarcastically dismissed the prayers of people saying, “we don’t need prayers, we need more than prayers” Yes, I understand the frustration! But when and why did we ever come to think that praying to God is useless, we got to take things into our own hands, solve problems that have national ramifications ourselves?

            We are surrounded by people who have no confidence in God, instead, only having confidence in themselves and in the power of pressure and protest to get things done. Under such circumstances how can we Christians who are called to be the salt of the earth, and the light of the world hold onto our fundamental faith in Jesus our God? Does God really care what happens in the world or has He abandoned us and is he letting us fend for ourselves? Is having faith in God really working, in this 21^st century? How can we cultivate, grow and pass on our faith to the next generation?? To find answers to some of these questions, I want us to turn to a very familiar story of faith, “The Greatest Miracle.” Mark 2:1-12.

BACKGROUND: The Gospel according to Mark was written by John Mark who travelled with the Apostle Paul and Barnabas on their first missionary Journey (Acts 12:25), but Mark turned back. For this reason, Paul refused to consider taking him along on the second missionary journey.  Paul and Barnabas had strong opposite feelings about the matter, they decided to go different directions. Paul went with Silas and Barnabas with Mark. However, much later, Paul felt differently about Mark (II Tim 4:11). If it wasn’t for Barnabas, we wouldn’t have this gospel.

            The book of Mark is the shortest of the four Gospels. However, he gave more vivid details in his brief account. The Gospel of Mark emphasizes the superhuman power of Jesus. Christ is presented as God’s Son in action, demonstrating his divinity by His miracles. Mark tells of what Jesus did and less of what Jesus said. It is like watching a Hollywood motion picture. The author rushes from one dynamic scene to the next. He uses the word, “immediately” about 40 times to make the transitions. Mark is one of my favorite gospels as I am visually stimulated.

            The gospel of Mark contains a number of faith building stories. I encourage you to go home grab a cup of coffee, gather your young children around if they are still with you and read them these stories. Among all the miracles of Jesus, one of the better known is the healing of a paralytic... it is found in all three synoptic gospels - Mt 9:1-8; Mk 2:1-12; Lk 5:17-26. This story is well known to the little children, and since I’m a child, I have known this story. Let’s dig in and see what principles of faith we can learn from this story.

I. THE HEALER IS IN TOWN. (Vs 1-2)

            Vs 1-2, “And when he returned to Capernaum after some days, it was reported that he was at home. And many were gathered together, so that there was no more room, not even at the door. And he was preaching the word to them.”

            Just imagine you were living in one of the mountain valleys of America 100 years ago, to which no physician has ever come and in which the people have never heard of modern medicine. Think of every family being troubled with running sores, boils, smallpox, chicken pox and other incurable diseases. There was not one hospital or a place to treat these patients.  Think of how the good news of a new healer would race through that American valley town.

            Perhaps, such was the context or even worse when Mark penned these words, Mark 1:28, “And at once his fame spread everywhere throughout all the surrounding region of Galilee.” The travelling healer, Jesus has been back to Capernaum his home town. The news of this new healer who has been healing all kinds of deceases spread like a wild fire through out the town.

            In a matter of time a large crowd inundated the house where Jesus was staying, this was likely Peter’s home. Jesus began to preach the word to them. The good news of the gospel, that salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, for the forgiveness of sins.  People were intently listening to the words of Jesus, then something unusual happened.

II. FAITHFUL FRIENDS

            In that town there was a paralytic man, he must have been in that condition for a long time. Paralysis was and is a crippling disease. In those days if you were a paralytic you would quickly become a social outcast. Everyone, including your family members may reject you to your face. Fortunately, this paralytic man had four faithful friends who stood with him through thick and thin. They heard about this new healer who could heal any decease. They thought about the helpless and hopeless condition of their good friend. So, they came up with an idea. Unlike our times, they couldn’t call for an ambulance, they themselves carried their paralytic friend on an improvised stretcher to the place where Jesus was staying.

            As they neared the house their hopes might have been dashed, there were crowds of people everywhere, even blocking the door way to the house. But they were determined, they were not going to give up, because they knew if somehow, they could get him to Jesus, he would do something to heal their friend. So, they climbed the roof. Most homes in Israel had flat roofs. And there was usually an external stairway that extended to the roof.

            The paralytic friends took him up to the top of such a house and dug out the top coat of clay, removing several of the slabs, until they made enough room to lower him down into Jesus’ presence. Think of this for a moment. Do you have faithful friends? Will they sacrifice anything for your sake? It is hard to make friends in this digital, distracted and highly individualistic society. Pray and work at developing friendships, which takes time. But it is worth a lot.

III THE GREATEST MIRACLE

            Vs 4-7, “and then lowered the mat the man was lying on. 5 When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralyzed man, “Son, your sins are forgiven.” 6 Now some teachers of the law were sitting there, thinking to themselves, 7 “Why does this fellow talk like that? He’s blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?” You can well imagine this whole incident must have rattled the crowds, disturbed and challenged the thinking of the teachers of the law.

            As the matt was being lowered with the man laying on it only one person was not disturbed, instead he was pleased to see their faith. He responded compassionately and graciously with these words to the paralyzed man, “Son, your sins are forgiven.” Frank Voila in his book “Insurgence” captures beautifully the emotion of this moment between Jesus and the paralytic man. Let me read it to you, “Having descended into His living room from the roof, you find yourself at His feet. As you look up at Jesus with both trepidation and hope, you see Him marveling at you, and He is amazed by the faith of your friends.

            He lovingly looks into your eyes and says to you, “Son.” Son! That’s a word you’ve not heard in years. Not since your parents abandoned you. Tears well up in your eyes. Jesus then says, “Your sins have been forgiven.”[1] Many Jews in that day believed that all disease and affliction was a direct result of one’s sins. This paralytic may have believed that as well, hence he would have welcomed forgiveness of his sins before healing. But not the teachers of the law.         They thought this was blasphemy, only God could forgive sins, no man has the power to do so. Jesus knowing what they were thinking challenges them with a question, “Which is easier: to say to this paralyzed man, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up, take your mat and walk’? But I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.”

            The Greek verb for, “your sins are forgiven” refers to sending or driving away. Psalm 103:12, “as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.” Jeremiah 31:34, “For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.” Micah 7:19, “You will again have compassion on us; you will tread our sins underfoot and hurl all our iniquities into the depths of the sea.” 

            That is what Jesus did to this paralytic man, when he said your sins are forgiven, he dismissed the man’s sin, and freed him up from the guilt and shame of it and healed him of his crippling disease and sent him home a joyful and restored man. That is the greatest miracle of all. Jesus can heal any and every sickness, but above all he came to take away the sin of mankind which is the root cause of all our aches, pains and suffering in this world. Are you experiencing any pain or suffering in your life this morning? The wounded healer is right here. He knows what you are going through. He is loving and compassionate. Reach out to him by faith and hear him say to you, my son and my daughter your sins are forgiven, go home rejoicing. Amen!

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[1] Frank Voila, Insurgence page 61

Light Up Your World

LIGHT UP YOUR WORLD

Matthew 5:13-17 

Introduction: During our childhood in India, my brother and I spent most of elementary school years at my grandmother’s house in a village. In that village electricity was only afforded by wealthy people. There was no electricity in their house. One of my chores was to clean the glass of a kerosene lantern, trim the wick, fill it with kerosene and light it by dusk each day. Once I lit the lantern and placed it on a high stool, though it was small the whole house used to be filled with light. In that light now, we could carry out our other activities for the night.

            When you live in darkness, you not only have no ray of light, you don’t even know where your home is or where you are going. That is the way it is for the majority in the world. People would be happy if their dark nights are lit up with light. But there is another darkness that is much thicker, and more pervasive, who can turn that darkness into light?

            A little boy forgot his lines in a Sunday School presentation. His mother was in the front row to prompt him. She gestured and formed the words silently with her lips, but it did not help. Her son’s memory was blank. Finally, she leaned forward and whispered the cue, "I am the light of the world." The child beamed and with great feeling and a loud clear voice said, "My mother is the light of the world!" Jesus is the "Light of the world," but He certainly uses Christian mothers and fathers and children to let His light shine in this dark world.

            Last week we looked into one of the most powerful metaphors that Jesus used to describe the purpose and the scope of his disciples when he said, “You are the Salt of the Earth.” Today we will look at another powerful metaphor, that is, “You are the Light of the World.” We will learn what it means to be the light in a world, which seems to love darkness and have an aversion for light. “Light Up Your World.” Matthew 5:13-17

I. UNDERSTANDING DARKNESS

            When I talk about darkness, I am not talking about the darkness we experience every night as a result of the absence of physical light. I am talking about a powerful kingdom of darkness where Satan and his evil forces reign and rule. It is a pervasive spiritual darkness that remains the hearts of unsaved people until it is expelled by the light of the Gospel. As it has been the case with all of us before we accepted the gift of salvation. Consider the following scriptures:

            Genesis 6:5, “The Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.” Jeremiah 17:9, “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it? This was the accurate description of the human heart after the fall. It has only become more corrupt in our times.

            In the N.T Paul while writing to the Romans describes how people behave when their hearts and minds are darkened by the evil one. Romans 1:21-32, “For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened.” He goes on to explain the acts of darkness.

            Vs 28-31 “They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, maliciousness. They are gossips, slanderers, haters of God, insolent, haughty, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, foolish, faithless, heartless, ruthless. Though they know God's righteous decree that those who practice such things deserve to die, they not only do them but give approval to those who practice them.” That is the bad news, but the good news is true light is shining in the darkness.

II.  TRUE LIGHT SHINES IN THE DARKNESS

            John 1:3-10. “All things were made through him, and without him was not anything made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men.

            The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it…The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him.” Thank God, that true light Jesus Christ, came into our hearts dispelling the darkness. The apostle Paul calls this, “A kingdom transfer.” Colossians 1:13-14, “He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

            For me this transfer took place when I was seventeen, in 1982. I am sure many of you can recall your time of that transfer. What does this mean for us today? It means that once we were in the Kingdom of darkness, chained and ruled by a cruel and merciless master, but Jesus has delivered us from the clutches of our enemy, and gave us a new identity in His kingdom of light.

III. YOU ARE THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD

            Matthew 5:14-16, “You’re the light of the world! A city can’t be hidden if it’s on top of a hill. People don’t light a lamp and put it under a becket; they put it on a lampstand. Then it gives light to everybody in the house. That’s how you must shine your light in front of people! They will see the wonderful things you do, and they’ll give glory to your father in heaven.” (TKNT)     When Jesus made these statements, he was referring to a prophecy about Israel. Isaiah 42:6, “I am the Lord; I have called you in righteousness; I will take you by the hand and keep you; I will give you as a covenant for the people, a light for the nations,”

            For all intended purposes the nation of Israel was to be a covenant for the people and a light for the nations. History tells us how they have failed in their mission. But God was going to fulfill it. Isaiah 49:6, we read, “He says: “It is too light a thing that you should be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob and to bring back the preserved of Israel; I will make you as a light for the nations, that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth.”

            In this passage the servant is referred to Jesus Christ. Jesus himself fulfilled the mission of the Lord’s servant to be “a light for the Gentiles,” Now he was commanding his disciples to be the light to the nations. In order to explain how practically it works Jesus uses two metaphors. First, “A city on a Hill”: Many of the cities of Judea were placed on the summits or sides of mountains and could be seen from afar. Perhaps Jesus pointed to such a city and told his disciples that they were placed like a city on a hill. All their actions were observed by the world.           Similarly, if we claim ourselves to be Christians, then everything we do or don’t do is scrutinized by the world. By our actions we can either bring glory to God or disgrace to his name. Let’s be mindful that our actions speak louder than our words. In a highly polarized, secularized and politically charged world, the actions of God’s children or lack thereof matter. Therefore, let us act wisely, maturely, graciously and responsibly.

            Second, “Lamp on a stand”:  In Jesus’ day people used small clay lamps that burned olive oil drawn up by a wick, and that lamp would be put on a lampstand to give light to the whole house. Similarly, Jesus wanted his disciples not to hide selfishly the light they received from Him for themselves only, instead they were to let their light shine in public so that people living in darkness may come to know the true light, which gives them life, life in abundance. Then he went on to say how they could practically let their light shine in the darkness.

IV. LIGHT UP YOUR WORLD.

            Vs 16, “That’s how you must shine your light in front of people! They will see the wonderful things you do, and they’ll give glory to your father in heaven.” Shining our light in front of people doesn’t mean to preach at them saying how wrong and sinful everyone is. It doesn’t mean to protest or even lead a rebellion to dethrone a corrupt government.

            Jesus the true light of the world is our prime example when it comes to letting our light shine in front of people. We are not the true light but only the reflectors of the true light. As the reflectors how are we to reflect the light of Christ practically in this dark world? The following illustration of a lighthouse better explains the importance of Christians in a dark world. “There is a mere strip of sand called Castle Island near the eastern end of the Bahamas.

            As tiny and isolated as it is, Castle Island became prominent because of the lighthouse. One day, a young man was sailing in the area. He anchored his sailboat off of the lighthouse and swam to shore to exercise his legs on the beach. The lighthouse keeper, Cedric Hanna, was surprised and delighted to have company; he invited the young man to join him for some fresh-caught lobster and a tour of the lighthouse. The young man climbed the winding staircase to the lantern room at the top of the stairs; and, he was astonished at the size of the light that signaled safe passage through the maze of large fish, rocks and bars! The light was a tiny kerosene flame - barely bright enough to read by - yet, with the aid of mirrors and reflectors, it was visible twenty-five (25) miles out to sea.

            What if our light is a very dim one? What if our good works are few and small? Just like in the story our little light is magnified in the immense mirror of Almighty God’s Love! The story of Castle Island reminds each and every one of us that even the most insignificant action or deed on our part - such as giving up our place in the grocery store check-out line to a mother with a fretful baby. Or a short two-line note in a neighbor’s mailbox - or, helping the elderly neighbor with mowing the lawn or with a grocery trip to the store, or dropping a meal to a family that is hurting, even such faint candles as these, can be multiplied by Almighty God to shine like beacons in a dark world! Are you hiding the light or letting to shine to the world?

            At her work Wilma was chatting with a person with an anxiety disorder, this person told her “my Church had a picnic last week.” Did you go? Wilma asked. His answer; “I would never go to something like that.” For heaven’s sake those of us who are called to be the light of the world, let us be on the lookout for people on the peripheries of our lives.

            Let’s do everything possible to welcome, invite, and include those who for whatever reason feel like they don’t belong. Someone said, “Life is like an Ocean.” People out there are navigating the hard currents of life. Their lives are tossed by the waves and storms. Who can guide them safely to the shore? Only Jesus the true lighthouse through us mere reflectors. My prayer is that we Christians will let our little lamps shine through practical ways. So, that many will come to know the true light of the world! Let’s go, and light up our world. Amen!