Thursday, December 13, 2018

The God of Miracles. People who Doubt.

Psalm 77:14 (TLB)
14 You are the God of miracles and wonders! You still demonstrate your awesome power.


God still does Miracles today!


Mark 9:16-24 n (NIV)
16 “What are you arguing with them about?” he asked.
17 A man in the crowd answered, “Teacher, I brought you my son, who is possessed by a spirit that has robbed him of speech. 18 Whenever it seizes him, it throws him to the ground. He foams at the mouth, gnashes his teeth and becomes rigid. I asked your disciples to drive out the spirit, but they could not.”
19 You unbelieving generation,” Jesus replied, “how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy to me.”
20 So they brought him. When the spirit saw Jesus, it immediately threw the boy into a convulsion. He fell to the ground and rolled around, foaming at the mouth.
21 Jesus asked the boy’s father, “How long has he been like this?”
“From childhood,” he answered. 22 “It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.”
23 “‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.”
24 Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!”


What Causes Doubt?


1. We believe like those around us. 


Mark 9:19 A  (NIV)
19 “You unbelieving generation,” 


2 Corinthians 6:14A (NIV)
14 Do not be yoked together with unbelievers.


Some people have a problem for every solution.  Be careful who you hang out with.  Choose your close friends carefully!



2. We've tried things that didn't work.



Mark 9:17-18  (NIV)
17 A man in the crowd answered, “Teacher, I brought you my son, who is possessed by a spirit that has robbed him of speech. 18 Whenever it seizes him, it throws him to the ground. He foams at the mouth, gnashes his teeth and becomes rigid. I asked your disciples to drive out the spirit, but they could not.”


3. We believe, sort of.


Mark 9:24  (NIV)
24 Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!”


James 1:6-8  (NIV)
But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord.Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.


Faith that Honors God


1.  Faith believes when it doesn't see.  


Hebrews 11:1  (NET Bible)
Now faith is being sure of what we hope for, being convinced of what we do not see. 

Matthew 9:28  (NET Bible)
28 When he went into the house, the blind men came to him. Jesus said to them, “Do you believe that I am able to do this?” They said to him, “Yes, Lord.”


Know that God is at work in your life even if you can't see it!


2.  Faith persists when nothing changes.


Colossians 4:2  (GNT)
Be persistent in prayer, and keep alert as you pray, giving thanks to God.


3. Faith works when it doesn't make sense.


James 2:22 (GNT)
22 Can't you see? His faith and his actions worked together; his faith was made perfect through his actions.


Faith believes God can, but trusts Him even if He doesn't.


Jimmy Bowers, Church of the Highlands
https://www.churchofthehighlands.com/media/message/faith-that-honors-god

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