Help my unbelief

Text: Matthew 17:14-21

It’s amazing how selective we can be when it comes to what we believe in God’s words and believe about God.

Chronic spirit of psychological torment

Duration of this psychological torment

This trouble with his son has gone on for a long time. This son is not a boy anymore, he’s a young man at least.

Parents probably tried many things.

Dreading the next attack and exhausted from seeking remedies.

Destructive nature of this psychological torment

The young man is suicidal. He keeps trying to burn himself and drown himself.

The world may diagnose him as depressed, manic, suicidal.

Devils love the destruction of the flesh for no other purpose than the destruction of the flesh. I say this to make a distinction from the destruction of the flesh as a Christian to die daily for the purpose of serving God, versus the destruction of the flesh for the mere sake of the destruction of the flesh.

Devils’ diet is death, fear, pain, and torment in a human body. (1 Corinthians 5, Turn him over to Satan for the destruction of the flesh. Then the devil argued about the dead body of Moses.)

Deaf and Dumb characteristics of this psychological torment

In Mark 9:17 you learn the unclean spirit is dumb meaning it doesn’t speak. So further diagnosis might be that he’s autistic. He doesn’t communicate.

Then when Jesus casts the spirit out in Mark 9:25, He says it is deaf as well as dumb. That can be very frustrating to family and friends trying to communicate because people think they’re being ignored when they’re talking to someone who can’t hear. They’re not being ignored; the person can’t hear them.

A devil is the source of this psychological torment

Lunatick is the dad’s word for his son, meaning he is mentally ill.

The LORD identifies it as a devil.

There are physical problems that the LORD addressed in people but this is not one of them. This is psychological torment.

Things characterized as psychological torment like suicidal thoughts, or depressions, or paralyzing fears, the Bible calls that an evil spirit or an unclean spirit.

Deliverance from this psychological torment

By Christ a devil possessed man goes from mentally tormented to clothed, seated, and in his right mind (Mark 5:15)

Sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7), Renew your mind (Romans 12:3), We have the mind of Christ (1 Corinthians 2:16), Let this mind be in you (Philippians 2:5), Be not soon shaken in mind (2 Thessalonians 2:2), Sober minded (Titus 2:6), Gird the loins of your mind (1 Peter 1:13), Armed with the mind of Christ (1 Peter 4:1), Ready mind (1 Peter 5:2)

So you may not have access to a glorified body, but you do have access to a glorified mind.

HELP MY UNBELIEF

Christ’s frustration with the faithless

Frustrated with the dad in verse 17

Frustrated with the disciples in verse 20

Yet again I’m convicted when I read the scriptures. These disciples have given up their lives to follow the LORD, yet the LORD is frustrated with their lack of faith?! How unconvinced He must be of what we call faith!

Frustrated with the damage unbelief causes people

Unbelief is perversion in verse 17.

Unbelief is powerless Christianity in verses 19-20.

Powerless to speak when you need to speak about the LORD.

Powerless to be kind when you should be kind.

Powerless to give when you could be generous.

Powerless to help when you should be able to help.

Powerless to control your mouth.

Powerless to control your spirit and your temper.

HELP MY UNBELIEF

Next time you’re tempted you ought to remember how frustrated God is with unbelief.

The world has a certain glory. It is temporary. It is filled with fighting and discontent. It is mingled with pain and fear. Ecclesiastes is a great account of the world’s glory.

Romans 8:18-21 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. 19 For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God. 20 For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope, 21 Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.

Isaiah 11

Isaiah 65:17—no regrets

New Jerusalem – Revelation 21:11-27

21:16—Size 12,000 furlongs (furlong = 1/8 mile) = 1500 miles length, width, height

21:18,21—Foundation of gold, streets of gold with gemstone garnishes inlaid in the foundations with the apostles names (Ephesians 2:19-20—pyramid)

21:17—the wall is about 250 feet high

21:21—pearly gates (diameter 30+ feet, maybe as tall as the wall?)

Largest pearl on earth found is 9.5 inches long, oblong shaped, weighs 14 lbs and worth $40M ($500/grain)

Minimum 30 ft diameter, 445 tons (at this size, one pearl would pay back the entire U.S. national debt)

Many Mansions—John 14:2-3

But all of this property is vanity if there are still graveyards, hospitals, and covetousness. BUT, the greatest news of all is in Revelation 21:4-5—no tears, sin, death…

A plea for God’s return

God abandons His house

This song begins with the sad state of God’s inheritance. The LORD has abandoned His house and the consequences are deadly.

How long? Will God’s jealousy burn like fire? A few times in history it has.

Under Nebuchadnezzar

Under Titus, 40 years after Jesus Christ’s ministry. In 70 AD Emperor Titus came to Jerusalem and burned the temple down completely. As those Jews that watched from outside the city, their tear stained faces reflecting the amber glow of flames. And to think, this isn’t the work of Titus or the Roman army, this is the jealousy of God destroying His own house because it is uninhabitable.

Hell and then the Lake of Fire is God’s fiery jealousy for creatures that turned from Him.

Sin caused God to leave

Someone would only leave their home if it’s become uninhabitable. Hoarding, filth, things aren’t working properly, these are all reasons a place becomes unlivable.

Verses 8-9

Isaiah 59:2 But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.

Christians are the temple of God and here is the application to Christians: Romans 8:9-13, 1 Corinthians 3:16-17

House cleaning is in order-

John 2:13-17 And the Jews’ passover was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem, 14 And found in the temple those that sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the changers of money sitting: 15 And when he had made a scourge of small cords, he drove them all out of the temple, and the sheep, and the oxen; and poured out the changers’ money, and overthrew the tables; 16 And said unto them that sold doves, Take these things hence; make not my Father’s house an house of merchandise. 17 And his disciples remembered that it was written, The zeal of thine house hath eaten me up.

The basis for God to return

God’s house (vs 1)

Strangers are in your home LORD. They are unwanted tenants. LORD, please evict them from your house because your house is our house.

God’s people (vss 2-5)

God’s reputation (vss 6-10)

Plea for God’s mercy because there is nothing this soul can do to eliminate a sinful past. I can’t change what I’ve done, I can only ask that the LORD not hold it against me. This man’s nation, Israel, is at the mercy of God.

God’s avenging (vss 11-13)

How many times have your prayers had this motivation? We’re motivated by our pain, loss, troubles, and cares. But how often are your prayers motivated by the same things god is motivated by?

This truly is prayer in Jesus name. John 14:13-14, 15:16.

Jesus Christ’s priesthood

Melchizedek’s priesthood shares several characteristics with Jesus Christ’s priesthood. So you’ll see the phrase after the order of Melchizedek to describe Jesus Christ’s priesthood in Psalms and in Hebrews. Here is what Jesus Christ’s priesthood looks like in Melchizedek.

Priest whose name means righteousness

Melchizedek’s name means King of righteousness in Hebrews 7:2. His name is righteousness.

Jeremiah 23:6 In his days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely: and this is his name whereby he shall be called, THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS.

Again in Jeremiah 33:16

Royal priesthood

Melchizedek’s office is King of Salem (Jerusalem) which means king of peace (shalom) in Hebrews 7:2. His kingdom is peace.

Isaiah 9:7 Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.

Romans 14:17 For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.

1 Peter 2:9-11

Perfect priesthood

Priest of God by choice

Melchizedek doesn’t come from any pedigree of priests so he is a Priest of the most high God by an oath.

The Levitical priesthood was limited to the Jews and specifically those who were born from Levi. Levites were the sons responsible for priesthood. They had no choice in the matter.

Melchisedec was not from a priestly lineage.  He had no father or mother that was a priest.  There was no tracing his family to any priesthood.

No priestly heritage – Hebrews 7:3 …without father, without mother, without descent…

Jesus Christ is not from a priestly family (Hebrews 7:14), He would be a priest because of an oath – Hebrews 7:19-22. The Levitical priesthood was determined by the first birth, a carnal requirement, must be from the tribe of Levi. However Christ’s priesthood was by choice, as was Melchizedek’s.

Philippians 2:7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:

The perfection in Christ’s priesthood was that it was by choice, not by first birth according to Hebrews 7:11, 19.

Eternal priesthood

In the Levitical setup a priest would minister from 30-50 years old.

Melchisedec was not limited to any age. (Hebrews 7:15-16)

..having neither beginning of days nor end of life: but made like unto the Son of God; abideth a priest continually.

Jesus Christ’s priesthood is eternal according to Hebrews 7:23-28.

Text: 1 Samuel 18

David has defeated Goliath to the shock of everyone. David is quickly becoming a hero in Israel. David becomes:

the covenant friend to Jonathan,

the chosen hero to Israel,

but the chief threat to Saul.

Saul is the king of Israel. Saul wouldn’t fight. Saul has never been spiritual. Saul has never obeyed God. And now that David’s fame is growing, Saul is stewing in his own selfishness. While David is endearing himself to the nation because he stood for the LORD, he has also made an enemy for life in Saul. Saul is possessed by the devil. He will try to kill David multiple times either openly or through behind the scenes dealings. Saul will:

Eye David

Envy David

Endanger David

Entice David

Exploit David

Entrap David

But this phrase shows up four times as the theme of this chapter: David behaved himself wisely (vss 5, 14, 15, and 30). Now, if God says something one time, we ought to pay attention and heed His word, but if He emphasizes something again and again, we really ought to pay attention to what He has said.

David’s work (vss 1-11)

David’s wise behavior attracts good men (vss 1-4)

David handled his duties with diligence (vs 5)

His readiness – David went out whithersoever Saul sent him. David was a young man who had already enjoyed much success in the Lord. At this stage in his life he had been anointed king by the prophet Samuel. He had already stood before the giant Goliath and emerged victorious. It would have been easy to have grown complacent and arrogant after such success. Many would have reached the point where they felt certain tasks were beneath them.  David developed an attitude of readiness. He was prepared and willing to do whatever was expected of him.

His responsibilities – Saul set him over the men of war. David’s faith is translated into his work ethic. David gets things done. Truly, Christians ought to be the best employees there are.

His reputation – he was accepted in the sight of all the people, and also in the sight of Saul’s servants. As David behaved himself wisely he earned the respect of the people of Israel and even the servants of Saul. Let no man despise thy youth is what Paul said to Timothy. Give people a reason to respect you, not a reason to criticize you. Give people a reason to praise God instead of criticize the God you say you’re saved by.

David handled God’s will with patience (vss 10-11)

David handles Saul’s violence with faith. This is one of the most fascinating aspects of David’s character. He handles reproach and shame very skillfully.

Later in life he will restrain his men from killing a man who cusses him out.

Later in life he will attend and honor his enemies in their deaths.

Later in life his heart will be broken when he gets a little aggressive with Saul.

Ultimately, David handles God’s will with patience.

David’s attitude (vss 12-27)

In verse 14 the LORD’s testimony of David is that he was wise in all his ways.

David handled fame with meekness (vss 12-16)

His coming and going from the palace to the people was humble and lowly (vss 12-16).

David embodied the meek in spirit, the poor in spirit.

David handled deceit with charity (vss 17-21)

Saul cheats David in marriage. Saul lies about who David will be married to.

But David doesn’t flinch. He finds a reason to be grateful. And it’s not something he just does so he’s not miserable. He is genuinely thankful to God.

David handled entrapment by going the extra mile (vss 22-27)

Saul tries to get David killed by suggesting that he kill 100 Philistines within a certain time frame in place of a dowry.

David does twice as much for king Saul. 

Significant men

Moses and Elijah’s comparable ministries

Moses and Elijah are two significant men. Their list of wonders, miracles, leadership, influence, and prayer lives is next to none. Not to mention their apparent future ministries in Jacob’s trouble.

Both men called on God to change the weather.

Both men called fire down from heaven.

Both men had miraculous ministries.

Both men fasted for 40 days; not because they set out to do so, they were just too busy serving the LORD to eat.

Taken by the LORD in the same place

Moses dies on this mountain outside Jericho that overlooks the entire promised land. Look at Deuteronomy 34:1-5. This is where Moses was allowed to see the promised land, but not allowed to go in.

Elijah is taken up from this mountain. Look at 2 Kings 2:1-11.

It looks like this is the same place this transfiguration happens.

Moses and Elijah’s connection to Christ

None of these incredible events are why Moses and Elijah were there with the LORD Jesus Christ on the mount of transfiguration.

The connection is both men accompany the coming of Christ, the Son of the living God, in some way. In fact, these men accompany both the first coming and return of the LORD Jesus Christ.

Guess which man – Moses or Elijah – represents Christ’s ministry as prophet of God?

Moses is the prophet in Israel whose redemptive ministry was forged in face to face fellowship with the LORD.

Look at Deuteronomy 18:15-19.

Deuteronomy 34:10 And there arose not a prophet since in Israel like unto Moses, whom the LORD knew face to face,

Elijah is the man that prepares the way of the LORD by bringing the nation to a point of decision.

Look at Malachi 4:5-6. As Moses’ ministry of redemption, so Elijah’s ministry is of restoration.

Look at Matthew 17:10-13. John the Baptist’s ministry served the same purpose that Elijah’s did.

Suffering of the Messiah

The conversation these men are having is about Jesus Christ’s eminent suffering according to Luke 9:30-31.

Matthew records five times the LORD Jesus Christ told the disciples that He would die and rise again.

Matthew 12:39-40 Three days and three nights in the earth

Matthew 16:21 suffering, death, and resurrection

Matthew 17:12 Christ will suffer

Matthew 17:22-23 suffering, death, and resurrection

Matthew 20:17-19 suffering, death, and resurrection

The suffering of the LORD Jesus Christ seemed to be a blindspot for many. Even after the LORD explained it plainly to the disciples they would still not get it.

Isaiah 53 prophesied it. The Ethiopian man in Acts 8 had a question about it.

Perhaps even Moses and Elijah weren’t clear on it. I don’t know.

The last half of Matthew 16 is dedicated to the truth of suffering preceding glory.

Philippians 2:4-13

Son is magnified

The last point is this. Jesus told his disciples there would be some there who would see the glory of God’s kingdom before they died. And that’s why this weird event called the transfiguration happens. Look at Mark 9:1-2. When the LORD says some disciples will see this glory shortly, it apparently takes them a week to get to this place where Moses and Elijah were taken by God. Seeing as that’s where they probably are when this happens.

God the Father speaks on a rare occasion here and His message is, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.

That means there is one mediator between God and man, the man Christ Jesus.

That means the law given to Moses is not a way to get to the Father. It served other purposes, but God the Father’s instruction to man is listen to my only begotten Son.

A psalm to give instruction

Text: Psalm 78

The purpose is stated in the first seven verses. Purpose of this psalm is to prevent future generations from acting like previous generations toward God. Asaph sings about the mighty works the LORD did in Israel before bringing David to the throne. But after each wondrous work the children of Israel forgot God. This song contains mighty works of the LORD punctuated by men forgetting the LORD.

The song is like a celebration for David’s ascension to the throne and a warning to future generations particularly of David’s descendants. This song records the transition of God’s presence from Shiloh in Ephraim to Jerusalem in Judah. Why did the LORD do this? The song tells you why. Ephraim was the son of Joseph. It was Joseph who was thrust into leadership because he followed the LORD. Joshua was from the tribe of Ephraim and Joshua was the one that led Israel into the promised land. But once in the promised land Ephraim became full of wickedness. When you get to 1 Samuel the ark of God is in Shiloh which is in Ephraim. Samuel is from Ephraim. But there is no man in Ephraim that possesses the leadership qualities God is looking for. Look at verses 9, 59, 65-70. David is chosen by God because he is a man after God’s own heart.

Look at verse 41. You believe God is all powerful. There are doctrines of God in theological classes about the omnipotence of God meaning He is all powerful. He is in control of everything. But verses like this say the opposite. It says God was limited. Which makes much more sense considering the world we live in. If the LORD was in control of everything there would be no hatred, murder, theft, bitterness, abortions, crooked politicians, and everyone would be saved. The LORD didn’t make anyone come to church tonight. You came because you chose to. 

The psalmist uses words like they tempted God, they provoked God, they flattered God, and they accused God. We’re going to look at the things that limited the LORD according to this song. The issue over and over is a lack of belief evidenced by a failure to remember and keep God’s law. Notice verses 22, 32, 57 that characterize Israel as unbelieving and unfaithful.

Ephraim refused to contend for the faith (vss 8-11)

They’re equipped. They have an inheritance. But they’re going to let sin run rampant in the inheritance.

Jude 1:3 Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.

Failed to believe God’s provision (vss 17-19, 21-22)

Grieve not the Holy Spirit of God. Quench not the Spirit.

Faithless in light of the LORD’S wondrous works (vs 32)

Flattered God (vss 36-37)

Turned back, provoked, grieved God (vss 40-42)

Brought in idols (vss 56-58)

At the end of Judges it was an Ephrathite named Micah who hired a Levite to make idols for him.

The LORD is looking for someone to represent His leadership on the earth. And when He finds that soul, He takes them from what they’re doing, and raises them up into a position of greater influence (vss 70-72).

Seeing Christ in Abram

Text: Genesis 14

Remember when Lot and Abram show up in the Bible together, Lot is a type of the nation of Israel and Abram is a type of Christ. In this chapter, Lot’s association with Sodom and Gomorrah gets him in trouble and he becomes a prisoner of war until Abram rescues him. The next time Lot’s association with Sodom and Gomorrah gets him in trouble it will cost him everything. And once again it will only be because of Abraham that Lot survives the judgment. This is Lot’s first rescue by Abram.

Time of war and lust – James 4:1-4

Lot’s treasure is in the wrong place – Genesis 14:12

Abram as a type of Christ

Abram loves Lot even though his bad decisions have cost him – Genesis 14:14

Abram and his household are already prepared for deliverance – Genesis 14:14

Abram comes as a thief in the night – Genesis 14:15

Abram’s victory completely restores what was lost in war – Genesis 14:16

Abram’s victory celebrated by Melchizedek – priest of the Most High God – Genesis 14:18

Abram makes an offering to the Most High God – Genesis 14:20

Abram rejects the king of Sodom’s offer – Genesis 14:22-24. Just like the devil to exchange goods for souls in verse 21.

This chapter has to be one of the most well known stories in all the world. This battle is probably the most famous battle in all of human history. It’s been used as a metaphor for little guy versus big guy, but that is not what this battle proved. David was not superior in any way to Goliath. It wasn’t little versus big, it was the Spirit versus the flesh. David’s heart was right with God and he trusted God while the giant openly defied God. The account proves that a man or woman whose heart is right with God will seek to glorify God, and to magnify the name of the LORD publicly. And to that end, the LORD will use that man or woman mightily as God defends His name.

The whole chapter is summed up in verses 45-47. There are three things in these verses that make this confrontation between David and Goliath what it is.

The first is that God’s battle is spiritual warfare. Yes, David physically killed the giant, but that part wasn’t the hard part. It was literally over in minutes and only one man’s blood was spilled. It was all of David’s spiritual accomplishments leading up to that moment that provided opportunity for the death of the giant and casting off the reproach against God’s people.

The second part of this is the battle is much bigger than David or Goliath. As David says in verse 46, that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel. This battle is for the glory of God; it will strike fear in the enemies of God and inspire any soul wavering between trusting the LORD or fearing the world.

The third point is that salvation belongs to God. Whether it be the salvation of a nation for a time or whether it be the salvation of a soul, salvation belongs to the LORD. And salvation always means defeating an enemy.

The battle between David and Goliath is not little guy versus big guy; it is spiritual versus worldly.

The world’s champion (vss 4-11)

According to all physical measurements, all worldly standards, Goliath is superior to David, and all the Israelites in every way.

Verses 4-10 describe the physical attributes and weaponry this behemoth possessed. It even describes his worldly beliefs.

Verse 11 shows that Saul and all of Israel think exactly like the Philistines. They see Goliath and they see a champion. Now whoever is a champion to the world is probably a champion to you. But David takes one look at Goliath and sees an abomination.

…for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God.

If you fear the things this world fears. You care for the things this world cares for. You value the things this world values. If you are afraid of the same things the world is afraid of, you are just like the world. Friendship with the world is enmity with God. Whosoever will be the friend of this world is the enemy of God.

It will be impossible for you, just like it was for Saul and the Israelites, to earnestly contend for the faith while thinking like the world thinks.

Romans 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Spiritual man’s opportunity is found on the road of obedience (vss 20-27)

David returns from the palace to feed his father’s sheep during this time. Then his dad, Jesse, tells David to take food to his brothers and to the captain (vss 12-19).

These carnal Israelites have listened to Goliath mock God for 40 days, twice a day. That’s 80 times they’ve endured this taunting as they shake in their boots. David hears Goliath one time and can’t believe no one is doing anything about this.

Spiritual man’s opposition comes from cowards who won’t fight the battle (vss 28-37)

Eliab

Carnal brothers who are afraid to fight the giant start a fight with the only man who’s willing to stand up for the LORD...

The only question that matters

Text: Matthew 16:13-20

Here at the end of Jesus Christ’s public ministry, the LORD asks the only question that matters – who is He? Everything that’s been done has been to publicly proclaim that Jesus Christ is the Son of the living God. Peter’s confession is based on divine revelation. And there will be blessings associated with this faith in Jesus Christ.

What Peter said had been revealed by God throughout the scriptures in the Old Testament. The prophets prophesied of Christ. The psalms talked about Christ. The law was a schoolmaster to bring Israelites to Christ. Malachi prophesied of the messenger John the Baptist to prepare the way of the LORD and so John the Baptist comes saying, Repentance toward God and trust Jesus Christ. John the Baptist says, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. This is he of whom I said, After me cometh a man which is preferred before me: for he was before me. And I knew him not: but that he should be made manifest to Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water. John the Baptist said, He must increase and I must decrease. That Jesus Christ is the Son of God was clear and here at the conclusion of Christ’s public ministry it’s almost like He gathers the disciples and says, OK, has it been proven to you sufficiently that I am the Son of the living God?

Public belief about Jesus Christ (vss 13-14)

Compare the many opinions about the identity of Christ. Some say prophet, some say Elijah, or Jeremiah, or John the Baptist, or some other prophet.

C.S. Lewis famously reasoned that a man who made the claims Jesus made is either a lunatic, a liar, or the LORD himself. He doesn’t give people the option of thinking he was a good teacher or moral man.

The public perception of Jesus Christ is wrong. Choosing the crowd, choosing the culture, choosing public opinion won’t make you safe from God, and it won’t make you loved by God either.

Personal belief about Jesus Christ (vss 15-16)

These men have travelled with Jesus Christ for 3 years. They have given up everything. They’ve walked away from jobs to follow Christ. They’ve left their homes and devoted all of their days and weeks to the service of God. Yet all this sacrifice and all this service comes down to this question – who am I to you?

Some of us, who haven’t done near what these disciples did in giving their lives to the LORD, would be absolutely disgusted that Jesus Christ would have the audacity to ask a question like that. But Jesus Christ asks the question.

Without a doubt He’d ask you the same question.

You haven’t given anything up for Jesus Christ, other than things you thought you didn’t need.

You’ve never given up a job for Jesus Christ. You’ve chosen work over Jesus Christ every time.

You’d never give up a home for Jesus Christ. In fact, if a football game is on, you wouldn’t even step out of your home for Jesus Christ, some of you.

The reality is as long as Jesus Christ isn’t in the way of my life, I choose Jesus, but when it comes to my life’s wants and ambitions, I choose me.

If Jesus Christ would ask this question to men who’ve sacrificed what they have, no doubt He’s coming to you this morning asking, Who do you say I am? Who am I to you when the football game is on? Who am I to you when there is money to be made over there? Who am I to you when your children get in relationships that don’t honor me? Who am I to you?

Apparently you can be around Jesus Christ for a long time, you can sacrifice everything, you can participate in the work of the LORD and still not respond in faith to who Jesus Christ is.

Blessings associated with this faith (vs 17)

Requirement of faith (vs 17)

Just because it was revealed doesn’t mean it was believed. That Jesus Christ is the Son of the living God was rev...