No matter who I am; I am a work of God. Even in suffering, illness, troubles, and stress I am still a Creation of God. So, is my neighbor.

John 9:1-7 A Blind man from birth is healed.

1. Who sinned? The blind man or his parents? 

Question: Why is this our default mode? If someone has Covid19, cancer, loses a limb, is blind, etc. why do we automatically assume the person or family is evil or greatly sinned?

A. Someone not like me makes me uncomfortable.

B. I am saddened by the unfairness of the persons malady.

C. I think of myself as more righteous than others, so I avoid people who can make me look weak or unrighteous.

D. We gossip about others hard fought battles downplaying them because we are only out for self-gratification. 

E. Karma = makes it easier not to get involved in other peoples lives.

F. We are embarrassed by those deformed, sick, or not 'normal.'

G. We use natural disasters/sickness as a way to blame God and elevate how smart we are.

2. Works of God might be displayed in him.

Discussion on the book of Job. What was Job's sin? None. His plight was so that the wonders of God's works might be displayed in him.

Why is this not our default thought? Why is it difficult to believe God would allow suffering to purify us before we reign with Him in heaven?

or are we more like the crowd mentioned in John 8:44. Wanting glory for ourselves. Satan is filled with an all consuming passion...to be worshipped. Are we any different? (Isaiah 14:12-14; Matthew 4:1-9; 1 Corinthians 10:20)

The One with completely perfect sight is saying to us whom are blind, come to me and I will heal you. Obey Christ like the man in John 9 who was blind but then healed. Put your faith in God.

Faith in God for:

Salvation

Today

Future

Work

Family

Friends

Health

May the works of God be displayed in me, today!

John 8:38-59

1. Works of your father. 

We all carry similarities, characteristics, and traits from our family. So, how are you like your parents? Have you chosen the positive character traits of your families life? 

Abraham exhibited traits of Righteousness. He was faithful. He was willing to sacrifice his own son, though Isaac was ultimately spared. Abraham was a good financial steward. He trusted God. He listened to God. He spoke with God. Jesus is calling these attributes out of the crowd of people, yet at the same time pointing out the truth of their mistakes, err, and sin. Genesis 11:26 - Genesis 25:18; Hebrews 11:8 - 19

2. The devil is your father.

In a moment of foreshadow and truth Jesus pints out the similarities the crowd has to the devil . This bond of evil is stronger than the righteousness they speak when they state, we are children of Abraham. The people's attributes are:

Pride, Murderous, Manipulative, Full of Lies. 

Do I exhibit Godly traits like Abraham, or ungodly traits like the world? Who does my life look more like, God or His enemies?

3. Jesus' Honoring Character

Jesus honors His Father.

Jesus operates in humility.

Jesus speaks a blessing: If you keep my word you will never see death.

If Jesus said He did not know God, then He would be a liar. Because He knows God and is God.

Jesus calls Himself, I AM. John 8:58

4.How can I exhibit a Christ Honoring Character?

I can honor God. I honor God at all times, no exceptions. I honor God with my thoughts, words, and actions.  I honor God everywhere my foot steps.

I operate in humility. I squelch my pride. I don't always need to be right or correct in every situation. I may even need to sacrifice my "rights" for others who have no rights. Love my neighbour.

Keep the Word of God. 

Pray without ceasing.

Look forward to the day of Christ's return.

John 8:31-38

1. If you Abide...(Psalm 91:1-2) Abide = live, dwell, settle, continue, and remain. How can I strengthen my abiding time?

2. In My Word...(Deuteronomy 6:4-9; Psalm 119:11-12,160,166-168; Isaiah 30:18-22) What level of importance does God's Word hold? Is it trustworthy? Is it useful in the 21st Century?

3.You are truly my disciples... disciple = follower, studier, student, child of God. *Reference Robert Lewis Stevenson "The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde" What are the struggles that come with being a disciple?

4. And the truth will set you free. I am free to be a Son of God, serve God, & trust God. I am free from prejudice, false notions, wrongful passions, lust, an entangled soul. I am free to develop my mind unto deeper understanding(s). 

As I trust in Jesus, I continue in His Word. I am called a disciple. I am bought and brought into adoption as a child of God. I discover the truth. The truth then encourages me, challenges me, and strengthens me to love myself, my family, my neighbors, to discover my environment. To seek out ways to help others. To surpass sins limitations and literally reach for the stars. As I am free from the entanglement of my soul free to pursueGod and His radical plan for my life.