Anchoring Faith in the Real Jesus

Devotional

Day 1: Trusting the Healer, Not Just the Healing

Faith is not merely about the outcomes we desire but about trusting in Jesus, the Healer, regardless of whether our specific prayers are answered. This perspective encourages believers to maintain steadfast faith even when healing does not occur as expected. It challenges the notion of conditional faith, which is dependent on receiving what we ask for, and instead invites us to trust in the character and sovereignty of Jesus. By focusing on the Healer, we acknowledge that His wisdom and plans surpass our understanding, and we find peace in His presence rather than in the fulfillment of our requests. [06:37]

"Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit." (Jeremiah 17:7-8, ESV)

Reflection: In what areas of your life are you seeking specific outcomes rather than trusting in Jesus Himself? How can you shift your focus to trust in the Healer today?

Day 2: Embracing the Mystery of Healing

The reasons why some receive healing and others do not remain a mystery beyond human comprehension. This understanding calls believers to trust in Jesus' divine wisdom and sovereignty, rather than attempting to decipher a formula for healing. Accepting this mystery challenges us to relinquish control and to rest in the assurance that Jesus knows what is best for each individual. It invites us to deepen our faith by acknowledging that His ways are higher than ours, and that His love and purpose are at work even when we do not understand the outcomes. [08:26]

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." (Isaiah 55:8-9, ESV)

Reflection: How do you respond when prayers for healing go unanswered? What steps can you take to trust in Jesus' wisdom and sovereignty in these moments?

Day 3: Objective Proofs of Jesus' Divinity

The works of Jesus, the honor He receives, and His resurrection power serve as objective proofs of His divinity, providing a firm foundation for faith beyond personal experiences. These elements affirm that Jesus is indeed equal with God, inviting believers to anchor their faith in the objective reality of who He is. By focusing on these proofs, believers are encouraged to move beyond a faith based solely on personal encounters and to embrace the universal truth of Jesus' divine nature. This understanding strengthens faith and empowers believers to share the gospel with confidence. [15:00]

"For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross." (Colossians 1:19-20, ESV)

Reflection: How do the objective proofs of Jesus' divinity impact your faith? In what ways can you incorporate these truths into your daily life to strengthen your belief?

Day 4: The Role of Witnesses in Affirming Jesus' Identity

The testimonies of John the Baptist, Jesus' works, God the Father, and the scriptures collectively affirm Jesus' identity as the Son of God. These witnesses invite believers to trust in the objective truth of Jesus' claims, providing a solid foundation for faith. By considering these witnesses, believers are encouraged to explore the depth of Jesus' identity and to anchor their faith in the truth of His divinity. This understanding not only strengthens personal faith but also equips believers to share the gospel with others as a universal truth that offers life in His name. [21:03]

"And the Father who sent me has himself borne witness about me. His voice you have never heard, his form you have never seen, and you do not have his word abiding in you, for you do not believe the one whom he has sent." (John 5:37-38, ESV)

Reflection: Which of the four witnesses to Jesus' identity resonates most with you? How can you use this witness to deepen your understanding of who Jesus is?

Day 5: Anchoring Faith in the Real Jesus

Faith must be rooted in the objective reality of who Jesus is, not just in personal experiences or perceptions. This understanding empowers believers to share the gospel as a universal truth, offering life in His name. By anchoring faith in the real Jesus, believers are encouraged to move beyond subjective interpretations and to embrace the fullness of His divine nature. This perspective not only strengthens personal faith but also equips believers to confidently share the message of Jesus with others, knowing that it is grounded in truth and offers hope to all. [25:19]

"Jesus said to her, 'I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?'" (John 11:25-26, ESV)

Reflection: How can you ensure that your faith is anchored in the real Jesus rather than in personal experiences or perceptions? What steps can you take to share this truth with others today?

Sermon Summary

In today's gathering, we explored the profound nature of faith through the lens of the Gospel of John, focusing on the objective and subjective aspects of belief in Jesus Christ. We began by celebrating the work of our family ministries and the dedication of our volunteers, emphasizing the importance of creating a nurturing environment for our children to learn about the gospel. As we transitioned into the scripture, we delved into the unique narrative style of John's Gospel, which highlights personal encounters with Jesus, such as those of Nicodemus and the Samaritan woman. These stories illustrate the subjective nature of faith, where Jesus meets individuals in their unique circumstances, offering them specific challenges and encouragements.

However, the core of our discussion centered on the objective truths of Jesus' identity and mission. We examined two miraculous healings performed by Jesus, which serve as signs of His divine authority and power. These healings challenge us to move beyond a faith that is solely based on personal experience and to recognize the objective reality of who Jesus is. We discussed the importance of trusting the Healer rather than merely seeking healing, and the futility of trying to solve the mystery of why some are healed and others are not.

Furthermore, we explored the three authentications of Jesus' claims: His works, the honor due to Him, and His resurrection power. These authentications provide a solid foundation for our faith, affirming that Jesus is indeed equal with God. We also considered the four witnesses to Jesus' identity: John the Baptist, Jesus' works, God the Father, and the scriptures. These witnesses corroborate Jesus' claims and invite us to anchor our faith in the objective truth of His divinity.

In conclusion, we are called to anchor our faith in the real Jesus, who is not just a figure of personal significance but the objective Son of God. This understanding empowers us to share the gospel with others, not merely as a personal story but as a universal truth that offers life in His name.

Key Takeaways

1. Trusting the Healer Over the Healing: Faith should be anchored in Jesus, the Healer, rather than in the outcome of our prayers for healing. This ensures that our faith remains steadfast even when our specific requests are not granted. [06:37]
2. The Mystery of Healing: We must accept that the reasons behind who receives healing and who does not are beyond our understanding. This challenges us to trust in Jesus' divine wisdom and sovereignty, rather than trying to decipher a formula for healing. [08:26]
3. Objective Proofs of Jesus' Divinity: Jesus' works, the honor He receives, and His resurrection power serve as objective proofs of His divinity. These elements provide a firm foundation for our faith, beyond personal experiences. [15:00]
4. The Role of Witnesses: The testimonies of John the Baptist, Jesus' works, God the Father, and the scriptures collectively affirm Jesus' identity as the Son of God. These witnesses invite us to believe in the objective truth of Jesus' claims. [21:03]
5. Anchoring Faith in the Real Jesus: Our faith must be rooted in the objective reality of who Jesus is, not just in our personal experiences or perceptions. This understanding equips us to share the gospel as a universal truth, offering life in His name. [25:19]
** [25:19]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[49:49] - Introduction and Ministry Updates
[51:06] - Celebrating Family Ministries
[52:05] - Volunteer Opportunities
[52:46] - Needs in Liberty Family Ministries
[54:11] - Liberty Kids Classrooms
[55:07] - How to Get Involved
[55:45] - B-Side Podcast Update
[56:40] - Introduction to the Gospel of John
[57:15] - Unique Aspects of John's Gospel
[58:01] - Encounters with Nicodemus and the Samaritan Woman
[59:36] - Objective vs. Subjective Faith
[61:04] - Two Healings: Cana and Bethesda
[71:44] - Three Authentications of Jesus' Claims
[79:09] - Four Witnesses to Jesus' Identity
[85:19] - Anchoring Faith in the Real Jesus

Sermon Clips

We must accept that the reasons behind who receives healing and who does not are beyond our understanding. This challenges us to trust in Jesus' divine wisdom and sovereignty, rather than trying to decipher a formula for healing. [01:08:26]

Recognize the difference between demanding a healing and trusting the Healer. Notice the progression in this official's response to Jesus. He starts from a place of desperation, seeking a sign, asking what Jesus can do for him. But in the end, he trusts the Healer. [01:06:37]

Jesus is the Healer, objectively, and that's true whether he answers my specific desperation request for healing or not. Maybe this is true for some of you, but it's true for me. This is a daily struggle for me because in my life and in our church, we've seen people experience healing. [01:11:44]

We will never fully understand why Jesus chooses to heal one person and doesn't heal another, and we have to stop trying to solve the equation. Again, this forces us beyond the merely subjective; it forces us to think about who Jesus actually is, not just who he is for me or for you. [01:08:26]

Jesus' works, the honor He receives, and His resurrection power serve as objective proofs of His divinity. These elements provide a firm foundation for our faith, beyond personal experiences. [01:15:00]

The testimonies of John the Baptist, Jesus' works, God the Father, and the scriptures collectively affirm Jesus' identity as the Son of God. These witnesses invite us to believe in the objective truth of Jesus' claims. [01:21:03]

Our faith must be rooted in the objective reality of who Jesus is, not just in our personal experiences or perceptions. This understanding equips us to share the gospel as a universal truth, offering life in His name. [01:25:19]

Jesus is making huge claims about his identity in this text, but notice he's offering proof. He's doing the works of God, he's receiving the honor of God, he's displaying the power of God. [01:15:00]

Subjectively, your entry point with Jesus might be an encounter where he tells you everything you ever did, like the woman at the well. You experience deep conviction about some of the things that you've been involved in in your life. [01:21:03]

Men and women, anchor your faith in something deeper than your story or your experience. Anchor your faith in something deeper than that, the twists and turns that your life takes, the experiences that you go through, the emotions that you have. [01:25:19]

Jesus is the Healer, objectively, and that's true whether he answers my specific desperation request for healing or not. Maybe this is true for some of you, but it's true for me. This is a daily struggle for me because in my life and in our church, we've seen people experience healing. [01:06:37]

We will never fully understand why Jesus chooses to heal one person and doesn't heal another, and we have to stop trying to solve the equation. Again, this forces us beyond the merely subjective; it forces us to think about who Jesus actually is, not just who he is for me or for you. [01:08:26]

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