Expecting Miracles: The Power of Faith in Jesus
Summary
### Summary
Today, we gathered to worship and lift our hearts to God, acknowledging His blessings and seeking His guidance. We prayed for various individuals and families in need, including the Houlihan family who lost their home to a fire, and others facing health challenges. We also prayed for our nation, its leaders, and for a revival of faith. The central theme of our gathering was the importance of having a proper, biblical image of Jesus and living with great expectations of what God can do in our lives.
Reflecting on my own journey from a Marine to a pastor, I shared how skepticism and low expectations can hinder our faith. This was illustrated through the story of Jesus returning to His hometown of Nazareth, where the locals' familiarity with Him led to a diminished view of His divine power, resulting in a lack of miracles. This serves as a cautionary tale for us today: a poor image of Jesus and low expectations can limit God's blessings in our lives.
We explored how faith is not just about believing in doctrines but living expectantly, with a sense of anticipation for God's active involvement in our lives. This involves knowing Jesus through His Word, practicing His presence, and maintaining a big-picture perspective of His ultimate victory. We were reminded that God is the same yesterday, today, and forever, and that He desires to do mighty works in our lives if we have the right image of Him and live with great expectations.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Power of a Proper Image of Jesus: A diminished view of Jesus can limit the blessings we receive from God. Just as the people of Nazareth missed out on miracles due to their skepticism, we too can miss out on God's best if we don't see Jesus for who He truly is—our powerful, ever-present Savior. [24:34]
2. Living with Great Expectations: Faith is not just about believing in certain doctrines but living with a sense of anticipation for what God can do. When we expect great things from God, we position ourselves to receive His miraculous blessings. This kind of faith is risky and takes us out of our comfort zones, but it is essential for experiencing the fullness of God's plan for our lives. [34:33]
3. Knowing Jesus Through His Word: Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God. To develop a proper image of Jesus, we must immerse ourselves in Scripture. The Bible reveals who God is and helps us build a strong, accurate understanding of His character and promises. [39:05]
4. Practicing the Presence of God: Merely knowing about God is not enough; we must spend quality time with Him. This involves engaging in spiritual disciplines like prayer, fasting, and Bible study, as well as serving others and participating in corporate worship. These practices help us experience God's presence and deepen our relationship with Him. [43:51]
5. Maintaining the Big Picture: Understanding the ultimate victory of Jesus helps us navigate the challenges of life with hope and confidence. Knowing that Jesus has already overcome the world allows us to face difficulties with a sense of peace and assurance that, in the end, we will share in His triumph. [45:22]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[06:34] - Opening Prayer
[12:25] - Prayer for Guidance
[13:19] - Children's Church Blessing
[13:52] - Old Testament Reading: Ezekiel
[15:33] - New Testament Reading: 2 Corinthians
[17:28] - Psalm 123 Reading
[20:59] - Prayer for Understanding
[21:45] - Personal Testimony: From Marine to Pastor
[23:33] - Jesus in Nazareth: Skepticism and Miracles
[26:35] - The Impact of Low Expectations
[29:25] - Faith and Miracles: A Modern Example
[32:13] - The Importance of Great Expectations
[34:33] - Expect Great Things from God
[36:49] - Living Expectantly: Faith on Tiptoe
[39:05] - Knowing Jesus Through His Word
[42:10] - Practicing the Presence of God
[44:22] - Remembering the Big Picture
[46:22] - Developing a Proper Image of Jesus
[47:52] - Closing Prayer and Invitation to the Altar
[53:56] - Nicene Creed
[59:29] - Holy Communion
[01:14:17] - Benediction
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Mark 6:1-6 - Jesus Rejected at Nazareth
2. Romans 10:17 - "So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ."
3. John 16:33 - "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."
#### Observation Questions
1. What was the reaction of the people in Nazareth to Jesus' teaching and miracles? ([23:33])
2. According to the sermon, what impact did the skepticism of the people in Nazareth have on Jesus' ability to perform miracles? ([29:25])
3. How does Romans 10:17 describe the way faith is developed?
4. What assurance does Jesus give in John 16:33 about facing troubles in the world?
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think the people of Nazareth had a diminished view of Jesus despite hearing about His miracles? ([24:34])
2. How does a proper image of Jesus influence our expectations and experiences of God's blessings? ([32:13])
3. What does it mean to live with "faith on tiptoe," and how does this concept challenge our comfort zones? ([36:49])
4. How can immersing ourselves in Scripture help us develop a proper image of Jesus? ([39:05])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you had low expectations of what God could do in your life. How did that affect your faith and experiences? ([29:25])
2. What are some practical ways you can start living with great expectations of what God can do in your life? ([34:33])
3. How can you make Bible reading a more integral part of your daily routine to develop a proper image of Jesus? ([39:05])
4. Identify one spiritual discipline (prayer, fasting, Bible study, etc.) that you can focus on this week to practice the presence of God. ([43:51])
5. Think of a current challenge you are facing. How does remembering the ultimate victory of Jesus help you navigate this situation with hope and confidence? ([45:22])
6. How can you encourage others in your small group or community to have a proper, biblical image of Jesus and live with great expectations? ([32:13])
7. What steps can you take to ensure that your faith is not just about believing in doctrines but also about living expectantly for God's active involvement in your life? ([36:49])
Devotional
Day 1: The Power of a Proper Image of Jesus
A diminished view of Jesus can limit the blessings we receive from God. Just as the people of Nazareth missed out on miracles due to their skepticism, we too can miss out on God's best if we don't see Jesus for who He truly is—our powerful, ever-present Savior. When we have a proper, biblical image of Jesus, we open ourselves up to the fullness of His power and presence in our lives. This means recognizing Him not just as a historical figure or a moral teacher, but as the living, active Son of God who desires to work mightily in and through us. [24:34]
Mark 6:4-6 (ESV): "And Jesus said to them, 'A prophet is not without honor, except in his hometown and among his relatives and in his own household.' And he could do no mighty work there, except that he laid his hands on a few sick people and healed them. And he marveled because of their unbelief. And he went about among the villages teaching."
Reflection: How do you currently view Jesus in your daily life? Are there areas where you might be limiting His power due to a diminished view of who He is?
Day 2: Living with Great Expectations
Faith is not just about believing in certain doctrines but living with a sense of anticipation for what God can do. When we expect great things from God, we position ourselves to receive His miraculous blessings. This kind of faith is risky and takes us out of our comfort zones, but it is essential for experiencing the fullness of God's plan for our lives. Living with great expectations means trusting that God is actively involved in our lives and that He desires to do more than we can ask or imagine. [34:33]
Ephesians 3:20-21 (ESV): "Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to raise your expectations of what God can do? How can you start living with greater anticipation for His work in that area today?
Day 3: Knowing Jesus Through His Word
Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God. To develop a proper image of Jesus, we must immerse ourselves in Scripture. The Bible reveals who God is and helps us build a strong, accurate understanding of His character and promises. By spending time in God's Word, we allow His truth to shape our perceptions and expectations, leading to a deeper, more vibrant faith. Knowing Jesus through His Word means making Bible study a regular part of our lives and allowing it to transform our hearts and minds. [39:05]
Colossians 3:16 (ESV): "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God."
Reflection: How can you make time this week to immerse yourself more deeply in God's Word? What specific steps will you take to let the word of Christ dwell in you richly?
Day 4: Practicing the Presence of God
Merely knowing about God is not enough; we must spend quality time with Him. This involves engaging in spiritual disciplines like prayer, fasting, and Bible study, as well as serving others and participating in corporate worship. These practices help us experience God's presence and deepen our relationship with Him. Practicing the presence of God means intentionally seeking to be aware of and connected to Him throughout our daily lives, allowing His presence to guide and sustain us. [43:51]
James 4:8 (ESV): "Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded."
Reflection: What spiritual discipline can you focus on this week to draw nearer to God? How will you incorporate this practice into your daily routine to experience His presence more fully?
Day 5: Maintaining the Big Picture
Understanding the ultimate victory of Jesus helps us navigate the challenges of life with hope and confidence. Knowing that Jesus has already overcome the world allows us to face difficulties with a sense of peace and assurance that, in the end, we will share in His triumph. Maintaining the big picture means keeping our eyes on the eternal perspective and trusting in God's sovereign plan, even when circumstances are difficult. This perspective helps us remain steadfast and hopeful, knowing that our present struggles are temporary and that God's ultimate victory is assured. [45:22]
2 Corinthians 4:17-18 (ESV): "For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal."
Reflection: How can you remind yourself of the big picture of God's ultimate victory when facing challenges this week? What practical steps can you take to keep an eternal perspective in your daily life?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "A poor, diminished view of Jesus will result in diminished expectations. Even New Testament churches, churches today, can acquire a poor image of Jesus. Church people generally have learned not to expect much help from God." [25:30] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "We need to wake up. And we need to realize that church is not about coming and sitting reverently while we sing our favorite songs, reminiscing about what God used to do, while we wait patiently for that pie in the sky by and by. That's not Christianity. We need to realize that Christianity is an exciting relationship with the great I Am." [30:49] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Living expectantly means more than just believing in certain church doctrines. It means more than trusting God for heaven one day. Living expectantly means faith on tiptoe. It's faith where you're sitting on the edge of the pew, ready for whatever's gonna happen next." [36:49] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Faith is knowing Jesus. Faith is knowing God. Not knowing about Him, but knowing Him. And the only objective way we can know Him is through the Word of God, which is miraculous. It is our revelation of who God really is." [39:05] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "The right image is also realized by practicing the presence of God, that very God that we learned, we came to know through Scripture. Merely knowing and studying the word to establish a correct image of Jesus isn't quite enough." [42:10] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "The lack of expectation, the lack of energy and passion, does limit what God can do because it is by our faith that we receive the things of God. We don't believe that God is still the same God that he was in the Old and New Testament. We come expecting nothing, and that's what we get." [30:11] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Jesus never tried to rein in the faith of his disciples. Have you realized that? He never said to the disciples, now, boys, we don't want to raise expectations too much because people will just end up being disappointed. No. Jesus said things like, say unto this mountain, be removed and cast into the sea, and it will obey you." [34:00] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "I've learned to embrace that kind of big faith living. I've learned that it's better to go for broke. We only lived this once, and why would anyone want to live a boring, pedantic, uneventful existence? We're called to run this road in this race with patience and with courage and with passion." [37:25] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Oswald Chambers said this in one of his morning devotions. Beware of worshiping Jesus as the Son of God and professing your faith in Him as the Savior of the world while you blaspheme Him by the complete evidence in your total daily life that He is powerless to do anything in and through you or your local church." [46:52] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Hopefully, I've convinced you that a poor image of Jesus and that lack of expectation will limit God's blessing in your life. So how do we develop a right image of Jesus and learn to live expectantly? What does that take? It's all very well for me to tell you that that's what God wants, and you would be right to ask, but how? Well, I'm glad you asked. Here's how. The right image is found in God's Word." [38:35] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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