Faith's Power: Transformative Touch and Eternal Hope
Summary
### Summary
Today, we gathered to lift up our nation and its leaders in prayer, asking for the Holy Spirit to guide and direct them. We also shared testimonies from our outreach efforts, highlighting the importance of spreading the love and message of Jesus Christ. We then delved into Luke 8:40-56, focusing on the stories of Jairus and the woman with the issue of blood. These narratives illustrate the power of faith and the transformative touch of Jesus.
Jairus, a synagogue leader, approached Jesus with humility and boldness, pleading for the life of his dying daughter. Despite the crowd pressing around Him, Jesus was able to discern the desperate touch of the woman who had been suffering for twelve years. Her faith led to her immediate healing, demonstrating that Jesus responds to genuine faith and desperation.
We also discussed the importance of being part of the "in crowd" with Jesus, emphasizing that true followers are known by Him. The crowd that followed Jesus was there for various reasons, but it was the woman's faith that caught His attention. This teaches us that our relationship with Jesus should be personal and profound, not just superficial.
The story of Jairus' daughter further illustrates that death is different for those who believe in Jesus. When Jesus raised her from the dead, it was a powerful reminder that He has authority over life and death. This gives us hope and assurance that even in the face of death, we have eternal life through Christ.
Finally, we were reminded that the Holy Spirit within us displays God's power to the world. Our faith in Jesus is priceless and should be evident in our lives, making us a light to those around us. We concluded with a call to live out our faith boldly, knowing that being known by Jesus is the greatest honor we can have.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Power of Humble and Bold Faith: Jairus approached Jesus with both humility and boldness, recognizing His authority and power. This teaches us that while we can come boldly to the throne of grace, we must also do so with a humble heart, acknowledging our dependence on Jesus. [42:18]
2. The Transformative Touch of Faith: The woman with the issue of blood demonstrated that a desperate, faith-filled touch can lead to immediate healing. Her story encourages us to pursue Jesus with the same fervor, believing that He can transform our lives in an instant. [47:47]
3. Being Known by Jesus: It's not enough to know about Jesus; He must know us. Our relationship with Him should be intimate and personal, ensuring that we are part of His "in crowd." This relationship is what will ultimately matter when we stand before Him. [44:32]
4. The Hope of Eternal Life: Jesus' raising of Jairus' daughter shows that death is not the end for believers. This gives us hope and assurance that we have eternal life through Christ, and it changes our perspective on death and suffering. [56:07]
5. The Holy Spirit's Power in Us: The Holy Spirit within us displays God's power to the world. Our faith should be evident in our actions and words, making us a light to those around us. This is a reminder to live out our faith boldly and authentically. [52:09]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[34:10] - Prayer for the Nation
[35:00] - Outreach Testimonies
[35:37] - Encounter with a 15-Year-Old Girl
[37:00] - Junior High Boys and the Bible
[37:34] - Conversation with a Born-Again Christian
[38:08] - Opening the Word: Luke 8
[38:40] - Jairus' Plea for His Daughter
[39:42] - The Woman with the Issue of Blood
[41:21] - Jesus' Healing Power
[42:18] - Humility and Boldness in Faith
[44:32] - Being Known by Jesus
[47:47] - The Transformative Touch of Faith
[50:27] - The Holy Spirit's Power in Us
[56:07] - The Hope of Eternal Life
[01:00:26] - Faith and Faithlessness
[01:03:23] - Jesus' Reputation and Our Testimony
[01:05:59] - Call to Salvation and Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
- Luke 8:40-56
### Observation Questions
1. What was Jairus' position in the community, and how did he approach Jesus? ([38:40])
2. Describe the condition of the woman who touched Jesus' garment and what happened when she did. ([39:42])
3. How did Jesus respond to the news of Jairus' daughter's death, and what did He do when He arrived at Jairus' house? ([40:16])
4. What was the reaction of the crowd when Jesus said the girl was not dead but asleep? ([40:46])
### Interpretation Questions
1. What does Jairus' approach to Jesus teach us about the nature of faith and humility? ([42:18])
2. How does the story of the woman with the issue of blood illustrate the power of desperate faith? ([47:47])
3. Why is it significant that Jesus noticed the woman's touch among the pressing crowd? ([49:56])
4. How does Jesus' raising of Jairus' daughter provide hope and assurance about eternal life for believers? ([56:07])
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you approached God with a need. Did you come with humility and boldness like Jairus? How can you cultivate this kind of faith in your daily life? ([42:18])
2. The woman with the issue of blood showed desperate faith by reaching out to Jesus. Is there an area in your life where you need to reach out to Jesus with the same desperation? What steps can you take to do this? ([47:47])
3. Jesus noticed the woman's touch because it was filled with faith. How can you ensure that your relationship with Jesus is personal and profound, not just superficial? ([49:56])
4. How does the hope of eternal life through Jesus change your perspective on death and suffering? Share a personal experience where this hope has made a difference. ([56:07])
5. The Holy Spirit within us displays God's power to the world. What are some practical ways you can let your faith be evident in your actions and words this week? ([52:09])
6. Being known by Jesus is the greatest honor we can have. How can you deepen your relationship with Him to ensure that you are part of His "in crowd"? ([44:32])
7. Reflect on the importance of living out your faith boldly. What is one specific action you can take this week to be a light to those around you? ([52:09])
Devotional
Day 1: The Power of Humble and Bold Faith
Jairus, a synagogue leader, approached Jesus with both humility and boldness, recognizing His authority and power. This teaches us that while we can come boldly to the throne of grace, we must also do so with a humble heart, acknowledging our dependence on Jesus. Jairus' plea for his daughter's life was a desperate act of faith, showing that he believed Jesus had the power to heal and restore. His approach was not one of entitlement but of sincere humility, understanding that only Jesus could provide the miracle he needed.
In our own lives, we are often faced with situations that require us to come before God with the same combination of humility and boldness. We must recognize our own limitations and the greatness of God's power. This balance is crucial in our prayer life and our daily walk with Christ. When we approach God with a humble heart, we open ourselves up to His grace and mercy, allowing Him to work powerfully in our lives. [42:18]
Hebrews 4:16 (ESV): "Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need."
Reflection: Think of a situation in your life where you need God's intervention. How can you approach Him with both humility and boldness today?
Day 2: The Transformative Touch of Faith
The woman with the issue of blood demonstrated that a desperate, faith-filled touch can lead to immediate healing. Her story encourages us to pursue Jesus with the same fervor, believing that He can transform our lives in an instant. Despite the crowd pressing around Jesus, it was her touch that caught His attention because it was filled with faith and desperation. Her twelve years of suffering ended in a moment because she believed that even touching the hem of Jesus' garment would be enough to heal her.
This narrative teaches us about the power of faith and the importance of seeking Jesus with all our hearts. When we come to Him with genuine faith, believing in His power to change our circumstances, we open the door for His transformative work in our lives. It is not about the physical act but the faith behind it that moves the heart of God. [47:47]
Mark 5:34 (ESV): "And he said to her, 'Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace, and be healed of your disease.'"
Reflection: Is there an area in your life where you need Jesus' transformative touch? How can you demonstrate your faith in seeking His intervention today?
Day 3: Being Known by Jesus
It's not enough to know about Jesus; He must know us. Our relationship with Him should be intimate and personal, ensuring that we are part of His "in crowd." This relationship is what will ultimately matter when we stand before Him. The crowd that followed Jesus was there for various reasons, but it was the woman's faith that caught His attention. This teaches us that our relationship with Jesus should be personal and profound, not just superficial.
Being known by Jesus means having a deep, personal relationship with Him. It involves spending time in His presence, listening to His voice, and following His guidance. It is about more than just attending church or reading the Bible; it is about allowing Jesus to be the center of our lives and our hearts. [44:32]
Matthew 7:21-23 (ESV): "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?' And then will I declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.'"
Reflection: Reflect on your relationship with Jesus. Is it intimate and personal, or is it more superficial? What steps can you take to deepen your relationship with Him today?
Day 4: The Hope of Eternal Life
Jesus' raising of Jairus' daughter shows that death is not the end for believers. This gives us hope and assurance that we have eternal life through Christ, and it changes our perspective on death and suffering. When Jesus raised Jairus' daughter from the dead, it was a powerful reminder that He has authority over life and death. This miracle not only brought joy to Jairus' family but also served as a testament to Jesus' divine power and the hope of resurrection for all who believe in Him.
As believers, we can face death and suffering with a different perspective because we know that our hope is in Christ. The promise of eternal life gives us the strength to endure hardships and the assurance that death is not the end but a transition to a glorious eternity with our Savior. [56:07]
John 11:25-26 (ESV): "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?'"
Reflection: How does the hope of eternal life through Jesus change your perspective on death and suffering? How can you share this hope with someone who is struggling today?
Day 5: The Holy Spirit's Power in Us
The Holy Spirit within us displays God's power to the world. Our faith should be evident in our actions and words, making us a light to those around us. This is a reminder to live out our faith boldly and authentically. The presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives is a testament to God's power and a source of strength and guidance. As believers, we are called to be witnesses of Christ's love and power, allowing the Holy Spirit to work through us to impact the world around us.
Living out our faith means being intentional about our actions and words, ensuring that they reflect the character of Christ. It involves being bold in sharing the gospel and demonstrating God's love through acts of kindness and compassion. The Holy Spirit empowers us to live in a way that honors God and draws others to Him. [52:09]
Acts 1:8 (ESV): "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth."
Reflection: In what ways can you allow the Holy Spirit to display God's power through you today? How can you be a light to those around you in your actions and words?
Quotes
1. "It's amazing how important it is that we call attention to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I met a lady in Kenosha yesterday and I asked her, do you go to church? No, I don't go to church anymore. And I said, okay. And she said, I'm a Christian. I'm a born-again Christian, but I don't go to church. And I said, I'm taking a poll here and I'm documenting why people don't go to church. And you know what her answer was? She said, I've been going to all these different churches and they don't worship God and they don't open His Word." [37:00] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "It's time to return to that, isn't it? You see, we don't understand how important it is to be one of his children, to be in with Jesus, to know him and to be known by him. You see, it's one thing to know who he is, but does he know you? Because when he separates the sheep from the goats, he says, I did not know you. And all those people said, Hey Lord, in your name we did all those things. But he said, I did not know you." [44:32] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "How much do you love Jesus today? And she just said, If I can just touch his garment, it's going to help. And it says immediately she was healed. Now I want you just to take a moment. Do you have that kind of faith today? Would you chase Jesus down if he was here in the flesh? Would you chase him down? Would you put up with a crowd? Would you get kicked, stepped on, told that you shouldn't be there in order to grab hold of Jesus' garment?" [47:47] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The Holy Spirit in a person displays God's power in the world. Listen to it again. The Holy Spirit in a person, I should say the Holy Spirit in you. Tell somebody, the Holy Spirit in you. He's real. He lives in me. He gives me hope. He speaks to me. He leads me. He guides me. Those who are led by the Spirit are the children of God. And when the Holy Spirit, that outside force, comes into us, then he makes such a difference. He displays God's power out in this world." [52:09] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Faith in Jesus is priceless. You remember, you know, Simon Magnus, he wanted to buy the power of God. He said, I'll give you money if I can lay hands on people and the power. And Peter said, you and your money rot. And this lady spent everything she had. And then she touched the garment of Jesus and bam she was healed. It was the power of God. Faith in Jesus is priceless. It's eternal." [54:28] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "Death is different to a Christian than an unsaved person. The saddest days of my life are officiating funerals where I don't know if the person knows Jesus because I don't have the hope to offer them. But the best days are when I have a funeral and you officiate it and you know they're in heaven because they praised him and they confessed him and they lived for Jesus. And the scripture says even though you die, yet you shall live. That's reality church." [55:31] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "Faithlessness hinders the will and the work of God. Do you know faith and faithlessness is contagious? Man, I hang around with people that love Jesus and they'll speak truth to you and it builds your faith. And I pray with one of my elders and I say it's unbelievable and he said you have to get that out of your vocabulary. He said stop saying it. He told me after the first service I'm not giving up on that. I won't let you speak like that and it's contagious." [59:05] (47 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "You can have all the fame you want in this world. Are you guys listening to me? You can be known by everybody. You can have everything you want in this world and it's nothing in comparison to being known by Jesus. When Jesus separates the sheep from the goats, what does he say? He says out of my sight. What you never knew me. That's not what he says. Because they all said Lord, in your name we've done all these things. They knew Jesus. But he said to them, I did not know you." [01:04:00] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "Better than being known by everybody else, better than being famous, better than being the greatest person in the world is to be known by Jesus. That your name is written in the Lamb's book of life. And that when you fear, you put your faith on that and say Lord Jesus. And I say this all the time, I don't know what to do Lord, but my eyes are on you." [01:05:15] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "I pray that today is the day of salvation. That Lord they proclaim your name. They ask for forgiveness. If they're watching online, they would ask for forgiveness and they would acknowledge you as the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. Lord then I pray for every soul that we come in contact with. That Lord, our faith would be contagious. That they could see the peace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in us and say I don't know what it is but I want what you have. Tell me about him." [01:05:59] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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