Help My Unbelief
Series: The Gospel Can't Be Contained
October 03, 2021
Frank Foreman
It is comforting to know that when we have doubts in our relationship with God, it isn't the first time and it won't be the last time that someone doubted. It is also encouraging to know that such doubts do not limit God's love for us or willingness to provide for us. ---------- This week, as Frank takes us further into the book of Mark we read the fascinating story of a troubled father who wonders if anyone, even Jesus, is able to do anything to help his son who has been possessed of a demon for so very long. Jesus reminds him of the possibilities for those who believe in God's power and he exclaims, "I do believe. Help me in the areas where I do struggle to believe. ---------- Many of us have been down that road before. Willing to believe but afraid to truly hope for fear of being disappointed. But we must remember that we serve a God who refuses to fail or forsake us. It may not always be with the answers we want or in the time we choose, but God always provides for and protects His children.
Episode Notes
Big Idea: The Christian life is a life of faith….
2nd Corinthians 5:7, ….we walk by faith, not by sight.
Galatians 2:20, I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.
Hebrews 11:1; 6, Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen…. And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who seek Him.
John 20:29, Jesus said to him (Thomas), “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”
1st Peter 1:6-9, In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Though you have not seen Him, you love Him. Though you do not now see Him, you believe in Him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.
(Journal) Mark 9:14-29
Big Idea: The Christian life is a life of faith….
The heart of that Christian life is faithful prayer.
1. I am an inadequate sinner.
Acts 12:12-16, When he realized this, he went to the house of Mary, the mother of John whose other name was Mark, where many were gathered together and were praying. And when he knocked at the door of the gateway, a servant girl named Rhoda came to answer. Recognizing Peter's voice, in her joy she did not open the gate but ran in and reported that Peter was standing at the gate. They said to her, “You are out of your mind.” But she kept insisting that it was so, and they kept saying, “It is his angel!” But Peter continued knocking, and when they opened, they saw him and were amazed.
2. God is a loving Father.
Matthew 6:9-13, Pray then like this: “Our Father in Heaven, hallowed be Your name. Your Kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
3. God hears and answers my prayers.
Psalm 17:6, I call upon You, for You will answer me, O God; incline Your ear to me; hear my words.
Next Step: In my prayers this week….
I will seek to recognize where I lack and ask God for help.
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