Hearing is Believing
Series: The Gospel of John
February 04, 2025
Pastor Mike
This lesson explores the concept of spiritual hearing and its importance in recognizing and following Jesus Christ. It contrasts physical sight with spiritual understanding, emphasizing that true faith comes from hearing and responding to Christ's words rather than merely witnessing miracles. The lesson delves into the relationship between the Good Shepherd and his flock, highlighting the security and eternal life promised to those who hear and follow Jesus. It also addresses the challenges of spiritual blindness and the importance of actively listening to God's voice amidst worldly distractions.
Episode Notes
5-day Bible reading plan and devotional guide
Day 1: Hearing the Shepherd's Voice
Reading: John 10:22-30
Devotional: In a world filled with noise and distractions, how often do we truly listen for God's voice? Jesus tells us that His sheep know His voice and follow Him.
Today, reflect on how you can cultivate a deeper awareness of God's presence in your daily life. Are there distractions preventing you from hearing His guidance? Consider setting aside dedicated time each day to quiet your mind and listen for God's voice through prayer, meditation on Scripture, or simply being still in His presence.
Remember, our Good Shepherd speaks to us not just through dramatic signs, but often in the quiet moments of our day-to-day lives.
Today, reflect on how you can cultivate a deeper awareness of God's presence in your daily life. Are there distractions preventing you from hearing His guidance? Consider setting aside dedicated time each day to quiet your mind and listen for God's voice through prayer, meditation on Scripture, or simply being still in His presence.
Remember, our Good Shepherd speaks to us not just through dramatic signs, but often in the quiet moments of our day-to-day lives.
Day 2: Seeing Beyond the Physical
Reading: John 9:1-7, 35-41
Devotional: The healing of the blind man in John 9 reminds us that true sight goes beyond physical vision. Just as the man's eyes were opened both physically and spiritually, we too are called to see the world through the lens of faith.
Today, challenge yourself to look beyond surface-level appearances and seek God's perspective in your circumstances. Where might you be spiritually blind? Ask God to open your eyes to His truth and presence in unexpected places. Remember, blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe (John 20:29).
Today, challenge yourself to look beyond surface-level appearances and seek God's perspective in your circumstances. Where might you be spiritually blind? Ask God to open your eyes to His truth and presence in unexpected places. Remember, blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe (John 20:29).
Day 3: The Transformative Power of Belief
Reading: John 20:24-29
Devotional: Thomas's journey from doubt to faith illustrates the transformative power of encountering Christ. Like Thomas, we may sometimes struggle with doubt or need tangible proof of God's presence.
Yet Jesus gently invites us to believe, even when we cannot see. Today, reflect on areas in your life where you might be struggling to trust God fully. Bring these doubts to Him in prayer, asking for the faith to believe and the courage to follow, even when the path is unclear.
Remember that true belief is not just intellectual assent, but a life-changing relationship with our Lord and Savior.
Yet Jesus gently invites us to believe, even when we cannot see. Today, reflect on areas in your life where you might be struggling to trust God fully. Bring these doubts to Him in prayer, asking for the faith to believe and the courage to follow, even when the path is unclear.
Remember that true belief is not just intellectual assent, but a life-changing relationship with our Lord and Savior.
Day 4: Unshakeable Security in Christ
Reading: John 10:27-30, Romans 8:38-39
Devotional: Jesus promises that no one can snatch His sheep from His hand or the Father's hand. This assurance of eternal security is a profound comfort in times of uncertainty or fear.
Today, meditate on the unshakeable nature of God's love and protection. What areas of your life do you need to entrust more fully to His care? Remember that nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus.
Let this truth embolden you to live courageously and confidently for Him, knowing that your eternal destiny is secure in His hands.
Today, meditate on the unshakeable nature of God's love and protection. What areas of your life do you need to entrust more fully to His care? Remember that nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus.
Let this truth embolden you to live courageously and confidently for Him, knowing that your eternal destiny is secure in His hands.
Day 5: Bearing Witness Through Our Lives
Reading: Acts 4:13-20
Devotional: The early disciples, filled with the Holy Spirit, boldly proclaimed their faith despite opposition. Their transformed lives became powerful testimonies to the reality of Christ.
Today, consider how your life bears witness to your faith. Are there areas where your actions speak louder than words about your relationship with God? Reflect on ways you can more intentionally align your daily choices with your beliefs.
Pray for the courage to live out your faith authentically, even in challenging circumstances. Remember, our lives may be the only gospel some people ever read.
Today, consider how your life bears witness to your faith. Are there areas where your actions speak louder than words about your relationship with God? Reflect on ways you can more intentionally align your daily choices with your beliefs.
Pray for the courage to live out your faith authentically, even in challenging circumstances. Remember, our lives may be the only gospel some people ever read.
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