ENCOUNTERS (Clearview Followup) by Pastor Shah, Clearview Church, Henderson
Here are some key points to remember from the message
- A Historical Fact to Learn: The nobleman went from Capernaum to Cana, which is about 16 miles, a day’s journey. It was uphill because Capernaum was about 700 feet below sea level. Maybe, he walked or maybe he rode his horse. Why? Because his boy was dying with some kind of fever. He may have been a bad person working for a bad man but he was a good father who loved his son and would do anything for him.
- A Theological Truth to Believe: You cannot come to Jesus with unbelief in your heart and expect Him to listen to you. Listen to Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.
- A Biblical Principle to Apply: Crisis is the perfect opportunity to bring people to Christ, to turn their doubts into faith. Do you know someone like that? Pray for them. Are you that someone who is struggling with doubts? Bring your struggles to Him and try Him.
Theological fact quoted in your blog above seems to contradict what I heard preached yesterday. Can you clear this up for me? Thank you
Great question Betty. It is a complicated passage. Several key things to keep in mind:
1. Jesus confronted the nobleman regarding his unbelief
2. When the man humbled himself, Jesus performed the miracle
3. But the man only believed Jesus’ word
4. Later the man questioned the timing of the miracle and then placed his saving faith in Jesus along with his family
So here’s the conclusion:
– No one (saved or unsaved) cannot come to Jesus with unbelief towards Him
– God does answer the prayers of people (saved or unsaved) when they come to him in faith. This does not mean that God answers every prayer of faith but only if it’s according to His will.
– Belief in God for an answer to prayer is not the same as belief in God for salvation through Christ
Does this make sense?
Great review. I ha#en&v39;t read anything before her before, but this book sounds both fun and serious at the same time. I will be checking it out. The mom and sister make me think of Honey Boo Boo (:.