Moving Towards Grace by Faith

 

Faith is not believing that God can, but that God will!

 

 Luke 18:35-43 (NLT)

     As Jesus approached Jericho, a blind beggar was sitting beside the road.  When he heard the noise of a crowd going past, he asked what was happening.  They told him that Jesus the Nazarene was going by.  So he began shouting, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”  “Be quiet!” the people in front yelled at him.  But he only shouted louder, “Son of David, have mercy on me!”  When Jesus heard him, he stopped and ordered that the man be brought to him. As the man came near, Jesus asked him, “What do you want me to do for you?”  “Lord,” he said, “I want to see!” And Jesus said, “All right, receive your sight! Your faith has healed you.”  Instantly the man could see, and he followed Jesus, praising God. And all who saw it praised God, too.

 

1.  When you cannot see what is going on in your life, keep listening and hearing about Jesus and His grace – and by doing so increase our faith

 

Luke 18:36-37 (NIV) 

    When he heard the crowd going by, he asked what was happening. [37] They told him, "Jesus of Nazareth is passing by."

 

Romans 10:17 (NLT)

     So faith comes from hearing, that is, hearing the Good News about Christ.

 

The more you listen, the greater your faith will be

 

John 16:7 (NIV)

     But I tell you the truth: It is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Counselor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you.

 

Faith is not having absolute trust in the instruments of God but in God Himself!  It is not hope in the results but hope in God Himself.

 

2.  When you feel helpless, call out!

 

Luke 18:37-38 (NIV) 

    They told him, "Jesus of Nazareth is passing by." [38] He called out, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!"

 

3.  When doubt shouts back at us, call again!

 

 Luke 18:39 (NIV) 

    Those who led the way rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, "Son of David, have mercy on me!"

 

He was brought but he came – Grace draws us to Jesus, but we still get to choose to receive 

 

4.  When all our human help and resources end, reach out!

 

I am grateful to Jack Hayford, from whom much of this sermon comes from