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  WHENCE SHALL WE BUY BREAD
  by George Warnock
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Summary: This sermon emphasizes the importance of faith in meeting
spiritual needs and trusting in God's provision, rather than relying on
human efforts or devising ways and means.

Topics: "Dependence on Christ", "Faith in God's Provision"
Scripture References: John 6:5

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DESCRIPTION
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George Warnock emphasizes the importance of recognizing the true source
of sustenance for the needs of people, as illustrated in the story of
Jesus feeding the 5,000. He critiques the tendency to rely on human
efforts and resources, like fundraising, to address spiritual and
physical hunger, instead highlighting that Jesus' question to Philip was
meant to test faith rather than prompt a practical solution. Warnock
points out that while some may suggest limited resources, like the boy
with five loaves and two fish, the true answer lies in bringing what
little we have to Jesus, who can multiply it to meet the needs of many.
The sermon calls for a deeper faith in God's provision rather than
solely relying on our own understanding and efforts.

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CONTENT
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We would like to content ourselves with the thought that the Bible is
the bread of life, and therefore we will do what we can to distribute
Bibles. Or maybe our much activity in the Church might produce this
bread. (And don't misunderstand me; we appreciate the printed Word, and
every effort inspired by the Spirit of God to send forth that Word.) But
let us just recognize plain facts. You want to be very practical, as you
consider the needs of men? Then let us be practical.

And let us just acknowledge that with every increase of our efforts to
meet the needs of the people, so do those needs increase, And the
"practical" in our midst, like Philip of old, have a very practical
answer to the ever-present question that the Lord has posed: "Whence
shall we buy bread, that these may eat" (John 6:5). Now let us as God's
people understand that because the Lord raises a matter of concern for
His people, this is not God's authority for you and I to devise ways and
means to fulfill the thoughts of God's heart. Jesus said this to "prove"
Philip, not to authorize him to start a campaign for funds. Philip of
course was very practical. Jesus is concerned about the hungry... so I
will be concerned.

Let us see: Two hundred dollars would perhaps help to solve the matter:
everyone at least will have a little taste. Sound familiar? Perhaps if
we could raise a thousand dollars, or twenty thousand dollars, we could
get the job done.

But there are also a few Andrews around, and he has a little more
faith... but still quite cautious. "There is a lad here, which hath five
barley loaves, and two small fishes..." But he doesn't want to go out
too far on the limb, so he mentions that it's really only a suggestion.
The Lord knew all along what He would do, but very gently He was seeking
to lead the disciples into His Way.

Now having recognized their desire to help the people, and having
received the suggestion from at least one in the group that there were a
few loaves in their midst, little though it was, Jesus came forth with
the answer. And it was very simple: Bring them to Me!

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Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/george-warnock/whence-shall-we-buy-bread/
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