Faith and Unbelief
Faith and Unbelief6
Our Lord at the Feast of Tabernacles John 7:1-24
By R.A. Torrey0MAT 10:32MAT 12:18JHN 3:18JHN 5:44JHN 7:1JHN 8:15ACT 1:14ROM 8:7GAL 1:19R.A. Torrey explores the events surrounding Jesus at the Feast of Tabernacles, emphasizing the disbelief of His own brothers and the mixed reactions of the people. He highlights how Jesus, aware of the danger posed by the Jewish leaders, chose to go to the feast secretly and teach in the temple, demonstrating His divine authority and the need for true understanding of His message. Torrey discusses the importance of seeking God's glory rather than personal recognition, and how Jesus' teachings challenge the status quo, often leading to misunderstanding and opposition. The sermon underscores the unreasonableness of unbelief and the necessity of a surrendered will to truly grasp the teachings of Christ.
Our Lord's Second Rejection at Nazareth Matthew 9:27-34; Mark 6:1-6
By R.A. Torrey0ISA 29:18ISA 35:5ISA 42:6MAT 8:10MAT 9:27MAT 12:22MAT 13:54MRK 6:1JHN 3:20R.A. Torrey discusses the profound implications of Jesus' second rejection in Nazareth, emphasizing His miraculous powers over blindness and demons as well as the limitations imposed by the people's unbelief. He highlights the faith of the blind men who recognized Jesus as the 'Son of David' and their earnestness in seeking healing, contrasting it with the skepticism of the Nazarenes who questioned His authority and origins. Torrey illustrates how Jesus' ability to perform miracles was hindered by the lack of faith in His own hometown, revealing a critical lesson about the necessity of belief for experiencing God's power. The sermon calls attention to the human tendency to overlook the divine in familiar settings and the consequences of unbelief in our lives today.
Eternal Life
By Charles Finney0MAT 1:21JHN 1:29JHN 3:16JHN 6:33JHN 11:25EPH 2:1EPH 3:17COL 3:4HEB 2:91JN 5:10Charles Finney emphasizes that eternal life is not merely existence or happiness, but a profound state of holiness and salvation from sin, which is found in Jesus Christ. He explains that this gift of eternal life is offered to all humanity, regardless of their belief, and can be accepted through faith or rejected through unbelief. Finney asserts that those who believe in the Son of God possess an inner witness of their eternal life, which is a conscious experience of holiness and love. He urges listeners to recognize their dependence on Christ for spiritual life and to accept the gift of eternal life without delay. The sermon concludes with a call to embrace this divine inheritance and the serious consequences of rejecting it.
In Bethany
By J.C. Ryle0JHN 12:1J.C. Ryle emphasizes the profound significance of the events in Bethany, where Lazarus, raised from the dead, shares a meal with Jesus, showcasing the undeniable evidence of Christ's miracles. He highlights Mary’s extravagant act of anointing Jesus' feet with costly oil as a demonstration of love and gratitude, contrasting it with Judas Iscariot's hypocritical criticism, which reflects the hardness of human hearts. Ryle warns against the skepticism and unkindness that often accompany faith, urging believers to remain steadfast in their devotion despite criticism. He also points out the persistent presence of poverty and the futility of expecting its complete eradication, reminding us that true faith is evidenced by our actions and sacrifices for Christ. Ultimately, Ryle calls for vigilance against the dangers of unbelief, as exemplified by Judas, and encourages believers to cultivate genuine faith.
John Wesley's Explanatory Notes - Matthew 17
By John Wesley0MAT 17:1MAT 21:21MRK 9:2LUK 9:28John Wesley expounds on the transfiguration of Jesus, emphasizing the divine glory revealed through Christ as He converses with Moses and Elijah, affirming His messianic role. Wesley highlights the importance of faith, noting that even a small amount can achieve great things, and stresses the necessity of prayer and fasting in overcoming spiritual challenges. He also addresses the disciples' struggle with unbelief and the need for divine strength to fulfill their mission. The sermon concludes with Jesus' teaching on freedom from obligations as the Son of God, while still choosing to act in love and peace.
The Great Physician
By A.W. Tozer0MAT 9:12JHN 5:6A.W. Tozer emphasizes that many Christians live in a state of chronic discouragement, mistakenly believing that a victorious Christian life is unattainable for them. He challenges the notion that such feelings are normal, urging believers to recognize their unbelief as the root cause of their defeat. Tozer draws a parallel to the man at the Jerusalem pool, highlighting that the desire for healing and wholeness is essential for transformation. He encourages Christians to reject complacency and to actively seek the healing power of Jesus, who is always ready to make them whole.