The House You're Building

       Orient  John 10:22-42 An unspecified time goes by (from fall to winter) and Jesus is once again engaging in dialog with the religious leaders at a gathering of the Jews in Jerusalem.  This festival was the Feast of Dedication otherwise known as Hanukkah.  We don’t find information about this festival in our Bible as it was established during the intertestamental period (between Malachi and Matthew).  The Jews once again press Jesus to reveal who He is to them and don’t like His answer, of being one with the Father, a claim to diety.  They attempt to stone Him and He once again slips through their hands, ending up across the Jordan, where John the Baptizer started his ministry.  Deep doctrinal statements are found in this section regarding election, eternal security, the plan of salvation, and the unity of the Trinity.     Introduction How do you build trust with someone?  When you ...

Mark 6:6 And he was amazed at their unbelief. Matt 13:58 And so he did only a few miracles there because of their unbelief. It's interesting that Jesus was amazed by unbelief.  He was also amazed by belief.  Why was He amazed?  Because He didn't understand men?  That can't be it because He said Matthew 9:4 and Luke 9:47 Jesus says he knows their thoughts and hearts.  Maybe it's the kind of amazement that comes with knowledge.  Do you ever know something but just can't believe it?  I can relate to that feeling when it comes to blessings in my life...my house, my dog, my car...these tangible things I've worried and prayed about.  When God comes through and works and gives me special gifts, I know their mine but I just can't believe it.  So where does the wonder of disbelief come from? That moment when you can't believe this is happening.  You know it is real; it isn't a surprise, but you are struck with th...