Real Faith in Christ

He went away from there and came to his hometown, and his disciples followed him. And on the Sabbath he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astonished, saying, “Where did this man get these things? What is the wisdom given to him? How are such mighty works done by his hands? Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon? And are not his sisters here with us?” And they took offense at him. And Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor, except in his hometown and among his relatives and in his own household.” And he could do no mighty work there, except that he laid his hands on a few sick people and healed them. And he marveled because of their unbelief. And he went about among the villages teaching. (Mark 6:1-5)

If we are to be saved, then we must have faith in Christ.

1. We must recognize the facts about Christ.
2. We must submit to the rule of Christ.
3. We may receive the blessing of Christ.

Click below to listen to sermon audio:
Mark 6:1-6

Medicine for the Christian Who Feels Like a Loser

Dear friend,

Feeling unworthy? The source of this feeling can be varied. Some, aware of their many deficiencies, cannot stop being disappointed in themselves. Others, live or work in the proximity of someone who is always quick to point out their faults.

Here is some good scripture medicine for the Christian who feels like a loser:

“If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies? Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died - more than that, who was raised - who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us!” (Romans 8:31-34).

Christian friend, next time you are convinced of your unworthiness, next time your conscience condemns you, or next time another person charges you with shortcoming, remember the words above. If you have faith in Jesus, then you are approved, welcomed, accepted, and loved in the court of Heaven. Jesus himself has declared before the throne of the Almighty that you are more than okay!

Your servant,

Stephen

Rev. Stephen St. John
Pastor/Elder

Announcements for the week of January 2010

Registration of the the next RBI class, Systematic Theology II is now closed. Please be in prayer for the students who are signed up! Your next opportunity to study in the Reformed Baptist Institute will be in August with the new course, How to Understand the Bible.

JIBC Men’s Fraternity. Are you afraid to work up a little spiritual sweat? Find out in February by attending a Men’s Fraternity Bible Study. More details coming next week!

If you are signed up for the Couples Bible Study, we will resume on January 16. Check your email box for a full schedule.

Only Believe!

21And when Jesus had crossed again in the boat to the other side, a great crowd gathered about him, and he was beside the sea. 22 Then came one of the rulers of the synagogue, Jairus by name, and seeing him, he fell at his feet 23and implored him earnestly, saying, “My little daughter is at the point of death. Come and lay your hands on her, so that she may be made well and live.” 24And he went with him.

And a great crowd followed him and thronged about him. 25And there was a woman who had had a discharge of blood for twelve years, 26and who had suffered much under many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was no better but rather grew worse. 27She had heard the reports about Jesus and came up behind him in the crowd and touched his garment. 28For she said, “If I touch even his garments, I will be made well.” 29 And immediately the flow of blood dried up, and she felt in her body that she was healed of her disease. 30And Jesus, perceiving in himself that power had gone out from him, immediately turned about in the crowd and said, “Who touched my garments?” 31And his disciples said to him, “You see the crowd pressing around you, and yet you say, ‘Who touched me?’” 32And he looked around to see who had done it. 33But the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came in fear and trembling and fell down before him and told him the whole truth. 34And he said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace, and be healed of your disease.”

35While he was still speaking, there came from the ruler’s house some who said, “Your daughter is dead. Why trouble the Teacher any further?” 36But overhearing what they said, Jesus said to the ruler of the synagogue, “Do not fear, only believe.” 37And he allowed no one to follow him except Peter and James and John the brother of James. 38They came to the house of the ruler of the synagogue, and Jesus saw a commotion, people weeping and wailing loudly. 39And when he had entered, he said to them, “Why are you making a commotion and weeping? The child is not dead but sleeping.” 40And they laughed at him. But he put them all outside and took the child’s father and mother and those who were with him and went in where the child was. 41 Taking her by the hand he said to her, “Talitha cumi,” which means, “Little girl, I say to you, arise.” 42And immediately the girl got up and began walking (for she was twelve years of age), and they were immediately overcome with amazement. 43And he strictly charged them that no one should know this, and told them to give her something to eat.

We must believe in Jesus, because he works powerfully in the world.

1. He works among the hopeless (those who do not have faith).
2. He works among the hapless (those who have weak faith).
3. He works among the helpless (those who have nothing).

Click below for sermon audio:
Mark 5:21-43

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