Delivered

Q2. (John 8:3-8) Why did Jesus insist on unbiased, righteous witnesses casting the first stone? I do not believe Jesus was insisting on an unbiased, righteous person to cast the first stone, because there are none, I do believe Jesus was interested in breaking through their head knowledge in order to touch their soul, these men may have been an enemy of Christ, however, the Messiah was not their enemy, for he came to reach the heart of all men; I believe those who consider themselves to be a good person, and may even have much head knowledge are often the hardest to reach, but nothing is impossible with God, as we see Jesus writing on the ground, allowing a time of silence for it to touch these men, preparing them for when he stood up and asked, “Who among you are ready to through the first stone” – and we see these men whose hearts were broken, one by one they left, this would not have been an easy thing for these men to have done, for self pride is a difficult thing to break through, but God’s word is powerful. Q3. How does this compare with Jesus' teaching in Matthew 7:1-5? Judge not that you be not judged follows after God’s word for us to “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness” - God is not saying a disciple is “never” to judge, but instead they are to avoid having the “spirit” of “criticism” and “fault-finding” for that spirit often leads to the spirit of “PRIDE” and the inability of seeing the log in one’s own eye. (Oh to see ourselves as others see us)

Q1. (John 8:3-6) What was the trap Jesus' enemies tried to spring on him with the woman taken in adultery? The enemies of the Messiah were these men whose hearts were not circumcised, they were determined to trap Jesus with the purpose of finally being able to bring charges against him; Man might have much knowledge of God’s words, but without the love of God’s words and the willingness to follow, will leave room for the “flesh” to rule, therefore, the ones I see in the “trap” are these enemies of the Messiah, the question they asked was not because they were concerned about following God’s rule, or even that they cared that this woman sinned, their reason was to trap and destroy this man that so many were following and believed on, this looks like the flesh in action, and it looks much like the trap of “jealousy”. Q2. What might be the consequence if he upheld stoning her? If Jesus answer was to “stone her” he might have been given over to the Roman courts which did not permit Jews to carry out their own executions. Q3. What might be the consequence if he said not to stone her? Jesus took his time to answer these men as he stooped down and wrote on the ground, what he wrote we do not know, but these men did, and when he finally did speak those heart wrenching words, “You who are without sin, let him cast the “FIRST” stone at her” and again stooped down to write, that these men’s stony hearts were convicted, and one by one they left Jesus to give his answer to the woman, Jesus answer upheld the Torah, God’s law, as Mercy was offered to her, for “LOVE” sums up all of the law, however, it is important that we understand fully the last words Jesus spoke to the woman - “GO AND SIN NO MORE” for without God’s judgment there would be no need for his Mercy to be given.

Q4. (John 7:37-39) In Jesus' teaching on streams of living water from within, whom does he invite to drink? “If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. Thirst represents “spiritual need” and “living” water represents “spiritual satisfaction” that will flow from within – Repentance is the key that opens the door to the fountain of life, living water will be given free of charge to all those who ‘WILL” believe as the scripture said, in God’s promise – Jesus the Messiah, God’s Passover Lamb. What does he promise to believers? The last day of the festival was a day of rejoicing and celebration, it symbolized prayer for rain (rain represents the Holy Spirit) and it pointed toward the pouring of the Holy Spirit on the people of Israel, the rabbi’s associated this festival with that of Isaiah 12:3 “With joy shall you draw water from the wells of salvation.” To those who believe is given the promise of the Holy Spirit, rivers of living water that will flow from within. How this is fulfilled at Pentecost rather than immediately after Jesus spoke it? The Spirit had not been given because Jesus had not yet been glorified To what degree has this been fulfilled in your life? I can still recall the day that I as a very young child decided that I wanted to be in covenant with the Almighty God and my heart said “YES” - I still cannot explain or find words to express the peace and joy that filled my being, and from that day forward the Spirit has been with me helping me along the way, I am thankful that He turned his sword when I needed it, and when he gave peace in times of distress: I would not want to live one moment without the water that flows from deep within, not one second, not a blink of the eye, and my prayer for the world is for the later rain to fall, for its time is very short.

Q3. (John 7:17) Can we truly know God's will if we're not really willing to obey the truth we know? Faith is revealed in our willingness to follow in obedience.

Q2. (John 7:15-17) How were rabbis trained in Jesus' day? A Jewish child attended school and were most likely taught by their local rabbi, the students were taught the Torah, God’s laws, which means “TEACHING” by a method of memorization, by the age of 12-13 the study had become more intense and for those who excelled they would continue in their learning, but for the truly gifted disciples, they would leave home and follow their Rabbi. Q3. How was Jesus trained? Jesus an orthodox Jew studied his Father’s laws, the Torah, as other Jewish children did and learned from the rabbis, as Jesus studied, he also grew in knowledge and wisdom, for the Spirit of God was upon him. Every year Jesus parents went to Jerusalem for the Festival of the Passover, one year the boy Jesus did not go home with his parents, but instead stayed behind, when his parents went looking for him they found him in the temple courts sitting among the teachers, asking them questions, it was his questions and his answers that amazed those of higher learning, Jesus was about his Father’s business, preparing himself for when he reached manhood and he would bring to the people the “TRUTH” of God’s word, preparation for when he would teach daily in the temple not the doctrine of man, but that of God, as was written in the Scriptures.

Q1. (John 7:1-5) Why did Jesus stay in Galilee and avoid Jerusalem? Jesus did not go up at that time to do miracles as his brethren suggested, because it was not the right time; the Messiah understood the importance of his Father’s timing, and that it not be orchestrated by that of man. Q2. What is the balance between taking precautions to protect you and trusting yourself into God's care? We are to be wise and use common sense in our daily living; the balancing point is when we put God first and make a habit of listening to the Holy Spirit’s leading.

Q4. (John 6:35-51) What does the metaphor of "eating the Bread of Life" mean in practical terms? In practical terms it means - It is by faith that I am able to partake of the Bread of Life, to eat the flesh of the Son of Man, is to absorb his entire way of being and living, to take on his nature, to be “ONE” with him; the Messiah would like us to purpose in our hearts to become one with him, to eat of the “bread from heaven” - John 17:20-21 Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me Q.5 to extend the same metaphor, what do you think might be the difference between nibbling the Bread of Life rather than actually making a meal of it? To just nibble at the food and drink placed before you would be an insult to the host who invited you to dine with him, but when one partakes of the meal they are giving honor and respect to the host.

Q3. (John 6:37, 44, 65) What is the significance of Jesus' teaching that only the ones the Father "draws" to him can come to him? The significance of Jesus teaching is why I am thankful that I worship a God who desire is that no one be left behind, that God’s mercy is for whosoever “WILL”, I am thankful that the Father has given to all people a measure of “faith” to believe, that He has given his law, a light before their path that teaches mankind how to love and please God, He has given his Word, a powerful source that nourishes the soul, God’s plan includes the powerful drawing of the Holy Spirit, with the most important draw is that He supplied and paid the debt by offering His Passover Lamb for the world, for whosoever will call upon the name of the Lord will be saved. Q.4 In what way does this sound like predestination? God had His plan right from the beginning, but as Romans tells us, they have not all obeyed the gospel, for Isaiah said, Lord, who hath believed our report? Mankind has a free will and can choose to come, to believe, but not all want to be included in the predestined plan of God.

Q2. (John 6:28-29) What kind of "works" do people sometimes pursue to please God? Works that stem from that of “legalism” and not that of “faith” can easily become a “yoke” and even lead the way to pride. According to Jesus, what is the most important "work" that God requires of us? The most important “work” that pleases God is work that stems from “faith” in the Messiah for its works is rooted through “love”.

Q1. (John 6:26-27) Why were some of these "believers" following Jesus? Many of the followers were conscious only of their own physical needs. What were their selfish motives? Motives become selfish when it is placed only on “ME” and my physical needs, this hinders what the Messiah came to do, and to awaken mans consciousness of God. For what motives do true disciples seek Jesus? A true disciple is one who reaches out in faith, a seeker of truth.

Q5. (John 6:14) How does the people's desire to make him king relate to the third temptation Jesus met in the wilderness (Luke 4:9)? Satan is the opponent of both God and man, this is an example of why we must not take for granted the existence of a supernatural realm of good, obedient angels who serve God, and evil, rebellious ones (demons) who serve the Adversary, for we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, this is why we are called to put on God’s armor, for the worldly methods are not sensitive to God’s methods which are: “TRUTH”, salvation, THE WORD OF GOD” given by the SPIRIT, and “PRAYERS”, as we saw Satan working through these people to do what he could not do, as the people were ready to take him by “FORCE” to be king, for the flesh wanted freedom from Roman rule and peace for Israel, the philosophy of this world does not understand, all things are going to be done in God’s timing, and as Christ said, “My kingship does not derive its authority from this world’s order of things”. Q. What would have happened to God's plan of redemption if Jesus hadn't retreated to the hills on this occasion? Satan’s desire is that he be worshipped as god and to stop the redemptive plan of God Almighty who calls himself the “God of Israel”, if these people had succeeded, they would have nullified God’s way of making Yeshua, (Jesus) the Messiah, the Suffering Servant dying for the sins of humanity, being resurrected, ascending to God’s right hand and returning in future glory to assume the throne, all is to be done in God’s perfect timing. Q. Why must we carefully consider people's plans for our lives? It is important that we make sure the plans of the people fall in with the plans God Almighty has for our lives, it is especially important for us today, for these days are “testing days” and Satan is doing all he can to put a stop to the will of God in our lives, Satan knows his time is short, this is why it is important that we who believe in God’s Son, that we put on the full armor of God, thereby we will be wise to the wiles of Satan and to the philosophy of this world which is trampling on God’s holy laws, those who are following Satan are those who want to rearrange His order of things by calling that which is black - white; the philosophy of this world is out to deceive and to destroy the things of God, may our prayer be that we stand strong as a people of faith, for God’s Son is coming for a “faithful bride”.

Q4. (John 6:12-13) Why does Jesus have his disciples pick up the left-over pieces? The food left over represented far more than that which nourishes the body, this food represents the miracle of God’s “compassion” for the people, my heart tells me the “real” reason Jesus had them pick up the left-over food went far beyond that of being clean and orderly, it represents to us how important it is that we be “Good Stewards” with the things, the blessings of God. Q. What does this have to do with his attitude towards waste? The law of the land was that destruction of food was prohibited – in other words, waste not - want not, Jesus set an example that went beyond the legalism of the law and teaches us not to be wasteful, indifferent, or take for granted the blessings we have, but to take each day as they come, for those crumbs have not been left behind but are stored in our hearts. Q. What does it have to do with his teaching the disciples about abundance? For me the lesson of abundance is found in “obedience”, the people sat down as they were instructed to do, the disciples did as they were instructed that all went well and all were blessed, I recall when Jehovah said to Moses, I will rain down bread from heaven to “PROVE”, to “TEST” the people to see if they will walk in “obedience” to God’s laws (God’s laws are his instructions) God had Moses instruct the people to take as much as they will need, but they were not to leave any, in other words (to waste food) - there were those who gathered according to their appetites, but there were those who did not (Exo 16:20) they were not obedient and instead were wasteful, they had leftover crumbs and by morning it was rotten, their disobedience displayed to God their indifference and lack of faith to God and to the miracle he rained down on them.

Q2. (John 6:10) Why does Jesus have the crowds sit down before feeding them? I imagine it was to bring order as God likes things to be done in an orderly manner. Q. What is the disciples' role in this? The role they played was that of obedience as they cooperated with the Master, thereby the blessing was given to God and in their obedience the miracle of food was administered to the multitudes. Q. Why would you prepare for a miracle if you don't think it would happen? I would not prepare for a miracle if my faith said it would not happen, I can only imagine how exciting it must have been for Jesus Disciples as they prepared and readied themselves to see Jesus multiply the bread and the fishes recalling his first miracle when he changed water into wine, and the many miracles he already performed for the multitude of people. Q. How ready is your congregation to see miracles take place? When they asked Jesus, What shall we do that we may do the works, the miracles of God, Jesus said, V29 This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent, this is how the congregation readies themselves to see miracles take place, by believing, it is through “FAITH” in the Son

Q1. (John 6:5-9) Why does Jesus try to get the disciples to own the task of feeding the crowds? John 6:6 tells me it was a test for Philip to prove him, to see what kind of faith these miracles are producing, will it touch the soul and produce that which brings “COMPASSION” for others as Christ showed for those or continued with him and had nothing to eat, or would it bring that of “Self Serving” which stems from hardened hearts that the flesh produces: Those who not only saw but followed Jesus, they were seeking not to find, but to have the flesh satisfied; (V26) Verily, verily, I say to you, Ye seek me, not because ye saw the signs, but because ye ate the bread and were satisfied. Q. What is the significance to the story of the boy's five loaves and two little fish? To me the significance of this story is that it teaches me how important it is that I be satisfied with what I have, God has fed me with his sweet taste of honey, His “Bread of Life” and His Bread has blessed me beyond all I could ever imagine, therefore, it is important that I not become complacent to the things of God, for complacency can lead to that of being lukewarm, and lukewarm can lead to that of “indifference”, as I recall the attitude of God’s chosen people in the days of Moses, after God sent down his sweet taste of honey from heaven, His bread called Manna, that the people allowed complacency to set in and the flesh began to murmur against the bread of God, therefore, the significance it teaches me is that my life be that of praise lifted up to God for sending His “Bread of Life” that nourished my soul and brought life, his Son, my Bridegroom.

Q. Why Q4. (John 5:36-37) According to John's Gospel, what is the value of miracles? The miracles in the day of Jesus were for a sign from God - this is the promised Messiah; the value of miracles lies in the people’s response to the sign. Q. What do you think is the weakness of faith that depends solely on miracles? If one relies “solely” on seeing a miracle in order to believe, it is no longer faith. Q. Why do you think we don't have more miracles in our day? I see miracles of God all around me; I have seen God do things in my own life that fall in the category of being a “miracle”. Q. How much is that dependent upon a congregation's attitude (and unbelief) towards the importance of modern-day miracles? I personally do not believe miracles happen “only” because of mans faith, it happens because it is the “will of God” – God’s ways are not our ways

Q2. (John 5:21-24) According to John 5:24, when does eternal life begin? This promise of “eternal life” is for anyone who hears the word of the Lord and believes by acting on that faith, at the very moment that faith is extended is when “eternal life” begins, the soul is renewed with “truth” of whom the Son is, thereby honor and praise unto the Son is given because they have crossed over from death unto life. We have a greater understanding of what “eternal life” means for the believer as we read (1John 5:1-4) teaches, those who believe Jesus is the Messiah are those who have been born of God, and everyone who loves him have also received of him that of “love”, because “love” is written on their heart is the reason honor and praise is given unto the Son by keeping God’s commandments, for they are not grievous to the soul. Those who believe have eternal life already, here and now, are those who keep on trusting in the person and power of the Son of God. (1John 5:13) These things have I written to you, that ye may know that ye have life eternal, you who believe in the name of the Son of God. Q. What is our default position without Christ -- life or death? Death is the wages of sin. Q. How can people come to eternal life if they never "hear my word"? Abraham was a man who made idols of wood and stone until one day as he looked up in the heavens searching for truth, believing there must be a God that is above all gods of wood and stone that created and brought all of this into being, it was through the drawing of the Holy Spirit that Abraham’s searching was fulfilled and he believed in God. However, for those who have ears to hear the word and yet do not want to understand and refuse the drawing of the Holy Spirit, death is at their door. Q. How do your friends and neighbors normally hear Jesus' word? There are no excuses today for anyone not to hear the words of God, the trouble is, many want to “hear” words that tickle their ears, many don’t want to “hear” about obedience, or that of God’s laws, we appear to be a self-centered generation that want to be only blessed, therefore, the “truth” of God’s words for them have become empty, making it more difficult to talk about the things of God to our friends and neighbors, and sad to say, to our families. Q.What might be your role in seeing that they hear his word? My role is making sure my talk is my walk; my role is living a life that testifies of the awesome power of the Holy Spirit in one’s life.

Q1. (John 5:19-20) Are we intended to emulate Jesus' listening to the Father, or, is knowing the Bible a modern-day substitute for this? I admit I am not sure what the question is, so accordingly here is my answer. The Son of God set the perfect example on how important obedience is to the Father, the Bible speaks also of its importance as it is the voice of God, it teaches us obedience is “faith in action”, our love for the Father is seen in our obedience to keeping his commandments, it is our reasonable service for He sent His Son who was obedient even unto the cross; they go hand in hand as (verse 19) becomes even more alive in my heart, for the Son was capable, humanly that is of disobeying the Father, and as I read (Mt.26:39) it becomes more clear the meaning of Jesus obedience to the Father, the reason the Son learned obedience and came completely submissive to the Father’s will through the power of the Holy Spirit, as we just read in (John3:34) the Son speaks for God the Father and God has put no limit to the Spirit’s relation to the Son. God gave the Holy Spirit in all fullness to Him, and to no one else in that sense, a sharp distinction between the Messiah and all human teachers, for they have the Spirit in a limited degree. Why don't churches teach more about hearing the voice of God? I am not sure what is meant by hearing the voice of God, for my church does teach right from the Bible, and that is the “Voice of God” it is Spirit breathed. What would happen in our generation if we would learn to dynamically hear God and then obey what he is saying to us? We would see less division and more love.

Q4. (John 5:14-15) Is it possible to be blessed outwardly, but lost inwardly? God blesses whomever he pleases; it is up to us and what we do with God’s blessings that matter. Q. Why did Jesus confront the healed man in the temple with his sin? There is a lot I don’t understand fully in this story that leaves much to the imagination, therefore, I must be careful not to judge, or slander this invalid; As I ponder this question, I have to wonder, what was it that out of the “multitude” of people in desperate need to be made whole, that the omnipotent Son of God himself, not only singled this man out, but went over to him, here again I have to say, I do not know, what I do know is, I see God’s grace and mercy; and then when Jesus sees the man there in the Temple, I see Rabbi Jesus reaching out to him again, taking time to teach him the importance a life of righteousness must play in the life of man made whole, I see Jesus stressing the dangers sin can bring “if” this man should open that door and deliberately walk through it. This is an important lesson for all of us who have been made whole, that we be heed the warning of Christ, that we be careful not to trample on God’s grace and mercy, that of the “Cross” and deliberately walk in sin, and then call it Salvation. Q. Does the man seem to respond with faith to Jesus' rebuke? I do not see the Rabbi’s teaching to be that of a rebuke, I see it as God’s grace and mercy, I see Jesus instructing this man on the importance of righteousness, do I believe his response was that of faith, I would have to guess and answer that of “Yes”. As I recall, the people at this time were looking for the Messiah to come, and a sign they were to look for would be, he would perform miracles, this was a “HUGE” miracle, not just for this man, but for all of Israel, just as the Samaritan woman was anxious to go and testify, so does this man, I can almost picture him running, anxious to testify to the leaders, “It was Jesus who healed me, it was He that made me whole”. What beautiful words he spoke of God’s grace and mercy.

Q3. (John 5:9-13) Why are (the Pharisees) so upset at the man who is healed? The teachers of the law were upset with the man not because he was healed, but because he was about to break the Sabbath law by carrying his bed, how sad it is when man turns God’s laws into a form of legalism, when the laws purpose is to light our way, to guide us in our walk with God, opening our eyes to see how awesome a God He is and how lucky we are to know Him. What is the sin of the Pharisees here? The error of the Pharisees was by placing the law in front of the cart of God’s grace and mercy, the Holy Spirit had not yet been given, so the Pharisees in their ignorance thought they were doing the right thing, it is important that we today who have the Holy Spirit do not follow in the same error by placing strict rules the “church” sets up instead of following the leading of the Holy Spirit, or even more serious by giving so little concern about keeping God’s Holy laws or even go so far as teaching, we no longer have to follow after God’s commandments by calling it God’s grace and mercy.

Q2. (John 5:6) Why do you think Jesus asked the invalid if he wanted to get well? God’s ways are not our ways, therefore I do not know the answer, but a possibility could have been, when Jesus saw amongst the multitude of feeble people there waiting and ready for the waters to be troubled, (ready get set go) that there was a man who was infirmed for a long, long time, stood out from the crowed, he was there sitting on his mat waiting, but why was he not ready, why was there no one there to help him race to the pool, I have only to guess, could it have been desperation on his face, could it have been that God the Son saw this man’s heart, I do not know the reason, but I do know the results when the man answered his question, “Would you like to be made whole” – He was made whole. There are many today who just want to be entertained, many like to cause discord, and many love to be judge over others, as I look around today I see a very sick Society and death is at their door, for the mat Society is sitting on is that of sin, God has the same question for all of mankind, “Would you like to be made whole” Time is running out for mankind to answer.

Q1. (John 5:1-16) How would you describe the invalid's character and faith? Because there is so little known about this invalid is why I find it difficult to assess his character, I do have to wonder, he being an invalid for some 38 years, he most likely was homeless, a man whose life was lived on his mat outside the city, and now I see him as just another amongst the multitude of feeble people, people who are waiting by the pool for the waters to be troubled, waiting in hopes that maybe this time they might be healed. I am beginning to see some of his character, I see a humble man of faith, an unimportant man by the standards of the world, a man who with much trouble and effort came to the festival, came in hopes that God’s grace would look down upon him and he would be healed, I have to wonder, was it his faith that brought the Son of God to go over and ask him, “would you like to be made whole”, and how I love his honest answer of “yes” - if only I had someone to take me to the waters, Jesus must have seen the true character of this man’s heart, for after Jesus told this invalid whose bones were weak, to stand, is when I see “strong” faith in action, for he immediately stood up, and not only did he walk, but he was able to carry his mat. When this man found out later who it was that healed him, he quickly went to share this “GOOD NEWS” with the teachers of the law, but how sad it was for those who were held in great esteem by the people, how sad for those who were instructed to teach God’s word to the people, that they could not see, it was God’s grace that was troubling the waters, it was God’s grace that brought healing; I have to wonder, how many pastors today are just as these Pharisees and can’t see beyond their own religiosity, and are missing that of God’s grace. Q. How does Jesus' healing here demonstrate the grace of God? God’s grace is there for all who faithfully are looking for a touch from God. Q. Why do we humans find it difficult to accept grace when it is offered to us? It is difficult for me to understand why anyone would resist God’s grace except that they prefer darkness instead.

Q4. Have you read of miracles accompanying a great harvest of new believers on the mission fields in our day? What place do miracles have in evangelism today -- both in your country and abroad? Why do some denominations in our day deemphasize miracles or claim that they were only for the early church? Why do some denominations emphasize miracles? Which of these types of denominations tend to grow faster? What kind of "discipline" is necessary for those who come to Christ primarily on the basis of miracles? The miracles the Messiah was called to do were for a sign that He is the Messiah of Israel, it is sad that many believed and saw the miracles he did, however, many did not go beyond the miracles, many did not believe, or come to understand the “Who” that did them, they did not understand He was “The” sign, a star in the east that the Three Wise men followed. We must be careful that we do not follow after miracles alone; we must be careful for there are spirits in the world today as there were in the days of Pharaoh, who also performed acts of the supernatural. Salvation itself is a miracle, it is powerful enough to change a person, to change me, the Bible given is a miracle from God, and as we look around us, do we not see miracles everywhere, therefore, I hope we are a people who do not have to search after “miracles” in order to believe, I pray we are a people who will put aside the milk and get into the meat of the word, a people that seek after God's will to be seen in their lives, a walking miracle of God’s saving a grace, a people who desire is to walk in his “righteousness” for that I believe - is the real miracle for mankind. I do believe miracles and healing are for us today, I believe God is the same today as He was yesterday, I believe God is a God who can do whatever he desires to do, I believe in the three in one God, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

Q3. (John 4:53) What are the factors that caused the royal official's household (immediate family, extended family, and servants) to believe? Faith for this family was no longer something hoped for and not seen, faith became a “REALITY” for their son is “LIVING” proof of the wonders of God. Q. How mature was this faith initially? The faith of this man was “GREAT” enough for him to “MOVE” on it, God encourages us to test him and see what faith the size of a mustard seed can do. Q. How do you think the royal official was able to nurture it beyond mere "miracles faith"? This man’s faith went beyond that of miracles when he put faith to the test and acted on it.

Q2. (John 4:43-50) What do we learn about the royal official's faith from his actions? Why did he travel 20 miles from Capernaum to Cana? What does this say about his faith? When he departs for home and "takes Jesus at his word," what does this tell us about his faith? I see a man whose love for his son put “FAITH” into “ACTION”. “Great Faith” was revealed when he personally traveled many, many miles, over rough terrain, in order to reach the man he “BELIEVED” would bring life to his son. His faith was placed in the person and this is why he took Jesus at his word and quickly left when he heard him say, “You may go, your son will live”.

As I wrote down my answer I found tears swelling up in my eyes as I think of the faith the woman that was recently hung to death for her faith she placed in the “Messiah of Israel” and she brought to a Muslim family something they needed and left them by saying, “May God bless you”. Q1. (John 4:43-48) Many of the Galileans believe mainly because they have seen miracles. In what ways do miracles help build faith? Why does only seeing miracles not build a mature faith? Faith that is stimulated by a miracle alone, will not grow “spiritual” faith, however, when faith is placed in the Person responsible for the miracle, it is like sprinkling water on faith the size of a mustard seed producing what God intends, the building of trusting “FAITH” in the person, not the miracle. Q. Why does Jesus rebuke the Galileans in 4:48 Then said Jesus unto him, Except ye see signs and wonders, ye will not believe? How disappointing it must have been for the Messiah to see so little faith amongst the people, the Messiah is in their mist and yet they still hunger to see signs and wonders, I have to wonder, why was it so hard for them to understand, the Messiah wants their “faith” to be placed in Him? This lesson applies for us today, if our faith is placed on miracles alone, how easy it is to lose that faith if the miracle does not occur, I have seen people take their eyes off the Messiah when the reason the miracle did, or didn’t come to be, was because of “THEIR” faith, they took their eyes off of the Messiah and his will in their lives, and placed it on their faith, this is not trusting faith in the Messiah that produces growth, and I can almost hear him say, “Except you see signs and wonder, you will not believe”; Why is it so hard for us to understand, for faith to grow, it must be placed in Him. “TRUSTING” kind of faith is what causes the smallest of seed to grow, we look through a glass darkly is why we must understand, God’s ways are not our ways, the greatest faith of man is when we except the answers that come our way, excepting God’s will to be done in our lives, I think of the testing faith of Job, he stood strong under such grueling trials, and yet in faith he said, “Even if you slay me, yet will I trust You”