The Last Supper (Luke 22:1-34)

Image via WikipediaBEHOLD THE LAMB OF GOD
An Easter Series -- Part 2 of 7

Introduction
The Passover - The most important part of the Feast of Unleavened Bread
     - All male Jews within 15 miles of Jerusalem were required to observe it in Jerusalem.
     - The city was very crowded. Josephus: 256,500 lambs were to be sacrificed. Minimum of 10 people represented for each.
     - “Next year in Jerusalem”
     - Roman authorities took special precautions

Jesus planned it carefully
     - arranged to have the upper room at a time when space was at a premium. It was not unusual for rabbis to use such rooms as a place to gather with their students.
     - sent His disciples to carry out His well-made plan; they found everything just as He had said. They made preparation.

I. It Was an Occasion of Jesus Sharing Fellowship with His Disciples

     A.“I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer; for I say to you, I shall never again eat it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God.” (Luke 22:15-16, NASB)
(Also see Matt. 26:29)

     B. He wanted them with Him as He faced His suffering.
          1. They shared the Jewish religion.
          2 They shared the task of building the church.
          3. They were His personal friends.
          4. They were His disciples who would carry on His work.

II. It Was an Occasion of Jesus Teaching His Disciples
-- He wanted them to ….

     A. Learn the necessity and joy of fellowship.

     B. Learn humility and servanthood.
          1. He washed their feet (John 13: 2-20).
          2. He taught them that to be great, they must be servants. Their conduct regarding who should receive the greatest honor was unseemly, yet the Lord was very patient and gracious toward them.
          3. He assured them of a place of honor in His Kingdom
               a. At His table
               b. On thrones, ruling over the tribes of Israel

     C. He wanted them to remember Him (“Do this in remembrance of Me.” - Luke 22:19)
          1. His example
          2 His teaching
          3. His death (I Cor. 11:26)
          4. His coming again -- “For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes.” (I Cor. 11:26, NASB)

III. It Was An Occasion of Jesus Preparing His Disciples.

     A. He would be betrayed - He showed which one would betray Him (Matt. 26: 24-25).

     B. He would be killed ( …My body, v. 19).

     C. He would establish the New Covenant by His blood (v. 20).

     D. He would be remembered (v. 19).

     E. He prays for us (Peter, v. 32).

Conclusion: The Lord’s Supper is

     A. A fellowship meal.
     B. An occasion of self-examination (I Cor. 11:28).
     C. A covenant meal.
     D. A means of remembrance
          1. Of what we know of Him, especially His sacrificial death.
          2. Of the responsibility we have taken on as Christians -- witnessing, serving, forgiving, etc.
          3. Of our love for one another.
          4. That He is coming again.
          5. That we will share in His Kingdom.

Illustration: "The Jews' Passover." Public domain.

Prologue: The Triumphal Entry (Luke 19:29-44; Matt. 21:1-17)

Image via WikipediaBEHOLD THE LAMB OF GOD
An Easter Series -- Part 1 of 7

Introduction

After Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, the religious authorities began to intensify and focus their efforts to have Jesus put to death. During the days leading up to His crucifixion, the crowds poured out their praise for Him, ready to make Him king, then later at the prompting of the religious authorities, joined in calling for His death. But there were still a good many believers and most of the people’s praise was sincere even though the later actions were misguided. Still, the result was the necessary death and payment for sin. I want to call your attention to and remind you of some of the things this great event means for us today.

I. Jesus Must Be Received as the Messiah and King

It is right that there should have been a great outpouring of praise for Jesus. He received very little praise on this earth; He could not be denied this moment or the stones would cry out (Luke 19:40). He who had been praised in heaven from all eternity would know only a little praise during His life on earth, considering who He was.

   A. They had sincere praise for His works that they had seen, including the raising of Lazarus.
   B. Some thought Jesus would free them from the Romans
   C. Prophecy Had To Be Fulfilled (Matt. 21:5, John 12:15). This event fulfilled the prophecy of Zechariah 9:9 (NASB):

“Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion!
Shout in triumph, O daughter of Jerusalem!
Behold, your king is coming to you;
He is just and endowed with salvation,
Humble, and mounted on a donkey,
Even on a colt, the foal of a donkey.”

   D. His entry, though humble, demonstrated His royalty.

   E. He was met as the Messiah and King.

II. Jesus Demonstrated His Spiritual Kingship

   A. As King of a spiritual kingdom, He went to the spiritual rather than government “palace,” that is, the Temple.

   B. Jerusalem is the city of the great King, the beloved city. His own city, from which He in His millennial kingdom will rule.

   C. He wept over the city, knowing her fate because of rejection of God’s message.

   D. Further demonstrating His spiritual kingship, He later went to the temple and healed the blind and the lame. 
People, including children, were saying, “Hosanna to the son of David.” [ Mt 21:16 “…out of the mouths of babes and sucklings thou hast perfected praise…” ] The authorities were indignant, mostly because of envy.

   E. He left the city and lodged in Bethany, probably at the home of Lazarus and his sisters.

   F. All this contrasts greatly to the later events of the week!

III. His Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem Was Stirring for the People.

It is believed that there were at least 3,000 people witnessing it. No one was unaffected. The whole city took notice of it, even those who didn’t see it.

   A. He stirred praise and worship.
Some were already wholehearted believers. Many who witnessed the raising of Lazarus thought Jesus must be the Messiah. Jesus’ acceptance of their praise as Son of David confirmed this for them. They placed their garments in His path, and cut tree branches for it.

   B. He stirred admiration and expectation.
Some who had no spiritual worship for Him had admired Him and hoped He would free them from the Romans. When He did not take on this task, their disappointment turned them many of them against Him.

   C. He stirred hate and opposition. He asserted spiritual authority.
      1. He cursed the barren fig tree. This shows His authority over nature, and by this symbol, His wrath against an impressive appearance not supported by good works (fruit). This seems to picture the Pharisees, whom He soon denounced directly.
      2. By His second cleansing of the temple, He again asserted His authority over it. He was challenged by the authorities, but they would not answer His question about the authority of John the Baptist, and dared not question Him further.
         a. He drove out those who were making unjust profit from religion.
         b. He drove out those who hindered worship
         c. He drove out those had become a hindrance to prayer and worship for others.

   D. He strongly denounced the scribes and Pharisees. 
Their hypocrisy was so obvious to Him and any serious observer, yet they held sway over and commanded respect from the people. Jesus acknowledged their authority to teach, but strongly criticized their lack of concern, their unbearable pride, and their rejection of God’s Son. Beyond the direct denunciation of them, His parables illustrate His points.

   E. He is opposed by many today, including religious and political leaders.
      1. Some who want to merge Christian beliefs with those of other religions
      2. Unbelieving “ministers.” A man who does not believe the gospel has no business being in the ministry.
      3. Some who profess to be Christians, but deny or distort the basic teachings of the Bible.
      4. Some who are so concerned about offending people of other religions, they don’t want to have their own supposed faith proclaimed.
      5. Some appear much more interested in making money and gaining a following than in ministering to the needs of the people.

   F. Some who praised Him were later persuaded to call for His crucifixion.
Not everyone who starts to follow Him is a true believer. Some are looking for an opportunity to criticize, deny, and betray. They do religious things without the Spirit of God. Many who called for His crucifixion had second thoughts and probably became true Christians. There is still hope if a person is willing to accept God‘s terms. But there comes a time when it’s too late.

   G. Proclamation of the Gospel Will Stir Up Many, and will Affect Everyone.
      1. If there is no response, the Gospel has not been preached.
      2. Our response to Him must go beyond momentary praise to a life-changing decision.
      3. Our decision leads to a life lived in a manner worthy of the gospel.
      4. We are secure in our salvation once we receive it by faith.
      5. We should be only too happy to tell others about it.

IV. He Showed the Spiritual Character of His Kingdom

His statement the next day, about being lifted up (John 12:32), which for some was not consistent with their idea of the Messiah. He said, “And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.” He was about to be lifted up on the cross, then at the Ascension, then in the gospel message.

Conclusion


We Need To Have Him Make a Triumphal Entry into Our Heart, Life, Church and Nation.
His triumphal entry was prepared for, celebrated, and well-deserved. He deserves the praise of all, always. Unlike the people in Jerusalem that day, we should not simply praise Him then abandon Him, but let Him into our hearts, whatever anyone says about it.



Scripture quotations are from the King James Version except as noted.
Photo: Entry into Jerusalem; Christ (played by Anton Lang) and John, with donkey; at the Oberammergau passion play, Bavaria, Germany, 1900. Public domain.

When Jesus Wept -- (John 11)

Image via WikipediaIntroduction

“Jesus wept.” (v. 35)

This is the shortest verse in the Bible, yet one of the most important and meaningful.

He was ready to demonstrate His own words, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live.” (John 5:25)



Instances of Jesus weeping, being deeply moved, with strong emotion

At the tomb of Lazarus

At Gethsemane

Over Jerusalem


Emotional life of Jesus

Jesus is not an impersonal force, or One too far removed from us or unlike us to understand our feelings. He has experienced them and He created them.



Weeping at the tomb of Lazarus

Jesus had a special relationship with Lazarus and his sisters. They were His close friends.

“Now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus.” (v. 5) Yet He delayed His coming to their home after Lazarus died, because He was preparing a significant sign designed to glorify God the Father and Himself. Jesus came with His disciples to the home of Lazarus.


“…This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby.” (v. 4b)


I. Where and in What Circumstances Jesus Wept

Bethany, a village about two miles from Jerusalem.

Upon the death of His friend Lazarus
At Lazarus’ tomb. Before Mary, Martha, His disciples, and the other mourners.

     A. Although He had purposely delayed His coming

     B. Knowing Lazarus would rise again

     C. Knowing God would be glorified

     D. Knowing people would be moved to believe in Him


II. How Jesus Wept


     A. Openly
     B. Unashamedly
     C. Out of strong emotion
     D. In such a manner as to impress the people with His love for Lazarus
     E. As He prayed.


III. Why Jesus Wept (John 11:20-35)


     A. The Exchange Between Jesus and Martha: His statement and her confession
When Jesus arrived, He was met by Martha.

“…Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died. Even now, I know that  whatever You ask of God, God will give you..” (vv. 21-22) She expressed faith.

 “Jesus said to her, ‘Your brother shall rise again.” (v 23).
 Martha: “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day.”


“Jesus said unto her, ‘I am the resurrection, and the life. He that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest
thou this?’” (vv.25-26, KJV)


Jesus is the one with final power over death.


“She said to Him, ‘Yes, Lord, I Have believed that You are the Christ, the Son of God, even He who comes into the world.’” (v. 27)


This was to be a miraculous sign.


     B. The Exchange Between Jesus and Mary
She rose up quickly to meet Jesus - some distance from the house, where Martha had been.         She fell at His feet. “Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died.” (v.32)

“When Jesus therefore saw her weeping, and the Jews who came with her also weeping, He was deeply moved in spirit, and was troubled. (v.33)  ‘…Where have you laid him?’ They said to Him, ‘Lord, come and see.’” (v.34)



     C. Jesus wept. (v. 35)


     D. He prepared Himself for this important encounter. He was deeply moved --
Deep sorrow and sympathy for Mary and Martha, and by extension, all who would have to suffer as they did over the loss of their beloved brother. Sorrow over the fact of sin and death -- He had come into the world to abolish them. “The last enemy that will be abolished is death.”(I Corinthians 15:26) He was sorrowful over the state of mankind and the destruction caused by sin.


“And so the Jews were saying, ‘Behold how he loved him!’” (v. 36)

“But some said, ‘Could not this man who opened the eyes of him who was blind, have kept this man

also from dying?’” (v. 37)



“Jesus therefore again being deeply moved within, came to the tomb...” (v.38)



     E. He Had Indignation Over Death, and the Power of Satan
He came to abolish death and destroy the works of Satan. This event was a sign pointing to the greater reality of His own resurrection (and ours)   It was more convincing than raising someone from a deathbed.


Conclusion and Applications:


Jesus raised Lazarus, who had been in the tomb for four days, from death.

“… He cried out with a loud voice, ‘Lazarus, come forth.’ He who had died came forth, bound hand and foot with wrappings; and his face was wrapped around with a cloth. Jesus said to them, ‘Unbind him and let him go.’” (vv. 43b-44)


1. Jesus demonstrates His humanity. He experienced human temptations and sufferings. He had human
friendships and human grief. The Bible says, “…weep with those who weep.” (Romans 12:15b)

2. Jesus’ work on our behalf is out of love. He wept for others. He shared their grief.


3. Jesus shows that it is appropriate and acceptable to weep over the death of a loved one, a believer,
even though we know that the person is with the Lord, in a better place. We weep over the unwanted separation, and over the unfulfilled hopes. Jesus understands our sorrow, and has experienced it Himself. But He provides the final remedy.


4. We can be thankful to God for Jesus’ example, and thankful in all situations. “Father, I thank thee…,” He prayed.


5. Jesus is our true comforter. He is our fellow sufferer. We can give and receive this kind of comfort

with others, knowing that Jesus is the Source.


“For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters; and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.” Rev. 7:17 (KJV)



Scripture quotations are from the New American Standard Bible except as otherwise noted.

KJV = King James, or Authorized Version.


Illustration: Giuseppe Salviati, The Raising of Lazarus. Oil on canvas. Fondazione Querini Stampalia, Venice, Unknown date. Public domain.

Related articles

• Short Verse, Deep Meaning. (jubberjournal.wordpress.com)
• the plight of mary. (marykathryntyson.wordpress.com)

“I Am the Light of the World.” (John 8:12)

John 1: 4-5, 9 “In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.. . . There was the true light which, coming into the world, enlightens every man.”

John 8:12: “Again therefore Jesus spoke to them, saying, ‘I am the light of the world; he who follows Me shall not walk in the darkness, but shall have the light of life.’”

John 9:5: “While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.”

John 12:46: “I have come as light into the world, that everyone who believes in Me may not remain in darkness.”

“… [B]elievers are called ‘sons of light,’ Luke 16:8, not merely because they have received a revelation from God, but because in the new birth they have received the spiritual capacity for it.” (W. E. Vines)

I. PHYSICAL LIGHT

Allows us to see objects and people, to see beauty, danger, etc.

   A. Natural
Creation - “…‘Let there be light.’…” Gen. 1:3
Sun, moon, stars

   B. Artificial
Lamps, candles, light bulbs (night baseball, Thomas Edison, light bulb symbolizes an idea)

   C. Miraculous
Israelites had light in their dwellings, while the Egyptians had thick darkness (Ex. 10:23)
Pillar of fire (Ex. 13:21)
Transfiguration (Matt. 17:2)
Saul’s conversion (Acts 9:3, 22:6, 26:13)

II. SPIRITUAL LIGHT

Even if a person cannot see physical light, he or she can experience brilliant spiritual light. An extreme example is Samson, who only after he was blinded really opened his spiritual eyes and wanted to glorify God instead of gratify himself. May God open all of our eyes spiritually without our needing that kind of discipline!

The word light is used metaphorically to describe or represent spiritual things.

   A. Light represents the nature of God.
God is light (I John 1:5)
God is “the father of lights” (James 1:7)
God “dwells in unapproachable light. . .” (I Tim. 6:16)
Heaven is a place of great light: Light is an important part of the nature of heaven. And God
Himself is the source of that light.
Isa. 60:19, God’s Kingdom, Col. 1: 12-14 (vs. darkness), Rev. 21:23-24, 22:5, God illuminates.

   B. Light symbolizes spiritual illumination.
2 Cor. 4:3-6: “And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, in whose case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving, that they might not see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. For we do not preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus as Lord, and ourselves as your bond servants for Jesus’ sake. For God, who said, ‘Light shall shine out of darkness,’ is the One who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.”

The Holy Spirit works in us to help us understand spiritual things.
First, we understand the gospel. Then we grow in a relationship with Christ.
We understand Him more because we spend time with Him in His Word and prayer, and His church. We become His disciples: followers and learners. Then we help others.

   C. Light symbolizes holiness and purity.
Romans 13:12 : “ … lay aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.”
I John 1:6-7): “If we say we have fellowship with Him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth; but if we walk in the light as He Himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin.”
We strive to stay in God’s light and out of the darkness of sin.
I John 2:9-11: Love vs. hate for one’s brother = light vs. darkness.

   D. Light symbolizes the Word of God.
Ps. 119:105 (KJV): “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet,
And a light unto my path.”

   E. Light represents the spiritual work of the believer.
Believers: “You are the light of the world ….” (Matt. 5:14)

“I am the light of the world.”
“You are the light of the world.”

III. DARKNESS

   A. Light shines in darkness
The darkness does not overcome it.

   B. Even so, most of the world chooses darkness
Those who reject Christ choose darkness, lest their evil deeds should be exposed.

John 3:19-21: “And this is the judgment, that the light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than the light, for their deeds were evil. For everyone who does evil hates the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. But he who practices the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be manifested as having been wrought in God.”

   C. Christians can walk in darkness.
Indistinguishable from the world
Overcome by sin
Immorality
Gossip
Murmuring and complaining
Unrestrained Anger
Cheating
Lying
Hating one another

IV. CHRISTIANS MUST WALK IN THE LIGHT.

As Christians, we must overcome these things. We must be willing to ask for help from God, and others if needed, and be ready to help others who ask us. (Not taking the place of professional counseling, but with prayer and spiritual support, and practical help that is within our ability.)

If you are God’s child, He will discipline you. If we discipline ourselves, He may not need to do it for us. He will not leave us comfortable in sin.

Hebrews 5:12: “For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you have need again for someone to teach you the elementary principles of the oracles of God….”

Maturing as a Christian involves increasing in knowledge and understanding of God’s Word, and discernment between good and evil, based on its teachings.

We often need to be reminded of the primary things, and to hear the gospel, but we ought to also move on to learning and applying more of the Word, such as discovering and using spiritual gifts, avoiding and overcoming temptations, and helping others.

We are the light of the world.
God will cleanse us from sin if we follow Him
We can live victoriously.
We can live in a way that pleases God, even though we’re not perfect.
We ought to correct ourselves before correcting others. Even then, avoid a judgmental attitude and try to be helpful.


Direct quotations from Scripture are from the New American Standard Bible unless otherwise noted.

Illustration: Christ in the House of Martha and Mary by Johannes Vermeer (1632-1675). National Gallery of Scotland. Via Wikipedia. Public domain. 

Related articles

• Glow of His Love and Grace (anointedplace.wordpress.com)
• Christ And. . . . (samuelatgilgal.wordpress.com)

Victorious Faith

Image via WikipediaI. THE NATURE OF FAITH

   A. What faith is ...
“the substance of things hoped for” Heb. 11:1 (KJV)
implies hope - enables the believer to understand that the things hoped for are a present spiritual reality.
“the evidence of things not seen” (KJV)
having faith, in itself, provides evidence of the reality of the unseen things and faith enables the believer to understand that these things are real.

     1. Faith is the opposite of unbelief.
      “Whatsoever is not of faith is sin.” Rom. 14:23 (KJV)
      Unbelief is really the worst sin, since it results in ultimate separation from God.
     2. Faith is equated with righteousness: “Abraham believed God and it was reckoned to him as righteousness.” Rom. 4:3 (NASB) (quoting from Gen. 15:6)
     3. Belief / Assent - involves knowledge
     4. Trust - entrusting yourself to Christ

   B. Christian faith is not blind faith,
 but is rooted in historical events and a real person who lived on earth at a specific time and place. It is based on the assurances of God's Word, which is accepted as His supernatural revelation of Himself, and thus is entirely trustworthy and reliable.

Faith is not an attempt to believe something reason tells us is untrue. The early disciples knew they had good grounds for their belief.

   C. Where faith comes from: God, through the Holy Spirit
     1. You have enough faith to be saved.
     2. You need to act upon your God-given faith (“seeking” faith that drives one to prayer)
      Examples: Jacob - Gen.32:26 “….I will not let you go unless you bless me.”(NASB)
        Nobleman - John 4:49-52 “…Sir, come down before my child dies.”
        “…Go your way. Your son lives.”
        “….Yesterday at the seventh hour, the fever left him.”

     3. Faith grows from prayer, fellowship with God, hearing God's Word.
      Example: Samuel “Speak, Lord, for thy servant heareth.” (I Sam. 3:9, KJV)
     4. Faith leads to obedience: Example: Abraham
     5. Faith leads to victorious accomplishments for God: Examples: Paul, Samson, Gideon

   D. Faith is not understood or accepted by the world.
It is misunderstood, identified variously as superstition or misguided idealism.
The “scientific” or secularist world view which gives rise to this misunderstanding is essentially a failure to understand the nature and reality of God. God doesn't think like they do! But God created out of nothing the things the materialists know.

Heb. 11: 3 - “By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things which are visible.” (NASB)

II. THE TESTING AND RESULTS OF FAITH

   A. Faith leads to
     1. Salvation
     2. Obedience
     3. Good works
     4. Power to live the Christian life
      "Walk with God" - Enoch
     5. Final victory in Christ

   B. Faith is tested and proven.
     1. Without adversity, there is no test of faith.
     2. Faith does not demand signs and wonders, but instead is what there is when the miracle doesn't come.
     3. The faith of the Christian will be tested.
      Examples: Job, Stephen, Paul

   C. Faith is the victory which overcomes the world. (I John 5:4)
    Overcoming = not compromising
    Example: Noah

   D. Hindrances to faith
     1. Lack of prayer
     2. Lack of participation in church
     3. Demand to see signs and wonders
“An evil and adulterous generation craves for a sign…” (Mt. 12:39, NASB) Presumably, if no sign is given, there is an excuse for unbelief.

Example of not requiring a sign: Daniel's friends Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah (Hebrew names), a.k.a. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego (Babylonian names):

Dan. 3:17 -18 - “If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the furnace of blazing fire; and He will deliver us out of your hand, O king. But even if He does not, let it be known to you, O king, that we are not going to serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.” (NASB)

        a. Must see quick results
        b. Must have right feeling
        c. Must be delivered immediately from all troubles

     4. Failure to observe what God has done
        a. Offer of salvation
        b. Blessings of life
        c. Answer to prayer

III. THE REWARDS OF FAITH

   A. Jesus' healings often were acknowledgments of faith.
      Mt. 9:20-22 - Woman with a flow of blood: “….Be of good cheer, daughter. Your faith has made you well…” (NKJV)
      Mt. 9:27-29 Blind men: “….According to your faith let it be to you.” (NKJV)
      Lk. 7:2-9 Centurion's servant: “….I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in  Israel.” (NKJV)

   B. Faith enables a person to find God and to please God.
      Heb. 11:6 - “But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God  must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” (NKJV)

   C. Eternal rewards listed in Revelation include
      Eat of the tree of life (eternal life) 2:7
      “….Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.” (2:10, NASB)
      Hidden manna 2:17
      White stone / new name 2:17
      Authority to rule 20:6
      Be a pillar in the temple of God 3:12
      Sit down with Jesus on His throne 3:21

IV. BUILDING YOUR FAITH

   A. Build your faith by practicing it.
     1. Continue in prayer.
     2. Don't give up.  “Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him” (Job 13:15, KJV)
     3. Practice obedience.
“You are my friends if you do what I command you. No longer do I call you slaves, for the slave does not know what his master is doing, but I have called you friends, for all things that I have heard from My Father I have made known to you." (John 15:14-15, NASB)

   B. Share your faith with others, especially your own household.
      1. “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.” (Acts 16:31, KJV)
      2. “But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially those of his household, he has denied the faith, and is worse than an unbeliever.” (I Tim. 5: 8, NASB)

   C. Faith affects all relationships.

   D. Don't spare the effort.  Let your actions demonstrate faith!


Illustration: Title page to the 1611 first edition of the Authorized (King James) Version of the Bible. Public domain.