Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God (Romans 10:17). Jesus explains in Luke 8 that the way you know you're hearing is when you put what you hear into action.
As the people of Galilee continue to come into contact with Jesus, they know something is different, but they can't all put their fingers on it. Is he a prophet? The Messiah? One woman who was a known sinner made a bold move, putting her faith in action.
Can faith and doubt exist in the same person? Am I unsaved if I have doubts? Do I have to have perfect faith in order to be saved? John the Baptist shows us it's okay to have questions about Jesus.
Jesus follows up the Sermon on the Mount with two encounters with people that were very much different and yet very much alike. The end result? Jesus breaks social and religious boundaries in order to show mercy, and prove that he has the power to overcome death.
Jesus said that people who come to him, hear his words, and act on them, are like a person who built their house along a hurricane coast fully equipped to handle "the Big One."
The angels announced that Jesus’ birth meant “Glory to God in the highest and peace on earth…” But if the word “peace” simply means “the absence of conflict” or “freedom from disturbances”, then the angels were full of garbage or Jesus did a terrible job and failed miserably at what he came to do.
At only age 12, Jesus is already getting a picture of what his mission is here on earth. But instead of taking charge and building his army, he prepares for ministry by obeying Joseph and Mary.
Mary, the mother of Jesus, was a prime candidate for fear, anxiety, and worry. But she was also a prime candidate for faith. You probably are too.
It’s something we all struggle with; something that lies underneath all of our sin and rebellion… and yet no one thinks they have it.
Is the gospel like a billboard – inviting, but powerless? Is God like a cosmic business owner, biting his nails hoping we will "stop in" for some of his "goods"? Proverbs 16 shows us the wisdom of understanding God's sovereignty in the world.