Wed.8.19.15...The Healing of the Royal Official's Son...John 4:43-54

"A faith-healing Philadelphia couple on probation after they refused to seek medical care for a son who later died has now lost a second child. Herbert and Catherine Schaible reportedly told authorities they prayed for the health of their 8-month-old son, Brandon, who was suffering from diarrhea and breathing problems, according to The Philadelphia Inquirer.But the baby died last week. In 2009, the fundamentalist Christian couple lost their 2-year-old son, Kent, to pneumonia. The toddler had fallen ill with pneumonia, and the Schaibles chose prayer rather than medical attention. They were later convicted of involuntary manslaughter and sentenced to 10 years' probation..." http://ift.tt/1eOP83f

In today's passage, John 4:43-54, we read about Jesus healing a royal official's son. But the passage is not recorded to convince us to refuse medical treatment in favor of calling out to Jesus. It is recorded to convince us that Jesus is worthy of our trust. We are to trust him for our salvation, taking him at his word, regardless of whether or not he answers prayers for healing. After Jesus healed the nobleman's son, it says of that "he and all his household believed" John 4:53. Yet the nobleman already "took Jesus at his word" when he departed back home. So this later faith that he and his entire household had in Jesus was evidently that he was the promised Messiah, Savior. He and his household illustrate what John was aiming at in writing his gospel- "that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name" John 20:31.

1.- Read John 4:43-54 and write down anything that seems strange to you or questions that you have.

2.- Now go the David Guzik's online commentary on John. The following link will take you to John chapter 4. Then scroll down to our passage beginning at 4:43- http://ift.tt/1PyS2qa

See if he offers a good answer to your above questions and write out one of the answers to your questions in his words or yours. If it goes unanswered, that may be a sign that you are a very deep thinker. Other commentaries may address such.

3.- Yesterday, you practiced presenting the bridge illustration using Rom.6:23. Can you do it from memory? Take a piece of paper and practice drawing it out. Repetition is the mother of learning. Repetition is the mother of learning :) If you need help, you can watch whatever portion of the video below. Did you write it out? 

Nic had a good witnessing opportunity recently- "I gave a card to a student who is studying to be a social worker. She said she did an internship with a Christian homeless shelter but did not mention faith in Christ. I told her I was a Christian and gave her a mini movies card. I told her there are some well done videos about faith and questions people have about Christianity." Way to go Nic!

Horacio wrote- "I gave a card to a co-worker recently. She was having a very bad day and wad going thru a difficult time in her life. She downloaded a scanner app and started to listen and watch the videos. After a few hours i went to she what she thought and she thanked me and she was very happy that God is very faithful. She asked me for a few cards so she can give to her friends and family." Way to go Horacio! 

As you go from here to the scoreboard, do you see what I'm seeing? Some of your fireteam brothers haven't put up any points yet this week! This calls for a call. Give it to em :)