Hold On!

Good morning Harvesters!
Isn’t it great to see all the new faces in our congregation as of late? I encourage you to get to greet our newcomers, get to know them and show them the love of Christ as the family of God. Let’s see every new and old face as an opportunity to glorify our Lord.

Here are this week’s notes. I know that I’ve been delinquent in getting out not only a POST sermon blogpost but also a PRE sermon blogpost since our second child popped into the world. Now that Christine and I are getting into more of a rhythm I’ll redouble my efforts!

Byron

Hold On!
The Gospel of Mark: Mark 7:24-30
Exposition:
The Contrast between Pharisee and Syrophoenician
IN seeking Jesus: the Pharisees demand that Jesus conform to their opinion
the Syrophoenician to humbly supplicate
IN faith toward Jesus: the Pharisees have none even though await a Messiah
the Syrophoenician awaits no Messiah but doggedly pursues Jesus
IN access to Jesus: the Pharisees can see Jesus at any time, but squander their access
the Syrophoenician breaks every taboo in coming to Jesus in order to gain access to Him

The Controversial Statement of Jesus
“it is not good to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs”
This statement is most likely a figure of speech from that time period: it seems worded as such. As such, Jesus is not directly referring to the woman herself as a dog- or even to the gentiles as dogs. He is using the proverbial statement to show the importance of priority: that the Father’s plan is to reach Israel first and then those outside of Israel. The woman sees an exception to the proverb: that while first priorities are important, so are lesser priorities- especially in God’s economy where there are no lack of resources!

The One Lesson of Victorious Faith
Victorious Faith is TENACIOUS

Two Instructions to Having Victorious Faith
1. Believe in God’s Reach (That nothing is outside of God’s reach)
2. Believe in God’s Plan (That God’s timing in answering our prayers is appropriate)

Weekly Application Exercises
1. Ask a more mature Christian about their spiritual journey and how you can grow in your own faith.
2. Think of an area of your Christian life which has not progressed as it should: in character, in depth of faith, in depth of love for others, or in practical application. Resolve to bring this area of your life before the Lord more consistently and with greater perseverance.

Harvest South Bay
October 26th, 2008