Cielo Vista Church Online
WHAT CAN A SKEPTIC SAY NOW
THE STANDARD #1
THE WORD OF GOD IS THE FINAL AUTHORITY WHAT CAN A SKEPTIC SAY NOW
DR. LARRY LAMB – MAY 8, 2022
When Jesus makes people new on the inside it changes the outside, and that’s a miracle. DESIRES CHANGE!
2 Corinthians 5.17 If anyone belongs to Christ, then he is made new. The old things have gone; everything is made new!
JESUS CHANGES PEOPLE.
1 Corinthians 6.9-11 Don’t you realize that those who do wrong will not inherit the Kingdom of God? Don’t fool yourselves. Those who indulge in sexual sin, or who worship idols, or commit adultery, or are male prostitutes, or practice homosexuality, 10 or are thieves, or greedy people, or drunkards, or are abusive, or cheat people—none of these will inherit the Kingdom of God.
11 Some of you were once like that. But you were cleansed; you were made holy; you were made right with God by calling on the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.
Be firmly planted in the reality that we should never give up on people because of the Gospel.
Luke 18.35-39 As Jesus approached Jericho, a blind beggar was sitting beside the road. 36 When he heard the noise of a crowd going past, he asked what was happening. 37 They told him that Jesus the Nazarene was going by.
38 So he began shouting, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” 39 “Be quiet!” the people in front yelled at him. But he only shouted louder, “Son of David, have mercy on me!”
• People with nothing to lose are not concerned with what others think. They have a desperate need.
• People with nothing to lose don’t mind asking for help. They desperately need something to change.
• People with nothing to lose often act with fierce determination.
Luke 18.40,41 When Jesus heard him, He stopped and ordered that the man be brought to Him. As the man came near, Jesus asked him, 41 “What do you want Me to do for you?” “Lord,” he said, “I want to see!”
Luke 18.42,43 And Jesus said, “All right, receive your sight! Your faith has healed you.” 43 Instantly the man could see, and he followed Jesus, praising God. And all who saw it praised God, too.
Lessons From A Blind Beggar
1) Because Jesus is always near, don’t be ashamed to ask for help.
“What would other people think?” has caused more people to remain stuck in their sin or despair.
2) Because Jesus is near, speak up.
Our asking is wrapped into the sovereignty of God.
3) Because Jesus is near, be specific.
The blind man could not see, but he also knew what to ask for- SIGHT.
4) Because Jesus is near, why not praise Him for what He has done?
People can be good at complaining but show a deficit in being thankful. It’s always good to express gratitude.
Lord Jesus, I admit that I am a sinner. I know that the penalty of my sin is physical, spiritual, and eternal death. I acknowledge that I can't do anything about my situation. But I know that You came to pay the penalty for my sin. I trust in You alone as the One who died in my place. I repent of my sin and trust in You alone as the only One who can place me in an eternal relationship with the Living God. I desire to be Your child. I desire to live as Your child. In Your Name. Amen.