Niagara Falls Church of Christ

2011 Tennessee Ave.,  Niagara Falls, NY  14305

(716)285-6534 (716)285-6534 (for phone and fax)

James Lawrence, Herschel Walker - Elders

Eddie J. Cornelius, Minister Emeritus

How to Build Faith.

Walking on the Water: How to Build Faith.

TEXT: John 6:16 - 21 (Matt.6:22 - 33; Mark 6:45 - 51)

Thesis: To see the pattern for building faith, as revealed tin this incident of walking on water.
 
Introduction:
A.    John's reason for writing John 20:30 And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his
        disciples, which are not written in this book: :31 But these are written, that ye might believe
        that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his   
        name.
B. John shows seven signs performed by Jesus:
    1.    Water to wine -- Power over quality Chap 2.
    2.    Healing of Nobleman's son -- Power over distance Chap 4
    3.    Healing of Impotent Man -- Power over time Chap 5
    4.    Feeding of 5,000 -- Power over quantify Chap 6
    5.    Walking on water -- Power over natural law Chap 6
    6.    Healing of man born blind -- Power over misfortune Chap 9
    7.    Raising of Lazarus -- Power over death Chap 11
C. He shows us the person and nature of Jesus Christ. John 1:1-5,14.
 
Discussion.
I.    This passage John 6:16 - 21 (Matt.6:22 - 33; Mark 6:45 - 51) shows us at least three things
       concerning faith.
       A.    Jesus knew who He was. In all three gospel accounts of this event , Jesus identifies himself the
               same way.
               1.    Matt.14:27 "...Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid."
               2.    Mark 6:50 "...Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid."
               3.    John 6:20 "...It is I; do not be afraid."
               4.    This was as if to say; "don't you know me, don't you know who I am, why are you surprised
                      at this?"
               5.    A closer look at John 1:1-5, 14 to see what Jesus knew about himself.
        B.    Jesus was confident in who and what he was. John reveals 7 statements by Jesus showing who and
                what he was, ass designed to build faith.
                1.    I Am the Bread of Life 6:35.
                2.    I Am the Light of the World 8:12.
                3.    I Am the Door of the Sheep 10:7
                4.    I Am the Good Shepherd 10:11
                5.    I Am the Resurrection and the Life 11:25.
                6.    I Am the Way, the Truth, and the Life 14:6
                7.    I Am the True Vine 15:1
         C.    Jesus acted on His knowledge.
                1.    John 6:18,19 notice no hesitation on part of Jesus.
                2.    Jesus on the water in the storm, without fear.
                3.    Disciples, in the boat, afraid.
 
II.    Knowledge + Belief (confidence) = Confident Action.
        A.    We must first have knowledge of God's Word.
                1.    Christ is the Word (Logos)
                2.    In him is knowledge (light or enlightenment)
        B.    In His word is Authority (authorization to act.)
               1.    John 1:12 But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of
                      God, to those who believe in His name:
               2.    John 17:1 These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father,
                      the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee: :2 As thou hast
                      given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast
                      given him. :3 And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and
                     Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.
               3.    Rom 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto
                      salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. :17 For
                      therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just
                      shall live by faith.
               4.    This authority is in The Son of God
               5.    An example of the type of authority given. John 19:10,11
               6.    All Authority is in the Son. Matt. 28:18
    C.    This knowledge is designed to produce faith. Rom. 10:17
            1.    Without which we cannot please God. Heb.11:6
            2.    By which we : - have had our hearts p;urified Ac.15:9
 
　



Print