Part 4 – Signs, Sight, Faith John Chapter 20

“Worst Crisis Since ‘30s, With No End Yet in Sight” WSJ, Sep. 18, 2008 “A Big Unknown: Cost of Bailouts” WSJ, Sep. 18, 2008 “Wall Street’s Ills Seep Into Everyday Lives” WSJ, Sep. 19, 2008

“Many head home to see what Ike left behind” MSNBC, Sep. 16, 2008 “Some of Ike’s missing may have washed away” MSNBC, Sep. 17, 2008

“Bombings kill at least 35 in, around Baghdad” MSNBC, Sep. 15, 2008 “Militants Attack U.S. Embassy in Yemen, Killing 16” WSJ, Sep. 18, 2008

 Financial security evaporating  Physical security uncertain  National security in question

 Part 1: Eyes of Faith  Part 2: Open Tomb  Part 3: Locked Door  Part 4: Signs, Sight, Faith

1. A call to see with the eyes of faith Evidences for the faithfulness and trustworthiness of God Christians are called to be a part of that evidence

2. What kind of God are you seeking? A god limited to our desires and expectations? Or a God who cannot be held inside any man-made tomb? Christians are commissioned to go out and show the God who is faithful and trustworthy

3. Jesus’ Resurrection heals FUD Fear, Uncertainty, Doubt Behind closed doors, trying to shut out FUD Jesus’ resurrection is power to move from unbelief to belief, from death to life

 Second (and Subsequent) Generations  John 20:31 “…These are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.” (ESV)

29 Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” 30 Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; 31 but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name. (ESV)

3 Let no one deceive you in any way. For that day [the day of the Lord] will not come, unless the rebellion comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction, 4 who opposes and exalts himself against every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, proclaiming himself to be God. 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4 (ESV)

8 And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will kill with the breath of his mouth and bring to nothing by the appearance of his coming. 9 The coming of the lawless one is by the activity of Satan with all power and false signs and wonders, 10 and with all wicked deception for those who are perishing, because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. 2 Thessalonians 2:8-10 (ESV)

11 Therefore God sends them a strong delusion, so that they may believe what is false, 12 in order that all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness. 2 Thessalonians 2:11-12 (ESV)

24 For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect. Matthew 24:24 (ESV)

 Satan cannot counterfeit God’s character  Satan’s work today is to convince people of a false picture of God’s character  The Christian’s mission is to get to intimately know the true character of God and to show this to the world

1. Water to wine 2. Healing of sick boy 3. Healing of paralyzed man 4. Feeding the 5, Storm calmed 6. Blind man healed 7. Lazarus raised 8. Jesus’ death and resurrection 1. Creation/re-creation 2. Healing (distance) 3. Forgiveness (even to one who doesn’t ask for it or want it) 4. Provision 5. Nature 6. Sight 7. Life 8. Love

 God’s  Self-sacrificing  Liberty and freedom  Truth  Upside down hierarchy  Love  Satan’s  Self-centered  Force and coercion  Deception  Top down hierarchy  Apathy

 John 20:31 “…These are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.” (ESV)

 Believe  Know  Trust  Depend upon  Live  Disbelieve  Accept lies as reality  Fear  Become self-centered  Die