Building Dynamic Faith: Lesson 4: Thinking The Unthinkable

A. STATEMENTS ON PRAYER BY JERRY FALWELL (as taught by Jonathan Falwell).

1. Prayer can do anything God can do . . . and since God can do anything, prayer is omnipotent.

2. “Nothing of eternal significance ever happens apart from prayer.”

3. “Faith begins where man’s power ends.”

4. There are times when it’s not a matter of whether or not the rabbit can climb the tree; the rabbit must climb the tree.”

5. A miracle is the interruption of the laws of nature for a divine purpose.” –C. S. Lewis

B. WHAT I WANT YOU TO LEARN

1. God has promised to do the impossible in response to prayer.

2. Recognize that throughout your life, God has already done the humanly impossible.

3. Realize God wants to do exceeding and abundantly beyond all that we ask or think.

C. INTRODUCTION

1. What is the greatest miracle for Thomas Road Baptist Church in the history of our church? ____________________________________________________.

2. What is the greatest miracle ever done?

a. Creation of everything from nothing.

b. The Virgin Birth, God was conceived in Mary’s womb.

c. The death of Christ to forgive the sins of mankind.

d. The resurrection to give life to His own.

e. My conversion.

D. JESUS WALKS ON WATER: MATTHEW 14:22-33

1. What did Jesus tell His disciples to do? “Get into the ship . . . go to the other side” (v. 22). Jesus sent them into the storm.

2. Why did Jesus send them into a storm?

a. To test their faith? Did they pass?

b. To teach them that disobedience brings problems.

c. To teach them to seek Him in the storms of life.

d. To teach them who He was.

3. What was Jesus doing when they were in the storm? “He went up into a mountain apart to pray” (v.23). Jesus is our intercessor.

4. What happens when we are in a storm?

a. No progress . “Toiling in rowing for the wind was contrary to them” (Mark 6:48).

b. Afraid. “Were troubled” (Mark 6:50).

c. Everything messed up.

5. Why did Jesus pretend to pass them by? “He cometh unto them . . . and would have passed them by” (Mark 6:48).

a. Spiritual blinded. “They supposed it had been a spirit” (Mark 6:49).

b. Lack of faith. “The disciples saw Him walking on the sea, and they were troubled” (Matt. 14:26).

6. What was in Peter’s mind? “Sir if it is really you, tell me to come over to you, walking on the water” (Matt. 14:28, LB).

a. Bold faith.

b. Tempting faith.

c. Human faith.

Don’t put God on the spot; He may take you at your word.

7. What did Jesus bid Peter to do? “The Lord said, ‘Come’ (Matt. 14:29).

a. An invitation to faith.

b. A challenge to the miracles (a class “A” miracle).

c. An opportunity to be near Jesus.

d. Describe a time in your life when you get out of the boat, i.e., your comfort zone? ____________.

8. What did Peter do? “He (Peter) walked on the water” (Matt. 14:29).

a. Never done before.

b. Is God asking you to do what’s never been done before?

9. What was Peter’s downfall? “When he looked around at the high waves, he was terrified, and began to sink” (14:30).

a. Took his eyes off Jesus.

b. Focused on his problems or challenges.

c. What happens when you become problem-focused and not God-focused?

10. Dr. Falwell’s principles for receiving big things:

a. Put emphasis on people, and then trust God to supply buildings, programs and money.

b. Excel in the work that God has called you to do.

c. God’s blessings surround spiritual integrity.

d. God responds to simple childlike faith.

11. Where do you need a miracle right now? ____________________________________________.

12. What must you do to receive your miracle? ___________________.

If you have never really accepted Jesus as your personal Savior, would you do it right now? Do not delay or put it off. If you would like to receive Christ by faith, pray this simple prayer in your heart:

Dear Lord, I acknowledge that I am a sinner. I believe Jesus died for my sins on the cross, and rose again the third day. I repent of my sins. By faith I receive the Lord Jesus as my Savior. You promised to save me, and I believe You, because You are God and cannot lie. I believe right now that the Lord Jesus is my personal Savior, and that all my sins are forgiven through His precious blood. I thank You, dear Lord, for saving me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

If you prayed that prayer, God heard you and saved you. I personally want to welcome you to the family of God. Please contact me at eltowns@liberty.edu and tell us about your salvation experience so that we can rejoice with you.