Here is a passage that I have been reflecting on this week that we discussed at bible study:
"Then he climbed into the boat with them, and the wind died down. They were completely amazed, for they had not understood about the loaves; their hearts were hardened." (Mark 6:51-52). The disciples have seen loads of Jesus's miracles and they have just seen him miraculously feed 5000 people and walk on water. Why are their hearts still hardened? I am reminded by this little scenario that it is not exposure and knowledge that allows me to believe. That faith is not just my psychological condition. But there is a supernatural element, God must gift faith to me, God must open my blind eyes, God must give me new birth that I have no more control over than when my mother gave birth to me. It isn't until they receive the Holy Spirit that the disciples really start to behave like... brave faithful disciples. Praise God with me that by grace and not my merit he really does open our blind eyes so that we may believe for the forgiveness of our sins! If you don't think you have this supernatural regeneration - why not pray that God will give you this gift of his Holy Spirit? He will not give you a stone if you ask for bread (Matthew 7:9-11).
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