Derek Redmond is best remembered for his performance at the 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona. He tore his hamstring in the 400-meter semi-final race. Redmond fought through the pain and managed to complete a full lap of the track with his father’s assistance as the crowd gave him a standing ovation. His father later said, “My son’s race will forever be remembered, and while he did not win the gold medal he had dreamed of, he left an indelible mark on the 1992 Games.”

John 4 – What Is Saving Faith?

In John 4, we read about an urgent conversation Jesus had with a nobleman whose son was seriously ill. Like Redmond’s father, this father watched his child suffer even to the point of death. It’s likely the nobleman thought there was some hope Jesus could help him. News had spread about the wedding in Cana earlier when Jesus had performed a miracle. The word “asked” means the father began to beg Jesus to heal his son and keep it up. He was desperately pleading for his son’s life.

While Jesus would eventually heal his son, He was more concerned with the man’s faith than the signs and miracles that many were seeking. The nobleman’s faith was rewarded when Jesus spoke just a few words to him. He had learned who Christ was, and he trusted him completely. He had heard God’s Word and exercised saving faith in Christ. What is saving faith? D. James Kennedy explained it very clearly in his text for the Evangelism Explosion training program by defining it as what it is not.

“The first thing people mistake for saving faith is this: an intellectual assent to certain historical facts. Some people believe in Jesus Christ the same way they believe in Napoleon or George Washington. They believe He actually lived. He was a real person in history, but they are not trusting Him to do anything for them now.”

The Kingdom Coach and Athlete depend upon Jesus to meet their needs by hearing His words, obeying Him, and growing in their faith.

Journaling helps you understand and respond to the Bible. As you journal, use the acronym HEAR to Highlight, Explain, Apply, and Respond to what you have read in the reading plan.

Bible Memory Verse – “No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent ME draws him, and I will raise him up on the last day.” John 6:44 LSB

Click HERE for the Kingdom Sports Minute on Eternal Life