We're going to see three things: (1) Curiosity confronts challenges. (2) Curiosity invites God's power. (3) Curiosity strengthens belief. (1) Curiosity Confronts Mark 9:14–18 Mark 9:14–15 When they came to the other disciples, they saw a large crowd around them and the teachers of the law arguing with them. As soon as all the people saw Jesus, they were overwhelmed with wonder and ran to greet him. Mark 9:16 “What are you arguing with them about?” he asked. Mark 9:17-18 A man in the crowd answered, “Teacher, I brought you my son, who is possessed by a spirit that has robbed him of speech. Whenever it seizes him, it throws him to the ground. He foams at the mouth, gnashes his teeth and becomes rigid. I asked your disciples to drive out the spirit, but they could not.” Curiosity says: I don't understand this yet, but I'm not finished searching. Doubt can cause us to walk away. Or doubt can cause us to ask deeper questions. Those are very different responses. If you can… Curiosity allows us to acknowledge what we don't know. Don't let your questions drive you away from God. (2) Curiosity Invites God's Mark 9:19–27 Mark 9:19 “You unbelieving generation,” Jesus replied, “how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy to me.” Mark 9:20 So they brought him. When the spirit saw Jesus, it immediately threw the boy into a convulsion. He fell to the ground and rolled around, foaming at the mouth. Mark 9:21-22 Jesus asked the boy’s father, “How long has he been like this?” “From childhood,” he answered. “It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.” Mark 9:23-24 “If you can?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.” Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” Mark 9:25 When Jesus saw that a crowd was running to the scene, he rebuked the impure spirit. “You deaf and mute spirit,” he said, “I command you, come out of him and never enter him again.” Mark 9:26-27 The spirit shrieked, convulsed him violently and came out. The boy looked so much like a corpse that many said, “He’s dead.” But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him to his feet, and he stood up. Questions can become invitations. The disciples' failure didn't mean Jesus had failed. There is something powerful about moving from: I wonder… To: Jesus, I'm bringing this to You. That's where curiosity becomes faith. (3) Curiosity Strengthens Mark 9:23–24 “If you can?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.” Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” Faith is learning to trust God while we still have questions. God can work with honest faith. (1) Curiosity confronts challenges. (2) Curiosity invites God's power. (3) Curiosity strengthens belief. Take-aways: (1) Ask the question (2) Take the question to Scripture (3) Talk with someone mature in faith