MARK Sermons – Mircheal Jones

Author: John Mark (Probably with help from Peter). [Trace the story of Mark,who like Peter, “backslide” and then was restored to a place of useful service. Acts 13: 13, 15:37-39 Col. 4: 10 II Tim 4: 11].

Purpose: To show Christ as Servant (Mk 10:45) (No birth or childhood information) (Matt. shows Him as King, Luke as Man, and John as God)

Mark is one of the Synoptic (“To see together”) Gospels (along with Matthew and Luke). The Synoptic resemble each other in that they view the Outer Life, Public Ministry, and Galilee tour of Christ).

Mark is the shortest of the 4 Gospels concerned mainly with actions and deeds (The keyword is “Straightway” (Used over 42 times). Twelve of the 16 Chapters begin with “And”. This is a book to be read at one sitting.

OUTLINE:

I. THE SERVANT PRESENTED 1:1-13

II. THE SERVICES PERFORMED 1:14-8:30

III. THE SUFFERINGS PREDICTED 8:31-10:52

IV. THE SACRIFICE PROVIDED 11:1-16:20

I. THE SERVANT PRESENTED 1:1-13

A) The Proclamation of the Servant 1:1-8

1. By Mark vs 1

2. By Isaiah and Malachi vs 2-3

3. By John the Baptist vs 4-8

B) The Preparation of the Servant 1:9-13

1. A Preliminary Separation vs 9 (Baptized)

a. Separation FROM his former life

b. Separation TO his new ministry

2. A Preliminary Anointing vs 10 (The Spirit)

a. The Heavens opened

b. The Spirit descended upon Him

3. A Preliminary Assuring vs 11 (A Word from God)

a. As to Sonship- “Thou art my beloved Son”

b. As to Motive- “In Whom I am well pleased”

4. A Preliminary Testing vs 12, 13

a. A Divine Plan- “The Spirit Driveth Him”

b. A real Temptation- “of Satan”

Note the numbers of times in this Gospel that Jesus told people NOT to tell anyone who He was or that He had healed them.

Mark 00 THE “GOSPEL” IN MARK

THE “GOSPEL” IN MARK: The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God (Mark 1:1). Mark lets us know immediately that his book is about the Gospel (“Good News”) of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. Since Mark is written to present Jesus as a “Servant” (No Birth or family records. Key word is “straightway” [Spring into action immediately] then the six times Mark uses the word “Gospel” are important in giving us a servant’s view of the how and when the Gospel should be presented.

1) A Servant realizes there is a TIME to preach the Gospel: MAR 1:14-15 Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.

2) A Servant is aware that preaching the Gospel requires TOTAL DEDICATION: MAR 8:35 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel’s, the same shall save it.

3) A Servant rejoices that the SACRIFICE he makes to deliver the Gospel will not go unnoticed by the Master: MAR 10:29-31 And Jesus answered and said, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel’s, But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life. But many that are first shall be last; and the last first.

4) A Servant strives to SHARE the Gospel of the Master with as many people as possible: MAR 13:10 And the gospel must first be published among all nations.

5) A Servant recognizes that HIS ACTIONS as well as his words will be part of giving the Gospel: MAR 14:9 Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached throughout the whole world, this also that she hath done shall be spoken of for a memorial of her.

6) A Servant understands that everyone needs to HEAR the Gospel because every man will BE ACCOUNTABLE for what is in the Gospel: MAR 16:15-16 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

Mark 01: 12 DRIVEN INTO THE WILDERNESS

And immediately the Spirit driveth him into the wilderness (Mark 1:12).

For some reason God seems to have this thing about teaching people in a wilderness. Maybe it is because Satan “made the world a wilderness” with his sinful rebellion: How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High. Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit. They that see thee shall narrowly look upon thee, and consider thee, saying, Is this the man that made the earth to tremble, that did shake kingdoms; That made the world as a wilderness, and destroyed the cities thereof; that opened not the house of his prisoners? (Isaiah 14:12-17).

It was from this “wilderness” that the Lord “Moved” and brought about the world we have today- And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters (Genesis 1:2).

And when Adam sinned God “Drove” him out of the Garden of Eden into the wilderness of the world: Therefore the LORD God sent him forth from the garden of Eden, to till the ground from whence he was taken. So he drove out the man; and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden Cherubims, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life (Genesis 3:23-24).

Today we want to look at some of the “wilderness experiences” used by God as a way to SHOW some of God’s men things He wanted them to see and to GROW them into the worker He wanted them to become.

1) Moses: Learned not to RELY ON SELF EFFORT. Rejected from his own plan [Secretly eliminate the opposition] he needed to learn to follow God’s plan [Become God’s man with God’s power proclaiming God’s desire for His people’s freedom]. He met God at a Burning Bush

2) David: Learned to DEVELOP HIS SOUL (Be still and know that I am God). Persecuted by his friends [to the point of death] he needed to learn to spend time with God (Many of the Psalms were written when David was in the Wilderness) and grow into the great leader God wanted him to be.

3) Elijah: Learned to REST HIS BODY. The stress leading to success followed by threats instead of praise led to depression gripping his soul and he needed to restore his health, rest his body, and re-find God’s direction for his life. He heard God in a Still Small Voice

4) Jesus: Showed how to DEFEAT SATAN. The Wilderness at the beginning of Jesus’ ministry allowed Him to spend time with the Father planning the way ahead and would end with Him showing Satan that He could defeat him as a Human simply by using the Word of God.

5) Paul: Learned THE EDUCATION OF ISOLATION to overcome the “wisdom of the world”. Paul had depended on Pharisee Training and Personal Thoughts before his encounter with Christ. Now God wanted to give him a “world changing” direction for his ministry and message.

Do you need some time alone with God to find out WHO you are and WHAT you need to do? Remember that John the Baptist was Rejected by the “religious society” and became the “voice of one crying in the wilderness” and was the one selected to baptize the Messiah!

Are you depressed about the success of your walk with God or your work for God and need to hear His “still small voice” of encouragement?

Is it time for you to “go into the wilderness” with Christ and come out victorious over Satan’s attacks on your life?

Mark 01:12-13 FACING TEMPTATION AND GETTING THE VICTORY

THE JOY AND PEACE OF YOUR LIFE WILL DEPEND ON HOW YOU MEET AND OVERCOME TEMPTATION. Christ came to give us life and that more abundantly; and that includes the right to victory over temptation! He showed us how to do this at the very beginning of His ministry when He “took on” Satan and came out victorious. Let’s look at what Temptation is and how we, too, can be victorious.

I. Temptation is a Common Problem: Even Christ “was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin” Heb 4:15 (See I Cor 10:13).

II. Temptation comes and goes: Satan departed for a season. Sometimes it’s just a glow in the distance but other times it’s a raging fire – I Pet 4:12 and Ep 6:16. It was severe for Christ because He had just fasted for 40 days and was hungry.

III. Temptation is for a reason:

A. God’s Time: Driven of the Spirit (God does not tempt but He can bring us to temptation’s place).

B. Tested at the Beginning of his work: Remember that the seed cast on the stony ground endured until the heat of the day! Christ learned to be an Overcomer at His Ministry’s beginning (In that He himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted Heb 2:18).

IV. Temptations Vary:

A. Normal Desires: Hungry so turn stone to bread (Every man is tempted when he is drawn away of his own lusts, and enticed James 1:14). Is your desire for God’s Glory or your Good??

B. Normal Reasonings: Why not leap off the temple and show Satan His great Faith? (Notice how Satan misused the Word of God). Faith is the Substance of things hoped for the Evidence of things not seen Heb 11:1. Faith becomes Folly when we put our Faith in “Faith” and not in God!!!

C. Normal Tendencies of the will: Take the Easy way instead of the Cross way. Man becomes what God wants when he says, “Not my will but thine be done”.

John lists these tendencies this way: For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world I John 2:16

V. Temptations are sometimes very challenging: Fasted for 40 days; afterward hungered

VI. Temptations bring us closer to God: Angels minister to Him “That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ”. I Pet 1:7

VII. Temptation is overcome thru Faith in the Word – (All quotes are from the book of Deut.) Christ used the same “tools” that are available to everyone else – Faith in, and, knowledge of, the Word of God.

At the beginning of His ministry Jesus “took on” Satan and came out victorious. He did it by using the same “tools” which are available to everyone else; Faith in, and knowledge of, the Word of God. Christ came to give us life and that more abundantly; which includes the right to victory over temptation

Mark 01:14-22 THE CALLING OF DISCIPLES

Jesus had just returned from his great trial in the Desert where he had fasted 40 days and then was tempted by the Devil concerning the three great temptations of life (I Jn 2:16): the “Lust of the Flesh” (hunger); the “Lust of the eyes” (Give you the world); and the “Pride of Life”-(throw your self off the temple to show your faith). Now he was able to go to a sin cursed world and give them a message of Help and Hope because he was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin (Heb 4:15).

His forerunner, John the Baptist, had been imprisoned for his bold preaching against sin and now Jesus begins to take the road that He knows will end up on Calvary’s Cross. As he begins his ministry he calls 12 disciples to become students and helpers; and eventually he ordains them to be Apostles (Mk 3:13-19). [He will eventually use as many as 70 disciples (Luke 10:1) but these 12 are the main “core” that he traveled with and taught].

I want us to look today at how Jesus called these men and see their response, and then I want us to listen to His call to US today and gauge our response- our response to the greatest opportunity and obligation we will ever encounter.

I. THE CALL- Jesus said unto them, Come ye after me, and I will make you to become fishers of men vs 17

A) A Simple Call- “Come” (Doctrines are difficult, Salvation is simple)

B) An Understandable Call- “Come” Direct and to the point. Later He would say it like this, Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light Matt 11:28-30.

C) A Personal Call- “Ye”. Each individual is answerable for himself- Whosoever WILL may come. Jesus has saved Millions of men but He always does so one man at a time.

D) A Committing Call- “After Me”. We are called to FOLLOW CHRIST by Faith. He does not show us all of the road we will travel but He does tell us that He will walk it before us and we can trust him to never lead us astray.

E) An Obligatory Call- “I will make you to become fishers of Men”.

1. The Transformation: “I will MAKE YOU”. HE gives us the Power to become what He wants us to be!

2. The Task- “Fishers of men”. From the mundane to the miraculous. Life has Purpose, Peace, and Production as we accomplish eternal goals and rescue men from eternal death.

II. THE RESPONSE- And straightway they forsook their nets, and followed him vs 18

A) No Delays- “Straightway”. Today is the day of Salvation

B) No Deterrence- “They forsook their nets”. Job or even Family (vs 20) did not keep them from commitment.

C) No Denials- “followed Him”. Openly they made a stand with Jesus. Every Christian needs to do that by Public Profession, Baptism, and joining a fellowship of Believers.

Jesus is calling you to be His disciple today- What is your answer?

Mark 01:17 18 FISHERS OF MEN

(Mark 1:17 18) And Jesus said unto them, Come ye after me, and I will make you to become fishers of men. And straightway they forsook their nets, and followed him.

A Growing Christian should be a GOING Christian. Are you satisfied with Fruit instead of Fish? Most Christians seek Fruit that will benefit their life or their walk with God instead of remembering that Christ calls us to be “fishers of men. Our world will change, and our Churches will fill, when Christians begin using the energy from, and example of, the Fruit in their life to “Go Fishing”.

There are 2 basic types of Fishing:

1. Net Fishing (Many at one time)- equal to preaching to a congregation

2. Line Fishing (1 at the time)- equal to personal Soul Winning

You must decide which type of fishing you want to do (You can do Both! But not normally at the same time.).

I. First, there must be A DESIRE TO FISH

A) A Goal- Do you WANT to obtain Fish? (Are you satisfied with Fruit instead of Fish??)

B) A Going- Do you want to obtain Fish bad enough to go fishing?? (Or would you rather “eat” what someone else has caught?)

II. Second, there must be A PLACE TO FISH

A) Location: – You don’t fish in the middle of a field! You have to go where the fish are.

Most of the time, you net fish in the ocean and line fish in rivers and lakes (Most of the time you Preach in Church and do Personal work in the highways and hedges)

B) Likely Place- Most Fishermen have favorite “holes” that they fish at. They have learned by experience where and when to fish. (Yet I have caught fish in the most ‘unlikely of places.)

III. Third, There must be EQUIPMENT TO FISH WITH

A) A Text: The Roman’s Road:

a. No one is righteous Rom 3:10

b. All are Sinners Rom 3:23

c. The Wages of Sin is Death Rom 6: 23

d. Christ loved us even as Sinners Rom 5:8

e. You must believe and confess Christ Rom 10:9-10

f. Assurance is based on God’s Word Rom 10:13

B) A Testimony- What has Jesus done for you?

3 times in the book of Acts Paul’s Testimony is given:

1. Once, to show the Church how he was saved

2. Second, Before a crowd that was trying to kill him

3. Finally, before Kings

Have you been fishing lately? Lots of good fishing “Holes” are available if someone wants to take advantage of them. A FOLLOWER OF CHRIST IS A FISHER OF MEN

Mark 1:40-2:12 SIN AND SICKNESS

Have you ever visited a Hospital and as you walked past bruised, diseased, and dying people asked yourself the eternal question- Why??. Why are ANY people sick? Why are THESE people sick? And if it happens to you, Why am I sick? Let me say at the beginning that the answers are neither simple nor -satisfying and in a few cases the answers seem to be unknowable for a time. But a large-part of sickness can be explained and helped if we have “ears to hear” and apply God’s remedy.

The Psalmist says, “Fools because of their transgression, and because of their iniquities are afflicted” (Ps 107:17). And in Mark 2 Jesus shows a direct relationship between Sin and Sickness. This is where most people go astray; they look everywhere else for cures and overlook the cause!

Sickness is a result of the Sin Principle. There was no sickness until sin; nor will there be after sin (Rev 21:3-4). This does not necessarily mean a sick person has sinned more than another (Paul s thorn in the flesh, Job, man born blind in John 9:1-6) but many sicknesses are the result of sin and if the sin is confessed God will heal the sickness (James 5:14-16 Is any Sick among you? Let him call for the elders of the Church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: and the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him. Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. Ps 103:3 Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases.)

I’d like to divide our look at Sin and Sickness into 3 different parts: 1) Holiness and Health, 2) Miracles and Medicine, and 3) Fear and Faith.

I. HOLINESS AND HEALTH:

A) Holiness produces Health (Common sense: a temperate life takes care of your body). Ex 23:25 And ye shall serve the Lord your God, and he shall bless thy bread, and thy water; and I will take sickness away from the midst of thee. Ex 15:26 And said, If thou wilt diligently harken to the voice of the Lord thy God, .and wilt do that which is right in his sight, and wilt give ear to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I am the Lord that healeth thee.

Of course, this involves practical everyday living. Let’s look at 2 examples:

1. Take this thing about eating- did you know that the first sin was a sin of eating (Gen 3:) and that the first temptation Christ faced was to eat (Matt 4)? This means we ought to look at not only how much we eat but also at what and when we eat. (Fat preachers huffing and puffing as they shout about those who overindulge in alcohol should remember that!). We abuse our stomach by cramming anything we want into it and then can’t understand why it complains sometimes.

2. The problem of rest. God has from the very beginning set aside 1 day in 7 for a day of rest. And almost from the beginning man has disregarded this law and suffered the consequences. The Children of Israel disregarded it for a·long time but “Pay Day” finally came (II Chron 36:21). In their case it was destruction of their land and captivity in Babylon; in our case it generally the destruction of our nervous system and captivity in a hospital.

Isn’t it strange how we can’t find time for rest until sickness takes the time (and generally a big hunk of money as well!). The best medicine for many besetting sicknesses is still the wonderful advice of Isaiah 40:31 They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

B) Disregarding God’s Laws bring sickness: Deut 28:58-59 If thou wilt not observe to do all the words of this law that are written in this book, that thou mayest fear this glorious and fearful name, THE LORD THY GOD: then the Lord will make thy plagues of thy seed, even great plagues, and of long continuance, and sore sicknesses; and of long continuance. Miriam (Num 12:1-10) and Gehazi (II Kings 5:26-27) are good examples of this in regards to presumptuous sins. The Corinthians who made light of the Lord’s supper or who partook with known unconfessed sins and thus became feeble, sick, or even died are good illustrations of this in the Church (I Cor 11:30)

IS YOUR SICKNESS A RESULT OF SIN?? OR DISREGARDING THE CLEAR TEACHINGS OF THE WORD OF GOD?? OR ABUSING YOUR BODY, THE TEMPLE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT???

II. MIRACLES AND MEDICINE:

A) God uses medicine and “external aids” to help in the healing process Hezekiah, lump of figs (Is. 38:21, Jesus uses spit (Mk 7:33 8:23) and clay (Jn 9: 6). Naaman was told to wash in the Jordan River {II Kings 5: 10). Medicines that are rightly used are a part of God’s plan in the healing process (But be aware of Medical complications when we think we can do our “own thing” with medicines. We are just beginning to see that taking medicine for one thing may lead to problems in another area- I can’t take aspirin for a headache because it upsets my stomach)

B) A PHYSICAL MEDICINE SHOULD NOT TRY TO CURE A SPIRITUAL PROBLEM: We should not look to the medicine instead of God for healing (II Chron 16:12 And Asa in the thirty and ninth year of his reign was diseased in his feet, until his disease was exceeding great: yet in his disease he sought not to the Lord, but to the physicians. And Asa died).

Thank God for Doctors and their wisdom and ability- But Doctors themselves will tell you that over half of their patients don’t need the Doctor or the medicine he gives: They need Peace with God and themselves!

And even if your sickness is a real need, sometimes it’s just an opportunity for God to Get the Glory by healing You- Man born blind in .John 9:3 “that the works of God should be made manifest in him” Lazarus in Jn 11:4 “This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God,”

WHERE DO YOU LOOK FOR HELP WHEN YOU HAVE A SICKNESS??? DO YOU TRUST MEDICINE MORE THAN GOD?

III. FEAR AND FAITH

A) Fear of looking closely at things we accept as “normal”- Jesus could not do many mighty works in his home country because of their unbelief (Matt 13:57-58)

1. We are afraid to examine our sickness too close lest we find a sin to be confessed and dealt with.

2. We pray once for healing and declare it God’s will for us to be sick (Remember that Elijah prayed 7 times before he saw the first rain cloud!!)

3. It is so much easier to go to the Doctor and then blame him for the continuing pain.

B) Faith- What if sin is confessed and faith is exercised and healing doesn’t take place:

1. There is a sickness whereof you die (I Jn 5:16 II Kings 13:14)

2. There is a sickness to draw us to God (Paul’s Thorn in Flesh)

3.·When we ask God to heal us we are asking God NOT TELLING Him what He must do: Ps 119:75 I know, 0 Lord, that thy judgments are right, and that thou in faithfulness hast afflicted me.

Mark 02:1-12 UNFORGETTABLE FORGIVENESS

Supposed Brother Ralph gave me a new Honda today to replace the worn out car I now drive. Wouldn’t that be a great GIFT?

Now, Suppose Brother Ralph said he had a good Honda I could BUY. Then, Suppose I went to Brother Howard and asked him if I could borrow the money to buy this new car. After Brother Howard’s bank had loaned me the money, suppose Brother Howard said, “Preacher, you don’t have to pay the DEBT you owe on your car. I’m just going to forget about it!” Wouldn’t that be Great?

One more step. Suppose several months later Brother Tommy came to my door and said, “Preacher, I’m going to have to arrest you because you didn’t pay for that car you’re driving.” If Brother Howard had given me a piece of paper saying that debt was Paid in Full then I wouldn’t have a problem. Otherwise, Brother Tommy and I might have to take the “long ride” in his car!!!

That’s a little like the situation in today’s scripture. A man is brought to Jesus for healing but Jesus forgives his sins first. Healing would be a Gift; forgiveness of the DEBT of sin would be something else all together. Yet he had to first take Jesus’ word about the forgiveness of Sins before he experienced the healing of his body (There is a real possibility that this man’s sickness was a result of his sin. That may be the reason Jesus dealt with his sin problem first.)

Mark 2:1-12 And again he entered into Capernaum after some days; and it was noised that he was in the house. 2 And straightway many were gathered together, insomuch that there was no room to receive them, no, not so much as about the door: and he preached the word unto them. 3 And they come unto him, bringing one sick of the palsy, which was borne of four. 4 And when they could not come nigh unto him for the press, they uncovered the roof where he was: and when they had broken it up, they let down the bed wherein the sick of the palsy lay. 5 When Jesus saw their faith, he said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, thy sins be forgiven thee. 6 But there were certain of the scribes sitting there, and reasoning in their hearts, 7 Why doth this man thus speak blasphemies? who can forgive sins but God only? 8 And immediately when Jesus perceived in his spirit that they so reasoned within themselves, he said unto them, Why reason ye these things in your hearts? 9 Whether is it easier to say to the sick of the palsy, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and take up thy bed, and walk? 10 But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (he saith to the sick of the palsy,) 11 I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy bed, and go thy way into thine house. 12 And immediately he arose, took up the bed, and went forth before them all; insomuch that they were all amazed, and glorified God, saying, We never saw it on this fashion.

Forgiveness of Sins –

1) The MIRACLE of Forgiveness: Forgiveness is the greatest miracle that Jesus ever performed. It meets the greatest Need man has; it costs the greatest Price; and it brings the Greatest Blessing with the most lasting results.

2) The MEANS of Forgiveness: I Jn 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness

3) The MEANING of Forgiveness:

A) Guilt is Gone- WHAT HAPPENS TO FORGIVEN SINS? In Relation to:

1. DISTANCE from our destiny: Ps 103:12 As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.

2. SIGHT by our Savior: Isaiah 38:17 Behold, for peace I had great bitterness; but thou hast in love to my soul delivered it from the pit of corruption; for thou hast cast all my sins behind thy back.

3. MEMORY by our Master: Isaiah 43:25 I, even I, am he that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins.

4. DISPOSITION of our Debt: Mic 7:19 He will turn again, he will have compassion upon us; he will subdue our iniquities; and thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea (with a “No Fishing” Sign!!)

a) Our Sins are away from us, out of sight, out of mind, & gone

b) Spiritual Health is Restored- Sin is like sickness, forgiveness is like having your health restored. You aren’t perfect; you are just forgiven to begin a new life.

We call this message “Unforgettable Forgiveness” because it illustrates the fact that the Forgiveness we find in Christ not only changes our Destination; it also changes the way we live on earth. Just as this man’s life was changed after Jesus granted Him forgiveness, so YOUR life can be changed also. But you’ve got to get past the crowds and the obstacles that Jesus puts in your way.

This miracle shows that Jesus forgives Helpless People. It also shows the need that Christians have of bringing others to Christ. You may feel completely Helpless to offer Jesus anything but your faith; BUT THAT’S ALL HE REQUIRES.

There are three kinds of people Jesus cannot forgive:

1) Those who do not know about Him

2) Those who know about Him but refuse to trust Him

3) Those who will not admit that they need Him.

Mark 02:4-5 THEIR FAITH

Mark 2:4-5 And when they could not come nigh unto him for the press, they uncovered the roof where he was: and when they had broken it up, they let down the bed wherein the sick of the palsy lay. When Jesus saw their faith, he said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, thy sins be forgiven thee.

Mt 8:13 And Jesus said unto the centurion, Go thy way; and as thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee. And his servant was healed in the selfsame hour.

I. PRIVILEGE OF BEING A CHILD OF GOD

A) SAVED by Faith- Sins forgiven by Faith in What Christ has done

B) SURROUNDED by God’s Faithfulness- Peculiar People, Job’s Hedge

C) HEADED FOR HEAVEN where Faith will become sight.

II. WHAT ABOUT THOSE WHO AREN’T SAVED?

A) Faith to COME to God in their behalf. Ro 4:21 And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform.

1) Know their Need so you can pray: Tell God about their problems and ask Him to change them. (What are 5 things that need to be done by this church that only God can do?)

2) Support the work of those who go: Give as God has given you. Invest in Souls.

B) Faith to CARRY them to God means a Personal Involvement.

1) 3 “P” Post Cards, Phone Calls, Personal Contact

2) CITRIS WITNESSING

Confrontational

Intellectual (Paul in Acts)

Testimonial (Blind Man who saw)

Relational (Demon Possessed Man- Go home to friends)

Invitational (Woman at well)

Service (Darcus)

Ro 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. Have Faith that your sharing the Word of God with them will have an impact.

Mark 2:6- OBJECTIONS JESUS FACED

Right at the beginning Mark shows that Jesus stirred up opposition. We need to examine the objections to him and how he answered them.

I. His ATTITUDE:

A) No revenge: He trusted His Father to handle it- Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord (Romans 12:19).

B) No Rebuff: He was misunderstood but he still served. He realized objections were going to come regardless of what He did.

II. THE OBJECTIONS:

A) He spoke with the authority of God- Why doth this man thus speak blasphemies? who can forgive sins but God only? (Mark 2:7). (Unknown to them there was truth mixed into this statement!)

B) Spent more time with the lost than with the “leaders”- And it came to pass, that, as Jesus sat at meat in his house, many publicans and sinners sat also together with Jesus and his disciples: for there were many, and they followed him. And when the scribes and Pharisees saw him eat with publicans and sinners, they said unto his disciples, How is it that he eateth and drinketh with publicans and sinners? When Jesus heard it, he saith unto them, They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance (Mark 2:15-17). (Remember that Separation can become isolation).

C) He was not as “religious” as the “Religious People”- And the disciples of John and of the Pharisees used to fast: and they come and say unto him, Why do the disciples of John and of the Pharisees fast, but thy disciples fast not? And Jesus said unto them, Can the children of the bridechamber fast, while the bridegroom is with them? as long as they have the bridegroom with them, they cannot fast. But the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken away from them, and then shall they fast in those days. No man also seweth a piece of new cloth on an old garment: else the new piece that filled it up taketh away from the old, and the rent is made worse. And no man putteth new wine into old bottles: else the new wine doth burst the bottles, and the wine is spilled, and the bottles will be marred: but new wine must be put into new bottles (Mark 2:18-22). (He Rejoiced over the lost being saved and He took time to enjoy Serving God)

D) He was more concerned with people’s needs that Religious Customs- And it came to pass, that he went through the corn fields on the sabbath day; and his disciples began, as they went, to pluck the ears of corn. And the Pharisees said unto him, Behold, why do they on the sabbath day that which is not lawful? And he said unto them, Have ye never read what David did, when he had need, and was an hungred, he, and they that were with him? How he went into the house of God in the days of Abiathar the high priest, and did eat the shewbread, which is not lawful to eat but for the priests, and gave also to them which were with him? And he said unto them, The sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath: Therefore the Son of man is Lord also of the sabbath (Mark 2:23-28). God gives us guidelines to grow us; not to enslave us.

The Objections did not come from the people; they came from Religious people (Pharisees and Scribes) and from His “allies” (Disciples of John).

Jesus overcame Objections by keeping His eyes focused on His Father, on the task given by His Father, and on the needs of the people His Father has sent him to save.

Mark 03:1-6 WATCHED HIM

You would think people “watching Jesus” would be a good thing but not in these cases. You would think people coming to church would be a good thing but not if they come to look for fault.

These people watched Jesus in order:

TO CRITICIZE: And he entered again into the synagogue; and there was a man there which had a withered hand. And they watched him, whether he would heal him on the sabbath day; that they might accuse him. And he saith unto the man which had the withered hand, Stand forth. And he saith unto them, Is it lawful to do good on the sabbath days, or to do evil? to save life, or to kill? But they held their peace. And when he had looked round about on them with anger, being grieved for the hardness of their hearts, he saith unto the man, Stretch forth thine hand. And he stretched it out: and his hand was restored whole as the other. And the Pharisees went forth, and straightway took counsel with the Herodians against him, how they might destroy him (Mark 3:1-6).

TO CONDEMN: Luke 20:19-20 And the chief priests and the scribes the same hour sought to lay hands on him; and they feared the people: for they they perceived that he had spoken this parable against them. And they watched him, and sent forth spies, which should feign themselves just men, that they might take hold of his words, that so they might deliver him unto the power and authority of the governor.

TO CRUCIFY: Matt 27:33-36 And when they were come unto a place called Golgotha, that is to say, a place of a skull, They gave him vinegar to drink mingled wtih gall: and when he had tasted thereof, he would not drink. And they crucified him, and parted his garments, casting lots: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, They parted my garments among them, and upon my vesture did they cast lots. And sitting down they watched him there;

There is coming a day when their watching Him will lead to CRYING: Rev 1:7 Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen.

Mark 03:29 THE UNPARDONABLE SIN TODAY

There is an old saying “As long as there is life there is hope”. That may be true with man but it’s not true with God. That is why I feel the need and the urgency to preach this sermon on the unpardonable sin.

What is the unpardonable sin? The word blaspheme comes from the Greek word “blasphemia” which means evil speaking. Is it attributing the work of God to the devil? Is it the final ultimate rejection of the Lord Jesus?

An important statement in understanding what this sin is to read verse 25 “Jesus knew their thoughts”

1. The Holy Ghost is a person and has a job to do

a. John 16:7-11 (Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment John 16:7-8).

b. It is his call that offers salvation

c. It is thru him we are regenerated

d. It is him that can be sinned against that is unpardonable

2. Bible-Examples of those who committed this Sin

a. Pharaoh Ex. 10:28 said I no longer want to see you Ex. 10:29 Moses said you will see my face no longer

b. Herod killed John the Baptist in Mk 6 and Jesus in Lk. 23:8-9 would not speak to him

c. Moses was God’s voice to Pharaoh as was John to Herod

3. There is a process whereby this Sin takes place. IIlu: A man is sick and I have the remedy but he resists help time after time until he finally insults me and I still come and offer help but not as frequent until I finally just quit coming at all.

4. The End Result is Hopelessness

a. This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart: Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness (Eph 4:17-19).

b. No more feeling of conviction

c. God calls no more

d. All hope is gone: No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day (John 6:44).

There is a time, I know not when a place I know not where Which marks the destiny of man to heaven or despair. There is a line by us not seen which crosses every path The hidden boundary between God’s patience and His wrath

Lk 23:8-12 And when Herod saw Jesus, he was exceeding glad: for he was desirous to see him of a long season, because he had heard many things of him; and he hoped to have seen some miracle done by him. Then he questioned with him in many words; but he answered him nothing. And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: Of sin, because they believe not on me; Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more; Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged. I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now.

Mark 04:1-13 SEED SOWER FAITH

Do you ever wonder if all the money and effort we put into the Church and the work of the Lord is worthwhile?? Especially considering the type of Faith Ministry we have here at Grace. We minister to thousands of people each week; most of which we never see or hear from. Are we doing anything; or are we just “spinning our wheels”?

The parable of the Sower shows us what to expect of the work we do; and by doing so, shows us how people respond to the Word of God.

This Parable is one of the most basic parables in the Bible. In fact Jesus said that if we did not Know this parable? how then will ye know all parables? (Mark 4:13). That means it’s important that we under the main ingredients in this message- What is the Seed? Who is the Sower? How do the kinds of Soil apply to us today?

I. THE SEED IS THE WORD- The seed is the word of God. (Luke 8:11)

A) It has LIFE in it- For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart (Heb 4:12). A dry stick won’t grow a tree but an acorn will!

B) It is Powerful- Is not my word like as a fire? saith the LORD; and like a hammer that breaketh the rock in pieces? (Jer 23:29). Leave grass seed under a parking lot and soon it will come up thru every crack and crevice; and presently it will cause cracks and crevices!

C) It Produces Fruit- There are Numerous KINDS of Fruit we want:

1> SOULS WON TO CHRIST: Now I would not have you ignorant, brethren, that oftentimes I purposed to come unto you, (but was let hitherto,) that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among other Gentiles (Rom 1:13).

2> HOLINESS OF LIFE: But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life (Rom 6:22).

3> CHRISTIAN CHARACTER: But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law (Gal 5:22-23).

4> CHRISTIAN GROWTH: That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; (Col 1:10).

5> CHRISTIAN TESTIMONY: By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name (Heb 13:15).

If the Word of God is to do all these things it must be Planted and allowed to Grow. In the remainder of the Parable Jesus tells the helps and hindrance to this process.

II. THE SOWER SPREADS THE WORD- His part in the work in vital. Remember the story of the man who turned a vacant lot into a beautiful garden. Someone came by and said, “God has certainly made a beautiful garden here”. The man replied, “You should have seen this lot when God had it by Himself!” The Seed of the Word needs the sowing of man if it’s to do any good- How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? (Rom 10:14)

THE SOWER MUST:

A) Have a Personal Concern- They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him (Psa 126:5-6).

B) Accept being a Partner in the Work– I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase (1 Cor 3:6).

C) Be Patience in his task- Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain (James 5:7).

CAREFUL- Don’t sow to the Flesh- Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that sows to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting (Gal 6:7-8).

III. THE SOIL REPRESENTS MAN’S RESPONSE TO THE WORD. God made man from the earth so it is no surprise that Christ compared the human heart to soil.

A) The Hard Heart- Seed is Stolen by the Devil

B) The Shallow Heart- The Plant is Killed by Persecution due to shallow roots. The Sun represents Persecution here; that means it’s a necessary part of growth.

C) The Crowded Heart- Seed Sprouts but the Fruit is killed by the cares of this world, the deceitfulness of riches, and the lust for other things.

D) The Fruitful Heart- Receives the Word, understands the Word, Holds fast that which it receives. Fruit is the true test of Christianity- Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire (Mat 7:19). Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit (John 15:2). You are saved by Faith but a Faith that does not produce Works is a faulty faith.

Each of us has to deal with each of these kinds of hearing in our own life. Sometimes we don’t allow the word to penetrate our lives. Sometimes we start off with good intentions and end up forgetting before we get home. Sometimes we allow other things to take the place of the word. But, thankfully, sometimes we allow the word to bring change to our lives.

WHAT SHOULD BE YOUR RESPONSE TO GOD’S WORD?

BELIEVE IT- Having to do with the Mind- So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God (Rom 10:17). This is where the battle takes place for the WILL. Believing means to Trust in and Rely on. It is a trust so strong until we DETERMINE to accept Christ; OR NOT- ye will not come to me, that ye might have life (John 5:40).

RECEIVE CHRIST- Having to do with the Heart- But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: (John 1:12). You open the inner most part of your being to the examination, care, and correction of the Holy Spirit. This is not a New Leaf but a New Direction in your Life. You take “self “off the throne of your heart and allow Christ to be your Sovereign Lord.

ACKNOWLEDGE SALVATION- Having to do with the Mouth: Public Stand– For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation (Rom 10:10). You don’t establish your love for someone by simply “Feeling” good about them. You tell them you care for them.

There are only two “Sides” in the World; Satan and the Lord. Jesus said, He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad (Mat 12:30). You cannot serve two masters- Which one will you chose to make a public stand for today??

Mark 04:14-20 HOPE FOR A HARVEST

The sower soweth the word. And these are they by the way side, where the word is sown; but when they have heard, Satan cometh immediately, and taketh away the word that was sown in their hearts. And these are they likewise which are sown on stony ground; who, when they have heard the word, immediately receive it with gladness; And have no root in themselves, and so endure but for a time: afterward, when affliction or persecution ariseth for the word’s sake, immediately they are offended. And these are they which are sown among thorns; such as hear the word, And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful. And these are they which are sown on good ground; such as hear the word, and receive it, and bring forth fruit, some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some an hundred (Mark 4:14-20).

According to Jesus Seed Sowers can expect 1 of 4 things to happen to the seed they sow:

1- Way Side Seed- Never takes root- Satan Steals

2- Stony Ground Seed- Affliction or persecution offends- Not what they expected

3- Thorn Choked Seed- Cares of this world, deceitfulness of riches, lust for other things- Double Minded

4- Fruit Bearing Seed- Receive the Word and produce fruit- 30, 60, 100- Build God’s Kingdom

Faith is believing God CAN do something. Hope is believing God WILL do something.

Many people fail to bear active testimony for Christ because they do not have HOPE that the seed they sow will produce a Harvest. If we are going to change the world then we must believe that what we do for God matters.

Prayer Book- 25th Anniversary Trip- 9000 miles in 3 weeks. Sowed in Twin Falls, Idaho and reaped in Riverton, Wyoming.

Revelation- Sowed at National Meeting in Tampa, Florida. Received a phone call from VA from a former Drug Addict who got book from trash can, got saved, joined a church, was called to preach and was now studying for the ministry at Liberty University in Va

James, OT Survey- Left at a motel in Ohio attending a funeral. Maid picked up and sent to her son imprisoned in Texas. Son saved, started a Bible Study Group, eventually build Chapel in Jail.

Some will ignore this message, some will say I tried it and it did not meet my expectations, some will want me to shut up soon so they can get head of line at restaurant. But some will realize that there is Hope for a Harvest and they will make a difference in lives this week.

Commit to Christ and Commit to sharing Christ.

Mark 04:26-29 KINGDOM SEED

Do you get discouraged in your work for the Lord? Do you sometimes feel that you are spinning your wheels but not accomplishing anything for God? EVERY Christian feels that way from time to time. Today we want to look at what happens to the “Kingdom Seed” we plant for the Lord and be encouraged by what you and God are accomplishing as you work together- Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord (1 Cor 15:58).

(Someone has said this parable can be described with four words- Sowing vs 26, Sleeping vs 27, Growing vs 28, Reaping vs 29).

1. A PARABLE OF PATIENCE- Learn to do God’s work in God’s Way. Take the Example of Jesus- He could have won men by turning stones to bread (Bribery); or by leaping from the temple (Sensation); or by worshipping Satan (Compromise). Instead, he decided to patiently do it God’s way. You will continually be tempted to take short cuts and go off on your own when you work for God. Determine in your heart that you will do it God’s way, and wait on God’s time, for God’s results.

2. A PARABLE OF GRADUAL GROWTH- How do you eat an elephant? A bite at a time. That’s the same way you grow a crop- First comes the sprout, then the stalk, and finally the corn. “Instant” growth can produce tremendous problems. That’s the reason the Lord told the Children of Israel that they were to conquer the promised land a little at a time. Are you willing to allow the seed you plant time to grow or must you see instant results in order to continue working?

3. A PARABLE OF COOPERATIVE WORK- God must produce Growth but Christians must cooperate in the work- Remember the story of the man who turned a vacant lot into a beautiful garden. Someone came by and said, “God has certainly made a beautiful garden here”. The man replied, “You should have seen this lot when God had it by Himself!” The Seed of the Word needs the sowing of man if it’s to do any good

4. A PARABLE OF CHRISTIAN CONFIDENCE- A Tiny seed can find a crack in concrete and break it. A small cork ball can eventually move a 50 lb. ball of iron if both are hung by a rope and the cork is continually swung at the iron.

During WWII a lady in a church in England prepared a Fall display on the Church communion table as decoration for the Sunday Service. That night German bombers came over and the church was totally destroyed. Next Spring as the lady walked by the shell of her church she noticed something green. When she investigated she found that bombs, fire, and the cold of winter couldn’t kill the corn from her decoration! How much more can we have confidence in the Word of God to produce results?

5. A PARABLE OF TIMED HARVEST- When the fruit is ripe God will send in the sickle. Some will be harvested for Judgment and some for Rewards. Which will it be for you?

WHAT THEN SHOULD YOU DO???

1. Put forth the effort to Sow so there will be a crop

2. Take care about the kind of seed you sow- Gal 6:8

3. Be patient and allow God to work- Faith (Abraham)

4. Work with the knowledge that there is a harvest coming; and it will be too late to start planting then.

Mark 04:27-28 AUTOMATIC (Matt 2:12; Acts 12:10)

Are you tired of the stress that comes from having to manipulate and manage everything? Do you find yourself floundering around with busy work but never really accomplishing anything? Have you lost the zeal for life because you can’t figure out how to make life work? Do you find yourself longing for things to just happen on their own without you having to make them work?

Good News! The Bible describes some of these very problems of life that work “Automatically”. Today we’re going to see how to transform the principles into practice in our life. The word from which we get our word “Automatic” is the Greek word “Automatos”. It is found 3 times in the Bible. Each time reveals how to turn a spirit of manipulation into a spirit of trust and confidence.

1. THE AUTOMATIC WAY- And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way (Mat 2:12). “Return” in this verse in “Automatos”. God is warning the Wise Men that they should not “automatically” go back to Herod. In the same way God wants us to follow Him in the “Automatic” Way instead of going the way of:

A) The World- Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night (Psa 1:1-2).

B) Self Wisdom- Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths (Prov 3:5-6).

C) Your Wants- There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death (Prov 14:12).

The Automatic way comes when we Learn to listen to Divine Instruction. This Divine Instruction comes when we:

A) Learn God’s Voice- My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: (John 10:27). I had to meet someone in Florence last week but they weren’t exactly sure of the location of the building. They gave me a general area and the name of the office. Two problems- 1) The time change had made it almost night by the time I was to meet them and it was difficult to see. 2) They had told me the wrong name of the place we were to meet! As I was driving down the street God spoke to me and said, “Turn right now.” I did and found the person’s car as soon as I got into the parking lot (at 4:59 for a 5pm appointment. Without God’s leading I would have been very late).

B) Look at God’s eyes- Behold, as the eyes of servants look unto the hand of their masters, and as the eyes of a maiden unto the hand of her mistress; so our eyes wait upon the LORD our God, until that he have mercy upon us (Psa 123:2). As I was preparing to go for a hair cut last week I decided to carry some more books for their waiting area. I picked up Miracle Message Volume 1 but laid it down because I knew I had taken some of that volume last time. The Lord really impressed me to take one anyway so I did. As soon as I got there the barber asked if I had any Volume 1 because someone was asking for it!

2. THE AUTOMATIC GROWTH- And should sleep, and rise night and day, and the seed should spring and grow up, he knoweth not how. For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear (Mark 4:27-28). “of herself” is the word “Automatos”. Jesus is saying the seed will grow “Automatically”. What a wonderful bit of information for those of us who labor in God’s vineyard. It’s not my ability, my intellect, or even my worry that causes the seed to grow. My job is to plant; God’s job is to make it grow- I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase (1 Cor 3:6). Two principles come out of this Automatic Growth:

1) Don’t demand to know How God is going to use your efforts; learn to Trust God’s Plan.

2) Continue to plant the seed trusting God for results- And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not (Gal 6:9). I went to Revival Monday night tired, and wondering if all the work I do was really impacting people. After the service a lady came up and told how she and her mother (who is a shut in) listen to the radio broadcast every week. Another came up and told how the newspaper articles help her every week in her walk with the Lord.

3. THE AUTOMATIC DELIVERANCE- When they were past the first and the second ward, they came unto the iron gate that leadeth unto the city; which opened to them of his own accord: and they went out, and passed on through one street; and forthwith the angel departed from him (Acts 12:10). “Of his own accord” is the Greek word “Automatos”. This is something we can readily understand because all of us have seen Automatic doors that open when you approach them (Although in Peter’s day it certainly would have been a strange sight!).

Peter was in prison and God was delivering him. Peter’s part was to walk to the door by faith and expect God to open it “Automatically”. That’s the same principle with the problems that imprison us; we are to trust God’s word that He will open the door when we walk toward them according to God’s directions. But multitudes of people remain in prison because they want the door to open before they will walk toward it; and that’s not the way an automatic door works.

Are you bound by sin and headed for a devil’s hell? Multitudes of people have found that the first step of Faith they take away from their pew is what it takes to get the door of Salvation to “automatically” open.

Are you imprisoned by sickness, circumstances, or situations. Touch the hem of His garment and feel His presence flood you as He brings Peace to your troubled soul. Many people THRONG Him but if you can just TOUCH Him you will find something automatically takes place.

Are you captured by doubts about God’s ability to take care of you? God said the birds and the flowers “automatically” have food provided for them. Recently I was sitting in a parking lot reading my Bible chapters while my wife shopped. While I was meditating on a portion of scripture I noticed several sparrows feeding in the parking lot. Someone had cut down the trees, dug up the bushes, and paved over the land; yet that didn’t stop God from providing for these sparrows! (Glory!).

God will not fail you? Walk to the altar today. God’s door is on Automatic!!

Mark 05:- A MAD MAN, SICK WOMAN, AND DEAD CHILD

The good news of the Gospel is the ability of Christ to Forgive anyone and handle any situation. This is wonderfully demonstrated in this chapter. Jesus had just come across the sea and demonstrated His ability to calm the stormy seas and now he was going to show his power to transform lives. Jesus shows His ability to calm the Storm no man could survive, Change a man no man could tame, cure a sickness no man could heal, and raise a child no man had hope for!!!

NOTE:

The Ability of Jesus to handle any situation
Jesus’ willingness to help all. Mad man given up by society, sick woman given up by doctors, and sick child given up by family.
Man was told to go to friends, woman was to go in peace, and child was given something to eat
The 3 Prayers:
1. Demons to enter swine- granted [Note that Demons have their prayers answered; and even believe and tremble before God (James 2:16) but they won’t submit to God as Lord].
2. People for Christ to leave- granted
3. Man to follow Christ- Not granted (Must learn to do what God says and not what you want!!)

I. THE MAD MAN 5:1-20 The original “graveyard streaker” [NOTE- Spirits (Good or Bad) must have a body to work thru on earth (Even Satan had to come to Eve in the body of a serpent!). Will you be the Temple of the Spirit or of Satan- You are of your father the devil and whatsoever he commands you you will do].

Evil Spirits want you to act like Swine (Remember sin drove the Prodigal Son into the Pig Pen) and they don’t mind going into Swine. A Backslider is said to be a swine returning to his wallowing in the mire. Swine were unclean animals and couldn’t be sacrificed.

Satan is a murderer- He wanted to kill the man and he did kill the swine. He promises Pleasure but he delivers Pain.

The Power of Jesus- Demons have to obey the Word of God because it is the most powerful force on earth. Greater is he that is in you than he that is in the world.

A) His Conditions:

1) Living among the Dead (Sinners). No man could bind him (Anti-social and unable to be helped by society). Broken chains (good intentions do not last long)

2) Day and Night, crying and cutting- always hurting inside and harming himself (Drunks and drug users know they are killing themselves).

B) His Conversion-

1) New Lord- He went from roaming under the control of demons to sitting at the feet of Jesus.

2) New Look- Clothed. A new Creature in Christ. (Demon controlled people go around naked- remember that!!).

3) New Life- in his right mind (Prodigal came to himself!). Found Satisfaction in Christ. Saw life as it really was, to be lived, not escaped from. The Christian is not just to have an argument but to be one!

This man wanted to bear witness of what had happened in his life. He was supposed to do so at home- DO YOU??

II. THE SICK WOMAN- 21-34 (Willingness of Christ to stop and show mercy while on the way to another task). She tried everything but was still sick. Crowd was in the way so you must mean business.

A) Her Sickness- 12 years she had suffered many things of many physicians and only got worse.

B) Her Faith- Felt if she could contact Jesus by touching his garment she would be able to be healed- mustard seed faith.

C) Her “Trial”- Had to fight the “Throng” to get a Touch!! (Jesus knows the difference between the pressure of a crowd and the touch of a person in need) Had to openly confess after being healed.

D) Her private cleansing led to public confession (For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation Romans 10:10).

III. THE SICK CHILD- 35-43

A) Parents were concerned- Father came to get Jesus (helplessness of a great man. Your position will not keep your children out of Hell. Helplessness of a Good Father. Your love will not save your child)

B) Situation looked hopeless- Child died and people laughed at Jesus.

C) Believing People met- Jesus took father, mother, Peter, James, and John and came to the Child. Get people to pray with you.

Mark 05:- TURNING THE MAD, THE HAD, AND THE SAD INTO THE GLAD

Mad Man- Who had his dwelling among the tombs; and no man could bind him, no, not with chains: Because that he had been often bound with fetters and chains, and the chains had been plucked asunder by him, and the fetters broken in pieces: neither could any man tame him (Mark 5:3-4).

Sick Woman- And a certain woman, which had an issue of blood twelve years, And had suffered many things of many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was nothing bettered, but rather grew worse, (Mark 5:25-26).

Dead Child- And when he was come in, he saith unto them, Why make ye this ado, and weep? the damsel is not dead, but sleepeth. And they laughed him to scorn. But when he had put them all out, he taketh the father and the mother of the damsel, and them that were with him, and entereth in where the damsel was lying (Mark 5:39-40).

1. Are you promoting the problem or helping the situation? Prodigal’s father did not send more money to son or go visit him in the Hog pen. He rejoiced when the Prodigal came home.

2. Is this a test of your willingness to follow Biblical Principles over personal feelings or Hurt Pride? Election of Deacons in Acts 6 after condemning Disciples

3. Are you being manipulated? Nehemiah asked to come down from work

a. Emotions: Manipulative People use Anger, Guilt, and People’s natural inclination to trust

b.Circumstances- Put you into no win or no getting out of situations (arrive at Church just as it begins or is ending so will not be able to spend time).

4. Are you insulating yourself so you will not respond to Real Needs (Cry “Wolf”)- Develop Reservoirs of Resentment. Harden Heart

You can either Clam up, Blow up. Or Build up

1. Identify the Problem- Demon Man: What is your Name?

2. Channel your efforts into the problem- not into anger at people

3. Trust God to do something you cannot do.

Mark 05: WHAT CAUSES YOU TO MISS BLESSINGS

Jenene fixed her instant coffee but forgot to add the instant coffee. Finally, she realized she was missing something!

Glen Ard asked me about a Pump Shot gun and I told Him I did not really like them so he gave the gift of his gun to someone else!

What is causing you to miss God’s Blessings in your life today?

Individual Needs: Have you ever been REALLY REALLY DESPERATE?

1) Some problems are Long Term Problems and some are Sudden but Deadly:

A) Woman had the issue of blood for twelve years (Long term Problem). She had tried everything she could and now was going beyond doctors and debt into desperate.

B) The dead girl was 12 years old. Evidently this was a recent problem that suddenly turned serious and the father became desperate

2) Some problems require personal attention and some require Help from Others: The woman could bring her own problem to the Lord but the Young Girl needed someone else’s prayers and help.

Individual Expectation: What will Jesus expect of you once you allow Him to work in your life? The Holy Spirit will work in your life to take you from where you are to where God wants you to be!

1) The Demon Possessed man was told to Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on thee (Mark 5:19).

2) The Sick woman was forced to confess her healing- But the woman fearing and trembling, knowing what was done in her, came and fell down before him, and told him all the truth. (Mark 5:33).

3) The Dead Child was told to keep the “secret”- And he charged them straitly that no man should know it; and commanded that something should be given her to eat. (Mark 5:43).

Various Reactions: How will people react if I allow Jesus to work in my life? One crowd sighed with relief when Jesus left; another was waiting with open arms to welcome Him and another mocked His message.

1) Some people will be afraid of the changes Jesus brings into your life and you will lose their fellowship: And they that fed the swine fled, and told it in the city, and in the country. And they went out to see what it was that was done. And they come to Jesus, and see him that was possessed with the devil, and had the legion, sitting, and clothed, and in his right mind: and they were afraid. And they that saw it told them how it befell to him that was possessed with the devil, and also concerning the swine. And they began to pray him to depart out of their coasts (Mark 5:14-17).

2) Some will be so interested in their own needs until they will hinder; instead of help, you in your quest to get to the Lord- And his disciples said unto him, Thou seest the multitude thronging thee, and sayest thou, Who touched me? (Mark 5:31).

3) Some will doubt your decision and expect you to fail- And when he was come in, he saith unto them, Why make ye this ado, and weep? the damsel is not dead, but sleepeth. And they laughed him to scorn. But when he had put them all out, he taketh the father and the mother of the damsel, and them that were with him, and entereth in where the damsel was lying (Mark 5:39-40).

Note that this woman used the correct “formula” to get something from Jesus:

1) She learned FAITH from hearing about Jesus.

2) She developed FAITH that Drove her to action: if she could touch the hem of his garment she would be healed. The touch DID NOT cure her- Her Faith Cured her. (Mark 5:34) And he said unto her, Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace, and be whole of thy plague. Her faith in the healing power of Christ would never have accomplished anything had she not been willing to put action with her Faith (Faith without works is dead, being alone– James 2:17).

3) Her Faith produced a FEELING that bore witness to what God had done in her life (She felt in her body that she was healed). [The Holy Spirit moved into our Heart]. I am GLAD I got converted!

Jesus is passing by today. Do not let the crowd or the circumstances stop you from “touching the hem of His garment” and leaving this church a different person today.

Mark 05:1-20 WHAT CONTROLS YOU?

We are going to look at some people who had an encounter with Jesus and show you what an encounter with the Lord can do in your life.

The good news of the Gospel is the ability of Christ to Forgive anyone and handle any situation. This is wonderfully demonstrated in this chapter. Jesus has just shown His ability to calm a Storm no man could survive. Now He will change a man no man could tame, cure a sickness no man could heal, and raise a child no man had hope for!!!

In this text we will see there is

1) No Place Jesus will not go to reach the Lost (“cross the tracks, Demon country, Swine Raisers).

2) No Problem Jesus can not Help- No man could bind or tame this man but Jesus could set him free.

3) No Person Jesus can not Use- Go home to thy friends and tell them the great things God has done for you. (Mark 5:19)

NOTE- Spirits (Good or Bad) must have a body to work thru on earth (Even Satan had to come to Eve in the body of a serpent!). Will you be the Temple of the Spirit or of Satan- You are of your father the devil and the lusts of your father you will do. (John 8:44)

– 2. Evil Spirits want you to act like Swine (Remember sin drove the Prodigal Son into the Pig Pen) and they don’t mind going into Swine. A Backslider is said to be a swine returning to his wallowing in the mire. Swine were unclean animals and couldn’t be sacrificed.

– 3. Satan is a murderer- He wanted to kill the man and he did kill the swine. He promises Pleasure but he delivers Pain.

– 4. The Power of Jesus- Demons have to obey the Word of God because it is the most powerful force on earth. Greater is he that is in you than he that is in the world. (I John 4:4)

-5. The 3 Prayers-

1) Demons to enter swine- granted [Note that Demons have their prayers answered; and even believe and tremble before God (James 2:16) but they won’t submit to God as Lord

2) People for Christ to leave- granted. God will not force Himself upon you.

3) Man to follow Christ- Not granted (Must learn to do what God says and not what you want!!).

Now look at the circumstances surrounding this man who encountered Jesus:

1) Living among the Dead in the tombs (Sinners).

2) No man could bind him (Anti-social and unable to be helped by society).

3) Always hurting inside – day and night, in the mountains and in the tombs crying

4) Always harming himself- cutting himself with stones

Finally, note what an encounter with Jesus did for this man-

1) Joy came into his heart- He went from roaming under the control of demons to sitting at the feet of Jesus.

2) Modest came into his life- Clothed. A new Creature in Christ. (Demon controlled people go around naked- remember that!!).

3) Peace came into his Mind- in his right mind (Prodigal came to himself!). Found Satisfaction in Christ.

4) Concern replaced conflict-

– Wanted to be with God’s People

– Told to tell others what had happened to him- For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. (Romans 10:10-11)

– My Second Grade Teacher helped change the philosophy of my life- she reversed the line going into class and taught us that the “First shall be last and the last shall be first”.

– The Poet Laureate of South Carolina, Archibald Rutledge, change the direction of my life when he encouraged me to write.

– On Monday, March 19, 1962 I encountered Jesus Christ at an altar and my life was changed forever.

Mark 05:1-20 WHAT MADE YOU LOSE YOUR MIND?

3 Principles: 1) Millions are dying without Christ. 2) Most people do not care 3) You are more concerned with me using a bad word than with the millions who are dying lost.

Friends of India formed nearly 6 years ago. Carlisle Hanna turned 75 and IM said they had no plan in place that would carry on the work in India after Brother Carlisle. $3 million perpetual Trust fund. Hundreds of thousands of dollars to build churches and help the work in India through FOI.

You will never care as you should until you see the Passion, the Power, and the Plan of God. After calming a life threatening storm in Chapter 4 we see Jesus curing a Man Man, A sick Woman, and a Dead Child in Chapter 5

-NO BARRIER THAT STOPS JESUS FROM REACHING PEOPLE – Storms, Swine, Crowds, Ridicule.

-NO PROBLEM JESUS CANNOT HANDLE

A) Jesus recognized the source of the problem was the Evil within that caused the man to “lose his mind”.

– 3. Satan is a murderer- He wanted to kill the man and he did kill the swine. He promises Pleasure but he delivers Pain.

– 4. The Power of Jesus- Demons have to obey the Word of God because it is the most powerful force on earth. Greater is he that is in you than he that is in the world. (I John 4:4)

-5. The 3 Prayers-

1) Demons to enter swine- granted [Note that Demons have their prayers answered; and even believe and tremble before God (James 2:16) but they won’t submit to God as Lord

2) People for Christ to leave- granted. God will not force Himself upon you.

3) Man to follow Christ- Not granted (Must learn to do what God says and not what you want!!).

B) Jesus recognized the circumstances surrounding this man who encountered Jesus:

1) Living among the Dead in the tombs (Sinners).

2) No man could bind him (Anti-social and unable to be helped by society).

3) Always hurting inside – day and night, in the mountains and in the tombs crying

4) Always harming himself- cutting himself with stones

5) Controlled by his problem- Unclean spirit and a Controlling spirit.

Finally, note what an encounter with Jesus did for this man-

1) Joy came into his heart- He went from roaming under the control of demons to sitting at the feet of Jesus.

2) Modest came into his life- Clothed. A new Creature in Christ. (Demon controlled people go around naked- remember that!!).

3) Peace came into his Mind- in his right mind (Prodigal came to himself!). Found Satisfaction in Christ.

4) Concern replaced conflict-

Wanted to be with God’s People

Told to tell others what had happened to him- For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed (Romans 10:10-11)

In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them (2 Corinthians 4:4)

Mark 05:15 HAVING A RIGHT MIND

And they come to Jesus, and see him that was possessed with the devil, and had the legion, sitting, and clothed, and in his right mind: and they were afraid (Mark 5:15).

Why is it important for you to read the Bible and attend Church?

A) Thoughts determine Character- As a man thinks in his heart so is he (Prov 23:7).

B) Thoughts determine Stability- Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall (1 Corinthians 10:12).

C) Thoughts determine Self Image- For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself (Gal 6:3).

Wrong thoughts about world events- Why does the world seem to win all the battles? (Jacob was sent into Egypt so Israel could be out of Canaan until the iniquity of the Amorites was full). God is about to bring Judgment upon the earth on such a scale until it is beyond our comprehension because men will have become so wicked.

Wrong thoughts about Temptation- There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it (1 Corinthians 10:13).

A) Common Problem among men

B) Controlled Problem by God

C) Conquerable Problem- Not by defeating it but By ESCAPING from it!!!

Wrong thoughts about our knowledge of Heaven- But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God (1 Corinthians 2:9 10). His coming is 1) Certain, 2) Soon, 3) Selective.

The Story about the Prodigal Son who lived wrong but finally got his heart right while his brother lived right with a bad heart. The Prodigal Son:

– He disliked living with his father so much until he left home.

– He was so selfish until he demanded his inheritance before his father died.

– He was so sinful until he wasted his entire inheritance in riotous partying without a thought for anything but immediate pleasure.

– He was such a backslider until he worked for the most anti-religious organization he could find (A Jewish boy working on a hog farm!).

– And he was such a sorry worker until he could not make enough to even keep himself fed! It is hard for me to make a hero out of this boy!

The right Mind- Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father (Philippians 2:5 11).

Mark 05:21-34 JESUS HEALS HIDDEN HURTS

(Begin low, continue slow, rise up higher, catch on fire, sit down in the storm)

This is one of my favorite chapters in the Bible. It is about a “Mad Man, a Sick Woman, and a Dead Child” and shows the ability of Christ to conquer the Demons, Disease, and Death that attempt to ruin and wreck our life. I also like the fact that help is given to a man, a woman, and a child; no one who needs help is left out!

There is enough action, adventure, and excitement in this chapter to satisfy anyone’s cravings as you see the transforming power of Christ shown in all its glorious beauty. Within this chapter Jesus changes a demon possessed “graveyard streaker” into a flaming evangelist, a desperate but timid woman into a testifying example to others (She was the first to believe touching the hem of His garment would heal her but her example inspired others to use the same “bridge” of faith- Matt 14:36), and a mocking funeral service into a joyous family reunion.

Today, I want us to look at the central figure in this trilogy of triumph and let you see that God can, and will, help you with those hidden, and long standing, hurts in your heart. Some of you carry burdens each day that sap your strength, rob your joy, and fracture your faith. Jesus is passing by today. Don’t let the crowd or the circumstances stop you from making contact with Christ; because, if you can just touch the hem of His garment, you will leave this church a different person today!

Have you ever felt like you were an outcast? Have you ever felt totally alone and forsaken? Have you ever been afraid to even approach God? The Bleeding disease of this woman caused her to be unclean. She could not touch Jesus because to do so would make Him unclean (Lev 15:25-27) so she devised the scheme of touching just the hem of His garment. Sometimes we feel that our problems are so big until we cannot even approach God with them. Come to Christ, you will find He is always ready to help you- Don’t allow your fear to keep you from God.

Have you ever worked on a problem with every bit of energy and effort you had and all of your efforts make the problem worst instead of better? For 12 long years this lady had wrestled with this problem. One day she noticed something wrong. At first she hoped it would stop by itself. Home remedies and helpful hints were all attempted. Finally, the doctor was consulted; and then another, and another… Everything that should have worked didn’t; and now the disease was as bad in her heart as it was in her body.

Have you ever felt like the people who were supposed to help you were actually harming you? This woman had suffered many things of many physicians. Each promised her they were better than the last and their cure would work. Each time she began the treatments with hope and optimism and each time the days slowly turned into weeks and the weeks into months as her confidence in her healers gradually changed into distrust and anger.

Have you ever had a problem that kept sucking you dry financially? This woman had spent all she had and was not any better. Her nest egg was depleted and she was in serious danger of losing not only her egg but also her nest! Those doctors could not do anything because of the severity of her problems now would not do anything because of the scarcity of her payments.

Have you ever had a problem you knew you could solve if people and circumstances would just get out of your way? This woman had to fight her timid character and the tightly packed crowd in order to reach Jesus. She did not allow the uncontrollable to control what she knew she needed to do. Some people are not looking for an opportunity to experience God; they are looking for an excuse to justify them remaining as they are.

Remember- A godly GOAL is any specific result reflecting God’s purpose for your life that does not depend on people or circumstances beyond your ability or right to control.

A godly DESIRE is any specific result that depends on the cooperation of other people or the success of events or favorable circumstances you cannot control.

Have you ever avoided doing the right thing because you feared being pushed into the spotlight and you would rather suffer pain than take the chance of being put into the public eye? This woman only wanted to be healed and go her way but Jesus insisted that she expose her cure to the world. (Rom 10:10) For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

Have you ever been REALLY REALLY DESPERATE? Note that this woman used the correct “formula” to get something from Jesus: She learned the FAITH from hearing about Jesus. She developed FAITH to believe that if she could touch the hem of his garment she would be healed. When she followed through with her Faith she obtained a FEELING that bore witness to what God had done in her life (She felt in her body that she was healed).

The touch DID NOT cure her- Her Faith Cured her. (Mark 5:34) And he said unto her, Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace, and be whole of thy plague. But her faith in the healing power of Christ would never have accomplished anything had she not been willing to put action with her Faith (Faith without works is dead, being alone– James 2:17).

One crowd sighed with relief when Jesus left; another was waiting with open arms to welcome Him, and another mocked His message.

Jarius was about to lose a daughter that had given him 12 years of happiness; the woman was about to lose a sickness that had given her 12 years of sorrow.

The Mad Man, the Sick Woman, and the Dead Child all found the answer to their needs at the feet of Jesus. That is where you need to be today.

There were many excuses this woman could have used to keep her from coming to Jesus and getting help for her problem:

1) The unclean status of her disease

2) I’m not as important as Jarius so Christ will not have time for me

3) Jarius’ daughter is about to die. Her situation is much worst than mine

4) Nothing has helped me in the past, why should I try again?

5) Jesus might be hurt that she had paid all her money to the doctors but now wanted Him to help her for free.

What kind of faith did this woman have? It was timid and somewhat superstitious. Just remember, Jesus responds to Faith no matter how weak. Multitudes of others touched Him that day but nothing happened because they did not connect to Christ by Faith.

Why did Christ compel her to make a Public Profession? It is interesting to note that Jesus varies from His usual pattern in the first two incidents and encourages the “Mad Man and the Sick Woman” to make public professions while reverting to the norm with Jarius’ daughter when he “charged them straitly that no man should know it” (Mark 5:43)

1) Christ wanted to be more to her than her healer; he wanted to be her Savior and Friend

2) This is the way we cement our Faith

3) This was a means to increase the Faith of Jarius who would soon hear that his daughter was dead.

4) This was a witness to the crowd to look beyond the outward excitement of the moment to find in Christ the answer to their deepest needs.

Mark 05:25-34 TOUCHING GOD

Bible is great book- 66, 39-27, 17-5-17, 5-12, 9-3, 4 gospels- king, servant, man, God

Mark chapter 5- Mad Man, Sick woman, dead child (God can handle any age problem)

Mark 5:25-34 Many thronged Him but only one touched Him. Many will come today as part of the throng but will you TOUCH Him.

What touches God?

A) The Feeling of our Infirmities- (Heb 4:15) For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.

B) The sincere heart of a child- (Mark 10:13 15) And they brought young children to him, that he should touch them: and his disciples rebuked those that brought them. {14} But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God. {15} Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein.

C) The genuine confession of sin- (Isa 6:8) Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me.

Some things we should Not Touch:

1. Unclean Things: (2 Cor 6:17) Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,

2. God’s People to do them harm: (Zec 2:8) For thus saith the LORD of hosts; After the glory hath he sent me unto the nations which spoiled you: for he that toucheth you toucheth the apple of his eye.

A Strange “Touch”: (2 Ki 13:21) And it came to pass, as they were burying a man, that, behold, they spied a band of men; and they cast the man into the sepulchre of Elisha: and when the man was let down, and touched the bones of Elisha, he revived, and stood up on his feet.

Mark 05:33 A DESIRE IS NOT A GOAL

What Excuse are you using to keep you from allowing God to handle your problem: There were many excuses this woman could have used to keep her from coming to Jesus and getting help for her problem:

1) My Uncleanness: The unclean status of her disease.

2) My Unworthiness: I’m not as important as Jarius so Christ will not have time for me

3) The Seriousness of my Situation: Jarius’ daughter is about to die. Her situation is much worse.

4) My Past Efforts to correct the Problem: Nothing has helped me in the past, why should I try again?

5) My Wasted Life: Jesus might be hurt that she had paid all her money to the doctors but now wanted Him to help her for free.

Remember- A godly GOAL is any specific result reflecting God’s purpose for your life that does not depend on people or circumstances beyond your ability to control or right to control.

A godly DESIRE is any specific result that depends on the cooperation of other people or the success of events or favorable circumstances you cannot control.

Have you ever avoided doing the right thing because you feared being pushed into the spotlight and you would rather suffer pain than take the chance of being put into the public eye? This woman only want to be healed and go her way but Jesus insisted that she expose her cure to the world. (Rom 10:10) For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

Mark 6:1-44 MIRACLES, MURDER, AND MULTITUDES

This chapter is about Miracles being prevented, Minister’s being commissioned, Murder being committed, and multitudes being cared for. A little bit of something for everyone!

I. MIRACLES PREVENTED (1-6). (And he did not many mighty works there because of their unbelief. (Matthew 13:58). We long for miracles but refuse to believe God can perform them.

II. MINISTER’S COMMISSIONED (7-13) The Disciples were sent only to the Jews (Matt 10:5-7) to preach the coming of the Kingdom. They were to depend on hospitality for their needs (After Jesus was rejected by the Jews He changed these orders – Luke 22:35-37). Do we look to the Lord to supply power and provision?

III. MURDER COMMITTED (14- 29) Herod feared John, knowing him to be a just man and holy (vs 20) but when a convenient day was come (vs 21) Herod allowed himself to be manipulated into murdering him. And Herod cut off his chance to change- When Christ was brought before Herod He refused to even speak to him (Luke 23:8-9) and Herod was eventually slain by the Lord (Acts 12:20-23). Conviction resisted stops melting your heart and begins hardening you away from God. The same sun that melts ice hardens concrete.

IV. MISERY COMFORTED / MULTITUDES CARED FOR (30-44) Jesus knew the need of getting away from the pressures of life during times of stress; but He also knew the value of service to others as a way to overcome self pity.

Do you want to be served or to serve? Do you use what you have (2 fishes and 5 loaves) or do you let the size of the problem cause you to do nothing?

Mark 06:1-56 A CONTRARY WIND

Rev. Mike Jones, Lebanon FWB Church

This chapter reveals numerous obstacles faced by Christ as He did His God given job. These same difficulties will face us as we serve Him. Christians need to realize that sometimes God will send us in a way that causes us to face Contrary Winds.

I. Familiarity Rejection 6:1-6. It is hard for family and friends to see beyond the person they know to the person God is trying to use- And he did not many mighty works there because of their unbelief. (Matthew 13:58). Sometimes it is difficult to see past the messenger to the message.

II. Faith Required 6:7-13. The Disciples were sent only to the Jews (Matt 10:5-7) to preach the coming of the Kingdom. They were to depend on the hospitality of people to meet their needs. Sometimes obeying God means going against “Human” reasoning and walking by faith.

III. Foes Victorious 6:14-29 John the Baptist was killed in prison because a woman hated his sermons and this woman’s daughter enticed her father into a rash statement. Sometimes the “bad guys” win and the “good guys” suffer.

IV. Faithfulness Tested 6:30-44. The disciples wanted time to mourn but the people wanted their needs met. The disciples wanted the people to provide for themselves but Jesus wanted to meet their needs (which added extra work and stress to the disciples as they organized the crowd and distributed the 5 loaves and 2 fishes. Then they had to clean up after the crowd finished eating- 12 baskets of fragments).

V. Followers Buffeted 6:45-52 (Note- This is when Peter walked on the water. In “his” gospel he does not think it is even worth mentioning!). Having faced a very busy day the disciples now must content with a Contrary Wind because they have obeyed the command given them by the Lord.

A) The Problem- Jesus “constrained” (greatly persuaded) the disciples to leave Him and go across the sea. God sometimes sends us to face the contrary wind.

– They were toiling in rowing (Could not use the sail because the wind was contrary).

– Their work had gone on for a long time. They left land before nightfall and it was after midnight (4^th watch of the night).

– “Their heart was hardened” so they thought Jesus was an evil spirit (Word for “spirit” in the passage). They were “troubled” by the appearance of the Lord. Be not afraid, it is I

B) The Master- While we work He prays (I John 2:1).

– He sees us when we are toiling in the contrary wind (vs 48)

– It seems He is passing by but He is really just awaiting our call to Him [Note that this is when Peter walked on water but in “his” Gospel he did not think it worthy of mentioning!]

– He is able to calm the Contrary Wind when we get Him back in the boat with us.

Sometimes we must keep in rowing even when we cannot see Jesus

Temptations: God said He would make a way to escape

Trials: The trial of your faith worketh (develops) patience (Endurance)

Tears: God Himself shall wipe away all tears (God’s personal involvement)

Toils: There remains a rest to the people of God (In the Rigors of Life we must look to Rewards)

Troubles: Through much tribulation we must enter the kingdom of God [Our troubles are also those God uses to trouble those who trouble us].

VI. Fame Results 6:53-56. Now we see part of the reason for all these problems. The fame of Jesus brought great crowds and great results. It would have also brought great Pride to the disciples had God not prepared their hearts ahead of time by walking them through the valley before the mountain top. This “Popularity Pride” may be the greatest obstacle any disciple will face- It led to Satan’s downfall!

Mark 6:7-29 STANDING AGAINST SIN

Vs 20 Herod: Feared John because he knew John was a “just man” and holy. He observed him, and heard him “gladly”.

I. WHAT IS SIN? Sin is going against the will of God; Missing the Mark of God’s will for your actions and life.

Known Sins- 10 Commandments

Hardly considered Sins- Knowing to do good and doing it not

II. WHAT DOES MAN SEEK TO DO ABOUT SIN?

A) Ignore it- Eve thought God’s command did not apply to her

B) Hide from God- Adam and Eve thought missing their evening walk with God would prevent God from realizing something was wrong. (But if ye will not do so, behold, ye have sinned against the LORD: and be sure your sin will find you out Numbers 32:23).

C) Excuse it- Adam blamed Eve, Eve blamed the serpent, etc

III. WHY SHOULD WE STAND AGAINST SIN?

A) We will be held accountable: When I say unto the wicked, O wicked man, thou shalt surely die; if thou dost not speak to warn the wicked from his way, that wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand Ezekiel 33:8).

B) Love for the Lost: Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences. (2 Corinthians 5:11).

For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: (2 Corinthians 5:14).

Mark 06:26 PEER PRESSURE

Peer Pressure (the opinions of those around us) is a powerful force in our life. It:

1) DEFEATS OUR CONSCIENCE–Quietens your Conscience–Mark 6:26 And the king was exceeding sorry; yet for his oath’s sake, and for their sakes which sat with him, he would not reject her.

2) DEFEATS OUR WORK–Conforms to the Circumstances!! Mark 6:5-6 And he could there do no mighty work, save that he laid his hands upon a few sick folk, and healed them. 6 And he marvelled because of their unbelief. And he went round about the villages, teaching.

3) Compels you to action–Mark 6:34 And Jesus, when he came out, saw much people, and was moved with compassion toward them, because they were as sheep not having a shepherd: and he began to teach them many things. (His compassion drove Him to Teach and to Feed the People. We need that compassion today- Lady who was assaulted while 38 people watched and did nothing. Lady who fell on sidewalk and no one would help her up.

4) Can lead to wrong thoughts and actions- Mark 8:33 But when he had turned about and looked on his disciples, he rebuked Peter, saying, Get thee behind me, Satan: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but the things that be of men.

PEER PRESSURE PRESSURES- God makes you an individual but society tries to make you one of the herd (This does not negate your responsibility to others. The hand needs the body but the body is not all hand!)

A) You take the characteristics of those around you- 27:19 As in water face answereth to face, so the heart of man to man. You talk like those around you, eat similar food, wear similar clothes, etc. Be careful who you take as a role model! Who are your Heroes? (The Christian tries to conform to Christ- II Cor 3:18 But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord).

B) Chose your companion with care- Sometimes those you “hang with” will “hang” you.

1. Good Companions make you SHARP- 27:17 Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.

2. Bad Companions bring SHAME you and your family- 28:7 Whoso keepeth the law is a wise son; but he that is a companion of riotous men shameth his father.

3. Some Companion’s influence will be a SNARE to you- 29:25 The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the Lord shall be safe.

4. Evil Companions are a form of SUICIDE- 29:24 Whoso is partner with a thief hateth his own soul: he heareth cursing, and bewrayeth it not. Matt 7:13-14 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate; and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.

Mark 06:35-42 DISTRIBUTORS, NOT MANUFACTURERS

Sometimes we are:

1) Blind to the needs of Others as we live our own Life.

2) Take advantage of others to benefit our self

3) Know about needs but do nothing- Pharisees and man robbed

What do YOU do when you are faced with a challenge from the Lord? The Disciples wanted to:

1) Send them away- Are you tempted to get rid of a problem God wants you to solve?

2) Raise Money- Sometimes all the money you have is not sufficient to do the work. We need to learn to use what we have- Acts 3:6 Silver and Gold have I none but such as I have give I thee. 2Cor 6:10 As Poor yet making many rich.

They thought it was their responsibility to come up with FOOD, MONEY, or a CLEVER WAY TO SOLVE THE PROBLEM. We are prone to depend on our resources, our experience, our training, money, talent, education.

They needed Jesus to Bless and Multiply it. That would turn them from Manufacturers into Distributors- The Multiplication took place in HIS hands, the Distribution was the work of their Hands.

When we depend on God for our supply we will Not:

A) Be Afraid of New Challenges- God has the Resources you need. Woman who saw ocean for first time and cried- Glad to see something there was plenty of.

B) Not Frustrated trying to manufacture everything to get the Job done.

C) Won’t desire to get the Credit- If you can explain what is going on, God didn’t do it.

Serving God is not punishment, it is nourishment- John 4:34 My food is to do the will of Him who sent me, and to finish His work.

Mark 06:45-52 CONSIDER THE MIRACLE

For they considered not the miracle of the loaves: for their heart was hardened (Mark 6:52)

Having just fed the 5000, Jesus sends the disciples across the sea while He dismissed the crowd. Then He spends the night in prayer before walking on the water to them. This filled them with FEAR, AMAZEMENT, AND WONDER.

If, in fact, this was the Son of God whom they proclaimed and followed, why were they so amazed at His power? Why were they amazed that He would be able to walk on the water to them? Did they somehow think great feats were beyond His ability.

In my early Christian life I read a book entitled “Your God is too Small”. I don’t remember what was in the book but I’ve never forgotten the title. Today I believe there are multitudes of people who need to examine afresh their belief in the Power and ability of God. I believe their God is trapped in the caverns of their mind and it would shock them into Fear, Amazement, and Wonder if He would do something truly miraculous.

Interestingly enough, there are only 2 reason listed for the unbelief that produced such Fear, Amazement, and Wonder in them.

1) They CONSIDER NOT the miracle of the loaves and (2) their HEARTS WERE HARDENED. Surely there is more to it than this. Could it be that this is all that stands between you and the wonderful abundant life of complete commitment to Christ? Are you sitting in the boat crying for God to keep the water from washing into the boat when you could just as easily lift up your eyes and walk on the water?!

Is your life crippled by Fear? Do the solutions offered by God cause you to be sore amazed beyond measure? Is your life filled with wonder at what God is doing for others instead of Glory for what He is doing for you?

If so, we need to learn to Consider the Miracles as we allow God to break the shell around our heart and give us a heart of flesh instead of a heart of stone.

I. THEY CONSIDERED NOT THE MIRACLE: They did not transfer the truth they already knew about Christ into their life.

II. THEIR HEARTS WERE HARDENED: Are our hearts hardened also because we know a truth with our head but don’t really believe it with our heart.

John the Baptist said, “There stands one among you that you know not”. To believe in the notion of a God is one thing; but to believe in God is quite another matter.

If you are not roused to action, O Christian Man, by the twofold belief that sin in this life is an intolerable evil, and that, in the world to come, it involves endless woe, what will stir you?

The job of the waiter is to pass out the food provided by the cook. It is his privilege to feed a hungry world. To go among a crowd of eager, hungry people, and to feed them to the full, is a work an angel might covet. If you will say good-bye to Jesus, you may run away with your own loaf and your own little fish, and eat them in secret selfishness; but if you mean to be with Christ, you must bring hither your loaf and your fish and dispense them to those in need. Water to prim pump must be used to prim the pump first or it will destroy the usefulness of the pump. To drink the water means no one else can get water from the pump.

We give them bread and fish, not the onions of Egypt or the stones of law.

They ate until they were FULL- Christ brings satisfaction

Something left for others- Outreach is the baskets of fragments that remain. Though millions have come; there is still room for one. There is room at the cross for me.

Mark 7:1-23 HEART TROUBLE

This passage shows us that man’s problems are not his inability to do good but his corrupt heart. (Example- a man comes to the doctor complaining o shortness of breath, chest pain, and inability to do much work. The doctor gives him aspirin for the pain and berates him for being lazy; or he could do heart surgery and remove the blockage and give the man a healthy heart again!)

II THE PROBLEM AS THE PHARISEES SAW IT: The Disciples did not “ceremoniously” wash their hands before eating; thus violating one of the traditions of the Elders (These were the so called oral sayings of Moses about the practical matters of life. They were contained in the Jewish Talmud- consisting of 2 works; the Mishna (A commentary on the application of these sayings and the Gamara (A commentary on the commentary of the Misha).

These rules had gotten so powerful until they now were considered more important than the Bible (“It is a greater offense to teach anything contrary to the voice of the Rabbis than to contradict Scripture itself” – From the Mishna). “He who expounds the Scripture in opposition to the tradition had no share in the world to come” (Rabbi Eleazer) (See Rev 22:18-19)

This boils down to salvation by works! You are saved because you do certain things more than you do not do other things- and the dividing line is what “seems” right (There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death Proverbs 14:12). The wages of ONE sin is death (James 2:10) and no amount of good works will pay that debt.

We must constantly remind ourselves that true religion comes from the heart: We Believe with the heart (Rom 10:9-10); Love from the heart (Mark 22:37); Sing from the heart (Col 3;16), Obey from the heart ((Rom 6:17); Give from the heart (II Cor 9:7; and Pray from the heart (Ps 5`1:10, 17)

II THE PROBLEM AS JESUS SAW IT: These people were honoring God with their lips but their heart was far from God; and God was not looking at their actions but at their attitude. They were doing what they thought was right instead of what God said was right- “Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye” (Mark 7:13).

The two examples Jesus gave:

A) You bypass Family Responsibility by “seeming” to be religious (You dedicate part of your income to the Church and then claim no responsibility to help your family; making God the “Scape Goat” for your hardness of heart.

B) Keeping the Outside clean but ignoring the rot within. Looking to the physical instead of the spiritual. Taking care of what you put into your body but ignoring what comes out of the heart.

This leads us to the heart of the Issue: the problem of the heart. The entire Bible leads us to the solemn truth that man needs new LIFE instead of new laws. He needs an inward change of heart if he is to effectively change his outside.

This was illustrated by the Transfiguration: Sinners do not need an “aspirin” and then be told to “do better”. They need to realize that the heart is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked (Jer 17:9).

Mark 7:24- 8:38 THE END OF JESUS’ PUBLIC MINISTRY

Having riled the Pharisees with His talk of Heart religion over Tradition, Jesus now retreats to the northern country and ministers among the Gentiles before beginning the final journey to Jerusalem. As He ends His Public Ministry Jesus deals with a number of unique situations that will finally bring His disciples to “The Inescapable Question”

I. DOG FOOD DEMONS Mk 7:24-30 A Greek Syrophenician woman (a Gentile) comes to Jesus and asks him as the Jewish Messiah (See Matt 15:22-26) to cast the demons out of her daughter. Jesus told her it was not proper to give the Children’s food to the dogs. She then called Him Lord and asked for help based on his mercy and not His Messiahship.

II. DEAF HEALED DIFFERENTLY Mk 7:31-37 “And he took him aside from the multitude (Isolation), and put his fingers into his ears, and he spit, and touched his tongue (Physical Manifestation); And looking up to heaven, he sighed, and saith unto him, Ephphatha, that is, Be opened” (Spiritual Supplication). The healing results was so astonishing until men finally had to say, “He hath done all things well” (Vs 37)

III. DISTRIBUTION OF BREAD FOR 4000 TO SHOW HIS CONCERN FOR; AND ABILITY TO PROVIDE FOR, PEOPLE’S PHYSICAL NEEDS Mk 8:1-9 7 loaves and a few fish feed 4000 with 7 baskets left (5 loaves and 2 fish to feed 5000 with 12 baskets left) He did not feed them to get them to listen to His sermons; they had been there 3 days already.

IV. DISTURBED BY:

A) Need of Physical instead of Faith: Question of Sign Mk 8:10-13 They wanted to be shown a personal sign that He was Messiah. He told them the only sign they would receive was the sign of Jonas- Resurrection after 3 days in grave.

B) Disciples continued lack of Spiritual Insight (Misunderstanding about Leaven of Doctrine) Mk 8:14-21 (A little leaven of salvation by legalism can soon corrupt the bread of life)

V. DEALING WITH BLIND MEN DIFFERENTLY Mk 8:22-26 Notice that He healed Blind Men in three different ways: This man received 2 touches, some received 1 touch, and some receive no touches (simply His word). Be careful of experience- I was not saved by being blinded on the Damascus road but I’m just as saved as Paul! (For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise 2 Corinthians 10:12).

VI. DECISIVE QUESTION [That Everyone must answer] “Who do ye say I am?” Mk 8:27-30 Jesus had to bring the Disciples face to face with who He was before He could explain to them how God’s Plan would work. They were looking for an earthly Kingdom and were about to receive the news of the Cross.

VII. DEATH PREDICTED Mk 8:31-33 He now begins to describe His soon coming trial, death and resurrection- and Peter can’t believe it! Jesus lets him know how dangerous it is to question God’s plan and then shares the necessity of the cross for everyone.

VIII. DENIAL REQUIRED Mk 8:34-38 And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. (Mark 8:34). Discipleship requires denial in this life as we look for a Heavenly Father instead of try to build an earthly kingdom.

Thus ends the Public Ministry of Christ. Most of His teachings and actions from now on will be for the Disciples benefit. He now sets His face steadfastly toward Jerusalem and the Cross.

Mark 08: LIFE’S GREAT QUESTIONS

Jesus loved to ask questions instead of simply give answers. Give a man a fish and you will feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and you will feed him for a lifetime.

1) What do you have that God can use? And he asked them, How many loaves have ye? And they said, Seven (Mark 8:5). [Matthew and Mark stress the feeding of the 4000 with 7 loaves while Luke and John stress the feeding of the 5000 with 5 loaves]. Where do you fit in God’s Plan? On Home Coming Sunday the Pastor is concerned about the Sermon while the ladies are concerned with Pot Roast! Both are important.

Leaders at one time would line up their troops after a battle and ask a single question, “Is your sword bloody?” (Did you take part in the battle?). Jer 48:10 Cursed be he that doeth the work of the LORD deceitfully, and cursed be he that keepeth back his sword from blood.

2) What Motivates you? And he sighed deeply in his spirit, and saith, Why doth this generation seek after a sign? verily I say unto you, There shall no sign be given unto this generation (Mark 8:12). The Just shall live by Faith. Beware of Motivation by emotion (It is the empty wagon which makes the most noise). Christian living is daily taking up your cross not just Sunday shouting and singing!

3) What do you see- Do you have a vision? And he took the blind man by the hand, and led him out of the town; and when he had spit on his eyes, and put his hands upon him, he asked him if he saw ought (Mark 8:23). Jesus healed 3 blind men: 1 with NO Touch (Luke 18:35 Blind Bartamaeus). 1 with ONE Touch and spit (John 9:- Pool). 1 with TWO Touches and spit (saw men as trees walking after first touch). Different people, different methods (Only example of a progressive cure). Some come by fear; some by love.

Does your Vision change you? You cannot get where you want to be by remaining where you are! Growth involves change and work- Prov 14:4 Where no oxen are, the crib is clean: but much increase is by the strength of the ox. Are you willing to shovel manure in order to grow?

4) What do you say about Jesus? And Jesus went out, and his disciples, into the towns of Caesarea Philippi: and by the way he asked his disciples, saying unto them, Whom do men say that I am? (Mark 8:27). Do you have a Personal Relationship with Jesus? There are many kinds of Faith: Cult Faith, Crisis Faith, Convenient Faith, Community Faith, Corrupted Faith (Homo), Demon Faith (Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? James 2:19-20), and Correct Faith.

5) What will you give in exchange for your soul? And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel’s, the same shall save it. For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? (Mark 8:34-37).

Esau sold his birthright for a bowl of beans. Achan lost his life and his family for gold and garments. Bank clerk who lost his career over a pad of butter. My friend, Mack, who died in the Alawai Canal as he partied on his final night of service. Larry tried crack and lost everything.

How do you catch a monkey? Apple in Jar tied to tree. Monkey puts in hand and cannot pull hand and apple out of jar. Refuses to let go of apple until caught. Final Question- What is your apple?

Mark 08:5 WHAT DO YOU HAVE GOD CAN USE?

And he asked them, How many loaves have ye? And they said, Seven. (Mark 8:5)

God uses people as partners in His great work- Glory! In order for you to partner with God then God needs to know what you have that God can use.

1) Recognize the need- Mark 8:2-3. They needed help to get the strength to“get home”

2) Expect obstacles- And his disciples answered him, From whence can a man satisfy these men with bread here in the wilderness? (Mark 8:4)

3) Use what you have- Guidelines to keep in mind:

A) You will not always get the same results- 7 loaves fed 4000. 5 loaves fed 5000

B) You must be willing to sacrifice- When you have not eaten in 3 days it is hard to give someone your lunch. Use your resources for God now and in the future (annuity).

C) You must have faith- What are 7 loaves when you have to feed 4000? Believe that God can use what you give.

The Example of a Simple Cup of Cold Water-

God Honors Giving It: For whosoever shall give you a cup of water to drink in my name, because ye belong to Christ, verily I say unto you, he shall not lose his reward. (Mark 9:41)
It brings Encouragement to the one receiving it: As cold waters to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country. (Proverbs 25:25)
It Pleases God: For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in (Matthew 25:35)

4) Organize your response- [groups of 100] Break the job up into manageable “bites” (How do you eat an elephant- a bite at a time!). Involve as many people as possible- Jesus prayed and the disciples passed out the bread! (Many hands make light work).

5) Preserve your gains- 7 loaves produced 7 baskets of fragments that needed to be gathered!

Mark 08:19-21 MEMORY MIRACLES

And when Jesus knew it, he saith unto them, Why reason ye, because ye have no bread? perceive ye not yet, neither understand? have ye your heart yet hardened? Having eyes, see ye not? and having ears, hear ye not? and do ye not remember? When I brake the five loaves among five thousand, how many baskets full of fragments took ye up? They say unto him, Twelve. And when the seven among four thousand, how many baskets full of fragments took ye up? And they said, Seven. And he said unto them, How is it that ye do not understand? (Mark 8:17-21)

We have spent several sermons recently examining the miracle of the feeding of the 5000 (Of the 30 miracles recorded in the gospels this is the only one recorded in all four gospels). Today I want us to look at a time Jesus used the miracle to rebuke His disciples for their failed memory. A rebuke I believe many of us will find applies to our own memory shortcoming.

Jesus had just warned the Disciples about the dangers of the “leaven” (corrupting doctrine) of the Pharisees. Instead of grasping what He was saying, they thought He was rebuking them because they only had one loaf of bread with them. Then Jesus really rebukes them as He reminds them that He had just used 5 loaves to feed 5000 and 7 loaves to feed 4000.

Does this same thing happen to us?

1. WE FORGET TO REMEMBER: A need comes along and all we can see is the immediate. We have no memory of the miracles God has done for us in the past; and so we have no faith to trust His care for us in the future.

2. WE REMEMBER THE WRONG: Isn’t Memory a strange animal? Down the streams of memory drift the garbage of Sodom and we eagerly catch it all. But down floats the goodly cedars of Lebanon and we let them slip past; little realizing they are sent to build the temple of God.

Let’s go back to this miracle and remember the great things God has done for us.

I. This was a Time THE DISCIPLES WERE TROUBLED: Thousands of people had to be fed. The need was desperate- No money, no food, and people would faint by the way if sent home without food (Bring a great reproach on the ministry of Christ).

II. This was a time JESUS WAS CALM- This was simply an opportunity to show His grace.

A) He knew what He would do (Our ignorance magnifies our unbelief). If we will leave God’s work with God, and simply trust, we shall drink into the peace of our God.

B) Jesus had His faith in Jehovah-jireh (the Lord will Provide) while they had only their senses.

C) Jesus added work to His faith- They questioned, He acted: bring me the loaves, make the people sit, pray. Get to your work, my brother, and your doubts shall fly like chaff before the wind.

From these miracles we learn some LESSONS we should always remember:

1. GOD’S MARVELOUS POWER IS NOT EXHAUSTED- If you feed 5000 or 4000 all will eat and still be filled. He is able to do exceeding abundantly above all you ask or think. Yea, and greater things than these shall you do because I go to the Father (Many fed last year through Outreach Ministry and Helping Hand Ministry). Even the Prodigal knows that the Father’s house has bread enough and to spare!

2. WHEN CHRIST FEEDS, THERE IS MORE LEFT THAN WE BEGIN WITH-”Baskets” is the same word used of the basket used to lower Paul down wall of Damascus (This was no tiny little basket). Give and it shall be given to you, pressed down, shaken together, and running over. When will we learn that we must die if we are to live- Cross will only lead to a crown.

3. CHRIST CARES ABOUT THE REMAINING FRAGMENTS (He who owns the cattle on a thousand hills cares about a lost sheep)- You don’t belong on the ground; you belong in the basket. Don’t allow yourself to be thrown away, consumed by animal passions, or left to decay.

4. THE MOST WAS LEFT WHEN THERE WAS THE LEAST TO BEGIN WITH- 7 loaves feed only 4000 and left 7 baskets. 5 loaves feed 5000 and left 12 baskets. Remember, the less there is of you, the more God will Bless and multiply.

5. YOU DON’T GAIN MORE BY SERVING LESS- Like many seem to think as they do less and less for God. The opposite is true; when they only served 4000 they gained less than when they served 5000. We can’t turn in on ourselves and expect God to multiply us to feed those in need.

6. WHEN YOU WORK FOR CHRIST YOU MUST BE WILLING TO BE BROKEN IF YOU WILL BE A BLESSING- The original bread and fish were used; they couldn’t be saved if the multitude was to be fed. When you do great works for God people will pick at you to find the secret of your greatness and find only common bread energized by God.

7. THE MOST WORK RECEIVED THE GREATEST REWARD- Feeding 4000 only brought the disciples 7 baskets of food. Feeding 5000 brought them 12 baskets. God is a GREAT God. Serve Him with all your Heart, Mind, Body, and Strength. Do the most you can do for God. Don’t let your Love, or your Labor, grow cold- In His last messages to the Church Christ told us to REMEMBER OUR FIRST LOVE, REPENT OF OUR COLD HEARTS, AND RETURN TO SERVING HIM.

Are you faced with a desperate Situation? Does it seem that it’s impossible to change things with the small help you have? Better stand back! Sounds like a miracle is on the way! Just hold to God’s unchanging Hand and never doubt in the dark what God has shown you in the light.

Mark 08:19-21 MEMORY MIRACLES2

Mark chapter 8 is one of the most important chapters in the Bible. It is the middle chapter of the gospel of Mark and it contains many vital teachings (Story of feeding the multitude- of the 30 miracles of Jesus this is the only one repeated in every gospel). This is also the chapter where Jesus makes His disciples make a firm declaration of who He is. In the middle of this chapter Jesus confronts His disciples about their memory of His miracles and shows us some things we should always remember:

1. GOD’S MARVELOUS POWER IS NOT EXHAUSTED- If you must feed 5000 or 4000 God is still able to make sure they all eat and are filled. He is able to do exceeding abundantly above all you ask or think. Yea, and greater things than these shall you do because I go to the Father. Even the Prodigal knows that the Father’s house has bread enough and to spare!

2. WHEN CHRIST WORKS, THERE IS MORE LEFT THAN WE BEGIN WITH- Baskets full of Fragments- “Baskets” is the same word used of the basket used to lower Paul down wall of Damascus (This was no tiny little basket). Give and it shall be given to you, pressed down, shaken together, and running over.

3. THE MOST WAS LEFT WHEN THERE WAS THE LEAST TO BEGIN WITH- 7 loaves feed only 4000 and left 7 baskets but 5 loaves feed 5000 and left 12 baskets. Remember, the less there is of you, the more God will Bless and multiply.

4. WHEN YOU WORK FOR CHRIST YOU MUST BE WILLING TO BE BROKEN IF YOU WILL BE A BLESSING- The original bread and fish were used; they couldn’t be saved if the multitude was to be fed. When you do great works for God people will pick at you to find the secret of your greatness and find only common bread energized by God.

A) YOU DON’T GAIN MORE BY SERVING LESS

B) THE MOST WORK RECEIVED THE GREATEST REWARD- Feeding 4000 only brought the disciples 7 baskets of food. Feeding 5000 brought them 12 baskets

5. CHRIST CARES ABOUT THE REMAINING FRAGMENTS (He who owns the cattle on a thousand hills cares about a lost sheep)- You don’t belong on the ground; you belong in the basket. Don’t allow yourself to be thrown away, consumed by animal passions, or left to decay

Who to Remember for Defense- Ps 20:7 Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God.

Who to Remember in Disappointment- Ps 42:6 O my God, my soul is cast down within me: therefore will I remember thee from the land of Jordan, and of the Hermonites, from the hill Mizar.

Who to Remember Devotedly- Re 3:3 Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee.

Who to Remember Daily- A) When you are Young: Ec 12:1 Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them; B) When you are growing Old: Ps 25:7 Remember not the sins of my youth, nor my transgressions: according to thy mercy remember thou me for thy goodness’ sake, O LORD.

Mark 08:27-38 DENY SELF OR THE SAVIOR (LUKE 22:31-34)

INTRODUCTION – I want to look at one of the most basic parts of the Christian life – Submission to God, and use Peter as an example. The event described in Mark was the turning point in the Ministry of Christ. Until this time He had proclaimed the coming Kingdom of God but now (After the Mt. of Transfiguration) He had to bring the disciples to understand that the Jews are going to reject the Spiritual Kingdom because all they can see is the Physical. This means that He will be rejected and crucified. This is not what they wanted or expected and Christ now tries to get Peter (The Leader) to accept the fact that God’s will is more important than man’s desires.

I. PETER’S PRIVILEGE

A) His Character – Peter was a “Good” man

1. Willing to take a Chance for good – Forsook all to Follow Christ (Remember he had a wife and family)

2. A man of ready obedience – Lord we have fished all night and caught nothing yet at thy word I will let down my net.

3. A man of spiritual insight – “Whom do ye say that I am?” Thou art the Christ, the Son of the Living God (Flesh and Blood has not revealed this unto you.)

B) His position – Well thought of

1. In the “Top 3” – Peter, James and John went with Jesus to Jarius’s daughters, Mt. of Transfiguration, garden of Prayer.

2. The “Rock” man with the keys to the kingdom – opened the doors of the Gospel to Jews and Gentiles.

3. A Leader – Natural born leader – would have been so had he never met Christ

II. PETER’S PROBLEM – SELF WILL

A) Not willing to deny self so he ended up denying the Savior

1. Didn’t deny who Christ was – Matt. 10:32-33 Whosoever shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in Heaven (Peter Confessed that He was Christ).

2. Didn’t deny Christ in his works – Tit 1:16 They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate (Peter lived righteousness, healed, cast out demons).

B) The Problem was “Self” control

1. Self Confidence – Though all men forsake you I never will (denied to maid) Used sword in garden – seeking his way instead of God’s will.

2. People Pleaser – Didn’t want Christ to show anything but success – “far be it from you Lord” EVERYONE WANTS TO BE A WINNER (This was Paul’s Problem – Thorn in the flesh lest he be exalted above measure.

THE ROOT OF THE PROBLEM WAS THAT HE WANTED TO CONTROL GOD INSTEAD OF ALLOWING GOD TO CONTROL HIM

III. THE ANSWER

A) Deny self – not my will but thine be done.

B) Take up Cross Daily – Dying to popularity, praise, and power

C) Follow Christ – I Peter 2:21 For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps (Purified in the furnace of affliction) (Shifted as wheat)

Mark 08:34-38 WINNERS COMMIT

Mark chapter 8 is one of the most important chapters in the Bible. It is the middle chapter of the gospel of Mark and it contains many vital teachings (Story of feeding the multitude- of the 30 miracles of Jesus this is the only one repeated in every gospel. Pharisees seek a sign /Jesus rebukes disciples. Blind man of Bethsaida healed {Jesus healed blind with No Touch, One Touch (clay, wash in pool), Two Touch} / “Who do men say I am?” Peter rebukes). This is also the chapter where the Ministry and Message of Jesus changes: “Fishers of men” are now called to be full time dedicated disciples.

MAR 8:34-38 And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel’s, the same shall save it. For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.

Commitment means “To Pledge to or Bind to”. We live in a society today that shuns real commitment. A Christian, however, is called to commitment because he knows that winners are committed!! Here are 4 things about our commitment to Christ :

1. PERSONAL– “Whosoever will come after me” Daniel Chose to follow God in His Food choices, His trust in God provided wisdom (Idol), and in his dedication to putting God’s laws above man’s laws (Prayer). Sometimes pastors feel like the orchestra conductor who was quite upset over the fact that at every rehearsal at least one member of the orchestra was absent. At the last rehearsal he announced, “I would like to thank our first trumpet player. He was the only member of this orchestra who did not miss a rehearsal.” The first trumpet player stood and bowed as the other members of the orchestra applauded. Then he said quietly, “It was the least I could do, considering I won’t be able to be at the concert tonight.”

2. PERFORMANCE– “Let him deny himself” The pastor, the groom and the best man were out in the hall waiting for the ceremony to begin. The groom was unusually nervous and agitated. He kept pacing and wringing his hands. Finally, the minister became so concerned about him that he asked, “What’s the matter, have you lost the ring?” The Groom replied, “No, sir. I’ve lost my enthusiasm.” If you are in the fight, “Is your Sword Bloody?”

A) Some Lose enthusiasm to Pray: At one time you were a “Prayer Warrior” now you hardly ever Pray.

B) Some Lose enthusiasm to Serve: Once you served Him, now you serve self. The old time lamplighter used to leave a “Trail” of light behind them as they went about their work. Do you leave Light behind you?? Do you Miss more than you come, unwilling to work?

C) Some Lose enthusiasm to be Committed: They started out well a “crisis”, a confrontation, or desire for personal comfort made them stop and “hang their harps on the willows”.

3. PERSISTENT– “Daily take up the Cross.” Not a one time “Conversion” but a lifetime Commitment. Joseph was mocked by his family, sold by his brothers, lied about by his master’s wife, forgotten by the butler but God had a Plan! Just another “Dungeon Day” before God rewarded his life of commitment with the second highest position in the greatest nation of his day.

4. PUBLIC– “Ashamed will be ashamed” With the Heart man believes but with the Mouth man confesses. To Believe in Christ is not simply to believe ABOUT HIM but to TRUST IN HIM, to rely upon Him, to Cling to Him. Roy Mayo was a Japanese friend who did not want to learn Japanese so I had to translate for him in Japan. The Lion is seeking whom he may devour. Do not just “believe” the boat can save you; Get in the Boat!

God calls you to make a Public stand- and if you don’t He’ll keep putting you in situations that require you to make a choice: John 19:38-39 And after this Joseph of Arimathaea, being a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews, besought Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus: and Pilate gave him leave. He came therefore, and took the body of Jesus. And there came also Nicodemus, which at the first came to Jesus by night,…

IS THIS COMMITMENT??

I’ll go where you want me to go, dear Lord,

Real service is what I desire;

I’ll say what you want me to say, dear Lord-

But don’t ask me to sing in the Choir.

I’ll say what you want me to say, dear Lord,

I like to see things come to pass:

But don’t ask me to teach girls and boys, dear Lord-

I’d rather just stay in my class.

I’ll do what you want me to do, dear Lord,

I yearn for the kingdom to thrive;

I’ll give you my nickels and dimes, dear Lord–

But please don’t ask me to tithe.

I’ll go where you want me to go, dear Lord,

I’ll say what you want me to say;

But I am busy just now with myself, dear Lord–

I’ll help YOU some other day.

Mark 08:31 DESTINATION DEATH

Spring is one of the most exciting times of the year around here. The weather is beginning to become consistently warm so people can get out of their homes and “stir around” a little; most people have finally begun to shake those pesky winter colds; and the great Easter services here at Grace are only a few weeks away (Good Friday Cantata and Communion and Easter Sunday Sunrise Service and Breakfast).

While we anticipate with Joy this special time, we look thru the scriptures and see that Jesus also anticipated it; but in a different way. He knew that he was journeying not just to Jerusalem but to Calvary! He realized the pain and suffering that were ahead and he tried to explain it to his disciples to prepare them.

Our Revival brought many dedications and determinations on people’s part to be the Christian God wants them to be. Now we must go from Determination to Doing. I want to look at the way Jesus prepared his disciples for the coming Cross and see if we can’t learn from that how we as Christians are to take up our Cross and follow Him.

Mark 8:31 And he began to teach them, that the son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders, and of the chief priests, and scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again.

Mark 9:31 He taught his disciples, and said unto them, the son of man is delivered into the hands of men, and they shall kill him; and after that he is killed, he shall rise the third day.

Mark 10:32-34 And they were in the way going up to Jerusalem; and Jesus went before them: and they were amazed; and as they followed, they were afraid. and he took again the twelve, and began to tell them what things should happen unto him. saying behold, we go up to Jerusalem; and the son of man shall be delivered unto the chief priests, and unto the scribes; and they shall condemn him to death, and shall deliver him to the gentiles: and they shall mock him, and shall scourge him, and shall spit upon him, and shall kill him: and the third day he shall rise again.

I. EDUCATION- He taught them- This was part of the Preparation of His Disciples.

A) They didn’t understand His purpose- They still thought he was going to set up a great Physical Kingdom (See 10:35-45 where immediately after Jesus told them of the coming Cross James and John asked to sit on his right and left hand in His coming kingdom). That’s the way it is today- People are more interested in God saving their marriage or job than they are in Him saving their souls! People must be taught that their Spiritual Well being is much more important than their Physical needs for what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Mark 8:36

B) They were afraid of what was to come- They knew that the religious leaders were out to kill Jesus (which meant they too might be on the “hit list”). When Jesus had returned to raise Lazarus the disciples must have hesitated to come with Him and Thomas (!) had urged them to go die with Him if necessary. Now Jesus was talking about going to Jerusalem to die and they didn’t want to hear that.

Isn’t this the way it is today? Everyone wants to go to Heaven but no one wants to go by way of the cross! People die and spend eternity in Hell because they are afraid of Public opinion, Persecution, or yielding their life to God. Some how we must make them understand what Jesus meant when he said, Whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel’s, the same shall save it Mark 8:35.

But the Christian Journey is not just Education, it is also-

II. DEDICATION- “The Son of Man MUST SUFFER many things” “They shall mock him, and shall scourge him, and shall spit upon him”.

A) Perseverance- Christianity is not simply a religion of the mind, it affects a person’s life and relationships. As you journey to Jerusalem your actions and attitudes will be in such sharp contrast to those of the world until they will begin to resent and resist you. Friends will become foes (Sometimes a man’s enemies shall be those of his own household- Matt 10:36). But we must go with a Dedication and Determination that will not look back or stop along the way- Mark 8:38 Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his father with the holy angels.

B) “Preaching”- We don’t hide From the Cross (to avoid persecution) or Behind the Cross as “pitiful Martyrs” but we boldly Carry our Cross so the world will know that we belong to Christ; and by so doing show them the way of Salvation. Gal 6:14 God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.

III. SALVATION- But the Cross cannot affect our relationship with others and bring us the Peace we long for unless it affects our relationship with God.

A) Jesus knew that his Death was coming- His purpose in coming to earth was to die for the sins of mankind. We must boldly come to the Foot of the Cross and lay not only our sin debt but also our very lives down and begin a new life in Christ- Mark 8:34 Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.

B) His Resurrection would follow- “After 3 days he shall rise again” Everything was worth the “Now” because of the “After” to come. Later the Disciples could rejoice that they were counted worthy of suffering shame for the name of Christ because of the realization of His Resurrection. If we can grasp today that we are on a journey instead of a “joyride” it will change the journey into an abundant life that will include joy even if it means going through Calvary!!

Is your Destination Heaven today? Everyone has to go by Calvary to reach the Promised Land. Have you been there for Salvation?? Are you willing for Calvary to be a part of God’s Plans for your life??

Mark 9:1-13 TRANSFIGURED

The beginning of the PRIVATE MINISTRY of Jesus. He had just publically proclaimed his coming crucifixion and told of the necessity of disciples bearing a cross and coming after him. This caused the Disciples must puzzlement (As evidenced by Peter’s rash statement) because they had always been taught that Messiah would bring the new “Golden Age” for Israel.

Jesus now shows them the real meaning of the Kingdom of God coming with power. [Interesting that Moses (Law) and Elijah (Prophets) recognize each other and know what is happening on earth as they talked of Jesus’ soon coming decease].

Some lessons we need to learn:

1. The way to Victory does not always make sense: Dying instead of doing. Cross instead of Crown.

Satan lost the world thru Pride in self effort (Is 14:12-15). Man now gains dominion by denying self, dying to self effort, and depending on God’s Power (Man lost dominion thru Sin). Remember that Flesh and Blood shall not inherit the Kingdom of God; our battle is not a fleshly one (For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure Philippians 2:13).

2. An inner change produces an outward change: For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost (Romans 14:17).

A) The change was from within; not simply a mask you put on (Butterfly). Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new (2 Corinthians 5:17).

B) His raiment became shining; inner change produced clothing change (See man in Mark 5 and Saved Women- I Pet 3:1-7, I Tim 2:8-10. God’s garment is light.

3. Peter talked when he did not know what to say: But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned (1 Corinthians 2:14).

4. God testified that this was the Right way to Go! “My beloved Son in whom I am well pleased”

5. It Corrected their vision problem:

A) Blinded Vision: Satan has blinded the eyes of the lost lest the light of the glorious gospel should shine thru.

B) Dimmed Vision: “I see men as trees walking” means you need another touch from Christ

C) Divided Vison: The feared the Lord and served their own gods

D) Cleared Vision: Walk in the Light as He is in the Light and we have fellowship with one another.

E) Consecrated Vision: Saw Jesus ONLY. We need to cry, “We would see Jesus”. Isaiah, “In the year that King Uzziah died I saw the Lord high and lifted up.

Mark 9:14-41 POWER FAILURE

No longer do Christians say “Silver and gold have I none” but neither do we say, “Rise us and walk” (Acts 3:6). The valley comes after the mountain; note the contrast- on the Mountain, “this is my beloved son, hear him” and Jesus was Glorified. In the valley, “This is my son your disciples could not help, heal him” and he is demon possessed.

I. THE PROBLEMS:

A) The Disputing Scribes: Willful unbelief. Silenced by Jesus. Looking for an opportunity to waylay the flock while the shepherd is away; wolves in sheep clothing.

B) Distracted Father: Unwilling Disbelief (Help thou my unbelief). Comforted by Jesus. The disciples failure caused his faith to shrink (Only place Jesus is asked, “If you can do something, do it”)

C) Demon Possessed Boy: Irresponsible unbelief. Healed by Jesus. He needed light; not condemnation! Do not tell a dead body not to stink! You need to give it life!

D) Defeated Disciples: Unconscious unbelief. Instructed by Jesus.

1) They had cast out demons before this but the proclamation of the coming Cross and the fact that Jesus had gone away with three disciples (jealous?) had distracted them.

2 ) Their problem was Unbelief (And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you Matthew 17:20) and lack of dedication time (Prayer and fasted needed).

II. HOW TO MAINTAIN POWER:

A) Vs 30-32 Keep on God’s Path for your life; the cross. Do not get bogged down in secondary activities.

B) Vs 33-37 Serve instead of seeking to be served, give instead of getting (Still waters stagnate). Use what you have so you can be trust with more.

C) vs 38-41 Do not get hung up on methods- some electricity comes from oil, some from coal, some from nuclear, some from water, some from wind or solar- but allow light bulbs to give light!

Mark 09:24 FAITH’S ENEMY

(Mark 9:24) And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief.

I think the most important verse in the Bible is “The just shall live by faith”. It is the backbone of 4 books of the Bible and the basis our relationship with the Lord. Yet as I view Churches I find many who seem to have little faith- They Profess but do not Possess nor do they Practice. Most devastating of all, however, are those who Profess but do not Anticipate that God will do anything because of their Faith. Like the Father in today’s scripture, they have fallen into the grasp of Faith’s enemy-Unbelief.

I. WHAT CAUSES UNBELIEF?

A) Familiar- (Matthew 13:55 56) Is not this the carpenter’s son? is not his mother called Mary? and his brethren, James, and Joses, and Simon, and Judas? And his sisters, are they not all with us? Whence then hath this man all these things?

B) Fear of Giants- (Numbers 13:32 33) And they brought up an evil report of the land which they had searched unto the children of Israel, saying, The land, through which we have gone to search it, is a land that eateth up the inhabitants thereof; and all the people that we saw in it are men of a great stature. And there we saw the giants, the sons of Anak, which come of the giants: and we were in our own sight as grasshoppers, and so we were in their sight.

C) Flesh Weakness- Afraid we will fail or can’t hold out.

II. UNBELIEF IS BAD BECAUSE OF ITS LIMITATIONS:

A) Miracles- (Matthew 13:58) And he did not many mighty works there because of their unbelief.

B) Victories- (Hebrews 3:19) So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief.

C) Heaven- (Hebrews 4:11) Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.

III. UNBELIEF DEFEATED- (Romans 4:18 21) Abraham- against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations, according to that which was spoken, So shall thy seed be. And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sara’s womb: He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform. Unbelief is defeated by acts of Faith that display God’s Power and confirm God’s Love. What are some acts of Faith that you can perform today?

A) As a Church: Determine to “Lift your eyes and look on the fields that are white unto harvest”. $15,000 would buy the land to build a Church in India where multitudes of souls would come to hear the Gospel.

B) As a Christian: Ask God to help you make a difference for the work of God- $2000 would pay a loan payment for Todd Smith in Aiken or pay the tuition for a Hispanic student in Inman. $1000 would publish an edition of the Informer or buy a motorbike for a Pastor in India. A tract with your tip would spread the Gospel. A night of no TV would give you time to bake a cake for a neighbor or visit a shut-in or babysit for an overwhelmed mother.

C) As a lost person: (Romans 10:9 10) That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

(Mark 9:23) Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth. Will YOU believe today?

Mark 09:24 FAITH’S ENEMY (Revised)

(Mark 9:24) And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief.

Young boy in Cracker Barrel who pumped a hand water pump bolted to a board for all he was worth but no water came out because not connected to Water.

Three things people look for in a Church and in Christians- Vision, Visible Friendliness, Victory.

I think the most important verse in the Bible is “The just shall live by faith”. It is the backbone of 4 books of the Bible and the basis our relationship with the Lord. Yet as I view Churches I find many who seem to have little faith- They Profess but do not Practice. They Profess but do not Anticipate that God will do anything. Like the Father in today=s scripture, they have fallen into the grasp of Faith=s enemy-Unbelief.

I. WHAT CAUSES UNBELIEF?

C) Flesh Weakness- Afraid we will fail or can=t hold out.

II. UNBELIEF IS BAD BECAUSE OF ITS LIMITATIONS:

A) Ability of God to Work- (Matthew 13:58) And he did not many mighty works there because of their unbelief.

B) Victories- (Hebrews 3:19) So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief. (Matthew 17:19-20) Then came the disciples to Jesus apart, and said, Why could not we cast him out? And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.

C) Heaven- (Hebrews 4:11) Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.

III. UNBELIEF DEFEATED- (Romans 4:18 22) Abraham- against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations, according to that which was spoken, So shall thy seed be. And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sara’s womb: He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform. And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness.

Unbelief is defeated by acts of Faith that display God’s Power and confirm God’s Love. What are some acts of Faith that you can perform today?

A) As a Church: Determine to “Lift your eyes and look on the fields that are white unto harvest”.

B) As a Christian: Ask God to help you make a difference for the work of God-.

(Mark 9:23) Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth. Will YOU believe today?

Mark 09:41 LOST REWARDS

For whosoever shall give you a cup of water to drink in my name, because ye belong to Christ, verily I say unto you, he shall not lose his reward Mark 9:41.

LOST REWARDS:

2 John 1:8 Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward.

Isa 5:23 Which justify the wicked for reward, and take away the righteousness of the righteous from him!

Mt 6:1 Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven.

Col 2:18 Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind,

1Co 3:8 Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour.

1Co 3:14 If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.

Mt 16:27 For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.

Look at the Example of Crowns:

GIVEN CROWN: Re 2:10 Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast [some] of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.
TAKEN CROWN: Re 3:11 Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.
OBTAINED CROWN: Re 4:4 And round about the throne [were] four and twenty seats: and upon the seats I saw four and twenty elders sitting, clothed in white raiment; and they had on their heads crowns of gold.
THROWN CROWN: Re 4:10 The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying,

1. The Incorruptible Crown (Deals with Dedication) I Cor 9:25 Every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things, They do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.

2. The Crown of Righteousness‑ (Having to do with our Love and Purity‑ See I Jn 3:2‑3) II Tim 4:8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day; and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

3. The Crown of Life (Having to do with our steadfastness). James 1:12 Blessed is the man that endureth temptation; for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord has promised to them that love him.

4. The Crown of Glory (For faithful Pastors) I Pet 5:4 And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.

5. The Crown of Rejoicing (Soul Winner’s Crown) I Thess 2:19 For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming?

Mark 10:17-22 THINGS THAT KEEP US FROM ENJOYING GOD’S BEST

Example of Bogged down Bulldozer- Unable to do its job

I. Wrong Thoughts about God’s Requirements:

1) Thinking God’s Love voids God’s Law- For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth (Hebrews 12:6). Love does not give you the right to live like the devil and think you belong to God.

2) I have a right to make my own choices- What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s (1 Corinthians 6:19 20).

3) Considering Faith a mind game instead of a life change- Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? (James 2:19 20)

Five most Common Errors of Sinners:

1) Focusing on Saint’s slips

2) Fearing what others will say about your decision

3) Unwillingness to Repent and change something in your life.

4) Failure to come to God via Faith. Think you have to get good enough or be able to do great church works.

5) Feeling you can delay- Today is day of Salvation

Illustrate: New Church that did not know it had a baptismal pool in the floor because the first thing they did when they bought the church was to change the carpet and the baptismal was hidden. And I will give thee the treasures of darkness, and hidden riches of secret places, that thou mayest know that I, the LORD, which call thee by thy name, am the God of Israel (Isaiah 45:3).

Five most Common Errors of Saints:

1) Demeaning and Dividing God’s family (Gossip, Power Plays)

2) Robbing God’s work of Resources- Tithes and Offerings But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also (Matthew 6:20 21).

3) Worshiping God’s Man or God’s House instead of God

4) Avoiding God’s Work, Hiding our talents: Sins of Lack of Commitment- Num 32. 2 and half tribes were told that it was a sin to “sit here” and it was a sin that cast a shadow- But if ye will not do so, behold, ye have sinned against the LORD: and be sure your sin will find you out (Num 32:23).

5) Putting God Second- Greatest sin because breaks first commandment

Mark 10:17-31 WRONG CHOICE

This is the story of a man who came to Jesus Motivated by the Right Motive. He came to the Right Person, asked the Right Question, and received the Right Answer (One thing you lack) but he made the Wrong Choice and went away Sad, Grieved, and a forever example

Jesus had just finished blessing the children and evidently His love and care so impressed the Rich Young Ruler until he felt that Jesus might have the answer to the emptiness in his heart.

I. THE PERSONALITY OF THE MAN

A) His Zeal: Came running. Anxious for spiritual help and peace of mind

B) His Humbleness: Kneeled (The Greek word used for this man implies he was a very respected leader, possibly a prince. Amazing that he would make such a public display.

C) His Reverence: Good Master (Like saying “Sir” today)

D) His Holy Desire: What shall I do that I may have eternal life? Greatest desire any person can have.

E) His Moral Life: All these things have I observed from my youth (All the commandments Jesus quoted were about man’s duty to man).

F) His Fatal Choice: Went away grieved because he chose physical blessings in this life over spiritual treasures in Heaven. A choice MANY make

Four that shall hardly be saved: For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called (1 Corinthians 1:26). The Wise man after the flesh, Mighty (Physical greatness), Noble (Social status), and the Rich (Jesus looked round about, and saith unto his disciples, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God! Mark 10:23).

II. THE PRICE OF REJECTION- This jolted the very heart of the disciple’s theology as it did away with human effort and threw them on God’s mercy and Grace. God looks for people who want to KNOW Him and have a Relationship with Him; not just enjoy the good things God can give.

How Cheap will YOU sell out?

Judas for 30 pieces of silver

Esau for a bowl of soup

Achan for a gold wedge and a Babylon garment

I lost a very good friend because he chose to go for ONE night of celebration in town and ended up falling into a canal and drowning drunk one day before he was scheduled to be sent home!

Will you Choose Jesus and follow His will for your life or will you cling to Profit, Pride, or Popularity and face eternity apart from God?

Mark 10:32-52 THE SERVANT PATTERN

Mark has tried to show Jesus Christ, the Son of God, as Servant of God by presenting the miracles and works He performed. Now, in the heart of the Gospel, he shows that 3 times Jesus emphasizes the Cross and the need of being a Servant as the Key to greatness in the Kingdom of God.

This translates into the basis for Spiritual maturity- When you learn that you “grow up” when you stop asking to be served and begin to seek to serve. [How many parents know this “secret” and do not know they know- “When will you grow up and start doing things for yourself?”]

But what does it mean to be a Servant?

I. THE CHARACTER OF GOD’S SERVANT Isa 42:1-4

A) Dependence: “My servant whom I behold” (Because of this dependence He had received the anointing of the Spirit, “I have put my spirit upon him”). Our work must be done with God’s Power or it accomplishes nothing; we serve God, He does not serve us!

B) Acceptance: “My servant in whom my soul delighteth” (Can’t you just see a Father’s smile). Jesus said, “I do always those things that please the Father”.

C) Humbleness: “He shall not cry, nor lift up, nor cause his voice to be heard in the street” (Notice how many times Jesus told people NOT to tell what He had done)

D) Compassion: “A bruised reed shall he not break and the smoking flax shall he not quench” (Jesus helped the “unlovely” so much until the Pharisees said He had lost his reputation)

E) Optimism: “He shall not fail nor be discouraged, til he have set judgment in the earth” (I can do all things through Christ- The Master never asks the Servant to do any task He does not supply the power to do).

II. THE MARKS OF GOD’S SERVANT

A) Humbleness of Mind: Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. (Philippians 2:5-8). Do you “demand your rights” or do you rejoice in being counted worthy to suffer for his name’s sake?

B) Love for Lost Men: For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many (Mark 10:45). Is our heart throb the desire to see lost men saved from a devil’s hell? is it such love until it will cause you to serve them in order to win them or show them Christ?

Remember that “Minister” means “servant”; Deacons were elected to serve tables; and the Chiefest shall be servant of all.

Mark 10:46-52 HOW TO CHANGE YOUR LIFE

And they came to Jericho: and as he went out of Jericho with his disciples and a great number of people, blind Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, sat by the highway side begging. And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out, and say, Jesus, thou Son of David, have mercy on me. And many charged him that he should hold his peace: but he cried the more a great deal, Thou Son of David, have mercy on me. And Jesus stood still, and commanded him to be called. And they call the blind man, saying unto him, Be of good comfort, rise; he calleth thee. And he, casting away his garment, rose, and came to Jesus. And Jesus answered and said unto him, What wilt thou that I should do unto thee? The blind man said unto him, Lord, that I might receive my sight. And Jesus said unto him, Go thy way; thy faith hath made thee whole. And immediately he received his sight, and followed Jesus in the way. (Mark 10:46-52). You can never become what you want to be by remaining what you are!

I am legally blind without my glasses. Once a bee got into my car and landed on my face as I was driving 60 miles per hour down the highway. When I swiped at the bee I knocked my glasses off- then things got real interesting!

Some of you may feel you are driving through life blindly or sitting by the wayside blindly begging for something to make your life better. Good news for you today! Blind Bartimaeus shows us some simple principles that that change our life and give us sight!

1. Stop waiting for ideal circumstances “Jesus came to Jericho: and as he went out of Jericho with his disciples and a great number of people, blind Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, sat by the highway side begging”. (Mark 10:46). There will always be a “crowd” between you and a new beginning. Hunt for God by looking in the mirror instead of out the window. You will never find God until you realize you are the one who is lost.

2. Take Charge of your change- “And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out, and say, Jesus, thou son of David, have mercy on me”. (Mark 10:47). You will never be great as long as you are satisfied being good.

3. Do not let other people’s doubts deter you- “And many charged him that he should hold his peace: but he cried the more a great deal, Thou son of David, have mercy on me.” (Mark 10:48).

4. Walk away from your old ways- “And he, casting away his garment, rose, and came to Jesus.” (Mark 10:50). Hold out by learning to let go. Until you are willing to lose you will never be able to win: “For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.” (Matthew 16:25). Let go of your past failures and your present problems.

5. Clarify your real need- “And Jesus answered and said unto him, What wilt thou that I should do unto thee? The blind man said unto him, Lord, that I might receive my sight.” (Mark 10:51). It don’t mat

6 Believe you and God can do this- “Jesus said unto him, Go thy way; thy faith hath made thee whole. And immediately he received his sight, and followed Jesus in the way.” (Mark 10 52). When you open your heart it will open your eyes. Stop trying to BE God and start BECOMING a child of God by completely trusting the Heavenly Father’s purpose and plan for your life.

Help God by ceasing to help God. Flesh cannot help flesh be anything but flesh and no matter how much better you make flesh it is still not good enough for God: “This I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption” (1 Cor 15:50).

God did not say try to be better; He said be Born Again (and it was not an optional option): “Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God” (John 3:3). Chang Lee’s vegetables in Auckland New Zealand. God wants to come into your life; not just surround it. Give God your eyes and stop begging by the wayside!

Mk 11:- FOUR REJECTIONS

Jesus had set his face steadfastly toward Jerusalem and now he enters the last few days of His earthly life. He had proclaimed God by Message and Miracles and now He comes the final time to the capital of the nation to give them an opportunity to accept Him or reject Him.

We know that they rejected Him and in their rejection we see where WE may be tempted to reject Him also.

I. THE TRIUMPHAL ENTRY 1-11 (Rejection of Christ as King)

The Lordship of Christ does not always take the form we expect- He rode a colt instead of a white horse, had tree branches instead of money, etc.

Lordship sometimes means serving in a little place instead of being a missionary or daily living instead of headlines and fame (The Case of the Colt- Never” ridden- Jesus can use the untamed

Freely given- owner let go when Master had need of

Sometimes, like Balaam’s Ass, we will be beaten for trying to keep others out of trouble. )

II. THE TEMPLE PURIFIED 15-19 (Inward Corruption) (2nd time- 1st time at beginning of ministry)

Taking the Good and missing the best. The Devil will get you to hit the gas or the brake- to do nothing or get involved in less important things (Apostles elect Deacons to feed widows while they study and Pray )

Sacrifice and Temple money were needed but who could pray in that marketplace! (God wanted their worship more than their work!) Do you fill your life with “busy work” and neglect time alone with God?

III. THE TREE CURSED 12-14 20-26 (Outward Fruitlessness)

The tree was cursed for its false profession (God said He would rather you be cold than lukewarm!). It was not time for figs yet but the tree gave the signs of having fruit and fruitlessness is grounds for being cut off-Jn 15:2 Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away!

What kind of fruit-

A) John the Baptist- bring forth fruits suitable for repentance. Show in your life you repented in your heart

B) Prov 11:30 The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise. (2Pet 1:5-8)

C) Gal 5:22-23 The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

What caused the Fruitlessness? Lack of Faith (Mk 11:22 If a nation, or a person refuses to place Faith in Christ then no fruit can be produced regardless of the show that is made!!! Jn 15:5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: he that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me you can do nothing. The Just shall live by faith)

Do you put on a good show but fail to bear fruit????

IV. THE TEST OF AUTHORITY 27-33 (Valuing man’s opinion over God’s Word)

Whatever is your final authority is your God!! Faith comes from the word. Are you rejecting God’s Plan for your life to please men???

Anyone can follow the crowd. It takes someone with determination to make a stand.

Mark 11:15 17 TEMPLE THIEVES

(Mark 11:15 17) And they come to Jerusalem: and Jesus went into the temple, and began to cast out them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves; {16} And would not suffer that any man should carry any vessel through the temple. {17} And he taught, saying unto them, Is it not written, My house shall be called of all nations the house of prayer? but ye have made it a den of thieves.

A good idea had gone bad- Preachers had turned to Robbers. Man who was going to be promoted to bank manager until seen stealing a pad of butter.

1) We Rob GOD of Tithes- Miss Blessing from Window of Heaven and hurt work of God

2) We Rob MEN of Testimony- Miss Joy of Harvest- (Psa 126:6) He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.

3) We Rob SELF of Answered Prayer-

A) By Sinful Lifestyle- (Psa 66:18) If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me:

B) By Not Asking- (James 4:2) … ye have not, because ye ask not.

4) We Rob SPIRIT of Powerful action in our lives- Grieve Him with our Wrong / Quench Him with our Failure to do Right

5) We Rob HEAVEN of our saved Soul by not repenting and Trusting Christ as our Savior.

Jesus Ran these men out of the Temple for being Thieves. He will keep you out of Heaven for not trusting Him.

Master Carpenter who was asked to build one last house. Used poor material and did sloppy work and then was given the home as a retirement gift!!

Me Steal cigarettes from Mom and then had to confess in a sermon when she was there! (Rom 14:11 12) For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. {12} So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.

Mark 11:23 Our Mountains!

God knocked down the wall of Jericho but He did not knock down ANY OTHER WALLS. God promised that Faith could remove Mountains- For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith. (Mark 11:23) but some mountains were very important in God’s Plan. Here are some reasons God may leave a mountain in your life.

I. TABOR (Transfiguration) – SHOW HIS GLORY-Mark 9:2 And after six days Jesus taketh with him Peter, and James, and John, and leadeth them up into an high mountain apart by themselves: and he was transfigured before them. You will never trust the plan of God until you see the heart of God.

II. ARRAT (Mountain of the Ark) – Presented His Promise — (Rainbow) Genesis 9: 8 17

III. HOREB (Ten Commandments)- Explained His Will . EXO 33:1-6

IV. CARMEL (Elijah’s Prayer) – Showed Victory I Kings 18

V. MORRIAH (Abraham & Issac)- Provided Sacrifice Genesis 22 [Obedience, Right Place “There”

VI. PISGAH (Moses view of Promised Land) – Gave Vision Deuteronomy 34:1 And Moses went up from the plains of Moab unto the mountain of Nebo, to the top of Pisgah, that is over against Jericho. And the LORD shewed him all the land of Gilead, unto Dan. You will never become what you want to be by remaining what you are

VII. CALVARY – Showed God’s Love Luke 23:33 (Christ) No one can get from Earth to Heaven without help

VIII. OLIVET – Promised His Return Acts 1:9 And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight. And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.

The owners of Mount Morgan (Australia) labored arduously for years on its barren slopes, eking out a miserable existence; never know that under their feet was the richest source of gold in the world! When the gold was discovered in 1891 it led to tremendous wealth for many. Among those making a fortune from this mine was William Knox D’Arcy. D’Arcy used his fortune to finance oil exploration in Iran, which led to the formation of the BP Oil Company.

Do not doubt God if the Mountain remains. Look for the Gold under your feet!

Mark 12:- 13:- ACCOUNTABILITY TO GOD

Jesus is in His final week doing His final teaching. The national leaders have rejected him and how various groups are trying to trap him so they can renounce him to the crowds and do away with Him. But what they don’t know is that while they attempt to bring him into accountability He is in fact showing them their accountability to God!

Martin Luther said, “One of the most awesome facts in the world is my accountability to God.” Paul said, Every one of us shall give account of himself to God (Rom 14:12). Jesus realized the importance of this Accountability so He used numerous parables and principles to show its importance as He headed toward the Cross.

Chapter 12

I. THE PARABLE OF THE VINEYARD 1-12 You are not your own, you are bought with a price. (If I loaned you my car I would expect that you would not race it, rob a bank with it, or ruin my reputation with it!)

II. THE PENNY 13-17 He have responsibility to BOTH God and Government

III. THE POWER FOR RESURRECTION 18-27 The Resurrection need not be fully understood but must be fully believed!

IV. THE PRIORITY 28-34 Love is the greatest. God first- then others as your self (Some people hate their neighbor because they hate themselves!)

V. THE PUZZLE (David’s Son/Lord) 35-37 IF David had been inspired to call his “son” his Lord then Christ had every right to claim to be Lord (The Pharisees claimed that anyone who carne after David could not be greater than David.). But if David lied about this could he be believed about anything??

VI. THE PRETENSE 38-40 Warning against the Hypocrites who love the benefits of Religion but do not benefit from its love.

VII. THE POOR WIDOW 41-44 Not the Amount but the Proportion!

Chapter 13

I. THE STONES OF THE TEMPLE 1-2 (Jesus warns about looking at Physical growth instead of Spiritual)

II. THE SIGNS OF THE END 3-31

A) Saviors

B) Sorrows

C) Speaking by Holy Ghost- Endurance (Not your strength but Gods!)

D) Shortened Days- Abomination of Desolation

E) Signs and Wonders

F) Son of Man Corning

G) Symbol of Fig Tree

III. THE SERVANT’S RESPONSIBILITY- Watch 32-37. WE are accountable to God for:

A) Idle Words- Mt 12:36 But I day unto you, that every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment

B) Handling of money and Property- Luke 19:15 And it carne to pass, that when he was returned, having received the kingdom, then he commanded these servants to be called unto him, to whom he had given the money, that he might know how much every man had gained by trading.

C) Service- Mk 13:34 To every man his work Mk 12:1-9 The he might receive from the husbandman of the fruit of the vineyard.

D) Life- Rom 14:12 So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God

Mark 12:24 WHAT WENT WRONG?

Mark 12:24 Then Jesus answering said unto them, Do ye not therefore err, because ye know not the scriptures, neither the power of God?

The Sadducees were what we would call “Liberals” today. They did not believe in the supernatural WORK or WORD of God [An easy way to remember the difference between the Pharisees and the Sadducees is that the Pharisees believe in the resurrection and the Sadducees don’t so they are “Sad-you-see”!!].

These Sadducees had come to Jesus determined to trip him up with a “two edged question”. In Moses’ law a woman whose husband died was required to marry her husband’s brother in order to continue the name and inheritance of that man [Genealogy and Geography were very important to the Jews because of the Promised Land and the Promised Messiah]. The Sadducees believed that they had Jesus because if he said that the woman was to marry all the 7 brothers then they would accuse Him of promoting Bigamy; while if He said she was not to marry the men then they would accuse Him of rejecting Moses’ law. Jesus answered their question by telling them a little about our future state and also by showing them that they should heed God’s word instead of their own reasoning.

We face many baffling questions and situations today also. We need to make correct decisions- because the choice we make may affect us for a lifetime. (These Sadducees probably ended up in Hell where they have been in torment for over 2000 years already- and they probably took their family, friends, and “disciples” with them!!)

Where did they go wrong?? Jesus gave two areas that they erred in-1) not knowing the Scriptures. 2) not knowing the Power of God. Let’s see some things about these two areas in our own life.

To me, one of the saddest statements in the Bible is found in Acts 27:11 Nevertheless the centurion believed the master and the owner of the ship, more than those things which were spoken by Paul and left port– to end up in a major storm with the loss of the boat and probably their lives if not for the intervention of God.

I. THE SCRIPTURES:

A) Our Grounds of Salvation- Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God

B) Our Guard against Sin- Ps 119:9,11 Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word. Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. The Bible will keep you from sin or sin will keep you from the Bible.

C) Our Guidelines for Living-

1. Precepts, Principles, Partnership with other Christians and God.

2. Promises to Cling to- I may tremble on the Rock, but the Rock won’t tremble under me.

Matt 21:22 – And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.

Luke 11:9 – And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be open unto you. I Jn 3:22 – And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.

Phil 4:19 – My God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

Matt 6:33 – But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Jer 33:3 – Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowst not.

Ps 37:4 – Delight thyself also in the Lord; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.

Ps 34:15 – The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and his ears are open to their cry.

II THE POWER OF GOD- I Cor 2:

Mark 12:34 AND YET BE LOST

And when Jesus saw that he answered discreetly, he said unto him, Thou art not far from the kingdom of God. And no man after that durst ask him any question (Mark 12:34) This text shows that one can be in the “suburbs” of the kingdom of God and yet die & be lost.

One of the saddest things today is the number of People in Church who have a form of Godliness but have no Power or personal relationship with God [I call it “First Baptist Church” religion- good enough to meet the social standards of the community; but not good enough to face a Holy God with].

Let us notice a few who were close to the door but perished.

1). “YOU MAY MAKE AN OFFERING LIKE CAIN” “AND YET BE LOST”

But unto Cain and to his offering he had not respect. And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell (Gen 4:5). Self Effort/self Will. You don’t want to come by the way of the cross (Foolish)

2). “YOU MAY WEEP LIKE ESAU IN REPENTANCE” “AND YET BE LOST” HEB 12:16-17 Lest there be any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright. For ye know how that afterward, when he would have inherited the blessing, he was rejected: for he found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears.

Some things can’t be changed. God can forgive ANY sin but there are some results of sin you must live with. Esau was sorry he had sold his birth right but it was still gone. At the Judgement there will be plenty of weeping but Judgement will still come.

3). “YOU MAY LEAVE SODOM LIKE LOT’S WIFE:” “AND YET BE LOST”. GEN 19:26 But his wife looked back from behind him, and she became a pillar of salt. Some leave the presence of sin but never give up the desire for sin.

4). “YOU MAY MAKE LONG PRAYERS LIKE THE PHARISEES: “AND YET BE LOST” MAT 23:14 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye devour widows’ houses, and for a pretence make long prayers: therefore ye shall receive the greater damnation. Saying without Being

5). “YOU MAY TREMBLE LIKE FELIX:” “AND YET BE LOST”. ACT 24:25 And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee. Conviction is not conversion.

6). “YOU MAY BOW AT JESUS’ FEET LIKE THE RICH YOUNG RULER:” “AND YET BE LOST”- Mark 10:17-22 vs 22 And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions. Coming to the Cross is not accepting Christ. You must turn from the old way and trust Christ.

7). “YOU MAY BE ALMOST A CHRISTIAN LIKE AGRIPPIA:” “AND YET BE LOST”- ACT 26:28 Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian. On the Brink of Blessing you must make the next step. God has provided all His part. Now you must decide to come- or be lost!!

“AND YET BE LOST” Are you YET LOST?? Come to Christ today.

(From a Sermon by Rev Dale Yarborough)

Mark 13:32-37 WATCH

Mark 13:32-37 but of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the son, but the father. take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is. For the son of man is as a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work, and commanded the porter to watch. watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning: lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping. and what I say unto you I say unto all, watch.

The Lord’s Return ought to be a time of EXPECTATION but it also ought to be a time of PREPARATION. Christians ought to LONG for His return and LIVE so as to be ready for it at any time. This involves more than “Theological Discussions” about future events; it means we actively alter our lifestyle to SHOW Christ so we can get as many people as possible to KNOW Christ as their Saviour. I hope an Acronym of the Word “Watch” will show us these Responsibilities.

Words- What you Say-Matt 12:36 But I say unto you that every idle word that men shall speak they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.

A) About God- Don’t use the Lord’s name in vain/ Do spread Gospel

B) About People- Gossip- thou shalt not go up and down as a talebearer in thy land.

C) To People- Words can cut deeper than a sharp sword (See Heb 4:12 where the Word of God cuts this way. Sadly YOUR words can also)

Actions- What you Do- Matt 16:27 For the son of man shall come in the glory of his father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.

A) Wrong You Do- Is society your Judge or God

B) Right you Fail to Do- James 4:17 To him that knoweth to do good and doeth it not, to him it is sin.

Thoughts- What you Think-Prov 23:7 For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he. II Cor 10:5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.

A) About your PROBLEMS- Don’t yield to Despair or Depression

B) Lust- Looking with lust. Men shouldn’t look and women shouldn’t dress to make them (Example of the house in our community that no one lived in; they had to put a sign up saying it was not for sale to keep people from asking them if it were for sale! When you dress to expose yourself don’t think it unusual that someone looks). Temptation is not sin but can lead to sin.

Companions- Who You Associate With- Ps 1:1 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.

A) Wisdom- “Counsel of the ungodly” Where do you get your basic beliefs? Television, Tell-a-friend, or Trashy newspapers

B) Way- What guides your goings? Do you dress like the world wants and say what the world thinks is fashionable? “Lay down with dogs and pick up fleas”!!

Habits- What Controls You-I Cor 6:12 All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.

A) Indulgences- Nervous eating, smoking, TV, etc. Things that control you in a Bad way. How Can you Tell?? Try to stop! Can you Fast for a day? Can you leave TV off for a week? Can you honor the church by not smoking at Church? A “Right” becomes a wrong when it gains control of you.

B) Wrongs- Drugs, Alcohol, etc. Things that defile or disable the temple of the Lord (Your Body).

The reasons for Watching:

1. So Christ won’t be ashamed of us when He returns- Mark 8:38 Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his father with the holy angels.

2. So You won’t be caught by surprise- Mark 13:33, 36 Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is… lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping.

3. So you won’t have to dwell with the Hypocrites- Matt 24:48-51 But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, my lord delayeth his coming; and shall begin to smite his fellowservants, and to eat and drink with the drunken; the lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looketh not for him, and in an hour that he is not aware of, and shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

HOW DO YOU DO THIS?

1. The Power of the Spirit is able to produce change in your life and life style. That Power is only available to the Born Again. The Spirit enables the Christian to remove a “negative” and replace it with a Positive (See Eph 4:22-32)

2. The Faith and Admonition of the Word

A) Faith Comes by Hearing the Word of God.

B) Wisdom comes from Heeding the Word of God.

That’s why constant regular attendance in Church is so important.

Christ could come TODAY.

ARE YOU READY??

Are you SAVED?

Are you SERVING?

Mark 14:1-11 SERVICE OR BETRAYAL (John 12:1-8)

Today is a very special day for me. It’s by 27th birthday in the Lord! On Monday night, March 19, 1962 I knelt at an altar in New Prospect FWB Church and had my sins forgiven, my name written in the Lamb’s book of life, and I became a son of God. The journey has been great and the destination is Out of this World!!

On that Monday night I was faced with a decision that every one of us must face- To serve the Lord or deny Him and face life (and death) on my own. I, of course, decided to Serve Him and determined that if I was going to Serve Him that I wanted to be the best Servant I could be. That’s what impresses me about today’s scripture; here is a woman that served the Lord so as to be remembered always! Let’s look at how she served, determine to serve the same way, and heed the caution of one who decided to betray instead of serve.

I. THE SERVICE- She WANTED to do something for Jesus. She accepted Him as her Saviour, sat at His feet to hear His teachings, and wanted to work for Him. Service like this includes:

1. PERSONAL INVOLVEMENT You can’t be a Spectator and Serve!

A) Personal Sacrifice: The Best she had- God doesn’t want our “Seconds”; He demands first place as our God (Ex 20:3) and in our Love (Mk 12:30). This alabaster Box of spikenard ointment was usually saved for a woman’s wedding dowry; What a Sacrifice!

B) Financial Sacrifice: Equal to a year’s wages. Most people are willing to serve the Lord if it does not involve time or money but Mary was willing to give her time and a tremendous amount of money. (Compare to the Rich Young Ruler who went away lost because he valued his money above God).

C) Social Sacrifice: “They murmured against her”. You’ll be misunderstood and talked about. [Note that they had “indignation within themselves” until Judas made a public statement and then they all jumped on the “bandwagon”].

2. PROPER PRIORITIES- Mary learned early there is a difference between being “Busy” and Serving the Lord. Martha was cumbered about with much serving (Still at it! Jn 12:2) but Mary did the needful.

A) Determine the Timing: Poor you have always but only anointing Jesus would get for burial. It is so important to learn When God wants things done- He has a timetable and you must follow it.

B) Determine your Talent: She did what she could. She couldn’t preach but she could anoint His body. Blessed is the person that does what THEY’RE supposed to do

3. PERPETUAL MEMORIAL- Her service became a Perpetual Testimony for God. It accomplished it’s purpose and God honored it. That’s what you want to do with your life!

II. BETRAYAL- Judas

1. More concerned with money than the Master- “why was not this ointment sold and the money given to the poor” when actually he wanted it for himself since he was a thief of the disciples treasury.

2. Quick to criticize those who serve. Hate to be “shown up”.

3. Infected the other disciples with his discontent Mk 14:5. Wrong always wants a “lynch mob” to justify it.

4. Used this rebuke as an excuse to betray the saviour- Mk 14:10-11. Looking for an excuse instead of an opportunity.

He had every opportunity to do right:

1. With Jesus continually

2. Had preached and cast out demons.

He chose to Betray Christ instead of serve Him. How about You???

Mark 14:1-26 TWO SUPPERS

In these two suppers we see the passion and sacrifice of those who knew the real meaning of what Jesus had foretold; and the selfishness and betrayal of those who failed to understand Jesus Mission.

I. THE SERVICE SUPPER 1-9 Supper at Simon the Leper in Bethany

1) The most widely known woman, Mary of Bethany. Jesus said what she did would be told wherever the Gospel was preached

2) She brought the best she had as a gift to Christ; the whole story. She did what she could (like the small chicken who laid a small egg).

3) She brought it to anoint the body for burial; only anointing it received.

4) She received criticism

a. From the Disciples: Why was this waste made; sell it and give to the poor. Judas began the criticism because he was a thief and kept the bag but the others were quick to take it up (They found fault because SHE DID TOO MUCH!).

b. Jesus said she had wrought a good work; His approval is what we seek.

5) Mary’s knew the secret: she sat at Jesus’ feet, she loved Him, and she had really “heard” when He spoke of His soon coming death. Judas had been with Jesus for several years, had heard Jesus speak often of his demise, and had not learned this secret.

THE PASSOVER SUPPER vs 11:26

1. The Preparation: it was needed ahead of time; not for nourishment but to remember the sign of deliverance from Egypt.

2. The Proclamation: One of you will betray me.

a. Even in a select group there can be a traitor who takes part but never completely commits.

b. Judas was not suspected:

1> He held the position of Treasurer and they thought he was being told to do something good for the poor.

2> “Is it I?” Ready to believe their own failings before Judas

3. The Remembrance: This do in remembrance of me to show the Lord’s death until He come back. The Bread and the Cup show we believe in the death of Christ for our sins. Baptism shows our faith in the Resurrection. Fee Washing shows our need of Sanctification and Service.

We come to Communion Supper to present our bodies a living sacrifice (bring our best) and to show the world our Faith in what Christ has done for us.

Mark 14:3-9 “ME” MEMORIAL

(The verse after our text makes us grasp in amazement- (Mark 14:10) And Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve, went unto the chief priests, to betray him unto them. Rather than rejoice in this memorial for the Lord Judas chose money over the Master- and eventually lost the money and his Master!)

This is one of the most amazing incidents in the Bible as Jesus tells His disciples that a personal act for Him is more important than helping the poor! It seems to be totally out of character for Jesus.

Note what it was NOT:

1) A Selfish Desire- Remember that Jesus stressed “If any man will come after me let him DENY HIMSELF and take up his cross and follow me”.

2) Self Exalting Pride- (Mark 10:43 45) But so shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister: And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all. For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.

3) Lack of Compassion for the needs of others- Jesus had Fed them, Healed them, wept over them.

This was a Special event for a special event- to anoint Him for His burial. Today we come together to honor your Pastor. It is not wrong for us to do so for your Pastor has labored well and Paul told Timothy (1 Timothy 5:17) Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.

Rather than embarrass your Pastor by preaching about him I want to look at a familiar Bible Character and draw some comparisons- Two of the men in the Bible that are called “Beloved of the Lord” are Daniel and John- and to both of these men God confided His future plans! Let=s look at Daniel and draw some comparisons today.

Daniel’s location was changed by an unusual event. Daniel was carried captive to Babylon by Nebuchadnerzzar in the 3rd year of Jehoiakim’s reign in Judah. 8 years before Ezekiel was carried captive and 19 years before the destruction of Jerusalem. Daniel lived at least 72 years in Babylon (3rd year of Cyrus) and maintained a national witness that helped lead to the restoration of Israel to the Promised land (Some Scholars say the Wise men came to visit Jesus as a result of Daniel’s teachings!)

While this change was heartbreaking to Daniel at the time it proved of tremendous benefit to God’s overall plan- Sherwood’s move back to the states.

Note several important things about Daniel:

1) A person of unwavering Godliness all his life- From his refusal to eat the king’s meat until his visit to the Lion’s den rather than stop praying his character shines out. Where did this Character come from? Daniel’s early years were spend in the palaces of good king Josiah and with the influence of the prophet Jeremiah and the teachings and actions of these people were used of God to build a strength of character that could withstand the assault of Babylonian culture.

Brother Sherwood often mentions the godliness and character of his mother and what an impact it had on him. This is why it is important that you belong to a Bible teaching Church and attend regularly!

2) A person of unusual Ability- Like cream, he always rose to the top in spite of captivity and change in governments. Someone has said that the Meaning of life is to discover your God given gifts and the purpose of life is to use those gifts to help others and honor God. Brother Sherwood continues to exhibit this in his work as Pastor, Nurse, State moderator, and Mission representative.

Back to our original story. The Purpose of the Anointing- to anoint the body of Jesus for burying. This past week we say in the loss of Pastor Kenny Baxley the suddenness of death. Are you ready?

If you are serving- Take Heart! God has a memorial for you also. If you are unsaved- Take Heed

Mark 14:30, 67-72 ROOSTER RULES

The Danger of warming at the Devil’s Fire:

Peter was asleep during Prayer Time and quick with the sword during confusing time.

Willing to fight the crowd but unable to stand the accusation of a maid (Petty Officer afraid of a mouse. Where is the kink in your armor?)

Exposed by his speech and betrayed by his fear he denied the divine.

The Rooster:

1) Did what He could- He Crowed. Use the talent God gave you.

2) Did not try to do what he could not do- Lay eggs.

3) Job was not considered important by the world

a. Not Popular- Wake People up

4) Faithful:

a. Crowed Twice not just once. Stick with your job.

b. Crowed when he was supposed to Crow, not when convenient.

5) Successful:

a. Convicted Peter

b. Served God

Go tell his disciples and Peter.

The Worst Job in Heaven- Being the Death Angel.

Mark 14:30, 67-72 WHEN A ROCK STUMBLES

The Danger of warming at the Devil’s Fire:

Peter was asleep during Prayer Time and quick with the sword during confusing time.

Willing to fight the crowd but unable to stand the accusation of a maid (Petty Officer afraid of a mouse.) Where is the kink in your armor?

Exposed by his speech and betrayed by his fear he denied the divine.

The Rooster:

1) Did what He could- He Crowed. Use the talent God gave you.

2) Did not try to do what he could not do- Lay eggs.

3) Job was not popular with the world- Wake People up

4) Faithful:

a. Crowed Twice not just once. Stick with your job.

b. Crowed when he was supposed to Crow, not when convenient.

5) Successful:

a. Convicted Peter

b. Served God

Go tell his disciples and Peter- Mark 16:7. / Peter Do you Love Me more than these? John 21

God’s Love is a Great Comfort to Christians-

A) Love Converts us- John 3:16 Ro 5:8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

B) Love Motivates us- 2Co 5:14 For the love of Christ constraineth (Motivates) us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead:

C) Love Cleans Christians- John 15:10 If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love

D) Love Chastens us- Heb 12:6 For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.

E) Love Comforts us- 1Jo 4:18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.

F) Love Controls Circumstances in a Christian’s life- (Romans 8:28) And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

It is Comforting in its Assurance- We KNOW

It is Comforting in its Scope- ALL things

It is Comforting in its Function- Work Together for GOOD

It is Comforting in its People- Them that LOVE God and who are CALLED according to His purpose.

God still love you. Do YOU still love God?? Then get back to work doing your job. You may only be able to crow like a rooster but do you job.

Mark 14:38 WATCH

14:38Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter into temptation. The spirit truly is ready, but the flesh is weak. (Mark 14:38)

Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong. (1 Corinthians 16:13)

W ords-

A) Words can hurt YOU But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. (Matthew 12:36)

B) Words can hurt OTHERS (Gossip destroys Reputation, Anger destroys Relationship- Say “I love you” and may not believe but say “I hate you” and believe instantly and forever.

Set a watch, O LORD, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips. (Psalms 141:3)

A ctions-

A) The Bad things you do- Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work be pure, and whether it be right. (Proverbs 20:11)

B) The Good things you fail to do Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin. (James 4:17)

T houghts-

A) Thoughts Create us- As a man thinks in his heart so is he. (Prov 23:7)

B) Thoughts Corrupt us- For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies: (Matthew 15:19). Adultery, coveting, anger, idol worship all begin in the heart (Songs and TV commercials all seek to change our thoughts)

C ompanions-

A) They influence your Actions- Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men. Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away. (Proverbs 4:14-15). You talk and act like the people you are around.

B) They influence your Attitude- He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed. (Proverbs 13:20)

H abits-

A) Some things Control you- All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any. (1 Corinthians 6:12)

B) Some things Capture you- The man takes a drink, the drink takes a drink, the drink takes a man. Even a small thread can hold you if it is wrapped many time (Vine and tree in India where vine wraps around the tree and must depend on tree).

Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee. (Revelation 3:3)

Mark 15:1-15 TRIAL AND TRIUMPH

After having His last supper with the Disciples Christ departed into the garden to pray (See John 14-17 for those prayers). There Jesus prayed for the will of the Father to be done and then was betrayed by Judas, brought before the Chief Priests (who could find no fault in Him until they got Him to say He was the Son of God), and brought to Pilate for trial.

I. THE TRIAL of Pilate instead of Christ!

A) Warned by his conscience: 3 to 6 time Pilate pronounced Jesus innocent yet allowed Him to be crucified (Represents those who say they believe the Bible and know Christ died for them but yet will not commit to Him as Savior. Christ demands a definite firm commitment (Either for me or against me). Death brings either Heaven or Hell; there is no other choice!

B) Warned by Wife (family): Wife had suffered many things in a dream that day and warned Pilate to let Christ go. Many people ignore the warnings of family (A dad’s talks and a mother’s prayers).

C) Washed his hands and laid blame on the Jews: How many people blame the “hypocrites in the church” for their refusal to trust Christ? What will you say when you are with them in Hell? It is you that will have to answer for YOU. Adam blamed Eve, Eve blamed the serpent; but they still were put out of the garden! The worst that Heaven has to offer is better than the best that Hell has to give.

D) Wanted to do right but was scared of the people: “If you do not convict Him then you are not Caesar’s friend”. Willing to give in people pressure not realizing that the broad way leads to destruction.

E) Tried to work out a compromise: Jesus the Savior or Barabbas the murder? You cannot shift your eternal decision to someone else. By letting someone else make the decision he could “wash his hands” of the matter and put the blame on them.

II THE TRIUMPH of Jesus .Jesus could have compromised with Pilate but He was committed to God’s plan for His Life; even if it meant a Cross.

A) His Death on the Cross rescued the world from Sin’s penalty; nothing else would work.

B) His resurrection from the dead was God’s big “Paid in Full” and promise of an eternal future with God in His home.

Pilate failed his test with Jesus; will you pass yours?

Mark 16:3-4 STONE ROLLING

When the Ladies approached the grave of Jesus on that first Easter Morning they realized they had a problem. The stone that acted as a door to the grave would prevent them from entering and anointing the body of Jesus- Mark 16:3-4 And they said among themselves, Who shall roll us away the stone from the door of the sepulchre? And when they looked, they saw that the stone was rolled away: for it was very great.

But God had a Plan (He always does!). In the same way He has a plan to deal with the things in your life that you think are unchangeable. Let’s look at the Method God uses, and the Message God gives, when He goes Stone Rolling.

JACOB- GOD’S MAN- Gen 29:8-10 And they said, We cannot, until all the flocks be gathered together, and till they roll the stone from the well’s mouth; then we water the sheep. And while he yet spake with them, Rachel came with her father’s sheep: for she kept them. And it came to pass, when Jacob saw Rachel the daughter of Laban his mother’s brother, and the sheep of Laban his mother’s brother, that Jacob went near, and rolled the stone from the well’s mouth, and watered the flock of Laban his mother’s brother.

LAZARUS’ FRIENDS- GOD’S PLAN: John 11:39-40 Jesus said, Take ye away the stone. Martha, the sister of him that was dead, saith unto him, Lord, by this time he stinketh: for he hath been dead four days. Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God?

ANGEL- GOD’S HAND: Mat 28:2 And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it.

1) Jacob shows us God has a Plan for Stone Rolling when Determining Who to Marry

2) Lazarus’ friends show us God has a Plan for Stone Rolling when Defeating a Foe

3) The Angels at the Tomb show us God has a Plan for Stone Rolling to help in Demonstrating how to Trust.

Remember that when you are:

1) Finding a Course in Life

2) Fighting a Battle in Life

3) Finishing a Mission from God

WHAT IS HINDERING YOU?? What Rock does God need to Roll for YOU??

Is your Rock:

1. A Grain of Sand (Irritation) PATIENCE

2. A Pebble (Afraid to face Giants, remember David) FEAR

3. A Boulder (Moses Strikes Rock) ANGER

4. A Mountain- DOUBT Mark 11:22-23 And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God. For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.

God is the Rock that is able to break all other rocks. Allow Him to work in your life today. Deu 32:31 For their rock is not as our Rock, even our enemies themselves being judges.

Mark 16:3-4 HINDERING STONES

Most people are excited about the great triumphs of Easter- Jesus dying on the Cross to pay for our sins and His resurrection from the death to testify to our victory over Death- Glory! Most of us, however, are more concerned with the “little foxes that are spoiling our vines” (Financial problems, family problems, physical problems). A simple question on that first Easter Morning may help us to see how God can help us in the mundane as well as the marvelous.

When the Ladies approached the grave of Jesus on that first Easter Morning they realized they had a problem. The stone that acted as a door to the grave would prevent them from entering and anointing the body of Jesus- Mark 16:3-4 And they said among themselves, Who shall roll us away the stone from the door of the sepulchre? And when they looked, they saw that the stone was rolled away: for it was very great.

The Bible tells about three stones that stood in people’s way. Each of them teaches us a lesson.

Stones that hinder our Progress– JACOB (early “online” dating- going to meet a wife he had never met)- Gen 29:8-10 And they said, We cannot, until all the flocks be gathered together, and till they roll the stone from the well’s mouth; then we water the sheep. And while he yet spake with them, Rachel came with her father’s sheep: for she kept them. And it came to pass, when Jacob saw Rachel the daughter of Laban his mother’s brother, and the sheep of Laban his mother’s brother, that Jacob went near, and rolled the stone from the well’s mouth, and watered the flock of Laban his mother’s brother. What is keeping you from enjoying the blessings of God for your life?

Stones that we are afraid to move because of the stink that may be involved: LAZARUS John 11:39-40 Jesus said, Take ye away the stone. Martha, the sister of him that was dead, saith unto him, Lord, by this time he stinketh: for he hath been dead four days. Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God? Families face many things that can cause life to Stink- Debt, Divorce, Disease, Distance. It is our belief in God that will allow us to see the Glory of God

Stones that keep us away from God: Mat 28:2 And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it.

WHAT IS HINDERING YOUR LIFE?? What Stone does God need to Roll for YOU?? Is your Stone:

1. A Grain of Sand (Irritation) PATIENCE

2. A Pebble (Afraid to face Giants, remember David) FEAR

3. A Boulder (Moses Strikes Rock) ANGER Be careful that you do not try to deal with the Stones in your life on your own- Moses smote the rock instead of speaking to the Rock and he missed the Promised Land!

4. A Mountain- DOUBT Mark 11:22-23 And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God. For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.

God is the Rock that is able to break all other rocks. Allow Him to work in your life today. Deu 32:31 For their rock is not as our Rock, even our enemies themselves being judges.

Mark 16:14-20 GOD AND COMPANY

Mark has finished telling the story of the life of God’s Servant Son. He revealed Jesus at work, interacting with other people, and in numerous marvelous moments. Now He shows us the reasons for all this.

I. THE PROMISE OF HIS RETURN means we must be aware of ACCOUNTABILITY. We must give an account to the “chairman of the board” when He returns- And we do not know when that will be!

This is Faithfulness; not Success. A farmer puts out his best seed, fertilizes and plows them, but he knows God must give the increase.

II. THE PROCLAMATION OF HIS REDEMPTION (The Gospel) OUR JOB

A) The SERIOUSNESS of the situation: We must GO because “He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God” (John 3:18).

B) The SIGNS of the Servants: What is said is backed up by what is shown. Answered prayers, God’s at work in our life, etc.

II. THE POWER TO WORK “The Lord working with them” made them “God and Company” ABILITY given by God

A) The Lord is Heaven is our Advocate knowing exactly what we are going through and what kind of help we need.

B) The Holy Spirit (Comforter) is our guide and power supply (Example of light bulb; must be connected to power source in order to work.

God and Company can do ANYTHING God them to do!

Mark 16: RESURRECTION RESULTS

Resurrection is a Great Thing; it means Peace for our past sins, Power for our present life, and Glory for our Future- Glory!

I. DEATH IS CONQUERED:

“Who shall roll away the stone?” Already done!

Grave clothes and anointing herbs are no longer needed. Victory has arrived- If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable. But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. (1 Corinthians 15:19-20).

II. WE JUSTIFIED BY HIS GRACE:

The Resurrection is God’s big “Paid in Full” for our sin debt (Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification Romans 4:25).

Being a Child of God means I do not have to “Try” to please God; we are accepted in the Beloved!

III. THE COMFORTER CAN COME LIVE IN US TO EMPOWER AND ENRICH US (Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you John 16:7).

The Holy Spirit living within gives us strength to live and work (If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. (1 Peter 4:11).

We are laborers together with God

IV. WE KNOW OUR RISEN LORD WILL RETURN SOME DAY. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. (John 14:3).

And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels 2 Thessalonians 1:7).