Sermons

Power to Heal Body and Soul!

Posted by Alex on
Sermon on April 29 by Pastor Roland Eskinazi

Scripture: Mark 2:1-12

At least four friends, a paralyzed man and Jesus.
They see on the surface – Jesus sees the sin and guilt below.

1. BREAK-THROUGH – AND TAKE YOUR FRIEND TO JESUS! (v1-4)

  • Simple faith always insists, whatever the cost
    All we know about the paralytic’s friends is that they have a faith that works (v5). Jesus notices this!
    Do you have a simple faith in Jesus that is moving you out of your comfort-zone?
  • Missional faith always persists, however long it takes
    Risky faith will un-roof a roof to get an answer.
    Does your faith knock and keep on knocking? God can do wonders with a single person who has a stubborn faith

2. RISE UP – AND GET REAL ABOUT YOUR SAVIOUR!

  • Your deepest wish is too small (v5)
    Will we find contentment and rest in getting what we want?

I think when God wants to play a really rotten practical joke on you, he grants you your deepest wish
(Cynthia Heimel on what she observed in actors and artists who found fame) 

  • Your heaviest guilt is not beyond Jesus (v6-10)
    Who is Jesus? Any miracle-worker could say, ‘Take up your mat and walk’. Only the Saviour of the world can say to another human: ‘Your sins are forgiven’.

‘The Christian gospel is that I am so flawed that Jesus had to die for me;
yet I am so loved and valued that Jesus was glad to die for me.’
(Tim Keller)

  • Your greatest theme in life will be Jesus, not you (v11-12)
    No-one could deny what they were seeing in this transformation – nor who was behind this.
    When Jesus detonates your life, He becomes your theme, your goal, your hope and your all. Is He?

Remember! Only in Jesus will you find personal mercy for personal sin and unresolved guilt.

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QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION AND DISCUSSION

1. What are the most important questions a thoughtful person should ask about life?
2. How is faith in God’s ability to do something through us related to our persistence in getting it done? Why would the first lead to the second?
3. What is the difference between circumstances and needs? How can we avoid getting caught up in addressing circumstances and focus on the true needs of people? What would this look like?
4. Take time to pray for a friend who is disappointed and losing hope. Ask the Lord to help him/her see the real need leading to true repentance and faith in Jesus.

 

Photo credit FreeImages.com/valeria moreiro