Wednesday Bible Study

Never Never forget. I can't I can't I can't forget it. can't forget it. I want to get I can't I can't I want I'm ready. I want I'm ready. I want I'm ready. I'm ready. I I'm ready. I I'm ready. I again Good afternoon, church family. God bless

Good afternoon, church family. God bless you. Come on. It's time to worship. you. Come on. It's time to worship. you. Come on. It's time to worship. [music] [music] [music] Here we go. High lifted up in all the Here we go. High lifted up in all the Here we go. High lifted up in all the earth. is who you are. earth. is who you are. earth. is who you are. High lifted [music] up in all [singing] High lifted [music] up in all [singing] High lifted [music] up in all [singing] the earth is who you are. the earth is who you are. the earth is who you are. High lifted [music] up in all the earth High lifted [music] up in all the earth High lifted [music] up in all the earth is who you are. Lord, [music] we is who you are. Lord, [music] we is who you are. Lord, [music] we [singing] exalt your name. [singing] exalt your name. [singing] exalt your name. Lord, [music] we exalt your name. That's Lord, [music] we exalt your name. That's Lord, [music] we exalt your name. That's it. Come on. High lifted up in all the it. Come on. High lifted up in all the it. Come on. High lifted up in all the earth. [music] That's who [singing] you earth. [music] That's who [singing] you earth. [music] That's who [singing] you are. are. are. High lifted up in all the earth is who High lifted up in all the earth is who High lifted up in all the earth is who you are. [music] High lifted up in all you are. [music] High lifted up in all you are. [music] High lifted up in all [singing] the earth is who you are. Lord [singing] the earth is who you are. Lord [singing] the earth is who you are. Lord we exalt [music] your name. we exalt [music] your name. we exalt [music] your name. Lord [singing] we exalt your That's it. Lord [singing] we exalt your That's it. Lord [singing] we exalt your That's it. You got it. Come on. Oh high. Lifted You got it. Come on. Oh high. Lifted You got it. Come on. Oh high. Lifted [singing and music] up in all.

[singing and music] up in all. [singing and music] up in all. High lifted up. High lifted High lifted up. High lifted High lifted up. High lifted [music and singing] up in all. The earth [music and singing] up in all. The earth [music and singing] up in all. The earth is who you are. Oh, high lifted is who you are. Oh, high lifted is who you are. Oh, high lifted [music and singing] [music and singing] [music and singing] up in all. The earth is who you are. Oh up in all. The earth is who you are. Oh up in all. The earth is who you are. Oh Lord, we exalt your name. Lord, we exalt your name. Lord, we exalt your name. Oh Lord, we Yes. [music] Oh Lord, we Yes. [music] Oh Lord, we Yes. [music] Oh, high lifted up. High lifted up in Oh, high lifted up. High lifted up in Oh, high lifted up. High lifted up in all the earth. [music] all the earth. [music] all the earth. [music] High lifted up. High [singing] lifted up High lifted up. High [singing] lifted up High lifted up. High [singing] lifted up in all [music] the earth is who you are. in all [music] the earth is who you are. in all [music] the earth is who you are. >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> high lifted up and all the earth is who >> high lifted up and all the earth is who >> high lifted up and all the earth is who you are. Oh [music] Lord, we exalt you. you are. Oh [music] Lord, we exalt you. you are. Oh [music] Lord, we exalt you. Oh [music] Lord, we exalt your name. Oh [music] Lord, we exalt your name. Oh [music] Lord, we exalt your name. [singing] [singing] [singing] Oh, we praise you. We praise [music] Oh, we praise you. We praise [music] Oh, we praise you. We praise [music] you. We praise you. We praise you. We you. We praise you. We praise you. We you. We praise you. We praise you. We praise. We praise. Uhhuh. High. Lifted praise. We praise. Uhhuh. High. Lifted praise. We praise. Uhhuh. High. Lifted up high and [music and singing] lift it up high and [music and singing] lift it up high and [music and singing] lift it up. We praise you. We praise you. We up. We praise you. We praise you. We up. We praise you. We praise you. We praise you. We praise you. We praise praise you. We praise you. We praise praise you. We praise you. We praise you. We praise you. High. [music] Lift you. We praise you. High. [music] Lift you. We praise you. High. [music] Lift it up.

it up. it up. We praise you. Come on. We praise We praise you. Come on. We praise We praise you. Come on. We praise [music] you. We praise you. We praise. [music] you. We praise you. We praise. [music] you. We praise you. We praise. We praise. [music] We praise. [music] We praise. [music] Oh, high. Lifted up. We praise. We Oh, high. Lifted up. We praise. We Oh, high. Lifted up. We praise. We praise. We praise. [singing] Oh yes. We praise. We praise. [singing] Oh yes. We praise. We praise. [singing] Oh yes. We praise. We praise. praise. We praise. praise. We praise. High. Lift it up. [music] High. Lift it up. [music] High. Lift it up. [music] Oh, high lifted [singing] up and Oh, high lifted [singing] up and Oh, high lifted [singing] up and high. Lift it up. high. Lift it up. high. Lift it up. Oh yeah, [music] high. Oh yeah, [music] high. Oh yeah, [music] high. High and lifted up. And [music] all the High and lifted up. And [music] all the High and lifted up. And [music] all the earth is who you are. Oh Lord, we exalt earth is who you are. Oh Lord, we exalt earth is who you are. Oh Lord, we exalt you. you. you. Yes. Lord, we exalt [music and singing] Yes. Lord, we exalt [music and singing] Yes. Lord, we exalt [music and singing] you. Oh high. Lift it up. High. Lift it you. Oh high. Lift it up. High. Lift it you. Oh high. Lift it up. High. Lift it up. [music] up. [music] up. [music] Aha. High lifted up [music] Aha. High lifted up [music] Aha. High lifted up [music] and all the earth is who you are. Oh, and all the earth is who you are. Oh, and all the earth is who you are. Oh, high [singing] lifted up in all the high [singing] lifted up in all the high [singing] lifted up in all the earth is who you are. Oh earth is who you are. Oh earth is who you are. Oh [music and singing] Lord, we exalt you.

[music and singing] Lord, we exalt you. [music and singing] Lord, we exalt you. Lord, we exalt. Here we go. Here we go. Lord, we exalt. Here we go. Here we go. Lord, we exalt. Here we go. Here we go. [music] [music] [music] Oh, Oh, Oh, high lifted [singing] high lifted [singing] high lifted [singing] up. up. up. Yes. I lift it up. I lift Yes. I lift it up. I lift Yes. I lift it up. I lift [music and singing] it up in all the [music and singing] it up in all the [music and singing] it up in all the earth. I lift it up earth. I lift it up earth. I lift it up and all the earth. Glorious exalt. and all the earth. Glorious exalt. and all the earth. Glorious exalt. [music and singing] [music and singing] [music and singing] Glor exalt your name. Lord [music] we Glor exalt your name. Lord [music] we Glor exalt your name. Lord [music] we exalt. exalt. exalt. Yeah. Come on baby. Put your hands on. Yeah. Come on baby. Put your hands on. Yeah. Come on baby. Put your hands on. Oh I lift it up. I lift it up I lift it up and all the earth. I lift it up in all and all the earth. I lift it up in all and all the earth. I lift it up in all the earth. Lord, we exalt [music] the earth. Lord, we exalt [music] the earth. Lord, we exalt [music] your name. Lord, we exalt [music] your name. Lord, we exalt your name. Lord, we exalt [music] exalt your name.

[music] exalt your name. [music] exalt your name. Oh [singing] Oh [singing] Oh [singing] Lord, [music] we exalt your name. Lord, [music] we exalt your name. Lord, [music] we exalt your name. Oh, come on, do [music] that right now. Oh, come on, do [music] that right now. Oh, come on, do [music] that right now. Hallelujah. >> From the rising of the sun, >> From the rising of the sun, >> Lord, to the setting of the same, your >> Lord, to the setting of the same, your >> Lord, to the setting of the same, your name name name >> is worthy to be praised. >> is worthy to be praised. >> is worthy to be praised. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Thank you, Lord. Thank you >> Thank you, Lord. Thank you >> Thank you, Lord. Thank you >> for your presence in this place. >> Bless her in presentation as you have in >> Bless her in presentation as you have in preparation.

>> What I know is that there's going to be >> What I know is that there's going to be a blessing in the house. We thank you and we praise you in Jesus We thank you and we praise you in Jesus name. name. name. >> Amen. >> Hallelujah. >> Hallelujah. >> Hallelujah. >> Hallelujah. >> Hallelujah. >> Aren't you glad to be here this >> Aren't you glad to be here this >> Aren't you glad to be here this afternoon? afternoon? afternoon? [music] >> We want to thank God for Reverend >> We want to thank God for Reverend Claudia Claudia Claudia Allen. Allen. Allen. [music] Good afternoon.

Good afternoon. >> Is he high and lifted up >> Is he high and lifted up >> Is he high and lifted up >> above all the earth? It's a pleasure >> above all the earth? It's a pleasure >> above all the earth? It's a pleasure >> uh to have been worshiping with you all >> uh to have been worshiping with you all >> uh to have been worshiping with you all now uh for about five weeks. Yes. now uh for about five weeks. Yes. now uh for about five weeks. Yes. >> So, thank you for the privilege of >> So, thank you for the privilege of >> So, thank you for the privilege of worshiping with you and studying with worshiping with you and studying with worshiping with you and studying with you. I want to give honor uh to the you. I want to give honor uh to the you. I want to give honor uh to the shepherd of this house, uh, Dr. Marcus shepherd of this house, uh, Dr. Marcus shepherd of this house, uh, Dr. Marcus D. Cosby, our senior pastor. Can we D. Cosby, our senior pastor. Can we D. Cosby, our senior pastor. Can we bless God for him? [applause] bless God for him? [applause] bless God for him? [applause] And while you're clapping your hands, And while you're clapping your hands, And while you're clapping your hands, can you bless God for your executive can you bless God for your executive can you bless God for your executive pastor, Dr. Alexander EM Johnson, pastor, Dr. Alexander EM Johnson, pastor, Dr. Alexander EM Johnson, and just the entire clergy team here, and just the entire clergy team here, and just the entire clergy team here, the ministry team here. You all are so the ministry team here. You all are so the ministry team here. You all are so blessed to have so many pastors and blessed to have so many pastors and blessed to have so many pastors and ministers ministers ministers uh that are uh just serving you. And so uh that are uh just serving you. And so uh that are uh just serving you. And so I have truly been blessed by their I have truly been blessed by their I have truly been blessed by their kindness, their support, their kindness, their support, their kindness, their support, their encouragement, um their correction. encouragement, um their correction. encouragement, um their correction. Hallelujah. Uh the Lord chasens whom he Hallelujah. Uh the Lord chasens whom he Hallelujah. Uh the Lord chasens whom he loves, right? And so God has been good loves, right? And so God has been good loves, right? And so God has been good to us uh the last five weeks. I really to us uh the last five weeks. I really to us uh the last five weeks. I really want to thank Reverend uh Roberts uh for want to thank Reverend uh Roberts uh for want to thank Reverend uh Roberts uh for his support in preparing me for this his support in preparing me for this his support in preparing me for this teaching moment. Uh and so in alignment teaching moment. Uh and so in alignment teaching moment. Uh and so in alignment with this year's teaching on manifesting with this year's teaching on manifesting with this year's teaching on manifesting miracles, we continue our study in the miracles, we continue our study in the miracles, we continue our study in the New Testament. Uh we're returning to the New Testament. Uh we're returning to the New Testament. Uh we're returning to the Gospel of Mark this afternoon. We are in Gospel of Mark this afternoon. We are in Gospel of Mark this afternoon. We are in Mark 5 and we'll be focusing our time

Mark 5 and we'll be focusing our time Mark 5 and we'll be focusing our time together on verses 24-35. together on verses 24-35. together on verses 24-35. Mark chapter 5 beginning at verse 24 and Mark chapter 5 beginning at verse 24 and Mark chapter 5 beginning at verse 24 and 25 and going until verse 34. Does 25 and going until verse 34. Does 25 and going until verse 34. Does everyone in here have a handout? I see everyone in here have a handout? I see everyone in here have a handout? I see that everyone has handouts. If you don't that everyone has handouts. If you don't that everyone has handouts. If you don't have a handout, can you raise your hand? have a handout, can you raise your hand? have a handout, can you raise your hand? We've got folks who are helping. I've We've got folks who are helping. I've We've got folks who are helping. I've got a hand over here who is in need. And got a hand over here who is in need. And got a hand over here who is in need. And so we want to follow along together. Can so we want to follow along together. Can so we want to follow along together. Can I get someone who would be willing to I get someone who would be willing to I get someone who would be willing to read Mark 5 25-34? read Mark 5 25-34? read Mark 5 25-34? Mark chapter 5. Mark chapter 5. Mark chapter 5. Where's the They're telling me the Where's the They're telling me the Where's the They're telling me the resident reader. I already know where resident reader. I already know where resident reader. I already know where she is. She wearing yellow today. We she is. She wearing yellow today. We she is. She wearing yellow today. We bless God for our resident reader. bless God for our resident reader. bless God for our resident reader. Hallelujah. Can we bless God for her? Amen. Amen. >> Mark 5 24-35 >> 25.

>> 25. So Jesus went with him. A large crowd So Jesus went with him. A large crowd So Jesus went with him. A large crowd followed and pressed around him. And a followed and pressed around him. And a followed and pressed around him. And a woman was there who had been subject to woman was there who had been subject to woman was there who had been subject to to bleeding for 12 years. She had to bleeding for 12 years. She had to bleeding for 12 years. She had suffered a great deal under the care of suffered a great deal under the care of suffered a great deal under the care of many doctors and had spent all she had. many doctors and had spent all she had. many doctors and had spent all she had. Yet instead of getting better, she grew Yet instead of getting better, she grew Yet instead of getting better, she grew worse. worse. worse. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> When she heard about Jesus, she came up >> When she heard about Jesus, she came up >> When she heard about Jesus, she came up behind him in the crowd and touched the behind him in the crowd and touched the behind him in the crowd and touched the cloak because she thought, "If I could cloak because she thought, "If I could cloak because she thought, "If I could just touch his clothes, I will be just touch his clothes, I will be just touch his clothes, I will be healed." Immediately, her bleeding healed." Immediately, her bleeding healed." Immediately, her bleeding stopped and she felt in her body that stopped and she felt in her body that stopped and she felt in her body that she was freed from all her sufferings. she was freed from all her sufferings. she was freed from all her sufferings. At once, Jesus realized that power had At once, Jesus realized that power had At once, Jesus realized that power had gone from him. He turned around in the gone from him. He turned around in the gone from him. He turned around in the crowd and asked, "Who touched my crowd and asked, "Who touched my crowd and asked, "Who touched my clothes? You see the people crowding clothes? You see the people crowding clothes? You see the people crowding against you?" His disciples said, "And against you?" His disciples said, "And against you?" His disciples said, "And yet you ask, who touched me?" But Jesus yet you ask, who touched me?" But Jesus yet you ask, who touched me?" But Jesus kept looking around to see who who had kept looking around to see who who had kept looking around to see who who had done it.

done it. done it. Then the woman, knowing what had Then the woman, knowing what had Then the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came and fell at his happened to her, came and fell at his happened to her, came and fell at his feet, and trembling with fear, told him feet, and trembling with fear, told him feet, and trembling with fear, told him the truth. He said to her, "Daughter, the truth. He said to her, "Daughter, the truth. He said to her, "Daughter, your faith has healed you. your faith has healed you. your faith has healed you. >> Go in peace and be freed from your >> Go in peace and be freed from your >> Go in peace and be freed from your suffering." suffering." suffering." >> Thank you so much. This afternoon, just >> Thank you so much. This afternoon, just >> Thank you so much. This afternoon, just for the next few moments, I'd like to for the next few moments, I'd like to for the next few moments, I'd like to teach under the important truth, don't teach under the important truth, don't teach under the important truth, don't wait for your miracle. wait for your miracle. wait for your miracle. >> Just turn to your neighbor and say, >> Just turn to your neighbor and say, >> Just turn to your neighbor and say, "Don't wait for your miracle." I see "Don't wait for your miracle." I see "Don't wait for your miracle." I see those of you that are studying with us those of you that are studying with us those of you that are studying with us online. Can you just put in the chat, online. Can you just put in the chat, online. Can you just put in the chat, don't wait for your miracle. don't wait for your miracle. don't wait for your miracle. >> Let's pray together. God, you are >> Let's pray together. God, you are >> Let's pray together. God, you are already in this place. You are high and already in this place. You are high and already in this place. You are high and lifted up above the earth. And so God, lifted up above the earth. And so God, lifted up above the earth. And so God, in this moment, we come before your in this moment, we come before your in this moment, we come before your presence, asking that you send your Holy presence, asking that you send your Holy presence, asking that you send your Holy Spirit to complete that promise of the Spirit to complete that promise of the Spirit to complete that promise of the New Testament, and that is to guide us New Testament, and that is to guide us New Testament, and that is to guide us into all truth. That is our deepest into all truth. That is our deepest into all truth. That is our deepest prayer. God, remove me, and may there be prayer. God, remove me, and may there be prayer. God, remove me, and may there be none of me and all of you. and that your none of me and all of you. and that your none of me and all of you. and that your word be clear is our prayer in Jesus' word be clear is our prayer in Jesus' word be clear is our prayer in Jesus' name. Amen.

name. Amen. name. Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Family, today our passage comes from the >> Family, today our passage comes from the >> Family, today our passage comes from the Gospel of Mark. And this is the shortest Gospel of Mark. And this is the shortest Gospel of Mark. And this is the shortest gospel comprising only 16 chapters. And gospel comprising only 16 chapters. And gospel comprising only 16 chapters. And the Gospel of Mark, Joe, was the Gospel of Mark, Joe, was the Gospel of Mark, Joe, was historically viewed as a summary of the historically viewed as a summary of the historically viewed as a summary of the Gospel of Matthew. However, there has Gospel of Matthew. However, there has Gospel of Matthew. However, there has been great critical biblical scholarship been great critical biblical scholarship been great critical biblical scholarship that has proven that Mark was in fact that has proven that Mark was in fact that has proven that Mark was in fact written first and it is the Gospel of written first and it is the Gospel of written first and it is the Gospel of Mark that serves as the foundational Mark that serves as the foundational Mark that serves as the foundational source reference that many of the source reference that many of the source reference that many of the authors like Matthew and Luke referenced authors like Matthew and Luke referenced authors like Matthew and Luke referenced when writing their gospels. The reason when writing their gospels. The reason when writing their gospels. The reason it's important for you to know that Mark it's important for you to know that Mark it's important for you to know that Mark is the first gospel recorded is that it is the first gospel recorded is that it is the first gospel recorded is that it is the foundational source document that is the foundational source document that is the foundational source document that centers the identity of Jesus Christ as centers the identity of Jesus Christ as centers the identity of Jesus Christ as the Messiah and therefore the son of the Messiah and therefore the son of the Messiah and therefore the son of God. More specifically, Mark is very God. More specifically, Mark is very God. More specifically, Mark is very intent on teaching you that not only is intent on teaching you that not only is intent on teaching you that not only is Jesus the Messiah, not only is he the Jesus the Messiah, not only is he the Jesus the Messiah, not only is he the son of God, but he is the one who is to son of God, but he is the one who is to son of God, but he is the one who is to bring about God's kingdom through bring about God's kingdom through bring about God's kingdom through sacrifice.

sacrifice. sacrifice. Because of this, the Gospel of Mark Because of this, the Gospel of Mark Because of this, the Gospel of Mark highlights Jesus as what theologians highlights Jesus as what theologians highlights Jesus as what theologians call the suffering servant. Have you call the suffering servant. Have you call the suffering servant. Have you heard of that? Jesus, the suffering heard of that? Jesus, the suffering heard of that? Jesus, the suffering servant. What is particularly servant. What is particularly servant. What is particularly interesting to me is that Jesus, the interesting to me is that Jesus, the interesting to me is that Jesus, the suffering servant in Mark is contrasted suffering servant in Mark is contrasted suffering servant in Mark is contrasted to humanity's suffering as a result of to humanity's suffering as a result of to humanity's suffering as a result of sin. SO WHAT YOU'RE SEEING when you're sin. SO WHAT YOU'RE SEEING when you're sin. SO WHAT YOU'RE SEEING when you're reading the Gospel of Mark is Jesus the reading the Gospel of Mark is Jesus the reading the Gospel of Mark is Jesus the suffering servant juxtaposed or placed suffering servant juxtaposed or placed suffering servant juxtaposed or placed side by side with the suffering of side by side with the suffering of side by side with the suffering of humanity. And often times the human humanity. And often times the human humanity. And often times the human suffering in this gospel is suffering in this gospel is suffering in this gospel is characterized family by invisibility. characterized family by invisibility. characterized family by invisibility. This caused me to think of one of my This caused me to think of one of my This caused me to think of one of my favorite books Dr. Denkins published in favorite books Dr. Denkins published in favorite books Dr. Denkins published in 1952. This landmark novel follows a 1952. This landmark novel follows a 1952. This landmark novel follows a nameless character as they search for nameless character as they search for nameless character as they search for identity in a racist America where they identity in a racist America where they identity in a racist America where they declare that they are quote invisible declare that they are quote invisible declare that they are quote invisible because people refuse to see them.

because people refuse to see them. because people refuse to see them. >> Now family, this character sojourn >> Now family, this character sojourn >> Now family, this character sojourn begins in the poetically penned prologue begins in the poetically penned prologue begins in the poetically penned prologue of Ralph Ellison's Invisible Man. Have of Ralph Ellison's Invisible Man. Have of Ralph Ellison's Invisible Man. Have you heard of it? I know it's a long you heard of it? I know it's a long you heard of it? I know it's a long book, so maybe you haven't read the book, so maybe you haven't read the book, so maybe you haven't read the whole thing, but maybe you've read a whole thing, but maybe you've read a whole thing, but maybe you've read a little bit of it. And Invisible Man in little bit of it. And Invisible Man in little bit of it. And Invisible Man in the prologue, this happens to be family, the prologue, this happens to be family, the prologue, this happens to be family, one of my absolute favorite passages of one of my absolute favorite passages of one of my absolute favorite passages of literature, and he opens in Invisible literature, and he opens in Invisible literature, and he opens in Invisible Man. It is part of your first uh note Man. It is part of your first uh note Man. It is part of your first uh note there on your worksheet. Ellisonson there on your worksheet. Ellisonson there on your worksheet. Ellisonson writes, "I am an invisible man." writes, "I am an invisible man." writes, "I am an invisible man." No, I am not a spook like those who No, I am not a spook like those who No, I am not a spook like those who haunted Edgar Allen Poe. haunted Edgar Allen Poe. haunted Edgar Allen Poe. Nor am I one of your Hollywood movie Nor am I one of your Hollywood movie Nor am I one of your Hollywood movie ectoplasms. I am a man of substance, OF ectoplasms. I am a man of substance, OF ectoplasms. I am a man of substance, OF FLESH AND BONE, FIBER and liquids, and I FLESH AND BONE, FIBER and liquids, and I FLESH AND BONE, FIBER and liquids, and I might even be said to possess a mind. might even be said to possess a mind. might even be said to possess a mind. >> I am invisible. Understand? Simply >> I am invisible. Understand? Simply >> I am invisible. Understand? Simply because people refuse to see me. I want because people refuse to see me. I want because people refuse to see me. I want you to write that down. I am invisible.

you to write that down. I am invisible. you to write that down. I am invisible. Understand? Simply Understand? Simply Understand? Simply because people refuse to see me. because people refuse to see me. because people refuse to see me. >> Like the bodyless heads you see >> Like the bodyless heads you see >> Like the bodyless heads you see sometimes in circus sideshows. It It's sometimes in circus sideshows. It It's sometimes in circus sideshows. It It's as I am surrounded by mirrors of hard as I am surrounded by mirrors of hard as I am surrounded by mirrors of hard distorting GLASS. WHEN THEY APPROACH ME, distorting GLASS. WHEN THEY APPROACH ME, distorting GLASS. WHEN THEY APPROACH ME, they see only my surroundings they see only my surroundings they see only my surroundings themselves. Figments of their themselves. Figments of their themselves. Figments of their imagination. anything and everything imagination. anything and everything imagination. anything and everything except except except me. me. me. >> That's what Ellison says. >> That's what Ellison says. >> That's what Ellison says. >> Now, this novel and particularly this >> Now, this novel and particularly this >> Now, this novel and particularly this prologue is considered a literary prologue is considered a literary prologue is considered a literary masterpiece for several reasons. But one masterpiece for several reasons. But one masterpiece for several reasons. But one of the first reasons, Reverend Roberts, of the first reasons, Reverend Roberts, of the first reasons, Reverend Roberts, it's considered a literary masterpiece it's considered a literary masterpiece it's considered a literary masterpiece is because this is the first novel is because this is the first novel is because this is the first novel written by an African-American who written by an African-American who written by an African-American who ultimately won the National Book Award ultimately won the National Book Award ultimately won the National Book Award for fiction. for fiction. for fiction. Secondly, it brilliantly fused what Secondly, it brilliantly fused what Secondly, it brilliantly fused what literary scholars considered to be literary scholars considered to be literary scholars considered to be modernist innovations by incorporating modernist innovations by incorporating modernist innovations by incorporating such literary devices and approaches as such literary devices and approaches as such literary devices and approaches as surrealism and stream of consciousness surrealism and stream of consciousness surrealism and stream of consciousness and heavy symbolism. But what made and heavy symbolism. But what made and heavy symbolism. But what made Invisible Man a literary masterpiece was Invisible Man a literary masterpiece was Invisible Man a literary masterpiece was Ellison's depiction of the invisibility Ellison's depiction of the invisibility Ellison's depiction of the invisibility of the 20th century AfricanAmerican of the 20th century AfricanAmerican of the 20th century AfricanAmerican experience.

experience. experience. In this story, the Nameless character is In this story, the Nameless character is In this story, the Nameless character is not physically invisible due to some act not physically invisible due to some act not physically invisible due to some act of magic, mysticism, or mishap. I want of magic, mysticism, or mishap. I want of magic, mysticism, or mishap. I want you to write that down. the the nameless you to write that down. the the nameless you to write that down. the the nameless narrator in Ralph Ellison's Invisible narrator in Ralph Ellison's Invisible narrator in Ralph Ellison's Invisible Man is not physically invisible due to Man is not physically invisible due to Man is not physically invisible due to some act of magic, mysticism, or mishap. some act of magic, mysticism, or mishap. some act of magic, mysticism, or mishap. Instead, the story highlights the pain Instead, the story highlights the pain Instead, the story highlights the pain of a life that society chooses to erase of a life that society chooses to erase of a life that society chooses to erase BECAUSE OF WHAT THEY perceive as a BECAUSE OF WHAT THEY perceive as a BECAUSE OF WHAT THEY perceive as a physical deformity or disability. By physical deformity or disability. By physical deformity or disability. By keeping the narrator nameless throughout keeping the narrator nameless throughout keeping the narrator nameless throughout the text, the reader experiences the the text, the reader experiences the the text, the reader experiences the power of anonymity and the author's power of anonymity and the author's power of anonymity and the author's intent on making the unnamed character a intent on making the unnamed character a intent on making the unnamed character a symbol of what we call universal symbol of what we call universal symbol of what we call universal identification. Can you say universal identification. Can you say universal identification. Can you say universal identification? identification? identification? >> Universal identification. Universal >> Universal identification. Universal >> Universal identification. Universal identification is the literary practice identification is the literary practice identification is the literary practice of not assigning names which thereby of not assigning names which thereby of not assigning names which thereby invites the audience invites the reader invites the audience invites the reader invites the audience invites the reader to see themselves within the character.

to see themselves within the character. to see themselves within the character. Are you following me? Are you following me? Are you following me? >> Now Mark taps into this literary >> Now Mark taps into this literary >> Now Mark taps into this literary practice in the fifth chapter of his practice in the fifth chapter of his practice in the fifth chapter of his gospel. Reverend Mark Reverend Miles gospel. Reverend Mark Reverend Miles gospel. Reverend Mark Reverend Miles Cutter did an excellent job last week, Cutter did an excellent job last week, Cutter did an excellent job last week, did he not? when he was introducing us did he not? when he was introducing us did he not? when he was introducing us to Mark chapter 5 where we met the to Mark chapter 5 where we met the to Mark chapter 5 where we met the unnamed man walking amongst the tombs in unnamed man walking amongst the tombs in unnamed man walking amongst the tombs in the region of the garrison. the region of the garrison. the region of the garrison. BY KEEPING THE DEMONIAC'S NAME BY KEEPING THE DEMONIAC'S NAME BY KEEPING THE DEMONIAC'S NAME UNRECORDED, Mark invites both the Greco UNRECORDED, Mark invites both the Greco UNRECORDED, Mark invites both the Greco Roman reader and the contemporary reader Roman reader and the contemporary reader Roman reader and the contemporary reader to see themselves in the universal human to see themselves in the universal human to see themselves in the universal human need for liberation from spiritual and need for liberation from spiritual and need for liberation from spiritual and social isolation. social isolation. social isolation. Now, Mark continues his use of universal Now, Mark continues his use of universal Now, Mark continues his use of universal identification of, as the King James identification of, as the King James identification of, as the King James puts it, a certain woman who had an puts it, a certain woman who had an puts it, a certain woman who had an issue of blood. issue of blood. issue of blood. >> Now, Miss Willie May, often times I have >> Now, Miss Willie May, often times I have >> Now, Miss Willie May, often times I have heard preachers explain this text, heard preachers explain this text, heard preachers explain this text, asserting that our protagonist's lack of asserting that our protagonist's lack of asserting that our protagonist's lack of an assigned name was due to her gender.

an assigned name was due to her gender. an assigned name was due to her gender. that the women in the Bible are that the women in the Bible are that the women in the Bible are intentionally not named simply because intentionally not named simply because intentionally not named simply because they are women. That due to the they are women. That due to the they are women. That due to the patriarchal nature of the text that only patriarchal nature of the text that only patriarchal nature of the text that only men in the Bible are granted the men in the Bible are granted the men in the Bible are granted the privilege of naming. But Reverend privilege of naming. But Reverend privilege of naming. But Reverend Vernon, as we see in the Gospel of Mark, Vernon, as we see in the Gospel of Mark, Vernon, as we see in the Gospel of Mark, a man is also intentionally unnamed in a man is also intentionally unnamed in a man is also intentionally unnamed in the very same chapter. This is an the very same chapter. This is an the very same chapter. This is an important observation family because it important observation family because it important observation family because it reveals that it is not the woman's reveals that it is not the woman's reveals that it is not the woman's gender that led Mark to leave her gender that led Mark to leave her gender that led Mark to leave her unnamed in the chapter but rather his unnamed in the chapter but rather his unnamed in the chapter but rather his need for the reader to resonate with and need for the reader to resonate with and need for the reader to resonate with and insert themselves into her story. Why is insert themselves into her story. Why is insert themselves into her story. Why is this IMPORTANT FAMILY? BECAUSE SO MANY this IMPORTANT FAMILY? BECAUSE SO MANY this IMPORTANT FAMILY? BECAUSE SO MANY TIMES I have heard people try to suggest TIMES I have heard people try to suggest TIMES I have heard people try to suggest TO ME THAT THIS HERE BIBLE IS INHERENTLY TO ME THAT THIS HERE BIBLE IS INHERENTLY TO ME THAT THIS HERE BIBLE IS INHERENTLY a patriarchal text, that it is a patriarchal text, that it is a patriarchal text, that it is inherently misogynistic, that it IS inherently misogynistic, that it IS inherently misogynistic, that it IS INHERENTLY SEXIST, THAT IT IS INHERENTLY INHERENTLY SEXIST, THAT IT IS INHERENTLY INHERENTLY SEXIST, THAT IT IS INHERENTLY NOT MEANT FOR WOMEN. BUT WHAT I NEED YOU NOT MEANT FOR WOMEN. BUT WHAT I NEED YOU NOT MEANT FOR WOMEN. BUT WHAT I NEED YOU TO UNDERSTAND IS IT'S NOT THAT THE BIBLE TO UNDERSTAND IS IT'S NOT THAT THE BIBLE TO UNDERSTAND IS IT'S NOT THAT THE BIBLE IS INHERENTLY PATRIARCHAL. IT IS HOW we IS INHERENTLY PATRIARCHAL. IT IS HOW we IS INHERENTLY PATRIARCHAL. IT IS HOW we read the Bible that MAKES IT read the Bible that MAKES IT read the Bible that MAKES IT PATRIARCHAL. SO, THE WOMAN BEING UNNAMED PATRIARCHAL. SO, THE WOMAN BEING UNNAMED PATRIARCHAL. SO, THE WOMAN BEING UNNAMED in the text is NOT A FEATURE OF MARK'S in the text is NOT A FEATURE OF MARK'S in the text is NOT A FEATURE OF MARK'S SEXISM, BUT IS RATHER his literary SEXISM, BUT IS RATHER his literary SEXISM, BUT IS RATHER his literary agency as an author, SEEKING TO GET HIS agency as an author, SEEKING TO GET HIS agency as an author, SEEKING TO GET HIS AUDIENCE TO RESONATE with the story.

If you're going to learn the kind of If you're going to learn the kind of FAITH THAT'S NEEDED FOR GOD TO MANIFEST FAITH THAT'S NEEDED FOR GOD TO MANIFEST FAITH THAT'S NEEDED FOR GOD TO MANIFEST MIRACLES IN YOUR LIFE, THEN THE WOMAN MIRACLES IN YOUR LIFE, THEN THE WOMAN MIRACLES IN YOUR LIFE, THEN THE WOMAN WITH THE ISSUE OF BLOOD'S namelessness WITH THE ISSUE OF BLOOD'S namelessness WITH THE ISSUE OF BLOOD'S namelessness is not an act of injustice. It is an is not an act of injustice. It is an is not an act of injustice. It is an invitation to identification. invitation to identification. invitation to identification. All right. All right. All right. >> If you're going to truly understand the >> If you're going to truly understand the >> If you're going to truly understand the woman with the issue of blood, you woman with the issue of blood, you woman with the issue of blood, you cannot read her namelessness as an act cannot read her namelessness as an act cannot read her namelessness as an act of injustice, you've got to read it as of injustice, you've got to read it as of injustice, you've got to read it as Mark inviting you to see yourself in her Mark inviting you to see yourself in her Mark inviting you to see yourself in her story. This leads us to ask Dr. Angela, story. This leads us to ask Dr. Angela, story. This leads us to ask Dr. Angela, what then is the universal message that what then is the universal message that what then is the universal message that Mark wants his reader to identify with? Mark wants his reader to identify with? Mark wants his reader to identify with? You see, I believe that the universal You see, I believe that the universal You see, I believe that the universal message that Mark wants his readers to message that Mark wants his readers to message that Mark wants his readers to identify with is this admonition of identify with is this admonition of identify with is this admonition of faith. Don't wait for your miracle. >> That's it. >> That's it. >> I need you to understand that there are >> I need you to understand that there are >> I need you to understand that there are some manifested miracles that happen for some manifested miracles that happen for some manifested miracles that happen for people SIMPLY BECAUSE THEY'RE NOT people SIMPLY BECAUSE THEY'RE NOT people SIMPLY BECAUSE THEY'RE NOT WILLING TO WAIT FOR THE MIRACLE to come WILLING TO WAIT FOR THE MIRACLE to come WILLING TO WAIT FOR THE MIRACLE to come to them. They possess a faith that to them. They possess a faith that to them. They possess a faith that pushes them to step into the presence of pushes them to step into the presence of pushes them to step into the presence of God with a desperation that interrupts God with a desperation that interrupts God with a desperation that interrupts whatever God is doing IN ORDER TO GET whatever God is doing IN ORDER TO GET whatever God is doing IN ORDER TO GET THE MIRACLE THAT THEY stand in need of.

THE MIRACLE THAT THEY stand in need of. THE MIRACLE THAT THEY stand in need of. And the reason I believe this IS THE And the reason I believe this IS THE And the reason I believe this IS THE PRIMARY POINT OF THIS paricopy is PRIMARY POINT OF THIS paricopy is PRIMARY POINT OF THIS paricopy is because of the structure OF THE STORY. because of the structure OF THE STORY. because of the structure OF THE STORY. FAMILY. WHEN YOU'RE READING THE BIBLE, FAMILY. WHEN YOU'RE READING THE BIBLE, FAMILY. WHEN YOU'RE READING THE BIBLE, before you can even dissect the the before you can even dissect the the before you can even dissect the the passages themselves, a good English passages themselves, a good English passages themselves, a good English teacher WILL TELL YOU THAT YOU'VE GOT TO teacher WILL TELL YOU THAT YOU'VE GOT TO teacher WILL TELL YOU THAT YOU'VE GOT TO READ the structure of the passage first. READ the structure of the passage first. READ the structure of the passage first. NOW, THE STORY OF THE WOMAN WITH THE NOW, THE STORY OF THE WOMAN WITH THE NOW, THE STORY OF THE WOMAN WITH THE ISSUE OF BLOOD is an example of what ISSUE OF BLOOD is an example of what ISSUE OF BLOOD is an example of what literary and theological scholars call literary and theological scholars call literary and theological scholars call intercolation. Can you say intercolation. Can you say intercolation. Can you say intercolation? intercolation? intercolation? >> Listen, Dr. Cosby said propitiation on >> Listen, Dr. Cosby said propitiation on >> Listen, Dr. Cosby said propitiation on Sunday, and so now I'm I'm in my spirit Sunday, and so now I'm I'm in my spirit Sunday, and so now I'm I'm in my spirit with the big words. Intercolation. with the big words. Intercolation. with the big words. Intercolation. Type intercolation in the chat online. Type intercolation in the chat online. Type intercolation in the chat online. Intercolation family is a literary and Intercolation family is a literary and Intercolation family is a literary and theological technique in which one story theological technique in which one story theological technique in which one story is interrupted by a second story before is interrupted by a second story before is interrupted by a second story before the first story resumes. the first story resumes. the first story resumes. Let me make IT REAL SIMPLE. Let me make IT REAL SIMPLE. Let me make IT REAL SIMPLE. INTERCOLATION IS A STORY WITHIN a story.

INTERCOLATION IS A STORY WITHIN a story. INTERCOLATION IS A STORY WITHIN a story. Amen. Intercolation is just story within Amen. Intercolation is just story within Amen. Intercolation is just story within a story. And we began reading in VERSE a story. And we began reading in VERSE a story. And we began reading in VERSE 25. BUT TO REALLY UNDERSTAND THIS 25. BUT TO REALLY UNDERSTAND THIS 25. BUT TO REALLY UNDERSTAND THIS NARRATIVE, WE'VE GOT TO READ VERSES 21- NARRATIVE, WE'VE GOT TO READ VERSES 21- NARRATIVE, WE'VE GOT TO READ VERSES 21- 24. Now the Bible says in the NIV, "WHEN 24. Now the Bible says in the NIV, "WHEN 24. Now the Bible says in the NIV, "WHEN JESUS HAD AGAIN CROSSED over by boat to JESUS HAD AGAIN CROSSED over by boat to JESUS HAD AGAIN CROSSED over by boat to the other side of the lake, a large the other side of the lake, a large the other side of the lake, a large crowd gathered around him while he was crowd gathered around him while he was crowd gathered around him while he was by the lake. Then one of the synagogue by the lake. Then one of the synagogue by the lake. Then one of the synagogue leaders named Gyrus came AND WHEN HE SAW leaders named Gyrus came AND WHEN HE SAW leaders named Gyrus came AND WHEN HE SAW JESUS he fell at his FEET AND HE PLEADED JESUS he fell at his FEET AND HE PLEADED JESUS he fell at his FEET AND HE PLEADED EARNESTLY WITH HIM SAYING, "MY little EARNESTLY WITH HIM SAYING, "MY little EARNESTLY WITH HIM SAYING, "MY little daughter is dying. Please come and put daughter is dying. Please come and put daughter is dying. Please come and put your hands on her so that she will be your hands on her so that she will be your hands on her so that she will be healed and live." So Jesus went with healed and live." So Jesus went with healed and live." So Jesus went with him. A large crowd followed and pressed him. A large crowd followed and pressed him. A large crowd followed and pressed around him. Here we see that the story around him. Here we see that the story around him. Here we see that the story of the woman with the issue of blood of the woman with the issue of blood of the woman with the issue of blood structurally interrupts Gyrus's story structurally interrupts Gyrus's story structurally interrupts Gyrus's story while simultaneously telling us the while simultaneously telling us the while simultaneously telling us the story of a woman who interrupts Gyrus story of a woman who interrupts Gyrus story of a woman who interrupts Gyrus and Jesus. So during our meeting with and Jesus. So during our meeting with and Jesus. So during our meeting with Reverend Roberts uh uh he said something Reverend Roberts uh uh he said something Reverend Roberts uh uh he said something that was very profound to me. He said that was very profound to me. He said that was very profound to me. He said QUOTE THE MAJORITY OF Jesus's ministry QUOTE THE MAJORITY OF Jesus's ministry QUOTE THE MAJORITY OF Jesus's ministry was an interruption.

>> Yeah. >> Yeah. So that through the structure AND THE So that through the structure AND THE So that through the structure AND THE NARRATIVE OF THIS WOMAN'S STORY, we NARRATIVE OF THIS WOMAN'S STORY, we NARRATIVE OF THIS WOMAN'S STORY, we learn that it's okay to interrupt Jesus. learn that it's okay to interrupt Jesus. learn that it's okay to interrupt Jesus. [laughter] [laughter] [laughter] >> I thought that I just I love that my all >> I thought that I just I love that my all >> I thought that I just I love that my all by MY LONESOME BECAUSE I I DON'T KNOW IF by MY LONESOME BECAUSE I I DON'T KNOW IF by MY LONESOME BECAUSE I I DON'T KNOW IF Y'ALL KNOW PEOPLE myself included that I Y'ALL KNOW PEOPLE myself included that I Y'ALL KNOW PEOPLE myself included that I don't like to be interrupted. Don't don't like to be interrupted. Don't don't like to be interrupted. Don't interrupt me while I'm talking. Let me interrupt me while I'm talking. Let me interrupt me while I'm talking. Let me finish my point. finish my point. finish my point. Now Jesus on the other hand is Now Jesus on the other hand is Now Jesus on the other hand is accustomed to interruption. Yeah. Now accustomed to interruption. Yeah. Now accustomed to interruption. Yeah. Now not only is Mark showing us how central not only is Mark showing us how central not only is Mark showing us how central interruptions are to the ministry of interruptions are to the ministry of interruptions are to the ministry of Jesus through the literary device of Jesus through the literary device of Jesus through the literary device of intercolation, but we also learn about intercolation, but we also learn about intercolation, but we also learn about the power of an author choosing which the power of an author choosing which the power of an author choosing which characters to name and which to keep characters to name and which to keep characters to name and which to keep unnamed. Look back at the text at the unnamed. Look back at the text at the unnamed. Look back at the text at the conclusion of the demoniac's narrative. conclusion of the demoniac's narrative. conclusion of the demoniac's narrative. The reader is introduced to the story of The reader is introduced to the story of The reader is introduced to the story of a synagogue leader named J. Iris. As the a synagogue leader named J. Iris. As the a synagogue leader named J. Iris. As the excellent readers you are, you are now excellent readers you are, you are now excellent readers you are, you are now looking at the text and saying to me, looking at the text and saying to me, looking at the text and saying to me, "Reverend Claudia, UH UH WHY WOULD MARK "Reverend Claudia, UH UH WHY WOULD MARK "Reverend Claudia, UH UH WHY WOULD MARK NAME THE synagogue leader, but leave the NAME THE synagogue leader, but leave the NAME THE synagogue leader, but leave the demoniac, the woman with the issue of demoniac, the woman with the issue of demoniac, the woman with the issue of blood, and Gyrus's own daughter blood, and Gyrus's own daughter blood, and Gyrus's own daughter unnamed?"

unnamed?" unnamed?" All right. >> And what I heard the spirit say to me in >> And what I heard the spirit say to me in study was that in MARK'S GOSPEL, HE study was that in MARK'S GOSPEL, HE study was that in MARK'S GOSPEL, HE WANTS his reader to see themselves in WANTS his reader to see themselves in WANTS his reader to see themselves in the vulnerable people experiencing the the vulnerable people experiencing the the vulnerable people experiencing the miracle, NOT NECESSARILY THE PRIVILEGED miracle, NOT NECESSARILY THE PRIVILEGED miracle, NOT NECESSARILY THE PRIVILEGED PEOPLE requesting it. Mark wants you to see yourself in the Mark wants you to see yourself in the vulnerable people experiencing the vulnerable people experiencing the vulnerable people experiencing the miracle, not necessarily the privileged miracle, not necessarily the privileged miracle, not necessarily the privileged people asking for it. And see, some of people asking for it. And see, some of people asking for it. And see, some of us are so BUSY TRYING TO IDENTIFY WITH us are so BUSY TRYING TO IDENTIFY WITH us are so BUSY TRYING TO IDENTIFY WITH GYRUS AND HIS SOCOPOLITICAL AND GYRUS AND HIS SOCOPOLITICAL AND GYRUS AND HIS SOCOPOLITICAL AND religious position, standing before religious position, standing before religious position, standing before Jesus with THIS EXPECTATION THAT HE'LL Jesus with THIS EXPECTATION THAT HE'LL Jesus with THIS EXPECTATION THAT HE'LL GIVE US THE MIRACLE simply because we GIVE US THE MIRACLE simply because we GIVE US THE MIRACLE simply because we asked for it. And simply because of who asked for it. And simply because of who asked for it. And simply because of who WE ARE WHEN SOMETIMES IT'S NOT YOUR WE ARE WHEN SOMETIMES IT'S NOT YOUR WE ARE WHEN SOMETIMES IT'S NOT YOUR EXPECTATION THAT moves the hand of God.

EXPECTATION THAT moves the hand of God. EXPECTATION THAT moves the hand of God. SOMETIMES IT'S YOUR EXHAUSTION. SOMETIMES IT'S YOUR EXHAUSTION. SOMETIMES IT'S YOUR EXHAUSTION. SOMETIMES IT'S NOT WHAT YOU DEMAND that SOMETIMES IT'S NOT WHAT YOU DEMAND that SOMETIMES IT'S NOT WHAT YOU DEMAND that moves God. SOMETIMES IT'S YOUR moves God. SOMETIMES IT'S YOUR moves God. SOMETIMES IT'S YOUR DESPERATION. And the reason that I know DESPERATION. And the reason that I know DESPERATION. And the reason that I know that sometimes you cannot wait for your that sometimes you cannot wait for your that sometimes you cannot wait for your miracle is because the woman with the miracle is because the woman with the miracle is because the woman with the issue of blood teaches us that issue of blood teaches us that issue of blood teaches us that sometimes, this is point number one on sometimes, this is point number one on sometimes, this is point number one on your handout, SOMETIMES MIRACLES REQUIRE your handout, SOMETIMES MIRACLES REQUIRE your handout, SOMETIMES MIRACLES REQUIRE desperate faith. The very structure of the narrative The very structure of the narrative teaches us that sometimes YOU'VE GOT TO teaches us that sometimes YOU'VE GOT TO teaches us that sometimes YOU'VE GOT TO BE WILLING TO INTERRUPT WHAT JESUS is BE WILLING TO INTERRUPT WHAT JESUS is BE WILLING TO INTERRUPT WHAT JESUS is doing in order to get what you need. And doing in order to get what you need. And doing in order to get what you need. And I like how the old saints used to pray I like how the old saints used to pray I like how the old saints used to pray back in the day, Deacon Lester, THEY back in the day, Deacon Lester, THEY back in the day, Deacon Lester, THEY WOULD PRAY AND DECLARE, "GOD, ON TODAY WOULD PRAY AND DECLARE, "GOD, ON TODAY WOULD PRAY AND DECLARE, "GOD, ON TODAY WE BOMBARD HEAVEN on behalf of so and WE BOMBARD HEAVEN on behalf of so and WE BOMBARD HEAVEN on behalf of so and so." AND LISTEN TO ME. THE WORD BOMBARD so." AND LISTEN TO ME. THE WORD BOMBARD so." AND LISTEN TO ME. THE WORD BOMBARD IS a military term THAT SPEAKS TO IS a military term THAT SPEAKS TO IS a military term THAT SPEAKS TO ATTACK. TO CONTINUOUSLY ATTACK WITH ATTACK. TO CONTINUOUSLY ATTACK WITH ATTACK. TO CONTINUOUSLY ATTACK WITH BOMBS or artillery TO PERSISTENTLY BOMBS or artillery TO PERSISTENTLY BOMBS or artillery TO PERSISTENTLY ASSAIL SOMEONE WITH OVERWHELMING ASSAIL SOMEONE WITH OVERWHELMING ASSAIL SOMEONE WITH OVERWHELMING questions or information. IN FACT, questions or information. IN FACT, questions or information. IN FACT, MIRIAM WEBSTER says it IS TO OVERWHELM MIRIAM WEBSTER says it IS TO OVERWHELM MIRIAM WEBSTER says it IS TO OVERWHELM OR PERSISTENTLY press someone. AND IF OR PERSISTENTLY press someone. AND IF OR PERSISTENTLY press someone. AND IF YOU'RE NOT GOING TO WAIT ON YOUR MIRACLE YOU'RE NOT GOING TO WAIT ON YOUR MIRACLE YOU'RE NOT GOING TO WAIT ON YOUR MIRACLE FAMILY, THEN YOU'VE GOT TO BE WILLING TO FAMILY, THEN YOU'VE GOT TO BE WILLING TO FAMILY, THEN YOU'VE GOT TO BE WILLING TO BOMBARD THE SAVIOR WITH YOUR REQUEST BOMBARD THE SAVIOR WITH YOUR REQUEST BOMBARD THE SAVIOR WITH YOUR REQUEST BECAUSE SOME MIRACLES REQUIRE desperate

BECAUSE SOME MIRACLES REQUIRE desperate BECAUSE SOME MIRACLES REQUIRE desperate faith. >> Now, we've got to ask ourselves a >> Now, we've got to ask ourselves a critical question. critical question. critical question. What led to this woman's desperation? What led to this woman's desperation? What led to this woman's desperation? >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Let's go back to the Bible. Verse 25 in >> Let's go back to the Bible. Verse 25 in >> Let's go back to the Bible. Verse 25 in the New International Version says, "A the New International Version says, "A the New International Version says, "A woman was bleeding for 12 years." And in woman was bleeding for 12 years." And in woman was bleeding for 12 years." And in verse 26, Sister Murphy, it says, "She verse 26, Sister Murphy, it says, "She verse 26, Sister Murphy, it says, "She had suffered a great deal under the care had suffered a great deal under the care had suffered a great deal under the care of many doctors and had spent all she of many doctors and had spent all she of many doctors and had spent all she had, yet instead of getting better, she had, yet instead of getting better, she had, yet instead of getting better, she grew worse." Now, the Bible, the Message grew worse." Now, the Bible, the Message grew worse." Now, the Bible, the Message Bible gives some powerful perspective Bible gives some powerful perspective Bible gives some powerful perspective here. It says, "A long succession of here. It says, "A long succession of here. It says, "A long succession of physicians had treated her and treated physicians had treated her and treated physicians had treated her and treated her badly, her badly, her badly, taking all of her money and leaving her taking all of her money and leaving her taking all of her money and leaving her worse off than before." This verse worse off than before." This verse worse off than before." This verse indicates that the treatment she sought indicates that the treatment she sought indicates that the treatment she sought was both abusive and exploitative, was both abusive and exploitative, was both abusive and exploitative, leading to the worsening of her leading to the worsening of her leading to the worsening of her condition. Now, a few things must be condition. Now, a few things must be condition. Now, a few things must be expounded upon here. First, the woman is expounded upon here. First, the woman is expounded upon here. First, the woman is desperate to be healed because as desperate to be healed because as desperate to be healed because as Reverend Cutter taught us last week, we Reverend Cutter taught us last week, we Reverend Cutter taught us last week, we have another person whose sickness has have another person whose sickness has have another person whose sickness has relegated them to a life of social relegated them to a life of social relegated them to a life of social isolation. According to Leviticus 15 19 isolation. According to Leviticus 15 19 isolation. According to Leviticus 15 19 to30 under the purity laws given to to30 under the purity laws given to to30 under the purity laws given to Israel, a woman's monthly cycle made her

Israel, a woman's monthly cycle made her Israel, a woman's monthly cycle made her ceremonially unclean for 7 days. A ceremonially unclean for 7 days. A ceremonially unclean for 7 days. A regular cycle, while it called for regular cycle, while it called for regular cycle, while it called for separation, was normal, expected, and separation, was normal, expected, and separation, was normal, expected, and temporary. However, Leviticus 15:2 temporary. However, Leviticus 15:2 temporary. However, Leviticus 15:2 says that when a woman has a discharge says that when a woman has a discharge says that when a woman has a discharge of blood for many days at a time other of blood for many days at a time other of blood for many days at a time other than her monthly period, or she has a than her monthly period, or she has a than her monthly period, or she has a discharge that continues beyond her discharge that continues beyond her discharge that continues beyond her period, she will be unclean as long as period, she will be unclean as long as period, she will be unclean as long as the discharge continues beyond her the discharge continues beyond her the discharge continues beyond her period. just as in the days of her period. just as in the days of her period. just as in the days of her period. Now, the reason that scholars period. Now, the reason that scholars period. Now, the reason that scholars surmise that the woman with the issue of surmise that the woman with the issue of surmise that the woman with the issue of blood in Mark 5 is suffering from an blood in Mark 5 is suffering from an blood in Mark 5 is suffering from an unending menstrual flow is because the unending menstrual flow is because the unending menstrual flow is because the Greek word used here is rous. Can you Greek word used here is rous. Can you Greek word used here is rous. Can you say ris? This is a flowing issue meaning say ris? This is a flowing issue meaning say ris? This is a flowing issue meaning that the woman was not suffering from that the woman was not suffering from that the woman was not suffering from internal bleeding but that her blood internal bleeding but that her blood internal bleeding but that her blood flow was in fact a continual discharge. flow was in fact a continual discharge. flow was in fact a continual discharge. This meant that every person she touched This meant that every person she touched This meant that every person she touched became unclean. Anything she sat on became unclean. Anything she sat on became unclean. Anything she sat on became unclean. AND BOTH PERSONS and became unclean. AND BOTH PERSONS and became unclean. AND BOTH PERSONS and things remained unclean until they things remained unclean until they things remained unclean until they washed themselves, washed their clothes, washed themselves, washed their clothes, washed themselves, washed their clothes, bathed with water, and then waited in bathed with water, and then waited in bathed with water, and then waited in isolation until evening. Now, this isolation until evening. Now, this isolation until evening. Now, this purity code governed who could approach purity code governed who could approach purity code governed who could approach the tabernacle, who could gather and the tabernacle, who could gather and the tabernacle, who could gather and participate in community worship, and participate in community worship, and participate in community worship, and who could be touched without ceremonial who could be touched without ceremonial who could be touched without ceremonial consequence. So for this woman, that

consequence. So for this woman, that consequence. So for this woman, that meant 12 straight years of exclusion, meant 12 straight years of exclusion, meant 12 straight years of exclusion, >> 12 years of sitting in solitude, 12 >> 12 years of sitting in solitude, 12 >> 12 years of sitting in solitude, 12 years of worshiping in quarantine, 12 years of worshiping in quarantine, 12 years of worshiping in quarantine, 12 years of distanced greetings. years of distanced greetings. years of distanced greetings. 12 YEARS OF DROPPED OFF MEALS. UH 12 12 YEARS OF DROPPED OFF MEALS. UH 12 12 YEARS OF DROPPED OFF MEALS. UH 12 years of ruined linens. Now we sat in years of ruined linens. Now we sat in years of ruined linens. Now we sat in the pandemic in quarantine for all of the pandemic in quarantine for all of the pandemic in quarantine for all of two and a half maybe three years. And we two and a half maybe three years. And we two and a half maybe three years. And we were losing our minds IN ISOLATION. were losing our minds IN ISOLATION. were losing our minds IN ISOLATION. LOSING OUR MINDS BECAUSE WE COULDN'T HUG LOSING OUR MINDS BECAUSE WE COULDN'T HUG LOSING OUR MINDS BECAUSE WE COULDN'T HUG NOBODY. LOSING OUR MINDS BECAUSE WE NOBODY. LOSING OUR MINDS BECAUSE WE NOBODY. LOSING OUR MINDS BECAUSE WE COULDN'T SEE NOBODY. WE WERE DRIVING UP COULDN'T SEE NOBODY. WE WERE DRIVING UP COULDN'T SEE NOBODY. WE WERE DRIVING UP TO THE UH THE THE DRIVEWAY OF THE HOUSE TO THE UH THE THE DRIVEWAY OF THE HOUSE TO THE UH THE THE DRIVEWAY OF THE HOUSE WAVING FROM AFAR JUST TO LET PEOPLE KNOW WAVING FROM AFAR JUST TO LET PEOPLE KNOW WAVING FROM AFAR JUST TO LET PEOPLE KNOW WE WERE STILL LIVING. AND THAT DROVE US WE WERE STILL LIVING. AND THAT DROVE US WE WERE STILL LIVING. AND THAT DROVE US BANANAS. THIS WOMAN was living a BANANAS. THIS WOMAN was living a BANANAS. THIS WOMAN was living a quarantined distant socially DISTANCED quarantined distant socially DISTANCED quarantined distant socially DISTANCED LIFE FOR 12 YEARS. So that her her her sickness WAS A KIND So that her her her sickness WAS A KIND OF BONDAGE. HER ILLNESS DID NOT just OF BONDAGE. HER ILLNESS DID NOT just OF BONDAGE. HER ILLNESS DID NOT just live in her body. Her illness legislated live in her body. Her illness legislated live in her body. Her illness legislated her entire social existence.

her entire social existence. her entire social existence. All right, All right, All right, >> family. If I'm honest with you this >> family. If I'm honest with you this >> family. If I'm honest with you this afternoon, I believe that HIV AIDS is afternoon, I believe that HIV AIDS is afternoon, I believe that HIV AIDS is the issue of blood of our day. the issue of blood of our day. the issue of blood of our day. >> There are people in OUR CONGREGATION >> There are people in OUR CONGREGATION >> There are people in OUR CONGREGATION TODAY WATCHING ONLINE who are suffering TODAY WATCHING ONLINE who are suffering TODAY WATCHING ONLINE who are suffering from this issue of blood. And as a from this issue of blood. And as a from this issue of blood. And as a society, even as a church, we are society, even as a church, we are society, even as a church, we are excluding them from relationships, excluding them from relationships, excluding them from relationships, EXCLUDING THEM FROM COMMUNITY, EXCLUDING EXCLUDING THEM FROM COMMUNITY, EXCLUDING EXCLUDING THEM FROM COMMUNITY, EXCLUDING THEM FROM ACCESS TO WORSHIP BECAUSE OF THEM FROM ACCESS TO WORSHIP BECAUSE OF THEM FROM ACCESS TO WORSHIP BECAUSE OF THE SOCIAL STIGMA OF THEIR DISEASE. THE SOCIAL STIGMA OF THEIR DISEASE. THE SOCIAL STIGMA OF THEIR DISEASE. WE'RE VIEWING THEM AS UNCLEAN. WE WE'RE VIEWING THEM AS UNCLEAN. WE WE'RE VIEWING THEM AS UNCLEAN. WE HESITATE TO HUG THEM. WE LOOK UPON THEM HESITATE TO HUG THEM. WE LOOK UPON THEM HESITATE TO HUG THEM. WE LOOK UPON THEM WITH DISDAIN BECAUSE OF THE STIGMA WITH DISDAIN BECAUSE OF THE STIGMA WITH DISDAIN BECAUSE OF THE STIGMA SURROUNDING THEIR ILLNESS. And what I SURROUNDING THEIR ILLNESS. And what I SURROUNDING THEIR ILLNESS. And what I need you to UNDERSTAND IS THAT JESUS need you to UNDERSTAND IS THAT JESUS need you to UNDERSTAND IS THAT JESUS DOES NOT GIVE US LICENSE TO OSTRACIZE or DOES NOT GIVE US LICENSE TO OSTRACIZE or DOES NOT GIVE US LICENSE TO OSTRACIZE or marginalize any person because of any marginalize any person because of any marginalize any person because of any illness. illness. illness. [cheering] [cheering] [cheering] It's why I'm so grateful for the HIV It's why I'm so grateful for the HIV It's why I'm so grateful for the HIV awareness and prevention ministry here awareness and prevention ministry here awareness and prevention ministry here at Wheeler because as a church we are at Wheeler because as a church we are at Wheeler because as a church we are saying that that we are committed to saying that that we are committed to saying that that we are committed to ensuring that anyone with this issue of ensuring that anyone with this issue of ensuring that anyone with this issue of blood does not feel the exclusion THAT blood does not feel the exclusion THAT blood does not feel the exclusion THAT THE WOMAN OF MARK five felt.

THE WOMAN OF MARK five felt. THE WOMAN OF MARK five felt. 12 years of not just dealing with the 12 years of not just dealing with the 12 years of not just dealing with the sickness, but dealing with the exclusion sickness, but dealing with the exclusion sickness, but dealing with the exclusion that came with the sickness is enough to that came with the sickness is enough to that came with the sickness is enough to give you a desperate faith. Scripture give you a desperate faith. Scripture give you a desperate faith. Scripture also talks about the treatments that she also talks about the treatments that she also talks about the treatments that she endured in pursuit of her healing. The endured in pursuit of her healing. The endured in pursuit of her healing. The language in verse 26 is of particular language in verse 26 is of particular language in verse 26 is of particular interest to me as it suggests that not interest to me as it suggests that not interest to me as it suggests that not only was her treatment expensive, only was her treatment expensive, only was her treatment expensive, Reverend Ian, but it was abusive. The Reverend Ian, but it was abusive. The Reverend Ian, but it was abusive. The text says she suffered a great deal. She text says she suffered a great deal. She text says she suffered a great deal. She endured much and many physicians had endured much and many physicians had endured much and many physicians had treated her and treated her badly. Now treated her and treated her badly. Now treated her and treated her badly. Now immediately Dr. Denkins my mind turned immediately Dr. Denkins my mind turned immediately Dr. Denkins my mind turned to a woman by the name of Henrietta Lax. to a woman by the name of Henrietta Lax. to a woman by the name of Henrietta Lax. Henrietta Lax was an AfricanAmerican Henrietta Lax was an AfricanAmerican Henrietta Lax was an AfricanAmerican woman suffering from a a flow of blood woman suffering from a a flow of blood woman suffering from a a flow of blood in 1951. in 1951. in 1951. Doctors in John's Hopkins in Baltimore, Doctors in John's Hopkins in Baltimore, Doctors in John's Hopkins in Baltimore, Maryland, discovered the cause of her Maryland, discovered the cause of her Maryland, discovered the cause of her bleeding was due to a large mass on her bleeding was due to a large mass on her bleeding was due to a large mass on her cervix. Now, family, without informing cervix. Now, family, without informing cervix. Now, family, without informing her or asking her permission, these her or asking her permission, these her or asking her permission, these doctors sent a sample of her tumor to a doctors sent a sample of her tumor to a doctors sent a sample of her tumor to a lab for medical research before treating lab for medical research before treating lab for medical research before treating her aggressive cervical cancer.

her aggressive cervical cancer. her aggressive cervical cancer. They then found that the same properties They then found that the same properties They then found that the same properties that made the cells in her tumor lethal that made the cells in her tumor lethal that made the cells in her tumor lethal to her were actually lifegiving to other to her were actually lifegiving to other to her were actually lifegiving to other people. And so they focused on trying to people. And so they focused on trying to people. And so they focused on trying to give life to other people rather than give life to other people rather than give life to other people rather than seeking to heal Henrietta Lax. And this seeking to heal Henrietta Lax. And this seeking to heal Henrietta Lax. And this is the problem, family, because the is the problem, family, because the is the problem, family, because the doctors and the pharmaceuticals have doctors and the pharmaceuticals have doctors and the pharmaceuticals have made millions of dollars off of made millions of dollars off of made millions of dollars off of Henrietta Lax's sales. HER CHILDREN AND Henrietta Lax's sales. HER CHILDREN AND Henrietta Lax's sales. HER CHILDREN AND GRANDCHILDREN have yet to see a dime to GRANDCHILDREN have yet to see a dime to GRANDCHILDREN have yet to see a dime to this day. And the lawsuit against this day. And the lawsuit against this day. And the lawsuit against Novartis in Maryland AND OTHER DRUG Novartis in Maryland AND OTHER DRUG Novartis in Maryland AND OTHER DRUG COMPANIES REMAINS ONGOING. And I think COMPANIES REMAINS ONGOING. And I think COMPANIES REMAINS ONGOING. And I think of other black women WHO HAVE GONE TO of other black women WHO HAVE GONE TO of other black women WHO HAVE GONE TO DOCTORS complaining of pain, complaining DOCTORS complaining of pain, complaining DOCTORS complaining of pain, complaining of bleeding, talking about the suffering of bleeding, talking about the suffering of bleeding, talking about the suffering IN THEIR BODIES ONLY FOR THEIR CRIES AND IN THEIR BODIES ONLY FOR THEIR CRIES AND IN THEIR BODIES ONLY FOR THEIR CRIES AND CONCERNS TO be dismissed, misdiagnosed, CONCERNS TO be dismissed, misdiagnosed, CONCERNS TO be dismissed, misdiagnosed, unlawfully studied, and undertreated, unlawfully studied, and undertreated, unlawfully studied, and undertreated, leading not just to the uh uh physical leading not just to the uh uh physical leading not just to the uh uh physical death, but also leading many of us into death, but also leading many of us into death, but also leading many of us into financial debt.

financial debt. financial debt. We're currently living in a country that We're currently living in a country that We're currently living in a country that had the audacity to [laughter] try and had the audacity to [laughter] try and had the audacity to [laughter] try and celebrate 250 years of independence from celebrate 250 years of independence from celebrate 250 years of independence from Britain while robbing women of MEDICAL Britain while robbing women of MEDICAL Britain while robbing women of MEDICAL INDEPENDENCE AND REPRODUCTIVE INDEPENDENCE AND REPRODUCTIVE INDEPENDENCE AND REPRODUCTIVE HEALTHCARE. HEALTHCARE. HEALTHCARE. We watched masked men march on THE We watched masked men march on THE We watched masked men march on THE NATIONAL MALL WITH CONFEDERATE flags NATIONAL MALL WITH CONFEDERATE flags NATIONAL MALL WITH CONFEDERATE flags celebrating what Maya Angelo calls these celebrating what Maya Angelo calls these celebrating what Maya Angelo calls these yet to be United States AS NEARLY 4.8 8 yet to be United States AS NEARLY 4.8 8 yet to be United States AS NEARLY 4.8 8 MILLION AMERICANS HAVE lost Medicaid MILLION AMERICANS HAVE lost Medicaid MILLION AMERICANS HAVE lost Medicaid coverage following the passage of the coverage following the passage of the coverage following the passage of the ONE BIG BEAUTIFUL BILL ACT. IN FACT, THE ONE BIG BEAUTIFUL BILL ACT. IN FACT, THE ONE BIG BEAUTIFUL BILL ACT. IN FACT, THE CONGRESSIONAL BUDGET OFFICE ESTIMATES CONGRESSIONAL BUDGET OFFICE ESTIMATES CONGRESSIONAL BUDGET OFFICE ESTIMATES THAT UP TO 12 MILLION Americans could THAT UP TO 12 MILLION Americans could THAT UP TO 12 MILLION Americans could lose Medicaid and related insurance lose Medicaid and related insurance lose Medicaid and related insurance COVERAGE BY 2034 under this enacted COVERAGE BY 2034 under this enacted COVERAGE BY 2034 under this enacted legislation. So that family, I need you legislation. So that family, I need you legislation. So that family, I need you to understand that people are suffering to understand that people are suffering to understand that people are suffering not just from sicknesses. They're not just from sicknesses. They're not just from sicknesses. They're suffering FROM THE FINANCIAL DEBT THAT suffering FROM THE FINANCIAL DEBT THAT suffering FROM THE FINANCIAL DEBT THAT they're going into as they desperately they're going into as they desperately they're going into as they desperately seek treatment for healing.

seek treatment for healing. seek treatment for healing. And what I'm trying to say to you this And what I'm trying to say to you this And what I'm trying to say to you this afternoon is that when you've got afternoon is that when you've got afternoon is that when you've got $100,000 in medical debt, when you have $100,000 in medical debt, when you have $100,000 in medical debt, when you have doctors telling you that there's nothing doctors telling you that there's nothing doctors telling you that there's nothing else that they can do, when they are else that they can do, when they are else that they can do, when they are doctors that are refusing you care, when doctors that are refusing you care, when doctors that are refusing you care, when you have health insurance companies you have health insurance companies you have health insurance companies refusing to cover your necessary IV refusing to cover your necessary IV refusing to cover your necessary IV treatments and medications, when you treatments and medications, when you treatments and medications, when you have institutions that are experimenting have institutions that are experimenting have institutions that are experimenting with your body, and you find that your with your body, and you find that your with your body, and you find that your condition is getting worse, THAT'S WHEN condition is getting worse, THAT'S WHEN condition is getting worse, THAT'S WHEN YOU'VE GOT TO ACTIVATE A DESPERATE YOU'VE GOT TO ACTIVATE A DESPERATE YOU'VE GOT TO ACTIVATE A DESPERATE MIRACLE. MIRACLE WORKING KIND of faith. MIRACLE. MIRACLE WORKING KIND of faith. MIRACLE. MIRACLE WORKING KIND of faith. A faith that believes TUMORS CAN SHRINK. A faith that believes TUMORS CAN SHRINK. A faith that believes TUMORS CAN SHRINK. UH A FAITH THAT BELIEVES CANCER can be UH A FAITH THAT BELIEVES CANCER can be UH A FAITH THAT BELIEVES CANCER can be healed. UH A FAITH THAT BELIEVES BLOOD healed. UH A FAITH THAT BELIEVES BLOOD healed. UH A FAITH THAT BELIEVES BLOOD CLOTS can disappear. A faith that CLOTS can disappear. A faith that CLOTS can disappear. A faith that believes brain bleeds can dry up. believes brain bleeds can dry up. believes brain bleeds can dry up. Minister Lewis A FAITH THAT BELIEVES Minister Lewis A FAITH THAT BELIEVES Minister Lewis A FAITH THAT BELIEVES MEDICAL DEBT CAN BE CLEARED. Uh a FAITH MEDICAL DEBT CAN BE CLEARED. Uh a FAITH MEDICAL DEBT CAN BE CLEARED. Uh a FAITH THAT BELIEVES TYPE 2 DIABETES CAN BE THAT BELIEVES TYPE 2 DIABETES CAN BE THAT BELIEVES TYPE 2 DIABETES CAN BE REVERSED. UH A FAITH THAT BELIEVES YOU REVERSED. UH A FAITH THAT BELIEVES YOU REVERSED. UH A FAITH THAT BELIEVES YOU DON'T HAVE TO REMAIN a slave to DON'T HAVE TO REMAIN a slave to DON'T HAVE TO REMAIN a slave to sickness.

sickness. sickness. It's with this kind of desperate faith It's with this kind of desperate faith It's with this kind of desperate faith that the woman with the issue of blood that the woman with the issue of blood that the woman with the issue of blood pursues her healing. This time not with pursues her healing. This time not with pursues her healing. This time not with abusive doctors or greedy pharmaceutical abusive doctors or greedy pharmaceutical abusive doctors or greedy pharmaceutical companies but through faith in the companies but through faith in the companies but through faith in the healing power of Jesus Christ. healing power of Jesus Christ. healing power of Jesus Christ. >> The reason I know there are times when >> The reason I know there are times when >> The reason I know there are times when you cannot wait for your miracle is you cannot wait for your miracle is you cannot wait for your miracle is point number two and that is that point number two and that is that point number two and that is that miracles do not require permission. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. >> Miracles do not require permission. >> Miracles do not require permission. >> Miracles do not require permission. >> I like how it's written in the NIV. >> I like how it's written in the NIV. >> I like how it's written in the NIV. Reverend Roberts, the Bible says in Reverend Roberts, the Bible says in Reverend Roberts, the Bible says in verses 27 and 28. Look with me there. verses 27 and 28. Look with me there. verses 27 and 28. Look with me there. We're in verse 27 and 28. This is Bible We're in verse 27 and 28. This is Bible We're in verse 27 and 28. This is Bible study. I'm so sorry. I told them I was study. I'm so sorry. I told them I was study. I'm so sorry. I told them I was probably going to get a little happy. probably going to get a little happy. probably going to get a little happy. I'm going to try to calm down. I'm going to try to calm down. I'm going to try to calm down. We're in verses 27 and 28. We're in verses 27 and 28. We're in verses 27 and 28. >> All right. Now, the Bible says in verses >> All right. Now, the Bible says in verses >> All right. Now, the Bible says in verses 27 and 28 that when she heard about 27 and 28 that when she heard about 27 and 28 that when she heard about Jesus, she came up behind him in the Jesus, she came up behind him in the Jesus, she came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak because she crowd and touched his cloak because she crowd and touched his cloak because she thought, "If I just touch his clothes, I thought, "If I just touch his clothes, I thought, "If I just touch his clothes, I will be healed."

will be healed." will be healed." >> Now, I want you to pay attention to the >> Now, I want you to pay attention to the >> Now, I want you to pay attention to the chain of verbs that Mark strings chain of verbs that Mark strings chain of verbs that Mark strings together in the passage. together in the passage. together in the passage. >> He says, "She heard, >> He says, "She heard, >> He says, "She heard, >> she came, >> she came, >> she came, >> and she touched." Write >> and she touched." Write >> and she touched." Write that down. that down. that down. >> She heard, >> She heard, >> She heard, >> she came. >> she came. >> she came. >> And she touched. >> And she touched. >> And she touched. >> Hearing was the kindling that ignited >> Hearing was the kindling that ignited >> Hearing was the kindling that ignited her faith. Right? I began to think about her faith. Right? I began to think about her faith. Right? I began to think about Romans 10:17. Faith comes by hearing and Romans 10:17. Faith comes by hearing and Romans 10:17. Faith comes by hearing and hearing the word of God. Now, she heard hearing the word of God. Now, she heard hearing the word of God. Now, she heard about Jesus. And the Bible says that about Jesus. And the Bible says that about Jesus. And the Bible says that what she heard about him activated her what she heard about him activated her what she heard about him activated her faith, prompting her to want to engage faith, prompting her to want to engage faith, prompting her to want to engage with him IN A PARTICULAR WAY. Hearing with him IN A PARTICULAR WAY. Hearing with him IN A PARTICULAR WAY. Hearing was not enough. It was not the end of was not enough. It was not the end of was not enough. It was not the end of her faith. Hearing had to become her faith. Hearing had to become her faith. Hearing had to become movement and movement had to become movement and movement had to become movement and movement had to become contact. Now this is IMPORTANT BECAUSE contact. Now this is IMPORTANT BECAUSE contact. Now this is IMPORTANT BECAUSE PLENTY OF PEOPLE IN THE CROWD THAT day PLENTY OF PEOPLE IN THE CROWD THAT day PLENTY OF PEOPLE IN THE CROWD THAT day had also heard about Jesus. Verse 24 had also heard about Jesus. Verse 24 had also heard about Jesus. Verse 24 tells us that so many people had heard tells us that so many people had heard tells us that so many people had heard about Jesus that a large crowd followed about Jesus that a large crowd followed about Jesus that a large crowd followed and pressed around him. So that we must and pressed around him. So that we must and pressed around him. So that we must ask ourselves, how is it that hundreds ask ourselves, how is it that hundreds ask ourselves, how is it that hundreds of people of people of people were physically close enough to touch were physically close enough to touch were physically close enough to touch Jesus that day? Yet only one woman is Jesus that day? Yet only one woman is Jesus that day? Yet only one woman is recorded as receiving a miracle from recorded as receiving a miracle from recorded as receiving a miracle from that proximity.

that proximity. that proximity. >> Now this is what the Lord said to me. He >> Now this is what the Lord said to me. He >> Now this is what the Lord said to me. He said, "Nearness to Jesus is not the same said, "Nearness to Jesus is not the same said, "Nearness to Jesus is not the same thing as faith in Jesus." thing as faith in Jesus." thing as faith in Jesus." >> Write that down. >> Write that down. >> Write that down. >> Nearness to Jesus, Deacon Lester, is not >> Nearness to Jesus, Deacon Lester, is not >> Nearness to Jesus, Deacon Lester, is not the same as faith in Jesus. Listen to the same as faith in Jesus. Listen to the same as faith in Jesus. Listen to me. The crowd got close by accident. me. The crowd got close by accident. me. The crowd got close by accident. >> The woman got close on purpose. And I need you to hear me today. SIMPLY And I need you to hear me today. SIMPLY COMING TO CHURCH DOES NOT GUARANTEE YOU COMING TO CHURCH DOES NOT GUARANTEE YOU COMING TO CHURCH DOES NOT GUARANTEE YOU YOUR MIRACLE. YOUR MIRACLE. YOUR MIRACLE. >> Just because you're in the room doesn't >> Just because you're in the room doesn't >> Just because you're in the room doesn't mean you're GOING TO LEAVE WITH WHAT YOU mean you're GOING TO LEAVE WITH WHAT YOU mean you're GOING TO LEAVE WITH WHAT YOU WANT. PROXIMITY DOES NOT GUARANTEE WANT. PROXIMITY DOES NOT GUARANTEE WANT. PROXIMITY DOES NOT GUARANTEE PROMOTION. AT SOME POINT, like this PROMOTION. AT SOME POINT, like this PROMOTION. AT SOME POINT, like this woman, YOU'VE GOT TO REACH OUT AND grab woman, YOU'VE GOT TO REACH OUT AND grab woman, YOU'VE GOT TO REACH OUT AND grab for what you need. Now, here's the for what you need. Now, here's the for what you need. Now, here's the thing. I don't want you to think that thing. I don't want you to think that thing. I don't want you to think that I'm in here trying to PREACH A REACH UP I'm in here trying to PREACH A REACH UP I'm in here trying to PREACH A REACH UP AND GRAB IT PROSPERITY GOSPEL. I'M in AND GRAB IT PROSPERITY GOSPEL. I'M in AND GRAB IT PROSPERITY GOSPEL. I'M in the text. THE GREEK WORD FOR TOUCHED the text. THE GREEK WORD FOR TOUCHED the text. THE GREEK WORD FOR TOUCHED used in verse 28 is a word called used in verse 28 is a word called used in verse 28 is a word called heepsato from the root hapto. THIS WORD heepsato from the root hapto. THIS WORD heepsato from the root hapto. THIS WORD DOES NOT DESCRIBE A LIGHT ACCIDENTAL DOES NOT DESCRIBE A LIGHT ACCIDENTAL DOES NOT DESCRIBE A LIGHT ACCIDENTAL BRUSH IN A CROWD. INSTEAD, ITS PRIMARY BRUSH IN A CROWD. INSTEAD, ITS PRIMARY BRUSH IN A CROWD. INSTEAD, ITS PRIMARY DEFINITION MEANS TO FASTEN ONESELF TO, DEFINITION MEANS TO FASTEN ONESELF TO, DEFINITION MEANS TO FASTEN ONESELF TO, TO GRASP, TO TAKE HOLD OF TO CLING TO.

TO GRASP, TO TAKE HOLD OF TO CLING TO. TO GRASP, TO TAKE HOLD OF TO CLING TO. AND SO THE WOMAN WITH THE ISSUE OF BLOOD AND SO THE WOMAN WITH THE ISSUE OF BLOOD AND SO THE WOMAN WITH THE ISSUE OF BLOOD IS NOT ACCIDENTALLY BUMPING AGAINST IS NOT ACCIDENTALLY BUMPING AGAINST IS NOT ACCIDENTALLY BUMPING AGAINST JESUS. UH SHE'S TRYING TO FASHION JESUS. UH SHE'S TRYING TO FASHION JESUS. UH SHE'S TRYING TO FASHION HERSELF UH TO THE HYMN OF HIS GARMENT. HERSELF UH TO THE HYMN OF HIS GARMENT. HERSELF UH TO THE HYMN OF HIS GARMENT. UH BECAUSE SHE believes that there's UH BECAUSE SHE believes that there's UH BECAUSE SHE believes that there's SOME HEALING IN HIS CLOTHES. UH BUT THIS SOME HEALING IN HIS CLOTHES. UH BUT THIS SOME HEALING IN HIS CLOTHES. UH BUT THIS IS WHERE IT GOT GOOD. And I know I'm IS WHERE IT GOT GOOD. And I know I'm IS WHERE IT GOT GOOD. And I know I'm getting happy. I'm going TO CALM DOWN, getting happy. I'm going TO CALM DOWN, getting happy. I'm going TO CALM DOWN, DR. JOHNSON. I PROMISE I'MMA CALM DOWN. DR. JOHNSON. I PROMISE I'MMA CALM DOWN. DR. JOHNSON. I PROMISE I'MMA CALM DOWN. THE BIBLE SAYS THE THE THE THE THE THE THE BIBLE SAYS THE THE THE THE THE THE THE BIBLE SAYS THE THE THE THE THE THE SECONDARY DEFINITION THE secondary SECONDARY DEFINITION THE secondary SECONDARY DEFINITION THE secondary definition of the Greek word heato. The definition of the Greek word heato. The definition of the Greek word heato. The secondary definition family is to fasten secondary definition family is to fasten secondary definition family is to fasten fire to a thing fire to a thing fire to a thing >> to kindle OR TO SET FIRE. SO THAT THE >> to kindle OR TO SET FIRE. SO THAT THE >> to kindle OR TO SET FIRE. SO THAT THE WOMAN WITH THE ISSUE OF BLOOD H WHEN SHE WOMAN WITH THE ISSUE OF BLOOD H WHEN SHE WOMAN WITH THE ISSUE OF BLOOD H WHEN SHE FASTENED HER GRIP TO THE CLOAK OF THE OF FASTENED HER GRIP TO THE CLOAK OF THE OF FASTENED HER GRIP TO THE CLOAK OF THE OF THE CHRIST, WHEN SHE GRABBED A HOLD OF THE CHRIST, WHEN SHE GRABBED A HOLD OF THE CHRIST, WHEN SHE GRABBED A HOLD OF THE GARMENT OF GOD, WHEN SHE TOUCHED ON THE GARMENT OF GOD, WHEN SHE TOUCHED ON THE GARMENT OF GOD, WHEN SHE TOUCHED ON THE MASTER OF MIRACLES, UH THE BIBLE THE MASTER OF MIRACLES, UH THE BIBLE THE MASTER OF MIRACLES, UH THE BIBLE SAYS THAT HER FAITH KINDLED THE FIRE OF SAYS THAT HER FAITH KINDLED THE FIRE OF SAYS THAT HER FAITH KINDLED THE FIRE OF GOD'S POWER. IT KINDLED THE FIRE OF GOD'S POWER. IT KINDLED THE FIRE OF GOD'S POWER. IT KINDLED THE FIRE OF GOD'S POWER SO THAT SHE DIDN'T HAVE TO GOD'S POWER SO THAT SHE DIDN'T HAVE TO GOD'S POWER SO THAT SHE DIDN'T HAVE TO ASK PERMISSION ASK PERMISSION ASK PERMISSION FOR HER HEALING. HER FAITH KINDLED HIS FOR HER HEALING. HER FAITH KINDLED HIS FOR HER HEALING. HER FAITH KINDLED HIS POWER SO MUCH SO THAT SHE DIDN'T NEED POWER SO MUCH SO THAT SHE DIDN'T NEED POWER SO MUCH SO THAT SHE DIDN'T NEED PERMISSION. ALL SHE HAD TO DO WAS TOUCH.

All she HAD TO DO WAS TOUCH. AND THE All she HAD TO DO WAS TOUCH. AND THE TOUCH CAUSED HIS POWER TO BECOME TOUCH CAUSED HIS POWER TO BECOME TOUCH CAUSED HIS POWER TO BECOME INFLAMED. SO MUCH SO THAT HE HAD TO INFLAMED. SO MUCH SO THAT HE HAD TO INFLAMED. SO MUCH SO THAT HE HAD TO GRANT WHAT SHE WANTED IN HER HEART. GRANT WHAT SHE WANTED IN HER HEART. GRANT WHAT SHE WANTED IN HER HEART. [laughter] [laughter] [laughter] EVEN THOUGH SHE NEVER ASKED HIS EVEN THOUGH SHE NEVER ASKED HIS EVEN THOUGH SHE NEVER ASKED HIS PERMISSION. REMEMBER, [cheering] for her to for her to reach out for her for her to for her to reach out for her to reach out I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I to reach out I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I to reach out I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I apologize. I apologize. apologize. I apologize. apologize. I apologize. Okay. For her to reach out and grab the Okay. For her to reach out and grab the Okay. For her to reach out and grab the hem of a rabbi's garment in the hem of a rabbi's garment in the hem of a rabbi's garment in the condition that she was in was against condition that she was in was against condition that she was in was against Levitical law. She could, according to Levitical law. She could, according to Levitical law. She could, according to the purity code, because of her blood the purity code, because of her blood the purity code, because of her blood flow, transmit her uncleanness to Jesus flow, transmit her uncleanness to Jesus flow, transmit her uncleanness to Jesus with that very touch. She knew this. So with that very touch. She knew this. So with that very touch. She knew this. So I began thinking to myself that she I began thinking to myself that she I began thinking to myself that she figured if I just touch his cloak, then figured if I just touch his cloak, then figured if I just touch his cloak, then I won't transmit my uncleanness to him I won't transmit my uncleanness to him I won't transmit my uncleanness to him and maybe all he'll have to do is wash and maybe all he'll have to do is wash and maybe all he'll have to do is wash his outer garment and he himself won't his outer garment and he himself won't his outer garment and he himself won't be unclean and maybe it won't be as bad.

be unclean and maybe it won't be as bad. be unclean and maybe it won't be as bad. That's what I brought to my meeting with That's what I brought to my meeting with That's what I brought to my meeting with Reverend Roberts. But Reverend Roberts Reverend Roberts. But Reverend Roberts Reverend Roberts. But Reverend Roberts said to me, "Claudia, I need you to said to me, "Claudia, I need you to said to me, "Claudia, I need you to remember Mark is trying to emphasize remember Mark is trying to emphasize remember Mark is trying to emphasize that Jesus is the son of God." that Jesus is the son of God." that Jesus is the son of God." >> So the woman with the issue of blood is >> So the woman with the issue of blood is >> So the woman with the issue of blood is not trying to uphold a Levitical law. not trying to uphold a Levitical law. not trying to uphold a Levitical law. She's engaging with the Messiah She's engaging with the Messiah She's engaging with the Messiah >> because remember verse 27 says she heard >> because remember verse 27 says she heard >> because remember verse 27 says she heard about him. So the doctors that practice about him. So the doctors that practice about him. So the doctors that practice medicine, they were unable to heal her. medicine, they were unable to heal her. medicine, they were unable to heal her. But Jesus, who is the ultimate healer, But Jesus, who is the ultimate healer, But Jesus, who is the ultimate healer, >> is who could bring about her wholeness. >> is who could bring about her wholeness. >> is who could bring about her wholeness. So in this moment, the woman is is So in this moment, the woman is is So in this moment, the woman is is seeking Jesus not just as a physician. seeking Jesus not just as a physician. seeking Jesus not just as a physician. She's seeking him as the Messiah. And if She's seeking him as the Messiah. And if She's seeking him as the Messiah. And if he's the son of God, then quite frankly, he's the son of God, then quite frankly, he's the son of God, then quite frankly, maybe he won't be made unclean by my maybe he won't be made unclean by my maybe he won't be made unclean by my touch. family. We just got out of First touch. family. We just got out of First touch. family. We just got out of First Sunday and and Dr. Cosby preached a Sunday and and Dr. Cosby preached a Sunday and and Dr. Cosby preached a powerful bloody message and I just powerful bloody message and I just powerful bloody message and I just couldn't help Reverend Roberts when I couldn't help Reverend Roberts when I couldn't help Reverend Roberts when I was in my study. I was just like, "Lord, was in my study. I was just like, "Lord, was in my study. I was just like, "Lord, help me, Jesus. I don't even have the help me, Jesus. I don't even have the help me, Jesus. I don't even have the time." BUT THE SHEDDING of the woman's time." BUT THE SHEDDING of the woman's time." BUT THE SHEDDING of the woman's blood MADE HER UNCLEAN. SO, SHE REACHES blood MADE HER UNCLEAN. SO, SHE REACHES blood MADE HER UNCLEAN. SO, SHE REACHES OUT AND TOUCHES THE GARMENT OF THE OUT AND TOUCHES THE GARMENT OF THE OUT AND TOUCHES THE GARMENT OF THE SAVIOR, WHOSE SHEDDING OF BLOOD WILL SAVIOR, WHOSE SHEDDING OF BLOOD WILL SAVIOR, WHOSE SHEDDING OF BLOOD WILL MAKE ALL OF HUMANITY CLEAN. And so she MAKE ALL OF HUMANITY CLEAN. And so she MAKE ALL OF HUMANITY CLEAN. And so she presses through a hostile crowd and she presses through a hostile crowd and she presses through a hostile crowd and she PRESSES THROUGH A CROWDED STREET WILLING PRESSES THROUGH A CROWDED STREET WILLING PRESSES THROUGH A CROWDED STREET WILLING TO RISK EXPOSURE, WILLING TO RISK SHAME, TO RISK EXPOSURE, WILLING TO RISK SHAME, TO RISK EXPOSURE, WILLING TO RISK SHAME, WILLING TO risk rebuke, uh, willing to

WILLING TO risk rebuke, uh, willing to WILLING TO risk rebuke, uh, willing to to be corrected simply because she was to be corrected simply because she was to be corrected simply because she was NOT WILLING TO WAIT FOR SOMEBODY TO NOT WILLING TO WAIT FOR SOMEBODY TO NOT WILLING TO WAIT FOR SOMEBODY TO BRING HER MIRACLE TO HER DOORSTEP. I BRING HER MIRACLE TO HER DOORSTEP. I BRING HER MIRACLE TO HER DOORSTEP. I need you to pay attention to where she need you to pay attention to where she need you to pay attention to where she grabs Jesus's cloak. I'm running out of grabs Jesus's cloak. I'm running out of grabs Jesus's cloak. I'm running out of time. The Bible says that she came up time. The Bible says that she came up time. The Bible says that she came up behind him. behind him. behind him. And so in this moment, she's weak. She's And so in this moment, she's weak. She's And so in this moment, she's weak. She's falling down. She's trying to grab hold falling down. She's trying to grab hold falling down. She's trying to grab hold of his cloak. And it's in this moment of his cloak. And it's in this moment of his cloak. And it's in this moment that I hear her hearing the crowd that I hear her hearing the crowd that I hear her hearing the crowd arguing arguing arguing uh the other people talking about, uh the other people talking about, uh the other people talking about, yelling about what they want Jesus to do yelling about what they want Jesus to do yelling about what they want Jesus to do for them, yelling about all of their own for them, yelling about all of their own for them, yelling about all of their own needs, arguing, "You in my way. Get out needs, arguing, "You in my way. Get out needs, arguing, "You in my way. Get out my way so I can get to Jesus." my way so I can get to Jesus." my way so I can get to Jesus." And I see her. She's she's there. She's And I see her. She's she's there. She's And I see her. She's she's there. She's got her her eyes fixed on Jesus so that got her her eyes fixed on Jesus so that got her her eyes fixed on Jesus so that the things of this world are earth are the things of this world are earth are the things of this world are earth are growing strangely dim. And she reaches growing strangely dim. And she reaches growing strangely dim. And she reaches she grabs the hymn so that her faith she grabs the hymn so that her faith she grabs the hymn so that her faith didn't require a conference WITH HIM. IT didn't require a conference WITH HIM. IT didn't require a conference WITH HIM. IT DIDN'T REQUIRE a conversation. It didn't DIDN'T REQUIRE a conversation. It didn't DIDN'T REQUIRE a conversation. It didn't require that he meet her eyes and see require that he meet her eyes and see require that he meet her eyes and see HER CONDITION. HER MIRACLE didn't HER CONDITION. HER MIRACLE didn't HER CONDITION. HER MIRACLE didn't require his permission. So I need to ask require his permission. So I need to ask require his permission. So I need to ask you this. What miracle do you have the you this. What miracle do you have the you this. What miracle do you have the faith to not require Jesus's permission faith to not require Jesus's permission faith to not require Jesus's permission for?

>> This is the heart of what I want us to >> This is the heart of what I want us to carry out of this room today in the carry out of this room today in the carry out of this room today in the middle of a series called manifesting middle of a series called manifesting middle of a series called manifesting miracles. miracles. miracles. >> I need you to understand that some >> I need you to understand that some >> I need you to understand that some miracles miracles miracles you have to wait on. you have to wait on. you have to wait on. >> Reverend Swain is going to talk about >> Reverend Swain is going to talk about >> Reverend Swain is going to talk about that. other miracles you have to go get. that. other miracles you have to go get. that. other miracles you have to go get. >> Earlier in the same chapter, Gyrus, the >> Earlier in the same chapter, Gyrus, the >> Earlier in the same chapter, Gyrus, the synagogue leader, is forced to wait on synagogue leader, is forced to wait on synagogue leader, is forced to wait on Jesus to get through the crowd to heal Jesus to get through the crowd to heal Jesus to get through the crowd to heal this woman. That is his path. That is this woman. That is his path. That is this woman. That is his path. That is valid. That is critical. Jesus had a valid. That is critical. Jesus had a valid. That is critical. Jesus had a reason for making that man wait. reason for making that man wait. reason for making that man wait. Reverend Swain is going to talk about Reverend Swain is going to talk about Reverend Swain is going to talk about that. This woman who had no name, who that. This woman who had no name, who that. This woman who had no name, who had no title, who had no social standing had no title, who had no social standing had no title, who had no social standing upon which to summon a rabbi to her upon which to summon a rabbi to her upon which to summon a rabbi to her doorstep, [gasps] if she was going to be doorstep, [gasps] if she was going to be doorstep, [gasps] if she was going to be healed, she would have to go and get it healed, she would have to go and get it healed, she would have to go and get it herself. So that what I need you to herself. So that what I need you to herself. So that what I need you to understand is that some of what God has understand is that some of what God has understand is that some of what God has for you will not be delivered to your for you will not be delivered to your for you will not be delivered to your doorstep. It will have to be pursued. It doorstep. It will have to be pursued. It doorstep. It will have to be pursued. It will have to be pressed toward. you're will have to be pressed toward. you're will have to be pressed toward. you're going to have to reach for it through a going to have to reach for it through a going to have to reach for it through a crowd of obstacles that would rather you crowd of obstacles that would rather you crowd of obstacles that would rather you stay where you are. And 12 years of stay where you are. And 12 years of stay where you are. And 12 years of disappointment could have taught her to disappointment could have taught her to disappointment could have taught her to stop hoping. It could have taught her to stop hoping. It could have taught her to stop hoping. It could have taught her to stop reaching. But instead, it taught stop reaching. But instead, it taught stop reaching. But instead, it taught her to stop waiting.

her to stop waiting. her to stop waiting. >> And the reason I believe it is important >> And the reason I believe it is important >> And the reason I believe it is important that we not wait for some of our that we not wait for some of our that we not wait for some of our miracles is point number three. Miracles miracles is point number three. Miracles miracles is point number three. Miracles bring freedom and restoration. bring freedom and restoration. bring freedom and restoration. >> Miracles bring freedom and restoration. >> Miracles bring freedom and restoration. >> Miracles bring freedom and restoration. When we look at the word suffering in When we look at the word suffering in When we look at the word suffering in verses 29 and 34, the Greek word used is verses 29 and 34, the Greek word used is verses 29 and 34, the Greek word used is mastik. Say mystics. mastik. Say mystics. mastik. Say mystics. This is not a clinical sanitized word This is not a clinical sanitized word This is not a clinical sanitized word for illness. In fact, its primary for illness. In fact, its primary for illness. In fact, its primary meaning is a whip, a lash, a scourge. It meaning is a whip, a lash, a scourge. It meaning is a whip, a lash, a scourge. It denotes an instrument used to beat denotes an instrument used to beat denotes an instrument used to beat someone into submission. In fact, the someone into submission. In fact, the someone into submission. In fact, the same word is used elsewhere in the New same word is used elsewhere in the New same word is used elsewhere in the New Testament for the whipping or flogging Testament for the whipping or flogging Testament for the whipping or flogging of prisoners in Acts 22:24 and Hebrews of prisoners in Acts 22:24 and Hebrews of prisoners in Acts 22:24 and Hebrews 11:36. 11:36. 11:36. So that Mark's choice to use this word So that Mark's choice to use this word So that Mark's choice to use this word to describe her condition does not to describe her condition does not to describe her condition does not simply convey that she was sick. He's simply convey that she was sick. He's simply convey that she was sick. He's telling us that her sickness had become telling us that her sickness had become telling us that her sickness had become an instrument of her torture. She was an instrument of her torture. She was an instrument of her torture. She was being lashed by her own condition year being lashed by her own condition year being lashed by her own condition year after year with no one able to intervene after year with no one able to intervene after year with no one able to intervene and make it stop. Her sickness and make it stop. Her sickness and make it stop. Her sickness was a kind of bondage, a kind of was a kind of bondage, a kind of was a kind of bondage, a kind of slavery, a kind of lash. So that her slavery, a kind of lash. So that her slavery, a kind of lash. So that her healing was an act of freedom.

healing was an act of freedom. healing was an act of freedom. >> This is important because in the >> This is important because in the >> This is important because in the ministry of Jesus, healing was never ministry of Jesus, healing was never ministry of Jesus, healing was never exclusively about providing a medical exclusively about providing a medical exclusively about providing a medical solution. It was also about liberation solution. It was also about liberation solution. It was also about liberation and it was about restoration to and it was about restoration to and it was about restoration to community. When Jesus heals a body, he's community. When Jesus heals a body, he's community. When Jesus heals a body, he's not simply repairing tissue. He's not simply repairing tissue. He's not simply repairing tissue. He's unbinding a captive. Uh, that means that unbinding a captive. Uh, that means that unbinding a captive. Uh, that means that when we bring healing to people, when we when we bring healing to people, when we when we bring healing to people, when we sit WITH THE SICK AND PRAY FOR the sit WITH THE SICK AND PRAY FOR the sit WITH THE SICK AND PRAY FOR the suffering and ADVOCATE FOR THE FORGOTTEN suffering and ADVOCATE FOR THE FORGOTTEN suffering and ADVOCATE FOR THE FORGOTTEN AND FUND THE MEDICAL TREATMENT AND SHOW AND FUND THE MEDICAL TREATMENT AND SHOW AND FUND THE MEDICAL TREATMENT AND SHOW UP AT THE HOSPITAL BED, UH, WE'RE NOT UP AT THE HOSPITAL BED, UH, WE'RE NOT UP AT THE HOSPITAL BED, UH, WE'RE NOT JUST PERFORMING A KINDNESS, BUT WE ARE JUST PERFORMING A KINDNESS, BUT WE ARE JUST PERFORMING A KINDNESS, BUT WE ARE PARTICIPATING in the same liberating PARTICIPATING in the same liberating PARTICIPATING in the same liberating WORK OF JESUS CHRIST. UH, BECAUSE WORK OF JESUS CHRIST. UH, BECAUSE WORK OF JESUS CHRIST. UH, BECAUSE HEALING is liberation. HEALING is liberation. HEALING is liberation. Now, when the woman kindled the power of Now, when the woman kindled the power of Now, when the woman kindled the power of God by fastening her grip to his cloak, God by fastening her grip to his cloak, God by fastening her grip to his cloak, she got more than just a medical she got more than just a medical she got more than just a medical healing. She received freedom from an healing. She received freedom from an healing. She received freedom from an affliction that was seeking to keep her affliction that was seeking to keep her affliction that was seeking to keep her bound and ostracized and she received bound and ostracized and she received bound and ostracized and she received access to a community that she was access to a community that she was access to a community that she was previously barred from. So that the previously barred from. So that the previously barred from. So that the Bible says that after she touched his Bible says that after she touched his Bible says that after she touched his cloak that immediately her bleeding cloak that immediately her bleeding cloak that immediately her bleeding stopped and she was freed from her stopped and she was freed from her stopped and she was freed from her suffering. Scripture is clear. THE WOMAN suffering. Scripture is clear. THE WOMAN suffering. Scripture is clear. THE WOMAN WAS NOT JUST HEALED, she was freed.

WAS NOT JUST HEALED, she was freed. WAS NOT JUST HEALED, she was freed. >> Jesus goes a step further because >> Jesus goes a step further because >> Jesus goes a step further because freedom does not always mean inclusion. freedom does not always mean inclusion. freedom does not always mean inclusion. >> Verses 30 to32 document how Jesus is >> Verses 30 to32 document how Jesus is >> Verses 30 to32 document how Jesus is intent on not just bringing her freedom intent on not just bringing her freedom intent on not just bringing her freedom from the sickness that enslaved her, but from the sickness that enslaved her, but from the sickness that enslaved her, but he wanted to restore her to the society he wanted to restore her to the society he wanted to restore her to the society that had marginalized her and made her that had marginalized her and made her that had marginalized her and made her invisible. Like Ra, like Ralph Ellison's invisible. Like Ra, like Ralph Ellison's invisible. Like Ra, like Ralph Ellison's invisible man, this woman was so used to invisible man, this woman was so used to invisible man, this woman was so used to being unseen. She was used to people being unseen. She was used to people being unseen. She was used to people refusing to see her that I believe this refusing to see her that I believe this refusing to see her that I believe this is why Jesus keeps asking, "Who touched is why Jesus keeps asking, "Who touched is why Jesus keeps asking, "Who touched me?" me?" me?" >> Jesus is trying to demonstrate to his >> Jesus is trying to demonstrate to his >> Jesus is trying to demonstrate to his disciples the importance of seeing the disciples the importance of seeing the disciples the importance of seeing the unseen. This all- knowing God knows who unseen. This all- knowing God knows who unseen. This all- knowing God knows who touched him. He knows why power left touched him. He knows why power left touched him. He knows why power left him. Jesus wanted to see who touched him. Jesus wanted to see who touched him. Jesus wanted to see who touched him. him. him. >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> And I was so encouraged by that because >> And I was so encouraged by that because >> And I was so encouraged by that because so many of the people that we've been so many of the people that we've been so many of the people that we've been called to heal, the people we've been called to heal, the people we've been called to heal, the people we've been called to serve, the people we've been called to serve, the people we've been called to serve, the people we've been called TO SET FREE, WE FAMILY TYPICALLY called TO SET FREE, WE FAMILY TYPICALLY called TO SET FREE, WE FAMILY TYPICALLY DON'T WANT TO SEE. We want to write a DON'T WANT TO SEE. We want to write a DON'T WANT TO SEE. We want to write a check to the local food bank rather than check to the local food bank rather than check to the local food bank rather than hand a bag of groceries to a needy hand a bag of groceries to a needy hand a bag of groceries to a needy family. We want to look away disturbed family. We want to look away disturbed family. We want to look away disturbed when we see those who ARE UNHOUSED. WE when we see those who ARE UNHOUSED. WE when we see those who ARE UNHOUSED. WE AVOID eye contact with persons AVOID eye contact with persons AVOID eye contact with persons STRUGGLING WITH DRUG ADDICTION ON THE STRUGGLING WITH DRUG ADDICTION ON THE STRUGGLING WITH DRUG ADDICTION ON THE CORNER. But in verse 32, Jesus says, CORNER. But in verse 32, Jesus says, CORNER. But in verse 32, Jesus says, "But Jesus," the Bible says, "But Jesus "But Jesus," the Bible says, "But Jesus "But Jesus," the Bible says, "But Jesus kept looking around to see who had done kept looking around to see who had done kept looking around to see who had done it."

it." it." >> Jesus was intent on seeing the woman >> Jesus was intent on seeing the woman >> Jesus was intent on seeing the woman whom society had forced to remain whom society had forced to remain whom society had forced to remain unseen. And when he saw her, HE DID NOT unseen. And when he saw her, HE DID NOT unseen. And when he saw her, HE DID NOT JUST LAY eyes on her, but he saw her JUST LAY eyes on her, but he saw her JUST LAY eyes on her, but he saw her soul. He heard her story. And when he soul. He heard her story. And when he soul. He heard her story. And when he saw her in full, Jesus said, "DAUGHTER, saw her in full, Jesus said, "DAUGHTER, saw her in full, Jesus said, "DAUGHTER, YOUR FAITH has healed you. Go in peace YOUR FAITH has healed you. Go in peace YOUR FAITH has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering." and be freed from your suffering." and be freed from your suffering." Calling her daughter, Jesus reconciles Calling her daughter, Jesus reconciles Calling her daughter, Jesus reconciles her not just to society, NOT JUST TO THE her not just to society, NOT JUST TO THE her not just to society, NOT JUST TO THE HUMAN FAMILY, but he reconciles her back HUMAN FAMILY, but he reconciles her back HUMAN FAMILY, but he reconciles her back to the family of God. This was not JUST to the family of God. This was not JUST to the family of God. This was not JUST A DISEASE. IT WAS A WHIP THAT HAD BEEN A DISEASE. IT WAS A WHIP THAT HAD BEEN A DISEASE. IT WAS A WHIP THAT HAD BEEN STRIKING THIS WOMAN FOR 12 YEARS. And STRIKING THIS WOMAN FOR 12 YEARS. And STRIKING THIS WOMAN FOR 12 YEARS. And Jesus didn't just treat a symptom or a Jesus didn't just treat a symptom or a Jesus didn't just treat a symptom or a malady. HE TOOK THE WHIP OUT OF malady. HE TOOK THE WHIP OUT OF malady. HE TOOK THE WHIP OUT OF sickness's hand and gave her freedom. sickness's hand and gave her freedom. sickness's hand and gave her freedom. And I just want you to internalize this And I just want you to internalize this And I just want you to internalize this afternoon that Jesus is willing to take afternoon that Jesus is willing to take afternoon that Jesus is willing to take the whip OF SICKNESS OUT OF YOUR BODY. the whip OF SICKNESS OUT OF YOUR BODY. the whip OF SICKNESS OUT OF YOUR BODY. JESUS IS WILLING TO GIVE YOU FREEDOM JESUS IS WILLING TO GIVE YOU FREEDOM JESUS IS WILLING TO GIVE YOU FREEDOM from the things that YOU'RE STRUGGLING from the things that YOU'RE STRUGGLING from the things that YOU'RE STRUGGLING WITH IF YOU'RE WILLING TO PRESS THROUGH WITH IF YOU'RE WILLING TO PRESS THROUGH WITH IF YOU'RE WILLING TO PRESS THROUGH THE OBSTACLES. Reach out AND TOUCH HIM.

THE OBSTACLES. Reach out AND TOUCH HIM. THE OBSTACLES. Reach out AND TOUCH HIM. BUT TOUCH HIM WITH PURPOSE. TOUCH HIM BUT TOUCH HIM WITH PURPOSE. TOUCH HIM BUT TOUCH HIM WITH PURPOSE. TOUCH HIM WITH FIRE. TOUCH HIM WITH INTENTION SO WITH FIRE. TOUCH HIM WITH INTENTION SO WITH FIRE. TOUCH HIM WITH INTENTION SO THAT YOU CAN GET WHAT YOU NEED. THAT YOU CAN GET WHAT YOU NEED. THAT YOU CAN GET WHAT YOU NEED. >> NOW, >> NOW, >> NOW, >> I want to leave you with this. >> I want to leave you with this. >> I want to leave you with this. What is your mystics? What is your mystics? What is your mystics? What is the thing that has been quietly What is the thing that has been quietly What is the thing that has been quietly lashing you for years? lashing you for years? lashing you for years? Unnamed in polite conversation, Unnamed in polite conversation, Unnamed in polite conversation, unspoken in the pews, but very real in unspoken in the pews, but very real in unspoken in the pews, but very real in the privacy of your own life. the privacy of your own life. the privacy of your own life. What crowd of obstacles, What crowd of obstacles, What crowd of obstacles, excuses, and exhaustion stands between excuses, and exhaustion stands between excuses, and exhaustion stands between you and the miracle that God has for you and the miracle that God has for you and the miracle that God has for you, stands between you and freedom, you, stands between you and freedom, you, stands between you and freedom, between you and healing. Jesus is saying between you and healing. Jesus is saying between you and healing. Jesus is saying to anyone who's willing to reach for him to anyone who's willing to reach for him to anyone who's willing to reach for him that your faith can free you from your that your faith can free you from your that your faith can free you from your suffering. suffering. suffering. >> He wants to see you.

>> He wants to see you. >> He wants to see you. >> He wants to know you. >> He wants to know you. >> He wants to know you. >> He wants to [snorts] heal you and to >> He wants to [snorts] heal you and to >> He wants to [snorts] heal you and to give you peace. give you peace. give you peace. >> There's anybody in here under the sound >> There's anybody in here under the sound >> There's anybody in here under the sound of my voice who just wants of my voice who just wants of my voice who just wants freedom from sickness. freedom from sickness. freedom from sickness. I want to invite you to stand. And I I want to invite you to stand. And I I want to invite you to stand. And I want to pray for you. Anybody in here, want to pray for you. Anybody in here, want to pray for you. Anybody in here, you say, "Yeah, this one right here you say, "Yeah, this one right here you say, "Yeah, this one right here can't." That's all right. If you can't can't." That's all right. If you can't can't." That's all right. If you can't stand, don't worry about it. I see your stand, don't worry about it. I see your stand, don't worry about it. I see your hands. If you want freedom from hands. If you want freedom from hands. If you want freedom from sickness, just raise your hand. sickness, just raise your hand. sickness, just raise your hand. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Let's pray Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Let's pray Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Let's pray together. God, together. God, together. God, [sighs] [sighs] [sighs] we are suffering we are suffering we are suffering from the bondage from the bondage from the bondage of our illnesses. of our illnesses. of our illnesses. sicknesses that sin and Satan have tried sicknesses that sin and Satan have tried sicknesses that sin and Satan have tried to afflict and inflict upon our bodies. to afflict and inflict upon our bodies. to afflict and inflict upon our bodies. And in the name of Jesus right now, Lord And in the name of Jesus right now, Lord And in the name of Jesus right now, Lord God, I come before your presence, just God, I come before your presence, just God, I come before your presence, just praying on behalf of the people in this praying on behalf of the people in this praying on behalf of the people in this sanctuary, those who are watching sanctuary, those who are watching sanctuary, those who are watching online, those who are here desiring God online, those who are here desiring God online, those who are here desiring God for a miracle that doesn't need your for a miracle that doesn't need your for a miracle that doesn't need your permission, God. A miracle that uh permission, God. A miracle that uh permission, God. A miracle that uh answers our desperate faith. miracle answers our desperate faith. miracle answers our desperate faith. miracle that in this moment of prayer as we that in this moment of prayer as we that in this moment of prayer as we reach towards you, God, we try to kindle reach towards you, God, we try to kindle reach towards you, God, we try to kindle with the fire of intent, the fire of with the fire of intent, the fire of with the fire of intent, the fire of faith, the fire of belief that God, you faith, the fire of belief that God, you faith, the fire of belief that God, you are going to do something in our bodies, are going to do something in our bodies, are going to do something in our bodies, that you're going to heal, [snorts] that

that you're going to heal, [snorts] that that you're going to heal, [snorts] that you're going to free, that you're going you're going to free, that you're going you're going to free, that you're going to restore, that you're going to make us to restore, that you're going to make us to restore, that you're going to make us whole, God. So in the name of Jesus, I whole, God. So in the name of Jesus, I whole, God. So in the name of Jesus, I pray over each and every person in this pray over each and every person in this pray over each and every person in this room, everyone that's watching online, room, everyone that's watching online, room, everyone that's watching online, Jesus, make us whole. Jesus, make us whole. Jesus, make us whole. Free us from the suffering in our bodies Free us from the suffering in our bodies Free us from the suffering in our bodies is my greatest prayer in Jesus name. is my greatest prayer in Jesus name. is my greatest prayer in Jesus name. Amen. [applause] [applause] [cheering] >> The invitation is extended. >> The invitation is extended. [music] If there's someone here who has not If there's someone here who has not accepted Jesus Christ as savior and lord accepted Jesus Christ as savior and lord accepted Jesus Christ as savior and lord of your life, of your life, of your life, we invite you to come.

we invite you to come. we invite you to come. If there's someone here seeking a church If there's someone here seeking a church If there's someone here seeking a church home, Reach out Reach out and touch the Lord and touch the Lord and touch the Lord as he as he as he goes by. goes by. goes by. He is not He is not He is not too busy too busy too busy to hear to hear to hear your cry. your cry. your cry. He is passing He is passing He is passing by this moment. by this moment. by this moment. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> All of your needs he will supply. >> All of your needs he will supply. >> All of your needs he will supply. Reach [singing] out and touch the Lord Reach [singing] out and touch the Lord Reach [singing] out and touch the Lord as he [music] as he [music] as he [music] goes by. >> Is there one? >> Is there one? >> Reach out and touch the Lord >> Reach out and touch the Lord >> Reach out and touch the Lord as he [singing] as he [singing] as he [singing] goes by.

goes by. goes by. He [singing] is not He [singing] is not He [singing] is not too busy [music] to hear [singing] too busy [music] to hear [singing] too busy [music] to hear [singing] your cry. your cry. your cry. He is passing He is passing He is passing by [music] this moment. by [music] this moment. by [music] this moment. All of your needs he will supply. All of your needs he will supply. All of your needs he will supply. Reach out Reach out Reach out and touch the Lord and touch the Lord and touch the Lord as he as he as he goes by. goes by. goes by. >> It's ours to extend, >> It's ours to extend, >> It's ours to extend, yours to accept or reject. yours to accept or reject. yours to accept or reject. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Yes indeed. Let's thank God and give appreciative Let's thank God and give appreciative applause. [music] [music] >> [applause] >> Thank you, Reverend Claudia.

>> Thank you, Reverend Claudia. Actually, [music] Actually, [music] Actually, [music] it's it's it's Pastor Claudia Pastor Claudia Pastor Claudia because she has been [music] given an because she has been [music] given an because she has been [music] given an assignment as a part of the pastoral assignment as a part of the pastoral assignment as a part of the pastoral staff of a church while she's been here staff of a church while she's been here staff of a church while she's been here on assignment on assignment on assignment for internship. for internship. for internship. [music] >> We're about 2 minutes into overtime, but >> We're about 2 minutes into overtime, but it's well worth it. I remember the first time I got happy I remember the first time I got happy while I was doing Bible study and the while I was doing Bible study and the while I was doing Bible study and the [music] pastor was here.

I called myself apologized and he told I called myself apologized and he told me no apology necessary. [applause] [applause] [music] Let's stand. Let's stand. We want to be in prayer We want to be in prayer We want to be in prayer for uh for uh for uh the family of Reverend of excuse me of the family of Reverend of excuse me of the family of Reverend of excuse me of brother Charles Wrencher. brother Charles Wrencher. brother Charles Wrencher. His services will be tomorrow at 11:00 a.m. here in the Will Avenue at 11:00 a.m. here in the Will Avenue Baptist Church [music] sanctuary. Baptist Church [music] sanctuary. Baptist Church [music] sanctuary. We want to lift up brother Rener's We want to lift up brother Rener's We want to lift up brother Rener's family as well as all of the other family as well as all of the other family as well as all of the other bereieved families among us. [music] Want to pray for our members with health Want to pray for our members with health concerns. concerns. concerns. Some people that may be waiting [music] Some people that may be waiting [music] Some people that may be waiting [music] on a miracle.

But if you have one, then you don't have But if you have one, then you don't have [music] to wait. [music] to wait. [music] to wait. You don't have to ask permission. You don't have to ask permission. You don't have to ask permission. >> Just go get it. >> Make your way to Jesus. >> Make your way to Jesus. And go get it. And go get it. And go get it. [applause] >> Father, we just want to say thank you. >> Father, we just want to say thank you. Thank you for what you're going to do Thank you for what you're going to do Thank you for what you're going to do for the Bereer families. for the Bereer families. for the Bereer families. Thank you for your healing in advance. Thank you for your healing in advance. Thank you for your healing in advance. Thank you for your restoration, Thank you for your restoration, Thank you for your restoration, your recovery, your recovery, your recovery, your [music] reconciliation. your [music] reconciliation. your [music] reconciliation. Thank you for meeting the need, whatever Thank you for meeting the need, whatever Thank you for meeting the need, whatever it may [music] be. Thank you for Pastor Claudia. Thank you for Pastor Claudia. [music] [music] [music] Thank you most for your word.

Now it's unto you [music] Now it's unto you [music] cuz you're able to keep us from falling, cuz you're able to keep us from falling, cuz you're able to keep us from falling, presenting us faultless before your presenting us faultless before your presenting us faultless before your throne with exceeding joy. throne with exceeding joy. throne with exceeding joy. You're the only wise God. To you be You're the only wise God. To you be You're the only wise God. To you be power and majesty, [music] glory and power and majesty, [music] glory and power and majesty, [music] glory and dominion now, henceforth and forever dominion now, henceforth and forever dominion now, henceforth and forever more. It's in the name of Jesus, the more. It's in the name of Jesus, the more. It's in the name of Jesus, the Christ of [music] God, we pray. Amen. Christ of [music] God, we pray. Amen. Christ of [music] God, we pray. Amen. And thank God. [music] God bless you.