Wednesday Bible Study

>> he's in control of it all. >> he's in control of it all. >> You're my firm found. >> If you believe that, put your hands >> If you believe that, put your hands together like this. >> Yeah. Yeah. He's >> Yeah. Yeah. He's my from the beginning. from the beginning. >> You knew the end. >> You knew the end. >> You knew the end. >> You hold the world. >> You hold the world. >> You hold the world. >> You hold the world in your hands. >> You hold the world in your hands. >> You hold the world in your hands. >> You're still in control. Still in >> You're still in control. Still in >> You're still in control. Still in control. From the beginning, control. From the beginning, control. From the beginning, you know the ending. you know the ending. you know the ending. You hold the world in your hands. You hold the world in your hands. You hold the world in your hands. >> Good afternoon, church family. God bless >> Good afternoon, church family. God bless >> Good afternoon, church family. God bless you. Come on, let's worship together.

you. Come on, let's worship together. you. Come on, let's worship together. How great How great How great is our God. is our God. is our God. Sing with me. How great is our God. Sing with me. How great is our God. Sing with me. How great is our God. Oh, we'll see. How great, Oh, we'll see. How great, Oh, we'll see. How great, how great how great how great is our God. is our God. is our God. Come on, you know this one. How great, Come on, you know this one. How great, Come on, you know this one. How great, how great. Yes, God. how great. Yes, God. how great. Yes, God. Oh, sing with me. How great is our God. Oh, sing with me. How great is our God. Oh, sing with me. How great is our God. Oh, will see Oh, will see Oh, will see how great Yes, God how great Yes, God how great Yes, God is our God. is our God. is our God. Oh, come on, lift him up and say, "How Oh, come on, lift him up and say, "How Oh, come on, lift him up and say, "How great is our God." great is our God." great is our God." Sing with me. How great is our God. Sing with me. How great is our God. Sing with me. How great is our God. Oh, will we see how great Yes, God Oh, will we see how great Yes, God Oh, will we see how great Yes, God is our God.

is our God. is our God. Oh, Oh, Oh, you're the name above all names. You're you're the name above all names. You're you're the name above all names. You're the name Aha the name Aha the name Aha God. you worthy God. you worthy God. you worthy of and my heart will sing. and my heart will sing. Yes, God. How great is our God. Yes, God. How great is our God. Yes, God. How great is our God. Oh, Oh, Oh, your name above all names your name. your name above all names your name. your name above all names your name. Oh God, you worthy God. and my heart will sing. and my heart will sing. Oh, how great is that God? Oh, how great is that God? Oh, how great is that God? Let's do that again. Come on. You're the Let's do that again. Come on. You're the Let's do that again. Come on. You're the name above all things. Yes, God. name above all things. Yes, God. name above all things. Yes, God. God, you're worthy. And my heart will sing. And my heart will sing. Oh, how great is our God.

that sings my soul. Then sings my soul, that sings my soul. Then sings my soul, my save your power to be. Yes, God. How my save your power to be. Yes, God. How my save your power to be. Yes, God. How great, how great. great, how great. great, how great. Oh, how great, how great. Oh, how great, how great. Oh, how great, how great. Oh, that s my savior. my savior. Oh yes, God to thee. Oh yes, God to thee. Oh yes, God to thee. How great, how great thou are. Oh yeah. How great, how great thou are. Oh yeah. How great, how great thou are. Oh yeah. Come on, sing it to me. How great thou Come on, sing it to me. How great thou Come on, sing it to me. How great thou are. Oh, are. Oh, are. Oh, how great how great is our God. how great how great is our God. how great how great is our God. Ah, that's it. Oh, is our God Ah, that's it. Oh, is our God Ah, that's it. Oh, is our God on the sea. on the sea. on the sea. How great How great How great is our God? is our God? is our God? Oh yes, God. How great is our God?

Oh yes, God. How great is our God? Oh yes, God. How great is our God? You're the one true God. You're the one true God. You're the one true God. You're the one true God. You're the one true God. You're the one true God. And we bless your name. And we bless your name. And we bless your name. Oh, it's our God. it's our God. Oh, Oh, Oh, you're the name above all name you're the name above all name you're the name above all name of my Lord. God, you're worthy of your of my Lord. God, you're worthy of your of my Lord. God, you're worthy of your word. Aha. word. Aha. word. Aha. And my heart will sing. And my heart will sing. And my heart will sing. Oh yes. Yes, God. Oh, Oh yes. Yes, God. Oh, Oh yes. Yes, God. Oh, you're the L of And my heart will sing. Oh, And my heart will sing. Oh, it's our God. Oh, highway is our God. Highway is our Oh, highway is our God. Highway is our God.

God. God. Oh, yeah. Let me hear you sing it to Oh, yeah. Let me hear you sing it to Oh, yeah. Let me hear you sing it to him. him. him. Oh yes. Oh sing. Nobody like you, Jesus. Nobody like you, Nobody like you, Jesus. Nobody like you, God. Nobody loves your name. We give you God. Nobody loves your name. We give you God. Nobody loves your name. We give you the glory. God, you're so good. the glory. God, you're so good. the glory. God, you're so good. My soul bless you, Lord. My soul bless you, Lord. My soul bless you, Lord. How great, How great, How great, how great, how great, how great, how how great, how great, how great, how how great, how great, how great, how great great great is our God. Yes, God. Yes, God. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. I tell you, EVERY TIME I THINK ABOUT I tell you, EVERY TIME I THINK ABOUT I tell you, EVERY TIME I THINK ABOUT that thing, I just got to give him that thing, I just got to give him that thing, I just got to give him praise. Glory to God. He's been so good.

praise. Glory to God. He's been so good. praise. Glory to God. He's been so good. I said, he's been so good. I said, he's I said, he's been so good. I said, he's I said, he's been so good. I said, he's been so good. been so good. been so good. Hallelujah. EVERY TIME I THINK ABOUT IT. Hallelujah. EVERY TIME I THINK ABOUT IT. Hallelujah. EVERY TIME I THINK ABOUT IT. GLORY TO GOD. YES, JESUS. Come on. GLORY TO GOD. YES, JESUS. Come on. GLORY TO GOD. YES, JESUS. Come on. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Yes. Yes. Yes. Oh, Oh, Oh, yes. Lord, Lord, >> you're great. >> you're great. >> you're great. You're great. And you're greatly to be praised. And you're greatly to be praised. From the rising of the sun From the rising of the sun From the rising of the sun to the going down of the same, to the going down of the same, to the going down of the same, your name is worthy to be praised. your name is worthy to be praised. your name is worthy to be praised. We worship you. We praise you. We We worship you. We praise you. We We worship you. We praise you. We magnify your name.

Now we pray your power manifest itself Now we pray your power manifest itself as it has already. >> we thank you and we praise you in Jesus >> we thank you and we praise you in Jesus name. name. name. Amen. Amen. Amen. Hallelujah. I got one thing to say about all this. I got one thing to say about all this. >> Woo! >> Well, it's July. >> Well, it's July. >> Those of you who've been here for a >> Those of you who've been here for a >> Those of you who've been here for a while know what that means.

Not only is it hot out there, Not only is it hot out there, >> it's going to be hot in here. >> We have a dynamic and anointed >> We have a dynamic and anointed group of interns. I felt something emanating from them I felt something emanating from them from the moment I met them >> and it's proven itself in >> and it's proven itself in their presence on our campus. their presence on our campus. their presence on our campus. >> June they get to kind of observe >> I promise you, you will not be >> I promise you, you will not be disappointed today.

Reverend Miles Cutter, Reverend Miles Cutter, >> God has been with him in preparation. >> God has been with him in preparation. >> God has been with him in preparation. We pray that God will be with him the We pray that God will be with him the We pray that God will be with him the same in presentation. same in presentation. same in presentation. >> I know he's been with him in preparation >> I know he's been with him in preparation >> I know he's been with him in preparation cuz I've been alongside him cuz I've been alongside him cuz I've been alongside him >> shaking him out. >> shaking him out. >> shaking him out. >> Amen. Amen. >> Amen. Amen. >> Amen. Amen. >> So, we look forward to what God is going >> So, we look forward to what God is going >> So, we look forward to what God is going to do. Cover him in prayer to do. Cover him in prayer to do. Cover him in prayer >> as I present to you >> as I present to you >> as I present to you Reverend Miles Cutter. >> Amen. Amen. >> Amen. Amen. >> Well, good evening everybody. >> Well, good evening everybody. >> Well, good evening everybody. I am so so very excited to share with I am so so very excited to share with I am so so very excited to share with you all this afternoon. Um, giving honor you all this afternoon. Um, giving honor you all this afternoon. Um, giving honor to the almighty God. Uh, giving honor to to the almighty God. Uh, giving honor to to the almighty God. Uh, giving honor to our senior pastor doc Dr. Mark uh, our senior pastor doc Dr. Mark uh, our senior pastor doc Dr. Mark uh, Dr. Marcus D. Cosby. I don't want to Dr. Marcus D. Cosby. I don't want to Dr. Marcus D. Cosby. I don't want to mess that name up. That's an important mess that name up. That's an important mess that name up. That's an important name. Um, our executive pastor, Dr.

name. Um, our executive pastor, Dr. name. Um, our executive pastor, Dr. Alexander EM Johnson and our Passover Alexander EM Johnson and our Passover Alexander EM Johnson and our Passover Christian education, the great profound, great profound. I always try to call him great profound. I always try to call him doctor for some reason, but his name is doctor for some reason, but his name is doctor for some reason, but his name is Reverend um David Maurice Roberts, but I Reverend um David Maurice Roberts, but I Reverend um David Maurice Roberts, but I think the doctor thing is something that think the doctor thing is something that think the doctor thing is something that we'll see in the future we'll see in the future we'll see in the future >> by God's grace. >> by God's grace. >> by God's grace. >> So, as we approach today's text, let's >> So, as we approach today's text, let's >> So, as we approach today's text, let's first of all pray. All right. first of all pray. All right. first of all pray. All right. >> Good and gracious God, our father, the >> Good and gracious God, our father, the >> Good and gracious God, our father, the almighty one, we thank you for almighty one, we thank you for almighty one, we thank you for meeting us already in this service. God, meeting us already in this service. God, meeting us already in this service. God, we thank you for your grace and your we thank you for your grace and your we thank you for your grace and your love and your mercy that you met us when love and your mercy that you met us when love and your mercy that you met us when when we woke up this morning. Father, we when we woke up this morning. Father, we when we woke up this morning. Father, we now pray that you would just have your now pray that you would just have your now pray that you would just have your way in this service. Father, allow the way in this service. Father, allow the way in this service. Father, allow the words that's on this iPad, this this words that's on this iPad, this this words that's on this iPad, this this device that's merely device that's merely device that's merely just electric currents going around in just electric currents going around in just electric currents going around in my device. God, I pray that these words my device. God, I pray that these words my device. God, I pray that these words will become words of life by your power.

will become words of life by your power. will become words of life by your power. Father, Father, Father, >> I pray that you would speak and have >> I pray that you would speak and have >> I pray that you would speak and have thine own way. And we'll forever give thine own way. And we'll forever give thine own way. And we'll forever give you the glory, honor, and the praise. you the glory, honor, and the praise. you the glory, honor, and the praise. And it's in your son, Jesus name we And it's in your son, Jesus name we And it's in your son, Jesus name we pray. Amen. pray. Amen. pray. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. All right. So, today Amen. Amen. Amen. All right. So, today Amen. Amen. Amen. All right. So, today we're going to be coming from Mark, the we're going to be coming from Mark, the we're going to be coming from Mark, the Gospel of Mark, the 5th chapter, Gospel of Mark, the 5th chapter, Gospel of Mark, the 5th chapter, the 1st through the 20th verse. the 1st through the 20th verse. the 1st through the 20th verse. Gospel of Mark, 5th chapter, the 1st Gospel of Mark, 5th chapter, the 1st Gospel of Mark, 5th chapter, the 1st through the 20th verse. If I can get through the 20th verse. If I can get through the 20th verse. If I can get somebody to read verses 1 through 20, somebody to read verses 1 through 20, somebody to read verses 1 through 20, that would be amazing. that would be amazing. that would be amazing. My reader is My reader is My reader is >> we got our resident reader with us >> we got our resident reader with us >> we got our resident reader with us today. today. today. >> All right. >> All right. >> All right. >> In house. In house. Amen. >> In house. In house. Amen. >> In house. In house. Amen. >> Mark 5 1-20. >> Mark 5 1-20. >> Mark 5 1-20. >> From the New International Version. >> From the New International Version. >> From the New International Version. They went across the lake to the region They went across the lake to the region They went across the lake to the region of Jerus.

of Jerus. of Jerus. When Jesus got out of the boat, a man When Jesus got out of the boat, a man When Jesus got out of the boat, a man with an uncured spirit came from the with an uncured spirit came from the with an uncured spirit came from the tomb to meet him. This man lived in the tomb to meet him. This man lived in the tomb to meet him. This man lived in the tombs, and no one could bind him tombs, and no one could bind him tombs, and no one could bind him anymore, not even with a chain, for he anymore, not even with a chain, for he anymore, not even with a chain, for he had often been chained hand and foot, had often been chained hand and foot, had often been chained hand and foot, but he had tore the chains apart and but he had tore the chains apart and but he had tore the chains apart and broke the irons on his feet. No one was broke the irons on his feet. No one was broke the irons on his feet. No one was strong enough to subdue him. Night and strong enough to subdue him. Night and strong enough to subdue him. Night and day among the tombs and in the hills, he day among the tombs and in the hills, he day among the tombs and in the hills, he would cry out and cut himself with would cry out and cut himself with would cry out and cut himself with stones. When Jesus saw from a distance, stones. When Jesus saw from a distance, stones. When Jesus saw from a distance, he ran and fell up on his knees in front he ran and fell up on his knees in front he ran and fell up on his knees in front of him. He shouted at the top of his of him. He shouted at the top of his of him. He shouted at the top of his voice, "What do you want with me?" voice, "What do you want with me?" voice, "What do you want with me?" Jesus, son of the most high God, in Jesus, son of the most high God, in Jesus, son of the most high God, in God's name, don't torture me. God's name, don't torture me. God's name, don't torture me. >> For Jesus said to him, "Come out of this >> For Jesus said to him, "Come out of this >> For Jesus said to him, "Come out of this man, you you impure spirit." man, you you impure spirit." man, you you impure spirit." >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Then Jesus asked him, "What is your >> Then Jesus asked him, "What is your >> Then Jesus asked him, "What is your name?" My name is Legion, he replied, name?" My name is Legion, he replied, name?" My name is Legion, he replied, for we are many.

for we are many. for we are many. >> And he begged Jesus again and again not >> And he begged Jesus again and again not >> And he begged Jesus again and again not to send him out of the area. A large to send him out of the area. A large to send him out of the area. A large herd of pigs was feeding on the nearby herd of pigs was feeding on the nearby herd of pigs was feeding on the nearby hillside. The demons begged Jesus, "Send hillside. The demons begged Jesus, "Send hillside. The demons begged Jesus, "Send us among the pigs. Allow us to go with us among the pigs. Allow us to go with us among the pigs. Allow us to go with them." He gave them permission, and the them." He gave them permission, and the them." He gave them permission, and the imper spirits came out and went with the imper spirits came out and went with the imper spirits came out and went with the pigs. The herd about 2,000 in number pigs. The herd about 2,000 in number pigs. The herd about 2,000 in number rushed down to the steep bank in the rushed down to the steep bank in the rushed down to the steep bank in the lake and were drowned. lake and were drowned. lake and were drowned. >> Those tending the pigs ran off and >> Those tending the pigs ran off and >> Those tending the pigs ran off and reported this in the town and reported this in the town and reported this in the town and countryside. And the people went out to countryside. And the people went out to countryside. And the people went out to see what had happened. When they came to see what had happened. When they came to see what had happened. When they came to Jesus, they saw the man who had been Jesus, they saw the man who had been Jesus, they saw the man who had been possessed by the legion of demons possessed by the legion of demons possessed by the legion of demons sitting there dressed and in his right sitting there dressed and in his right sitting there dressed and in his right mind. mind. mind. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> And they were afraid. Those who had seen >> And they were afraid. Those who had seen >> And they were afraid. Those who had seen it told the people what had happened to it told the people what had happened to it told the people what had happened to the demonpossessed man and told about the demonpossessed man and told about the demonpossessed man and told about the pigs as well. the pigs as well. the pigs as well. >> Then the people began to plead with >> Then the people began to plead with >> Then the people began to plead with Jesus to leave their region. As Jesus Jesus to leave their region. As Jesus Jesus to leave their region. As Jesus was getting into the boat, the man who was getting into the boat, the man who was getting into the boat, the man who had been demonpossessed begged to go had been demonpossessed begged to go had been demonpossessed begged to go with him. Jesus did not let him, but with him. Jesus did not let him, but with him. Jesus did not let him, but said, "Go home to your own people and said, "Go home to your own people and said, "Go home to your own people and tell them how much the Lord has done for tell them how much the Lord has done for tell them how much the Lord has done for you and how he had mercy you and how he had mercy you and how he had mercy on you."

on you." on you." >> So the man went away and began to tell >> So the man went away and began to tell >> So the man went away and began to tell in the the capitalists how Jesus had in the the capitalists how Jesus had in the the capitalists how Jesus had done for him, how much Jesus had done done for him, how much Jesus had done done for him, how much Jesus had done for him. for him. for him. >> And all the people were amazed. >> And all the people were amazed. >> And all the people were amazed. >> Amen. All the people were amazed. >> Amen. All the people were amazed. >> Amen. All the people were amazed. Today I'm going to tag this these 20 Today I'm going to tag this these 20 Today I'm going to tag this these 20 verses with the subject or the title the verses with the subject or the title the verses with the subject or the title the miracle of deliverance. miracle of deliverance. miracle of deliverance. And as a subtitle, I'm going to also tag And as a subtitle, I'm going to also tag And as a subtitle, I'm going to also tag this text with the subtitle from unclean this text with the subtitle from unclean this text with the subtitle from unclean to clothe. to clothe. to clothe. >> Amen. From unclean to clothe. >> Amen. From unclean to clothe. >> Amen. From unclean to clothe. As I begin this lesson, I want to make As I begin this lesson, I want to make As I begin this lesson, I want to make clear a simple yet profound clear a simple yet profound clear a simple yet profound proclamation. proclamation. proclamation. >> We serve a real God. >> We serve a real God. >> We serve a real God. >> Amen. Does anybody know that we serve a >> Amen. Does anybody know that we serve a >> Amen. Does anybody know that we serve a real God? real God? real God? >> Amen. Yahweh, the King of Kings, the >> Amen. Yahweh, the King of Kings, the >> Amen. Yahweh, the King of Kings, the Lord of Lords, the sovereign ruler, the Lord of Lords, the sovereign ruler, the Lord of Lords, the sovereign ruler, the creator of the cosmos, is not a figment creator of the cosmos, is not a figment creator of the cosmos, is not a figment of our imaginations. No, but he is a of our imaginations. No, but he is a of our imaginations. No, but he is a real God.

real God. real God. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Not a fake god, not an idol or a god >> Not a fake god, not an idol or a god >> Not a fake god, not an idol or a god made of silver and gold, but a real God, made of silver and gold, but a real God, made of silver and gold, but a real God, >> the one true living God. Amen. >> the one true living God. Amen. >> the one true living God. Amen. >> However, despite this found fundament >> However, despite this found fundament >> However, despite this found fundament fundamental and foundational truth, this fundamental and foundational truth, this fundamental and foundational truth, this truth that serves as one of the pillars truth that serves as one of the pillars truth that serves as one of the pillars of our faith, the faith of everybody, of our faith, the faith of everybody, of our faith, the faith of everybody, mostly everybody who's sitting in this mostly everybody who's sitting in this mostly everybody who's sitting in this room, there is another fundamental room, there is another fundamental room, there is another fundamental truth. Y'all ready for that other truth. Y'all ready for that other truth. Y'all ready for that other fundamental truth? fundamental truth? fundamental truth? >> That other fundamental truth is we have >> That other fundamental truth is we have >> That other fundamental truth is we have a real enemy. a real enemy. a real enemy. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> We have a real God. Yes, we serve a real >> We have a real God. Yes, we serve a real >> We have a real God. Yes, we serve a real God. We serve a gracious and mighty God. We serve a gracious and mighty God. We serve a gracious and mighty everlasting God. But we cannot forget everlasting God. But we cannot forget everlasting God. But we cannot forget about the fact that we have a real about the fact that we have a real about the fact that we have a real enemy. enemy. enemy. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> This enemy doesn't want us to submit to >> This enemy doesn't want us to submit to >> This enemy doesn't want us to submit to the lordship of God. This enemy can be the lordship of God. This enemy can be the lordship of God. This enemy can be understood as the ruler of the kingdom understood as the ruler of the kingdom understood as the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at of the air, the spirit who is now at of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient as work in those who are disobedient as work in those who are disobedient as indicated in Ephesians 2:2. This enemy indicated in Ephesians 2:2. This enemy indicated in Ephesians 2:2. This enemy opposes the work of God and seeks to opposes the work of God and seeks to opposes the work of God and seeks to draw humanity away from his lordship.

draw humanity away from his lordship. draw humanity away from his lordship. Y'all following me? In Ephesians 6 Y'all following me? In Ephesians 6 Y'all following me? In Ephesians 6 and12, the Apostle Paul makes this and12, the Apostle Paul makes this and12, the Apostle Paul makes this reality clear when he says, "For our reality clear when he says, "For our reality clear when he says, "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, struggle is not against flesh and blood, struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the but against the rulers, against the but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this authorities, against the powers of this authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual dark world and against the spiritual dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." forces of evil in the heavenly realms." forces of evil in the heavenly realms." >> I like the translation that says >> I like the translation that says >> I like the translation that says spiritual wickedness in high places. spiritual wickedness in high places. spiritual wickedness in high places. Amen. Amen. So you and I, all of us, Amen. Amen. So you and I, all of us, Amen. Amen. So you and I, all of us, everybody in this room, everybody in this room, everybody in this room, >> we believe that God is real and we >> we believe that God is real and we >> we believe that God is real and we believe that God has called us into believe that God has called us into believe that God has called us into relationship and communion with him. relationship and communion with him. relationship and communion with him. >> But we do have a real enemy. >> But we do have a real enemy. >> But we do have a real enemy. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> However, the good news is that our real >> However, the good news is that our real >> However, the good news is that our real God is greater than any real force of God is greater than any real force of God is greater than any real force of evil. evil. evil. >> Amen. I'll prove it to you. Let's turn >> Amen. I'll prove it to you. Let's turn >> Amen. I'll prove it to you. Let's turn our attention back to the gospel account our attention back to the gospel account our attention back to the gospel account written by Mark. This gospel written by written by Mark. This gospel written by written by Mark. This gospel written by Mark is the tightest and most concise Mark is the tightest and most concise Mark is the tightest and most concise gospel account in the Christian New gospel account in the Christian New gospel account in the Christian New Testament. And it emphasizes Jesus's Testament. And it emphasizes Jesus's Testament. And it emphasizes Jesus's miraculous power. The pacing is really miraculous power. The pacing is really miraculous power. The pacing is really quick. We move from story to story, quick. We move from story to story, quick. We move from story to story, miracle to miracle, and the narrative miracle to miracle, and the narrative miracle to miracle, and the narrative even begins abruptly, throwing readers even begins abruptly, throwing readers even begins abruptly, throwing readers head first into the action within the head first into the action within the head first into the action within the first 20 seconds.

first 20 seconds. first 20 seconds. >> Leading up to the fifth chapter of Mark, >> Leading up to the fifth chapter of Mark, >> Leading up to the fifth chapter of Mark, though, which we'll be learning from though, which we'll be learning from though, which we'll be learning from today, something becomes very clear today, something becomes very clear today, something becomes very clear which I think we must take note of which I think we must take note of which I think we must take note of before we jump into the story of the before we jump into the story of the before we jump into the story of the Jerosene demoniac. Jerosene demoniac. Jerosene demoniac. And this established point is this. And this established point is this. And this established point is this. Jesus has all power and authority over Jesus has all power and authority over Jesus has all power and authority over forces of evil and chaos. forces of evil and chaos. forces of evil and chaos. Amen. Jesus, Jesus Christ, the son of Amen. Jesus, Jesus Christ, the son of Amen. Jesus, Jesus Christ, the son of God, has all power and authority over God, has all power and authority over God, has all power and authority over forces of evil and chaos. forces of evil and chaos. forces of evil and chaos. >> This is demonstrated to us in two >> This is demonstrated to us in two >> This is demonstrated to us in two passages leading up to Mark 5. The first passages leading up to Mark 5. The first passages leading up to Mark 5. The first is Mark 3:22- 22- 27. And the second is is Mark 3:22- 22- 27. And the second is is Mark 3:22- 22- 27. And the second is Mark 4:35-39 Mark 4:35-39 Mark 4:35-39 when Jesus calms the storm. when Jesus calms the storm. when Jesus calms the storm. >> I'm going to read Mark 3:22-27. >> I'm going to read Mark 3:22-27. >> I'm going to read Mark 3:22-27. And I'm going to have somebody else read And I'm going to have somebody else read And I'm going to have somebody else read Mark 4:35-39. So start thinking in your Mark 4:35-39. So start thinking in your Mark 4:35-39. So start thinking in your head, am I going to get up? Am I going head, am I going to get up? Am I going head, am I going to get up? Am I going to stay down? Like just think about to stay down? Like just think about to stay down? Like just think about that. So Mark 3:22-27 that. So Mark 3:22-27 that. So Mark 3:22-27 reads like this from the New reads like this from the New reads like this from the New International Version. And the teachers International Version. And the teachers International Version. And the teachers of the law who came down from Jerusalem of the law who came down from Jerusalem of the law who came down from Jerusalem said, "He is possessed by Beelible, by said, "He is possessed by Beelible, by said, "He is possessed by Beelible, by the prince of demons. He is driving out the prince of demons. He is driving out the prince of demons. He is driving out demons." So Jesus called them over to demons." So Jesus called them over to demons." So Jesus called them over to him and began to speak to them in him and began to speak to them in him and began to speak to them in parables. How can Satan drive out Satan?

parables. How can Satan drive out Satan? parables. How can Satan drive out Satan? If a kingdom is divided against itself, If a kingdom is divided against itself, If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. If a house is that kingdom cannot stand. If a house is that kingdom cannot stand. If a house is divided against itself, that house divided against itself, that house divided against itself, that house cannot stand. That's right. cannot stand. That's right. cannot stand. That's right. >> And if Satan opposes himself and is >> And if Satan opposes himself and is >> And if Satan opposes himself and is divided, he cannot stand. divided, he cannot stand. divided, he cannot stand. >> His end has come. In fact, no one can >> His end has come. In fact, no one can >> His end has come. In fact, no one can enter a strong man's house without first enter a strong man's house without first enter a strong man's house without first tying him up. Then he can plunder the tying him up. Then he can plunder the tying him up. Then he can plunder the strong man's house. What is this passage strong man's house. What is this passage strong man's house. What is this passage showing us? In short, this passage showing us? In short, this passage showing us? In short, this passage demonstrates to us that the forces of demonstrates to us that the forces of demonstrates to us that the forces of evil are no match for the power of Jesus evil are no match for the power of Jesus evil are no match for the power of Jesus Christ. Christ. Christ. >> Amen. The force of Yahweh outweighs the >> Amen. The force of Yahweh outweighs the >> Amen. The force of Yahweh outweighs the forces of Satan. forces of Satan. forces of Satan. >> Jesus is stronger. In this passage, >> Jesus is stronger. In this passage, >> Jesus is stronger. In this passage, Jesus's enemies, the teacher teachers of Jesus's enemies, the teacher teachers of Jesus's enemies, the teacher teachers of the law, likely the Pharisees, accuse the law, likely the Pharisees, accuse the law, likely the Pharisees, accuse him, accuse Jesus now, of casting out him, accuse Jesus now, of casting out him, accuse Jesus now, of casting out demons by the power of demons demons by the power of demons demons by the power of demons themselves. themselves. themselves. That don't make no sense. In response, That don't make no sense. In response, That don't make no sense. In response, Jesus argues that this claim is Jesus argues that this claim is Jesus argues that this claim is illogical. It makes absolutely illogical. It makes absolutely illogical. It makes absolutely positively zero sense. A kingdom divided positively zero sense. A kingdom divided positively zero sense. A kingdom divided against itself cannot stand. Demonic against itself cannot stand. Demonic against itself cannot stand. Demonic forces cannot maintain their rule and forces cannot maintain their rule and forces cannot maintain their rule and dominion over people in the earth realm dominion over people in the earth realm dominion over people in the earth realm if they are working against one another.

if they are working against one another. if they are working against one another. Uh-huh. Uh-huh. Uh-huh. >> Instead, Jesus explains that someone >> Instead, Jesus explains that someone >> Instead, Jesus explains that someone some someone stronger than the strong some someone stronger than the strong some someone stronger than the strong man, only someone stronger than this man, only someone stronger than this man, only someone stronger than this strong man can overpower the strong man, strong man can overpower the strong man, strong man can overpower the strong man, bind the strong man, and plunder the bind the strong man, and plunder the bind the strong man, and plunder the strong man's house. In other words, only strong man's house. In other words, only strong man's house. In other words, only one who is greater than the forces of one who is greater than the forces of one who is greater than the forces of evil can break their hold over those evil can break their hold over those evil can break their hold over those they oppress. they oppress. they oppress. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> I'm going to do a quick little >> I'm going to do a quick little >> I'm going to do a quick little illustration. I compare this to the NBA illustration. I compare this to the NBA illustration. I compare this to the NBA finals that we saw this this this past a finals that we saw this this this past a finals that we saw this this this past a couple weeks ago, this past month. Um, couple weeks ago, this past month. Um, couple weeks ago, this past month. Um, the San They say watch it. All right, the San They say watch it. All right, the San They say watch it. All right, I'm going to tear it lightly. I'm going to tear it lightly. I'm going to tear it lightly. >> The San Antonio Spurs, they were an >> The San Antonio Spurs, they were an >> The San Antonio Spurs, they were an immensely talented squad. You got to say immensely talented squad. You got to say immensely talented squad. You got to say it like they were a really good young it like they were a really good young it like they were a really good young team. team. team. >> They were all unified. They all had the >> They were all unified. They all had the >> They were all unified. They all had the similar goal, everybody on that team, of similar goal, everybody on that team, of similar goal, everybody on that team, of winning what? The NBA finals. winning what? The NBA finals. winning what? The NBA finals. >> Right. >> Right. >> Right. >> All right. Even Victor Winyaba, he spoke >> All right. Even Victor Winyaba, he spoke >> All right. Even Victor Winyaba, he spoke on behalf of the team when they were on behalf of the team when they were on behalf of the team when they were down 3-1 in the NBA Finals. He said down 3-1 in the NBA Finals. He said down 3-1 in the NBA Finals. He said whenever asked if they could come back, whenever asked if they could come back, whenever asked if they could come back, he said, "Everybody knows we're going to he said, "Everybody knows we're going to he said, "Everybody knows we're going to do it." In reference to them winning the do it." In reference to them winning the do it." In reference to them winning the NBA Finals, coming back from 3-1 when NBA Finals, coming back from 3-1 when NBA Finals, coming back from 3-1 when asked if the team could come back, they asked if the team could come back, they asked if the team could come back, they were unified. They were not divided. And were unified. They were not divided. And were unified. They were not divided. And they had one goal to win it all.

they had one goal to win it all. they had one goal to win it all. However, despite this unified However, despite this unified However, despite this unified one goal that they all had, Jaylen one goal that they all had, Jaylen one goal that they all had, Jaylen Brunson and the New York Knicks were Brunson and the New York Knicks were Brunson and the New York Knicks were still able to plunder them of that goal still able to plunder them of that goal still able to plunder them of that goal and go on and win the NBA Finals. Now, I and go on and win the NBA Finals. Now, I and go on and win the NBA Finals. Now, I have a quick question for y'all. Was have a quick question for y'all. Was have a quick question for y'all. Was Jaylen Brunson a member of the San Jaylen Brunson a member of the San Jaylen Brunson a member of the San Antonio Spurs? Antonio Spurs? Antonio Spurs? >> Was Jaylen Brunson on the in the front >> Was Jaylen Brunson on the in the front >> Was Jaylen Brunson on the in the front office of the San Antonio Spurs? So that office of the San Antonio Spurs? So that office of the San Antonio Spurs? So that shows us that Jaylen Brunson and this shows us that Jaylen Brunson and this shows us that Jaylen Brunson and this team, the New York Knicks, were the team, the New York Knicks, were the team, the New York Knicks, were the stronger team able to overcome the San stronger team able to overcome the San stronger team able to overcome the San Antonio Spurs and their goal to win it Antonio Spurs and their goal to win it Antonio Spurs and their goal to win it all in the NBA Finals. Just like that all in the NBA Finals. Just like that all in the NBA Finals. Just like that with the Knicks and the SP Spurs, Jesus with the Knicks and the SP Spurs, Jesus with the Knicks and the SP Spurs, Jesus doesn't drive out Satan with Satan's doesn't drive out Satan with Satan's doesn't drive out Satan with Satan's power. Jesus doesn't drive out Satan power. Jesus doesn't drive out Satan power. Jesus doesn't drive out Satan with any earthly power. You and I cannot with any earthly power. You and I cannot with any earthly power. You and I cannot drive out Satan with any earthly power. drive out Satan with any earthly power. drive out Satan with any earthly power. We need the strong man, Jesus Christ, We need the strong man, Jesus Christ, We need the strong man, Jesus Christ, who is stronger than every demonic who is stronger than every demonic who is stronger than every demonic force, every power of darkness, and force, every power of darkness, and force, every power of darkness, and every work of evil to drive out Satan.

every work of evil to drive out Satan. every work of evil to drive out Satan. Amen. Amen. Amen. >> So Jesus has all power and all authority >> So Jesus has all power and all authority >> So Jesus has all power and all authority over forces of evil and chaos. That's over forces of evil and chaos. That's over forces of evil and chaos. That's right. That's right. right. That's right. right. That's right. >> And Jesus's power and authority are >> And Jesus's power and authority are >> And Jesus's power and authority are displayed in the passage directly displayed in the passage directly displayed in the passage directly leading up to Mark 5 and Mark 4 where leading up to Mark 5 and Mark 4 where leading up to Mark 5 and Mark 4 where with a still small voice Jesus calms the with a still small voice Jesus calms the with a still small voice Jesus calms the wind and the waves of a storm while the wind and the waves of a storm while the wind and the waves of a storm while the disciples are at sea. Does anybody want disciples are at sea. Does anybody want disciples are at sea. Does anybody want to read for me Mark 4:35-39? to read for me Mark 4:35-39? to read for me Mark 4:35-39? Mark 4:35-39. I gave y'all about five Mark 4:35-39. I gave y'all about five Mark 4:35-39. I gave y'all about five minutes now to decide this. I'm just minutes now to decide this. I'm just minutes now to decide this. I'm just playing. Mark 4:35-39. playing. Mark 4:35-39. playing. Mark 4:35-39. We have a read over. Thank you. Thank We have a read over. Thank you. Thank We have a read over. Thank you. Thank you, sir. you, sir. you, sir. >> That day when evening came, he said to >> That day when evening came, he said to >> That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, "Let us go over to the his disciples, "Let us go over to the his disciples, "Let us go over to the other side." Leaving the crowd behind, other side." Leaving the crowd behind, other side." Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along just as he was in they took him along just as he was in they took him along just as he was in the boat. There were also other boats the boat. There were also other boats the boat. There were also other boats with them. A furious squall came up and with them. A furious squall came up and with them. A furious squall came up and the waves broke over the boat so that it the waves broke over the boat so that it the waves broke over the boat so that it was nearly swamped. Jesus was in the was nearly swamped. Jesus was in the was nearly swamped. Jesus was in the stern sleeping on a cushion.

stern sleeping on a cushion. stern sleeping on a cushion. >> The disciples woke him and said to him, >> The disciples woke him and said to him, >> The disciples woke him and said to him, "Teacher, don't you care if we drown?" "Teacher, don't you care if we drown?" "Teacher, don't you care if we drown?" >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> He got up, rebuked the wind, and said to >> He got up, rebuked the wind, and said to >> He got up, rebuked the wind, and said to the waves, "Quiet! the waves, "Quiet! the waves, "Quiet! Be still." Be still." Be still." Then the wind died down and it was Then the wind died down and it was Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. completely calm. completely calm. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Jesus has all power and authority over >> Jesus has all power and authority over >> Jesus has all power and authority over forces of evil and chaos. forces of evil and chaos. forces of evil and chaos. >> So now we can approach Mark 5 1-20 with >> So now we can approach Mark 5 1-20 with >> So now we can approach Mark 5 1-20 with a clear understanding of the power he a clear understanding of the power he a clear understanding of the power he confronts and ultimately overcomes in confronts and ultimately overcomes in confronts and ultimately overcomes in this passage. So for our purposes, we'll this passage. So for our purposes, we'll this passage. So for our purposes, we'll point out three primary elements in this point out three primary elements in this point out three primary elements in this text. And those are the chaos, evil, and text. And those are the chaos, evil, and text. And those are the chaos, evil, and impurity or uncleanliness that the impurity or uncleanliness that the impurity or uncleanliness that the demoniac represents. The authority that demoniac represents. The authority that demoniac represents. The authority that Jesus displays over chaos, evil, and Jesus displays over chaos, evil, and Jesus displays over chaos, evil, and impurity. And Jesus restores what was impurity. And Jesus restores what was impurity. And Jesus restores what was once considered chaotic, impure, and once considered chaotic, impure, and once considered chaotic, impure, and unclean. I'm going say it one more time. unclean. I'm going say it one more time. unclean. I'm going say it one more time. The three things we're going to point The three things we're going to point The three things we're going to point out in this text are the fact that the out in this text are the fact that the out in this text are the fact that the chaos, evil, and impurity and chaos, evil, and impurity and chaos, evil, and impurity and uncleanliness that the demoniac uncleanliness that the demoniac uncleanliness that the demoniac represents, the authority that Jesus represents, the authority that Jesus represents, the authority that Jesus displays over chaos, evil, and impurity, displays over chaos, evil, and impurity, displays over chaos, evil, and impurity, and lastly, the fact that Jesus restores and lastly, the fact that Jesus restores and lastly, the fact that Jesus restores what was considered chaotic, impure, and what was considered chaotic, impure, and what was considered chaotic, impure, and unclean. So, let's begin with the first unclean. So, let's begin with the first unclean. So, let's begin with the first point, the chaos, evil, and impurity or point, the chaos, evil, and impurity or point, the chaos, evil, and impurity or uncleanliness that the demoniac uncleanliness that the demoniac uncleanliness that the demoniac represents.

represents. represents. So to the first century Jew who read So to the first century Jew who read So to the first century Jew who read this text in Mark 5, especially in Mark this text in Mark 5, especially in Mark this text in Mark 5, especially in Mark 5 1-10, if they lived in this world, if 5 1-10, if they lived in this world, if 5 1-10, if they lived in this world, if a Jewish person in the first century a Jewish person in the first century a Jewish person in the first century lived in this world, everything was lived in this world, everything was lived in this world, everything was structured around the binary of purity structured around the binary of purity structured around the binary of purity and impurity or cleanliness and and impurity or cleanliness and and impurity or cleanliness and uncleanliness. So when I say purity, you uncleanliness. So when I say purity, you uncleanliness. So when I say purity, you think clean, cleanliness. When I say think clean, cleanliness. When I say think clean, cleanliness. When I say impurity, you think unclean or impurity, you think unclean or impurity, you think unclean or uncleanliness, right? uncleanliness, right? uncleanliness, right? This understanding and framing of the This understanding and framing of the This understanding and framing of the world was of the utmost importance world was of the utmost importance world was of the utmost importance because this is the very basis of how a because this is the very basis of how a because this is the very basis of how a Jewish person in the first century and Jewish person in the first century and Jewish person in the first century and every in all the years leading up to every in all the years leading up to every in all the years leading up to that interacted with the world and their that interacted with the world and their that interacted with the world and their spaces of worship. And this had spaces of worship. And this had spaces of worship. And this had everything to do with how they everything to do with how they everything to do with how they interacted with these spaces. So being interacted with these spaces. So being interacted with these spaces. So being ceremonially unclean or impure and ceremonially unclean or impure and ceremonially unclean or impure and entering holy spaces typically had entering holy spaces typically had entering holy spaces typically had extremely strict consequences. If you extremely strict consequences. If you extremely strict consequences. If you read your Old Testament before, you know read your Old Testament before, you know read your Old Testament before, you know that if you were unclean and that if you were unclean and that if you were unclean and deliberately disregarded the rules put deliberately disregarded the rules put deliberately disregarded the rules put into place to ensure your purity or your into place to ensure your purity or your into place to ensure your purity or your cleanliness when entering holy spaces, cleanliness when entering holy spaces, cleanliness when entering holy spaces, you would typically die instantly.

you would typically die instantly. you would typically die instantly. Because a holy God didn't like Because a holy God didn't like Because a holy God didn't like uncleanliness or impurity coming into uncleanliness or impurity coming into uncleanliness or impurity coming into his holy place. To maintain cleanliness, his holy place. To maintain cleanliness, his holy place. To maintain cleanliness, you either had to avoid specific you either had to avoid specific you either had to avoid specific activities, locations, or if you were activities, locations, or if you were activities, locations, or if you were unclean, took the necessary steps to unclean, took the necessary steps to unclean, took the necessary steps to become pure before reentering God's become pure before reentering God's become pure before reentering God's presence. Y'all following me? presence. Y'all following me? presence. Y'all following me? >> All right. So, for instance, one way you >> All right. So, for instance, one way you >> All right. So, for instance, one way you could become impure or unclean is by could become impure or unclean is by could become impure or unclean is by touching a dead body, touching a dead body, touching a dead body, right? It wasn't a sin. Now, make sure right? It wasn't a sin. Now, make sure right? It wasn't a sin. Now, make sure you know, it was not a sin to touch a you know, it was not a sin to touch a you know, it was not a sin to touch a dead body. It wasn't a sin to be dead body. It wasn't a sin to be dead body. It wasn't a sin to be ceremonially unclean or impure. You had ceremonially unclean or impure. You had ceremonially unclean or impure. You had you you could have been a funeral you you could have been a funeral you you could have been a funeral director um back in the first century director um back in the first century director um back in the first century Jewish days or the years leading up to Jewish days or the years leading up to Jewish days or the years leading up to that and you wouldn't have had to, you that and you wouldn't have had to, you that and you wouldn't have had to, you know, it wouldn't have been a sin issue. know, it wouldn't have been a sin issue. know, it wouldn't have been a sin issue. You just would have had to, you know, You just would have had to, you know, You just would have had to, you know, take the necessary measures to clean take the necessary measures to clean take the necessary measures to clean yourself up after touching those dead yourself up after touching those dead yourself up after touching those dead bodies that you were working with. bodies that you were working with. bodies that you were working with. Numbers 19 demonstrates the importance Numbers 19 demonstrates the importance Numbers 19 demonstrates the importance of purity and the measures taken to of purity and the measures taken to of purity and the measures taken to ensure purity. I'm going to read it ensure purity. I'm going to read it ensure purity. I'm going to read it really quickly. Whoever touches a human really quickly. Whoever touches a human really quickly. Whoever touches a human corpse will be unclean for seven days.

corpse will be unclean for seven days. corpse will be unclean for seven days. They must purify themselves with water They must purify themselves with water They must purify themselves with water on the third day, and on the seventh on the third day, and on the seventh on the third day, and on the seventh day, then they will be clean. But if day, then they will be clean. But if day, then they will be clean. But if they do not purify themselves on the they do not purify themselves on the they do not purify themselves on the third and seventh days, they will not be third and seventh days, they will not be third and seventh days, they will not be clean. If they fail to purify themselves clean. If they fail to purify themselves clean. If they fail to purify themselves after touching a human corpse, they after touching a human corpse, they after touching a human corpse, they defile the Lord's tabernacle. They must defile the Lord's tabernacle. They must defile the Lord's tabernacle. They must be cut off from Israel because the water be cut off from Israel because the water be cut off from Israel because the water of cleansing has not been sprinkled on of cleansing has not been sprinkled on of cleansing has not been sprinkled on them. They are unclean. Their them. They are unclean. Their them. They are unclean. Their uncleanliness remains on them. So here uncleanliness remains on them. So here uncleanliness remains on them. So here we see the uncleanliness of touching a we see the uncleanliness of touching a we see the uncleanliness of touching a human corpse. That process must be human corpse. That process must be human corpse. That process must be followed up with cleaning yourself of followed up with cleaning yourself of followed up with cleaning yourself of the human corpse or you will deal with the human corpse or you will deal with the human corpse or you will deal with all the consequences that come with all the consequences that come with all the consequences that come with being unclean. So why is all this being unclean. So why is all this being unclean. So why is all this important? Why did I just spend the past important? Why did I just spend the past important? Why did I just spend the past three minutes explaining all of that? three minutes explaining all of that? three minutes explaining all of that? Well, when Jesus crosses uh the lake Well, when Jesus crosses uh the lake Well, when Jesus crosses uh the lake going into the Jewish region of Galilee going into the Jewish region of Galilee going into the Jewish region of Galilee to from going from the Jewish region of to from going from the Jewish region of to from going from the Jewish region of Galilee to the Gentile region of the Galilee to the Gentile region of the Galilee to the Gentile region of the Jerosines, he's not only encountering an Jerosines, he's not only encountering an Jerosines, he's not only encountering an unclean man, but he's coming into unclean man, but he's coming into unclean man, but he's coming into unclean territory.

unclean territory. unclean territory. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Everything in this text points to the >> Everything in this text points to the >> Everything in this text points to the impurity or uncleanliness that Jesus is impurity or uncleanliness that Jesus is impurity or uncleanliness that Jesus is coming into contact with by crossing coming into contact with by crossing coming into contact with by crossing this lake. this lake. this lake. So number one, the first thing that's So number one, the first thing that's So number one, the first thing that's unclean in this territory is the fact unclean in this territory is the fact unclean in this territory is the fact that the demoniac lives in the tombs. that the demoniac lives in the tombs. that the demoniac lives in the tombs. >> We've already seen by my earlier >> We've already seen by my earlier >> We've already seen by my earlier explanation and in numbers 19 that this explanation and in numbers 19 that this explanation and in numbers 19 that this man's dwelling in the tombs classified man's dwelling in the tombs classified man's dwelling in the tombs classified him as being impure or unclean. him as being impure or unclean. him as being impure or unclean. Number two, the man who lives in the Number two, the man who lives in the Number two, the man who lives in the tombs li has an impure spirit or an tombs li has an impure spirit or an tombs li has an impure spirit or an unclean spirit. So we got him living in unclean spirit. So we got him living in unclean spirit. So we got him living in the tombs. He's unclean and he has an the tombs. He's unclean and he has an the tombs. He's unclean and he has an unclean spirit dwelling within him. So, unclean spirit dwelling within him. So, unclean spirit dwelling within him. So, not only is he in an impure location, not only is he in an impure location, not only is he in an impure location, but he's in he has an impure spirit but he's in he has an impure spirit but he's in he has an impure spirit living in him. That's two things making living in him. That's two things making living in him. That's two things making him unclean or impure. Two red flags as him unclean or impure. Two red flags as him unclean or impure. Two red flags as people my age would say it. Red flags. people my age would say it. Red flags. people my age would say it. Red flags. Two of them. Number three, the third red Two of them. Number three, the third red Two of them. Number three, the third red flag is this. This graveyard is flag is this. This graveyard is flag is this. This graveyard is supposedly in the region of the supposedly in the region of the supposedly in the region of the Jerosines.

Jerosines. Jerosines. Now textual variants suggest that this Now textual variants suggest that this Now textual variants suggest that this event actually took place in a town not event actually took place in a town not event actually took place in a town not too far from Jerasa called Geressa. But too far from Jerasa called Geressa. But too far from Jerasa called Geressa. But whether it was Jerusa, Gargesa, or your whether it was Jerusa, Gargesa, or your whether it was Jerusa, Gargesa, or your best guess of um this indicates to us best guess of um this indicates to us best guess of um this indicates to us that the region Jesus is coming into is that the region Jesus is coming into is that the region Jesus is coming into is Gentile territory, right? Is Gentile Gentile territory, right? Is Gentile Gentile territory, right? Is Gentile territory, non-Jew territory. Why does territory, non-Jew territory. Why does territory, non-Jew territory. Why does that matter? It matters because Gentiles that matter? It matters because Gentiles that matter? It matters because Gentiles too could have been considered impure or too could have been considered impure or too could have been considered impure or unclean people. unclean people. unclean people. Not simply because of their moral Not simply because of their moral Not simply because of their moral practices, but because their daily practices, but because their daily practices, but because their daily activities potentially consisted of activities potentially consisted of activities potentially consisted of dealing with impure things. And because dealing with impure things. And because dealing with impure things. And because they weren't adherence to the Levitical they weren't adherence to the Levitical they weren't adherence to the Levitical law, they could have come in contact law, they could have come in contact law, they could have come in contact with the unclean things without taking with the unclean things without taking with the unclean things without taking the steps of purification needed and the steps of purification needed and the steps of purification needed and cleaning themselves thereafter. So it cleaning themselves thereafter. So it cleaning themselves thereafter. So it may have been nothing for a gentile may have been nothing for a gentile may have been nothing for a gentile funeral director to touch a dead body funeral director to touch a dead body funeral director to touch a dead body one day and go into the temple the next one day and go into the temple the next one day and go into the temple the next day. But for Jewish people that was not day. But for Jewish people that was not day. But for Jewish people that was not allowed. Therefore to be in gentile allowed. Therefore to be in gentile allowed. Therefore to be in gentile territory was potentially to be among territory was potentially to be among territory was potentially to be among those who were unclean people. And this those who were unclean people. And this those who were unclean people. And this territory was seen as an unclean region.

territory was seen as an unclean region. territory was seen as an unclean region. So a lot of red flags are being thrown So a lot of red flags are being thrown So a lot of red flags are being thrown here. I said first of all it's an impure here. I said first of all it's an impure here. I said first of all it's an impure man with impure spirit. He's dwelling in man with impure spirit. He's dwelling in man with impure spirit. He's dwelling in the tombs. He's in Gentile territory. the tombs. He's in Gentile territory. the tombs. He's in Gentile territory. But I I forgot one thing. One thing that But I I forgot one thing. One thing that But I I forgot one thing. One thing that I missed. And the one thing is that I missed. And the one thing is that I missed. And the one thing is that there are pigs nearby. Bacon, sausage. Bacon, sausage. >> Amen. There are pigs not too far from >> Amen. There are pigs not too far from >> Amen. There are pigs not too far from where the graveyard is. where the graveyard is. where the graveyard is. As the text suggests later on in their p As the text suggests later on in their p As the text suggests later on in their p in this passage, there is a herd of pigs in this passage, there is a herd of pigs in this passage, there is a herd of pigs in the gentile city. You heard it in the gentile city. You heard it in the gentile city. You heard it earlier when it was read by our resident earlier when it was read by our resident earlier when it was read by our resident reader. And this is worth noting because reader. And this is worth noting because reader. And this is worth noting because not only living in the tombs made him not only living in the tombs made him not only living in the tombs made him impure, not only being in Gentile impure, not only being in Gentile impure, not only being in Gentile territory made the territory impure, not territory made the territory impure, not territory made the territory impure, not only did he have an impure spirit, but only did he have an impure spirit, but only did he have an impure spirit, but he is near impure animals. Amen. Cuz to he is near impure animals. Amen. Cuz to he is near impure animals. Amen. Cuz to the first century Jew and to the Jews the first century Jew and to the Jews the first century Jew and to the Jews leading up to that point, they did not leading up to that point, they did not leading up to that point, they did not rock with pigs. rock with pigs. rock with pigs. >> We do rock with pigs as black people. >> We do rock with pigs as black people. >> We do rock with pigs as black people. Amen. Amen. So Deuteronomy 14:8 says Amen. Amen. So Deuteronomy 14:8 says Amen. Amen. So Deuteronomy 14:8 says this, this, this, it says this in Deuteronomy, the pig is it says this in Deuteronomy, the pig is it says this in Deuteronomy, the pig is also unclean. Although it has a divided also unclean. Although it has a divided also unclean. Although it has a divided hoof, it does not chew the cud. You are hoof, it does not chew the cud. You are hoof, it does not chew the cud. You are not to eat their meat or to touch their not to eat their meat or to touch their not to eat their meat or to touch their carcasses. So this demoniac is an impure carcasses. So this demoniac is an impure carcasses. So this demoniac is an impure unclean territory. He we already said unclean territory. He we already said unclean territory. He we already said the four characteristics of this the four characteristics of this the four characteristics of this territory that point to it being, you territory that point to it being, you territory that point to it being, you know, impure and unclean. But this man know, impure and unclean. But this man know, impure and unclean. But this man still approached Jesus.

still approached Jesus. still approached Jesus. >> Not only was this demoniac approaching >> Not only was this demoniac approaching >> Not only was this demoniac approaching Jesus in this impure territory, a Jesus in this impure territory, a Jesus in this impure territory, a representition of a representation of representition of a representation of representition of a representation of impurity and uncleanliness, but he's impurity and uncleanliness, but he's impurity and uncleanliness, but he's also the uh embodiment of chaos. So, I also the uh embodiment of chaos. So, I also the uh embodiment of chaos. So, I just pointed to all the things that made just pointed to all the things that made just pointed to all the things that made him impure, the demoniac impure. But him impure, the demoniac impure. But him impure, the demoniac impure. But there's also some elements that point to there's also some elements that point to there's also some elements that point to him being uh subject to chaos. Mark uh 5 him being uh subject to chaos. Mark uh 5 him being uh subject to chaos. Mark uh 5 3-5 says this, "This man lived in the 3-5 says this, "This man lived in the 3-5 says this, "This man lived in the tombs, and no one could bind him tombs, and no one could bind him tombs, and no one could bind him anymore, not even with a chain, for he anymore, not even with a chain, for he anymore, not even with a chain, for he had often been chained hand and foot, had often been chained hand and foot, had often been chained hand and foot, but he tore the chains apart and broke but he tore the chains apart and broke but he tore the chains apart and broke the irons on his feet. No one was strong the irons on his feet. No one was strong the irons on his feet. No one was strong enough to subdue him. Night and day enough to subdue him. Night and day enough to subdue him. Night and day among the tombs, and in the hills, he among the tombs, and in the hills, he among the tombs, and in the hills, he would cry out and cut himself with would cry out and cut himself with would cry out and cut himself with stones." stones." stones." This deep and detailed description of This deep and detailed description of This deep and detailed description of the demoniac evokes an image of one made the demoniac evokes an image of one made the demoniac evokes an image of one made in the image of God but no longer in the image of God but no longer in the image of God but no longer resembling that image. resembling that image. resembling that image. He is depicted in this text as a beast. He is depicted in this text as a beast. He is depicted in this text as a beast. So he's impure but he's also dealing So he's impure but he's also dealing So he's impure but he's also dealing with internal chaos. They say in the with internal chaos. They say in the with internal chaos. They say in the text that no one was strong enough to text that no one was strong enough to text that no one was strong enough to subdue him. Amen. This word subdue subdue him. Amen. This word subdue subdue him. Amen. This word subdue rendered in the new international rendered in the new international rendered in the new international version of subdue it as subdue is version of subdue it as subdue is version of subdue it as subdue is rendered in the Greek as the word dam.

rendered in the Greek as the word dam. rendered in the Greek as the word dam. Somebody say Somebody say Somebody say >> all right which comes from the root word >> all right which comes from the root word >> all right which comes from the root word deadzo. This word means to tame or to deadzo. This word means to tame or to deadzo. This word means to tame or to bring under control. And the word was bring under control. And the word was bring under control. And the word was often used to describe that the author often used to describe that the author often used to describe that the author the the authority that a human has over the the authority that a human has over the the authority that a human has over animals in nature. So this impure spirit animals in nature. So this impure spirit animals in nature. So this impure spirit has this man in a chaotic frenzy. So has this man in a chaotic frenzy. So has this man in a chaotic frenzy. So much so that he's treated in society as much so that he's treated in society as much so that he's treated in society as if he is an animal. if he is an animal. if he is an animal. >> This text tells us that this man was >> This text tells us that this man was >> This text tells us that this man was crying day and night in the tombs and crying day and night in the tombs and crying day and night in the tombs and that he was cutting himself with stones. that he was cutting himself with stones. that he was cutting himself with stones. Bible scholar Christine J. Guth Bible scholar Christine J. Guth Bible scholar Christine J. Guth interviewed people living with mental interviewed people living with mental interviewed people living with mental illness about this passage. Many of them illness about this passage. Many of them illness about this passage. Many of them said that they identified with the said that they identified with the said that they identified with the Gerosene demoniac, not because they Gerosene demoniac, not because they Gerosene demoniac, not because they believed that they were demonpossessed, believed that they were demonpossessed, believed that they were demonpossessed, but because they knew what it felt like but because they knew what it felt like but because they knew what it felt like to have society define them by their to have society define them by their to have society define them by their suffering instead of recognizing their suffering instead of recognizing their suffering instead of recognizing their humanity. >> One interviewee described self harm as >> One interviewee described self harm as an attempt to make visible an internal an attempt to make visible an internal an attempt to make visible an internal pain that felt impossible to express.

pain that felt impossible to express. pain that felt impossible to express. This indicates that perhaps for some This indicates that perhaps for some This indicates that perhaps for some people outward wounds inflicted by people outward wounds inflicted by people outward wounds inflicted by cutting yourself become a visible cutting yourself become a visible cutting yourself become a visible representation of invisible suffering representation of invisible suffering representation of invisible suffering that's internal. that's internal. that's internal. >> Now I want to be mindful here. Mark is >> Now I want to be mindful here. Mark is >> Now I want to be mindful here. Mark is describing a man who is demonpossessed describing a man who is demonpossessed describing a man who is demonpossessed and and we as Christians should not and and we as Christians should not and and we as Christians should not automatically equate demon possession automatically equate demon possession automatically equate demon possession with mental illness. Those are not the with mental illness. Those are not the with mental illness. Those are not the same exact thing. However, whether this same exact thing. However, whether this same exact thing. However, whether this demoniac source of suffering was demonic demoniac source of suffering was demonic demoniac source of suffering was demonic demonic oppression, emotional anguish, demonic oppression, emotional anguish, demonic oppression, emotional anguish, or both, one thing is unmistakably or both, one thing is unmistakably or both, one thing is unmistakably clear. This man was in agony. clear. This man was in agony. clear. This man was in agony. He was angry. He was He cried all day, He was angry. He was He cried all day, He was angry. He was He cried all day, all night. He harmed himself. He lived all night. He harmed himself. He lived all night. He harmed himself. He lived isolated in the tombs. isolated in the tombs. isolated in the tombs. He was dealing with internal chaos. He was dealing with internal chaos. He was dealing with internal chaos. >> All right. So, remember I began by >> All right. So, remember I began by >> All right. So, remember I began by saying this man was impure. He was in saying this man was impure. He was in saying this man was impure. He was in impure territory doing impure things impure territory doing impure things impure territory doing impure things with impure animals around. The second with impure animals around. The second with impure animals around. The second thing I noted is that he was dealing thing I noted is that he was dealing thing I noted is that he was dealing with internal chaos. But the second with internal chaos. But the second with internal chaos. But the second thing, the third thing I want to point thing, the third thing I want to point thing, the third thing I want to point out about this demoniac is that he is out about this demoniac is that he is out about this demoniac is that he is under an oppressive force of evil.

under an oppressive force of evil. under an oppressive force of evil. >> So he's impure impure territory impure >> So he's impure impure territory impure >> So he's impure impure territory impure people chaotic and he's dealing with a people chaotic and he's dealing with a people chaotic and he's dealing with a oppressive force of evil. So when Jesus oppressive force of evil. So when Jesus oppressive force of evil. So when Jesus asked him his name in verse 9, what did asked him his name in verse 9, what did asked him his name in verse 9, what did he say? His name was what? he say? His name was what? he say? His name was what? >> Legion. And this is because there were a >> Legion. And this is because there were a >> Legion. And this is because there were a multitude of demons within him. multitude of demons within him. multitude of demons within him. >> The late theologian RC Sproul translates >> The late theologian RC Sproul translates >> The late theologian RC Sproul translates this text as my name is Legion because this text as my name is Legion because this text as my name is Legion because it's a multitude of us. it's a multitude of us. it's a multitude of us. This word legion symbolically points to This word legion symbolically points to This word legion symbolically points to a vast military unit comprised of a vast military unit comprised of a vast military unit comprised of several thousand soldiers. several thousand soldiers. several thousand soldiers. Scholars note that perhaps this word Scholars note that perhaps this word Scholars note that perhaps this word legion was a veiled reference to the legion was a veiled reference to the legion was a veiled reference to the devastation of people done by Roman devastation of people done by Roman devastation of people done by Roman occupation. Remember the children of occupation. Remember the children of occupation. Remember the children of Israel, the Jewish people at the time of Israel, the Jewish people at the time of Israel, the Jewish people at the time of this gospel account being written were this gospel account being written were this gospel account being written were under Roman captivity. And watch this, under Roman captivity. And watch this, under Roman captivity. And watch this, the 10th Legion the 10th Legion the 10th Legion was a military unit that was stationed was a military unit that was stationed was a military unit that was stationed to control the Jewish community. And to control the Jewish community. And to control the Jewish community. And they were subject, the Jewish people they were subject, the Jewish people they were subject, the Jewish people were subject to structural and systemic were subject to structural and systemic were subject to structural and systemic violence done at the hands of Rome. So violence done at the hands of Rome. So violence done at the hands of Rome. So perhaps Legion is showing us and Legion perhaps Legion is showing us and Legion perhaps Legion is showing us and Legion was presented in this text and it was was presented in this text and it was was presented in this text and it was the demon's name to represent a militant the demon's name to represent a militant the demon's name to represent a militant group of tyrants who were systemically group of tyrants who were systemically group of tyrants who were systemically pointing out the Jewish people at this pointing out the Jewish people at this pointing out the Jewish people at this time. So it looks like this man is not time. So it looks like this man is not time. So it looks like this man is not only ritually impure because of his only ritually impure because of his only ritually impure because of his surroundings, but he has also surroundings, but he has also surroundings, but he has also experienced an an internal chaos and is experienced an an internal chaos and is experienced an an internal chaos and is a victim of an evil oppressive spirit

a victim of an evil oppressive spirit a victim of an evil oppressive spirit that resembles a powerful group of that resembles a powerful group of that resembles a powerful group of militants that is in institutes systemic militants that is in institutes systemic militants that is in institutes systemic violence against a people group. violence against a people group. violence against a people group. So in simple terms, this man in Mark 5 So in simple terms, this man in Mark 5 So in simple terms, this man in Mark 5 1-20 is a demoniac. But in more complex 1-20 is a demoniac. But in more complex 1-20 is a demoniac. But in more complex terms, y'all, he is an outcast. He's terms, y'all, he is an outcast. He's terms, y'all, he is an outcast. He's dehumanized and he's a victim of a force dehumanized and he's a victim of a force dehumanized and he's a victim of a force of evil that seeks to control him. of evil that seeks to control him. of evil that seeks to control him. But the great news is that Jesus did not But the great news is that Jesus did not But the great news is that Jesus did not turn away from him. >> He ran up to Jesus and Jesus did not >> He ran up to Jesus and Jesus did not turn away from him. turn away from him. turn away from him. >> Jesus uses the demoniac's conditions to >> Jesus uses the demoniac's conditions to >> Jesus uses the demoniac's conditions to exercise his authority over chaos, evil, exercise his authority over chaos, evil, exercise his authority over chaos, evil, and impurity. And that's my second and impurity. And that's my second and impurity. And that's my second point. This passage shows us the point. This passage shows us the point. This passage shows us the authority that Jesus has over chaos, authority that Jesus has over chaos, authority that Jesus has over chaos, evil, and uncleanliness or impurity. evil, and uncleanliness or impurity. evil, and uncleanliness or impurity. >> Funny enough, it's worth noting that >> Funny enough, it's worth noting that >> Funny enough, it's worth noting that Jesus did not seek out the demoniac. The Jesus did not seek out the demoniac. The Jesus did not seek out the demoniac. The text doesn't suggest to us that Jesus text doesn't suggest to us that Jesus text doesn't suggest to us that Jesus went searching for the demoniac. Rather, went searching for the demoniac. Rather, went searching for the demoniac. Rather, it says in verse two, "When Jesus got it says in verse two, "When Jesus got it says in verse two, "When Jesus got out of the boat, a man with the impure out of the boat, a man with the impure out of the boat, a man with the impure spirit came from the tombs to meet him."

spirit came from the tombs to meet him." spirit came from the tombs to meet him." It also says in verse 6, when he saw It also says in verse 6, when he saw It also says in verse 6, when he saw Jesus from a distance, he ran and fell Jesus from a distance, he ran and fell Jesus from a distance, he ran and fell on his knees in front of him. on his knees in front of him. on his knees in front of him. >> This immediately inclines me to ask the >> This immediately inclines me to ask the >> This immediately inclines me to ask the question, why did the demoniac seek question, why did the demoniac seek question, why did the demoniac seek Jesus? Jesus? Jesus? >> Does anybody else have that question? >> Does anybody else have that question? >> Does anybody else have that question? Why did the demoniac go out of his way, Why did the demoniac go out of his way, Why did the demoniac go out of his way, a demoniac go out of his way to seek a demoniac go out of his way to seek a demoniac go out of his way to seek Jesus, the one who we believe is the son Jesus, the one who we believe is the son Jesus, the one who we believe is the son of God? of God? of God? Let's read in Mark 5 6-12. Let's read in Mark 5 6-12. Let's read in Mark 5 6-12. When he saw Jesus from a distance, he When he saw Jesus from a distance, he When he saw Jesus from a distance, he ran and fell on his knees in front of ran and fell on his knees in front of ran and fell on his knees in front of him. He shouted at the top of his voice, him. He shouted at the top of his voice, him. He shouted at the top of his voice, "What do you want with me, Jesus, son of "What do you want with me, Jesus, son of "What do you want with me, Jesus, son of the most high God? In God's name, don't the most high God? In God's name, don't the most high God? In God's name, don't tor don't torture me." For Jesus had tor don't torture me." For Jesus had tor don't torture me." For Jesus had said to him, "Come out of this man, you said to him, "Come out of this man, you said to him, "Come out of this man, you impure spirit." Then Jesus asked him, impure spirit." Then Jesus asked him, impure spirit." Then Jesus asked him, "What is your name?" "My name is "What is your name?" "My name is "What is your name?" "My name is Legion," he replied, "for we are many." Legion," he replied, "for we are many." Legion," he replied, "for we are many." And he begged Jesus again and again not And he begged Jesus again and again not And he begged Jesus again and again not to send them out of the area. A large to send them out of the area. A large to send them out of the area. A large herd of pigs was feeding nearby on the herd of pigs was feeding nearby on the herd of pigs was feeding nearby on the hillside. The demons begged Jesus, "Send hillside. The demons begged Jesus, "Send hillside. The demons begged Jesus, "Send us among the pigs. Allow us to go into us among the pigs. Allow us to go into us among the pigs. Allow us to go into them." So what does this show you and I?

them." So what does this show you and I? them." So what does this show you and I? It shows us that the demons knew exactly It shows us that the demons knew exactly It shows us that the demons knew exactly who Jesus was. who Jesus was. who Jesus was. >> They recognized Jesus's authority, >> They recognized Jesus's authority, >> They recognized Jesus's authority, >> yet they still attempted to control how >> yet they still attempted to control how >> yet they still attempted to control how Jesus would exercise this authority. Jesus would exercise this authority. Jesus would exercise this authority. Verse Verse Verse six says that when the demoniacs saw six says that when the demoniacs saw six says that when the demoniacs saw Jesus in the distance, he ran to Jesus. Jesus in the distance, he ran to Jesus. Jesus in the distance, he ran to Jesus. The the demons didn't hide from Jesus, The the demons didn't hide from Jesus, The the demons didn't hide from Jesus, but ran and acknowledged the Lord. This but ran and acknowledged the Lord. This but ran and acknowledged the Lord. This appears as an act of submission. We as appears as an act of submission. We as appears as an act of submission. We as believers run to Jesus. We may even bow believers run to Jesus. We may even bow believers run to Jesus. We may even bow down before him and call him Jesus, son down before him and call him Jesus, son down before him and call him Jesus, son of the most high God. Like the demoniac, of the most high God. Like the demoniac, of the most high God. Like the demoniac, >> the demoniac did just that. He ran to >> the demoniac did just that. He ran to >> the demoniac did just that. He ran to Jesus. He He understood Jesus's Jesus. He He understood Jesus's Jesus. He He understood Jesus's authority and lordship. They even knew authority and lordship. They even knew authority and lordship. They even knew Jesus's name. However, the words that Jesus's name. However, the words that Jesus's name. However, the words that follow demonstrate to us that this de follow demonstrate to us that this de follow demonstrate to us that this de demoniac had a desire for control. demoniac had a desire for control. demoniac had a desire for control. >> You don't believe me? Verse 7 says, "The >> You don't believe me? Verse 7 says, "The >> You don't believe me? Verse 7 says, "The demons asked for Jesus to spare them the demons asked for Jesus to spare them the demons asked for Jesus to spare them the torture that they were due." torture that they were due." torture that they were due." >> Look at your Bible. It says in verse 7 >> Look at your Bible. It says in verse 7 >> Look at your Bible. It says in verse 7 that they did not want Jesus to exercise that they did not want Jesus to exercise that they did not want Jesus to exercise their authority. And they said that they their authority. And they said that they their authority. And they said that they did not want to be tortured. Verse 10 did not want to be tortured. Verse 10 did not want to be tortured. Verse 10 reads that they begged Jesus again and reads that they begged Jesus again and reads that they begged Jesus again and again not to send him out of the area.

again not to send him out of the area. again not to send him out of the area. >> Early Christianity scholar Joseph El >> Early Christianity scholar Joseph El >> Early Christianity scholar Joseph El Kimmel argues that the demoniac's Kimmel argues that the demoniac's Kimmel argues that the demoniac's immediate rush towards Jesus, his immediate rush towards Jesus, his immediate rush towards Jesus, his calling Jesus by his name and his calling Jesus by his name and his calling Jesus by his name and his acknowledgement of Jesus as the son of acknowledgement of Jesus as the son of acknowledgement of Jesus as the son of the most high God were not acts of the most high God were not acts of the most high God were not acts of worship. Rather, they were the demon's worship. Rather, they were the demon's worship. Rather, they were the demon's attempt to seize the initiative by attempt to seize the initiative by attempt to seize the initiative by naming the exorcist, which was Jesus in naming the exorcist, which was Jesus in naming the exorcist, which was Jesus in this case. They sought to establish this case. They sought to establish this case. They sought to establish their own identity, gain recognition, their own identity, gain recognition, their own identity, gain recognition, and gain the upper hand over the one who and gain the upper hand over the one who and gain the upper hand over the one who had come to cast them out. had come to cast them out. had come to cast them out. >> Consider that argument. Perhaps the >> Consider that argument. Perhaps the >> Consider that argument. Perhaps the legion of demons recognized Jesus's legion of demons recognized Jesus's legion of demons recognized Jesus's authority and and sought to control the authority and and sought to control the authority and and sought to control the outcome of their encounter with Jesus. outcome of their encounter with Jesus. outcome of their encounter with Jesus. Time and time again, they said, "Jesus, Time and time again, they said, "Jesus, Time and time again, they said, "Jesus, don't send us out of the region." don't send us out of the region." don't send us out of the region." perhaps hoping to cut a deal with Jesus perhaps hoping to cut a deal with Jesus perhaps hoping to cut a deal with Jesus so they could continue exercising their so they could continue exercising their so they could continue exercising their oppressive power in gentile territory. oppressive power in gentile territory. oppressive power in gentile territory. >> How often do we see that in the faith? >> How often do we see that in the faith? >> How often do we see that in the faith? >> People recognize Jesus, but they want >> People recognize Jesus, but they want >> People recognize Jesus, but they want him only for what he can do for them.

him only for what he can do for them. him only for what he can do for them. >> We like the legion of demons want to >> We like the legion of demons want to >> We like the legion of demons want to define how we interact with Jesus. define how we interact with Jesus. define how we interact with Jesus. >> We want Jesus to act out his authority >> We want Jesus to act out his authority >> We want Jesus to act out his authority on our own terms. on our own terms. on our own terms. We want to define what Jesus can and We want to define what Jesus can and We want to define what Jesus can and can't do. can't do. can't do. >> We want to use Jesus to put the Bible in >> We want to use Jesus to put the Bible in >> We want to use Jesus to put the Bible in schools, but not allow him to shape our schools, but not allow him to shape our schools, but not allow him to shape our views on voting rights. views on voting rights. views on voting rights. >> We want to tell Jesus whom we should >> We want to tell Jesus whom we should >> We want to tell Jesus whom we should love and whom we shouldn't love. love and whom we shouldn't love. love and whom we shouldn't love. >> We want to tell Jesus what we can >> We want to tell Jesus what we can >> We want to tell Jesus what we can practice and what we can't practice. practice and what we can't practice. practice and what we can't practice. >> We want God's power without his >> We want God's power without his >> We want God's power without his lordship. Like the Legion of Demons, I wonder if Like the Legion of Demons, I wonder if you and I are subject trying to exercise you and I are subject trying to exercise you and I are subject trying to exercise our authority over Jesus. our authority over Jesus. our authority over Jesus. >> I have a quick story um about how I >> I have a quick story um about how I >> I have a quick story um about how I tried to exercise Yeah, I know, right? tried to exercise Yeah, I know, right? tried to exercise Yeah, I know, right? We got to I'm following the example We got to I'm following the example We got to I'm following the example here. Y'all should like this. Um I'm here. Y'all should like this. Um I'm here. Y'all should like this. Um I'm just playing. I have a quick story about just playing. I have a quick story about just playing. I have a quick story about how I tried to exercise my authority how I tried to exercise my authority how I tried to exercise my authority over my parents one time. Very light over my parents one time. Very light over my parents one time. Very light story. So, one time, it only happened story. So, one time, it only happened story. So, one time, it only happened one time. I'm a good kid, right?

one time. I'm a good kid, right? one time. I'm a good kid, right? I remember one time cuz I play drums. I I remember one time cuz I play drums. I I remember one time cuz I play drums. I played jazz drums when I was in college. played jazz drums when I was in college. played jazz drums when I was in college. I studied jazz music and I was about to I studied jazz music and I was about to I studied jazz music and I was about to go to a gig in Savannah in town and I go to a gig in Savannah in town and I go to a gig in Savannah in town and I was taking my drums out of the house, was taking my drums out of the house, was taking my drums out of the house, right? I was transporting them from the right? I was transporting them from the right? I was transporting them from the house to the car, but I had to go house to the car, but I had to go house to the car, but I had to go through well, I didn't have to go through well, I didn't have to go through well, I didn't have to go through the garage, but that's the through the garage, but that's the through the garage, but that's the shortest way to get to my car from the shortest way to get to my car from the shortest way to get to my car from the house, right? So, I went through the house, right? So, I went through the house, right? So, I went through the garage and my mom has a beautiful garage and my mom has a beautiful garage and my mom has a beautiful Mercedes E350. Mercedes E350. Mercedes E350. Uh-oh. Y'all right. Uh-oh. And these are Uh-oh. Y'all right. Uh-oh. And these are Uh-oh. Y'all right. Uh-oh. And these are drums, right? These are massive drums. drums, right? These are massive drums. drums, right? These are massive drums. I'm carrying these drums in my hand. And I'm carrying these drums in my hand. And I'm carrying these drums in my hand. And I think something happened to I I think I think something happened to I I think I think something happened to I I think I think now I'm not saying this is a I think now I'm not saying this is a I think now I'm not saying this is a fact, but something happened to where I fact, but something happened to where I fact, but something happened to where I bumped into the Mercedes unintentionally bumped into the Mercedes unintentionally bumped into the Mercedes unintentionally and I just kept walking and went to the and I just kept walking and went to the and I just kept walking and went to the car. But I realized when I was walking car. But I realized when I was walking car. But I realized when I was walking back from my car back into the house, back from my car back into the house, back from my car back into the house, that I made contact with something. that I made contact with something. that I made contact with something. Y'all following what I'm saying? So, Y'all following what I'm saying? So, Y'all following what I'm saying? So, when I looked at the Mercedes, I saw the when I looked at the Mercedes, I saw the when I looked at the Mercedes, I saw the ever so slightest dent in the Mercedes.

ever so slightest dent in the Mercedes. ever so slightest dent in the Mercedes. Like, it was like a little scratch Like, it was like a little scratch Like, it was like a little scratch accompanied with a dent. And I'm like, accompanied with a dent. And I'm like, accompanied with a dent. And I'm like, I don't think I hit the car that hard. I I don't think I hit the car that hard. I I don't think I hit the car that hard. I did make contact with the car, but I did make contact with the car, but I did make contact with the car, but I don't know if it was that hard to make a don't know if it was that hard to make a don't know if it was that hard to make a small dent with like a little scratch. small dent with like a little scratch. small dent with like a little scratch. So, me trying to exercise my authority So, me trying to exercise my authority So, me trying to exercise my authority and trying to paint the situation like and trying to paint the situation like and trying to paint the situation like how I wanted to paint it, I had my dad how I wanted to paint it, I had my dad how I wanted to paint it, I had my dad come, his name is uh Rodney Cutter, come, his name is uh Rodney Cutter, come, his name is uh Rodney Cutter, Pastor Rodney Cutter in Savannah. Um, Pastor Rodney Cutter in Savannah. Um, Pastor Rodney Cutter in Savannah. Um, and I had him come out. I said, "Dad, and I had him come out. I said, "Dad, and I had him come out. I said, "Dad, what do you think about this dent in the what do you think about this dent in the what do you think about this dent in the car right here?" I just asked I said, car right here?" I just asked I said, car right here?" I just asked I said, "What you think about it?" Not I put it "What you think about it?" Not I put it "What you think about it?" Not I put it in there. I said, "What do you think in there. I said, "What do you think in there. I said, "What do you think about it?" And I and he was like, "That about it?" And I and he was like, "That about it?" And I and he was like, "That looks like it's new. I never seen that looks like it's new. I never seen that looks like it's new. I never seen that before." I'm like, "Are you sure you before." I'm like, "Are you sure you before." I'm like, "Are you sure you never seen that before?" He was like, never seen that before?" He was like, never seen that before?" He was like, "Son, I never seen that before." How "Son, I never seen that before." How "Son, I never seen that before." How does that relate to the text? I think does that relate to the text? I think does that relate to the text? I think the demoniac was trying to divert the demoniac was trying to divert the demoniac was trying to divert Jesus's attention away from casting him Jesus's attention away from casting him Jesus's attention away from casting him out. Right? Y'all following me? Y'all out. Right? Y'all following me? Y'all out. Right? Y'all following me? Y'all think that does that make sense? think that does that make sense? think that does that make sense? >> Is that or is that tying together? >> Is that or is that tying together? >> Is that or is that tying together? But notice, even though the demons tried But notice, even though the demons tried But notice, even though the demons tried to influence Jesus's decision, they to influence Jesus's decision, they to influence Jesus's decision, they never controlled Jesus's decision. Every never controlled Jesus's decision. Every never controlled Jesus's decision. Every request they made still required Jesus's request they made still required Jesus's request they made still required Jesus's permission. Even in their pleading, they permission. Even in their pleading, they permission. Even in their pleading, they revealed what they already knew, that revealed what they already knew, that revealed what they already knew, that Jesus alone possessed the authority to Jesus alone possessed the authority to Jesus alone possessed the authority to determine their faith.

determine their faith. determine their faith. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Nevertheless, Jesus allowed the demons >> Nevertheless, Jesus allowed the demons >> Nevertheless, Jesus allowed the demons their request. They saw the previously their request. They saw the previously their request. They saw the previously mentioned herd of pigs out in the mentioned herd of pigs out in the mentioned herd of pigs out in the distance and said, "Hey, send us out distance and said, "Hey, send us out distance and said, "Hey, send us out there, Jesus, so we can still exercise there, Jesus, so we can still exercise there, Jesus, so we can still exercise authority in this land. All the demons authority in this land. All the demons authority in this land. All the demons wanted to do was exercise their power." wanted to do was exercise their power." wanted to do was exercise their power." >> Isn't that something? Exercising power >> Isn't that something? Exercising power >> Isn't that something? Exercising power is a demonic act. It's a demonic is a demonic act. It's a demonic is a demonic act. It's a demonic activity. Exercising your power over activity. Exercising your power over activity. Exercising your power over Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. >> Mark 5:13-15 >> Mark 5:13-15 >> Mark 5:13-15 says, "He gave them permission, and the says, "He gave them permission, and the says, "He gave them permission, and the impure spirits came out and went into impure spirits came out and went into impure spirits came out and went into the pigs. The herd, about 2,000 in the pigs. The herd, about 2,000 in the pigs. The herd, about 2,000 in number, rushed down the steep bank into number, rushed down the steep bank into number, rushed down the steep bank into the lake and were drowned. Those tending the lake and were drowned. Those tending the lake and were drowned. Those tending the pigs ran off and reported this in the pigs ran off and reported this in the pigs ran off and reported this in the town and on the countryside. And the the town and on the countryside. And the the town and on the countryside. And the people went out to see what had people went out to see what had people went out to see what had happened. When they came to Jesus, they happened. When they came to Jesus, they happened. When they came to Jesus, they saw the man who had been possessed by saw the man who had been possessed by saw the man who had been possessed by the legion of demons sitting there the legion of demons sitting there the legion of demons sitting there dressed and in his right mind, and they dressed and in his right mind, and they dressed and in his right mind, and they were afraid. were afraid. were afraid. Upon my first reading uh of this text, Upon my first reading uh of this text, Upon my first reading uh of this text, my knee-jerk reaction, my knee-jerk my knee-jerk reaction, my knee-jerk my knee-jerk reaction, my knee-jerk question was, "Why were the people question was, "Why were the people question was, "Why were the people afraid?" Do y'all wonder that? Why were afraid?" Do y'all wonder that? Why were afraid?" Do y'all wonder that? Why were the people afraid? But then I stopped the people afraid? But then I stopped the people afraid? But then I stopped and imagine what they must have and imagine what they must have and imagine what they must have witnessed. Out of nowhere, they heard witnessed. Out of nowhere, they heard witnessed. Out of nowhere, they heard the deafening squeals of thousands of the deafening squeals of thousands of the deafening squeals of thousands of pigs. Then comes the thunder of pigs. Then comes the thunder of pigs. Then comes the thunder of thousands of hooves pounding into the thousands of hooves pounding into the thousands of hooves pounding into the ground in unison, sounding like a ground in unison, sounding like a ground in unison, sounding like a massive avalanche racing down the massive avalanche racing down the massive avalanche racing down the mountain side before they could even mountain side before they could even mountain side before they could even process. That's what's happening. Splash process. That's what's happening. Splash process. That's what's happening. Splash after splash after splash after splash after splash after splash after splash after splash after splash after splash echoes across the water as the entire

echoes across the water as the entire echoes across the water as the entire herd of pigs plunges into the sea. herd of pigs plunges into the sea. herd of pigs plunges into the sea. I get scared when I hear a German I get scared when I hear a German I get scared when I hear a German Shepherd bark. Shepherd bark. Shepherd bark. I couldn't have imagined hearing the I couldn't have imagined hearing the I couldn't have imagined hearing the thunderous war roar of such a thunderous war roar of such a thunderous war roar of such a catastrophic event. The internal chaos catastrophic event. The internal chaos catastrophic event. The internal chaos of one man, the one that we call the of one man, the one that we call the of one man, the one that we call the Jerosene demoniac, the one who cut Jerosene demoniac, the one who cut Jerosene demoniac, the one who cut himself with stone, lived among the himself with stone, lived among the himself with stone, lived among the tombs, and cried out day and night. That tombs, and cried out day and night. That tombs, and cried out day and night. That inner chaos was suddenly made visible is inner chaos was suddenly made visible is inner chaos was suddenly made visible is personified in a herd of pigs rushing personified in a herd of pigs rushing personified in a herd of pigs rushing headlong into the sea. And all of that headlong into the sea. And all of that headlong into the sea. And all of that happened, everybody. All of that happened, everybody. All of that happened, everybody. All of that happened because the authority of one happened because the authority of one happened because the authority of one man, Jesus Christ, the son of the most man, Jesus Christ, the son of the most man, Jesus Christ, the son of the most high God. high God. high God. >> Not only that, but the man who lived in >> Not only that, but the man who lived in >> Not only that, but the man who lived in the tombs, the man who cried all day and the tombs, the man who cried all day and the tombs, the man who cried all day and all night, cutting himself with stones, all night, cutting himself with stones, all night, cutting himself with stones, breaking chains and handcuffs made out breaking chains and handcuffs made out breaking chains and handcuffs made out of iron. This man is out of nowhere, of iron. This man is out of nowhere, of iron. This man is out of nowhere, within a blink of an eye, sitting within a blink of an eye, sitting within a blink of an eye, sitting clothed and in his right mind. Yeah, clothed and in his right mind. Yeah, clothed and in his right mind. Yeah, >> imagine seeing such a sudden transition.

>> imagine seeing such a sudden transition. >> imagine seeing such a sudden transition. Like one second this man is going crazy, Like one second this man is going crazy, Like one second this man is going crazy, this next second he's just sitting there this next second he's just sitting there this next second he's just sitting there clothed in his right mind, looking like clothed in his right mind, looking like clothed in his right mind, looking like me, nice and handsome, me, nice and handsome, me, nice and handsome, >> right? All that because of the authority >> right? All that because of the authority >> right? All that because of the authority of one man, Jesus Christ, son of the of one man, Jesus Christ, son of the of one man, Jesus Christ, son of the most high God. And verse 15 says that most high God. And verse 15 says that most high God. And verse 15 says that they were afraid. Funny enough, this is they were afraid. Funny enough, this is they were afraid. Funny enough, this is the same phrase that we see in Mark 4 to the same phrase that we see in Mark 4 to the same phrase that we see in Mark 4 to describe the disciples after Jesus calms describe the disciples after Jesus calms describe the disciples after Jesus calms the chaotic storm. In both instances the chaotic storm. In both instances the chaotic storm. In both instances where Jesus brings calm to what what was where Jesus brings calm to what what was where Jesus brings calm to what what was once chaos, the response is fear. Why? once chaos, the response is fear. Why? once chaos, the response is fear. Why? Perhaps someone with that much authority Perhaps someone with that much authority Perhaps someone with that much authority is access. Someone with that much is access. Someone with that much is access. Someone with that much authority accessible causes fear. That's authority accessible causes fear. That's authority accessible causes fear. That's the first response. That's the only the first response. That's the only the first response. That's the only response you can have to that much response you can have to that much response you can have to that much authority. Because if Jesus has the authority. Because if Jesus has the authority. Because if Jesus has the authority to work a miracle like that, authority to work a miracle like that, authority to work a miracle like that, what can he ask of me that I cannot do? what can he ask of me that I cannot do? what can he ask of me that I cannot do? My God. My God. My God. >> If Jesus has the authority to command >> If Jesus has the authority to command >> If Jesus has the authority to command demons where to go, if Jesus has the demons where to go, if Jesus has the demons where to go, if Jesus has the authority to calm the waves and the wind authority to calm the waves and the wind authority to calm the waves and the wind of the sea in a storm, what can he ask of the sea in a storm, what can he ask of the sea in a storm, what can he ask of Miles that Miles can't do?

of Miles that Miles can't do? of Miles that Miles can't do? >> This brings me to my last point. Jesus >> This brings me to my last point. Jesus >> This brings me to my last point. Jesus restores what was once considered restores what was once considered restores what was once considered chaotic, impure, and unclean. chaotic, impure, and unclean. chaotic, impure, and unclean. Not only is this man now clothed and in Not only is this man now clothed and in Not only is this man now clothed and in his right mind, and not only are the his right mind, and not only are the his right mind, and not only are the pigs, which is symbols of impurity and pigs, which is symbols of impurity and pigs, which is symbols of impurity and uncleanliness in the region, driven out uncleanliness in the region, driven out uncleanliness in the region, driven out and drowned in the sea, never to return. and drowned in the sea, never to return. and drowned in the sea, never to return. But Jesus also commisss the one who was But Jesus also commisss the one who was But Jesus also commisss the one who was once called a demoniac to bear witness once called a demoniac to bear witness once called a demoniac to bear witness to what God has done for them, turning to what God has done for them, turning to what God has done for them, turning his story into a testimony of his story into a testimony of his story into a testimony of restoration for his people. Mark 18 restoration for his people. Mark 18 restoration for his people. Mark 18 through20 says this. As Jesus was through20 says this. As Jesus was through20 says this. As Jesus was getting into the boat, the man who had getting into the boat, the man who had getting into the boat, the man who had been demonpossessed begged Jesus to go been demonpossessed begged Jesus to go been demonpossessed begged Jesus to go with him. Jesus did not let him, but with him. Jesus did not let him, but with him. Jesus did not let him, but said, "Go home to your own people and said, "Go home to your own people and said, "Go home to your own people and tell them how much the Lord has done for tell them how much the Lord has done for tell them how much the Lord has done for you and how had he how he has had a you and how had he how he has had a you and how had he how he has had a mercy on you." So the man went away and mercy on you." So the man went away and mercy on you." So the man went away and began to tell in the dopolis how much began to tell in the dopolis how much began to tell in the dopolis how much Jesus had done for him. And all the Jesus had done for him. And all the Jesus had done for him. And all the people were amazed. people were amazed. people were amazed. >> This portion of the text records the >> This portion of the text records the >> This portion of the text records the first gentile missionary in the Gospel first gentile missionary in the Gospel first gentile missionary in the Gospel of Mark. a non-Jew, an ethnic outsider, of Mark. a non-Jew, an ethnic outsider, of Mark. a non-Jew, an ethnic outsider, now being commissioned by Jesus to go now being commissioned by Jesus to go now being commissioned by Jesus to go and testify amongst his people that the and testify amongst his people that the and testify amongst his people that the Lord may be glorified.

Lord may be glorified. Lord may be glorified. >> This shows us this point right here. The >> This shows us this point right here. The >> This shows us this point right here. The Lord did not want him to disengage from Lord did not want him to disengage from Lord did not want him to disengage from where he was strategically placed. where he was strategically placed. where he was strategically placed. >> The Lord did not want him to disengage >> The Lord did not want him to disengage >> The Lord did not want him to disengage from where the Lord has strategically from where the Lord has strategically from where the Lord has strategically placed him. placed him. placed him. The testimony of someone who was once The testimony of someone who was once The testimony of someone who was once living in eternal chaos. One who was living in eternal chaos. One who was living in eternal chaos. One who was subject to demonic forces of evil. One subject to demonic forces of evil. One subject to demonic forces of evil. One who was deemed impure and is now a who was deemed impure and is now a who was deemed impure and is now a recipient of unmmerited favor and the recipient of unmmerited favor and the recipient of unmmerited favor and the love of God is not supposed to remain love of God is not supposed to remain love of God is not supposed to remain silent. They have to go and tell what silent. They have to go and tell what silent. They have to go and tell what Jesus has done for them. Jesus has done for them. Jesus has done for them. >> And the number of people that he told >> And the number of people that he told >> And the number of people that he told was not a small number of people. The was not a small number of people. The was not a small number of people. The text said he began to tell in the text said he began to tell in the text said he began to tell in the Dopolis. The Dopolis was a group of 10 Dopolis. The Dopolis was a group of 10 Dopolis. The Dopolis was a group of 10 cities primarily populated by a gentile cities primarily populated by a gentile cities primarily populated by a gentile population. 10 cities. I'm not from population. 10 cities. I'm not from population. 10 cities. I'm not from Houston. I'm from Savannah, Georgia, and Houston. I'm from Savannah, Georgia, and Houston. I'm from Savannah, Georgia, and I live in Atlanta now. But this is I live in Atlanta now. But this is I live in Atlanta now. But this is almost like telling about Jesus Christ almost like telling about Jesus Christ almost like telling about Jesus Christ in Houston and the Woodlands, Pasadena in Houston and the Woodlands, Pasadena in Houston and the Woodlands, Pasadena and Sugarland, Katy and Pearland, and Sugarland, Katy and Pearland, and Sugarland, Katy and Pearland, Baytown and League City, Galveastston, Baytown and League City, Galveastston, Baytown and League City, Galveastston, and even up there in Cypus where my and even up there in Cypus where my and even up there in Cypus where my people live at to tell of what the Lord people live at to tell of what the Lord people live at to tell of what the Lord Jesus Christ has done for you. Because Jesus Christ has done for you. Because Jesus Christ has done for you. Because like the demoniac, the Lord has worked like the demoniac, the Lord has worked like the demoniac, the Lord has worked the miracle of deliverance in all of our the miracle of deliverance in all of our the miracle of deliverance in all of our lives. And he could use this to bring lives. And he could use this to bring lives. And he could use this to bring more people to himself. The things we more people to himself. The things we more people to himself. The things we don't The things we used to do, we don't don't The things we used to do, we don't don't The things we used to do, we don't do no more. The places we used to go, we do no more. The places we used to go, we do no more. The places we used to go, we don't go no more. The way we used to don't go no more. The way we used to don't go no more. The way we used to think, we don't think anymore. The think, we don't think anymore. The think, we don't think anymore. The confidence we have, we didn't always confidence we have, we didn't always confidence we have, we didn't always have. The peace we have, we don't we have. The peace we have, we don't we have. The peace we have, we don't we didn't always have. And it's all because didn't always have. And it's all because didn't always have. And it's all because Jesus came into our chaos and brought

Jesus came into our chaos and brought Jesus came into our chaos and brought about peace and restoration. about peace and restoration. about peace and restoration. So because of this good news, because of So because of this good news, because of So because of this good news, because of this fact, because of this miracle, it this fact, because of this miracle, it this fact, because of this miracle, it is now our job. Everybody in this room is now our job. Everybody in this room is now our job. Everybody in this room who has been touched by Jesus Christ, who has been touched by Jesus Christ, who has been touched by Jesus Christ, everybody who had had chaos at one point everybody who had had chaos at one point everybody who had had chaos at one point and is now living in peace and is and is now living in peace and is and is now living in peace and is clothed and in your right mind and here clothed and in your right mind and here clothed and in your right mind and here looking good. The thing that you have to looking good. The thing that you have to looking good. The thing that you have to do is just like the man in Mark 5 1-20, do is just like the man in Mark 5 1-20, do is just like the man in Mark 5 1-20, tell your families, your co-workers, tell your families, your co-workers, tell your families, your co-workers, those in your communities, those in your those in your communities, those in your those in your communities, those in your circles what Jesus has done for you so circles what Jesus has done for you so circles what Jesus has done for you so that all may be amazed. Give glory to that all may be amazed. Give glory to that all may be amazed. Give glory to God. >> for delivering us >> for delivering us >> from the chaos, >> from the chaos, >> from the chaos, >> from the impurity.

Thank you Thank you >> for the miracle of deliverance. if there's anybody here if there's anybody here who has not accepted Jesus Christ as who has not accepted Jesus Christ as who has not accepted Jesus Christ as savior and lord of their life, savior and lord of their life, savior and lord of their life, anybody here who is in seeking a church anybody here who is in seeking a church anybody here who is in seeking a church home home home and they need a place and they need a place and they need a place where they can worship you in spirit and where they can worship you in spirit and where they can worship you in spirit and in truth in truth in truth and learn of you. Let them know this is the place. Let them know this is the place. Then Lord, we pray if there's anybody Then Lord, we pray if there's anybody Then Lord, we pray if there's anybody who needs watch care, who needs watch care, who needs watch care, that means they're here on temporary that means they're here on temporary that means they're here on temporary assignment and they need somebody to assignment and they need somebody to assignment and they need somebody to watch over their souls while they're watch over their souls while they're watch over their souls while they're here for school or for work or for some here for school or for work or for some here for school or for work or for some temporary other temporary assignment temporary other temporary assignment temporary other temporary assignment such as healthc care.

such as healthc care. such as healthc care. Draw them down the aisle. Draw them down the aisle. Draw them down the aisle. Thank you for Reverend Miles Cutter >> and thank you for the word you sent >> and thank you for the word you sent through him. Now bless is our prayer in Jesus name. Now bless is our prayer in Jesus name. Amen. And thank God. Give the Lord a Amen. And thank God. Give the Lord a Amen. And thank God. Give the Lord a hand of praise if you will. change. change. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Has come over change.

change. Yes, God has come over me. me. Oh, Oh, Oh, one one one >> is there one. >> is there one. >> is there one. >> Wonderful >> Wonderful >> Wonderful change Oh, one Oh, one of of of change me. me. Praise the Lord. Give the Lord a great Praise the Lord. Give the Lord a great Praise the Lord. Give the Lord a great big hand of praise big hand of praise big hand of praise and give a hand of encouragement and and give a hand of encouragement and and give a hand of encouragement and appreciation appreciation appreciation to Reverend Miles Cutter. to Reverend Miles Cutter. to Reverend Miles Cutter. Amen. Amen. Amen. I told you you were going to be blessed.

We had a service yesterday We had a service yesterday for Mother Effie Daddy. for Mother Effie Daddy. for Mother Effie Daddy. services tomorrow services tomorrow services tomorrow for Sister Virginia Greg for Sister Virginia Greg for Sister Virginia Greg here in the Will Avenue Baptist Church here in the Will Avenue Baptist Church here in the Will Avenue Baptist Church sanctuary at 11:00 a.m. sanctuary at 11:00 a.m. sanctuary at 11:00 a.m. If you cannot be here to support this If you cannot be here to support this If you cannot be here to support this family, we pray that you will include family, we pray that you will include family, we pray that you will include them as well as the rest of those who them as well as the rest of those who them as well as the rest of those who are bererieved in your prayers. Amen. are bererieved in your prayers. Amen. are bererieved in your prayers. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. We also want to remember all of those We also want to remember all of those We also want to remember all of those with health concerns with health concerns with health concerns cuz what we know is that God is the cuz what we know is that God is the cuz what we know is that God is the healer. healer. healer. Amen. Amen. Amen. >> Let's pray. Father, thank you >> Let's pray. Father, thank you >> Let's pray. Father, thank you >> for your word. Thank you Thank you for Reverend Miles Cutter who brought for Reverend Miles Cutter who brought for Reverend Miles Cutter who brought the word.

>> Thank you that you're the one who is >> Thank you that you're the one who is able to bring us out of impurity and out able to bring us out of impurity and out able to bring us out of impurity and out of chaos. Dispel all those things in our lives Dispel all those things in our lives that are not like you. that are not like you. that are not like you. cause us cause us cause us to be clothed and in our right minds to be clothed and in our right minds to be clothed and in our right minds symbols of your deliverance. Now we pray for those bereaveved Now we pray for those bereaveved families and we pray for families and we pray for families and we pray for those with health concerns those with health concerns those with health concerns expecting that you're going to do expecting that you're going to do expecting that you're going to do exceeding abundantly above all we could exceeding abundantly above all we could exceeding abundantly above all we could ask or think. ask or think. ask or think. Now it's unto you Now it's unto you Now it's unto you 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, able to present us faultless before your able to present us faultless before your able to present us faultless before your throne with exceeding joy. You're the throne with exceeding joy. You're the throne with exceeding joy. You're the only wise God.

only wise God. only wise God. To you be power and majesty, glory, and To you be power and majesty, glory, and To you be power and majesty, 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 God, we pray and ask it all. Christ of God, we pray and ask it all. Christ of God, we pray and ask it all. Amen. And thank God. God bless you.