Wednesday Bible Study

Hallelujah. Hallelujah. God, we bless you. God, we give you God, we bless you. God, we give you God, we bless you. God, we give you glory. We take this time to give you glory. We take this time to give you glory. We take this time to give you honor. We take this time to tell you honor. We take this time to tell you honor. We take this time to tell you about what you mean to us, God, because about what you mean to us, God, because about what you mean to us, God, because you're good. You're the great and mighty you're good. You're the great and mighty you're good. You're the great and mighty God. There's none like you. God. There's none like you. God. There's none like you. We bless your holy We bless your holy We bless your holy name. Hallelujah. Come on Zion, lift name. Hallelujah. Come on Zion, lift name. Hallelujah. Come on Zion, lift your voice and let's sing unto the Lord. your voice and let's sing unto the Lord. your voice and let's sing unto the Lord. >> You are goody >> You are goody >> You are goody forever. forever. forever. >> Lord, you are so good. >> Lord, you are so good. >> Lord, you are so good. >> You are good and your mercy endures. >> You are good and your mercy endures. >> You are good and your mercy endures. >> Hallelujah. >> Hallelujah. >> Hallelujah. That's why people from every nation, That's why people from every nation, That's why people from every nation, every tribe, every country, every tribe, every country, every tribe, every country, >> generation, >> generation, >> generation, we worship. we worship. we worship. >> We say hallelujah. >> We say hallelujah. >> We say hallelujah. >> Hallelujah. >> Hallelujah. >> Hallelujah. >> We worship you. >> We worship >> We worship you.

you. you. >> Open the mouth. Hallelujah. >> We worship you >> We worship you >> for who you are. >> for who you are. >> for who you are. >> Oh yes you are, Father God. Every >> Oh yes you are, Father God. Every >> Oh yes you are, Father God. Every blessing and every gift that comes from blessing and every gift that comes from blessing and every gift that comes from you. Not only is it good, but it's you. Not only is it good, but it's you. Not only is it good, but it's perfect because all that is good is perfect because all that is good is perfect because all that is good is >> Good afternoon, [music] church family. >> Good afternoon, [music] church family. >> Good afternoon, [music] church family. Praise the Lord. Come on, let's worship. Praise the Lord. Come on, let's worship. Praise the Lord. Come on, let's worship. Ready? Can't nobody Ready? Can't nobody Ready? Can't nobody do me like Jesus. Can't nobody [music] do me like Jesus. Can't nobody [music] do me like Jesus. Can't nobody [music] do me like the Lord. Can't nobody do me like the Lord. Can't nobody do me like the Lord. Can't nobody do it like Jesus. He my do it like Jesus. He my do it like Jesus. He my Come on, sing. Can't nobody Come on, sing. Can't nobody Come on, sing. Can't nobody do [music] me like Jesus. do [music] me like Jesus. do [music] me like Jesus. Can nobody Can nobody Can nobody [music] [music] [music] do me like the Lord, do me like the Lord, do me like the Lord, can nobody can nobody can nobody do me like [music] Jesus.

do me like [music] Jesus. do me like [music] Jesus. Oh, he's mine. Oh, he's mine. Oh, he's mine. Oh, can nobody can [music] Oh, can nobody can [music] Oh, can nobody can [music] do me like Jesus. do me like Jesus. do me like Jesus. Can't nobody Can't nobody Can't nobody do me like [music] the Lord. do me like [music] the Lord. do me like [music] the Lord. Take nobody Take nobody Take nobody to me [music] like Jesus. to me [music] like Jesus. to me [music] like Jesus. Oh, he's mine. Oh, he's mine. Oh, he's mine. Oh, he healed my body. He healed my told Oh, he healed my body. He healed my told Oh, he healed my body. He healed my told me to run on. [music] Yes, he he me to run on. [music] Yes, he he me to run on. [music] Yes, he he told me to run. told me to run. told me to run. Oh, I'm a witness [music] on that one. Oh, I'm a witness [music] on that one. Oh, I'm a witness [music] on that one. Hallelujah. Told me to run on. Hallelujah. Told me to run on. Hallelujah. Told me to run on. Oh, he's mine. Oh, he's mine. Oh, he's mine. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Oh, he healed my body. He healed my >> Oh, he healed my body. He healed my >> Oh, he healed my body. He healed my [music and singing] heal my body. heal my body. Over two years ago, God healed my body.

Over two years ago, God healed my body. Over two years ago, God healed my body. [music] Told me to run on. [music] Told me to run on. [music] Told me to run on. Oh, he's mine. [music] Oh, he's mine. [music] Oh, he's mine. [music] Well, he picked me up. He picked Well, he picked me up. He picked Well, he picked me up. He picked turn me around. turn me around. turn me around. Yes, he picked [music] me up. Turn me Yes, he picked [music] me up. Turn me Yes, he picked [music] me up. Turn me around. around. around. Yes, he picked me up. [music] Turn me Yes, he picked me up. [music] Turn me Yes, he picked me up. [music] Turn me around. around. around. Oh, he's mine. Oh, he's mine. Oh, he's mine. Well, he picked me up. He picked [music] Well, he picked me up. He picked [music] Well, he picked me up. He picked [music] me up. Turn me around. me up. Turn me around. me up. Turn me around. Oh, he picked me up. Turn me around. Oh, he picked me up. Turn me around. Oh, he picked me up. Turn me around. Oh, yes. He [music] picked me up. Turn Oh, yes. He [music] picked me up. Turn Oh, yes. He [music] picked me up. Turn me around. me around. me around. Oh, Oh, Oh, my [singing] friend. Oh. Oh. Any way you my [singing] friend. Oh. Oh. Any way you my [singing] friend. Oh. Oh. Any way you [music] bless me, Lord, I'll be [music] bless me, Lord, I'll be [music] bless me, Lord, I'll be satisfied. Oh, any way you bless me, satisfied. Oh, any way you bless me, satisfied. Oh, any way you bless me, Lord. Lord. Lord. Oh, any way you bless [music] me, Lord, Oh, any way you bless [music] me, Lord, Oh, any way you bless [music] me, Lord, I'll be I'll be I'll be [singing] Jesus.

[singing] Jesus. [singing] Jesus. Let's do that again. Anyway, any [music] Let's do that again. Anyway, any [music] Let's do that again. Anyway, any [music] way you bless me, Lord. way you bless me, Lord. way you bless me, Lord. Oh, any way you bless me, Lord. Oh, any way you bless me, Lord. Oh, any way you bless me, Lord. Oh, any way you bless [music] me, Lord. Oh, any way you bless [music] me, Lord. Oh, any way you bless [music] me, Lord. Oh, [singing] he's mine. Oh, [singing] he's mine. Oh, [singing] he's mine. Oh, Oh, Oh, can nobody [music] can nobody [music] can nobody [music] do me like Jesus? do me like Jesus? do me like Jesus? Yeah. Can nobody do me [music] like Yeah. Can nobody do me [music] like Yeah. Can nobody do me [music] like Jesus? Jesus? Jesus? Oh, can nobody do me like Jesus. Oh, can nobody do me like Jesus. Oh, can nobody do me like Jesus. [music] [music] [music] Oh, can nobody do me like Jesus. Oh, can nobody do me like Jesus. Oh, can nobody do me like Jesus. Oh, nobody. Oh, nobody. Oh, nobody. Nobody. [music] Nobody. [music] Nobody. [music] Nobody. Nobody. Nobody. Nobody. Nobody. Nobody. Nobody. Nobody. Nobody. Nobody. Nobody. Nobody. [music] [music] [music] Nobody.

Nobody. Nobody. Nobody. Nobody. Nobody. Oh, can't nobody. Oh, can't nobody. Oh, can't nobody. Come on. Come on. Come on. Oh, can't [music] nobody Oh, can't [music] nobody Oh, can't [music] nobody do me like the Lord. Can't nobody do me like the Lord. Can't nobody do me like the Lord. Can't nobody do [music] me like Jesus. do [music] me like Jesus. do [music] me like Jesus. Oh, [singing] Oh, [singing] Oh, [singing] he's my he's my he's my friend. [crying] Woo! Woo! >> Ah! Thank you, Jesus. Father, we thank you.

Father, we thank you. >> First and foremost for Jesus. >> Now we thank you for all your blessings, >> Now we thank you for all your blessings, your benefits, your bounty, and your your benefits, your bounty, and your your benefits, your bounty, and your benevolence. Thank you. Thank you for another opportunity to Thank you for another opportunity to study your word. study your word. study your word. >> Now take me out of self. >> Now take me out of self. >> Now take me out of self. Empty me of myself. Speak to me and through me. Speak to me and through me. Use me, Lord, and in your service. Allow your word to fall on suitable Allow your word to fall on suitable soil.

soil. soil. We pray [music] that it would spring up We pray [music] that it would spring up We pray [music] that it would spring up in us abundant life and living [music] regardless of how regardless of how everything turns out. And we believe everything turns out. And we believe everything turns out. And we believe it's all going to turn out well. it's all going to turn out well. it's all going to turn out well. We'll give your name the praise. >> It's in the name of Jesus, the Christ of >> It's in the name of Jesus, the Christ of God, [music] we pray. God, [music] we pray. God, [music] we pray. Amen. Amen. Amen. >> Thank you, [music] Lord. >> Y'all sang that like y'all know >> Y'all sang that like y'all know something about that. We're still in the year of manifested We're still in the year of manifested miracles.

And today we're going to look at another And today we're going to look at another miracle in Mark chapter 2 miracle in Mark chapter 2 miracle in Mark chapter 2 >> verses 1-2. You got it. You got it. We need a reader. We need a reader. We need a reader. >> Is that going to be you, Sister Ula? >> She's known as our resident reader. >> She's known as our resident reader. She reads so well. She reads so well. She reads so well. >> Mark 2 verses 1-2 from New International >> Mark 2 verses 1-2 from New International >> Mark 2 verses 1-2 from New International Version. A few days later, when Jesus Version. A few days later, when Jesus Version. A few days later, when Jesus again in Capernium, the people heard again in Capernium, the people heard again in Capernium, the people heard that he had come home, that he had come home, that he had come home, >> they gathered in such large numbers that >> they gathered in such large numbers that >> they gathered in such large numbers that there was no room left, not even outside there was no room left, not even outside there was no room left, not even outside the door. And he preached the word to the door. And he preached the word to the door. And he preached the word to them. Some men came bringing to him a them. Some men came bringing to him a them. Some men came bringing to him a paralyzed man carried by four of them.

paralyzed man carried by four of them. paralyzed man carried by four of them. Since they could not get him to Jesus Since they could not get him to Jesus Since they could not get him to Jesus because of the crowd, they made an because of the crowd, they made an because of the crowd, they made an opening in the roof above Jesus by opening in the roof above Jesus by opening in the roof above Jesus by digging through it and then lowered the digging through it and then lowered the digging through it and then lowered the mat the man was lying on. mat the man was lying on. mat the man was lying on. >> When Jesus saw their faith, he said to >> When Jesus saw their faith, he said to >> When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralyzed man, "Son, your sins are the paralyzed man, "Son, your sins are the paralyzed man, "Son, your sins are forgiven." forgiven." forgiven." Now, some teachers of the law were Now, some teachers of the law were Now, some teachers of the law were sitting there thinking to themselves, sitting there thinking to themselves, sitting there thinking to themselves, "Why does this fell like that? He's "Why does this fell like that? He's "Why does this fell like that? He's blaspheing. Who can forgive sins but God blaspheing. Who can forgive sins but God blaspheing. Who can forgive sins but God alone? alone? alone? >> Immediately Jesus knew in his spirit >> Immediately Jesus knew in his spirit >> Immediately Jesus knew in his spirit that this was what they were thinking in that this was what they were thinking in that this was what they were thinking in their hearts. And he said to them, "Why their hearts. And he said to them, "Why their hearts. And he said to them, "Why are you thinking these things? Which is are you thinking these things? Which is are you thinking these things? Which is easier to say to this paralyzed man, easier to say to this paralyzed man, easier to say to this paralyzed man, your sins are forgiven," or to say, "Get your sins are forgiven," or to say, "Get your sins are forgiven," or to say, "Get up and take your madden walk." But I up and take your madden walk." But I up and take your madden walk." But I want you to know that the son of man has want you to know that the son of man has want you to know that the son of man has authority on earth to forgive sins. Mhm. authority on earth to forgive sins. Mhm. authority on earth to forgive sins. Mhm. >> So he said to them, "I tell you, get up, >> So he said to them, "I tell you, get up, >> So he said to them, "I tell you, get up, take your mat, and go home."

take your mat, and go home." take your mat, and go home." >> He got up, took his mat, and walked out >> He got up, took his mat, and walked out >> He got up, took his mat, and walked out in full view of the mall. This amazed in full view of the mall. This amazed in full view of the mall. This amazed everyone, and they praised God, saying, everyone, and they praised God, saying, everyone, and they praised God, saying, "We've never seen anything like this." "We've never seen anything like this." "We've never seen anything like this." >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. The word of God for the people of God. I want to talk to you for a few moments I want to talk to you for a few moments today. today. today. Well, for the next Well, for the next Well, for the next I don't know how many minutes I don't know how many minutes I don't know how many minutes cuz I got a lot to say. >> Praise the Lord about faith that finds a >> Praise the Lord about faith that finds a way. If you were here last week or you If you were here last week or you watched last week's Bible study, you may watched last week's Bible study, you may watched last week's Bible study, you may remember remember remember guy by the name of Austin Duncan.

guy by the name of Austin Duncan. guy by the name of Austin Duncan. It was the story we closed with. It was the story we closed with. It was the story we closed with. Austin Duncan, Austin Duncan, Austin Duncan, the associate pastor of the Crosswalk the associate pastor of the Crosswalk the associate pastor of the Crosswalk Church, Church, Church, is located in Brentwood, Tennessee. is located in Brentwood, Tennessee. is located in Brentwood, Tennessee. >> Uh, speaking of Brentwood, and I'm not talking about Brentwood, and I'm not talking about Brentwood, Tennessee either. Tennessee either. Tennessee either. I'm talking about the Brentwood Baptist I'm talking about the Brentwood Baptist I'm talking about the Brentwood Baptist Church >> where the Reverend Dr. Alexander EM >> where the Reverend Dr. Alexander EM Johnson is the pastor elect. Johnson is the pastor elect. Johnson is the pastor elect. [applause] Nevertheless, back to the lesson. Nevertheless, back to the lesson. I just had to throw that in. If you remember and recall the story If you remember and recall the story last week, we talked about how it was last week, we talked about how it was last week, we talked about how it was 2017 2017 2017 and Austin and Austin and Austin had said that he had just left had said that he had just left had said that he had just left uh software development company.

uh software development company. uh software development company. Cassie, his wife, a woman of great Cassie, his wife, a woman of great Cassie, his wife, a woman of great faith, faith, faith, yeah, was working at pharmacy as a yeah, was working at pharmacy as a yeah, was working at pharmacy as a pharmacy technician at Walgreens and pharmacy technician at Walgreens and pharmacy technician at Walgreens and they lived in Lok, Texas. He started doing freelance graphic He started doing freelance graphic design, photography, design, photography, design, photography, videography, videography, videography, motion graphics, and all that sort of motion graphics, and all that sort of motion graphics, and all that sort of stuff. stuff. stuff. Then he literally stopped doing contract Then he literally stopped doing contract Then he literally stopped doing contract work because the whole time he felt that work because the whole time he felt that work because the whole time he felt that he was needing to work in a church. he was needing to work in a church. he was needing to work in a church. So while his wife was still working, he felt by God's leading that he needed he felt by God's leading that he needed to stay home to stay home to stay home and build a portfolio and build a portfolio and build a portfolio for this church that he hadn't applied for this church that he hadn't applied for this church that he hadn't applied for yet.

project after project, bump of video project after project, bump of video after bump of video, branding, series, after bump of video, branding, series, after bump of video, branding, series, graphics, video and photo projects, all graphics, video and photo projects, all graphics, video and photo projects, all for no real client, no real church. As a for no real client, no real church. As a for no real client, no real church. As a matter of fact, he was working for a matter of fact, he was working for a matter of fact, he was working for a grand total of zero dollars. he finally went on churchstaffing.com, he finally went on churchstaffing.com, which is a real website, which is a real website, which is a real website, and he went there for the first time. I and he went there for the first time. I and he went there for the first time. I wondered why he hadn't gone there wondered why he hadn't gone there wondered why he hadn't gone there earlier. earlier. earlier. Nevertheless, Nevertheless, Nevertheless, he finally gets a job at a church he finally gets a job at a church he finally gets a job at a church doing exactly what he had made his doing exactly what he had made his doing exactly what he had made his portfolio for. portfolio for. portfolio for. His actions didn't make sense at the His actions didn't make sense at the His actions didn't make sense at the time, time, time, making a portfolio for seemingly a making a portfolio for seemingly a making a portfolio for seemingly a non-existent church.

non-existent church. non-existent church. Bills were piling up, yet he was working Bills were piling up, yet he was working Bills were piling up, yet he was working feverishly for zero dollars a day. feverishly for zero dollars a day. feverishly for zero dollars a day. It was a senseless plan. It was a senseless plan. It was a senseless plan. Kind of like that senseless plan we Kind of like that senseless plan we Kind of like that senseless plan we found last week in Joshua chapter 6. >> But it worked. All right. >> But it worked. All right. >> Well, this week Austin has embarked on >> Well, this week Austin has embarked on >> Well, this week Austin has embarked on another invent adventure. another invent adventure. another invent adventure. It's 2025 last year. It's 2025 last year. It's 2025 last year. >> All right. >> They living in a nice little house >> They living in a nice little house upstairs. He's got his own studio where upstairs. He's got his own studio where upstairs. He's got his own studio where he h houses all his equipment, where he he h houses all his equipment, where he he h houses all his equipment, where he goes up to work sometimes. goes up to work sometimes. goes up to work sometimes. And he's installing a new keypad lock on And he's installing a new keypad lock on And he's installing a new keypad lock on the door of his upstairs studio.

the door of his upstairs studio. the door of his upstairs studio. He's just trying to add an extra layer He's just trying to add an extra layer He's just trying to add an extra layer of security for his equipment, his of security for his equipment, his of security for his equipment, his cameras, his computers, and all of his cameras, his computers, and all of his cameras, his computers, and all of his production stuff. production stuff. production stuff. So So So he set the key port keypad lock up, he set the key port keypad lock up, he set the key port keypad lock up, got the old handle out of the door, put got the old handle out of the door, put got the old handle out of the door, put in a new keypad lock, in a new keypad lock, in a new keypad lock, and he put the batteries in and set the and he put the batteries in and set the and he put the batteries in and set the code. So, he does what any of us doers would So, he does what any of us doers would do. He closed the door to make sure it do. He closed the door to make sure it do. He closed the door to make sure it would work. would work. would work. >> He hit the button and it locked. That's what it was supposed to do.

That's what it was supposed to do. problem was problem was problem was when he tried to open it, when he tried to open it, when he tried to open it, he punched in his code he punched in his code he punched in his code and the keypad beeped three times. and the keypad beeped three times. and the keypad beeped three times. >> Meaning wrong code. >> So he decided he was going to go a >> So he decided he was going to go a little slower. It beeps three times. Beep beep beep. It beeps three times. Beep beep beep. Wrong code. Wrong code. Wrong code. So, he entered the default code So, he entered the default code So, he entered the default code thinking maybe his code hadn't taken and thinking maybe his code hadn't taken and thinking maybe his code hadn't taken and he'd go back to the default code to see he'd go back to the default code to see he'd go back to the default code to see if it would work. And he punched it in. if it would work. And he punched it in. if it would work. And he punched it in. Beep beep beep. wrong code.

wrong code. >> Out of desperation and a lot of >> Out of desperation and a lot of >> Out of desperation and a lot of frustration, he tried a different code frustration, he tried a different code frustration, he tried a different code that maybe he might have used that maybe he might have used that maybe he might have used even though he knew he didn't. Beep beep beep. Beep beep beep. Wrong code. he resorted to what I call the old he resorted to what I call the old jiggle the handle technique. Still didn't open. Still didn't open. >> All right. >> All right. >> All right. >> Austin said his next step was to try a >> Austin said his next step was to try a >> Austin said his next step was to try a credit card. Some of y'all know what I'm talking Some of y'all know what I'm talking about. about. about. to try to jimmy it open. Still didn't work. Still didn't work. Absolutely nothing.

Absolutely nothing. Absolutely nothing. So there he was completely locked out of So there he was completely locked out of So there he was completely locked out of his own studio. >> Then he remembered something. >> Then he remembered something. Y'all remember that earlier that day >> that he had open the window in his room >> that he had open the window in his room to let in some air and he thought about it and he couldn't and he thought about it and he couldn't remember locking the window. remember locking the window. remember locking the window. So he went to the shed, So he went to the shed, So he went to the shed, pulled our ladder, pulled our ladder, pulled our ladder, climbed up on the roof, went to the window, and with baited went to the window, and with baited breath, breath, breath, he starts to try to lift it, and it he starts to try to lift it, and it he starts to try to lift it, and it opened.

I've seen a picture of Austin. I've seen a picture of Austin. >> He's a pretty nicesized dude. So I can imagine him awkwardly climbing So I can imagine him awkwardly climbing through the window through the window through the window and then he opened the door from the and then he opened the door from the and then he opened the door from the inside. Nevertheless, there are some situations Nevertheless, there are some situations in life that cannot be solved by human in life that cannot be solved by human in life that cannot be solved by human ingenuity. ingenuity. ingenuity. >> They can't be solved by money. >> They can't be solved by money. >> They can't be solved by money. >> Can't be solved by influence. >> Can't be solved by influence. >> Can't be solved by influence. >> Don't care how much education you have. >> Don't care how much education you have. >> Don't care how much education you have. >> Don't care how many connections you >> Don't care how many connections you >> Don't care how many connections you have. have. have. >> They can't be solved. >> They can't be solved. >> They can't be solved. Some situations Some situations Some situations require a miracle from God.

we find that when faith is determined to we find that when faith is determined to get to Jesus, get to Jesus, get to Jesus, it will find a way. Even when there are obstacles in the Even when there are obstacles in the way, way, way, faith, faith, faith, like the faith in our text, like the faith in our text, like the faith in our text, will find a way. will find a way. will find a way. Well, Well, Well, Matthew chapter 2:es Matthew chapter 2:es Matthew chapter 2:es 1-2 1-2 1-2 introduces us to a man whose condition introduces us to a man whose condition introduces us to a man whose condition had left him dependent on other people. had left him dependent on other people. had left him dependent on other people. He was paralyzed >> in Mark. Did I say Matthew? >> in Mark. Did I say Matthew? >> I'm sorry. >> I'm sorry. >> I'm sorry. >> It's been a long night. >> By the way, this story is found in >> By the way, this story is found in Matthew. It's found in chapter 9:es 1-8.

Matthew. It's found in chapter 9:es 1-8. Matthew. It's found in chapter 9:es 1-8. It's also found in Luke 5 17- 26. But this guy was totally dependent on But this guy was totally dependent on others because he was paralyzed. others because he was paralyzed. others because he was paralyzed. There was no way he could get himself to There was no way he could get himself to There was no way he could get himself to Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. He needed help. >> Well, I want to share with you several >> Well, I want to share with you several poignant and pertinent points poignant and pertinent points poignant and pertinent points for our study today. for our study today. for our study today. You ready? You ready? You ready? >> Let's go. >> Let's go. >> Let's go. First of all, there was the dedication First of all, there was the dedication First of all, there was the dedication of his friends. >> I've been misreading this text all my >> I've been misreading this text all my life.

>> So I read it again a fresh >> So I read it again a fresh and I discovered something. and I discovered something. and I discovered something. Verse three Verse three Verse three says, "Some men came bringing to him a paralyzed bringing to him a paralyzed man man man carried by four of them." That's what I get for not reading That's what I get for not reading carefully. carefully. carefully. As a matter of fact, the Philips As a matter of fact, the Philips As a matter of fact, the Philips translation reads like this. Meanwhile, translation reads like this. Meanwhile, translation reads like this. Meanwhile, a group of people arrived to see him, a group of people arrived to see him, a group of people arrived to see him, meaning Jesus, meaning Jesus, meaning Jesus, bringing with them a paralytic whom four bringing with them a paralytic whom four bringing with them a paralytic whom four of them were carrying. Anybody in here remember Anybody in here remember or have witnessed a neighborhood that or have witnessed a neighborhood that or have witnessed a neighborhood that was actually neighborly?

I remember when neighborhoods were I remember when neighborhoods were neighborly. >> Some folks were closer than others. >> Some folks were closer than others. >> But everybody looked out for each other. Go across the street, Go across the street, >> get a cup of sugar. >> Somebody in here know what I'm talking >> Somebody in here know what I'm talking about. about. about. >> Go next door and ask >> for some flour, >> for some flour, >> some eggs, >> some eggs, >> some eggs, >> and folk would give it to Oh yeah. >> I I I remember this is clear as day. You >> I I I remember this is clear as day. You could you could mess up down the street.

>> Get caught. >> Get caught. >> Get a spanking. >> Get a spanking. >> Get a spanking. >> Go home >> Go home >> Go home >> and get another one. I remember when neighborhoods were I remember when neighborhoods were neighborly. >> When I discovered the devil more than >> When I discovered the devil more than four men who were four men who were four men who were taking care of this paralytic, more than taking care of this paralytic, more than taking care of this paralytic, more than those four involved that were carrying those four involved that were carrying those four involved that were carrying him. him. him. I imagined a large group of people, a large group of people, folk from the neighborhood. folk from the neighborhood. folk from the neighborhood. They heard Jesus was back home in They heard Jesus was back home in They heard Jesus was back home in Capernaum. But they heard Jesus was back But they heard Jesus was back >> and I could hear somebody saying, you >> and I could hear somebody saying, you >> and I could hear somebody saying, you know, know, know, if we could get so and so if we could get so and so if we could get so and so to Jesus, to Jesus, to Jesus, >> he could heal him.

>> he could heal him. >> he could heal him. >> Now, the reason I called him so and so >> Now, the reason I called him so and so >> Now, the reason I called him so and so is because we don't have a name for him. is because we don't have a name for him. is because we don't have a name for him. >> As a matter of fact, we don't have a >> As a matter of fact, we don't have a >> As a matter of fact, we don't have a name for them. But it tells us But it tells us something more important. something more important. something more important. It tells us that they were friends. >> They were willing to inconvenience >> They were willing to inconvenience themselves for somebody else. themselves for somebody else. themselves for somebody else. >> Their friend couldn't walk, so they >> Their friend couldn't walk, so they >> Their friend couldn't walk, so they walked for him. All right. walked for him. All right. walked for him. All right. >> He couldn't carry himself, so they >> He couldn't carry himself, so they >> He couldn't carry himself, so they carried him. carried him. carried him. >> He couldn't get to Jesus, >> He couldn't get to Jesus, >> He couldn't get to Jesus, so they took him. so they took him. so they took him. >> Hallelujah. >> Hallelujah. >> Hallelujah. >> Every every now and then you encounter >> Every every now and then you encounter >> Every every now and then you encounter some people who can't get to Jesus. emotionally emotionally spent, spent, spent, >> totally depressed, >> completely addicted.

>> completely addicted. Folk who can't get to Jesus cuz they're Folk who can't get to Jesus cuz they're Folk who can't get to Jesus cuz they're not sure whether or not they really not sure whether or not they really not sure whether or not they really believe in him or not. believe in him or not. believe in him or not. some folk who used to be parts of the some folk who used to be parts of the some folk who used to be parts of the church church church but fell away for some reason. >> I believe that there >> I believe that there uh those of us who are part of the uh those of us who are part of the uh those of us who are part of the neighborhood neighborhood neighborhood >> who ought to bring them by prayer to >> who ought to bring them by prayer to >> who ought to bring them by prayer to Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, >> they can't carry themselves. >> they can't carry themselves. >> they can't carry themselves. So we ought to carry them. So we ought to carry them. So we ought to carry them. This should remind us of Philippians This should remind us of Philippians This should remind us of Philippians chapter 2:es 3 and 4. chapter 2:es 3 and 4. chapter 2:es 3 and 4. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or Do nothing out of selfish ambition or Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. This is the New vain conceit. This is the New vain conceit. This is the New International Version. Rather in International Version. Rather in International Version. Rather in humility, value others above yourselves. humility, value others above yourselves. humility, value others above yourselves. not looking to your own interest but not looking to your own interest but not looking to your own interest but each of you to the interest of others.

And then Galatians 6 and2 tells us to And then Galatians 6 and2 tells us to carry each other's burden and in this carry each other's burden and in this carry each other's burden and in this way we fulfill way we fulfill way we fulfill the law of Christ. The Bible also says in Ecclesiastes The Bible also says in Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, 4:9-10, 4:9-10, it tells us that two are better than one >> because they have a good return for >> because they have a good return for their labor. their labor. their labor. >> If either of them falls down, >> If either of them falls down, >> If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. one can help the other up. one can help the other up. Listen to what it says in the end. Listen to what it says in the end. Listen to what it says in the end. >> But pity anyone who falls >> But pity anyone who falls >> But pity anyone who falls >> and has no one >> and has no one >> and has no one >> to help them up. >> to help them up. >> to help them up. >> My my my. >> My my my. >> My my my. Thank God for this unnamed man Thank God for this unnamed man Thank God for this unnamed man >> and some loving unnamed >> and some loving unnamed >> and some loving unnamed friends, some loving unnamed neighbors, friends, some loving unnamed neighbors, friends, some loving unnamed neighbors, if you will, who were dedicated if you will, who were dedicated if you will, who were dedicated to helping him get to Jesus.

>> Then there's the the their determination >> Then there's the the their determination to get to Jesus. to get to Jesus. to get to Jesus. the determination to get to Jesus. Few days later when Jesus entered Few days later when Jesus entered Capernium, the people heard that he had Capernium, the people heard that he had Capernium, the people heard that he had come home, they gathered in such large come home, they gathered in such large come home, they gathered in such large numbers that there was no room left, not numbers that there was no room left, not numbers that there was no room left, not even outside the door. even outside the door. even outside the door. And he preached the word to them. And he preached the word to them. And he preached the word to them. It says in verse 4 a they couldn't get It says in verse 4 a they couldn't get It says in verse 4 a they couldn't get to him get him rather to Jesus because to him get him rather to Jesus because to him get him rather to Jesus because of the crowd. >> I believe the first sign of that >> I believe the first sign of that determination determination determination was simply they didn't turn around and was simply they didn't turn around and was simply they didn't turn around and go back home. Amen. >> They could have said, "Maybe this isn't >> They could have said, "Maybe this isn't in God's timing."

>> They could have said, "Well, we tried." >> They could have said, "Well, we tried." >> They could have said, "There's no way we >> They could have said, "There's no way we >> They could have said, "There's no way we going to get in there today. Maybe we going to get in there today. Maybe we going to get in there today. Maybe we can come back tomorrow." But they didn't. But they didn't. They stayed. >> Secondly, >> Secondly, they not only stayed, they devised they not only stayed, they devised they not only stayed, they devised another plan. >> Faith said, >> Faith said, "If I can't get through the door, "If I can't get through the door, "If I can't get through the door, maybe we can get through another way. Faith doesn't deny the obstacles. Faith doesn't deny the obstacles. >> Faith simply refuses to let the >> Faith simply refuses to let the >> Faith simply refuses to let the obstacles have the final word. When circumstances When circumstances announce loud and clear that there are announce loud and clear that there are announce loud and clear that there are impossibilities, impossibilities, impossibilities, faith still looks for possibilities.

>> Jesus said in Matthew 19:26, >> Jesus said in Matthew 19:26, "With man, this is impossible, "With man, this is impossible, "With man, this is impossible, >> but with God, >> but with God, >> but with God, >> all things are possible. >> all things are possible. >> all things are possible. That's right. Help me teach this. That's right. Help me teach this. That's right. Help me teach this. >> Jeremiah 32:7 says, "I am the Lord, the >> Jeremiah 32:7 says, "I am the Lord, the >> Jeremiah 32:7 says, "I am the Lord, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard God of all mankind. Is anything too hard God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for me?" >> Luke 1:37 >> Luke 1:37 says, "For no word from God will ever says, "For no word from God will ever says, "For no word from God will ever fail." Amen. >> Determined faith refuses to surrender >> Determined faith refuses to surrender because of difficulty. >> I argue that many of us give up too >> I argue that many of us give up too quickly. >> We should have learned from that woman >> We should have learned from that woman with the issue of blood. with the issue of blood. with the issue of blood. >> Y'all remember that story, don't you?

She made her way through the crowd. She made her way through the crowd. >> And Mark 5:27 says she came up behind >> And Mark 5:27 says she came up behind >> And Mark 5:27 says she came up behind him, him, him, >> in spite of her sickness, >> in spite of her sickness, >> in spite of her sickness, >> in spite of her weakness, >> in spite of her weakness, >> in spite of her weakness, >> in spite of the crowd. >> in spite of the crowd. >> in spite of the crowd. >> And she touched >> And she touched >> And she touched >> his garment. Oh blind Barameus, Oh blind Barameus, >> they told him to shut up. >> they told him to shut up. >> they told him to shut up. >> Be quiet. >> Be quiet. >> Be quiet. >> Don't bother Jesus. >> Don't bother Jesus. >> Don't bother Jesus. >> Mark 10:48 >> Mark 10:48 >> Mark 10:48 says, "Many rebuked him and told him to says, "Many rebuked him and told him to says, "Many rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, >> son of David, >> son of David, >> have mercy on me. The friends of the paralytic face a The friends of the paralytic face a jampacked house jampacked house jampacked house with no way to get in.

with no way to get in. with no way to get in. So they went to the roof. >> That takes us to our next point, the >> That takes us to our next point, the display of their faith. Since they could not get him to Jesus Since they could not get him to Jesus because of the crowd, they made an because of the crowd, they made an because of the crowd, they made an opening in the roof opening in the roof opening in the roof >> above Jesus by digging through it and >> above Jesus by digging through it and >> above Jesus by digging through it and then lowered the mat the man was laying then lowered the mat the man was laying then lowered the mat the man was laying on. >> I I want to give you a quick example >> I I want to give you a quick example of a house in first century Capernium. The houses in first century Capernium The houses in first century Capernium weren't like our modern homes with weren't like our modern homes with weren't like our modern homes with pitched roofs and atticss. >> They typically had a flat roof >> They typically had a flat roof >> made of wooden beams laid parallel to >> made of wooden beams laid parallel to >> made of wooden beams laid parallel to each other, covered with branches and each other, covered with branches and each other, covered with branches and thatch thatch thatch and packed with earth.

and packed with earth. and packed with earth. Archaeological discoveries Archaeological discoveries Archaeological discoveries in Capernium have given us insights into in Capernium have given us insights into in Capernium have given us insights into the construction methods of that time. the construction methods of that time. the construction methods of that time. >> They tell us that the roofs >> They tell us that the roofs >> They tell us that the roofs usually were about 2 feet thick usually were about 2 feet thick usually were about 2 feet thick and sturdy enough to walk on. Yeah. >> Well, I tell you some more, but I don't >> Well, I tell you some more, but I don't have time. >> These men didn't talk about faith. >> These men didn't talk about faith. >> They demonstrated faith. >> They climbed onto the roof. >> They climbed onto the roof. >> I don't know if it was stairs or they >> I don't know if it was stairs or they >> I don't know if it was stairs or they put a ladder up there. I don't know what put a ladder up there. I don't know what put a ladder up there. I don't know what they did. they did. they did. But I can see them But I can see them But I can see them >> in my imaginary eye going up the side of >> in my imaginary eye going up the side of >> in my imaginary eye going up the side of that house on the way to the roof.

that house on the way to the roof. that house on the way to the roof. >> Not just four of them, but I can imagine >> Not just four of them, but I can imagine >> Not just four of them, but I can imagine them talking among themselves. them talking among themselves. them talking among themselves. >> And when they talked about it, somebody >> And when they talked about it, somebody >> And when they talked about it, somebody said, "Oh, I know how to dig into them." So they got upstairs So they got upstairs >> and they opened the roof. >> and they opened the roof. >> and they opened the roof. >> They lowered their friend down in front >> They lowered their friend down in front >> They lowered their friend down in front of Jesus. of Jesus. of Jesus. Now imagine being inside the house >> and all of a sudden >> and all of a sudden >> Jesus is preaching and teaching >> Jesus is preaching and teaching >> Jesus is preaching and teaching >> and you feel pieces of the ceiling Imagine them sitting there suddenly dirt Imagine them sitting there suddenly dirt falling from the ceiling, pieces of the falling from the ceiling, pieces of the falling from the ceiling, pieces of the roof coming apart, roof coming apart, roof coming apart, >> and then suddenly all of a sudden >> and then suddenly all of a sudden >> and then suddenly all of a sudden there's a big hole in the roof, and in there's a big hole in the roof, and in there's a big hole in the roof, and in the hole comes a paralyzed man the hole comes a paralyzed man the hole comes a paralyzed man >> on a mat.

>> Lower directly in front of Jesus. All >> Lower directly in front of Jesus. All right. right. right. >> Now, that's what I call faith on >> Now, that's what I call faith on >> Now, that's what I call faith on display. >> Faith is more than what you say. >> Faith is more than what you say. >> You can talk about faith all day. >> You can talk about faith all day. >> You can talk about faith all day. >> And still not have faith. >> And still not have faith. >> And still not have faith. >> Faith is what you do. >> Faith is what you do. >> Faith is what you do. >> You don't have to believe me. Believe >> You don't have to believe me. Believe >> You don't have to believe me. Believe James. James. James. He said in James chapter 2 vers 17 and He said in James chapter 2 vers 17 and He said in James chapter 2 vers 17 and 18. 18. 18. >> In the same way faith by itself >> In the same way faith by itself >> In the same way faith by itself >> if it is not accompanied by action is >> if it is not accompanied by action is >> if it is not accompanied by action is dead. >> But someone will say you have faith. >> But someone will say you have faith. >> I have deeds. That's right. >> I have deeds. That's right. >> I have deeds. That's right. >> Show me your faith without deeds and >> Show me your faith without deeds and >> Show me your faith without deeds and I'll show you my faith by my deeds.

I'll show you my faith by my deeds. I'll show you my faith by my deeds. >> Hallelujah. >> Hallelujah. >> Hallelujah. >> You see, faith moves. >> You see, faith moves. >> You see, faith moves. >> Faith acts. >> Faith acts. >> Faith acts. >> Faith obeys. >> Faith obeys. >> Faith obeys. >> Faith takes risk. >> Faith takes risk. >> Faith takes risk. >> Faith gets involved. >> Faith gets involved. >> Faith gets involved. >> Yes, it does. >> Yes, it does. >> Yes, it does. Faith climbs up on the roof, digs a hole Faith climbs up on the roof, digs a hole Faith climbs up on the roof, digs a hole in the roof, and lowers your friend down in the roof, and lowers your friend down in the roof, and lowers your friend down to the feet of Jesus. With all that said, I I think it's With all that said, I I think it's important for me to bring up again that important for me to bring up again that important for me to bring up again that sometimes faith looks foolish, >> especially before the miracle becomes >> especially before the miracle becomes visible. >> Come on. >> Come on. >> Noah looked foolish. He was building a big old boat on dry He was building a big old boat on dry land.

>> Foolish. >> Foolish. >> Peter looked foolish. >> Peter looked foolish. >> Peter looked foolish. >> In the middle of a storm, >> In the middle of a storm, >> In the middle of a storm, >> he said, "Lord, if it's you, >> he said, "Lord, if it's you, >> he said, "Lord, if it's you, >> bid me to come." >> bid me to come." >> bid me to come." >> Jesus said, "Come on." >> And he got out of the boat. >> And he got out of the boat. and walked on water. and walked on water. and walked on water. >> David looked foolish >> David looked foolish >> David looked foolish >> going up against Goliath >> going up against Goliath >> going up against Goliath >> with a slingshot. >> You know how I know? Cuz 2 Corinthians >> You know how I know? Cuz 2 Corinthians 5:7 says, "We walk by faith, 5:7 says, "We walk by faith, 5:7 says, "We walk by faith, >> not by sight."

Next, there's the discerning of their Next, there's the discerning of their faith. faith. faith. I'm trying to hurry. I'm trying to hurry. I'm trying to hurry. I know it's a lot of points, I know it's a lot of points, I know it's a lot of points, but it's just a lot to talk about in but it's just a lot to talk about in but it's just a lot to talk about in this passage. >> Mark 2 and five, the A portion of the >> Mark 2 and five, the A portion of the verse verse verse says, "When Jesus saw their faith, says, "When Jesus saw their faith, says, "When Jesus saw their faith, that's enough." That's his discerning their faith. Jesus That's his discerning their faith. Jesus looked up and instead of seeing a hole looked up and instead of seeing a hole looked up and instead of seeing a hole in the roof, in the roof, in the roof, >> which might have been his own roof, by >> which might have been his own roof, by >> which might have been his own roof, by the way, he saw not a hole in the roof, but he saw not a hole in the roof, but faith. >> Jesus saw something that the other >> Jesus saw something that the other people didn't recognize. Jesus can see faith Jesus can see faith when other folk can't see it.

when other folk can't see it. when other folk can't see it. >> What other folk call foolishness, >> What other folk call foolishness, >> What other folk call foolishness, >> Jesus can see whether or not is faith. >> The crowd saw disruption. >> The crowd saw disruption. Jesus saw faith. Jesus saw faith. Jesus saw faith. >> The crowd saw a paralyzed man. Jesus saw >> The crowd saw a paralyzed man. Jesus saw >> The crowd saw a paralyzed man. Jesus saw a candidate for a miracle. a candidate for a miracle. a candidate for a miracle. >> The crowd saw a hole in the roof. Jesus >> The crowd saw a hole in the roof. Jesus >> The crowd saw a hole in the roof. Jesus saw an opportunity to demonstrate divine saw an opportunity to demonstrate divine saw an opportunity to demonstrate divine authority. authority. authority. >> The crowd saw a problem. >> The crowd saw a problem. >> The crowd saw a problem. >> Jesus saw potential. >> The Lord sees beyond >> The Lord sees beyond what ordinary people see. 1st Samuel 16:7 1st Samuel 16:7 says, "People look at the outward says, "People look at the outward says, "People look at the outward appearance, but God looks at the heart." >> Jeremiah 17 and10 says, "I the Lord >> Jeremiah 17 and10 says, "I the Lord searched the heart and examine the searched the heart and examine the searched the heart and examine the mind."

mind." mind." Now, I don't know about you, but that's Now, I don't know about you, but that's Now, I don't know about you, but that's a scary thing. >> Cuz you don't know all the stuff, I >> Cuz you don't know all the stuff, I think. think. think. >> And I like that. Hebrews 11:6 says, "Without faith, it is Hebrews 11:6 says, "Without faith, it is impossible to please God." >> I believe that Jesus is always looking >> I believe that Jesus is always looking for faith. for faith. for faith. >> Because faith gets the Lord's attention. Again and again throughout scripture, Again and again throughout scripture, faith becomes the atmosphere in which faith becomes the atmosphere in which faith becomes the atmosphere in which people encounter the miraculous power of people encounter the miraculous power of people encounter the miraculous power of God.

>> Now I want you to get it straight. >> Now I want you to get it straight. Faith does not manipulate God. >> Faith doesn't command God. >> Faith doesn't command God. Faith depends on God. Faith depends on God. Faith depends on God. >> This is what faith says. Faith says, >> This is what faith says. Faith says, >> This is what faith says. Faith says, "Lord, "Lord, "Lord, I don't know how. >> I have no idea >> I have no idea >> how you going to do it. >> how you going to do it. >> how you going to do it. >> I just believe you are. >> I just believe you are. >> I just believe you are. Yeah, Yeah, Yeah, >> I I I'd like to go on with that. I but I >> I I I'd like to go on with that. I but I >> I I I'd like to go on with that. I but I can't. Uh, next point is the declaration can't. Uh, next point is the declaration can't. Uh, next point is the declaration of forgiveness. he said to the paralyzed man, "Son, he said to the paralyzed man, "Son, your sins are forgiven.

Now, I don't know about you, but I would Now, I don't know about you, but I would have expected him to say, "Get up and have expected him to say, "Get up and have expected him to say, "Get up and walk." >> But he says something completely >> But he says something completely different. different. different. >> Son, your sins are forgiven. >> Son, your sins are forgiven. >> Son, your sins are forgiven. >> Why is this important? I'm glad you >> Why is this important? I'm glad you >> Why is this important? I'm glad you asked. asked. asked. >> You see, the man and his friends came >> You see, the man and his friends came >> You see, the man and his friends came looking for a physical miracle. But Jesus looked beyond the physical But Jesus looked beyond the physical >> and saw his spiritual condition. >> This man wasn't only >> This man wasn't only in my opinion in my opinion in my opinion >> sick physically. >> He possibly could have been sick >> He possibly could have been sick spiritually. >> We often know what we want, >> We often know what we want, >> but he knows what we need.

>> This man's friends brought him because >> This man's friends brought him because he couldn't walk. he couldn't walk. he couldn't walk. Jesus addressed his sin Jesus addressed his sin Jesus addressed his sin >> because Jesus knew that forgiveness was >> because Jesus knew that forgiveness was >> because Jesus knew that forgiveness was the greatest miracle the greatest miracle the greatest miracle there was and greater than mobility. >> You see, because a person can have a >> You see, because a person can have a healthy body healthy body healthy body >> and a sick soul. >> and a sick soul. >> and a sick soul. >> That's right. >> That's right. >> That's right. Amen. Amen. Amen. >> A person can have money in the bank >> A person can have money in the bank >> A person can have money in the bank >> and misery in the heart. >> A person can have functioning legs >> A person can have functioning legs >> and have a broken relationship with God. >> and have a broken relationship with God. >> and have a broken relationship with God. >> Jesus didn't [clears throat] merely come >> Jesus didn't [clears throat] merely come >> Jesus didn't [clears throat] merely come to pick to pick to pick up and heal sick people. up and heal sick people. up and heal sick people. He came for lost people.

>> I want to argue right here and right >> I want to argue right here and right quickly that forgiveness is one of the quickly that forgiveness is one of the quickly that forgiveness is one of the greatest miracles God can give. Amen. >> In Psalm 103:es 2 and 3, >> In Psalm 103:es 2 and 3, it says, "Praise the Lord it says, "Praise the Lord it says, "Praise the Lord my, oh my soul, and forget not all his my, oh my soul, and forget not all his my, oh my soul, and forget not all his benefits. He forgives our sins He forgives our sins and heals all our diseases." and heals all our diseases." and heals all our diseases." >> Hallelujah. >> Hallelujah. >> Hallelujah. Now that's thorough. >> Isaiah 1:18, "Though your sins are like >> Isaiah 1:18, "Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be white as snow." scarlet, they shall be white as snow." scarlet, they shall be white as snow." First John 1:9, "If we confess our sins, First John 1:9, "If we confess our sins, First John 1:9, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive he is faithful and just and will forgive he is faithful and just and will forgive our sins and purify us from all our sins and purify us from all our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." unrighteousness." unrighteousness." Ephesians 1:7 says, "In him we have Ephesians 1:7 says, "In him we have Ephesians 1:7 says, "In him we have redemption through his blood, the redemption through his blood, the redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins."

Jesus isn't merely Jesus isn't merely interested in changing our interested in changing our interested in changing our circumstances. circumstances. circumstances. >> He wants to change us. Amen. >> Now, I want to hit right quick on the >> Now, I want to hit right quick on the fact that fact that fact that I mentioned it a little bit, but I I mentioned it a little bit, but I I mentioned it a little bit, but I believe that believe that believe that this could also imply that sin was the this could also imply that sin was the this could also imply that sin was the source of his sickness. >> We read it every first Sunday. >> We read it every first Sunday. It says, "Because It says, "Because It says, "Because we don't act right concerning the Lord's we don't act right concerning the Lord's we don't act right concerning the Lord's supper, >> many of you >> many of you >> are sick, >> are sick, >> are sick, >> and some have died." >> that that's the case. I believe it very >> that that's the case. I believe it very well could be.

well could be. well could be. But I want to point out once more and But I want to point out once more and But I want to point out once more and again before you start pointing fingers again before you start pointing fingers again before you start pointing fingers at folk and say see >> remember John chapter nine >> remember John chapter nine >> when Jesus and his disciples encounter >> when Jesus and his disciples encounter >> when Jesus and his disciples encounter that man that was born blind that man that was born blind that man that was born blind >> and the disciples say to Jesus >> and the disciples say to Jesus >> and the disciples say to Jesus rabbi who sin this man or his parents? rabbi who sin this man or his parents? rabbi who sin this man or his parents? that he was born blind. that he was born blind. that he was born blind. And Jesus replied And Jesus replied And Jesus replied to them, "You see, it's not that this to them, "You see, it's not that this to them, "You see, it's not that this man has sinned or his parents, man has sinned or his parents, man has sinned or his parents, >> but that the works of God might be >> but that the works of God might be >> but that the works of God might be displayed displayed displayed in him. You can't draw a straight line You can't draw a straight line between sickness and suffering and sin.

>> That's why the Bible says, "Judge not >> That's why the Bible says, "Judge not lest ye be judged. >> Now, I want you to notice something >> Now, I want you to notice something here. here. here. They got to the house early. They got to the house early. They got to the house early. >> So, how you know that? The Bible doesn't >> So, how you know that? The Bible doesn't >> So, how you know that? The Bible doesn't say that. I know they got to the house say that. I know they got to the house say that. I know they got to the house early. early. early. >> Not only were they inside, they were >> Not only were they inside, they were >> Not only were they inside, they were sitting down. doesn't mean you always right doesn't mean you always right >> with the Lord.

>> with the Lord. >> with the Lord. >> Anyway, some teachers of the law >> Anyway, some teachers of the law >> Anyway, some teachers of the law was sitting there thinking to was sitting there thinking to was sitting there thinking to themselves, why does this fell talk like themselves, why does this fell talk like themselves, why does this fell talk like that? >> He's blaspheing. Who can forgive sins >> He's blaspheing. Who can forgive sins but God alone? The Bible says immediately The Bible says immediately >> Jesus knew what they were thinking. >> I want you to know something. >> I want you to know something. Not only does he look up, he looks Not only does he look up, he looks Not only does he look up, he looks within. He knew in their hearts what they were He knew in their hearts what they were thinking. And he says to them, "Why were thinking. And he says to them, "Why were thinking. And he says to them, "Why were y'all thinking these things?" y'all thinking these things?" y'all thinking these things?" >> Now, I want you to put yourself in the >> Now, I want you to put yourself in the >> Now, I want you to put yourself in the position of the teachers of the law. position of the teachers of the law. position of the teachers of the law. >> They didn't say a word out loud.

>> They weren't even murdering. >> They weren't even murdering. >> They was just thinking. And Jesus [clears throat] said, And Jesus [clears throat] said, >> "Why y'all thinking like that?" your sins are forgiven or get up and your sins are forgiven or get up and take your mat and walk. He said, "But I want you to know since He said, "But I want you to know since you were thinking it, you were thinking it, you were thinking it, >> the son of man, >> the son of man, >> the son of man, >> that's him. >> that's him. >> that's him. >> That's me." >> That's me." >> That's me." >> That's what Jesus is saying. >> That's what Jesus is saying. >> That's what Jesus is saying. >> The son of man >> The son of man >> The son of man has authority on earth. to forgive sins.

has authority on earth. to forgive sins. has authority on earth. to forgive sins. >> In other words, he was identifying >> In other words, he was identifying >> In other words, he was identifying himself himself himself >> as a son of God. >> I wish I had time, but it's 12:56. >> I wish I had time, but it's 12:56. >> And I got two more points in the story. So he said to the man, So he said to the man, "I tell you, get up, take your mat, and "I tell you, get up, take your mat, and "I tell you, get up, take your mat, and go home." go home." go home." >> He took He got up, >> He took He got up, >> He took He got up, took his mat, and walked out of the took his mat, and walked out of the took his mat, and walked out of the house in full view house in full view house in full view >> of them all. Amen. >> of them all. Amen. >> of them all. Amen. >> I I I stop by to tell you that not only >> I I I stop by to tell you that not only >> I I I stop by to tell you that not only does Jesus have the authority to forgive does Jesus have the authority to forgive does Jesus have the authority to forgive sin, sin, sin, >> he's got authority over everything that >> he's got authority over everything that >> he's got authority over everything that has authority over us.

>> You see, the man's paralysis >> You see, the man's paralysis had authority over him. had authority over him. had authority over him. >> It controlled him. >> It controlled him. >> It controlled him. But paralysis has no authority over But paralysis has no authority over But paralysis has no authority over Jesus. >> Sin has separated humanity for God. >> Sin has separated humanity for God. But sin has no authority over Jesus. But sin has no authority over Jesus. But sin has no authority over Jesus. >> What that means is is that sickness, all >> What that means is is that sickness, all >> What that means is is that sickness, all sickness sickness sickness >> has limitations. >> has limitations. >> has limitations. >> Death has limitations. >> Death has limitations. >> Death has limitations. >> Demons have [clears throat] limitations. >> Demons have [clears throat] limitations. >> Demons have [clears throat] limitations. Storms have limitations. Storms have limitations. Storms have limitations. >> I know life be lifeening, >> I know life be lifeening, >> I know life be lifeening, >> but life has its limitations. >> but life has its limitations. >> but life has its limitations. >> Jesus has all authority. >> Jesus has all authority. >> Jesus has all authority. >> You forgot he said in Matthew 28:18, >> You forgot he said in Matthew 28:18, >> You forgot he said in Matthew 28:18, "All authority "All authority "All authority >> in heaven and earth >> in heaven and earth >> in heaven and earth >> has been given to me."

>> has been given to me." >> has been given to me." >> Listen to what Jesus says. >> Listen to what Jesus says. >> Listen to what Jesus says. In John 5 21, for just as the Father In John 5 21, for just as the Father In John 5 21, for just as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, raises the dead and gives them life, raises the dead and gives them life, even so the Son gives life to whom he is even so the Son gives life to whom he is even so the Son gives life to whom he is pleased to give it. pleased to give it. pleased to give it. >> Hallelujah. >> Hallelujah. >> Hallelujah. >> Hallelujah. >> Hallelujah. >> Hallelujah. >> I I got to hurry. >> I I got to hurry. >> I I got to hurry. >> It's 12:59. >> It's 12:59. >> It's 12:59. We about to go into overtime. >> I want to present this last >> I want to present this last point. point. point. It's the double take It's the double take It's the double take >> that led to praise. >> that led to praise. >> that led to praise. >> All right. >> The people were expecting to hear Jesus >> The people were expecting to hear Jesus teach and preach. teach and preach. teach and preach. They ended up watching Jesus transform a They ended up watching Jesus transform a They ended up watching Jesus transform a whole life >> and God in turn turn spectators >> and God in turn turn spectators into worshippers.

>> The Bible says they were amazed >> The Bible says they were amazed and I believe they had to do a double and I believe they had to do a double and I believe they had to do a double take. take. take. >> They had to look twice. >> They had to look twice. >> They had to look twice. >> They looked at this man and said, >> They looked at this man and said, >> They looked at this man and said, That's that paralyzed guy from over on They were amazed. They were amazed. >> They had witnessed something that the >> They had witnessed something that the >> They had witnessed something that the Bible says they could not explain. Bible says they could not explain. Bible says they could not explain. >> You see, that's what happens when God >> You see, that's what happens when God >> You see, that's what happens when God does some stuff that only God can do. This man This man was carried in dependent, was carried in dependent, was carried in dependent, >> but he walked out delivered.

>> He entered the house >> He entered the house being carried by his friends on a mat. being carried by his friends on a mat. being carried by his friends on a mat. He left He left He left >> carrying the mat that used to carry him. >> So what kind of faith was it that gave >> So what kind of faith was it that gave this man the ability to walk that caused this man the ability to walk that caused this man the ability to walk that caused his friends to cut a hole in the roof his friends to cut a hole in the roof his friends to cut a hole in the roof and lower him to Jesus? and lower him to Jesus? and lower him to Jesus? Well, that reminds me of a story >> went to this foreign land >> went to this foreign land and he was trying to translate the Bible and he was trying to translate the Bible and he was trying to translate the Bible into their language. into their language. into their language. But he had a problem. He couldn't But he had a problem. He couldn't But he had a problem. He couldn't translate the word faith translate the word faith translate the word faith >> into their language.

>> into their language. >> into their language. till one day after he was praying about till one day after he was praying about till one day after he was praying about it, it, it, a messenger came running in the door. a messenger came running in the door. a messenger came running in the door. >> He was running, >> He was running, >> He was running, huffing and puffing. And the messenger in his language And the messenger in his language said, "It feels good said, "It feels good said, "It feels good >> to rest my whole weight >> to rest my whole weight >> to rest my whole weight >> on this chair." >> on this chair." >> on this chair." >> Yes, Lord. >> Yes, Lord. >> Yes, Lord. >> And the Lord told him, "That's it. >> And the Lord told him, "That's it. >> And the Lord told him, "That's it. >> That's faith. >> That's faith. >> That's faith. >> When you rest your whole weight >> When you rest your whole weight >> When you rest your whole weight on God, Don't quit propping yourselves up like Don't quit propping yourselves up like faith won't hold you.

>> REST YOUR WHOLE weight >> REST YOUR WHOLE weight >> on God. That's faith that will find a >> on God. That's faith that will find a >> on God. That's faith that will find a way. Now, if there's anybody here Now, 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 lives, move on savior and lord of their lives, move on savior and lord of their lives, move on their hearts right now. >> Anybody here who's seeking a church >> Anybody here who's seeking a church home, move on their hearts right now. Anybody move on their hearts right now. Anybody who's here on temporary assignment, who's here on temporary assignment, who's here on temporary assignment, >> looking for watch care, Yes, sir. >> looking for watch care, Yes, sir. >> looking for watch care, Yes, sir. >> A place to watch over their souls while >> A place to watch over their souls while >> A place to watch over their souls while they here they here they here >> for school, for work, for health concerns. health concerns. Move on their hearts even now.

Move on their hearts even now. Move on their hearts even now. Draw them down the aisle as our prayer Draw them down the aisle as our prayer Draw them down the aisle as our prayer in Jesus' name. [music] in Jesus' name. [music] in Jesus' name. [music] Amen. God. God. His [singing] word is true. [music] His [singing] word is true. [music] His [singing] word is true. [music] I believe [singing] I believe [singing] I believe [singing] God. God. God. [music] What he said he will do. I [music] What he said he will do. I [music] What he said he will do. I believe. believe. believe. >> I believe [singing] >> I believe [singing] >> I believe [singing] [music] God. [music] God. [music] God. He will always come through. He will always come through. He will always come through. I choose >> to believe. >> to believe. >> Yeah, >> Yeah, >> Yeah, >> I believe. [music] >> I believe. [music] >> I believe. [music] [singing] [singing] [singing] >> Yeah, >> Yeah, >> Yeah, >> I believe God. >> I believe God. >> I believe God. >> Oh, I believe [singing] >> Oh, I believe [singing] >> Oh, I believe [singing] God. [music] His word is true.

His word is true. I [singing and music] believe I [singing and music] believe I [singing and music] believe God God God what he said he will do. what he said he will do. what he said he will do. I [music and singing] believe I [music and singing] believe I [music and singing] believe God God God he will always come through. he will always come through. he will always come through. I choose [music] I believe God. I believe God. [music] [music] [music] >> Church, >> Church, >> Church, I want to introduce you to Derek. I want to introduce you to Derek. I want to introduce you to Derek. [music] [music] [music] Say, "Hey, Derek." Say, "Hey, Derek." Say, "Hey, Derek." [music] >> Derek said he passes by here, but today >> Derek said he passes by here, but today he decided he was coming in. >> We're [music] excited about the fact >> We're [music] excited about the fact that you're here, man. that you're here, man. that you're here, man. We excited that you came in [music] and We excited that you came in [music] and We excited that you came in [music] and we excited that you came down.

we excited that you came down. we excited that you came down. Now we're going to turn you over into Now we're going to turn you over into Now we're going to turn you over into our [music] deacons and we're going to our [music] deacons and we're going to our [music] deacons and we're going to turn you into the hands of Sister Brenda turn you into the hands of Sister Brenda turn you into the hands of Sister Brenda and they're going to lead you through and they're going to lead you through and they're going to lead you through the process the process the process of [music] becoming a new member. On of [music] becoming a new member. On of [music] becoming a new member. On behalf of our pastor, Dr. [music] Marcus behalf of our pastor, Dr. [music] Marcus behalf of our pastor, Dr. [music] Marcus D. Cosby D. Cosby D. Cosby and our whole church family. [music] and our whole church family. [music] and our whole church family. [music] Welcome to the family. We're excited Welcome to the family. We're excited Welcome to the family. We're excited about what we believe and know God is about what we believe and know God is about what we believe and know God is going to do [music] going to do [music] going to do [music] through you and with you and for you in through you and with you and for you in through you and with you and for you in the life of our church. God bless you, the life of our church. God bless you, the life of our church. God bless you, man. [music] man. [music] man. [music] God. >> All right, we 7 minutes over. >> All right, we 7 minutes over. Let's stand.

Let's stand. Let's stand. [music] I promise you, I'll try to do better I promise you, I'll try to do better with time. [music] [music] I just had a lot to say. Believe it or not, I left out a whole Believe it or not, I left out a whole bunch of stuff. Want to be in prayer. Want to be in prayer. This coming Saturday is services [music] This coming Saturday is services [music] This coming Saturday is services [music] for Reverend Carlen Alexander. [music] 10:00 a.m. [music] 10:00 a.m. I repeat, not 11. I repeat, not 11. I repeat, not 11. [music] [music] [music] 10:00 a.m. here at the Willer Avenue 10:00 a.m. here at the Willer Avenue 10:00 a.m. here at the Willer Avenue Baptist Church sanctuary. Baptist Church sanctuary. Baptist Church sanctuary. Please let us be in prayer [music] if we Please let us be in prayer [music] if we Please let us be in prayer [music] if we cannot be in attendance. cannot be in attendance. cannot be in attendance. We want to pray for all of our We want to pray for all of our We want to pray for all of our bereaveved families and for our people bereaveved families and for our people bereaveved families and for our people with health concerns. Amen. [music] with health concerns. Amen. [music] with health concerns. Amen. [music] Amen. Father, we thank you. We praise Amen. Father, we thank you. We praise Amen. Father, we thank you. We praise you and magnify your name. And now we you and magnify your name. And now we you and magnify your name. And now we ask that you [music] be a blessing in ask that you [music] be a blessing in ask that you [music] be a blessing in the lives the lives the lives of our bereaveved families.

of our bereaveved families. of our bereaveved families. Comfort them for you are the God of all Comfort them for you are the God of all Comfort them for you are the God of all comfort. [music] Then Lord, concerning those with health Then Lord, concerning those with health concerns, concerns, concerns, [music] you're the healer. [music] you're the healer. [music] you're the healer. So heal in the name of Jesus. So heal in the name of Jesus. So heal in the name of Jesus. [music] [music] [music] You've done it all before. You've done it all before. You've done it all before. So, we're just asking that you do it So, we're just asking that you do it So, we're just asking that you do it [music] again [music] again [music] again in the mighty name of Jesus. in the mighty name of Jesus. in the mighty name of Jesus. Now, it's unto you Now, it's unto you Now, it's unto you cuz you're able to keep us [music] from cuz you're able to keep us [music] from cuz you're able to keep us [music] from falling, falling, falling, presenting us faultless before your presenting us faultless before your presenting 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. To you [music] be power only wise God. To you [music] be power only wise God. To you [music] be power and majesty, glory and dominion now, and majesty, glory and dominion now, and majesty, glory and dominion now, henceforth and forever [music] more. henceforth and forever [music] more. henceforth and forever [music] more. It's in the name of Jesus, the Christ of It's in the name of Jesus, the Christ of It's in the name of Jesus, the Christ of God, we pray. Amen. God, we pray. Amen. God, we pray. Amen. And thank God. God bless you.