Wednesday Bible Study

Hey, Praise the [music] Lord. Come on, Hey, Praise the [music] Lord. Come on, let's worship tonight. Hallelujah. [music] Uh-huh. Here we go. High lifted [music] Uh-huh. Here we go. High lifted up and all the [singing] earth is who up and all the [singing] earth is who up and all the [singing] earth is who you are. [music] High lifted up and all you are. [music] High lifted up and all you are. [music] High lifted up and all the earth is who you are. the earth is who you are. the earth is who you are. High, lifted [music and singing] up, and High, lifted [music and singing] up, and High, lifted [music and singing] up, and all the earth is who you are. Lord, all the earth is who you are. Lord, all the earth is who you are. Lord, [music] we exalt [singing] your name. [music] we exalt [singing] your name. [music] we exalt [singing] your name. Lord, [music] we exalt your name. Lord, [music] we exalt your name. Lord, [music] we exalt your name. Oh, high, lifted up, [music and singing] Oh, high, lifted up, [music and singing] Oh, high, lifted up, [music and singing] and all the earth is who you are. Oh, and all the earth is who you are. Oh, and all the earth is who you are. Oh, high, lifted up, and all [music] the high, lifted up, and all [music] the high, lifted up, and all [music] the earth [singing] is who you are. earth [singing] is who you are. earth [singing] is who you are. high lifted up in all the earth is high lifted up in all the earth is high lifted up in all the earth is [singing] who you are. [music] Lord, we [singing] who you are. [music] Lord, we [singing] who you are. [music] Lord, we exalt your name. exalt your name. exalt your name. [music] Oh [singing] Lord, we exalt your [music] Oh [singing] Lord, we exalt your [music] Oh [singing] Lord, we exalt your You got it. Come on. High lifted [music] You got it. Come on. High lifted [music] You got it. Come on. High lifted [music] up. High lifted up in all.

up. High lifted up in all. up. High lifted up in all. High lifted up High lifted up High lifted up [music] in all the earth is who you are. [music] in all the earth is who you are. [music] in all the earth is who you are. Oh high, lifted [music] up and all the Oh high, lifted [music] up and all the Oh high, lifted [music] up and all the earth is who you are. Oh [singing] Lord, earth is who you are. Oh [singing] Lord, earth is who you are. Oh [singing] Lord, we exalt your name. we exalt your name. we exalt your name. Oh Lord, we exalt [music] Oh Lord, we exalt [music] Oh Lord, we exalt [music] your Oh, [singing] I lift it up. I lift your Oh, [singing] I lift it up. I lift your Oh, [singing] I lift it up. I lift it up [music] and all. it up [music] and all. it up [music] and all. I lift it up [music] I lift it up [music] I lift it up [music] and all the earth [singing] is of you. and all the earth [singing] is of you. and all the earth [singing] is of you. Oh, high lifted up in all the earth. Oh, high lifted up in all the earth. Oh, high lifted up in all the earth. [music] [music] [music] Oh [singing] Lord, we exalt your [music] Oh [singing] Lord, we exalt your [music] Oh [singing] Lord, we exalt your [music] name. name. name. Oh God, [singing] we Oh God, [singing] we Oh God, [singing] we Come on, put your hands up. High lifted Come on, put your hands up. High lifted Come on, put your hands up. High lifted up. [music and singing] High lifted up up. [music and singing] High lifted up up. [music and singing] High lifted up and all. Yes. High lifted up [music] and all. Yes. High lifted up [music] and all. Yes. High lifted up [music] in all the earth. in all the earth. in all the earth. High lifted [music and singing] up in High lifted [music and singing] up in High lifted [music and singing] up in all the earth. Lord we exalt all the earth. Lord we exalt all the earth. Lord we exalt your name. Lord [music and singing] we your name. Lord [music and singing] we your name. Lord [music and singing] we exalt.

exalt. exalt. Oh. Oh. I lift it up. Oh. Oh. I lift it up. Oh. Oh. I lift it up. Yes. [music] Yes. [music] Yes. [music] I lift it up. Lord we [singing] exalt. Lord we [singing] exalt. Let's go. [music] Here we go. Oh we Let's go. [music] Here we go. Oh we Let's go. [music] Here we go. Oh we praise you. We praise [music] you. We praise you. We praise [music] you. We praise you. We praise [music] you. We praise you. We praise you. We praise praise you. We praise you. We praise praise you. We praise you. We praise you. We praise you. High and lifted up. you. We praise you. High and lifted up. you. We praise you. High and lifted up. High and lifted up. [music] We break. We High and lifted up. [music] We break. We High and lifted up. [music] We break. We praise you. We praise you. We praise praise you. We praise you. We praise praise you. We praise you. We praise you. We praise you. We praise you. High you. We praise you. We praise you. High you. We praise you. We praise you. High lifted up. We praise. [music] lifted up. We praise. [music] lifted up. We praise. [music] We praise. Come on. Use our faith. Yes, We praise. Come on. Use our faith. Yes, We praise. Come on. Use our faith. Yes, God. [music] We praise. We praise. High God. [music] We praise. We praise. High God. [music] We praise. We praise. High lifted up. We praise. [music] lifted up. We praise. [music] lifted up. We praise. [music] We praise. We praise. We praise. [music] We praise. We praise. We praise. [music] We praise. We praise. We praise. [music] We praise. We praise. [singing] We praise. We praise. [singing] We praise. We praise. [singing] High. Lift it up. [music] High. Lift it up. [music] High. Lift it up. [music] I lift it up in all the earth. I lift it I lift it up in all the earth. I lift it I lift it up in all the earth. I lift it up. [music] up. [music] up. [music] Come on. Y'all choir tonight. Come on. I Come on. Y'all choir tonight. Come on. I Come on. Y'all choir tonight. Come on. I [singing] lift it up.

[singing] lift it up. [singing] lift it up. That's it. That's it. That's it. Lord, we [music] [music] Lord we [music] Lord we Let's take it up. Oh, Let's take it up. Oh, Let's take it up. Oh, I lift it up in all my earth. [music] I lift it up in all my earth. [music] I lift it up in all my earth. [music] I lift it up I lift it up I lift it up in all the earth. I lift it [music] up in all the earth. I lift it [music] up in all the earth. I lift it [music] up in all the earth. Lord, in all the earth. Lord, in all the earth. Lord, [music and singing] we exalt [music and singing] we exalt [music and singing] we exalt beyond. beyond. beyond. Lord, [music and singing] we exalt. Oh, Oh, I lift it up in [music] all the I lift it up in [music] all the I lift it up in [music] all the [singing] earth. I lift it up. Oh yeah. [singing] earth. I lift it up. Oh yeah. [singing] earth. I lift it up. Oh yeah. I lift it [singing and music] I lift it [singing and music] I lift it [singing and music] up. [music] [music] love we one more. One more.

I lift it up in all the earth I lift it I lift it up in all the earth I lift it up. [music] up. [music] up. [music] Yeah, God. Yeah, God. Yeah, God. I lift it up [music] I lift it up [music] I lift it up [music] and all the earth and all the earth and all the earth we exalt. Yes, God. One more baby. [music] Yes, God. One more baby. [music] I lift it up. I lift it up. I lift it up. Yes, God. Yes, God. Yes, God. I lift it up. [music] I lift it up. [music] I lift it up. [music] Oh, Oh, Oh, I lift it up I lift it up I lift it up in all the [singing] earth. Lord, in all the [singing] earth. Lord, in all the [singing] earth. Lord, [music] we exalt [music] we exalt [music] we exalt your your your Lord. We exalt Lord. We exalt Lord. We exalt [music] [music] [music] your name. Lord, we exalt [music] you. Oh Lord, [music] we exalt your name. Oh Lord, [music] we exalt your name. [singing] Oh, come on, DO THAT RIGHT NOW.

Oh, come on, DO THAT RIGHT NOW. HALLELUJAH. YES, GOD. [music] [music] [music] >> FATHER, we thank you. >> FATHER, we thank you. >> FATHER, we thank you. >> Thank you, Father, >> Thank you, Father, >> Thank you, Father, >> for another day's journey. [music] >> for another day's journey. [music] >> for another day's journey. [music] >> Yep. and for the opportunity to lift up >> Yep. and for the opportunity to lift up >> Yep. and for the opportunity to lift up your holy name. your holy name. your holy name. [music] [music] [music] Your name Your name Your name is worthy to be praised. is worthy to be praised. is worthy to be praised. From the rising of the sun to the going From the rising of the sun to the going From the rising of the sun to the going down of the same, your name is worthy to down of the same, your name is worthy to down of the same, your name is worthy to be praised. be praised. be praised. Now Lord, [music] we pray that you take Now Lord, [music] we pray that you take Now Lord, [music] we pray that you take Reverend Clardy Allen and Reverend Clardy Allen and Reverend Clardy Allen and use her Empty [music] use her Empty [music] use her Empty [music] her of herself and fill her with your her of herself and fill her with your her of herself and fill her with your Holy Spirit. Speak to her and through Holy Spirit. Speak to her and through Holy Spirit. Speak to her and through her. [music] her. [music] her. [music] Use her tonight, Lord. Bless your Use her tonight, Lord. Bless your Use her tonight, Lord. Bless your people. That's our prayer. [music] It's people. That's our prayer. [music] It's people. That's our prayer. [music] It's in the name of Jesus, the Christ of God, in the name of Jesus, the Christ of God, in the name of Jesus, the Christ of God, we pray. Amen.

we pray. Amen. we pray. Amen. [music] You may be seated in the [music] You may be seated in the [music] You may be seated in the presence of the Lord. presence of the Lord. presence of the Lord. For those of you who didn't know, For those of you who didn't know, For those of you who didn't know, our interns are doing Bible study in the our interns are doing Bible study in the our interns are doing Bible study in the month of July, month of July, month of July, and we're excited about them doing it. and we're excited about them doing it. and we're excited about them doing it. [music] [music] [music] Last week, Last week, Last week, Reverend Miles Cutter blessed us. Reverend Miles Cutter blessed us. Reverend Miles Cutter blessed us. Amen. [music] This week, you're in for another This week, you're in for another blessing. blessing. blessing. [music] [music] [music] I'm going to introduce to some and I'm going to introduce to some and I'm going to introduce to some and present to others [music] present to others [music] present to others [music] our teacher for tonight, Reverend our teacher for tonight, Reverend our teacher for tonight, Reverend Claudia Allen. [music] Good [music] evening. Good evening. Good [music] evening. Good evening. It's a pleasure to be with you all. It It's a pleasure to be with you all. It It's a pleasure to be with you all. It has been a joy being with you all, has been a joy being with you all, has been a joy being with you all, worshiping and studying with you uh for worshiping and studying with you uh for worshiping and studying with you uh for the past five weeks. The time feels as the past five weeks. The time feels as the past five weeks. The time feels as though it has gone by so quickly. Uh we though it has gone by so quickly. Uh we though it has gone by so quickly. Uh we want it to slow down just a little bit.

want it to slow down just a little bit. want it to slow down just a little bit. All four, three of four of us have been All four, three of four of us have been All four, three of four of us have been talking about that. Um but thank you all talking about that. Um but thank you all talking about that. Um but thank you all so much for your kindness, your warm so much for your kindness, your warm so much for your kindness, your warm welcome. It has truly been a pleasure. welcome. It has truly been a pleasure. welcome. It has truly been a pleasure. Uh, I want to uh give honor to the Uh, I want to uh give honor to the Uh, I want to uh give honor to the shepherd of this house, Dr. Marcus D. shepherd of this house, Dr. Marcus D. shepherd of this house, Dr. Marcus D. Cosby. Can we bless God for him? Uh, Cosby. Can we bless God for him? Uh, Cosby. Can we bless God for him? Uh, your amazing senior pastor. [music] your amazing senior pastor. [music] your amazing senior pastor. [music] Uh, while you're clapping, just keep Uh, while you're clapping, just keep Uh, while you're clapping, just keep clapping for Dr. Alexander EM Johnson, clapping for Dr. Alexander EM Johnson, clapping for Dr. Alexander EM Johnson, your phenomenal executive pastor, and your phenomenal executive pastor, and your phenomenal executive pastor, and you all have truly a robust clergy team you all have truly a robust clergy team you all have truly a robust clergy team here at Wheeler Avenue. You are so here at Wheeler Avenue. You are so here at Wheeler Avenue. You are so blessed. uh just give God glory for each blessed. uh just give God glory for each blessed. uh just give God glory for each of the ministers of the ministers of the ministers uh that are sharing and uh pouring into uh that are sharing and uh pouring into uh that are sharing and uh pouring into each of you. Uh I want to give a special each of you. Uh I want to give a special each of you. Uh I want to give a special shout out to Reverend David Roberts, shout out to Reverend David Roberts, shout out to Reverend David Roberts, your minister for Christian education your minister for Christian education your minister for Christian education [music] [music] [music] uh leading you all every week uh and uh leading you all every week uh and uh leading you all every week uh and leading our study on the avenue as well. leading our study on the avenue as well. leading our study on the avenue as well. God has truly been teaching. [music] God has truly been teaching. [music] God has truly been teaching. [music] And so, uh, in alignment with this And so, uh, in alignment with this And so, uh, in alignment with this year's teaching on manifesting miracles, year's teaching on manifesting miracles, year's teaching on manifesting miracles, we are going to continue our study, we are going to continue our study, we are going to continue our study, [music] we're in the New Testament, as [music] we're in the New Testament, as [music] we're in the New Testament, as you know. We're continuing our study in you know. We're continuing our study in you know. We're continuing our study in the New Testament in the Gospel of Mark the New Testament in the Gospel of Mark the New Testament in the Gospel of Mark tonight, going back to the Gospel of tonight, going back to the Gospel of tonight, going back to the Gospel of Mark. Uh, Reverend Miles Cutter began Mark. Uh, Reverend Miles Cutter began Mark. Uh, Reverend Miles Cutter began our discussion in Mark last week, and we our discussion in Mark last week, and we our discussion in Mark last week, and we were in Mark chapter 5. And so I want to were in Mark chapter 5. And so I want to were in Mark chapter 5. And so I want to invite you to come back with me to the invite you to come back with me to the invite you to come back with me to the Gospel of Mark 5. And tonight we'll read

Gospel of Mark 5. And tonight we'll read Gospel of Mark 5. And tonight we'll read verses 25-34. verses 25-34. verses 25-34. Do I have a a volunteer who would be Do I have a a volunteer who would be Do I have a a volunteer who would be willing to read Mark 5 willing to read Mark 5 willing to read Mark 5 25-34? 25-34? 25-34? Mark 5 25-34. Thank you so much. As Mark 5 25-34. Thank you so much. As Mark 5 25-34. Thank you so much. As she's coming, do each of you have a she's coming, do each of you have a she's coming, do each of you have a handout or those who want a handout, do handout or those who want a handout, do handout or those who want a handout, do you have one? If you don't have one, we you have one? If you don't have one, we you have one? If you don't have one, we can get one to you. Please go ahead. can get one to you. Please go ahead. can get one to you. Please go ahead. Thank you. >> Good evening. >> Good evening. >> Mark 5 25-34 from the New International >> Mark 5 25-34 from the New International >> Mark 5 25-34 from the New International Version. And a woman was there who had Version. And a woman was there who had Version. And a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for 12 years. been subject to bleeding for 12 years. been subject to bleeding for 12 years. She had suffered a great deal under the She had suffered a great deal under the She had suffered a great deal under the care of many doctors and had spent all care of many doctors and had spent all care of many doctors and had spent all she had. Yet, instead of getting better, she had. Yet, instead of getting better, she had. Yet, instead of getting better, she grew worse. she grew worse. she grew worse. >> When she heard about Jesus, she came up >> When she heard about Jesus, she came up >> When she heard about Jesus, she came up behind him in the crowd and touched his behind him in the crowd and touched his behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak because she thought, "If I just cloak because she thought, "If I just cloak because she thought, "If I just touch his clothes, I will be healed."

touch his clothes, I will be healed." touch his clothes, I will be healed." Immediately, her bleeding stopped and Immediately, her bleeding stopped and Immediately, her bleeding stopped and she felt in her body that she was freed she felt in her body that she was freed she felt in her body that she was freed from her suffering. At once, Jesus from her suffering. At once, Jesus from her suffering. At once, Jesus realized that power had gone out of from realized that power had gone out of from realized that power had gone out of from him. He turned around in the crowd and him. He turned around in the crowd and him. He turned around in the crowd and asked, "Who touched my clothes?" asked, "Who touched my clothes?" asked, "Who touched my clothes?" >> "You see the people crowding against >> "You see the people crowding against >> "You see the people crowding against you," his disciple answered. "And yet you," his disciple answered. "And yet you," his disciple answered. "And yet you ask, who touched me?" you ask, who touched me?" you ask, who touched me?" >> Mercy. >> Mercy. >> Mercy. >> But Jesus kept looking around to see who >> But Jesus kept looking around to see who >> But Jesus kept looking around to see who had done it. Then the woman, knowing had done it. Then the woman, knowing had done it. Then the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came and fell what had happened to her, came and fell what had happened to her, came and fell at his feet, and trembling with fear, at his feet, and trembling with fear, at his feet, and trembling with fear, told him the whole truth. He said to told him the whole truth. He said to told him the whole truth. He said to her, "Daughter, your faith has healed her, "Daughter, your faith has healed her, "Daughter, your faith has healed you. you. you. >> Go in peace and be freed from your >> Go in peace and be freed from your >> Go in peace and be freed from your suffering." suffering." suffering." >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> Thank you very much. For the next few >> Thank you very much. For the next few >> Thank you very much. For the next few moments, I'd like to teach us under this moments, I'd like to teach us under this moments, I'd like to teach us under this important truth. Don't wait for your important truth. Don't wait for your important truth. Don't wait for your miracle. miracle. miracle. >> Don't wait for your miracle. Let's pray. >> Don't wait for your miracle. Let's pray. >> Don't wait for your miracle. Let's pray. God, you are already here. You are high God, you are already here. You are high God, you are already here. You are high and lifted up. Not just in this place, and lifted up. Not just in this place, and lifted up. Not just in this place, Lord God, but high above the earth. And Lord God, but high above the earth. And Lord God, but high above the earth. And so we praise you and thank you that so we praise you and thank you that so we praise you and thank you that looming above us, God, you are not so looming above us, God, you are not so looming above us, God, you are not so high that you do not look low. And so high that you do not look low. And so high that you do not look low. And so thank you God for being and communing thank you God for being and communing thank you God for being and communing with us and conversing with us. My with us and conversing with us. My with us and conversing with us. My prayer God is that you send your holy prayer God is that you send your holy prayer God is that you send your holy spirit one more time to do as you spirit one more time to do as you spirit one more time to do as you promised and that is to guide us into promised and that is to guide us into promised and that is to guide us into all truth. This is my prayer in Jesus' all truth. This is my prayer in Jesus' all truth. This is my prayer in Jesus' name. Amen.

name. Amen. name. Amen. >> Family, today our passage comes from the >> Family, today our passage comes from the >> Family, today our passage comes from the gospel of Mark. The shortest gospel. It gospel of Mark. The shortest gospel. It gospel of Mark. The shortest gospel. It is comprised only of 16 chapters and it is comprised only of 16 chapters and it is comprised only of 16 chapters and it was historically viewed as a summary to was historically viewed as a summary to was historically viewed as a summary to gospels like Matthew and Luke. However, gospels like Matthew and Luke. However, gospels like Matthew and Luke. However, critical biblical research has proven critical biblical research has proven critical biblical research has proven that Mark was in fact written first. And that Mark was in fact written first. And that Mark was in fact written first. And it is the Gospel of Mark that serves as it is the Gospel of Mark that serves as it is the Gospel of Mark that serves as what theologians consider to be the what theologians consider to be the what theologians consider to be the foundational source document that is foundational source document that is foundational source document that is referenced by authors Matthew, the referenced by authors Matthew, the referenced by authors Matthew, the authors of Matthew and Luke. And the authors of Matthew and Luke. And the authors of Matthew and Luke. And the reason this is important for you to know reason this is important for you to know reason this is important for you to know is that Mark is the first gospel is that Mark is the first gospel is that Mark is the first gospel recorded that is not just the recorded that is not just the recorded that is not just the foundational source document, but it foundational source document, but it foundational source document, but it centers the identity of Jesus Christ as centers the identity of Jesus Christ as centers the identity of Jesus Christ as the Messiah and the son of God whose the Messiah and the son of God whose the Messiah and the son of God whose mission was to bring the kingdom through mission was to bring the kingdom through mission was to bring the kingdom through sacrifice. Because of this, the Gospel sacrifice. Because of this, the Gospel sacrifice. Because of this, the Gospel of Mark highlights Jesus as what of Mark highlights Jesus as what of Mark highlights Jesus as what theologians call the suffering servant.

theologians call the suffering servant. theologians call the suffering servant. Have you heard people call Jesus the Have you heard people call Jesus the Have you heard people call Jesus the suffering servant? Anybody heard of suffering servant? Anybody heard of suffering servant? Anybody heard of that? Yes, I see a couple hands. What is that? Yes, I see a couple hands. What is that? Yes, I see a couple hands. What is particularly interesting about Jesus as particularly interesting about Jesus as particularly interesting about Jesus as suffering servant in Mark is that the suffering servant in Mark is that the suffering servant in Mark is that the gospel also highlights humanity gospel also highlights humanity gospel also highlights humanity suffering as a result of sin. So that suffering as a result of sin. So that suffering as a result of sin. So that what you're seeing when you're reading what you're seeing when you're reading what you're seeing when you're reading the Gospel of Mark is Jesus the the Gospel of Mark is Jesus the the Gospel of Mark is Jesus the suffering servant juxtaposed or placed suffering servant juxtaposed or placed suffering servant juxtaposed or placed alongside the suffering of humanity and alongside the suffering of humanity and alongside the suffering of humanity and often times family human suffering in often times family human suffering in often times family human suffering in the gospels are characterized by the gospels are characterized by the gospels are characterized by invisibility. invisibility. invisibility. Invisibility and this caused me to think Invisibility and this caused me to think Invisibility and this caused me to think of one of my favorite books. Uh, you all of one of my favorite books. Uh, you all of one of my favorite books. Uh, you all may not know this, but I used to teach may not know this, but I used to teach may not know this, but I used to teach African-American literature and writing African-American literature and writing African-American literature and writing before the Lord snatched me out of a before the Lord snatched me out of a before the Lord snatched me out of a good English classroom. And so, I want good English classroom. And so, I want good English classroom. And so, I want to share with you this, my favorite, one to share with you this, my favorite, one to share with you this, my favorite, one of my favorite novels. It was published of my favorite novels. It was published of my favorite novels. It was published in 1952.

in 1952. in 1952. And this landmark novel follows a And this landmark novel follows a And this landmark novel follows a nameless character as they search for nameless character as they search for nameless character as they search for identity in a racist America where they identity in a racist America where they identity in a racist America where they declare that they are quote invisible declare that they are quote invisible declare that they are quote invisible simply because people refuse to see simply because people refuse to see simply because people refuse to see them. This character sojourer begins in them. This character sojourer begins in them. This character sojourer begins in the poetically pinned prologue of Ralph the poetically pinned prologue of Ralph the poetically pinned prologue of Ralph Ellison's novel entitled Invisible Man. Ellison's novel entitled Invisible Man. Ellison's novel entitled Invisible Man. Have you heard of Invisible Man? Now, Have you heard of Invisible Man? Now, Have you heard of Invisible Man? Now, Invisible Man, the prologue, it begins Invisible Man, the prologue, it begins Invisible Man, the prologue, it begins like this. He writes, "I am an invisible like this. He writes, "I am an invisible like this. He writes, "I am an invisible man. man. man. No, I am not a spook like those who No, I am not a spook like those who No, I am not a spook like those who haunted Edgar Allen Poe. Nor am I one of haunted Edgar Allen Poe. Nor am I one of haunted Edgar Allen Poe. Nor am I one of your Hollywood movie ectoplasms. I am a your Hollywood movie ectoplasms. I am a your Hollywood movie ectoplasms. I am a man of substance, of flesh and bone, man of substance, of flesh and bone, man of substance, of flesh and bone, fiber and liquids. And I might even be fiber and liquids. And I might even be fiber and liquids. And I might even be said to possess a mind. said to possess a mind. said to possess a mind. I am invisible. Understand? Simply I am invisible. Understand? Simply I am invisible. Understand? Simply because people refuse to see me. Like because people refuse to see me. Like because people refuse to see me. Like the bodyless heads you see sometimes in the bodyless heads you see sometimes in the bodyless heads you see sometimes in circus sideshows. It is as though I have circus sideshows. It is as though I have circus sideshows. It is as though I have been surrounded by mirrors of hard been surrounded by mirrors of hard been surrounded by mirrors of hard distorting glass. When they approach me, distorting glass. When they approach me, distorting glass. When they approach me, they see only my surroundings themselves they see only my surroundings themselves they see only my surroundings themselves or figments of their imagination.

or figments of their imagination. or figments of their imagination. everything and anything except me. everything and anything except me. everything and anything except me. >> Come on. >> Come on. >> Come on. >> This novel and particularly this >> This novel and particularly this >> This novel and particularly this prologue is considered a literary prologue is considered a literary prologue is considered a literary masterpiece for several reasons. First, masterpiece for several reasons. First, masterpiece for several reasons. First, this became the first novel by an this became the first novel by an this became the first novel by an African-American to win the National African-American to win the National African-American to win the National Book Award for fiction. Second, it Book Award for fiction. Second, it Book Award for fiction. Second, it brilliantly fused what literary scholars brilliantly fused what literary scholars brilliantly fused what literary scholars consider to be modernist innovations or consider to be modernist innovations or consider to be modernist innovations or uh literary terms like surrealism and uh literary terms like surrealism and uh literary terms like surrealism and stream of consciousness and heavy stream of consciousness and heavy stream of consciousness and heavy symbolism. But what made Invisible Man a symbolism. But what made Invisible Man a symbolism. But what made Invisible Man a literary masterpiece was Ellison's literary masterpiece was Ellison's literary masterpiece was Ellison's depiction of the invisibility of the depiction of the invisibility of the depiction of the invisibility of the 20th century Africanamean experience. 20th century Africanamean experience. 20th century Africanamean experience. And this is what I want you to note. In And this is what I want you to note. In And this is what I want you to note. In this story, the nameless narrator is not this story, the nameless narrator is not this story, the nameless narrator is not physically invisible due to some act of physically invisible due to some act of physically invisible due to some act of magic, magic, magic, mysticism, or mishap.

mysticism, or mishap. mysticism, or mishap. magic, magic, magic, mysticism, mysticism, mysticism, or mishap. Instead, the story highlights or mishap. Instead, the story highlights or mishap. Instead, the story highlights the pain of a life that society chooses the pain of a life that society chooses the pain of a life that society chooses to erase because of what they perceive to erase because of what they perceive to erase because of what they perceive as a physical deformity or disability. as a physical deformity or disability. as a physical deformity or disability. By keeping the narrator nameless By keeping the narrator nameless By keeping the narrator nameless throughout the text, the reader throughout the text, the reader throughout the text, the reader experiences the power of anonymity and experiences the power of anonymity and experiences the power of anonymity and the author's intent on making the the author's intent on making the the author's intent on making the unnamed character a symbol of universal unnamed character a symbol of universal unnamed character a symbol of universal identification. Can you say universal identification. Can you say universal identification. Can you say universal identification? identification? identification? >> Write that there in your worksheet. >> Write that there in your worksheet. >> Write that there in your worksheet. Universal identification Universal identification Universal identification is the literary practice of not is the literary practice of not is the literary practice of not assigning names. thus inviting the assigning names. thus inviting the assigning names. thus inviting the audience, the reader to see themselves audience, the reader to see themselves audience, the reader to see themselves within a particular character or figure within a particular character or figure within a particular character or figure in the text. Now, family, Mark taps into in the text. Now, family, Mark taps into in the text. Now, family, Mark taps into this literary practice in the fifth this literary practice in the fifth this literary practice in the fifth chapter of his gospel. Reverend Miles chapter of his gospel. Reverend Miles chapter of his gospel. Reverend Miles Cutter did an excellent job last week Cutter did an excellent job last week Cutter did an excellent job last week introducing us to Mark chapter 5, where introducing us to Mark chapter 5, where introducing us to Mark chapter 5, where we met the unnamed man walking amongst we met the unnamed man walking amongst we met the unnamed man walking amongst the tombs in the region of the garrison.

the tombs in the region of the garrison. the tombs in the region of the garrison. By keeping the demoniac's name By keeping the demoniac's name By keeping the demoniac's name unrecorded, Mark invites both the Greco unrecorded, Mark invites both the Greco unrecorded, Mark invites both the Greco Roman reader and the contemporary reader Roman reader and the contemporary reader Roman reader and the contemporary reader to see themselves in the universal need to see themselves in the universal need to see themselves in the universal need for liberation for liberation for liberation specifically from spiritual and social specifically from spiritual and social specifically from spiritual and social isolation. isolation. isolation. Mark continues his use of universal Mark continues his use of universal Mark continues his use of universal identification of, as the King James identification of, as the King James identification of, as the King James puts it, a certain woman who had an puts it, a certain woman who had an puts it, a certain woman who had an issue of blood. issue of blood. issue of blood. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Now, family, often times I have heard >> Now, family, often times I have heard >> Now, family, often times I have heard preachers explain this text asserting preachers explain this text asserting preachers explain this text asserting that our protagonist's lack of an that our protagonist's lack of an that our protagonist's lack of an assigned name was due to her gender. assigned name was due to her gender. assigned name was due to her gender. that the women in the Bible are that the women in the Bible are that the women in the Bible are intentionally not named simply because intentionally not named simply because intentionally not named simply because they are women. That due to the they are women. That due to the they are women. That due to the patriarchal nature of the text that only patriarchal nature of the text that only patriarchal nature of the text that only men in the Bible are granted the men in the Bible are granted the men in the Bible are granted the privilege of naming. But as we see in privilege of naming. But as we see in privilege of naming. But as we see in the Gospel of Mark, a man is also the Gospel of Mark, a man is also the Gospel of Mark, a man is also intentionally unnamed. This is an intentionally unnamed. This is an intentionally unnamed. This is an important observation as it reveals that important observation as it reveals that important observation as it reveals that it is not the woman's gender that led it is not the woman's gender that led it is not the woman's gender that led Mark to leave her unnamed in this Mark to leave her unnamed in this Mark to leave her unnamed in this chapter, but rather his need for the chapter, but rather his need for the chapter, but rather his need for the reader to resonate with and insert reader to resonate with and insert reader to resonate with and insert themselves into her story. Now, I need themselves into her story. Now, I need themselves into her story. Now, I need you to understand this point because

you to understand this point because you to understand this point because when we begin to embrace and understand when we begin to embrace and understand when we begin to embrace and understand this notion that the Bible is inherently this notion that the Bible is inherently this notion that the Bible is inherently a patriarchal text, that it inherently a patriarchal text, that it inherently a patriarchal text, that it inherently seeks to subjugate and demean and set seeks to subjugate and demean and set seeks to subjugate and demean and set women aside, we actually are not reading women aside, we actually are not reading women aside, we actually are not reading the text accurately, and we're putting the text accurately, and we're putting the text accurately, and we're putting something on the word of God that simply something on the word of God that simply something on the word of God that simply is not in there. The thing that brings is not in there. The thing that brings is not in there. The thing that brings about the patriarchy, the misogyny, and about the patriarchy, the misogyny, and about the patriarchy, the misogyny, and the sexism of scripture is not the Bible the sexism of scripture is not the Bible the sexism of scripture is not the Bible itself, but the lens that the reader itself, but the lens that the reader itself, but the lens that the reader brings to the Bible. In other words, brings to the Bible. In other words, brings to the Bible. In other words, IT'S NOT THE BIBLE THAT'S SEXIST. IT'S IT'S NOT THE BIBLE THAT'S SEXIST. IT'S IT'S NOT THE BIBLE THAT'S SEXIST. IT'S YOUR INTERPRETATION OF THE Bible that's YOUR INTERPRETATION OF THE Bible that's YOUR INTERPRETATION OF THE Bible that's sexist. All right? So, it's important sexist. All right? So, it's important sexist. All right? So, it's important for you to UNDERSTAND THAT IF YOU'RE for you to UNDERSTAND THAT IF YOU'RE for you to UNDERSTAND THAT IF YOU'RE GOING TO have a kind of faith that's GOING TO have a kind of faith that's GOING TO have a kind of faith that's needed for God to manifest miracles in needed for God to manifest miracles in needed for God to manifest miracles in your life, then you need to understand your life, then you need to understand your life, then you need to understand that the woman with the issue of blood, that the woman with the issue of blood, that the woman with the issue of blood, her namelessness her namelessness her namelessness is not an act of injustice, is not an act of injustice, is not an act of injustice, but rather it is an invitation to but rather it is an invitation to but rather it is an invitation to identification.

identification. identification. >> All right? So, go ahead and write that >> All right? So, go ahead and write that >> All right? So, go ahead and write that down. The woman with the issue of down. The woman with the issue of down. The woman with the issue of blood's namelessness is not an act of blood's namelessness is not an act of blood's namelessness is not an act of injustice. It is an invitation to injustice. It is an invitation to injustice. It is an invitation to identification. identification. identification. This leads us to ask what then is the This leads us to ask what then is the This leads us to ask what then is the universal universal universal message that Mark wants his reader to message that Mark wants his reader to message that Mark wants his reader to identify with. Miss Deborah. Now, I identify with. Miss Deborah. Now, I identify with. Miss Deborah. Now, I believe that the universal message that believe that the universal message that believe that the universal message that Mark wants his readers to identify with Mark wants his readers to identify with Mark wants his readers to identify with is in admonition of faith that I said a is in admonition of faith that I said a is in admonition of faith that I said a little bit earlier, and that is don't little bit earlier, and that is don't little bit earlier, and that is don't wait for your miracle. wait for your miracle. wait for your miracle. >> All right. Today Today I want you to learn that there are some I want you to learn that there are some I want you to learn that there are some manifested miracles that happen for manifested miracles that happen for manifested miracles that happen for people simply because they don't wait people simply because they don't wait people simply because they don't wait for the miracle to come. for the miracle to come. for the miracle to come. They possess a faith that pushes them to They possess a faith that pushes them to They possess a faith that pushes them to step into the presence of God with a step into the presence of God with a step into the presence of God with a desperation desperation desperation that INTERRUPTS WHATEVER GOD IS DOING in that INTERRUPTS WHATEVER GOD IS DOING in that INTERRUPTS WHATEVER GOD IS DOING in order to get the miracle that they stand order to get the miracle that they stand order to get the miracle that they stand in need of.

in need of. in need of. >> And the reason I believe this is the >> And the reason I believe this is the >> And the reason I believe this is the primary point of this paricopy is primary point of this paricopy is primary point of this paricopy is because of the structure of the story. because of the structure of the story. because of the structure of the story. Now, see, when you're studying the Now, see, when you're studying the Now, see, when you're studying the Bible, it's important for you, like any Bible, it's important for you, like any Bible, it's important for you, like any literary text, to not just immediately literary text, to not just immediately literary text, to not just immediately jump into the passages themselves, you jump into the passages themselves, you jump into the passages themselves, you want to look at the structure of the want to look at the structure of the want to look at the structure of the text. And when we look at the structure text. And when we look at the structure text. And when we look at the structure of the story of the woman with the issue of the story of the woman with the issue of the story of the woman with the issue of blood, we see an example of what of blood, we see an example of what of blood, we see an example of what literary and theological scholars call literary and theological scholars call literary and theological scholars call intercolation. Can you say intercolation. Can you say intercolation. Can you say intercolation? intercolation? intercolation? >> Listen, Dr. Cosby said uh uh >> Listen, Dr. Cosby said uh uh >> Listen, Dr. Cosby said uh uh propitiation on Sunday and so I got into propitiation on Sunday and so I got into propitiation on Sunday and so I got into my big word bag over the weekend. I love my big word bag over the weekend. I love my big word bag over the weekend. I love that intercolation, right? Intercolation that intercolation, right? Intercolation that intercolation, right? Intercolation is merely a literary and theological is merely a literary and theological is merely a literary and theological device uh that that where one story is device uh that that where one story is device uh that that where one story is interrupted by a second story before the interrupted by a second story before the interrupted by a second story before the first story resumes. So in other words, first story resumes. So in other words, first story resumes. So in other words, intercolation is a story within a story.

intercolation is a story within a story. intercolation is a story within a story. Amen. And we begin reading, we we began Amen. And we begin reading, we we began Amen. And we begin reading, we we began reading tonight in verse 25. But in reading tonight in verse 25. But in reading tonight in verse 25. But in order to really understand this order to really understand this order to really understand this narrative, we actually need to begin at narrative, we actually need to begin at narrative, we actually need to begin at verses 21- 24. Now, the Bible says that verses 21- 24. Now, the Bible says that verses 21- 24. Now, the Bible says that when Jesus had again crossed over by when Jesus had again crossed over by when Jesus had again crossed over by boat to the other side of the lake, a boat to the other side of the lake, a boat to the other side of the lake, a large crowd gathered around him while he large crowd gathered around him while he large crowd gathered around him while he was by the lake. And then one of the was by the lake. And then one of the was by the lake. And then one of the synagogue leaders named J Iris came. And synagogue leaders named J Iris came. And synagogue leaders named J Iris came. And when he saw Jesus, he fell at his feet. when he saw Jesus, he fell at his feet. when he saw Jesus, he fell at his feet. He pleaded earnestly with him. My little He pleaded earnestly with him. My little He pleaded earnestly with him. My little daughter is dying. Please come and put daughter is dying. Please come and put daughter is dying. Please come and put your hands on her so that she will be your hands on her so that she will be your hands on her so that she will be healed and live. So Jesus went with him. healed and live. So Jesus went with him. healed and live. So Jesus went with him. A large crowd followed and pressed A large crowd followed and pressed A large crowd followed and pressed around him. Now, right here in this around him. Now, right here in this around him. Now, right here in this portion of the text is when the portion of the text is when the portion of the text is when the intercolation begins to take place. Here intercolation begins to take place. Here intercolation begins to take place. Here we see that the woman with the issue of we see that the woman with the issue of we see that the woman with the issue of blood structurally interrupts Gyrus's blood structurally interrupts Gyrus's blood structurally interrupts Gyrus's story story story while simultaneously while simultaneously while simultaneously telling us the story of a woman who telling us the story of a woman who telling us the story of a woman who interrupts in the dialogue and the interrupts in the dialogue and the interrupts in the dialogue and the narrative. She interrupts Jesus and narrative. She interrupts Jesus and narrative. She interrupts Jesus and Gyrus. So that during our meeting with Gyrus. So that during our meeting with Gyrus. So that during our meeting with Reverend Roberts, I was talking to him Reverend Roberts, I was talking to him Reverend Roberts, I was talking to him and he said something profound to me. He and he said something profound to me. He and he said something profound to me. He said, "Claudia, the majority of Jesus's said, "Claudia, the majority of Jesus's said, "Claudia, the majority of Jesus's ministry was an interruption."

ministry was an interruption." ministry was an interruption." >> Yeah. So that THROUGH THE VERY STRUCTURE >> Yeah. So that THROUGH THE VERY STRUCTURE >> Yeah. So that THROUGH THE VERY STRUCTURE OF SCRIPTURE, we can see that Jesus is OF SCRIPTURE, we can see that Jesus is OF SCRIPTURE, we can see that Jesus is not bothered by interruptions. not bothered by interruptions. not bothered by interruptions. Now that should bless somebody because Now that should bless somebody because Now that should bless somebody because you should be happy that I am not God you should be happy that I am not God you should be happy that I am not God because I do not like when I am because I do not like when I am because I do not like when I am interrupted. I need to finish my point. interrupted. I need to finish my point. interrupted. I need to finish my point. I need to finish my story. Let me get I need to finish my story. Let me get I need to finish my story. Let me get everything out that I feel like saying everything out that I feel like saying everything out that I feel like saying do not interject until I am finished. We do not interject until I am finished. We do not interject until I am finished. We do not serve a GOD THAT DOES NOT MIND do not serve a GOD THAT DOES NOT MIND do not serve a GOD THAT DOES NOT MIND being interrupted. being interrupted. being interrupted. He's accustomed to interruption. So now, He's accustomed to interruption. So now, He's accustomed to interruption. So now, not only is Mark showing us how central not only is Mark showing us how central not only is Mark showing us how central interruptions are, Sister Ernie, to the interruptions are, Sister Ernie, to the interruptions are, Sister Ernie, to the ministry of Jesus through this literary ministry of Jesus through this literary ministry of Jesus through this literary device of intercolation. But we also device of intercolation. But we also device of intercolation. But we also learn about the power of an author learn about the power of an author learn about the power of an author choosing which characters to name and choosing which characters to name and choosing which characters to name and which to keep unnamed.

which to keep unnamed. which to keep unnamed. >> All right. >> All right. >> All right. >> All right. >> All right. >> All right. >> Let's go back to the text. Now at the >> Let's go back to the text. Now at the >> Let's go back to the text. Now at the conclusion of the demoniac's narrative, conclusion of the demoniac's narrative, conclusion of the demoniac's narrative, the reader is introduced to the story of the reader is introduced to the story of the reader is introduced to the story of a synagogue leader named J. Iris. As the a synagogue leader named J. Iris. As the a synagogue leader named J. Iris. As the excellent readers you are, uh you are excellent readers you are, uh you are excellent readers you are, uh you are now thinking to yourself, well, why now thinking to yourself, well, why now thinking to yourself, well, why would Mark name the synagogue leader but would Mark name the synagogue leader but would Mark name the synagogue leader but not name the demoniac, the woman with not name the demoniac, the woman with not name the demoniac, the woman with the issue of blood, or Gyrus's own the issue of blood, or Gyrus's own the issue of blood, or Gyrus's own daughter? And what I heard the spirit daughter? And what I heard the spirit daughter? And what I heard the spirit say to me in study was that in Mark's say to me in study was that in Mark's say to me in study was that in Mark's gospel, he wants his reader to see gospel, he wants his reader to see gospel, he wants his reader to see themselves in the vulnerable people themselves in the vulnerable people themselves in the vulnerable people experiencing the miracle, NOT experiencing the miracle, NOT experiencing the miracle, NOT NECESSARILY THE PRIVILEGED people NECESSARILY THE PRIVILEGED people NECESSARILY THE PRIVILEGED people requesting the miracle. Yeah. requesting the miracle. Yeah. requesting the miracle. Yeah. >> And see, some of us are so busy trying >> And see, some of us are so busy trying >> And see, some of us are so busy trying to identify with Gyrus and his to identify with Gyrus and his to identify with Gyrus and his socopolitical and religious position and socopolitical and religious position and socopolitical and religious position and standing before Jesus THAT WE COME standing before Jesus THAT WE COME standing before Jesus THAT WE COME BEFORE OUR GOD WITH THE EXPECTATION that BEFORE OUR GOD WITH THE EXPECTATION that BEFORE OUR GOD WITH THE EXPECTATION that he'll do what we ask simply because of he'll do what we ask simply because of he'll do what we ask simply because of who we are. WHEN SOMETIMES IT'S NOT YOUR who we are. WHEN SOMETIMES IT'S NOT YOUR who we are. WHEN SOMETIMES IT'S NOT YOUR EXPECTATION THAT MOVES GOD, BUT IT'S EXPECTATION THAT MOVES GOD, BUT IT'S EXPECTATION THAT MOVES GOD, BUT IT'S YOUR EXHAUSTION.

YOUR EXHAUSTION. YOUR EXHAUSTION. SOMETIMES IT'S NOT YOUR DEMANDS that SOMETIMES IT'S NOT YOUR DEMANDS that SOMETIMES IT'S NOT YOUR DEMANDS that move God. Sometimes it's your move God. Sometimes it's your move God. Sometimes it's your desperation. And the reason I know that desperation. And the reason I know that desperation. And the reason I know that sometimes you cannot wait for your sometimes you cannot wait for your sometimes you cannot wait for your miracle is because the woman with the miracle is because the woman with the miracle is because the woman with the issue of blood teaches us that issue of blood teaches us that issue of blood teaches us that sometimes, this is point one, sometimes sometimes, this is point one, sometimes sometimes, this is point one, sometimes miracles require miracles require miracles require desperate faith. desperate faith. desperate faith. >> Miracles >> Miracles >> Miracles require desperate faith. The very require desperate faith. The very require desperate faith. The very structure of the narrative teaches us structure of the narrative teaches us structure of the narrative teaches us that sometimes you've got to be willing that sometimes you've got to be willing that sometimes you've got to be willing to interrupt what Jesus is doing in to interrupt what Jesus is doing in to interrupt what Jesus is doing in order to get what you need. order to get what you need. order to get what you need. >> See, I like how the old saints used to >> See, I like how the old saints used to >> See, I like how the old saints used to pray back in the day. We just got Many pray back in the day. We just got Many pray back in the day. We just got Many of you were with us in prayer service of you were with us in prayer service of you were with us in prayer service just earlier. Amen. There was a day when just earlier. Amen. There was a day when just earlier. Amen. There was a day when the old saints used to pray and THEY the old saints used to pray and THEY the old saints used to pray and THEY WOULD SAY, "GOD, TODAY WE BOMBARD WOULD SAY, "GOD, TODAY WE BOMBARD WOULD SAY, "GOD, TODAY WE BOMBARD HEAVEN." HEAVEN." HEAVEN." Y'ALL HEARD THAT WORD BOMBARD HEAVEN.

Y'ALL HEARD THAT WORD BOMBARD HEAVEN. Y'ALL HEARD THAT WORD BOMBARD HEAVEN. SEE, THE TO BOMBARD IS a military term SEE, THE TO BOMBARD IS a military term SEE, THE TO BOMBARD IS a military term that means to attack a place that means to attack a place that means to attack a place continuously with bombs or artillery or continuously with bombs or artillery or continuously with bombs or artillery or to persistently assail someone with to persistently assail someone with to persistently assail someone with overwhelming questions or information. overwhelming questions or information. overwhelming questions or information. So that Miriam Webster says that it is So that Miriam Webster says that it is So that Miriam Webster says that it is to overwhelm or persistently press to overwhelm or persistently press to overwhelm or persistently press someone. And if you're going to be a someone. And if you're going to be a someone. And if you're going to be a person that does not wait for your person that does not wait for your person that does not wait for your miracles, then you've got TO BE WILLING miracles, then you've got TO BE WILLING miracles, then you've got TO BE WILLING TO BOMBARD the savior with your TO BOMBARD the savior with your TO BOMBARD the savior with your requests. requests. requests. Some miracles require desperate faith. Some miracles require desperate faith. Some miracles require desperate faith. Now, we must ask ourselves this critical Now, we must ask ourselves this critical Now, we must ask ourselves this critical question of the text. Reverend Jquille, question of the text. Reverend Jquille, question of the text. Reverend Jquille, what led to this woman's desperation? what led to this woman's desperation? what led to this woman's desperation? All right, All right, All right, >> come with me to verse 25. The New >> come with me to verse 25. The New >> come with me to verse 25. The New International Version says it like this. International Version says it like this. International Version says it like this. It said, "A woman was bleeding for 12 It said, "A woman was bleeding for 12 It said, "A woman was bleeding for 12 years."

years." years." And verse 26 says, "She had suffered a And verse 26 says, "She had suffered a And verse 26 says, "She had suffered a great deal under the care of many great deal under the care of many great deal under the care of many doctors and had spent all she had. Yet doctors and had spent all she had. Yet doctors and had spent all she had. Yet instead of getting better, she grew instead of getting better, she grew instead of getting better, she grew worse." Uh, the Message Bible says it worse." Uh, the Message Bible says it worse." Uh, the Message Bible says it like this, Reverend Roberts. H a a long like this, Reverend Roberts. H a a long like this, Reverend Roberts. H a a long succession of physicians succession of physicians succession of physicians had treated her and treated her badly, had treated her and treated her badly, had treated her and treated her badly, taking all of her money and leaving her taking all of her money and leaving her taking all of her money and leaving her worse off than before. Now family, this worse off than before. Now family, this worse off than before. Now family, this verse indicates that the treatment that verse indicates that the treatment that verse indicates that the treatment that she sought was both abusive and she sought was both abusive and she sought was both abusive and exploitative, exploitative, exploitative, leading to the worsening of her leading to the worsening of her leading to the worsening of her condition. Now, a few things must be condition. Now, a few things must be condition. Now, a few things must be expounded upon here. First, the woman is expounded upon here. First, the woman is expounded upon here. First, the woman is desperate because as Reverend Cutter desperate because as Reverend Cutter desperate because as Reverend Cutter taught us last week, we have another taught us last week, we have another taught us last week, we have another person here whose sickness has relegated person here whose sickness has relegated person here whose sickness has relegated them to a life of social isolation.

them to a life of social isolation. them to a life of social isolation. >> According to Leviticus uh 15 19-30, >> According to Leviticus uh 15 19-30, >> According to Leviticus uh 15 19-30, under the purity laws given to Israel, a under the purity laws given to Israel, a under the purity laws given to Israel, a woman's monthly cycle made her woman's monthly cycle made her woman's monthly cycle made her ceremonially unclean for 7 days. Now a ceremonially unclean for 7 days. Now a ceremonially unclean for 7 days. Now a regular cycle while it called for regular cycle while it called for regular cycle while it called for separation was normal, it was expected separation was normal, it was expected separation was normal, it was expected and that separation was therefore and that separation was therefore and that separation was therefore temporary. However, when we come to temporary. However, when we come to temporary. However, when we come to Leviticus 15 and verse 25, the Bible Leviticus 15 and verse 25, the Bible Leviticus 15 and verse 25, the Bible says that when a woman has a discharge says that when a woman has a discharge says that when a woman has a discharge of blood for many days at a time other of blood for many days at a time other of blood for many days at a time other than her monthly period or has a than her monthly period or has a than her monthly period or has a discharge that continues beyond her discharge that continues beyond her discharge that continues beyond her period, she will be unclean as long as period, she will be unclean as long as period, she will be unclean as long as she has the discharge just as in the she has the discharge just as in the she has the discharge just as in the days of a period. And the reason that days of a period. And the reason that days of a period. And the reason that scholars surmise that this woman scholars surmise that this woman scholars surmise that this woman suffered from an unending menstrual flow suffered from an unending menstrual flow suffered from an unending menstrual flow is because the Greek word used here is is because the Greek word used here is is because the Greek word used here is rous. Can you say rous rous. Can you say rous rous. Can you say rous online? Can you type rous in the chat?

online? Can you type rous in the chat? online? Can you type rous in the chat? Rous is a Greek word meaning flowing Rous is a Greek word meaning flowing Rous is a Greek word meaning flowing issue. meaning that the woman was not issue. meaning that the woman was not issue. meaning that the woman was not suffering from internal bleeding or suffering from internal bleeding or suffering from internal bleeding or internal hemorrhaging, but that her internal hemorrhaging, but that her internal hemorrhaging, but that her blood flow was in fact a continual blood flow was in fact a continual blood flow was in fact a continual discharge. This meant that every person discharge. This meant that every person discharge. This meant that every person that she touched became unclean. that she touched became unclean. that she touched became unclean. Anything that she sat on became unclean Anything that she sat on became unclean Anything that she sat on became unclean and both persons and things remained and both persons and things remained and both persons and things remained unclean until they were washed. The unclean until they were washed. The unclean until they were washed. The people washed themselves. They washed people washed themselves. They washed people washed themselves. They washed their clothes. Uh they bathed with water their clothes. Uh they bathed with water their clothes. Uh they bathed with water and then they had to wait in isolation and then they had to wait in isolation and then they had to wait in isolation until evening. until evening. until evening. So that this purity coat governed who So that this purity coat governed who So that this purity coat governed who could approach the tabernacle. could approach the tabernacle. could approach the tabernacle. It determined who could gather and It determined who could gather and It determined who could gather and participate in community worship and who participate in community worship and who participate in community worship and who could be touched without ceremonial could be touched without ceremonial could be touched without ceremonial consequence. For this woman, that meant consequence. For this woman, that meant consequence. For this woman, that meant 12 straight years of exclusion. 12 years 12 straight years of exclusion. 12 years 12 straight years of exclusion. 12 years of sitting in solitude. 12 years of of sitting in solitude. 12 years of of sitting in solitude. 12 years of worshiping in quarantine. 12 years of worshiping in quarantine. 12 years of worshiping in quarantine. 12 years of distanced greetings. 12 years of dropped distanced greetings. 12 years of dropped distanced greetings. 12 years of dropped off meals. Uh 12 years of ruined linens.

off meals. Uh 12 years of ruined linens. off meals. Uh 12 years of ruined linens. 12 years of sickness as bondage. And the 12 years of sickness as bondage. And the 12 years of sickness as bondage. And the reason that I, you know, as I was reason that I, you know, as I was reason that I, you know, as I was THINKING ABOUT THIS, IT BROUGHT TO MY THINKING ABOUT THIS, IT BROUGHT TO MY THINKING ABOUT THIS, IT BROUGHT TO MY MIND COVID 19. You all remember when we MIND COVID 19. You all remember when we MIND COVID 19. You all remember when we were all in quarantine and we were were all in quarantine and we were were all in quarantine and we were losing our minds for all of 2 and 1/2 losing our minds for all of 2 and 1/2 losing our minds for all of 2 and 1/2 years years years cooped up in our homes IN OUR cooped up in our homes IN OUR cooped up in our homes IN OUR APARTMENTS. WE COULDN'T THROW EACH OTHER APARTMENTS. WE COULDN'T THROW EACH OTHER APARTMENTS. WE COULDN'T THROW EACH OTHER BIRTHDAY PARTY SO WE WOULD DRIVE UP TO BIRTHDAY PARTY SO WE WOULD DRIVE UP TO BIRTHDAY PARTY SO WE WOULD DRIVE UP TO EACH OTHER'S DRIVEWAYS and wave FROM THE EACH OTHER'S DRIVEWAYS and wave FROM THE EACH OTHER'S DRIVEWAYS and wave FROM THE BOTTOM OF THE DRIVEWAY. AND IF YOU HAD A BOTTOM OF THE DRIVEWAY. AND IF YOU HAD A BOTTOM OF THE DRIVEWAY. AND IF YOU HAD A FAMILY MEMBER WHO UH HAD COVID AND YOU FAMILY MEMBER WHO UH HAD COVID AND YOU FAMILY MEMBER WHO UH HAD COVID AND YOU DIDN'T WANT TO COME IN CONTACT WITH DIDN'T WANT TO COME IN CONTACT WITH DIDN'T WANT TO COME IN CONTACT WITH THEM, YOU WOULD BRING THEM THEIR THEM, YOU WOULD BRING THEM THEIR THEM, YOU WOULD BRING THEM THEIR GROCERIES AND YOU WOULD SIT THE GROCERIES AND YOU WOULD SIT THE GROCERIES AND YOU WOULD SIT THE GROCERIES ON THE STEPS AND THEN YOU GROCERIES ON THE STEPS AND THEN YOU GROCERIES ON THE STEPS AND THEN YOU WOULD LEAVE. IMAGINE THAT IS YOUR WOULD LEAVE. IMAGINE THAT IS YOUR WOULD LEAVE. IMAGINE THAT IS YOUR EXISTENCE FOR 12 YEARS. >> YOU DON'T GET TO BE HUGGED FOR 12 YEARS. >> YOU DON'T GET TO BE HUGGED FOR 12 YEARS. YOU DON'T GET ACCESS TO THE HOUSE OF GOD YOU DON'T GET ACCESS TO THE HOUSE OF GOD YOU DON'T GET ACCESS TO THE HOUSE OF GOD FOR 12 YEARS. YOU DON'T GET ACCESS TO FOR 12 YEARS. YOU DON'T GET ACCESS TO FOR 12 YEARS. YOU DON'T GET ACCESS TO MUCH OF ANYTHING any human contact FOR MUCH OF ANYTHING any human contact FOR MUCH OF ANYTHING any human contact FOR 12 YEARS. SO THAT THE ILLNESS DID NOT 12 YEARS. SO THAT THE ILLNESS DID NOT 12 YEARS. SO THAT THE ILLNESS DID NOT JUST LIVE IN HER BODY. THE illness JUST LIVE IN HER BODY. THE illness JUST LIVE IN HER BODY. THE illness legislated her very social existence.

>> Family, I need you to understand that I >> Family, I need you to understand that I believe that HIV AIDS is the issue of believe that HIV AIDS is the issue of believe that HIV AIDS is the issue of blood of our day. blood of our day. blood of our day. There are people in our congregations There are people in our congregations There are people in our congregations who are watching online who are who are watching online who are who are watching online who are suffering from this issue of blood. And suffering from this issue of blood. And suffering from this issue of blood. And as A SOCIETY, EVEN SOMETIMES AS A as A SOCIETY, EVEN SOMETIMES AS A as A SOCIETY, EVEN SOMETIMES AS A CHURCH, WE EXCLUDE THEM FROM CHURCH, WE EXCLUDE THEM FROM CHURCH, WE EXCLUDE THEM FROM RELATIONSHIPS. WE EXCLUDE THEM from RELATIONSHIPS. WE EXCLUDE THEM from RELATIONSHIPS. WE EXCLUDE THEM from community. We exclude them from worship community. We exclude them from worship community. We exclude them from worship BECAUSE OF THE STIGMA SURROUNDING HIV. BECAUSE OF THE STIGMA SURROUNDING HIV. BECAUSE OF THE STIGMA SURROUNDING HIV. AND WE'RE VIEWING THESE people as AND WE'RE VIEWING THESE people as AND WE'RE VIEWING THESE people as unclean. We're hesitating to hug them. unclean. We're hesitating to hug them. unclean. We're hesitating to hug them. We look upon them with disdain uh We look upon them with disdain uh We look upon them with disdain uh BECAUSE OF THE STIGMA OF THE ILLNESS. UH BECAUSE OF THE STIGMA OF THE ILLNESS. UH BECAUSE OF THE STIGMA OF THE ILLNESS. UH AND WHAT I NEED YOU TO UNDERSTAND IS AND WHAT I NEED YOU TO UNDERSTAND IS AND WHAT I NEED YOU TO UNDERSTAND IS THAT JESUS DOES NOT GIVE US A LICENSE TO THAT JESUS DOES NOT GIVE US A LICENSE TO THAT JESUS DOES NOT GIVE US A LICENSE TO OSTRACIZE or marginalize any person OSTRACIZE or marginalize any person OSTRACIZE or marginalize any person simply BECAUSE OF AN ILLNESS. simply BECAUSE OF AN ILLNESS. simply BECAUSE OF AN ILLNESS. ALL RIGHT. ALL RIGHT. ALL RIGHT. >> It's why I'm so grateful for the HIV >> It's why I'm so grateful for the HIV >> It's why I'm so grateful for the HIV awareness and prevention ministry here awareness and prevention ministry here awareness and prevention ministry here at Wheeler Avenue because as a church, at Wheeler Avenue because as a church, at Wheeler Avenue because as a church, we are saying that this ministry conveys we are saying that this ministry conveys we are saying that this ministry conveys our commitment TO ENSURE THAT ANYONE our commitment TO ENSURE THAT ANYONE our commitment TO ENSURE THAT ANYONE WITH THIS ISSUE of blood does not WITH THIS ISSUE of blood does not WITH THIS ISSUE of blood does not experience THE ISOLATION THAT THE WOMAN experience THE ISOLATION THAT THE WOMAN experience THE ISOLATION THAT THE WOMAN in Mark 5 experienced.

in Mark 5 experienced. in Mark 5 experienced. All right. All right. All right. >> This is 12 years >> This is 12 years >> This is 12 years of not just dealing with the sickness, of not just dealing with the sickness, of not just dealing with the sickness, but dealing with the exclusion that came but dealing with the exclusion that came but dealing with the exclusion that came with the sickness. And that kind of with the sickness. And that kind of with the sickness. And that kind of experience, that kind of experience, that kind of experience, that kind of marginalization, that kind of marginalization, that kind of marginalization, that kind of ostracization ostracization ostracization uh can uh get make you desperate enough uh can uh get make you desperate enough uh can uh get make you desperate enough to want to do something out of the to want to do something out of the to want to do something out of the ordinary. ordinary. ordinary. The scripture talks about the treatments The scripture talks about the treatments The scripture talks about the treatments that she endured in pursuit of her that she endured in pursuit of her that she endured in pursuit of her healing. The language of verse 26 is of healing. The language of verse 26 is of healing. The language of verse 26 is of particular interest to me as it suggests particular interest to me as it suggests particular interest to me as it suggests that not only was her treatment that not only was her treatment that not only was her treatment expensive but was it was abusive. The expensive but was it was abusive. The expensive but was it was abusive. The text says that she suffered a great text says that she suffered a great text says that she suffered a great deal. She endured much and many deal. She endured much and many deal. She endured much and many physicians had treated her and treated physicians had treated her and treated physicians had treated her and treated her badly. Immediately family, my mind her badly. Immediately family, my mind her badly. Immediately family, my mind went to a woman by the name of Henrietta went to a woman by the name of Henrietta went to a woman by the name of Henrietta Lax. Have you heard of Henrietta Lax?

Lax. Have you heard of Henrietta Lax? Lax. Have you heard of Henrietta Lax? Henrietta Lax was an African-American Henrietta Lax was an African-American Henrietta Lax was an African-American woman suffering from a flow of blood in woman suffering from a flow of blood in woman suffering from a flow of blood in 1951. 1951. 1951. Doctors for some time could not figure Doctors for some time could not figure Doctors for some time could not figure out why what was the cause of her flow out why what was the cause of her flow out why what was the cause of her flow of blood. of blood. of blood. uh in Baltimore, Maryland, uh they uh in Baltimore, Maryland, uh they uh in Baltimore, Maryland, uh they discovered that the cause of her discovered that the cause of her discovered that the cause of her bleeding was due to a large mass on her bleeding was due to a large mass on her bleeding was due to a large mass on her cervix. Now, family, without informing cervix. Now, family, without informing cervix. Now, family, without informing her or asking her permission, these her or asking her permission, these her or asking her permission, these doctors sent a sample of her tumor to a doctors sent a sample of her tumor to a doctors sent a sample of her tumor to a lab for medical research before treating lab for medical research before treating lab for medical research before treating her aggressive cervical cancer. her aggressive cervical cancer. her aggressive cervical cancer. They then found that the same properties They then found that the same properties They then found that the same properties that made the cells a scientific miracle that made the cells a scientific miracle that made the cells a scientific miracle for others made them lethal to her. And for others made them lethal to her. And for others made them lethal to her. And so she subsequently died from cancer s so she subsequently died from cancer s so she subsequently died from cancer s shortly after her diagnosis. And the shortly after her diagnosis. And the shortly after her diagnosis. And the doctors whose focus was on studying her doctors whose focus was on studying her doctors whose focus was on studying her and not healing her have continued to and not healing her have continued to and not healing her have continued to profit off of her cells, off of the profit off of her cells, off of the profit off of her cells, off of the cells that they harvested from her body cells that they harvested from her body cells that they harvested from her body without her consent. And they have made without her consent. And they have made without her consent. And they have made billions of dollars, continue to make billions of dollars, continue to make billions of dollars, continue to make billions of dollars. SO THAT THE billions of dollars. SO THAT THE billions of dollars. SO THAT THE CHILDREN AND GRANDCHILDREN OF HENRY CHILDREN AND GRANDCHILDREN OF HENRY CHILDREN AND GRANDCHILDREN OF HENRY Edelax to this day are still in a Edelax to this day are still in a Edelax to this day are still in a lawsuit with Novartis in Maryland and lawsuit with Novartis in Maryland and lawsuit with Novartis in Maryland and other drug companies because they have other drug companies because they have other drug companies because they have yet to see a dime of the money that was

yet to see a dime of the money that was yet to see a dime of the money that was made because these doctors harvested made because these doctors harvested made because these doctors harvested these cells from this black woman these cells from this black woman these cells from this black woman without her consent. without her consent. without her consent. Talking about doctors Talking about doctors Talking about doctors doing harm. doing harm. doing harm. I think of other black women who have I think of other black women who have I think of other black women who have gone to doctors complaining of pain, gone to doctors complaining of pain, gone to doctors complaining of pain, complaining of bleeding, of suffering in complaining of bleeding, of suffering in complaining of bleeding, of suffering in their bodies only for their cries and their bodies only for their cries and their bodies only for their cries and concerns to be dismissed and concerns to be dismissed and concerns to be dismissed and misdiagnosed and unlawfully studied and misdiagnosed and unlawfully studied and misdiagnosed and unlawfully studied and undertreated leading not just to our undertreated leading not just to our undertreated leading not just to our physical deaths, family, but also physical deaths, family, but also physical deaths, family, but also leading many of us into physical AND leading many of us into physical AND leading many of us into physical AND FINANCIAL DEBT. FINANCIAL DEBT. FINANCIAL DEBT. WE are currently living in a country WE are currently living in a country WE are currently living in a country that HAD THE AUDACITY TO celebrate 250 that HAD THE AUDACITY TO celebrate 250 that HAD THE AUDACITY TO celebrate 250 years of independence from Britain, yet years of independence from Britain, yet years of independence from Britain, yet is unwilling to give women independence is unwilling to give women independence is unwilling to give women independence over their bodies. We watch masked men MARCH ON THE We watch masked men MARCH ON THE NATIONAL MALL WITH CONFEDERATE FLAGS NATIONAL MALL WITH CONFEDERATE FLAGS NATIONAL MALL WITH CONFEDERATE FLAGS celebrating what Maya Angelo called celebrating what Maya Angelo called celebrating what Maya Angelo called THESE YET TO BE UNITED STATES AS NEARLY THESE YET TO BE UNITED STATES AS NEARLY THESE YET TO BE UNITED STATES AS NEARLY 4.8 million Americans have lost MEDICAID 4.8 million Americans have lost MEDICAID 4.8 million Americans have lost MEDICAID COVERAGE FOLLOWING THE PASSAGE OF THE COVERAGE FOLLOWING THE PASSAGE OF THE COVERAGE FOLLOWING THE PASSAGE OF THE ONE BIG beautiful bill.

ONE BIG beautiful bill. ONE BIG beautiful bill. SO THAT THE CONGRESSIONAL BUDGET OFFICE SO THAT THE CONGRESSIONAL BUDGET OFFICE SO THAT THE CONGRESSIONAL BUDGET OFFICE estimates that up to 12 million estimates that up to 12 million estimates that up to 12 million Americans could lose Medicaid and Americans could lose Medicaid and Americans could lose Medicaid and related health insurance coverage by related health insurance coverage by related health insurance coverage by 2034 under this enacted legislation. 2034 under this enacted legislation. 2034 under this enacted legislation. >> People family are suffering not just >> People family are suffering not just >> People family are suffering not just from their sicknesses. from their sicknesses. from their sicknesses. They are suffering from the financial They are suffering from the financial They are suffering from the financial debt that they're going into as they debt that they're going into as they debt that they're going into as they desperately seek treatment for healing. desperately seek treatment for healing. desperately seek treatment for healing. And what I'm trying to say to you And what I'm trying to say to you And what I'm trying to say to you tonight is that when you have $100,000 tonight is that when you have $100,000 tonight is that when you have $100,000 in medical debt, when you have doctors in medical debt, when you have doctors in medical debt, when you have doctors that are refusing you care, when you that are refusing you care, when you that are refusing you care, when you have health insurance companies that are have health insurance companies that are have health insurance companies that are refusing to cover your necessary IV and refusing to cover your necessary IV and refusing to cover your necessary IV and medications, when you have institutions medications, when you have institutions medications, when you have institutions that ARE EXPERIMENTING ON YOUR BODY AND that ARE EXPERIMENTING ON YOUR BODY AND that ARE EXPERIMENTING ON YOUR BODY AND YOU FIND THAT YOUR CONDITION IS GETTING YOU FIND THAT YOUR CONDITION IS GETTING YOU FIND THAT YOUR CONDITION IS GETTING WORSE, THAT'S WHEN YOU'VE GOT TO WORSE, THAT'S WHEN YOU'VE GOT TO WORSE, THAT'S WHEN YOU'VE GOT TO activate a desperate miracle working activate a desperate miracle working activate a desperate miracle working kind of faith.

kind of faith. kind of faith. >> A faith that believes that tumors can >> A faith that believes that tumors can >> A faith that believes that tumors can shrink. Uh a faith that believes that shrink. Uh a faith that believes that shrink. Uh a faith that believes that cancer can be healed. Uh a FAITH THAT cancer can be healed. Uh a FAITH THAT cancer can be healed. Uh a FAITH THAT BELIEVES BLOOD CLOTS CAN DISAPPEAR. A BELIEVES BLOOD CLOTS CAN DISAPPEAR. A BELIEVES BLOOD CLOTS CAN DISAPPEAR. A faith that believes that BRAIN BLEEDS faith that believes that BRAIN BLEEDS faith that believes that BRAIN BLEEDS CAN BE DRIED UP. MINISTER LEWIS, A FAITH CAN BE DRIED UP. MINISTER LEWIS, A FAITH CAN BE DRIED UP. MINISTER LEWIS, A FAITH THAT BELIEVES DEBT CAN be cleared. A THAT BELIEVES DEBT CAN be cleared. A THAT BELIEVES DEBT CAN be cleared. A faith THAT BELIEVES THAT TYPE 2 DIABETES faith THAT BELIEVES THAT TYPE 2 DIABETES faith THAT BELIEVES THAT TYPE 2 DIABETES can be reversed. A faith that BELIEVES can be reversed. A faith that BELIEVES can be reversed. A faith that BELIEVES YOU DON'T HAVE TO REMAIN A slave to YOU DON'T HAVE TO REMAIN A slave to YOU DON'T HAVE TO REMAIN A slave to sickness. sickness. sickness. [applause] [applause] [applause] It is with this kind of desperate faith It is with this kind of desperate faith It is with this kind of desperate faith that the woman with the issue of blood that the woman with the issue of blood that the woman with the issue of blood pursues her healing. This time not with pursues her healing. This time not with pursues her healing. This time not with abusive doctors or greedy pharmaceutical abusive doctors or greedy pharmaceutical abusive doctors or greedy pharmaceutical companies but through faith in the companies but through faith in the companies but through faith in the healing power of Jesus Christ. So that healing power of Jesus Christ. So that healing power of Jesus Christ. So that the reason I know that there are times the reason I know that there are times the reason I know that there are times when you cannot wait for your miracle is when you cannot wait for your miracle is when you cannot wait for your miracle is point number two. And point number two point number two. And point number two point number two. And point number two is this. Miracles do not require is this. Miracles do not require is this. Miracles do not require permission.

permission. permission. >> Miracles do not require permission. I >> Miracles do not require permission. I >> Miracles do not require permission. I know I I like how it's written in the know I I like how it's written in the know I I like how it's written in the NIV in verses 27 to 28. The Bible says NIV in verses 27 to 28. The Bible says NIV in verses 27 to 28. The Bible says when she heard about Jesus, she came up when she heard about Jesus, she came up when she heard about Jesus, she came up behind him in the crowd and touched his behind him in the crowd and touched his behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak because she thought to herself, cloak because she thought to herself, cloak because she thought to herself, "If I just touch his clothes, I will be "If I just touch his clothes, I will be "If I just touch his clothes, I will be healed." healed." healed." >> Now, I want you to pay attention to the >> Now, I want you to pay attention to the >> Now, I want you to pay attention to the chain of verbs that Mark strings chain of verbs that Mark strings chain of verbs that Mark strings together in one breath. I want you to together in one breath. I want you to together in one breath. I want you to write this down. First, she heard. >> She heard. >> She heard. She came She came She came >> and then she touched. >> and then she touched. >> and then she touched. >> She heard, >> She heard, >> She heard, she came and then she touched. Hearing she came and then she touched. Hearing she came and then she touched. Hearing was the kindling that ignited her faith. was the kindling that ignited her faith. was the kindling that ignited her faith. Reminded me of Romans 10:17. Faith comes Reminded me of Romans 10:17. Faith comes Reminded me of Romans 10:17. Faith comes by hearing and hearing the word of God.

by hearing and hearing the word of God. by hearing and hearing the word of God. She heard about Jesus. AND THE BIBLE She heard about Jesus. AND THE BIBLE She heard about Jesus. AND THE BIBLE says that WHAT SHE HEARD ABOUT him says that WHAT SHE HEARD ABOUT him says that WHAT SHE HEARD ABOUT him activated her faith, prompting her to activated her faith, prompting her to activated her faith, prompting her to want to engage with him in a particular want to engage with him in a particular want to engage with him in a particular kind of way. So that hearing was not the kind of way. So that hearing was not the kind of way. So that hearing was not the end of her faith. Hearing had to become end of her faith. Hearing had to become end of her faith. Hearing had to become movement and movement had to become movement and movement had to become movement and movement had to become contact. contact. contact. THIS IS IMPORTANT BECAUSE PLENTY OF THIS IS IMPORTANT BECAUSE PLENTY OF THIS IS IMPORTANT BECAUSE PLENTY OF PEOPLE IN THE CROWD THAT DAY HAD ALSO PEOPLE IN THE CROWD THAT DAY HAD ALSO PEOPLE IN THE CROWD THAT DAY HAD ALSO heard about Jesus. STAY WITH ME. VERSE heard about Jesus. STAY WITH ME. VERSE heard about Jesus. STAY WITH ME. VERSE 24 tells us that so many people had 24 tells us that so many people had 24 tells us that so many people had heard about JESUS THAT A CROWD HAD heard about JESUS THAT A CROWD HAD heard about JESUS THAT A CROWD HAD FOLLOWED AND WAS PRESSING AROUND HIM. SO FOLLOWED AND WAS PRESSING AROUND HIM. SO FOLLOWED AND WAS PRESSING AROUND HIM. SO NOW WE'VE GOT TO ASK OURSELVES, HOW IS NOW WE'VE GOT TO ASK OURSELVES, HOW IS NOW WE'VE GOT TO ASK OURSELVES, HOW IS IT THAT HUNDREDS of people were IT THAT HUNDREDS of people were IT THAT HUNDREDS of people were physically CLOSE ENOUGH TO TOUCH JESUS physically CLOSE ENOUGH TO TOUCH JESUS physically CLOSE ENOUGH TO TOUCH JESUS that afternoon, YET ONLY ONE WOMAN IS that afternoon, YET ONLY ONE WOMAN IS that afternoon, YET ONLY ONE WOMAN IS RECORDED AS receiving a miracle because RECORDED AS receiving a miracle because RECORDED AS receiving a miracle because of that proximity? >> And this is what the Lord said to me. It >> And this is what the Lord said to me. It said nearness to Jesus is not the same said nearness to Jesus is not the same said nearness to Jesus is not the same thing as faith in Jesus.

thing as faith in Jesus. thing as faith in Jesus. I need you to write that down. [gasps] I need you to write that down. [gasps] I need you to write that down. [gasps] Nearness to Jesus is not the same thing Nearness to Jesus is not the same thing Nearness to Jesus is not the same thing as FAITH IN JESUS. WHY IS THAT? BECAUSE as FAITH IN JESUS. WHY IS THAT? BECAUSE as FAITH IN JESUS. WHY IS THAT? BECAUSE THE CROWD GOT CLOSE on accident. THE CROWD GOT CLOSE on accident. THE CROWD GOT CLOSE on accident. She got close on purpose. She got close on purpose. She got close on purpose. And I need you TO UNDERSTAND THAT THERE And I need you TO UNDERSTAND THAT THERE And I need you TO UNDERSTAND THAT THERE ARE SOME THINGS THAT you want in THIS ARE SOME THINGS THAT you want in THIS ARE SOME THINGS THAT you want in THIS LIFE. UH THAT IF YOU'RE GOING TO GET IT, LIFE. UH THAT IF YOU'RE GOING TO GET IT, LIFE. UH THAT IF YOU'RE GOING TO GET IT, YOU CAN'T GET CLOSE TO JESUS ON YOU CAN'T GET CLOSE TO JESUS ON YOU CAN'T GET CLOSE TO JESUS ON ACCIDENT. UH YOU'VE GOT TO COME INTO THE ACCIDENT. UH YOU'VE GOT TO COME INTO THE ACCIDENT. UH YOU'VE GOT TO COME INTO THE HOUSE OF GOD ON PURPOSE. UH YOU'VE GOT HOUSE OF GOD ON PURPOSE. UH YOU'VE GOT HOUSE OF GOD ON PURPOSE. UH YOU'VE GOT TO COME INTO THE HOUSE OF GOD WITH TO COME INTO THE HOUSE OF GOD WITH TO COME INTO THE HOUSE OF GOD WITH INTENTION. UH YOU'VE GOT TO COME INTO INTENTION. UH YOU'VE GOT TO COME INTO INTENTION. UH YOU'VE GOT TO COME INTO THE HOUSE OF GOD WITH A KNOWLEDGE OF THE HOUSE OF GOD WITH A KNOWLEDGE OF THE HOUSE OF GOD WITH A KNOWLEDGE OF WHAT YOU need and what you want. UH HEAR WHAT YOU need and what you want. UH HEAR WHAT YOU need and what you want. UH HEAR ME TODAY. SIMPLY COMING TO CHURCH UH ME TODAY. SIMPLY COMING TO CHURCH UH ME TODAY. SIMPLY COMING TO CHURCH UH DOES NOT GUARANTEE YOU YOUR MIRACLE. DOES NOT GUARANTEE YOU YOUR MIRACLE. DOES NOT GUARANTEE YOU YOUR MIRACLE. JUST BECAUSE YOU'RE IN THE ROOM DOES NOT JUST BECAUSE YOU'RE IN THE ROOM DOES NOT JUST BECAUSE YOU'RE IN THE ROOM DOES NOT MEAN THAT YOU'RE GOING TO LEAVE WITH MEAN THAT YOU'RE GOING TO LEAVE WITH MEAN THAT YOU'RE GOING TO LEAVE WITH WHAT YOU WANT. PROXIMITY DOES NOT WHAT YOU WANT. PROXIMITY DOES NOT WHAT YOU WANT. PROXIMITY DOES NOT GUARANTEE PROMOTION. AND LISTEN, DR. GUARANTEE PROMOTION. AND LISTEN, DR. GUARANTEE PROMOTION. AND LISTEN, DR. Denin said this to me this afternoon Denin said this to me this afternoon Denin said this to me this afternoon when we were talking. He said when we were talking. He said when we were talking. He said association association association does not mean access and access does NOT does not mean access and access does NOT does not mean access and access does NOT MEAN AUTHORITY. SO THAT THERE ARE SOME MEAN AUTHORITY. SO THAT THERE ARE SOME MEAN AUTHORITY. SO THAT THERE ARE SOME OF YOU WHO ARE COMING INTO ROOMS, COMING OF YOU WHO ARE COMING INTO ROOMS, COMING OF YOU WHO ARE COMING INTO ROOMS, COMING INTO CHURCH THINKING THAT ALL I have to INTO CHURCH THINKING THAT ALL I have to INTO CHURCH THINKING THAT ALL I have to do IS BE ASSOCIATED WITH GOD. ALL I'VE do IS BE ASSOCIATED WITH GOD. ALL I'VE do IS BE ASSOCIATED WITH GOD. ALL I'VE GOT TO DO IS BE ASSOCIATED WITH A GOT TO DO IS BE ASSOCIATED WITH A GOT TO DO IS BE ASSOCIATED WITH A PERSON. BUT THE MIRACLE THAT YOU NEED, PERSON. BUT THE MIRACLE THAT YOU NEED, PERSON. BUT THE MIRACLE THAT YOU NEED, THE BLESSING THAT YOU NEED IS GOING TO THE BLESSING THAT YOU NEED IS GOING TO THE BLESSING THAT YOU NEED IS GOING TO REQUIRE some intention.

GOD HAS blessed some of you to BE IN GOD HAS blessed some of you to BE IN SOME JOBS AND IN SOME ROOMS AND YOU'RE SOME JOBS AND IN SOME ROOMS AND YOU'RE SOME JOBS AND IN SOME ROOMS AND YOU'RE THINKING THAT JUST BECAUSE YOU WORK FOR THINKING THAT JUST BECAUSE YOU WORK FOR THINKING THAT JUST BECAUSE YOU WORK FOR THE GOVERNOR OR JUST BECAUSE YOU WORK THE GOVERNOR OR JUST BECAUSE YOU WORK THE GOVERNOR OR JUST BECAUSE YOU WORK FOR THE CONGRESSPERSON UH JUST BECAUSE FOR THE CONGRESSPERSON UH JUST BECAUSE FOR THE CONGRESSPERSON UH JUST BECAUSE YOU KNOW SO AND SO THAT YOU'RE GOING TO YOU KNOW SO AND SO THAT YOU'RE GOING TO YOU KNOW SO AND SO THAT YOU'RE GOING TO BE BLESSED BECAUSE YOU HAVE ACCESS TO BE BLESSED BECAUSE YOU HAVE ACCESS TO BE BLESSED BECAUSE YOU HAVE ACCESS TO THEM ASSOCIATION WITH THEM. BUT THESE THEM ASSOCIATION WITH THEM. BUT THESE THEM ASSOCIATION WITH THEM. BUT THESE PEOPLE, these hundreds of thronged PEOPLE, these hundreds of thronged PEOPLE, these hundreds of thronged people surrounding Jesus who are yelling people surrounding Jesus who are yelling people surrounding Jesus who are yelling IN THE CROWD ALL THE THINGS THAT THEY IN THE CROWD ALL THE THINGS THAT THEY IN THE CROWD ALL THE THINGS THAT THEY WANT FROM HIM, THEY LEARNED THAT DAY WANT FROM HIM, THEY LEARNED THAT DAY WANT FROM HIM, THEY LEARNED THAT DAY that just because I'M NEAR JESUS DOES that just because I'M NEAR JESUS DOES that just because I'M NEAR JESUS DOES NOT MEAN THAT I'M GOING TO AUTOMATICALLY NOT MEAN THAT I'M GOING TO AUTOMATICALLY NOT MEAN THAT I'M GOING TO AUTOMATICALLY GET ACCESS TO THE MIRACLE WORKING POWER GET ACCESS TO THE MIRACLE WORKING POWER GET ACCESS TO THE MIRACLE WORKING POWER OF JESUS. >> Now >> Now I want to be clear. I don't want you to I want to be clear. I don't want you to I want to be clear. I don't want you to think I'm teaching a reach up and get it think I'm teaching a reach up and get it think I'm teaching a reach up and get it theology. theology. theology. This is not prosperity gospel. I'm in This is not prosperity gospel. I'm in This is not prosperity gospel. I'm in the text. the text. the text. The Greek word for touched used in verse The Greek word for touched used in verse The Greek word for touched used in verse 28 is hepsato. Can you say heato?

28 is hepsato. Can you say heato? 28 is hepsato. Can you say heato? >> This is from the root hapto. And this >> This is from the root hapto. And this >> This is from the root hapto. And this word does not describe a light word does not describe a light word does not describe a light accidental brush in a crowd amber. accidental brush in a crowd amber. accidental brush in a crowd amber. Instead, its primary definition means to Instead, its primary definition means to Instead, its primary definition means to fasten oneself to, to grasp, to take fasten oneself to, to grasp, to take fasten oneself to, to grasp, to take hold of, uh, to cling so that the woman hold of, uh, to cling so that the woman hold of, uh, to cling so that the woman with the issue of blood is not trying to with the issue of blood is not trying to with the issue of blood is not trying to accidentally bump the hem of Jesus's accidentally bump the hem of Jesus's accidentally bump the hem of Jesus's garment. She's trying to grasp, she's garment. She's trying to grasp, she's garment. She's trying to grasp, she's trying to fasten hold of his garment. trying to fasten hold of his garment. trying to fasten hold of his garment. But, Dr. pounds. This is the part that But, Dr. pounds. This is the part that But, Dr. pounds. This is the part that got real real good to ME BECAUSE THE got real real good to ME BECAUSE THE got real real good to ME BECAUSE THE SECONDARY definition of hepsato means to SECONDARY definition of hepsato means to SECONDARY definition of hepsato means to fasten fire to a thing to kindle to set fasten fire to a thing to kindle to set fasten fire to a thing to kindle to set on fire. And Miss Willie May, I just on fire. And Miss Willie May, I just on fire. And Miss Willie May, I just thought in my mind the moment I read thought in my mind the moment I read thought in my mind the moment I read that THAT THE WOMAN FASTENED HER GRIP TO that THAT THE WOMAN FASTENED HER GRIP TO that THAT THE WOMAN FASTENED HER GRIP TO THE CLOAK OF CHRIST AND SHE GRABBED ONTO THE CLOAK OF CHRIST AND SHE GRABBED ONTO THE CLOAK OF CHRIST AND SHE GRABBED ONTO THE GARMENT OF GOD AND SHE TOUCHED THE THE GARMENT OF GOD AND SHE TOUCHED THE THE GARMENT OF GOD AND SHE TOUCHED THE MASTER OF MIRACLES. AND THE BIBLE IS MASTER OF MIRACLES. AND THE BIBLE IS MASTER OF MIRACLES. AND THE BIBLE IS TELLING US THAT HER FAITH KINDLED THE TELLING US THAT HER FAITH KINDLED THE TELLING US THAT HER FAITH KINDLED THE FIRE MAKING, MIRACLE WORKING POWER OF FIRE MAKING, MIRACLE WORKING POWER OF FIRE MAKING, MIRACLE WORKING POWER OF GOD.

GOD. GOD. [applause and cheering] YEAH. SO THAT [applause and cheering] YEAH. SO THAT [applause and cheering] YEAH. SO THAT YOU DON'T HAVE TO ASK FOR PERMISSION FOR YOU DON'T HAVE TO ASK FOR PERMISSION FOR YOU DON'T HAVE TO ASK FOR PERMISSION FOR YOUR MIRACLE. AS LONG AS YOU'VE GOT YOUR MIRACLE. AS LONG AS YOU'VE GOT YOUR MIRACLE. AS LONG AS YOU'VE GOT FIREK KINDLING FAITH WHEN YOU GRAB HOLD FIREK KINDLING FAITH WHEN YOU GRAB HOLD FIREK KINDLING FAITH WHEN YOU GRAB HOLD OF THE GARMENT OF CHRIST, THEN GOD OF THE GARMENT OF CHRIST, THEN GOD OF THE GARMENT OF CHRIST, THEN GOD [screaming] HAS TO ANSWER WHAT YOU ASKED [screaming] HAS TO ANSWER WHAT YOU ASKED [screaming] HAS TO ANSWER WHAT YOU ASKED FOR. NOT SIMPLY BECAUSE OF WHO YOU ARE, FOR. NOT SIMPLY BECAUSE OF WHO YOU ARE, FOR. NOT SIMPLY BECAUSE OF WHO YOU ARE, BUT BECAUSE YOUR FAITH [laughter] BUT BECAUSE YOUR FAITH [laughter] BUT BECAUSE YOUR FAITH [laughter] KINDLED A FIRE THAT CAUSED HIM TO HAVE KINDLED A FIRE THAT CAUSED HIM TO HAVE KINDLED A FIRE THAT CAUSED HIM TO HAVE TO ANSWER WHAT YOU WANT. >> NOW, I'm sorry. I see Dr. Johnson. And I >> NOW, I'm sorry. I see Dr. Johnson. And I told him, I told him earlier, I'm not told him, I told him earlier, I'm not told him, I told him earlier, I'm not supposed to preach, y'all. I'm sorry. supposed to preach, y'all. I'm sorry. supposed to preach, y'all. I'm sorry. Now, here's the thing. You've got to Now, here's the thing. You've got to Now, here's the thing. You've got to remember that for her to reach out and remember that for her to reach out and remember that for her to reach out and grab the hymn of a rabbi's garment in grab the hymn of a rabbi's garment in grab the hymn of a rabbi's garment in that condition was against the Levitical that condition was against the Levitical that condition was against the Levitical law. She could, according to the purity law. She could, according to the purity law. She could, according to the purity code, because of her blood flow, SHE code, because of her blood flow, SHE code, because of her blood flow, SHE COULD TRANSMIT HER UNCLEANNESS TO JESUS COULD TRANSMIT HER UNCLEANNESS TO JESUS COULD TRANSMIT HER UNCLEANNESS TO JESUS WITH HER VERY TOUCH. SO I BEGAN thinking WITH HER VERY TOUCH. SO I BEGAN thinking WITH HER VERY TOUCH. SO I BEGAN thinking to myself that she figured IF I JUST to myself that she figured IF I JUST to myself that she figured IF I JUST TOUCH HIS CLOAK, THEN I won't transmit TOUCH HIS CLOAK, THEN I won't transmit TOUCH HIS CLOAK, THEN I won't transmit my uncleanness to him and maybe all my uncleanness to him and maybe all my uncleanness to him and maybe all he'll HAVE TO DO IS WASH HIS OUTER he'll HAVE TO DO IS WASH HIS OUTER he'll HAVE TO DO IS WASH HIS OUTER GARMENT and he himself won't be made GARMENT and he himself won't be made GARMENT and he himself won't be made unclean and maybe it WON'T BE AS BAD.

unclean and maybe it WON'T BE AS BAD. unclean and maybe it WON'T BE AS BAD. BUT YOU KNOW, when I went to my meeting BUT YOU KNOW, when I went to my meeting BUT YOU KNOW, when I went to my meeting with Reverend Roberts, when he reviewed with Reverend Roberts, when he reviewed with Reverend Roberts, when he reviewed my manuscript to make sure I was my manuscript to make sure I was my manuscript to make sure I was biblically sound, he was telling me to biblically sound, he was telling me to biblically sound, he was telling me to remember that the woman is someone who remember that the woman is someone who remember that the woman is someone who had heard about Jesus and that the had heard about Jesus and that the had heard about Jesus and that the gospel of Mark's purpose IS TO PRESENT gospel of Mark's purpose IS TO PRESENT gospel of Mark's purpose IS TO PRESENT JESUS as the Messiah and the son of God. JESUS as the Messiah and the son of God. JESUS as the Messiah and the son of God. So that Reverend Roberts was saying THAT So that Reverend Roberts was saying THAT So that Reverend Roberts was saying THAT SHE ALREADY knew that he was the SHE ALREADY knew that he was the SHE ALREADY knew that he was the Messiah. And maybe she was TOUCHING HIM Messiah. And maybe she was TOUCHING HIM Messiah. And maybe she was TOUCHING HIM BECAUSE SHE THOUGHT TO HERSELF, "HE'S BECAUSE SHE THOUGHT TO HERSELF, "HE'S BECAUSE SHE THOUGHT TO HERSELF, "HE'S SOMEBODY I CAN TOUCH AND HE WON'T BE SOMEBODY I CAN TOUCH AND HE WON'T BE SOMEBODY I CAN TOUCH AND HE WON'T BE MADE UNCLEAN." MADE UNCLEAN." MADE UNCLEAN." [laughter] [laughter] [laughter] LISTEN, WE JUST GOT OUT OF FIRST SUNDAY LISTEN, WE JUST GOT OUT OF FIRST SUNDAY LISTEN, WE JUST GOT OUT OF FIRST SUNDAY AND DR. COSBY PREACHED A POWERFUL sermon AND DR. COSBY PREACHED A POWERFUL sermon AND DR. COSBY PREACHED A POWERFUL sermon on Sunday. You all heard that. and and on Sunday. You all heard that. and and on Sunday. You all heard that. and and and and and as I was going over this and and and as I was going over this and and and as I was going over this lesson and I was thinking about the lesson and I was thinking about the lesson and I was thinking about the bloodiness of the text and HOW WE JUST bloodiness of the text and HOW WE JUST bloodiness of the text and HOW WE JUST GOT OUT OF TALKING ABOUT THE SACRIFICE GOT OUT OF TALKING ABOUT THE SACRIFICE GOT OUT OF TALKING ABOUT THE SACRIFICE OF CHRIST AND HIS BLOOD. FAMILY, what I OF CHRIST AND HIS BLOOD. FAMILY, what I OF CHRIST AND HIS BLOOD. FAMILY, what I HEARD THE HOLY SPIRIT SAY IS THAT THE HEARD THE HOLY SPIRIT SAY IS THAT THE HEARD THE HOLY SPIRIT SAY IS THAT THE SHEDDING of her blood made her unclean.

SHEDDING of her blood made her unclean. SHEDDING of her blood made her unclean. SO SHE REACHED OUT TO TOUCH THE GARMENT SO SHE REACHED OUT TO TOUCH THE GARMENT SO SHE REACHED OUT TO TOUCH THE GARMENT OF THE SAVIOR WHOSE SHEDDING OF BLOOD OF THE SAVIOR WHOSE SHEDDING OF BLOOD OF THE SAVIOR WHOSE SHEDDING OF BLOOD WOULD MAKE HUMANITY CLEAN. WOULD MAKE HUMANITY CLEAN. WOULD MAKE HUMANITY CLEAN. SO SHE PRESSED THROUGH A HOSTILE, SO SHE PRESSED THROUGH A HOSTILE, SO SHE PRESSED THROUGH A HOSTILE, crowded street, willing to risk crowded street, willing to risk crowded street, willing to risk exposure, willing to risk shame, willing exposure, willing to risk shame, willing exposure, willing to risk shame, willing to risk rebuke. SHE PRESSED ON ANYWAY to risk rebuke. SHE PRESSED ON ANYWAY to risk rebuke. SHE PRESSED ON ANYWAY BECAUSE SHE DECIDED THAT WAITING QUIETLY BECAUSE SHE DECIDED THAT WAITING QUIETLY BECAUSE SHE DECIDED THAT WAITING QUIETLY FOR SOMEBODY ELSE TO BRING HER MIRACLE FOR SOMEBODY ELSE TO BRING HER MIRACLE FOR SOMEBODY ELSE TO BRING HER MIRACLE TO HER DOORSTEP WAS A WASTE OF TIME. SO, I want you to pay attention SO, I want you to pay attention to where on Jesus's cloak she grabs. to where on Jesus's cloak she grabs. to where on Jesus's cloak she grabs. The Bible says [laughter] she came up The Bible says [laughter] she came up The Bible says [laughter] she came up behind him. behind him. behind him. >> Now, I see that she's weak and she's >> Now, I see that she's weak and she's >> Now, I see that she's weak and she's fatigued and she's falling in the crowd, fatigued and she's falling in the crowd, fatigued and she's falling in the crowd, but she's pressing anyway. She's but she's pressing anyway. She's but she's pressing anyway. She's listening to thousands of people argue listening to thousands of people argue listening to thousands of people argue amongst themselves. Jesus, I want this.

amongst themselves. Jesus, I want this. amongst themselves. Jesus, I want this. Jesus, I need that. And this is when uh Jesus, I need that. And this is when uh Jesus, I need that. And this is when uh she is so fixed. She has so fixed her she is so fixed. She has so fixed her she is so fixed. She has so fixed her eyes on Jesus that the things of this eyes on Jesus that the things of this eyes on Jesus that the things of this world have begun to grow strangely dim world have begun to grow strangely dim world have begun to grow strangely dim in the light of his glory and grace. Uh in the light of his glory and grace. Uh in the light of his glory and grace. Uh and so she's reaching and she LUNGES AND and so she's reaching and she LUNGES AND and so she's reaching and she LUNGES AND SHE GRABS HIM FROM BEHIND BECAUSE SHE SHE GRABS HIM FROM BEHIND BECAUSE SHE SHE GRABS HIM FROM BEHIND BECAUSE SHE DOESN'T NEED TO MAKE EYE CONTACT with DOESN'T NEED TO MAKE EYE CONTACT with DOESN'T NEED TO MAKE EYE CONTACT with him. SHE'S NOT TRYING TO CATCH UP TO HIM him. SHE'S NOT TRYING TO CATCH UP TO HIM him. SHE'S NOT TRYING TO CATCH UP TO HIM AND GET IN FRONT OF HIM SO THAT HE CAN AND GET IN FRONT OF HIM SO THAT HE CAN AND GET IN FRONT OF HIM SO THAT HE CAN SEE HER. SHE'S JUST TRYING TO GRAB HIM SEE HER. SHE'S JUST TRYING TO GRAB HIM SEE HER. SHE'S JUST TRYING TO GRAB HIM FROM THE BACK. SHE DOESN'T NEED HIM TO FROM THE BACK. SHE DOESN'T NEED HIM TO FROM THE BACK. SHE DOESN'T NEED HIM TO SEE HER. SHE DOESN'T NEED A SEE HER. SHE DOESN'T NEED A SEE HER. SHE DOESN'T NEED A CONVERSATION. SHE DOESN'T NEED A CONVERSATION. SHE DOESN'T NEED A CONVERSATION. SHE DOESN'T NEED A CONFERENCE. ALL SHE NEEDED WAS THE BACK CONFERENCE. ALL SHE NEEDED WAS THE BACK CONFERENCE. ALL SHE NEEDED WAS THE BACK OF THE MASTER'S CLOAK. AND THAT WAS OF THE MASTER'S CLOAK. AND THAT WAS OF THE MASTER'S CLOAK. AND THAT WAS ENOUGH TO HEAL HER. ENOUGH TO HEAL HER. ENOUGH TO HEAL HER. >> SO, I got to ask you this. I got to ask >> SO, I got to ask you this. I got to ask >> SO, I got to ask you this. I got to ask you this. My time is running out. WHAT you this. My time is running out. WHAT you this. My time is running out. WHAT MIRACLE DO YOU HAVE THE FAITH TO NOT MIRACLE DO YOU HAVE THE FAITH TO NOT MIRACLE DO YOU HAVE THE FAITH TO NOT REQUIRE JESUS'S permission for?

REQUIRE JESUS'S permission for? REQUIRE JESUS'S permission for? >> All right. This is the heart of what I >> All right. This is the heart of what I >> All right. This is the heart of what I want us to carry out of this room today want us to carry out of this room today want us to carry out of this room today in the middle of a series called in the middle of a series called in the middle of a series called manifesting miracles. I need you to manifesting miracles. I need you to manifesting miracles. I need you to understand that some miracles you have understand that some miracles you have understand that some miracles you have to wait on and some miracles you have to to wait on and some miracles you have to to wait on and some miracles you have to go get. go get. go get. >> Earlier in this same chapter, Gyrus, the >> Earlier in this same chapter, Gyrus, the >> Earlier in this same chapter, Gyrus, the synagogue leader, is focused on is synagogue leader, is focused on is synagogue leader, is focused on is forced to wait on Jesus in order to get forced to wait on Jesus in order to get forced to wait on Jesus in order to get his miracle. That is his path. That is his miracle. That is his path. That is his miracle. That is his path. That is valid and that is critical. Reverend valid and that is critical. Reverend valid and that is critical. Reverend Swain is going to talk about Gyrus. But Swain is going to talk about Gyrus. But Swain is going to talk about Gyrus. But this woman who had no name, who had no this woman who had no name, who had no this woman who had no name, who had no title, who had no social standing, she title, who had no social standing, she title, who had no social standing, she cannot summon a rabbi to her home cannot summon a rabbi to her home cannot summon a rabbi to her home deacon. Why? If she was going to be deacon. Why? If she was going to be deacon. Why? If she was going to be healed, she would have TO GO AND GET IT healed, she would have TO GO AND GET IT healed, she would have TO GO AND GET IT HERSELF. And what I need you to HERSELF. And what I need you to HERSELF. And what I need you to understand IS THAT SOME OF WHAT GOD HAS understand IS THAT SOME OF WHAT GOD HAS understand IS THAT SOME OF WHAT GOD HAS FOR YOU WILL not be delivered to your FOR YOU WILL not be delivered to your FOR YOU WILL not be delivered to your door. It will have TO BE PURSUED. YOU'RE door. It will have TO BE PURSUED. YOU'RE door. It will have TO BE PURSUED. YOU'RE GOING TO HAVE TO PRESS TOWARD IT. YOU'RE GOING TO HAVE TO PRESS TOWARD IT. YOU'RE GOING TO HAVE TO PRESS TOWARD IT. YOU'RE GOING TO HAVE TO REACH THROUGH A CROWD GOING TO HAVE TO REACH THROUGH A CROWD GOING TO HAVE TO REACH THROUGH A CROWD OF OBSTACLES that would rather you stay OF OBSTACLES that would rather you stay OF OBSTACLES that would rather you stay where you are. 12 YEARS OF where you are. 12 YEARS OF where you are. 12 YEARS OF DISAPPOINTMENT COULD HAVE TAUGHT HER TO DISAPPOINTMENT COULD HAVE TAUGHT HER TO DISAPPOINTMENT COULD HAVE TAUGHT HER TO STOP HOPING, BUT INSTEAD IT TAUGHT HER STOP HOPING, BUT INSTEAD IT TAUGHT HER STOP HOPING, BUT INSTEAD IT TAUGHT HER TO STOP WAITING.

TO STOP WAITING. TO STOP WAITING. The reason I believe it is so important The reason I believe it is so important The reason I believe it is so important that we not wait for some of our that we not wait for some of our that we not wait for some of our miracles is my third and final point and miracles is my third and final point and miracles is my third and final point and that is that miracles bring freedom and that is that miracles bring freedom and that is that miracles bring freedom and restoration. restoration. restoration. >> Point number three, miracles bring >> Point number three, miracles bring >> Point number three, miracles bring freedom and restoration. See when I look freedom and restoration. See when I look freedom and restoration. See when I look at the word suffering in verses 29 and at the word suffering in verses 29 and at the word suffering in verses 29 and 34, the Greek word used there is mastik. 34, the Greek word used there is mastik. 34, the Greek word used there is mastik. Can you say mys? Can you say mys? Can you say mys? Now this is not a clinical sanitized Now this is not a clinical sanitized Now this is not a clinical sanitized word for illness. In fact, its primary word for illness. In fact, its primary word for illness. In fact, its primary meaning is a whip, a lash or a scourge. meaning is a whip, a lash or a scourge. meaning is a whip, a lash or a scourge. It denotes an instrument used to beat It denotes an instrument used to beat It denotes an instrument used to beat someone into submission. In fact, the someone into submission. In fact, the someone into submission. In fact, the same word is used elsewhere in the New same word is used elsewhere in the New same word is used elsewhere in the New Testament for the whipping and the Testament for the whipping and the Testament for the whipping and the flogging of prisoners in Acts 22:4 flogging of prisoners in Acts 22:4 flogging of prisoners in Acts 22:4 and Hebrews 11:36. and Hebrews 11:36. and Hebrews 11:36. So that Mark's choice to use this word So that Mark's choice to use this word So that Mark's choice to use this word to describe her condition does not to describe her condition does not to describe her condition does not simply convey that she was sick. He's simply convey that she was sick. He's simply convey that she was sick. He's telling us that her sickness had become telling us that her sickness had become telling us that her sickness had become an instrument of torture.

an instrument of torture. an instrument of torture. She was being lashed by her own She was being lashed by her own She was being lashed by her own condition year after year with no one condition year after year with no one condition year after year with no one able to intervene and make it stop. able to intervene and make it stop. able to intervene and make it stop. This sickness was a kind of bondage, a This sickness was a kind of bondage, a This sickness was a kind of bondage, a kind of slavery, a kind of lash. kind of slavery, a kind of lash. kind of slavery, a kind of lash. Therefore, write this down. Her healing Therefore, write this down. Her healing Therefore, write this down. Her healing was an act of freedom. was an act of freedom. was an act of freedom. >> Her healing was an act of freedom. This >> Her healing was an act of freedom. This >> Her healing was an act of freedom. This is an important point because in the is an important point because in the is an important point because in the ministry of Jesus, healing was never ministry of Jesus, healing was never ministry of Jesus, healing was never exclusively about providing a medical exclusively about providing a medical exclusively about providing a medical solution. It was also about liberation. solution. It was also about liberation. solution. It was also about liberation. When Jesus heals a body, he is not When Jesus heals a body, he is not When Jesus heals a body, he is not simply repairing tissue. He is unbinding simply repairing tissue. He is unbinding simply repairing tissue. He is unbinding a captive. That means that when we bring a captive. That means that when we bring a captive. That means that when we bring healing to people, when we sit with the healing to people, when we sit with the healing to people, when we sit with the sick, WHEN WE PRAY FOR THE SUFFERING, sick, WHEN WE PRAY FOR THE SUFFERING, sick, WHEN WE PRAY FOR THE SUFFERING, when we advocate for the forgotten, when when we advocate for the forgotten, when when we advocate for the forgotten, when we fund the medical treatment, WHEN WE we fund the medical treatment, WHEN WE we fund the medical treatment, WHEN WE SHOW UP AT THE HOSPITAL BED, WE ARE NOT SHOW UP AT THE HOSPITAL BED, WE ARE NOT SHOW UP AT THE HOSPITAL BED, WE ARE NOT JUST PERFORMING A KINDNESS. WE ARE JUST PERFORMING A KINDNESS. WE ARE JUST PERFORMING A KINDNESS. WE ARE PARTICIPATING IN THE SAME LIBERATING PARTICIPATING IN THE SAME LIBERATING PARTICIPATING IN THE SAME LIBERATING WORK OF JESUS CHRIST because healing is WORK OF JESUS CHRIST because healing is WORK OF JESUS CHRIST because healing is liberation. THIS IS WHY REVEREND LAWSON liberation. THIS IS WHY REVEREND LAWSON liberation. THIS IS WHY REVEREND LAWSON would meet y'all at the hospital before would meet y'all at the hospital before would meet y'all at the hospital before your surgery AND HE THOUGHT YOU THOUGHT your surgery AND HE THOUGHT YOU THOUGHT your surgery AND HE THOUGHT YOU THOUGHT YOUR SURGERY WAS AT 6, BUT HE GOT THERE YOUR SURGERY WAS AT 6, BUT HE GOT THERE YOUR SURGERY WAS AT 6, BUT HE GOT THERE AT 5. IS BECAUSE HE UNDERSTOOD THAT AT 5. IS BECAUSE HE UNDERSTOOD THAT AT 5. IS BECAUSE HE UNDERSTOOD THAT healing is NOT JUST ABOUT FIXING YOUR healing is NOT JUST ABOUT FIXING YOUR healing is NOT JUST ABOUT FIXING YOUR BODY. HE UNDERSTOOD THAT HEALING IS BODY. HE UNDERSTOOD THAT HEALING IS BODY. HE UNDERSTOOD THAT HEALING IS ABOUT LIBERATION FOR YOUR SOUL.

ABOUT LIBERATION FOR YOUR SOUL. ABOUT LIBERATION FOR YOUR SOUL. When the woman kindled the power of God When the woman kindled the power of God When the woman kindled the power of God by fastening her grip to his cloak, she by fastening her grip to his cloak, she by fastening her grip to his cloak, she got more than just a medical healing, got more than just a medical healing, got more than just a medical healing, she received freedom from an affliction she received freedom from an affliction she received freedom from an affliction that was seeking to keep her bound AND that was seeking to keep her bound AND that was seeking to keep her bound AND OSTRACIZED AND THEN received access to a OSTRACIZED AND THEN received access to a OSTRACIZED AND THEN received access to a community that was previously barred community that was previously barred community that was previously barred from her. The Bible says after she from her. The Bible says after she from her. The Bible says after she touched his cloak that immediately her touched his cloak that immediately her touched his cloak that immediately her bleeding stopped and she was freed from bleeding stopped and she was freed from bleeding stopped and she was freed from her suffering. So that scripture is her suffering. So that scripture is her suffering. So that scripture is clear. The woman was not just healed, clear. The woman was not just healed, clear. The woman was not just healed, the woman was freed. And Jesus goes a the woman was freed. And Jesus goes a the woman was freed. And Jesus goes a step further because many times you can step further because many times you can step further because many times you can experience freedom. But like all of you experience freedom. But like all of you experience freedom. But like all of you know as black Americans in this country, know as black Americans in this country, know as black Americans in this country, freedom does not always mean inclusion. freedom does not always mean inclusion. freedom does not always mean inclusion. And verses 30:32 document how Jesus is And verses 30:32 document how Jesus is And verses 30:32 document how Jesus is intent on not just bringing her freedom intent on not just bringing her freedom intent on not just bringing her freedom from the sickness that enslaved her, but from the sickness that enslaved her, but from the sickness that enslaved her, but he wanted to restore her to the very he wanted to restore her to the very he wanted to restore her to the very community that had marginalized her and community that had marginalized her and community that had marginalized her and made her invisible. Like Ralph Ellison's made her invisible. Like Ralph Ellison's made her invisible. Like Ralph Ellison's invisible man, this woman was used to invisible man, this woman was used to invisible man, this woman was used to being unseen. She was used to people being unseen. She was used to people being unseen. She was used to people refusing to see her. This is why I refusing to see her. This is why I refusing to see her. This is why I believe that Jesus asking, "Who touched believe that Jesus asking, "Who touched believe that Jesus asking, "Who touched me?" IS ABOUT HIM DEMONSTRATING to his me?" IS ABOUT HIM DEMONSTRATING to his me?" IS ABOUT HIM DEMONSTRATING to his disciples the importance of seeing the disciples the importance of seeing the disciples the importance of seeing the unseen. Write that down. Jesus asking, unseen. Write that down. Jesus asking, unseen. Write that down. Jesus asking, "Who touched me?" is about him

"Who touched me?" is about him "Who touched me?" is about him demonstrating to his disciples the demonstrating to his disciples the demonstrating to his disciples the importance of seeing the unseen. This importance of seeing the unseen. This importance of seeing the unseen. This all knowing God knows who touched him. all knowing God knows who touched him. all knowing God knows who touched him. He knows why power left him. Jesus He knows why power left him. Jesus He knows why power left him. Jesus wanted to see who touched him. And that wanted to see who touched him. And that wanted to see who touched him. And that verse, verse 32, was so encouraging to verse, verse 32, was so encouraging to verse, verse 32, was so encouraging to me because so many of the people that we me because so many of the people that we me because so many of the people that we have been called to serve, called to have been called to serve, called to have been called to serve, called to heal, called to free, we do not want to heal, called to free, we do not want to heal, called to free, we do not want to see. see. see. >> We want to write a check to the food >> We want to write a check to the food >> We want to write a check to the food bank, but we don't want to hand the bank, but we don't want to hand the bank, but we don't want to hand the groceries to the needy family. groceries to the needy family. groceries to the needy family. >> We look away, disturbed, when we see >> We look away, disturbed, when we see >> We look away, disturbed, when we see those who are unhoused. those who are unhoused. those who are unhoused. We avoid eye contact with persons We avoid eye contact with persons We avoid eye contact with persons struggling with drug addiction on the struggling with drug addiction on the struggling with drug addiction on the corner. But in verse 32, my Jesus corner. But in verse 32, my Jesus corner. But in verse 32, my Jesus said my or the Bible says that my Jesus said my or the Bible says that my Jesus said my or the Bible says that my Jesus kept looking around to see who had done kept looking around to see who had done kept looking around to see who had done it. it. it. >> Jesus was intent on seeing the woman >> Jesus was intent on seeing the woman >> Jesus was intent on seeing the woman that society had forced to remain that society had forced to remain that society had forced to remain unseen. And when he saw her, he did not unseen. And when he saw her, he did not unseen. And when he saw her, he did not just lay eyes [clears throat] on her, just lay eyes [clears throat] on her, just lay eyes [clears throat] on her, but he saw her soul. He heard her story.

but he saw her soul. He heard her story. but he saw her soul. He heard her story. And when he saw her in full, Jesus said, And when he saw her in full, Jesus said, And when he saw her in full, Jesus said, "Daughter, "Daughter, "Daughter, your faith has healed you. your faith has healed you. your faith has healed you. >> Go in peace and be freed from your >> Go in peace and be freed from your >> Go in peace and be freed from your suffering." suffering." suffering." >> Calling her daughter, Jesus reconciles >> Calling her daughter, Jesus reconciles >> Calling her daughter, Jesus reconciles her not just to society, not just to the her not just to society, not just to the her not just to society, not just to the human family. He reconciles her back to human family. He reconciles her back to human family. He reconciles her back to the family of God. the family of God. the family of God. This was not just a disease. It was a This was not just a disease. It was a This was not just a disease. It was a whip that was striking this woman for 12 whip that was striking this woman for 12 whip that was striking this woman for 12 years. Jesus didn't just treat a symptom years. Jesus didn't just treat a symptom years. Jesus didn't just treat a symptom or a malady. He took the whip out of or a malady. He took the whip out of or a malady. He took the whip out of sickness's hand sickness's hand sickness's hand >> and gave her freedom. >> And as I >> And as I close, close, close, sorry, sorry, sorry, got a little heavy there. I want to ask got a little heavy there. I want to ask got a little heavy there. I want to ask you, what is your mystics? you, what is your mystics? you, what is your mystics? What is the thing you're suffering with? What is the thing you're suffering with? What is the thing you're suffering with? What has been quietly lashing you for What has been quietly lashing you for What has been quietly lashing you for years? [snorts] years? [snorts] years? [snorts] >> Unnamed in polite conversation, unspoken >> Unnamed in polite conversation, unspoken >> Unnamed in polite conversation, unspoken in pews, but very few, but very real and in pews, but very few, but very real and in pews, but very few, but very real and in the privacy of your own life. What in the privacy of your own life. What in the privacy of your own life. What crowd of obstacles, excuses, and crowd of obstacles, excuses, and crowd of obstacles, excuses, and exhaustion stands between you and the exhaustion stands between you and the exhaustion stands between you and the miracle that God has for you? stands miracle that God has for you? stands miracle that God has for you? stands between you and freedom, between you and between you and freedom, between you and between you and freedom, between you and healing. Jesus is saying to anyone

healing. Jesus is saying to anyone healing. Jesus is saying to anyone that's willing to reach for him that that's willing to reach for him that that's willing to reach for him that your firek kindling faith can set you your firek kindling faith can set you your firek kindling faith can set you free from your suffering. >> But I I I want you to know that he >> But I I I want you to know that he doesn't just want to free you. He doesn't just want to free you. He doesn't just want to free you. He doesn't just want to to to heal you. He doesn't just want to to to heal you. He doesn't just want to to to heal you. He doesn't just want to liberate you. Jesus doesn't just want to liberate you. Jesus doesn't just want to liberate you. Jesus wants to see you. wants to see you. wants to see you. >> See you in your suffering. See you in >> See you in your suffering. See you in >> See you in your suffering. See you in your pain. See you in the difficulty your pain. See you in the difficulty your pain. See you in the difficulty that you're dealing with. that you're dealing with. that you're dealing with. >> And he wants to give you peace. >> And he wants to give you peace. >> And he wants to give you peace. >> Does anybody want that peace tonight? >> Does anybody want that peace tonight? >> Does anybody want that peace tonight? Anybody in here struggling with an Anybody in here struggling with an Anybody in here struggling with an illness, [clears throat] a sickness that illness, [clears throat] a sickness that illness, [clears throat] a sickness that you feel like has been ravaging your you feel like has been ravaging your you feel like has been ravaging your body and just lashing you like a fogg body and just lashing you like a fogg body and just lashing you like a fogg and you're saying, "God, free me from and you're saying, "God, free me from and you're saying, "God, free me from the suffering. Free me from the whip of the suffering. Free me from the whip of the suffering. Free me from the whip of sickness." we thank you, God, we thank you, God, >> that you're miracle working, God, and >> that you're miracle working, God, and >> that you're miracle working, God, and that your miracles, God, we don't have that your miracles, God, we don't have that your miracles, God, we don't have to wait on them. Your miracles, God, we to wait on them. Your miracles, God, we to wait on them. Your miracles, God, we don't have to ask permission for them.

don't have to ask permission for them. don't have to ask permission for them. Your miracles, Lord God, they bring us Your miracles, Lord God, they bring us Your miracles, Lord God, they bring us freedom and they restore us to freedom and they restore us to freedom and they restore us to community. And so in the name of Jesus, community. And so in the name of Jesus, community. And so in the name of Jesus, there are people under the sound of my there are people under the sound of my there are people under the sound of my voice and those who are watching online voice and those who are watching online voice and those who are watching online who have tuned into this broadcast who who have tuned into this broadcast who who have tuned into this broadcast who are in this sanctuary and they're are in this sanctuary and they're are in this sanctuary and they're thinking God about the sickness that is thinking God about the sickness that is thinking God about the sickness that is a assailing their body. They're thinking a assailing their body. They're thinking a assailing their body. They're thinking God about the sickness THAT IS LASHING God about the sickness THAT IS LASHING God about the sickness THAT IS LASHING THEM DAY AND NIGHT. the thing that they THEM DAY AND NIGHT. the thing that they THEM DAY AND NIGHT. the thing that they HAVE HAD TO NAVIGATE FOR 12 YEARS AND 5 HAVE HAD TO NAVIGATE FOR 12 YEARS AND 5 HAVE HAD TO NAVIGATE FOR 12 YEARS AND 5 years and 28 years and 37 YEARS AND 45 years and 28 years and 37 YEARS AND 45 years and 28 years and 37 YEARS AND 45 YEARS. GOD, ILLNESSES THAT THEY JUST YEARS. GOD, ILLNESSES THAT THEY JUST YEARS. GOD, ILLNESSES THAT THEY JUST COULD NOT GET RID OF. AND IN THE NAME OF COULD NOT GET RID OF. AND IN THE NAME OF COULD NOT GET RID OF. AND IN THE NAME OF JESUS, I'M PRAYING AND ASKING that our JESUS, I'M PRAYING AND ASKING that our JESUS, I'M PRAYING AND ASKING that our faith in this ROOM KINDLE YOUR HEALING faith in this ROOM KINDLE YOUR HEALING faith in this ROOM KINDLE YOUR HEALING POWER. POWER. POWER. GOD, I'M PRAYING RIGHT NOW THAT AS WE GOD, I'M PRAYING RIGHT NOW THAT AS WE GOD, I'M PRAYING RIGHT NOW THAT AS WE BOMBARD HEAVEN THAT we reach up JUST TO BOMBARD HEAVEN THAT we reach up JUST TO BOMBARD HEAVEN THAT we reach up JUST TO TRY AND GRAB YOUR HEAVENLY GARMENT, LORD TRY AND GRAB YOUR HEAVENLY GARMENT, LORD TRY AND GRAB YOUR HEAVENLY GARMENT, LORD GOD, AND THAT JUST A LITTLE BIT OF GOD, AND THAT JUST A LITTLE BIT OF GOD, AND THAT JUST A LITTLE BIT OF POWER, JUST A LITTLE BIT OF FIRE MIGHT POWER, JUST A LITTLE BIT OF FIRE MIGHT POWER, JUST A LITTLE BIT OF FIRE MIGHT FALL DOWN AND HEAL us and make us whole FALL DOWN AND HEAL us and make us whole FALL DOWN AND HEAL us and make us whole AND FREE US FROM OUR SUFFERING. Lord AND FREE US FROM OUR SUFFERING. Lord AND FREE US FROM OUR SUFFERING. Lord God, [music] God, [music] God, [music] we've come into this [clears throat] we've come into this [clears throat] we've come into this [clears throat] place and we don't want to leave the place and we don't want to leave the place and we don't want to leave the same, God. So heal our minds, uh heal same, God. So heal our minds, uh heal same, God. So heal our minds, uh heal our bodies, uh heal our hearts, uh heal our bodies, uh heal our hearts, uh heal our bodies, uh heal our hearts, uh heal the blood issues, UH THE BLOOD ISSUES, the blood issues, UH THE BLOOD ISSUES, the blood issues, UH THE BLOOD ISSUES, GOD, THAT EXIST IN THIS PLACE, uh the

GOD, THAT EXIST IN THIS PLACE, uh the GOD, THAT EXIST IN THIS PLACE, uh the cickle CELL ANEMIA, UH THE HIV, AIDS, uh cickle CELL ANEMIA, UH THE HIV, AIDS, uh cickle CELL ANEMIA, UH THE HIV, AIDS, uh the the the THE BLOOD HEING, UH THE the the the THE BLOOD HEING, UH THE the the the THE BLOOD HEING, UH THE BLOOD CLOTS, UH LORD, THE BLOOD ISSUES BLOOD CLOTS, UH LORD, THE BLOOD ISSUES BLOOD CLOTS, UH LORD, THE BLOOD ISSUES IN THIS ROOM, UH GOD, I ASK THAT YOU IN THIS ROOM, UH GOD, I ASK THAT YOU IN THIS ROOM, UH GOD, I ASK THAT YOU HEAL, [music] HEAL, [music] HEAL, [music] bring freedom in the name of Jesus. bring freedom in the name of Jesus. bring freedom in the name of Jesus. and we will be careful and we will be careful and we will be careful to give you all the praise and all of to give you all the praise and all of to give you all the praise and all of the glory [music] the glory [music] the glory [music] because you're a miracle working God. because you're a miracle working God. because you're a miracle working God. This is my prayer in Jesus name. [music] This is my prayer in Jesus name. [music] This is my prayer in Jesus name. [music] Amen. [music] [music] [applause] The invitation is extended. [music] The invitation is extended. [music] [singing] Reach out and touch the Lord [singing] Reach out and touch the Lord [singing] Reach out and touch the Lord [music] as [singing] he [music] as [singing] he [music] as [singing] he goes by.

goes by. goes by. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> He is not [singing] >> He is not [singing] >> He is not [singing] too busy [music] too busy [music] too busy [music] to hear to hear to hear your cry. [music] He [singing] is p. your cry. [music] He [singing] is p. your cry. [music] He [singing] is p. Sing by this moment. Sing by this moment. Sing by this moment. All of [music] your needs he will All of [music] your needs he will All of [music] your needs he will supply. supply. supply. Reach out and touch the [singing] Lord Reach out and touch the [singing] Lord Reach out and touch the [singing] Lord [music] [music] [music] as he as he as he goes [singing] goes [singing] goes [singing] by. [music] Yes. Reach out and touch the by. [music] Yes. Reach out and touch the by. [music] Yes. Reach out and touch the Lord [music] Lord [music] Lord [music] as he as he as he goes by. goes by. goes by. He is [singing and music] not He is [singing and music] not He is [singing and music] not too busy too busy too busy to hear to hear to hear your [music] your [music] your [music] cry [singing] his path. Sing [music] by this moment his path. Sing [music] by this moment all of your needs [music] he will all of your needs [music] he will all of your needs [music] he will supply.

supply. supply. Just reach out and touch the [singing] Just reach out and touch the [singing] Just reach out and touch the [singing] Lord Lord Lord [music] as he [music] as he [music] as he goes by. goes by. goes by. [music] [music] [music] Reach out. Reach out. Reach out. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Touch the Lord [singing] >> Touch the Lord [singing] >> Touch the Lord [singing] as he as he as he goes [music] by. goes [music] by. goes [music] by. He is not He is not He is not He's [music] not too busy He's [music] not too busy He's [music] not too busy to hear to hear to hear your cry. your cry. your cry. [music] He is passing [music] He is passing [music] He is passing by [singing] this moment. by [singing] this moment. by [singing] this moment. All of your needs [music] All of your needs [music] All of your needs [music] he will supply. he will supply. he will supply. Just reach out Just reach out Just reach out and touch the Lord [music] and touch the Lord [music] and touch the Lord [music] as he as he as he goes by. goes by. goes by. Give the Lord a hand of praise. Would Give the Lord a hand of praise. Would Give the Lord a hand of praise. Would you do that?

you do that? you do that? [music] And give appreciative applause And give appreciative applause [music] to Reverend Claudia [music] to Reverend Claudia [music] to Reverend Claudia Allen [applause] Allen [applause] Allen [applause] for allowing the Lord [music] to use her for allowing the Lord [music] to use her for allowing the Lord [music] to use her tonight. It was worth it though, wasn't it? It was worth it though, wasn't it? Yeah. Want you to be in prayer for all of our Want you to be in prayer for all of our bereaveved families. bereaveved families. bereaveved families. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> in particular want you to be in prayer >> in particular want you to be in prayer >> in particular want you to be in prayer for the family [music] of brother for the family [music] of brother for the family [music] of brother Charles G. Wrencher. Charles G. Wrencher. Charles G. Wrencher. His services will be here in the Willer His services will be here in the Willer His services will be here in the Willer Avenue Baptist Church sanctuary tomorrow Avenue Baptist Church sanctuary tomorrow Avenue Baptist Church sanctuary tomorrow at 11:00 a.m.

at 11:00 a.m. at 11:00 a.m. And so we're asking that you would And so we're asking that you would And so we're asking that you would [music] be in prayer for them as well as [music] be in prayer for them as well as [music] be in prayer for them as well as for the other bererieved families among for the other bererieved families among for the other bererieved families among us. us. us. We want to also be in [music] prayer for We want to also be in [music] prayer for We want to also be in [music] prayer for our our our people who have health concerns. Amen. people who have health concerns. Amen. people who have health concerns. Amen. [music] [music] [music] Amen. When you get time, just go by the Amen. When you get time, just go by the Amen. When you get time, just go by the congregational care page and check it congregational care page and check it congregational care page and check it out. And while you're looking at all out. And while you're looking at all out. And while you're looking at all that list, that list, that list, long list of names, [music] long list of names, [music] long list of names, [music] say a prayer. say a prayer. say a prayer. Intercede. Intercede. Intercede. Ask God to be a blessing [music] in Ask God to be a blessing [music] in Ask God to be a blessing [music] in their lives. their lives. their lives. Amen. Amen. Amen. It's not just about healing. [music] It's not just about healing. [music] It's not just about healing. [music] It's about liberation. It's about liberation. It's about liberation. I heard that somewhere tonight. I heard that somewhere tonight. I heard that somewhere tonight. >> Yes, indeed. [music] >> Father, we thank you. Thank you.

>> Father, we thank you. Thank you. >> Thank you for your word. [music] >> Thank you for your word. [music] >> Thank you for your word. [music] >> Thank you for your preacher. [music] [music] >> Keep on blessing. >> Keep on blessing. >> Keep on blessing. Is our prayer. Is our prayer. Is our prayer. Bless those who are bereaveved among us. Bless those who are bereaveved among us. Bless those who are bereaveved among us. [music] [music] [music] Give them everything they need. Bless Give them everything they need. Bless Give them everything they need. Bless those who are in need of healing. Heal those who are in need of healing. Heal those who are in need of healing. Heal in the mighty name of Jesus. in the mighty name of Jesus. in the mighty name of Jesus. You're [music] the healer. You're [music] the healer. You're [music] the healer. We're counting on you. You've done it We're counting on you. You've done it We're counting on you. You've done it before. before. before. We've seen you do [music] it. Now do it We've seen you do [music] it. Now do it We've seen you do [music] it. Now do it again. again. again. We appreciate [music] We appreciate [music] We appreciate [music] you so much. you so much. you so much. Now it's unto you cuz you're able to Now it's unto you cuz you're able to Now it's unto you cuz you're able to keep us [music] from falling, keep us [music] from falling, keep us [music] from falling, presenting us faultless before your presenting us faultless before your presenting us faultless before your throne with exceeding joy. [music] throne with exceeding joy. [music] throne with exceeding joy. [music] You're the only wise God. You're the only wise God. You're the 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 dominion dominion now, henceforth [music] now, henceforth [music] now, henceforth [music] and forever more. It's in the name of and forever more. It's in the name of and forever more. It's in the name of Jesus, the Christ of God we pray.

Jesus, the Christ of God we pray. Jesus, the Christ of God we pray. [music] [music] [music] Amen. Amen. Amen. And thank God. God bless you.