Wednesday Bible Study

[music] [music] >> Praise the Lord, everybody. >> Praise the Lord, everybody. >> Praise the Lord, everybody. Come on, let's sing. Come on, let's sing. Come on, let's sing. Just want [music] to praise [singing] Just want [music] to praise [singing] Just want [music] to praise [singing] you you you forever forever forever and ever and ever and ever >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] [music] [music] [music] >> for all you've >> for all you've >> for all you've done for me. for me. >> [singing and music] >> [singing and music] >> [singing and music] >> Oh, there's blessing and glory, >> Oh, there's blessing and glory, >> Oh, there's blessing and glory, blessings and glory. blessings and glory. blessings and glory. And I And I And I >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> They all [singing] >> They all [singing] >> They all [singing] belong to you. belong to you. belong to you. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Thank you, [singing] Jesus, >> Thank you, [singing] Jesus, >> Thank you, [singing] Jesus, for blessing me. Oh, Oh, >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> I just want to praise you. [music] >> I just want to praise you. [music] >> I just want to praise you. [music] I really want to do it, God. I really want to do it, God. I really want to do it, God. And I And I And I >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> And I Oh, there's blessing and glory.

Oh, there's blessing and glory. [singing] [singing] [singing] And I They all They all >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] [music] >> Thank you, Jesus, >> Thank you, Jesus, for blessing me, for blessing for blessing me, for blessing for blessing me, for blessing me. me. me. Oh, Oh, Oh, I just want to praise I just want to praise I just want to praise [music and singing] you. [music and singing] you. [music and singing] you. I really want to do it, God. I really want to do it, God. I really want to do it, God. I really want to do it, God. I really want to do it, God. I really want to do it, God. And I And I And I >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> for all that you've >> for all that you've >> for all that you've done, done, done, everything you've [music] done everything you've [music] done everything you've [music] done for me, for me, for me, >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> for me, >> for me, >> for me, >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> for me. There's blessing and glory >> for me. There's blessing and glory >> for me. There's blessing and glory and honor. and honor. and honor. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> They all belong. >> They all belong. >> They all belong. Oh. Oh. Oh. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Thank you, Jesus, >> Thank you, Jesus, >> Thank you, Jesus, for blessing me, for bless for blessing me, for bless for blessing me, for bless blessing me. blessing me. blessing me. Oh, Oh, Oh, >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> I just want to praise you.

>> I just want to praise you. >> I just want to praise you. Come [music] on, sing it tonight. Come [music] on, sing it tonight. Come [music] on, sing it tonight. And ever and ever and ever >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> for all that you've done, >> for all that you've done, >> for all that you've done, everything you've done, everything you've done, everything you've done, everything you've [music] done for me. Oh, there's blessing and glory Oh, there's blessing and glory and honor. and honor. and honor. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> They all belong. >> They all belong. >> They all belong. Oh, belong to [music] you. Thank you, Oh, belong to [music] you. Thank you, Oh, belong to [music] you. Thank you, Jesus, [singing] Jesus, [singing] Jesus, [singing] for blessing me, [music] for bless for blessing me, [music] for bless for blessing me, [music] for bless blessing me. Yeah, come on, lift your blessing me. Yeah, come on, lift your blessing me. Yeah, come on, lift your voice. I just want to praise you. voice. I just want to praise you. voice. I just want to praise you. Yes, [music] I do, God. Yes, [music] I do, God. Yes, [music] I do, God. Yes, I do, God. Yes, I do, God. Yes, I do, God. And ever [music] And ever [music] And ever [music] for all that you've done, for all that you've done, for all that you've done, everything you've [music and singing] everything you've [music and singing] everything you've [music and singing] done done done for me. for me. for me. Never shall forget what you've done for Never shall forget what you've done for Never shall forget what you've done for me. [music] There's blessing and glory me. [music] There's blessing and glory me. [music] There's blessing and glory and honor.

and honor. and honor. They all [music] belong. They all [music] belong. They all [music] belong. Yes, God. There's blessing and glory Yes, God. There's blessing and glory Yes, God. There's blessing and glory >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> and honor. >> and honor. >> and honor. They all belong. They all belong. They all belong. Yes, God. Oh, Yes, God. Oh, Yes, God. Oh, there's blessing and glory there's blessing and glory there's blessing and glory and honor. and honor. and honor. they all belong. Yes, God. they all belong. Yes, God. they all belong. Yes, God. There's blessing and glory. There's blessing and glory. There's blessing and glory. Yes, God. Yes, God. Yes, God. They all belong. They all belong. They all belong. Yes, [music] God. Yes, [music] God. Yes, [music] God. Thank you, Jesus, Thank you, Jesus, Thank you, Jesus, for blessing me. For blessing me. me. For blessing me. Yes, God. Yes, God. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Glory to God. Glory to God. Glory to God. Yes, Jesus. >> All right.

>> All right. Father, we just want to say thank you. You keep on blessing us You keep on blessing us over and over and over and over again. over and over and over and over again. over and over and over and over again. You keep on blessing us. You keep on blessing us. You keep on blessing us. And for that, we just want to say thank And for that, we just want to say thank And for that, we just want to say thank you. Lord, now we pray that you would be Lord, now we pray that you would be in our midst tonight. in our midst tonight. in our midst tonight. Speak with my mouth. Such that your people might hear your Such that your people might hear your word. word. word. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Bless as only you can bless. Let the words of my mouth, Let the words of my mouth, the meditations of my heart be the meditations of my heart be the meditations of my heart be acceptable in your sight. acceptable in your sight. acceptable in your sight. Lord, you're our strength. Lord, you're our strength. Lord, you're our strength. You're our redeemer. You're our redeemer. You're our redeemer. >> [music] >> Ride on, King Jesus.

>> Ride on, King Jesus. It's in his name, It's in his name, It's in his name, the Christ of God, we pray. the Christ of God, we pray. the Christ of God, we pray. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. Thank you, Lord. Thank you, Lord. Thank you, Lord. >> [music] All praises be to God tonight. He's All praises be to God tonight. He's worthy to be praised. as we're as we're in the year of manifested miracles. Tonight, we won't look at Mark, the Tonight, we won't look at Mark, the second chapter, verses 1 through 12. verses 1 through 12. Mark, chapter 2, If we can get a reader tonight, somebody If we can get a reader tonight, somebody to read those verses, Thank you.

Thank you. >> No problem. >> No problem. >> No problem. Okay, Mark 2, verses 1 through 12. Okay, Mark 2, verses 1 through 12. Okay, Mark 2, verses 1 through 12. A few days later, when Jesus again A few days later, when Jesus again A few days later, when Jesus again entered Capernaum, the people heard that entered Capernaum, the people heard that entered Capernaum, the people heard that he had come home. They gathered in such he had come home. They gathered in such he had come home. They gathered in such large numbers that there was no room large numbers that there was no room large numbers that there was no room left, not even outside the door, and he left, not even outside the door, and he left, not even outside the door, and he preached the word to them. preached the word to them. preached the word to them. Some men came bringing to him a Some men came bringing to him a Some men came bringing to him a paralyzed man carried by four of them. paralyzed man carried by four of them. paralyzed man carried by four of them. Since they could not get him to Jesus Since they could not get him to Jesus Since they could not get him to Jesus because of the crowd, they made an because of the crowd, they made an because of the crowd, they made an opening in the roof above Jesus by opening in the roof above Jesus by opening in the roof above Jesus by digging through it and then lowered the digging through it and then lowered the digging through it and then lowered the mat the man was lying on. mat the man was lying on. mat the man was lying on. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> When Jesus saw their faith, he said to >> When Jesus saw their faith, he said to >> When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralyzed man, "Son, your sins are the paralyzed man, "Son, your sins are the paralyzed man, "Son, your sins are forgiven." forgiven." forgiven." Now some teachers of the law were Now some teachers of the law were Now some teachers of the law were sitting there sitting there sitting there thinking to themselves, thinking to themselves, thinking to themselves, "Why does this fellow talk like that? "Why does this fellow talk like that? "Why does this fellow talk like that? He's blaspheming. He's blaspheming. He's blaspheming. Who can forgive sins but God alone?" Who can forgive sins but God alone?" Who can forgive sins but God alone?" Immediately, Jesus knew in his spirit Immediately, Jesus knew in his spirit Immediately, Jesus knew in his spirit that this is what they were thinking in that this is what they were thinking in that this is what they were thinking in their hearts. And he said to them, their hearts. And he said to them, their hearts. And he said to them, "Why are you thinking these things?

"Why are you thinking these things? "Why are you thinking these things? Which is easier, to say this paralyzed Which is easier, to say this paralyzed Which is easier, to say this paralyzed man man man Sorry, to say to this paralyzed man, Sorry, to say to this paralyzed man, Sorry, to say to this paralyzed man, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Get up, take your mat and walk?' 'Get up, take your mat and walk?' 'Get up, take your mat and walk?' But I want you to know that the Son of But I want you to know that the Son of But I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive Man has authority on earth to forgive Man has authority on earth to forgive sins." sins." sins." So he said to the man, So he said to the man, So he said to the man, "I tell you, get up, take your mat and "I tell you, get up, take your mat and "I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home." go home." go home." >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> He got up, took his mat, and walked out >> He got up, took his mat, and walked out >> He got up, took his mat, and walked out in the full view of them all. in the full view of them all. in the full view of them all. This amazed everyone, and they praised This amazed everyone, and they praised This amazed everyone, and they praised God saying, "We have never seen anything God saying, "We have never seen anything God saying, "We have never seen anything like this." like this." like this." >> Amen. Thank you. >> Amen. Thank you. >> Amen. Thank you. The word of God for the people of God. If you were here last week or you If you were here last week or you listened listened listened online or looked online online or looked online online or looked online and watched Bible study, and watched Bible study, and watched Bible study, you may remember Austin Duncan. It was It was the subject or he was the subject of our the subject or he was the subject of our the subject or he was the subject of our story last week.

You may recall his act of faith in God. You may recall his act of faith in God. Just in case you don't know who he is, Just in case you don't know who he is, Just in case you don't know who he is, he's he's he's the associate pastor of the Crosswalk the associate pastor of the Crosswalk the associate pastor of the Crosswalk Church Church Church of Brentwood, Tennessee. of Brentwood, Tennessee. of Brentwood, Tennessee. Speaking of Brentwood, not Brentwood, Tennessee, Brentwood not Brentwood, Tennessee, Brentwood Baptist Church. Baptist Church. Baptist Church. We want to congratulate We want to congratulate We want to congratulate Reverend Dr. Reverend Dr. Reverend Dr. Alexander Alexander Alexander E. M. Johnson E. M. Johnson E. M. Johnson as being the pastor elect. Last week we talked about the fact that Last week we talked about the fact that in 2017, Austin said that he had just left Austin said that he had just left software development company and Cassie, software development company and Cassie, software development company and Cassie, his wife, his wife, his wife, was working as a pharmacy technician at was working as a pharmacy technician at was working as a pharmacy technician at Walgreens and they were living in Walgreens and they were living in Walgreens and they were living in Lubbock, Texas.

He in turn started doing some freelance He in turn started doing some freelance graphic design and photography and graphic design and photography and graphic design and photography and videography videography videography and and and mobile emotion graphics and all that mobile emotion graphics and all that mobile emotion graphics and all that sort of stuff. Then he literally stopped doing the Then he literally stopped doing the contract work contract work contract work because that whole time he felt like he because that whole time he felt like he because that whole time he felt like he needed to be working in a church. needed to be working in a church. needed to be working in a church. If you remember the story, If you remember the story, If you remember the story, his wife was still working and he was at his wife was still working and he was at his wife was still working and he was at home home home because of what he felt was God's because of what he felt was God's because of what he felt was God's leading. leading. leading. And he was building a portfolio And he was building a portfolio And he was building a portfolio for church. for church. for church. Project after project, bumper video Project after project, bumper video Project after project, bumper video after bumper video, branding, series after bumper video, branding, series after bumper video, branding, series graphics, video and photo projects. He graphics, video and photo projects. He graphics, video and photo projects. He was doing it all.

was doing it all. was doing it all. But he was doing it for no real client. He was making a grand total of exactly He was making a grand total of exactly $0. I'll cut to the chase. I'll cut to the chase. He finally got a job. And he got that job and is now in And he got that job and is now in Brentwood, Tennessee, where he Brentwood, Tennessee, where he Brentwood, Tennessee, where he apparently is doing well. He went there as a communications He went there as a communications director and now he's an associate director and now he's an associate director and now he's an associate pastor. pastor. pastor. Sounds like a promotion to me. His actions at the time of making that His actions at the time of making that portfolio portfolio portfolio for seemingly non-existent church for seemingly non-existent church for seemingly non-existent church with bills piling up with bills piling up with bills piling up and him working feverishly every day for and him working feverishly every day for and him working feverishly every day for $0.

It was a senseless plan. It was a senseless plan. But just like we discussed that But just like we discussed that But just like we discussed that senseless plan in senseless plan in senseless plan in Joshua chapter 6, what Austin did and what Joshua what Austin did and what Joshua did did did and the children of Israel did worked. and the children of Israel did worked. and the children of Israel did worked. >> All right. All right. >> Well, this week Austin embarks on a >> Well, this week Austin embarks on a whole new adventure. whole new adventure. whole new adventure. It's 2025. It's 2025. It's 2025. Just last year, Just last year, Just last year, he was installing a keypad lock on the he was installing a keypad lock on the he was installing a keypad lock on the door of his upstairs studio. Told you he door of his upstairs studio. Told you he door of his upstairs studio. Told you he was doing pretty good. He was just trying to add an extra layer He was just trying to add an extra layer of security for his equipment, his of security for his equipment, his of security for his equipment, his cameras, his computers, and all of his cameras, his computers, and all of his cameras, his computers, and all of his production stuff. He got He got the old handle out of the door, the old handle out of the door, the old handle out of the door, put in the new keypad lock, put in the new keypad lock, put in the new keypad lock, installed the batteries, Then, Then, he did what all do-it-yourselfers do. He he did what all do-it-yourselfers do. He he did what all do-it-yourselfers do. He wanted to check his work.

wanted to check his work. wanted to check his work. So, he closed the door. So, he closed the door. So, he closed the door. When he closed it, When he closed it, When he closed it, he hit the button, he hit the button, he hit the button, and it locked and it locked and it locked just like it was supposed to. just like it was supposed to. just like it was supposed to. So, then he decided he was going to So, then he decided he was going to So, then he decided he was going to punch in his code, and he did. Nothing happened Nothing happened except for three beeps. He thought He thought maybe I punched in the wrong code, so he maybe I punched in the wrong code, so he maybe I punched in the wrong code, so he punched it in again and punched it in again and punched it in again and beep beep beep. beep beep beep. beep beep beep. Wrong code. Wrong code. Wrong code. He decided he'd punch it in slowly. Nevertheless, he did it Nevertheless, he did it and and and beep beep beep. beep beep beep. beep beep beep. Wrong code. Wrong code. Wrong code. So, he decided what he was going to do So, he decided what he was going to do So, he decided what he was going to do was he was going to use the default code was he was going to use the default code was he was going to use the default code just in case the code he had put in just in case the code he had put in just in case the code he had put in didn't work.

didn't work. didn't work. Guess what? Guess what? Guess what? It didn't work. So, So, frustrated frustrated frustrated and out of desperation and out of desperation and out of desperation he tried a different code that he he tried a different code that he he tried a different code that he thought he may have used thought he may have used thought he may have used even though he knew that he didn't. even though he knew that he didn't. even though he knew that he didn't. And you guessed it. So, then he resorted to what I like to So, then he resorted to what I like to call the old jiggle method. Then Then the story goes that he tried to use a the story goes that he tried to use a the story goes that he tried to use a credit card. credit card. credit card. Anybody know what I'm talking about? Anybody know what I'm talking about? Anybody know what I'm talking about? Trying to Trying to Trying to slide it and get the door open. slide it and get the door open. slide it and get the door open. That didn't work, either. That didn't work, either. That didn't work, either. Nothing.

Nothing. Nothing. So, they was completely locked out of So, they was completely locked out of So, they was completely locked out of his own studio. his own studio. his own studio. Now, that's what I call secure. Then he remembered something. Then he remembered something. Earlier in the day, he had opened the Earlier in the day, he had opened the Earlier in the day, he had opened the window in his studio window in his studio window in his studio to get a little fresh air. to get a little fresh air. to get a little fresh air. And he wasn't sure whether or not he had And he wasn't sure whether or not he had And he wasn't sure whether or not he had locked it back. It was a slim chance, but it was worth a It was a slim chance, but it was worth a try. try. try. So, he went out to the shed, dragged out So, he went out to the shed, dragged out So, he went out to the shed, dragged out a ladder, climbed up on the roof outside a ladder, climbed up on the roof outside a ladder, climbed up on the roof outside of the window, and he carefully and very of the window, and he carefully and very of the window, and he carefully and very awkwardly awkwardly awkwardly reached for the window, and it opened. So, I can see him awkwardly trying to So, I can see him awkwardly trying to climb through that window, but he made climb through that window, but he made climb through that window, but he made his way into the studio, and finally his way into the studio, and finally his way into the studio, and finally unlocked the door from the inside.

There are some situations, nevertheless, There are some situations, nevertheless, that cannot be solved by human that cannot be solved by human that cannot be solved by human ingenuity. [clears throat] As a matter of fact, they can't be As a matter of fact, they can't be solved by money. solved by money. solved by money. Can't be solved by influence. Can't be solved by influence. Can't be solved by influence. Can't be solved by education. Can't be solved by education. Can't be solved by education. And I don't care how many connections And I don't care how many connections And I don't care how many connections you have, it won't work. Some situations require a miracle from Some situations require a miracle from God. In our text today, we find that when In our text today, we find that when faith is determined to get to Jesus, faith is determined to get to Jesus, faith is determined to get to Jesus, it will find a way even when there are obstacles even when there are obstacles in the way. in the way. in the way. Mark, the second chapter, verses 1 Mark, the second chapter, verses 1 Mark, the second chapter, verses 1 through 12, introduces us to a man whose through 12, introduces us to a man whose through 12, introduces us to a man whose condition has left him dependent on condition has left him dependent on condition has left him dependent on other folks.

other folks. other folks. He's paralyzed. He's paralyzed. He's paralyzed. Can't get around on his own, so he can't Can't get around on his own, so he can't Can't get around on his own, so he can't get to Jesus for himself. By the way, this story is also found in By the way, this story is also found in Matthew chapter 9, verses 1 through 8. Matthew chapter 9, verses 1 through 8. Matthew chapter 9, verses 1 through 8. And Luke And Luke And Luke chapter 5, verses 17 through 26. to several pertinent points for our to several pertinent points for our study. The first one that I want to point out The first one that I want to point out is the dedication is the dedication is the dedication of his friends. Listen to what verse 3 says. Some men Listen to what verse 3 says. Some men came came came bringing to him, meaning Jesus, a bringing to him, meaning Jesus, a bringing to him, meaning Jesus, a paralyzed man carried by four of them.

paralyzed man carried by four of them. paralyzed man carried by four of them. Now, I've been misreading this text for Now, I've been misreading this text for Now, I've been misreading this text for a long time. a long time. a long time. And for whatever reason, And for whatever reason, And for whatever reason, I just I just I just missed it. missed it. missed it. That there were more than four men That there were more than four men That there were more than four men involved. There's a group of people. There's a group of people. As a matter of fact, the Phillips Bible As a matter of fact, the Phillips Bible As a matter of fact, the Phillips Bible translation translation translation goes like this, "Meanwhile, goes like this, "Meanwhile, goes like this, "Meanwhile, a group of people arrived to see him." a group of people arrived to see him." a group of people arrived to see him." Meaning Jesus. Meaning Jesus. Meaning Jesus. Bringing with them a paralytic Bringing with them a paralytic Bringing with them a paralytic whom four of them were carrying. That means there was a group, not just That means there was a group, not just four. Anybody in here remember when Anybody in here remember when neighborhoods were neighborly? And And there was some folks who were closer there was some folks who were closer there was some folks who were closer than others, but than others, but than others, but everybody kind of looked out for each everybody kind of looked out for each everybody kind of looked out for each other on that street.

As a matter of fact, it was nothing for As a matter of fact, it was nothing for your mom to say, your mom to say, your mom to say, "Go across the street "Go across the street "Go across the street and get a cup of sugar. Go next door Go next door and tell them I need some eggs." Matter of fact, Matter of fact, if I got in trouble down the street, I got a spanking down the street. I got a spanking down the street. And nobody got mad but me. As a matter of fact, when I got home, As a matter of fact, when I got home, got another one. See, if you lived in got another one. See, if you lived in got another one. See, if you lived in the same neighborhood. When I discovered that there were more When I discovered that there were more than four men who were carrying the than four men who were carrying the than four men who were carrying the paralytic involved in this situation, involved in this situation, I imagined I imagined I imagined a neighborhood.

If not a whole neighborhood, If not a whole neighborhood, a large portion of the neighborhood a large portion of the neighborhood a large portion of the neighborhood getting together. The Bible doesn't tell us these friends' The Bible doesn't tell us these friends' names, and it doesn't tell us the man's names, and it doesn't tell us the man's names, and it doesn't tell us the man's name. So, but I can still imagine them saying, So, but I can still imagine them saying, "You know, if we could just get him to "You know, if we could just get him to "You know, if we could just get him to Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. Jesus could cure him." And And though the text didn't tell us any though the text didn't tell us any though the text didn't tell us any names, he Jesus says, the Bible says, names, he Jesus says, the Bible says, names, he Jesus says, the Bible says, "When Jesus saw his friends' faith." These folk were friends. They were These folk were friends. They were willing to inconvenience themselves for willing to inconvenience themselves for willing to inconvenience themselves for somebody else. Their friend couldn't walk.

Their friend couldn't walk. So, they walked for him. So, they walked for him. So, they walked for him. He couldn't carry himself, so they He couldn't carry himself, so they He couldn't carry himself, so they carried him. carried him. carried him. He couldn't get to Jesus, so they took He couldn't get to Jesus, so they took He couldn't get to Jesus, so they took him to Jesus. I don't know about you, it reminds me of I don't know about you, it reminds me of Philippians chapter 2, verses 3 and 4, Philippians chapter 2, verses 3 and 4, Philippians chapter 2, verses 3 and 4, that says, "Do nothing out of selfish that says, "Do nothing out of selfish that says, "Do nothing out of selfish ambition ambition ambition or vain conceit. or vain conceit. or vain conceit. Rather, in humility, value others above Rather, in humility, value others above Rather, in humility, value others above yourselves. yourselves. yourselves. Not looking to your own interests, Not looking to your own interests, Not looking to your own interests, but each of you to the interests of the but each of you to the interests of the but each of you to the interests of the others. others. others. My my my. In Galatians 6 and 2, In Galatians 6 and 2, says carry each other's burdens. says carry each other's burdens. says carry each other's burdens. And in this way you will fulfill the law And in this way you will fulfill the law And in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.

And then the Bible says in Ecclesiastes And then the Bible says in Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, 4:9-10, 4:9-10, "Two are better than one "Two are better than one "Two are better than one because they have a good return for because they have a good return for because they have a good return for their labor. their labor. their labor. If either of them falls down, one can If either of them falls down, one can If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But listen to what it says, "But pity But listen to what it says, "But pity anyone anyone anyone who falls and has no one who falls and has no one who falls and has no one to help them up." to help them up." to help them up." Have mercy, Lord. Have mercy, Lord. Have mercy, Lord. Therefore, I just kind of thank God Therefore, I just kind of thank God Therefore, I just kind of thank God not only for this unnamed man, but his not only for this unnamed man, but his not only for this unnamed man, but his unnamed friends unnamed friends unnamed friends who were dedicated to helping him get to who were dedicated to helping him get to who were dedicated to helping him get to Jesus. These folk weren't just dedicated. These folk weren't just dedicated. Next is their determination Next is their determination Next is their determination to get him to Jesus.

You heard it read, You heard it read, verses 1 and 2 verses 1 and 2 verses 1 and 2 talked about how a few days later, when talked about how a few days later, when talked about how a few days later, when Jesus again entered Capernaum, Capernaum Jesus again entered Capernaum, Capernaum Jesus again entered Capernaum, Capernaum was his was his was his ministry headquarters, his new home. The people heard that he had come home. The people heard that he had come home. They gathered in such large numbers They gathered in such large numbers They gathered in such large numbers that there was no room left in the that there was no room left in the that there was no room left in the house. Not even outside the door. You know how Not even outside the door. You know how you kind of you kind of you kind of tiptoe and peek in? No room. And then, verse four says, And then, verse four says, "Because of this crowd in the house, "Because of this crowd in the house, "Because of this crowd in the house, they could not get him to Jesus because they could not get him to Jesus because they could not get him to Jesus because of the crowd."

I want to point out I want to point out their first sign of determination. It was simply that they didn't turn It was simply that they didn't turn around and go back home. They could have said, They could have said, "Maybe it's not in God's time." "Maybe it's not in God's time." "Maybe it's not in God's time." They could have said, "Well, They could have said, "Well, They could have said, "Well, we tried. We put forth an effort." we tried. We put forth an effort." we tried. We put forth an effort." They could have said, They could have said, They could have said, "There's no way to get in, so we might "There's no way to get in, so we might "There's no way to get in, so we might as well go back home." They could have even said, "Maybe we can They could have even said, "Maybe we can come back tomorrow." come back tomorrow." come back tomorrow." But they didn't. But they didn't. But they didn't. They stayed. And that brings us to their second act And that brings us to their second act of determination. [clears throat] Not only did they stay, Not only did they stay, they devised they devised they devised another plan.

If we can't get through the door, If we can't get through the door, we'll just find another way. Faith, I stopped by to tell you doesn't Faith, I stopped by to tell you doesn't deny obstacles. deny obstacles. deny obstacles. We don't act like the obstacles are not We don't act like the obstacles are not We don't act like the obstacles are not there because we have faith. Faith simply refuses to let the Faith simply refuses to let the obstacles have the final word. obstacles have the final word. obstacles have the final word. Faith looks for possibilities. When circumstances announce that things When circumstances announce that things are impossible, are impossible, are impossible, faith looks for possibilities. Jesus said in Matthew 19 chapter 26 Jesus said in Matthew 19 chapter 26 verse, "With man, this is impossible." verse, "With man, this is impossible." verse, "With man, this is impossible." But with God, But with God, But with God, all things are possible. That's right. all things are possible. That's right. all things are possible. That's right. Help me teach this. Help me teach this. Help me teach this. In Jeremiah 32:27, In Jeremiah 32:27, In Jeremiah 32:27, "I am the Lord, the God of all mankind.

"I am the Lord, the God of all mankind. "I am the Lord, the God of all mankind. Is nothing too hard for me? And in Luke And in Luke chapter 1 verse 37, "For no word from chapter 1 verse 37, "For no word from chapter 1 verse 37, "For no word from God will ever fail." Determined Determined faith faith faith refuses to surrender to difficulty. We learn that from the woman with the We learn that from the woman with the issue of blood. Y'all remember that, issue of blood. Y'all remember that, issue of blood. Y'all remember that, don't you? She pushed her way through the crowd She pushed her way through the crowd in spite of her illness, in spite of her illness, in spite of her illness, in spite of the weakness in her body, in spite of the weakness in her body, in spite of the weakness in her body, in spite of the in spite of the in spite of the packed how packed together the crowd packed how packed together the crowd packed how packed together the crowd was. The Bible says she came up behind was. The Bible says she came up behind was. The Bible says she came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak.

You remember blind Bartimaeus, don't You remember blind Bartimaeus, don't you? you? you? He was the one crying out, "Son of He was the one crying out, "Son of He was the one crying out, "Son of David, David, David, have mercy on me." That's right. have mercy on me." That's right. have mercy on me." That's right. And they told him to shut up. And they told him to shut up. And they told him to shut up. Be quiet. Mark 10:48 says, Mark 10:48 says, "Many rebuked him and told him to be "Many rebuked him and told him to be "Many rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more." The friends of the paralytic man faced a The friends of the paralytic man faced a jam-packed jam-packed jam-packed house house house with no way to get in. That's why I want to talk about the That's why I want to talk about the display display display of their faith. of their faith. of their faith. The display The display The display of their faith.

Verse four says, "Since they could not Verse four says, "Since they could not get him to Jesus because of the crowd, get him to Jesus because of the crowd, get him to Jesus because of the crowd, they made an opening in the roof they made an opening in the roof they made an opening in the roof above Jesus by digging through it above Jesus by digging through it above Jesus by digging through it and then lowered the mat the man was and then lowered the mat the man was and then lowered the mat the man was lying on. I want to give you an example of a I want to give you an example of a first-century Capernaum house. These houses weren't like our modern These houses weren't like our modern homes. homes. homes. It didn't have pitched roofs and attics. It didn't have pitched roofs and attics. It didn't have pitched roofs and attics. As a matter of fact, the roofs of their As a matter of fact, the roofs of their As a matter of fact, the roofs of their houses houses houses were typically were typically were typically flat. They were made of wooden beams They were made of wooden beams laid parallel to each other. They laid parallel to each other. They laid parallel to each other. They covered those with branches and thatch covered those with branches and thatch covered those with branches and thatch and packed it with earth.

Archaeological discoveries in Capernaum Archaeological discoveries in Capernaum have given us insights into the have given us insights into the have given us insights into the construction methods of that time. These construction methods of that time. These construction methods of that time. These roofs were about 2 ft thick. Sometimes they grew stuff on the roof. Sometimes they grew stuff on the roof. Other times they would just relax on the Other times they would just relax on the Other times they would just relax on the roof. roof. roof. That day, they climbed to the roof That day, they climbed to the roof That day, they climbed to the roof to get them their friend in to see to get them their friend in to see to get them their friend in to see Jesus. These men didn't merely talk about These men didn't merely talk about faith. faith. faith. They demonstrated faith. They demonstrated faith. They demonstrated faith. They displayed They displayed They displayed faith. faith. faith. They climbed onto the roof. They climbed onto the roof. They climbed onto the roof. Can't you see them Can't you see them Can't you see them putting a ladder up against the wall and putting a ladder up against the wall and putting a ladder up against the wall and climbing up? Then sometimes there were climbing up? Then sometimes there were climbing up? Then sometimes there were even stairs even stairs even stairs built on the outside so that they could built on the outside so that they could built on the outside so that they could get up to the roof.

get up to the roof. get up to the roof. But they go up to the roof. But they go up to the roof. But they go up to the roof. They open the roof. They open the roof. They open the roof. They dig it up. They dig it up. They dig it up. And they lowered their friend down in And they lowered their friend down in And they lowered their friend down in front of Jesus. Now I want you to imagine being inside Now I want you to imagine being inside of the house. dirt dirt begins falling in on you. pieces of the roof pieces of the roof start coming apart. start coming apart. start coming apart. And suddenly And suddenly And suddenly there's a hole in the roof and there there's a hole in the roof and there there's a hole in the roof and there from that hole in the roof comes a from that hole in the roof comes a from that hole in the roof comes a paralyzed man on a mat.

Now I don't know about you, I call that Now I don't know about you, I call that faith on display. Faith is more than what we say. Faith is more than what we say. Faith is what we do. Listen to James chapter 2 Listen to James chapter 2 verses 17 through 18. In the same way, faith by itself, In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is if it is not accompanied by action, is if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. But someone will say, "You have faith, I But someone will say, "You have faith, I have deeds." have deeds." have deeds." Show me your faith without deeds, and I Show me your faith without deeds, and I Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds. will show you my faith by my deeds. will show you my faith by my deeds. In other words, I'll show you faith, my In other words, I'll show you faith, my In other words, I'll show you faith, my faith, by my actions. Faith acts.

Faith acts. Faith moves. Faith moves. Faith moves. Faith obeys. Faith obeys. Faith obeys. Faith gets involved. Faith gets involved. Faith gets involved. Faith takes risk. Sometimes, Sometimes, I like to propose to you, faith even I like to propose to you, faith even I like to propose to you, faith even looks foolish. It looks foolish especially It looks foolish especially before the miracle becomes visible. before the miracle becomes visible. before the miracle becomes visible. Before the miracle is manifested, you're Before the miracle is manifested, you're Before the miracle is manifested, you're not sure whether it's faith or not sure whether it's faith or not sure whether it's faith or foolishness. Noah looked kind of foolish Noah looked kind of foolish building an ark on dry land. Preaching about it's going to rain. Preaching about it's going to rain. Oh, come on, y'all.

Oh, come on, y'all. Oh, come on, y'all. If you lived in the neighborhood, you'd If you lived in the neighborhood, you'd If you lived in the neighborhood, you'd have thought it was something a little have thought it was something a little have thought it was something a little off about Noah. Peter looked foolish Peter looked foolish stepping out of the boat. Jesus comes walking on water. Jesus comes walking on water. Peter said, "Lord, if it's you, Peter said, "Lord, if it's you, Peter said, "Lord, if it's you, bid me to come out to you." Jesus said, "Come on." Jesus said, "Come on." Peter stepped out of the boat. It looked Peter stepped out of the boat. It looked Peter stepped out of the boat. It looked foolish. David looked foolish trying to go fight David looked foolish trying to go fight Goliath with a slingshot. And this group of friends probably And this group of friends probably looked foolish looked foolish looked foolish carrying this man up on the roof and carrying this man up on the roof and carrying this man up on the roof and tearing a hole in somebody's roof.

The reason I know that is because 2 The reason I know that is because 2 Corinthians chapter 5 verse 7 says we Corinthians chapter 5 verse 7 says we Corinthians chapter 5 verse 7 says we walk, we live by faith, walk, we live by faith, walk, we live by faith, not by sight. Not only was their faith displayed, Not only was their faith displayed, but then comes the discerning of their but then comes the discerning of their but then comes the discerning of their faith. faith. faith. I told you it's hard to determine I told you it's hard to determine I told you it's hard to determine sometimes whether it's faith or sometimes whether it's faith or sometimes whether it's faith or foolishness. But Jesus saw something that the people But Jesus saw something that the people couldn't recognize. And that was the Bible says in verse 5, And that was the Bible says in verse 5, "When Jesus saw their faith." Jesus can see the difference between Jesus can see the difference between foolishness and faith. The crowd saw disruption.

The crowd saw disruption. Jesus saw faith. Jesus saw faith. Jesus saw faith. The crowd saw a paralyzed man. The crowd saw a paralyzed man. The crowd saw a paralyzed man. Jesus saw a candidate for a miracle. Jesus saw a candidate for a miracle. Jesus saw a candidate for a miracle. The crowd saw a hole in the roof. The crowd saw a hole in the roof. The crowd saw a hole in the roof. Jesus saw an Jesus saw an Jesus saw an an opportunity to demonstrate divine an opportunity to demonstrate divine an opportunity to demonstrate divine authority. authority. authority. The crowd saw a problem. The crowd saw a problem. The crowd saw a problem. But Jesus saw potential. Listen to Jeremiah chapter 17 verse 10. Listen to Jeremiah chapter 17 verse 10. I the Lord search the heart I the Lord search the heart I the Lord search the heart and examine the mind. Now, I don't know about you, but that Now, I don't know about you, but that bothers me. See, cuz See, cuz I don't care how smart you are.

I don't care how smart you are. I don't care how smart you are. You don't know what I'm thinking. That means when you thought about That means when you thought about cussing them out. God knew what you thought even though it God knew what you thought even though it didn't come out your mouth. Just thought I'd share that with you. Just thought I'd share that with you. First Samuel chapter 16 verse 7 says First Samuel chapter 16 verse 7 says First Samuel chapter 16 verse 7 says people look at the outward appearance, people look at the outward appearance, people look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart. In Hebrews chapter 11 verse 6, In Hebrews chapter 11 verse 6, we find out that without faith, it is we find out that without faith, it is we find out that without faith, it is impossible impossible impossible to please God. Why? Because faith is what gets the Why? Because faith is what gets the Lord's attention.

Faith becomes the atmosphere in which Faith becomes the atmosphere in which people encounter the miraculous power of people encounter the miraculous power of people encounter the miraculous power of God. Now, I want to point out a couple of Now, I want to point out a couple of things. things. things. One is that faith does not manipulate One is that faith does not manipulate One is that faith does not manipulate God. No need of you thinking that because you No need of you thinking that because you have faith, have faith, have faith, it's going to make God do anything. God does it because he's attracted to God does it because he's attracted to faith. faith. faith. Faith trusts God. Faith trusts God. Faith trusts God. Faith does not command God. Faith does not command God. Faith does not command God. Faith depends Faith depends Faith depends on God. on God. on God. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Faith says, Faith says, Faith says, "I don't know how you going to do it, "I don't know how you going to do it, "I don't know how you going to do it, Lord. Lord. Lord. I just know that you are." I don't know I don't know how it's going to happen.

how it's going to happen. how it's going to happen. I like to say it this way. I don't know I like to say it this way. I don't know I like to say it this way. I don't know what all right looks like. what all right looks like. what all right looks like. I just know it's going to be all right. Next comes the declaration Next comes the declaration of forgiveness. "When Jesus their faith, "When Jesus their faith, he said to the paralyzed man, he said to the paralyzed man, he said to the paralyzed man, "Son, "Son, "Son, your sins are forgiven." your sins are forgiven." your sins are forgiven." Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Now, I don't know about you, Now, I don't know about you, Now, I don't know about you, at first glance, I would expect Jesus at first glance, I would expect Jesus at first glance, I would expect Jesus just to say, "Get up and walk." But, he said something completely But, he said something completely different.

different. different. "Son, your sins are forgiven." "Son, your sins are forgiven." "Son, your sins are forgiven." Why is this important? Why is this important? Why is this important? I'm glad you asked. I'm glad you asked. I'm glad you asked. The man and his friends came looking for The man and his friends came looking for The man and his friends came looking for a physical miracle. a physical miracle. a physical miracle. But, Jesus had to first address this But, Jesus had to first address this But, Jesus had to first address this man's spiritual condition. All we often know is what we want. All we often know is what we want. Jesus always knows what we need. Jesus always knows what we need. Jesus always knows what we need. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. The man's friends brought him because he The man's friends brought him because he The man's friends brought him because he couldn't walk. couldn't walk. couldn't walk. But, Jesus addressed his sin. But, Jesus addressed his sin. But, Jesus addressed his sin. Because Jesus knew that forgiveness was Because Jesus knew that forgiveness was Because Jesus knew that forgiveness was a greater miracle than mobility.

Cuz you see, a person can have a healthy Cuz you see, a person can have a healthy body body body and a sick soul. Person can have money in the bank, Person can have money in the bank, but a heart filled with misery. Person can have functioning legs and Person can have functioning legs and limbs limbs limbs and have a broken relationship with God. and have a broken relationship with God. and have a broken relationship with God. Jesus didn't merely come to make sick Jesus didn't merely come to make sick Jesus didn't merely come to make sick people well. people well. people well. He came to make lost people saved. He came to make lost people saved. He came to make lost people saved. Hallelujah. As a matter of fact, I believe that As a matter of fact, I believe that forgiveness is one of God's greatest forgiveness is one of God's greatest forgiveness is one of God's greatest miracles. Psalm 103 verses 2 through 2 and 3 Psalm 103 verses 2 through 2 and 3 says, "Praise the Lord, my soul, and says, "Praise the Lord, my soul, and says, "Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits. forget not all his benefits. forget not all his benefits. Who forgives all my sins Who forgives all my sins Who forgives all my sins and heals all your diseases."

and heals all your diseases." and heals all your diseases." Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Isaiah 1 and 18 says, Isaiah 1 and 18 says, Isaiah 1 and 18 says, "Though your sins are like scarlet, "Though your sins are like scarlet, "Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be white as snow." In 1 John 1 and 9, In 1 John 1 and 9, the Bible says if we confess our sins, the Bible says if we confess our sins, the Bible says if we confess our sins, he is faithful, that's right, and just he is faithful, that's right, and just he is faithful, that's right, and just to forgive us our sins and purify us to forgive us our sins and purify us to forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. from all unrighteousness. from all unrighteousness. Ephesians 1:7 says, "In him we have Ephesians 1:7 says, "In him we have Ephesians 1:7 says, "In him we have redemption through his blood, the redemption through his blood, the redemption through his blood, the forgiveness forgiveness forgiveness of sins." of sins." of sins." Hallelujah. Jesus isn't merely interested in Jesus isn't merely interested in changing our circumstances. changing our circumstances. changing our circumstances. He wants to change us. I believe that this also I believe that this also here by Jesus saying, "Your sins are here by Jesus saying, "Your sins are here by Jesus saying, "Your sins are forgiven."

forgiven." forgiven." might just imply might just imply might just imply that his sin that his sin that his sin was the source of his sickness. I'd like to dismiss that fact, but it's I'd like to dismiss that fact, but it's true. true. true. Sometimes the source of our sickness is Sometimes the source of our sickness is Sometimes the source of our sickness is our sin. I know you don't like to hear that, I know you don't like to hear that, but I'm telling you the truth. but I'm telling you the truth. but I'm telling you the truth. The reason I know is The reason I know is The reason I know is first Sundays first Sundays first Sundays we read it every first Sunday. You know how we mess up the Lord's You know how we mess up the Lord's Supper Supper Supper and don't take it seriously and don't take it seriously and don't take it seriously the way we should? the way we should? the way we should? And the Bible says because of this And the Bible says because of this And the Bible says because of this some [snorts] of you are sick, some [snorts] of you are sick, some [snorts] of you are sick, many of you are sick rather, many of you are sick rather, many of you are sick rather, and some have died.

and some have died. and some have died. All because of our All because of our All because of our sin. [snorts] And though we cannot say for certain And though we cannot say for certain that his sin that his sin that his sin was the source of his sickness, was the source of his sickness, was the source of his sickness, we've also got to remember John chapter we've also got to remember John chapter we've also got to remember John chapter 9. 9. 9. You remember when Jesus encountered a You remember when Jesus encountered a You remember when Jesus encountered a man who was born blind man who was born blind man who was born blind and the disciples asked him, "Rabbi, who and the disciples asked him, "Rabbi, who and the disciples asked him, "Rabbi, who sinned? sinned? sinned? This man or his parents that he was born This man or his parents that he was born This man or his parents that he was born blind?" blind?" blind?" That's verse 2. In verse 3, Jesus That's verse 2. In verse 3, Jesus That's verse 2. In verse 3, Jesus answered them answered them answered them and said, "It was not that this man and said, "It was not that this man and said, "It was not that this man sinned or his parents, but that the sinned or his parents, but that the sinned or his parents, but that the works of God might be displayed works of God might be displayed works of God might be displayed in him." in him." in him." In other words, while we often try to In other words, while we often try to In other words, while we often try to draw a straight line between suffering draw a straight line between suffering draw a straight line between suffering and personal sin, Jesus shows us and personal sin, Jesus shows us and personal sin, Jesus shows us there's a bigger picture.

So, we don't know, but what we do know So, we don't know, but what we do know is that Jesus says to him, "Your sins is that Jesus says to him, "Your sins is that Jesus says to him, "Your sins are forgiven." are forgiven." are forgiven." It could have been his addressing the It could have been his addressing the It could have been his addressing the actual root cause of all suffering. actual root cause of all suffering. actual root cause of all suffering. Nevertheless, Nevertheless, Nevertheless, let's move on to the next point before I let's move on to the next point before I let's move on to the next point before I run out of time. Next, in verses 6 through 10, Next, in verses 6 through 10, is the displeasure is the displeasure is the displeasure of the haters. This whole scenario brought displeasure This whole scenario brought displeasure to the haters. Now, I want you want to point out Now, I want you want to point out something about these haters. something about these haters. something about these haters. They got to the house early. They were some of the first people They were some of the first people at the house.

You want to know how I know? You want to know how I know? I'm glad you asked. I'm glad you asked. I'm glad you asked. Cuz the Bible says they were sitting Cuz the Bible says they were sitting Cuz the Bible says they were sitting down. I stopped by to tell you that just cuz I stopped by to tell you that just cuz you get in early you get in early you get in early and get a seat, and get a seat, and get a seat, doesn't mean that you right with God. Listen. Listen. They were sitting there thinking to They were sitting there thinking to They were sitting there thinking to themselves. themselves. themselves. They weren't saying a word. They weren't saying a word. They weren't saying a word. They were just thinking. They were just thinking. They were just thinking. Why does this fellow talk like that? Why does this fellow talk like that? Why does this fellow talk like that? He's blaspheming. He's blaspheming. He's blaspheming. Who can forgive sins but God?

The Bible says that immediately Jesus The Bible says that immediately Jesus knew what they were thinking. Now, I don't know about you, but I'm I'm Now, I don't know about you, but I'm I'm I'm I'm I'm enjoying this. Cuz I can imagine them. Cuz I can imagine them. When Jesus When Jesus When Jesus in turn says, "Why are you thinking these things?" "Why are you thinking these things?" They haven't They haven't They haven't uttered a word uttered a word uttered a word and they haven't muttered among and they haven't muttered among and they haven't muttered among themselves. themselves. themselves. They were just They were just They were just thinking. thinking. thinking. And Jesus told them what they were And Jesus told them what they were And Jesus told them what they were thinking. I know they were totally shocked and set I know they were totally shocked and set up back. up back. up back. Jesus said, "Which is easier Jesus said, "Which is easier Jesus said, "Which is easier to say to this paralyzed man, 'Your sins to say to this paralyzed man, 'Your sins to say to this paralyzed man, 'Your sins are forgiven' or to say, 'Get up and are forgiven' or to say, 'Get up and are forgiven' or to say, 'Get up and take your mat and walk'?"

He said, "But I want you to know He said, "But I want you to know something. The Son of Man has authority on Earth to The Son of Man has authority on Earth to forgive sins." forgive sins." forgive sins." I could spend a whole lot of time I could spend a whole lot of time I could spend a whole lot of time talking about that son of man piece. But suffice it to say it is Jesus But suffice it to say it is Jesus identifying himself as the Messiah, identifying himself as the Messiah, identifying himself as the Messiah, the only begotten son of God. We're going to have haters. We're going to have haters. As a matter of fact, if you don't have As a matter of fact, if you don't have As a matter of fact, if you don't have any, Moving right along. Moving right along. Last two points. Last two points. Last two points. It's 7:53. It's 7:53. It's 7:53. I'm rushing.

Is the dispatching Is the dispatching of a miracle. The dispatching of a miracle. The dispatching of a miracle. Verses 10 through 12A. So, he said to the man, So, he said to the man, "I tell you, get up, take your mat, and "I tell you, get up, take your mat, and "I tell you, get up, take your mat, and go home." go home." go home." He got up, He got up, He got up, took his mat, took his mat, took his mat, and walked out in full view of and walked out in full view of and walked out in full view of everybody. everybody. everybody. Hallelujah. Why is this good news? Why is this good news? Because it tells us Because it tells us Because it tells us that Jesus has authority that Jesus has authority that Jesus has authority over whatever has authority over us. You didn't get excited. I got excited You didn't get excited. I got excited when I wrote it. I did. I did. Because see, maybe you don't understand Because see, maybe you don't understand Because see, maybe you don't understand what that means. That means whatever has what that means. That means whatever has what that means. That means whatever has had control had control had control over your life and has had authority in over your life and has had authority in over your life and has had authority in your life, Jesus has authority over it.

The man's paralysis The man's paralysis had authority had authority had authority over him and controlled him. over him and controlled him. over him and controlled him. But paralysis has no authority over But paralysis has no authority over But paralysis has no authority over Jesus. Sin Sin has separated humanity from God. has separated humanity from God. has separated humanity from God. But God has authority over all sin. Sickness Sickness therefore has limitations. Even death has limitations. The storms Even death has limitations. The storms of life have limitations. But even that has limitations. But even that has limitations. Why? Because Jesus has all authority.

Why? Because Jesus has all authority. Why? Because Jesus has all authority. How do I know? How do I know? How do I know? Because Matthew 28:18, Jesus said it. Because Matthew 28:18, Jesus said it. Because Matthew 28:18, Jesus said it. All authority. All authority. All authority. Not just some, but all authority. Not just some, but all authority. Not just some, but all authority. In heaven and on earth has been given to In heaven and on earth has been given to In heaven and on earth has been given to me. Jesus says, "Just as the Father raises Jesus says, "Just as the Father raises the dead the dead the dead and gives them life, and gives them life, and gives them life, even so the even so the even so the gives life to whom he is pleased to give gives life to whom he is pleased to give gives life to whom he is pleased to give it. it. it. Hallelujah. Jesus working this miracle Jesus working this miracle means that no matter what's going on in means that no matter what's going on in means that no matter what's going on in your life your life your life that has authority that has authority that has authority over you, over you, over you, Jesus has authority over it.

Jesus has authority over it. Jesus has authority over it. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Last but not least, This amazed everyone and they praised This amazed everyone and they praised God saying, "We have never seen anything God saying, "We have never seen anything God saying, "We have never seen anything like this." like this." like this." I don't know about you, but when I see I don't know about you, but when I see I don't know about you, but when I see something I've never seen, I just believe that they had to make a I just believe that they had to make a double take. They had to look and say, double take. They had to look and say, double take. They had to look and say, "Is this the same fellow "Is this the same fellow "Is this the same fellow that lives over on Blodgett? The people came expecting to hear Jesus The people came expecting to hear Jesus preach and teach.

preach and teach. preach and teach. They ended up watching Jesus transform a They ended up watching Jesus transform a They ended up watching Jesus transform a life. What that tells me is that God can turn What that tells me is that God can turn spectators spectators spectators into worshipers. some folk come to church determined some folk come to church determined not to enjoy themselves. They determine They determine just to come and spectate. But God has a way But God has a way of turning spectators of turning spectators of turning spectators into worshipers. into worshipers. into worshipers. They were amazed. They were amazed. They were amazed. Like I said, I believe they had to make Like I said, I believe they had to make Like I said, I believe they had to make a double take. a double take. a double take. They had witnessed something that they They had witnessed something that they They had witnessed something that they could not explain.

That's what happens anytime That's what happens anytime God does something that only God can do. God does something that only God can do. God does something that only God can do. He leaves us He leaves us He leaves us amazed. Last but not least, this miracle Last but not least, this miracle produced a testimony. He was carried in dependent. He was carried in dependent. But he walked out delivered. This man entered the house This man entered the house by being carried by his friends by being carried by his friends by being carried by his friends and lowered at to the feet of Jesus. and lowered at to the feet of Jesus. and lowered at to the feet of Jesus. But he left carrying the mat that used But he left carrying the mat that used But he left carrying the mat that used to carry him. >> I stopped by tonight to tell you >> I stopped by tonight to tell you what used to carry you he's able he's able to give you the deliverance to give you the deliverance to give you the deliverance to carry it.

to carry it. to carry it. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Well, it's 8:00, but I've still got a Well, it's 8:00, but I've still got a Well, it's 8:00, but I've still got a story. I'm going to tell it to you real quick. I'm going to tell it to you real quick. There was this missionary. There was this missionary. There was this missionary. He went to a foreign country, He went to a foreign country, He went to a foreign country, a foreign land, a foreign land, a foreign land, and while he was a missionary there, he and while he was a missionary there, he and while he was a missionary there, he was going to translate the Bible into was going to translate the Bible into was going to translate the Bible into their language. He got there. He got there. He learned their language. He learned their language. He learned their language. And he's translating the Bible into And he's translating the Bible into And he's translating the Bible into their language, and he ran into a snag. their language, and he ran into a snag. their language, and he ran into a snag. He couldn't find a word for faith. And I don't know about you, but I think And I don't know about you, but I think that mess you up when you're trying to that mess you up when you're trying to that mess you up when you're trying to translate the Bible. translate the Bible. translate the Bible. When you can't find a word for faith.

When you can't find a word for faith. When you can't find a word for faith. He couldn't find a word for faith. He He couldn't find a word for faith. He He couldn't find a word for faith. He prayed about it. prayed about it. prayed about it. He He He fasted. He He did everything he could do fasted. He He did everything he could do fasted. He He did everything he could do asking God to give him a word for faith, asking God to give him a word for faith, asking God to give him a word for faith, and one day a messenger came running to and one day a messenger came running to and one day a messenger came running to his house to deliver a message. And when his house to deliver a message. And when his house to deliver a message. And when he got there, he had run so far and so he got there, he had run so far and so he got there, he had run so far and so fast, he was out of breath. fast, he was out of breath. fast, he was out of breath. So, he tells him in his language, "Sit So, he tells him in his language, "Sit So, he tells him in his language, "Sit down, man. Rest yourself." The guy sat down. The guy sat down. And he said to him in his language, And he said to him in his language, And he said to him in his language, "It feels good "It feels good "It feels good to rest my whole weight to rest my whole weight to rest my whole weight on this chair. on this chair. on this chair. And God told him, "That's it. And God told him, "That's it. And God told him, "That's it. That's faith." That's faith." That's faith." Whenever you can rest your whole weight Whenever you can rest your whole weight Whenever you can rest your whole weight on God, that's the definition that's the definition of true faith.

of true faith. of true faith. I dare you today to stop bracing yourself to stop bracing yourself and just rest your whole weight on God. and just rest your whole weight on God. and just rest your whole weight on God. I trust in God I trust in God I trust in God wherever I may be, wherever I may be, wherever I may be, out on the land or on the stormy sea. out on the land or on the stormy sea. out on the land or on the stormy sea. I trust in God because what I know is I trust in God because what I know is I trust in God because what I know is that he cares that he cares that he cares for me. for me. for me. My heavenly Father watches over me. My heavenly Father watches over me. My heavenly Father watches over me. Father, we thank you. For faith. For faith. Thank you for a faith Thank you for a faith Thank you for a faith that always finds a way. A faith that rests its whole weight on A faith that rests its whole weight on you. Now, if there's anybody here who has not Now, if there's anybody here who has not accepted Jesus Christ as savior and lord accepted Jesus Christ as savior and lord accepted Jesus Christ as savior and lord of their life, of their life, of their life, we pray that you'd move on them and that we pray that you'd move on them and that we pray that you'd move on them and that they would make their way down there.

they would make their way down there. they would make their way down there. There's somebody here There's somebody here There's somebody here who's looking for a church home. who's looking for a church home. who's looking for a church home. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Move on them as well if they're >> Move on them as well if they're >> Move on them as well if they're not growing where they're going and they not growing where they're going and they not growing where they're going and they need a place where they can grow in need a place where they can grow in need a place where they can grow in spirit and in truth spirit and in truth spirit and in truth and in the knowledge of our Lord and and in the knowledge of our Lord and and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Lead them down the Savior Jesus Christ. Lead them down the Savior Jesus Christ. Lead them down the aisle. aisle. aisle. >> [music] >> If they're looking for a place >> If they're looking for a place cuz they're here on temporary assignment cuz they're here on temporary assignment cuz they're here on temporary assignment for somebody to watch over their souls for somebody to watch over their souls for somebody to watch over their souls while they're here. while they're here. while they're here. Whether here for school or for work or Whether here for school or for work or Whether here for school or for work or because of health concerns. because of health concerns. because of health concerns. You move on their hearts right now. You move on their hearts right now. You move on their hearts right now. Draw them down the aisle. Draw them down the aisle. Draw them down the aisle. >> [sighs] >> [sighs] >> [sighs] >> This is our prayer in Jesus' name. >> This is our prayer in Jesus' name. >> This is our prayer in Jesus' name. Amen. Amen. Amen. And thank God. The invitation is extended.

The invitation is extended. >> I [music] trust in God. My savior, [singing] My savior, [singing] the one the one the one who will [music] never who will [music] never who will [music] never fail. [singing] >> I trust in God. >> I trust in God. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> in God. >> in God. >> in God. My savior, My savior, My savior, >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] [music] [music] [music] >> the one >> the one >> the one who will never who will never who will never fail. He will [music and singing] never fail. He will [music and singing] never fail. >> The invitation is >> The invitation is >> The invitation is >> Oh, I [singing] trust [music] in >> Oh, I [singing] trust [music] in >> Oh, I [singing] trust [music] in God. God. God. My savior, My savior, My savior, >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> the one >> the one >> the one >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> He's the one. >> He's the one. >> He's the one. >> who will never >> [music] >> [music] >> He would never fail.

I [music] trust [singing] in I [music] trust [singing] in God. God. God. Oh, yes. My savior, Oh, yes. My savior, Oh, yes. My savior, >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> the one >> the one >> the one >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> who will never >> who will never >> who will never never fail. He [music] would never fail. He [music] would never fail. >> Never [singing] fail. >> [music] >> [music] >> I trust [singing] >> I trust [singing] >> I trust [singing] in God. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. It's ours to extend, yours to accept or It's ours to extend, yours to accept or It's ours to extend, yours to accept or reject. reject. reject. We just 6 minutes in the overtime. Let's We just 6 minutes in the overtime. Let's We just 6 minutes in the overtime. Let's stand. >> We have one more service this week. >> We have one more service this week. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Services for Reverend Carol Carleen, I'm >> Services for Reverend Carol Carleen, I'm >> Services for Reverend Carol Carleen, I'm sorry. sorry. sorry. Alexander. It is Saturday, It is Saturday, August 22nd. [music] It's at 10:00 a.m., not 11:00.

It's at 10:00 a.m., not 11:00. All right? 10:00 a.m. this Saturday. Amen. Father, we would want to thank Amen. Father, we would want to thank you. Thank you for your word. Thank you for your word. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Thank you for the privilege of resting >> Thank you for the privilege of resting >> Thank you for the privilege of resting our whole weight our whole weight our whole weight >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> on you. Now we pray for our bereaved families. Now we pray for our bereaved families. Grant them your comfort, for you are the Grant them your comfort, for you are the Grant them your comfort, for you are the God of all comfort. [music] Bless those with health concerns. Bless those with health concerns. You're the healer. We've seen you do all of this before. We've seen you do all of this before. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> So all we ask All we're asking is that >> So all we ask All we're asking is that >> So all we ask All we're asking is that you do it again. >> [music] >> [music] >> We appreciate you, God.

Now Father, as we go down from this Now Father, as we go down from this place, place, place, we pray that we never we pray that we never we pray that we never leave your presence. leave your presence. leave your presence. That you will go before us to guide us. >> [music] >> [music] >> Go with us >> Go with us >> Go with us to comfort us. to comfort us. to comfort us. Go behind us to protect us. Go behind us to protect us. Go behind us to protect us. Nine son to you. Nine son to you. Nine son to you. Cuz you're able to keep us from falling. Cuz you're able to keep us from falling. Cuz you're able to keep us from falling. Able to present us faultless before your Able to present us faultless before your Able to present us faultless before your throne with exceeding joy. throne with exceeding joy. throne with exceeding joy. >> [music] >> [music] >> [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, and forevermore. Now, henceforth, and forevermore. Now, henceforth, and forevermore. It's in the name of Jesus the Christ of It's in the name of Jesus the Christ of It's in the name of Jesus the Christ of God we pray. God we pray. God we pray. Amen. Amen. Amen. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> And thank you, Lord. >> And thank you, Lord. >> And thank you, Lord. God bless you.