Wednesday Bible Study

together and call upon your name, God, together and call upon your name, God, we're being transformed. [music] We're we're being transformed. [music] We're we're being transformed. [music] We're being into your image and your likeness. being into your image and your likeness. being into your image and your likeness. >> And so, God, as we wrap up [music] >> And so, God, as we wrap up [music] >> And so, God, as we wrap up [music] another moment in your presence, another moment in your presence, another moment in your presence, thank you for doing exceedingly thank you for doing exceedingly thank you for doing exceedingly and abundantly above all that we could and abundantly above all that we could and abundantly above all that we could ask for, think, or begin to imagine. ask for, think, or begin to imagine. ask for, think, or begin to imagine. Thank you, God, that you're [music] Thank you, God, that you're [music] Thank you, God, that you're [music] touch that you're reviving touch that you're reviving touch that you're reviving our leaders, our leaders, our leaders, that you're reviving our lead leaders, that you're reviving our lead leaders, that you're reviving our lead leaders, that you're reviving every person that you're reviving every person that you're reviving every person [music] in every pew tonight. Thank you, [music] in every pew tonight. Thank you, [music] in every pew tonight. Thank you, Lord, that we will do what you have Lord, that we will do what you have Lord, that we will do what you have called us to do in season and [music] called us to do in season and [music] called us to do in season and [music] out of season, when it's comfortable and out of season, when it's comfortable and out of season, when it's comfortable and when it's uncomfortable. God, [music] we when it's uncomfortable. God, [music] we when it's uncomfortable. God, [music] we will say yes will say yes will say yes >> for the rest of our lives. It's in the >> for the rest of our lives. It's in the >> for the rest of our lives. It's in the name of Jesus. [music] name of Jesus. [music] name of Jesus. [music] >> Yes, God. >> Yes, God. >> Yes, God. >> Thank you so much. Thank you all for >> Thank you so much. Thank you all for >> Thank you so much. Thank you all for joining us [music] Wednesday night joining us [music] Wednesday night joining us [music] Wednesday night prayer. Um we are here each and every prayer. Um we are here each and every prayer. Um we are here each and every Wednesday at [music] 6:00 p.m. to 7 and Wednesday at [music] 6:00 p.m. to 7 and Wednesday at [music] 6:00 p.m. to 7 and we are turning it over to the music we are turning it over to the music we are turning it over to the music ministry. [music] Thank you.

Good evening, people of God. Good evening, people of God. Good evening. [music] Good evening. [music] Good evening. [music] Come on, let's worship together. [music] How great [singing] [music] How great [singing] is our God. [music] is our God. [music] is our God. [music] Sing with me. How great is [singing] our Sing with me. How great is [singing] our Sing with me. How great is [singing] our God. [music] Oh, will see how great, God. [music] Oh, will see how great, God. [music] Oh, will see how great, how [singing] great how [singing] great how [singing] great [music] is our God. [music] is our God. [music] is our God. Come on, saints. You know this one. Sing Come on, saints. You know this one. Sing Come on, saints. You know this one. Sing it with me. Oh, how great it with me. Oh, how great it with me. Oh, how great [music and singing] [music and singing] [music and singing] is our God. is our God. is our God. Sing with me. How great [music] is our Sing with me. How great [music] is our Sing with me. How great [music] is our God. God. God. Oh, see how [singing] great, Oh, see how [singing] great, Oh, see how [singing] great, how great how great how great [music] [music] [music] is our God. [singing] is our God. [singing] is our God. [singing] Come on, saints, put your hands on it. Come on, saints, put your hands on it. Come on, saints, put your hands on it. How great, how [music] great is our God. How great, how [music] great is our God. How great, how [music] great is our God. Sing with me. Sing with me. Sing with me. How great is our God? How great is our God? How great is our God? [singing and music] [singing and music] [singing and music] Oh, we'll sing. How great, Oh, we'll sing. How great, Oh, we'll sing. How great, how great [singing] is our God.

how great [singing] is our God. how great [singing] is our God. [music] Oh, yeah. You got it. Come on. [music] Oh, yeah. You got it. Come on. [music] Oh, yeah. You got it. Come on. Oh, how great Oh, how great Oh, how great is [music] our God. is [music] our God. is [music] our God. Oh, sing with [singing] me. How great is Oh, sing with [singing] me. How great is Oh, sing with [singing] me. How great is our God. our God. our God. All will see how. Oh yes, God. [music] All will see how. Oh yes, God. [music] All will see how. Oh yes, God. [music] It's our God. It's our God. It's our God. Oh, [singing] Oh, [singing] Oh, [singing] you're the name above all names. You're you're the name above all names. You're you're the name above all names. You're the name [music and singing] above. the name [music and singing] above. the name [music and singing] above. Oh, you're worthy. Oh, you're worthy. Oh, you're worthy. [music] And my heart will sing. [music] And my heart will sing. [music] Oh, how great is our God. Oh, how great is our God. Oh, how great is our God. Oh, Oh, Oh, you're the [music] name above all names. you're the [music] name above all names. you're the [music] name above all names. [singing] You're the name. [singing] You're the name. [singing] You're the name. Oh yes, [music] Oh yes, [music] Oh yes, [music] God, you're worthy God, you're worthy God, you're worthy of [music] my heart will sing.

[music] my heart will sing. Oh yes, how great is our God. [singing] Oh yes, how great is our God. [singing] Oh yes, how great is our God. [singing] Yeah, you got it. Come on, [music] lift Yeah, you got it. Come on, [music] lift Yeah, you got it. Come on, [music] lift your voice tonight. You're the name. your voice tonight. You're the name. your voice tonight. You're the name. You're the name above. You're the name above. You're the name above. God, [music] you're worthy. God, [music] you're worthy. God, [music] you're worthy. Oh, Oh, Oh, and my heart will sing. [music] and my heart will sing. [music] and my heart will sing. [music] Oh, how great is our God Oh, how great is our God Oh, how great is our God is going to be. [music] is going to be. [music] is going to be. [music] Oh, [singing] Oh, [singing] Oh, [singing] how great, how great is our God. how great, how great is our God. how great, how great is our God. [music] Oh yeah. Come on, let's sing it [music] Oh yeah. Come on, let's sing it [music] Oh yeah. Come on, let's sing it tonight. tonight. tonight. It's our God. [music] It's our God. [music] It's our God. [music] Oh, we'll sing. Oh, we'll sing. Oh, we'll sing. How great How great How great is our God? is our God? is our God? Yes, [music] he's great tonight. Oh, how Yes, [music] he's great tonight. Oh, how Yes, [music] he's great tonight. Oh, how great [music] is our God. great [music] is our God. great [music] is our God. Sing with me [music] Sing with me [music] Sing with me [music] is our God.

is our God. is our God. Oh, we'll see [music] Oh, we'll see [music] Oh, we'll see [music] how. how. how. Oh, God. Oh, God. Oh, God. It's our God. [music] It's our God. [music] It's our God. [music] Oh, yes, he is. This sings my soul. It Oh, yes, he is. This sings my soul. It Oh, yes, he is. This sings my soul. It sings my soul, sings my soul, sings my soul, [music] [music] [music] my savior [singing] my savior [singing] my savior [singing] God. God. God. Oh yeah. This is how great, how Oh yeah. This is how great, how Oh yeah. This is how great, how [music and singing] great thou are. Oh, [music and singing] great thou are. Oh, [music and singing] great thou are. Oh, how great, [music] how great, [music] how great, [music] how great thou [singing] art. This sings how great thou [singing] art. This sings how great thou [singing] art. This sings my soul. [music] This sings my my soul. [music] This sings my my soul. [music] This sings my savior. savior. savior. Oh yes, God [music] Oh yes, God [music] Oh yes, God [music] to thee. How great, [singing] how great. to thee. How great, [singing] how great. to thee. How great, [singing] how great. Oh, how great [music] Oh, how great [music] Oh, how great [music] is how great thou was. Oh, is how great thou was. Oh, is how great thou was. Oh, how great, how great [singing and music] how great, how great [singing and music] how great, how great [singing and music] is our God. Aha, you got it. Come on.

is our God. Aha, you got it. Come on. is our God. Aha, you got it. Come on. Is our God Is our God Is our God [music] all will see [music] all will see [music] all will see how great [music] is our God. how great [music] is our God. how great [music] is our God. One more. Let's go. Oh, [music] how One more. Let's go. Oh, [music] how One more. Let's go. Oh, [music] how great is our God. great is our God. great is our God. Yes, the Lord. Yes, the Lord. Yes, the Lord. All will see. All will see. All will see. He's the great [music] God. Nobody like He's the great [music] God. Nobody like He's the great [music] God. Nobody like him. him. him. How great. [music] How great. [music] How great. [music] How great. [singing] How great. How How great. [singing] How great. How How great. [singing] How great. How great. great. great. He is [music] He is [music] He is [music] wonderful. wonderful. wonderful. Nobody equal to him. Nobody greater than Nobody equal to him. Nobody greater than Nobody equal to him. Nobody greater than him. He's [music] a mighty God. him. He's [music] a mighty God. him. He's [music] a mighty God. Jesus is his name. [music] Jesus is his name. [music] Jesus is his name. [music] How great, How great, How great, how great. how great. how great. He's [music] my joy tonight. He's my He's [music] my joy tonight. He's my He's [music] my joy tonight. He's my peace tonight. [music] He's my sustainer peace tonight. [music] He's my sustainer peace tonight. [music] He's my sustainer tonight. How great, [music] tonight. How great, [music] tonight. How great, [music] how great, how great, how great, how great is our God. [singing] Well, if you [music] don't have a great Well, if you [music] don't have a great God, come on, GIVE HIM A GREAT PRAISE.

God, come on, GIVE HIM A GREAT PRAISE. God, come on, GIVE HIM A GREAT PRAISE. HALLELUJAH. HALLELUJAH. HALLELUJAH. [music] YES, GOD. [music] YES, GOD. [music] YES, GOD. OH, OH, OH, [music] >> FATHER, you're a great God. >> FATHER, you're a great God. >> God. >> God. >> God. [music] [music] [music] >> You're a great God. >> You're a great God. >> You're a great God. >> Thank you for being a great God and >> Thank you for being a great God and >> Thank you for being a great God and greatly [music] greatly [music] greatly [music] to be praised. to be praised. to be praised. We lift up your holy name. [music] Now, Lord, we pray that you will allow Now, Lord, we pray that you will allow your spirit to ride on in this [music] teaching to ride on in this [music] teaching experience. experience. experience. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. Just as you have in prayer, just as you Just as you have in prayer, just as you Just as you have in prayer, just as you have in praise and worship, have in praise and worship, have in praise and worship, [music] we look forward to you being in [music] we look forward to you being in [music] we look forward to you being in our midst, our midst, our midst, opening up the word of God to us opening up the word of God to us opening up the word of God to us and causing [music] us to leave here a and causing [music] us to leave here a and causing [music] us to leave here a better people than when we arrived.

better people than when we arrived. better people than when we arrived. [music] Father, we thank you and we [music] Father, we thank you and we [music] Father, we thank you and we praise you in Jesus name, the Christ of praise you in Jesus name, the Christ of praise you in Jesus name, the Christ of [music] God. [music] God. [music] God. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. You may be seated in the presence Amen. You may be seated in the presence Amen. You may be seated in the presence of the Lord. Want to thank God for Want to thank God for Dr. Jacques D. Denkins on last week. He Dr. Jacques D. Denkins on last week. He Dr. Jacques D. Denkins on last week. He blessed us tremendously, didn't he? blessed us tremendously, didn't he? blessed us tremendously, didn't he? [music] For those of you who have been here in For those of you who have been here in the month of July, the month of July, the month of July, you already know what that means. you already know what that means. you already know what that means. [music] [music] [music] But for those of you who haven't, But for those of you who haven't, But for those of you who haven't, it means that it's time for our interns it means that it's time for our interns it means that it's time for our interns to stop to stop to stop observing observing observing and start participating.

And so therefore, tonight we'll have the And so therefore, tonight we'll have the first of our interns [music] doing Bible first of our interns [music] doing Bible first of our interns [music] doing Bible study. study. study. Amen. want you to be in prayer for him as you want you to be in prayer for him as you would for me or even more so I might add would for me or even more so I might add would for me or even more so I might add moving him past all of his jitters and moving him past all of his jitters and moving him past all of his jitters and Amen. [music] Amen. [music] Amen. [music] >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Y'all can be intimidating. >> Y'all can be intimidating. >> Y'all can be intimidating. [laughter] [laughter] [laughter] >> So help him. Will you do that? >> So help him. Will you do that? >> So help him. Will you do that? Praise the Lord. Praise the Lord. Praise the Lord. I'm just joking. Y'all are prayerful I'm just joking. Y'all are prayerful I'm just joking. Y'all are prayerful group and I appreciate you. [music] Well, with no further ado, Well, with no further ado, [music] I prayfully [music] I prayfully [music] I prayfully and I excitingly present to you, present to you, Reverend Miles Cutter.

Reverend Miles Cutter. Reverend Miles Cutter. [applause and music] First off, giving honor to the eternal First off, giving honor to the eternal God, our savior. Also giving honor to God, our savior. Also giving honor to God, our savior. Also giving honor to our senior pastor here at Willard Avenue our senior pastor here at Willard Avenue our senior pastor here at Willard Avenue Baptist Church, Dr. Marcus D. Cosby, the Baptist Church, Dr. Marcus D. Cosby, the Baptist Church, Dr. Marcus D. Cosby, the executive pastor, uh Dr. Alexander executive pastor, uh Dr. Alexander executive pastor, uh Dr. Alexander Johnson, the wonderful smart doctor. I Johnson, the wonderful smart doctor. I Johnson, the wonderful smart doctor. I always call him doctor, so I'm going always call him doctor, so I'm going always call him doctor, so I'm going continue to call him doctor. [music] Dr. continue to call him doctor. [music] Dr. continue to call him doctor. [music] Dr. David Maurice Roberts, um, and all of David Maurice Roberts, um, and all of David Maurice Roberts, um, and all of the respective leaders in their the respective leaders in their the respective leaders in their respective places. Thank you for respective places. Thank you for respective places. Thank you for allowing me to have this moment during allowing me to have this moment during allowing me to have this moment during this 700 p.m. Bible study. Um, I'm very this 700 p.m. Bible study. Um, I'm very this 700 p.m. Bible study. Um, I'm very excited to share with you all. But excited to share with you all. But excited to share with you all. But before we share, can you join me in a before we share, can you join me in a before we share, can you join me in a quick word of prayer? Amen. Lord our God, we thank you for just Lord our God, we thank you for just gracing us with the opportunity to come gracing us with the opportunity to come gracing us with the opportunity to come back into your house once again this back into your house once again this back into your house once again this Wednesday night. Father, we thank Wednesday night. Father, we thank Wednesday night. Father, we thank [music] you for greeting us this morning [music] you for greeting us this morning [music] you for greeting us this morning with brand new mercies and brand new with brand new mercies and brand new with brand new mercies and brand new grace, allowing us to take a breath of grace, allowing us to take a breath of grace, allowing us to take a breath of air this morning as an indication of air this morning as an indication of air this morning as an indication of your love and your mercy and your grace your love and your mercy and your grace your love and your mercy and your grace for us. Father, we thank you [music] cuz for us. Father, we thank you [music] cuz for us. Father, we thank you [music] cuz we do not deserve it, but you still we do not deserve it, but you still we do not deserve it, but you still grant it to us. And now, [music] Father, grant it to us. And now, [music] Father, grant it to us. And now, [music] Father, during this moment, we pray that you during this moment, we pray that you during this moment, we pray that you would just educate, enlighten, and speak would just educate, enlighten, and speak would just educate, enlighten, and speak to all of us in here, including me.

to all of us in here, including me. to all of us in here, including me. Allow us to walk out of here [music] a Allow us to walk out of here [music] a Allow us to walk out of here [music] a way that we did not come into here. And way that we did not come into here. And way that we did not come into here. And we just pray that you would just have we just pray that you would just have we just pray that you would just have your way. [music] In Jesus name I pray. your way. [music] In Jesus name I pray. your way. [music] In Jesus name I pray. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. All right. Well, as you can see All right. Well, as you can see All right. Well, as you can see indicated on your sheets that you may indicated on your sheets that you may indicated on your sheets that you may have or may not have, um, we are going have or may not have, um, we are going have or may not have, um, we are going to be reading today from Mark 5 1- 20. to be reading today from Mark 5 1- 20. to be reading today from Mark 5 1- 20. Mark 5 1- Mark 5 1- Mark 5 1- 20. 20. 20. Do I have somebody that would like to Do I have somebody that would like to Do I have somebody that would like to read Mark 5 1-20 for us as we begin this read Mark 5 1-20 for us as we begin this read Mark 5 1-20 for us as we begin this study on the Jerosene demoniac? If not, I can read it myself. Oh, Elder If not, I can read it myself. Oh, Elder Claudia, thank you so much. We're going Claudia, thank you so much. We're going Claudia, thank you so much. We're going to be reading from Mark 5 1 through 20. In the New International Version, the In the New International Version, the Bible says, Bible says, Bible says, "They went across the lake to the region "They went across the lake to the region "They went across the lake to the region of the Garrison.

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

again not to send them out of the area. again not to send them out of the area. A large herd of pigs was feeding on the A large herd of pigs was feeding on the A large herd of pigs was feeding on the nearby hillside. The demons begged nearby hillside. The demons begged nearby hillside. The demons begged Jesus, "Send us among the pigs. Allow us Jesus, "Send us among the pigs. Allow us Jesus, "Send us among the pigs. Allow us to go into them." He gave them to go into them." He gave them to go into them." He gave them permission, and the impure spirits came permission, and the impure spirits came permission, and the impure spirits came out and went into the pigs. The herd, out and went into the pigs. The herd, out and went into the pigs. The herd, about 2,000 in number, rushed down the about 2,000 in number, rushed down the about 2,000 in number, rushed down the steep bank into the lake and were steep bank into the lake and were steep bank into the lake and were drowned. Those tending the pigs ran off drowned. Those tending the pigs ran off drowned. Those tending the pigs ran off and reported this in the town and and reported this in the town and and reported this in the town and countryside. And the people went out to countryside. And the people went out to countryside. And the people went out to see what had happened. When they came to see what had happened. When they came to see what had happened. When they came to Jesus, they saw the man who had been Jesus, they saw the man who had been Jesus, they saw the man who had been possessed by the legion of demons possessed by the legion of demons possessed by the legion of demons sitting there dressed and in his right sitting there dressed and in his right sitting there dressed and in his right mind. And the Bible says they were mind. And the Bible says they were mind. And the Bible says they were afraid. afraid. afraid. >> Those who had seen it told the people >> Those who had seen it told the people >> Those who had seen it told the people what had happened to the demon-possessed what had happened to the demon-possessed what had happened to the demon-possessed man and told about the pigs as well. man and told about the pigs as well. man and told about the pigs as well. Then the people began to plead with Then the people began to plead with Then the people began to plead with Jesus to leave their region.

Jesus to leave their region. Jesus to leave their region. As Jesus was getting into the boat, the As Jesus was getting into the boat, the As Jesus was getting into the boat, the man who had been demon-possessed begged man who had been demon-possessed begged man who had been demon-possessed begged to go with him. Jesus did not let him, to go with him. Jesus did not let him, to go with him. Jesus did not let him, but said, "Go home to your own people but said, "Go home to your own people but said, "Go home to your own people and tell them how much the Lord has done and tell them how much the Lord has done and tell them how much the Lord has done for you for you for you >> and how he has had mercy on you." >> and how he has had mercy on you." >> and how he has had mercy on you." >> Amen. So the man went away and began to >> Amen. So the man went away and began to >> Amen. So the man went away and began to tell in the decapus how much Jesus had tell in the decapus how much Jesus had tell in the decapus how much Jesus had done for him. And all the people were done for him. And all the people were done for him. And all the people were amazed. amazed. amazed. >> Thank you so much, Elder Claudia. Amen. >> Thank you so much, Elder Claudia. Amen. >> Thank you so much, Elder Claudia. Amen. Y'all can clap for that. Amen. That's Y'all can clap for that. Amen. That's Y'all can clap for that. Amen. That's good news. Amen. [applause] good news. Amen. [applause] good news. Amen. [applause] Today we're going to be speaking um I'm Today we're going to be speaking um I'm Today we're going to be speaking um I'm going to be I'm going to tag this text going to be I'm going to tag this text going to be I'm going to tag this text that we just read Mark 5 1-20 with the that we just read Mark 5 1-20 with the that we just read Mark 5 1-20 with the title or the subject the miracle of title or the subject the miracle of title or the subject the miracle of deliverance. And with the subtitle I'm deliverance. And with the subtitle I'm deliverance. And with the subtitle I'm going to coin this phrase right here going to coin this phrase right here going to coin this phrase right here from unclean to clothed. from unclean to clothed. from unclean to clothed. >> Amen. From unclean to clothe.

>> Amen. From unclean to clothe. >> Amen. From unclean to clothe. As I begin this lesson, I want to make a As I begin this lesson, I want to make a As I begin this lesson, I want to make a simple yet profound proclamation. simple yet profound proclamation. simple yet profound proclamation. We serve a real God. We serve a real God. We serve a real God. >> Amen. Can anybody testify to that? We >> Amen. Can anybody testify to that? We >> Amen. Can anybody testify to that? We serve a real God. serve a real God. serve a real God. >> Amen. Yahweh, the King of Kings, the >> Amen. Yahweh, the King of Kings, the >> Amen. Yahweh, the King of Kings, the Lord of Lords, the sovereign ruler, the Lord of Lords, the sovereign ruler, the Lord of Lords, the sovereign ruler, the creator of the cosmos, is not a figment creator of the cosmos, is not a figment creator of the cosmos, is not a figment of our imaginations, but he is a real of our imaginations, but he is a real of our imaginations, but he is a real God. God. God. >> Amen. Not a fake god, not an idol or a >> Amen. Not a fake god, not an idol or a >> Amen. Not a fake god, not an idol or a god made out of silver and gold, but a god made out of silver and gold, but a god made out of silver and gold, but a real God, the one true living God. real God, the one true living God. real God, the one true living God. >> However, despite this fundamental truth, >> However, despite this fundamental truth, >> However, despite this fundamental truth, this truth that serves as one of the this truth that serves as one of the this truth that serves as one of the pillars of our faith as Christians, as pillars of our faith as Christians, as pillars of our faith as Christians, as believers, there is another fundamental believers, there is another fundamental believers, there is another fundamental truth. And this truth is we have a real truth. And this truth is we have a real truth. And this truth is we have a real enemy. enemy. enemy. This enemy doesn't want us to submit to This enemy doesn't want us to submit to This enemy doesn't want us to submit to the lordship of this real God. This the lordship of this real God. This the lordship of this real God. This enemy can be understood as the ruler of enemy can be understood as the ruler of enemy can be understood as the ruler of the kingdom of the air. The spirit who the kingdom of the air. The spirit who the kingdom of the air. The spirit who is now at work in those who are is now at work in those who are is now at work in those who are disobedient as indicated in Ephesians disobedient as indicated in Ephesians disobedient as indicated in Ephesians 2:2.

2:2. 2:2. This enemy opposes the work of God and This enemy opposes the work of God and This enemy opposes the work of God and seeks to draw humanity away from his seeks to draw humanity away from his seeks to draw humanity away from his lordship. lordship. lordship. In Ephesians 6:12, the Apostle Paul In Ephesians 6:12, the Apostle Paul In Ephesians 6:12, the Apostle Paul makes this reality clear when he says, makes this reality clear when he says, makes this reality clear when he says, "For our struggle is not against flesh "For our struggle is not against flesh "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, and blood, but against the rulers, and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the against the authorities, against the against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world, and against powers of this dark world, and against powers of this dark world, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the the spiritual forces of evil in the the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." heavenly realms." heavenly realms." >> So you and I, all of us, we all of those >> So you and I, all of us, we all of those >> So you and I, all of us, we all of those who of God is called into relationship who of God is called into relationship who of God is called into relationship with him. We have a real God. Yes. We with him. We have a real God. Yes. We with him. We have a real God. Yes. We serve a real God. Yes. But we also have serve a real God. Yes. But we also have serve a real God. Yes. But we also have a real enemy. a real enemy. a real enemy. >> And just like we believe God is real, we >> And just like we believe God is real, we >> And just like we believe God is real, we must understand the fact that the devil must understand the fact that the devil must understand the fact that the devil is real. Amen. Amen. And the forces of is real. Amen. Amen. And the forces of is real. Amen. Amen. And the forces of evil are real. evil are real. evil are real. >> However, the wonderful, amazing, great >> However, the wonderful, amazing, great >> However, the wonderful, amazing, great news is is that our real God is greater news is is that our real God is greater news is is that our real God is greater than any real force of evil. [applause] Can you think of a time in your life Can you think of a time in your life where the presence of God, the name of where the presence of God, the name of where the presence of God, the name of Jesus overpowered any forces of evil?

Jesus overpowered any forces of evil? Jesus overpowered any forces of evil? Let's find where this happened in Mark Let's find where this happened in Mark Let's find where this happened in Mark 5. We now turn our attention back to the 5. We now turn our attention back to the 5. We now turn our attention back to the gospel account written by Mark. This gospel account written by Mark. This gospel account written by Mark. This gospel being the tightest and most gospel being the tightest and most gospel being the tightest and most concise gospel account in the Christian concise gospel account in the Christian concise gospel account in the Christian New Testament emphasizes Jesus's New Testament emphasizes Jesus's New Testament emphasizes Jesus's miraculous power. The pacing is quick. miraculous power. The pacing is quick. miraculous power. The pacing is quick. We move from story to story, miracle to We move from story to story, miracle to We move from story to story, miracle to miracle, and the narrative even begins miracle, and the narrative even begins miracle, and the narrative even begins abruptly, throwing us readers head first abruptly, throwing us readers head first abruptly, throwing us readers head first into the action within the first 20 into the action within the first 20 into the action within the first 20 seconds. Leading up to the fifth chapter seconds. Leading up to the fifth chapter seconds. Leading up to the fifth chapter of Mark, we will be which we will be of Mark, we will be which we will be of Mark, we will be which we will be learning from today. Something becomes learning from today. Something becomes learning from today. Something becomes clear which I think we must take note of clear which I think we must take note of clear which I think we must take note of before we jump into the story of the before we jump into the story of the before we jump into the story of the Gerosene demoniac. We must take note of Gerosene demoniac. We must take note of Gerosene demoniac. We must take note of this established point. Jesus has all this established point. Jesus has all this established point. Jesus has all power and authority over forces of evil power and authority over forces of evil power and authority over forces of evil and chaos. and chaos. and chaos. >> Amen. I'm going to say it one more time. >> Amen. I'm going to say it one more time. >> Amen. I'm going to say it one more time. Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, >> son of the most high God, has all power >> son of the most high God, has all power >> son of the most high God, has all power and authority over forces of evil and and authority over forces of evil and and authority over forces of evil and chaos.

chaos. chaos. >> Amen. This is demonstrated to us in two >> Amen. This is demonstrated to us in two >> Amen. This is demonstrated to us in two passages leading up to Mark 5. The first passages leading up to Mark 5. The first passages leading up to Mark 5. The first being Mark 3 23 through 22- 27, excuse being Mark 3 23 through 22- 27, excuse being Mark 3 23 through 22- 27, excuse me. And Mark 4:35-39 me. And Mark 4:35-39 me. And Mark 4:35-39 when Jesus calms the storm. So Mark when Jesus calms the storm. So Mark when Jesus calms the storm. So Mark 322-27 322-27 322-27 says this, I'm reading from the New says this, I'm reading from the New says this, I'm reading from the New International Version. And the teachers International Version. And the teachers International Version. And the teachers of the law who came down from Jerusalem of the law who came down from Jerusalem of the law who came down from Jerusalem said, "He is possessed by a beelible, by said, "He is possessed by a beelible, by said, "He is possessed by a beelible, by the prince of demons. He is driving out the prince of demons. He is driving out the prince of demons. He is driving out demons." So Jesus called them over to demons." So Jesus called them over to demons." So Jesus called them over to him and began to speak to them in him and began to speak to them in him and began to speak to them in parables. How can Satan drive out Satan? parables. How can Satan drive out Satan? parables. How can Satan drive out Satan? If a kingdom is divided against itself, If a kingdom is divided against itself, If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. If a house is that kingdom cannot stand. If a house is that kingdom cannot stand. If a house is divided against itself, that house divided against itself, that house divided against itself, that house cannot stand. And if Satan opposes cannot stand. And if Satan opposes cannot stand. And if Satan opposes himself and is divided, he cannot stand. himself and is divided, he cannot stand. himself and is divided, he cannot stand. His end has come. His end has come. His end has come. >> In fact, no one can enter a strong man's >> In fact, no one can enter a strong man's >> In fact, no one can enter a strong man's house without first tying him up. then house without first tying him up. then house without first tying him up. then he can plunder the strong man's house. he can plunder the strong man's house. he can plunder the strong man's house. In short, this passage demonstrates to In short, this passage demonstrates to In short, this passage demonstrates to all of us in this room that the forces all of us in this room that the forces all of us in this room that the forces of evil are no match for the power found of evil are no match for the power found of evil are no match for the power found in Jesus Christ.

in Jesus Christ. in Jesus Christ. >> Amen. The force of Yahweh outweighs the >> Amen. The force of Yahweh outweighs the >> Amen. The force of Yahweh outweighs the force of Satan. force of Satan. force of Satan. >> Simply put, Jesus is stronger. >> Simply put, Jesus is stronger. >> Simply put, Jesus is stronger. >> Amen. In this passage, Jesus's enemies, >> Amen. In this passage, Jesus's enemies, >> Amen. In this passage, Jesus's enemies, the teachers of the law, likely the the teachers of the law, likely the the teachers of the law, likely the Pharisees, accuse him of casting out Pharisees, accuse him of casting out Pharisees, accuse him of casting out demons by the power of the demons demons by the power of the demons demons by the power of the demons themselves. In response, Jesus is saying themselves. In response, Jesus is saying themselves. In response, Jesus is saying this kind of thinking, this line of this kind of thinking, this line of this kind of thinking, this line of reasoning is illogical. A kingdom reasoning is illogical. A kingdom reasoning is illogical. A kingdom divided against itself cannot stand. divided against itself cannot stand. divided against itself cannot stand. Demonic forces cannot maintain their Demonic forces cannot maintain their Demonic forces cannot maintain their rule and dominion in the earth realm if rule and dominion in the earth realm if rule and dominion in the earth realm if they are working against one another. they are working against one another. they are working against one another. I'm going to say that one more time. I'm going to say that one more time. I'm going to say that one more time. Jesus is making the claim that demonic Jesus is making the claim that demonic Jesus is making the claim that demonic forces cannot maintain their rule and forces cannot maintain their rule and forces cannot maintain their rule and dominion in the earth realm if they are dominion in the earth realm if they are dominion in the earth realm if they are working against one another. Instead, working against one another. Instead, working against one another. Instead, Jesus makes the point that only someone Jesus makes the point that only someone Jesus makes the point that only someone stronger than the strong man and the stronger than the strong man and the stronger than the strong man and the demonic forces can overpower this demonic forces can overpower this demonic forces can overpower this demonic force, bind him, and plunder his demonic force, bind him, and plunder his demonic force, bind him, and plunder his house. In other words, only one who is house. In other words, only one who is house. In other words, only one who is greater than the forces of evil can greater than the forces of evil can greater than the forces of evil can break their hold over those who they break their hold over those who they break their hold over those who they oppress.

oppress. oppress. >> Amen. Amen. To kind of illustrate this >> Amen. Amen. To kind of illustrate this >> Amen. Amen. To kind of illustrate this point a little bit further, let's think point a little bit further, let's think point a little bit further, let's think back to the NBA finals that we just saw back to the NBA finals that we just saw back to the NBA finals that we just saw during the month of June. Can we do that during the month of June. Can we do that during the month of June. Can we do that together? The San Antonio Spurs, right? together? The San Antonio Spurs, right? together? The San Antonio Spurs, right? Anybody that I'm not going to make y'all Anybody that I'm not going to make y'all Anybody that I'm not going to make y'all raise your hand. Y'all just lost. It's raise your hand. Y'all just lost. It's raise your hand. Y'all just lost. It's okay. I'm not going to make y'all do okay. I'm not going to make y'all do okay. I'm not going to make y'all do that. But, okay. Spurs fan. Proud Spurs that. But, okay. Spurs fan. Proud Spurs that. But, okay. Spurs fan. Proud Spurs fan right there. The San Antonio Spurs. fan right there. The San Antonio Spurs. fan right there. The San Antonio Spurs. They were an amazing team, right? They They were an amazing team, right? They They were an amazing team, right? They were really good, nice, young, vibrant were really good, nice, young, vibrant were really good, nice, young, vibrant team. Victor Winyama being the leader team. Victor Winyama being the leader team. Victor Winyama being the leader and they all had the goal, the unified and they all had the goal, the unified and they all had the goal, the unified goal of wanting to win the NBA finals. goal of wanting to win the NBA finals. goal of wanting to win the NBA finals. There was not a single person on that There was not a single person on that There was not a single person on that team who did not want to win the NBA team who did not want to win the NBA team who did not want to win the NBA championship that season. Victor Winyama championship that season. Victor Winyama championship that season. Victor Winyama even spoke on behalf of the team during even spoke on behalf of the team during even spoke on behalf of the team during an interview when they were down 3-1 an interview when they were down 3-1 an interview when they were down 3-1 during the NBA Finals. He said, during the NBA Finals. He said, during the NBA Finals. He said, "Everyone knows that we're going to do "Everyone knows that we're going to do "Everyone knows that we're going to do it." When asked if the team could come it." When asked if the team could come it." When asked if the team could come back from 3-1, which will be a historic back from 3-1, which will be a historic back from 3-1, which will be a historic thing, and win the NBA Finals. So, this thing, and win the NBA Finals. So, this thing, and win the NBA Finals. So, this team, they they had the goal, the goal team, they they had the goal, the goal team, they they had the goal, the goal of winning the NBA Finals. But here come of winning the NBA Finals. But here come of winning the NBA Finals. But here come the New York Knicks led by Jaylen the New York Knicks led by Jaylen the New York Knicks led by Jaylen Brunson, the stronger team who even Brunson, the stronger team who even Brunson, the stronger team who even though the San Antonio Spurs had that though the San Antonio Spurs had that though the San Antonio Spurs had that unified goal of win the NBA finals, the unified goal of win the NBA finals, the unified goal of win the NBA finals, the Knicks still came and allowed them the Knicks still came and allowed them the Knicks still came and allowed them the San Antonio Spurs did not accomplish San Antonio Spurs did not accomplish San Antonio Spurs did not accomplish that goal.

that goal. that goal. >> I have a question. Is Jaylen Brunson >> I have a question. Is Jaylen Brunson >> I have a question. Is Jaylen Brunson does he does he play for the San Antonio does he does he play for the San Antonio does he does he play for the San Antonio Spurs? Spurs? Spurs? >> No. Is Jaylen Brunson in the front >> No. Is Jaylen Brunson in the front >> No. Is Jaylen Brunson in the front office for the San Antonio Spurs? office for the San Antonio Spurs? office for the San Antonio Spurs? >> No. That shows us that Jaylen Brunson >> No. That shows us that Jaylen Brunson >> No. That shows us that Jaylen Brunson and the New York Knicks simply won and the New York Knicks simply won and the New York Knicks simply won because they were the stronger team, not because they were the stronger team, not because they were the stronger team, not because Jaylen Brunson was a divided because Jaylen Brunson was a divided because Jaylen Brunson was a divided force within the San San Antonio Spurs force within the San San Antonio Spurs force within the San San Antonio Spurs working against them. What does this working against them. What does this working against them. What does this show us right here? Jesus does not drive show us right here? Jesus does not drive show us right here? Jesus does not drive out Satan with Satan's power. Jesus does out Satan with Satan's power. Jesus does out Satan with Satan's power. Jesus does not drive out Satan with any earthly not drive out Satan with any earthly not drive out Satan with any earthly power. We, you and I, we cannot drive power. We, you and I, we cannot drive power. We, you and I, we cannot drive out Satan with any earthly power. We out Satan with any earthly power. We out Satan with any earthly power. We cannot be delivered within ourselves. We cannot be delivered within ourselves. We cannot be delivered within ourselves. We cannot come to see Jesus Christ within cannot come to see Jesus Christ within cannot come to see Jesus Christ within ourselves. We need the strong man, Jesus ourselves. We need the strong man, Jesus ourselves. We need the strong man, Jesus the Christ, who was stronger than every the Christ, who was stronger than every the Christ, who was stronger than every demonic force, every power of darkness, demonic force, every power of darkness, demonic force, every power of darkness, and every work of evil to drive out and every work of evil to drive out and every work of evil to drive out Satan. Satan. Satan. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. So, like I said earlier, Jesus has all So, like I said earlier, Jesus has all So, like I said earlier, Jesus has all power and authority over forces of evil power and authority over forces of evil power and authority over forces of evil and chaos.

and chaos. and chaos. Jesus's power and authority are Jesus's power and authority are Jesus's power and authority are displayed in the passage directly displayed in the passage directly displayed in the passage directly leading up to Mark 5. in Mark 4 where leading up to Mark 5. in Mark 4 where leading up to Mark 5. in Mark 4 where with a still small voice Jesus calms the with a still small voice Jesus calms the with a still small voice Jesus calms the wind in the waves of a storm while the wind in the waves of a storm while the wind in the waves of a storm while the disciples are at sea. Mark 4:35-39 in disciples are at sea. Mark 4:35-39 in disciples are at sea. Mark 4:35-39 in the New International Version says this. the New International Version says this. the New International Version says this. The day that day when evening came, he The day that day when evening came, he The day that day when evening came, he said to his disciples, "Let us go over said to his disciples, "Let us go over said to his disciples, "Let us go over to the other side. Leaving the crowd to the other side. Leaving the crowd to the other side. Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along just as he behind, they took him along just as he behind, they took him along just as he was in the boat." There were also other was in the boat." There were also other was in the boat." There were also other boats with him. A furious squall came up boats with him. A furious squall came up boats with him. A furious squall came up and the waves broke over the boat so and the waves broke over the boat so and the waves broke over the boat so that it was nearly swamp. Jesus was in that it was nearly swamp. Jesus was in that it was nearly swamp. Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, disciples woke him and said to him, disciples woke him and said to him, "Teacher, don't you care if we drown?" "Teacher, don't you care if we drown?" "Teacher, don't you care if we drown?" He got up, rebuked the wind, and said to He got up, rebuked the wind, and said to He got up, rebuked the wind, and said to the waves, "Quiet! Be still." Then the the waves, "Quiet! Be still." Then the the waves, "Quiet! Be still." Then the wind died down, and it was completely wind died down, and it was completely wind died down, and it was completely calm. calm. calm. This passage shows us that Jesus has This passage shows us that Jesus has This passage shows us that Jesus has power over evil and chaos.

power over evil and chaos. power over evil and chaos. >> So now that we know that Jesus possesses >> So now that we know that Jesus possesses >> So now that we know that Jesus possesses all power and authority over the forces all power and authority over the forces all power and authority over the forces of evil and chaos, we can approach Mark of evil and chaos, we can approach Mark of evil and chaos, we can approach Mark 5 1-20 with a clear understanding of the 5 1-20 with a clear understanding of the 5 1-20 with a clear understanding of the power that Jesus has and the type of power that Jesus has and the type of power that Jesus has and the type of power that Jesus opposes during this power that Jesus opposes during this power that Jesus opposes during this passage. And for our purposes, we will passage. And for our purposes, we will passage. And for our purposes, we will point out three primary elements in this point out three primary elements in this point out three primary elements in this text in ma in Mark 5 1-20. And those text in ma in Mark 5 1-20. And those text in ma in Mark 5 1-20. And those three elements are the chaos, evil, and three elements are the chaos, evil, and three elements are the chaos, evil, and impurity or uncleanliness that the impurity or uncleanliness that the impurity or uncleanliness that the demoniac represents. The authority that demoniac represents. The authority that demoniac represents. The authority that Jesus displays over the chaos, evil, and Jesus displays over the chaos, evil, and Jesus displays over the chaos, evil, and impurity that's represented. And G and impurity that's represented. And G and impurity that's represented. And G and the fact that Jesus restores what was the fact that Jesus restores what was the fact that Jesus restores what was considered chaotic, impure, and unclean. considered chaotic, impure, and unclean. considered chaotic, impure, and unclean. >> Y'all see it on y'all sheet? Is that >> Y'all see it on y'all sheet? Is that >> Y'all see it on y'all sheet? Is that there? All right. Are we ready to go there? All right. Are we ready to go there? All right. Are we ready to go through this text? All right, let's do through this text? All right, let's do through this text? All right, let's do it. So, let's begin with the first it. So, let's begin with the first it. So, let's begin with the first point. The chaos, evil, and impurity or point. The chaos, evil, and impurity or point. The chaos, evil, and impurity or uncleanliness that the demoniac uncleanliness that the demoniac uncleanliness that the demoniac represents. To the first century Jew who represents. To the first century Jew who represents. To the first century Jew who read this text and lived in this world, read this text and lived in this world, read this text and lived in this world, everything was structured around the everything was structured around the everything was structured around the binary of watch this purity and impurity binary of watch this purity and impurity binary of watch this purity and impurity or cleanliness and uncleanliness. So, or cleanliness and uncleanliness. So, or cleanliness and uncleanliness. So, when I say purity, you think clean. When when I say purity, you think clean. When when I say purity, you think clean. When I say when I say impurity, you think I say when I say impurity, you think I say when I say impurity, you think unclean. When I say pure, you think unclean. When I say pure, you think unclean. When I say pure, you think clean. When I say impurity, you think clean. When I say impurity, you think clean. When I say impurity, you think unclean. Right? This understanding and unclean. Right? This understanding and unclean. Right? This understanding and framing of the world was of the utmost framing of the world was of the utmost framing of the world was of the utmost importance because the very basis of how importance because the very basis of how importance because the very basis of how a Jew interacted with the world and a Jew interacted with the world and a Jew interacted with the world and their spaces of worship had to do with

their spaces of worship had to do with their spaces of worship had to do with being pure, which means clean, right? being pure, which means clean, right? being pure, which means clean, right? And being impure, which means And being impure, which means And being impure, which means >> unclean, right? So being ceremonially >> unclean, right? So being ceremonially >> unclean, right? So being ceremonially unclean and entering holy spaces unclean and entering holy spaces unclean and entering holy spaces typically and usually has strict typically and usually has strict typically and usually has strict consequences. If you were unclean and consequences. If you were unclean and consequences. If you were unclean and deliberately disregarded the rules put deliberately disregarded the rules put deliberately disregarded the rules put into place to ensure your purity or your into place to ensure your purity or your into place to ensure your purity or your cleanliness when entering holy places, cleanliness when entering holy places, cleanliness when entering holy places, you would typically die instantly. you would typically die instantly. you would typically die instantly. That's all throughout the Old Testament. That's all throughout the Old Testament. That's all throughout the Old Testament. So to maintain cleanliness, you either So to maintain cleanliness, you either So to maintain cleanliness, you either avoided specific activities and avoided specific activities and avoided specific activities and locations or if unclean, you took the locations or if unclean, you took the locations or if unclean, you took the necessary steps to become pure before necessary steps to become pure before necessary steps to become pure before reentering God's presence. Y'all reentering God's presence. Y'all reentering God's presence. Y'all following me? So for instance, one way following me? So for instance, one way following me? So for instance, one way you could become impure in the ancient you could become impure in the ancient you could become impure in the ancient Jewish world was by touching a dead Jewish world was by touching a dead Jewish world was by touching a dead body. body. body. >> It wasn't a sin to touch a dead body by >> It wasn't a sin to touch a dead body by >> It wasn't a sin to touch a dead body by any means. It wasn't a sin or nonsin any means. It wasn't a sin or nonsin any means. It wasn't a sin or nonsin issue. No, you could have been a funeral issue. No, you could have been a funeral issue. No, you could have been a funeral director or a funeral home worker in director or a funeral home worker in director or a funeral home worker in ancient Israel and come into dead and ancient Israel and come into dead and ancient Israel and come into dead and come into contact with dead bodies due come into contact with dead bodies due come into contact with dead bodies due to your job and it wasn't a sin issue.

to your job and it wasn't a sin issue. to your job and it wasn't a sin issue. However, it was your job as somebody who However, it was your job as somebody who However, it was your job as somebody who came in contact with these dead bodies came in contact with these dead bodies came in contact with these dead bodies to ensure that you were pure and that to ensure that you were pure and that to ensure that you were pure and that you were clean whenever you called you were clean whenever you called you were clean whenever you called yourself entering the holy place or the yourself entering the holy place or the yourself entering the holy place or the temple of the most high God. Numbers 19 temple of the most high God. Numbers 19 temple of the most high God. Numbers 19 demonstrates the importance of purity in demonstrates the importance of purity in demonstrates the importance of purity in the measures taken to ensure cleanliness the measures taken to ensure cleanliness the measures taken to ensure cleanliness or purity. Numbers 19 11 through13 says or purity. Numbers 19 11 through13 says or purity. Numbers 19 11 through13 says this. Whoever touches a human corpse this. Whoever touches a human corpse this. Whoever touches a human corpse will be unclean for seven days. They will be unclean for seven days. They will be unclean for seven days. They must purify themselves with the water on must purify themselves with the water on must purify themselves with the water on the third day and on the seventh day the third day and on the seventh day the third day and on the seventh day then they will be clean. But if they do then they will be clean. But if they do then they will be clean. But if they do not purify themselves on the third day not purify themselves on the third day not purify themselves on the third day and on the seven days, they will not be and on the seven days, they will not be and on the seven days, they will not be clean. clean. clean. If they fail to purify themselves after If they fail to purify themselves after If they fail to purify themselves after touching a human corpse, they defile the touching a human corpse, they defile the touching a human corpse, they defile the Lord's tabernacle. They must be cut off Lord's tabernacle. They must be cut off Lord's tabernacle. They must be cut off from Israel because the water of from Israel because the water of from Israel because the water of cleansing has not been sprinkled on cleansing has not been sprinkled on cleansing has not been sprinkled on them. They are unclean. Their them. They are unclean. Their them. They are unclean. Their uncleanliness remains on them. So here uncleanliness remains on them. So here uncleanliness remains on them. So here we see the uncleanness or the impurity we see the uncleanness or the impurity we see the uncleanness or the impurity of touching a human corpse is a process of touching a human corpse is a process of touching a human corpse is a process that must be followed. Um you well the that must be followed. Um you well the that must be followed. Um you well the uncleanliness that you get from touching uncleanliness that you get from touching uncleanliness that you get from touching a human corpse you must go through a a human corpse you must go through a a human corpse you must go through a process I mean of of cleanliness to process I mean of of cleanliness to process I mean of of cleanliness to ensure that you are clean after touching ensure that you are clean after touching ensure that you are clean after touching this corpse. After doing something this corpse. After doing something this corpse. After doing something impure you must be clean so you could be impure you must be clean so you could be impure you must be clean so you could be pure again. And if you aren't cleaned up pure again. And if you aren't cleaned up pure again. And if you aren't cleaned up after doing an impure thing, um there's after doing an impure thing, um there's after doing an impure thing, um there's a possibility that you could be cut off a possibility that you could be cut off a possibility that you could be cut off from Israel until you go and purify your

from Israel until you go and purify your from Israel until you go and purify your impure self. Are y'all following me? impure self. Are y'all following me? impure self. Are y'all following me? >> All right. Why is all of this important, >> All right. Why is all of this important, >> All right. Why is all of this important, Miles? Why did you just explain that for Miles? Why did you just explain that for Miles? Why did you just explain that for the past five minutes? I'm going tell the past five minutes? I'm going tell the past five minutes? I'm going tell you why. When Jesus crosses the lake, you why. When Jesus crosses the lake, you why. When Jesus crosses the lake, going from the Jewish region of Galilee going from the Jewish region of Galilee going from the Jewish region of Galilee to the Gentile region of the Jerosines, to the Gentile region of the Jerosines, to the Gentile region of the Jerosines, he's not only encountering an unclean he's not only encountering an unclean he's not only encountering an unclean man, but he's entering into unclean man, but he's entering into unclean man, but he's entering into unclean territory. territory. territory. >> I'm explain to you how everything in >> I'm explain to you how everything in >> I'm explain to you how everything in this text points to the impurity or the this text points to the impurity or the this text points to the impurity or the uncleanliness that Jesus is coming into uncleanliness that Jesus is coming into uncleanliness that Jesus is coming into contact with by crossing this lake. We contact with by crossing this lake. We contact with by crossing this lake. We going to refer to them for our purposes. going to refer to them for our purposes. going to refer to them for our purposes. Since this is like a younger kind of Since this is like a younger kind of Since this is like a younger kind of crowd and we know what red flags mean, crowd and we know what red flags mean, crowd and we know what red flags mean, we're going to we're going to uh tag we're going to we're going to uh tag we're going to we're going to uh tag these things as red flags. Y'all say red these things as red flags. Y'all say red these things as red flags. Y'all say red flags. flags. flags. >> All right. Red flag number one is that >> All right. Red flag number one is that >> All right. Red flag number one is that the demoniac lives in the tombs. the demoniac lives in the tombs. the demoniac lives in the tombs. We've already seen from Numbers 19 and We've already seen from Numbers 19 and We've already seen from Numbers 19 and from our earlier explanation how this from our earlier explanation how this from our earlier explanation how this man's dwelling in the tombs classifies man's dwelling in the tombs classifies man's dwelling in the tombs classifies him as an impure person. Red flag number him as an impure person. Red flag number him as an impure person. Red flag number two. Y'all say red flag.

two. Y'all say red flag. two. Y'all say red flag. >> The man who lives in the tombs has an >> The man who lives in the tombs has an >> The man who lives in the tombs has an impure spirit or an unclean spirit. We impure spirit or an unclean spirit. We impure spirit or an unclean spirit. We saw in verse two, Jesus said to the man, saw in verse two, Jesus said to the man, saw in verse two, Jesus said to the man, what we saw in verse two, this the uh what we saw in verse two, this the uh what we saw in verse two, this the uh text says when Jesus got out of the boat text says when Jesus got out of the boat text says when Jesus got out of the boat and the man with an impure spirit came and the man with an impure spirit came and the man with an impure spirit came from the tombs. Then Jesus goes on to from the tombs. Then Jesus goes on to from the tombs. Then Jesus goes on to say later on, come out of this man, you say later on, come out of this man, you say later on, come out of this man, you impure spirit. So red flag number three impure spirit. So red flag number three impure spirit. So red flag number three two is is that the man has an in unclean two is is that the man has an in unclean two is is that the man has an in unclean spirit. And the first one was that the spirit. And the first one was that the spirit. And the first one was that the man was dwelling in the tomb. So that's man was dwelling in the tomb. So that's man was dwelling in the tomb. So that's two red flags, but we got a third red two red flags, but we got a third red two red flags, but we got a third red flag. Y'all say red flag. flag. Y'all say red flag. flag. Y'all say red flag. >> As I stated earlier, this graveyard is >> As I stated earlier, this graveyard is >> As I stated earlier, this graveyard is supposedly in the region of the supposedly in the region of the supposedly in the region of the Gerosines. Gerosines. Gerosines. >> Now, textual varants uh suggest that >> Now, textual varants uh suggest that >> Now, textual varants uh suggest that this event actually took place in a town this event actually took place in a town this event actually took place in a town not too far from Jerasa called Gargesa. not too far from Jerasa called Gargesa. not too far from Jerasa called Gargesa. But whether the town was Jerasa, Gargesa But whether the town was Jerasa, Gargesa But whether the town was Jerasa, Gargesa or your best guess of um this indicates or your best guess of um this indicates or your best guess of um this indicates that uh to us that the region Jesus was that uh to us that the region Jesus was that uh to us that the region Jesus was crossing into was Gentile territory. crossing into was Gentile territory. crossing into was Gentile territory. Y'all say Gentile territory.

Y'all say Gentile territory. Y'all say Gentile territory. >> Why does that matter? It matters because >> Why does that matter? It matters because >> Why does that matter? It matters because Gentiles too could have been considered Gentiles too could have been considered Gentiles too could have been considered an impure or unclean people. an impure or unclean people. an impure or unclean people. Not simply because their moral Not simply because their moral Not simply because their moral practices, but because their daily practices, but because their daily practices, but because their daily activities potentially consisted of activities potentially consisted of activities potentially consisted of dealing with impure things. And because dealing with impure things. And because dealing with impure things. And because these gentile people were not adherence these gentile people were not adherence these gentile people were not adherence to the Levitical law, they could have to the Levitical law, they could have to the Levitical law, they could have come into contact with unclean things come into contact with unclean things come into contact with unclean things without taking the steps necessary to without taking the steps necessary to without taking the steps necessary to clean yourself up after coming into clean yourself up after coming into clean yourself up after coming into contact with these unclean things. So it contact with these unclean things. So it contact with these unclean things. So it may have been nothing for a gentile may have been nothing for a gentile may have been nothing for a gentile person who lived in Geressa or Geressa person who lived in Geressa or Geressa person who lived in Geressa or Geressa to uh work with a dead body one day and to uh work with a dead body one day and to uh work with a dead body one day and then to go into the temple the next day. then to go into the temple the next day. then to go into the temple the next day. Therefore to be in gentile territory was Therefore to be in gentile territory was Therefore to be in gentile territory was potentially to be among those who were potentially to be among those who were potentially to be among those who were unclean people deeming the territory to unclean people deeming the territory to unclean people deeming the territory to be seen as an unclean region. So red be seen as an unclean region. So red be seen as an unclean region. So red flag number one was the man he dwelled flag number one was the man he dwelled flag number one was the man he dwelled in the tombs. Red flag number two was in the tombs. Red flag number two was in the tombs. Red flag number two was that the man had an impure spirit who that the man had an impure spirit who that the man had an impure spirit who was dwelling in the tombs. Red flag was dwelling in the tombs. Red flag was dwelling in the tombs. Red flag number three is that this man who has an number three is that this man who has an number three is that this man who has an impure spirit in an impure tomb place in impure spirit in an impure tomb place in impure spirit in an impure tomb place in a is in an impure region. But we have a is in an impure region. But we have a is in an impure region. But we have one more red flag, y'all. Y'all say red one more red flag, y'all. Y'all say red one more red flag, y'all. Y'all say red flag.

flag. flag. >> Red flag number four is that there are >> Red flag number four is that there are >> Red flag number four is that there are pigs not too far from where the pigs not too far from where the pigs not too far from where the graveyard is. graveyard is. graveyard is. >> Yes. As the text suggests later on in >> Yes. As the text suggests later on in >> Yes. As the text suggests later on in the passage, there is a herd of pigs in the passage, there is a herd of pigs in the passage, there is a herd of pigs in this gentile city. And this is worth this gentile city. And this is worth this gentile city. And this is worth noting because not only is living in the noting because not only is living in the noting because not only is living in the tombs impure or being in gentile tombs impure or being in gentile tombs impure or being in gentile territory impure or having an impure territory impure or having an impure territory impure or having an impure spirit impure, but also being near pigs spirit impure, but also being near pigs spirit impure, but also being near pigs is impure. is impure. is impure. >> Deuteronomy 14 and8 says the pig is also >> Deuteronomy 14 and8 says the pig is also >> Deuteronomy 14 and8 says the pig is also unclean. Although it has a divided hoof, unclean. Although it has a divided hoof, unclean. Although it has a divided hoof, it does not chew the cud. You are to not it does not chew the cud. You are to not it does not chew the cud. You are to not you are not to eat it eat their meat or you are not to eat it eat their meat or you are not to eat it eat their meat or touch their carcasses. So this demoniac touch their carcasses. So this demoniac touch their carcasses. So this demoniac is in impure territory in an impure tomb is in impure territory in an impure tomb is in impure territory in an impure tomb with an impure t uh uh with an impure with an impure t uh uh with an impure with an impure t uh uh with an impure spirit with impure pigs nearby. But not spirit with impure pigs nearby. But not spirit with impure pigs nearby. But not only is this demoniac approaching Jesus only is this demoniac approaching Jesus only is this demoniac approaching Jesus in impure territory um but he is also in impure territory um but he is also in impure territory um but he is also the embodiment of chaos. Y'all say the embodiment of chaos. Y'all say the embodiment of chaos. Y'all say chaos.

chaos. chaos. >> Chaos. >> Chaos. >> Chaos. >> So we just said that there's a lot of >> So we just said that there's a lot of >> So we just said that there's a lot of red flags pointing to impurity. Now, red flags pointing to impurity. Now, red flags pointing to impurity. Now, we're moving on to the chaos of this we're moving on to the chaos of this we're moving on to the chaos of this demoniac. The text says in Mark 5 3-5, demoniac. The text says in Mark 5 3-5, demoniac. The text says in Mark 5 3-5, "This man lived in the tombs, and no one "This man lived in the tombs, and no one "This man lived in the tombs, and no one could bind him anymore, not even with a could bind him anymore, not even with a could bind him anymore, not even with a chain, for he had often been chained chain, for he had often been chained chain, for he had often been chained hand and foot, but he tore the chains hand and foot, but he tore the chains hand and foot, but he tore the chains apart and broke the irons on his feet. apart and broke the irons on his feet. apart and broke the irons on his feet. No one was strong enough to subdue him. No one was strong enough to subdue him. No one was strong enough to subdue him. Night and day among the tombs and in the Night and day among the tombs and in the Night and day among the tombs and in the hills, he would cry out and cut himself hills, he would cry out and cut himself hills, he would cry out and cut himself with stones." with stones." with stones." >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. This deep and detailed description of This deep and detailed description of This deep and detailed description of the demoniac evokes an image of one made the demoniac evokes an image of one made the demoniac evokes an image of one made in the image of God who no longer in the image of God who no longer in the image of God who no longer resembles that image. He is simply resembles that image. He is simply resembles that image. He is simply depicted as a beast. depicted as a beast. depicted as a beast. The text says that no one was strong The text says that no one was strong The text says that no one was strong enough to subdue him. This word subdue enough to subdue him. This word subdue enough to subdue him. This word subdue that we see in the New International that we see in the New International that we see in the New International Version is rendered in the Greek as a Version is rendered in the Greek as a Version is rendered in the Greek as a word the madz which comes from the root word the madz which comes from the root word the madz which comes from the root word the madzo. This word the madzo word the madzo. This word the madzo word the madzo. This word the madzo means to tame or to bring under control means to tame or to bring under control means to tame or to bring under control and it could be used to describe the and it could be used to describe the and it could be used to describe the authority that a human has over animals authority that a human has over animals authority that a human has over animals in nature. Y'all following me? So this in nature. Y'all following me? So this in nature. Y'all following me? So this man with this impure spirit in an impure man with this impure spirit in an impure man with this impure spirit in an impure tombs with the in the impure territory tombs with the in the impure territory tombs with the in the impure territory with pigs nearby is not just impure but with pigs nearby is not just impure but with pigs nearby is not just impure but he also has a chaotic spirit to the he also has a chaotic spirit to the he also has a chaotic spirit to the point to where he is depicted in the

point to where he is depicted in the point to where he is depicted in the text as an animal that needs to be text as an animal that needs to be text as an animal that needs to be subdued. Right? And the text also tells subdued. Right? And the text also tells subdued. Right? And the text also tells us that this man was crying out day and us that this man was crying out day and us that this man was crying out day and night among the tombs and that he was night among the tombs and that he was night among the tombs and that he was cutting himself with stones. cutting himself with stones. cutting himself with stones. >> Now Bible scholar uh Christine J. Guth >> Now Bible scholar uh Christine J. Guth >> Now Bible scholar uh Christine J. Guth interviewed people living with mental interviewed people living with mental interviewed people living with mental illness about this passage. Many of them illness about this passage. Many of them illness about this passage. Many of them said they identified with the Gerosene said they identified with the Gerosene said they identified with the Gerosene demoniac, not because they believed they demoniac, not because they believed they demoniac, not because they believed they were demonpossessed, but because they were demonpossessed, but because they were demonpossessed, but because they knew what it felt like to have society knew what it felt like to have society knew what it felt like to have society define them by their suffering instead define them by their suffering instead define them by their suffering instead of recognizing their humanity. One of recognizing their humanity. One of recognizing their humanity. One interviewee described self harm as an interviewee described self harm as an interviewee described self harm as an attempt to make visible and internal attempt to make visible and internal attempt to make visible and internal pain that felt impossible to express. pain that felt impossible to express. pain that felt impossible to express. This indicates that perhaps for some This indicates that perhaps for some This indicates that perhaps for some people outward wounds that are brought people outward wounds that are brought people outward wounds that are brought on by self harm um become a visible on by self harm um become a visible on by self harm um become a visible representation of invisible suffering. representation of invisible suffering. representation of invisible suffering. Now I want to be mindful here. Mark is Now I want to be mindful here. Mark is Now I want to be mindful here. Mark is describing a man who is demonpossessed. describing a man who is demonpossessed. describing a man who is demonpossessed. And we as Christians should not And we as Christians should not And we as Christians should not automatically equate demon possession automatically equate demon possession automatically equate demon possession with mental illness. Those are two with mental illness. Those are two with mental illness. Those are two separate things. Those are not the same separate things. Those are not the same separate things. Those are not the same thing. We need to be wise when we um thing. We need to be wise when we um thing. We need to be wise when we um when we do that. But whether the source when we do that. But whether the source when we do that. But whether the source of suffering was demonic oppression or of suffering was demonic oppression or of suffering was demonic oppression or an emotional anguish or both, one thing an emotional anguish or both, one thing an emotional anguish or both, one thing is unmistakably clear. This man who has is unmistakably clear. This man who has is unmistakably clear. This man who has the impure spirit in the impure tombs the impure spirit in the impure tombs the impure spirit in the impure tombs with in an impure territory with pigs with in an impure territory with pigs with in an impure territory with pigs nearby, this man was in agony. He cried nearby, this man was in agony. He cried nearby, this man was in agony. He cried out day and night. He harmed himself and

out day and night. He harmed himself and out day and night. He harmed himself and he lived isolated in the tombs. he lived isolated in the tombs. he lived isolated in the tombs. He was dealing with internal chaos. He was dealing with internal chaos. He was dealing with internal chaos. Y'all say chaos. Y'all say chaos. Y'all say chaos. >> Remember I began by saying he was >> Remember I began by saying he was >> Remember I began by saying he was impure. Then Naja said he's he was he impure. Then Naja said he's he was he impure. Then Naja said he's he was he had chaos, but he was also under an had chaos, but he was also under an had chaos, but he was also under an oppressive force of evil. Y'all say oppressive force of evil. Y'all say oppressive force of evil. Y'all say evil. evil. evil. >> Evil. >> Evil. >> Evil. >> The late uh well when Jesus asked him >> The late uh well when Jesus asked him >> The late uh well when Jesus asked him his name in verse 9, he said his name his name in verse 9, he said his name his name in verse 9, he said his name was Legion because there was a multitude was Legion because there was a multitude was Legion because there was a multitude of demons within him. The late of demons within him. The late of demons within him. The late theologian RC Sproul translates this theologian RC Sproul translates this theologian RC Sproul translates this text as my name is Legion because it is text as my name is Legion because it is text as my name is Legion because it is a multitude of us. a multitude of us. a multitude of us. This word Legion, watch this, This word Legion, watch this, This word Legion, watch this, symbolically points to a vast military symbolically points to a vast military symbolically points to a vast military unit comprised of several thousand unit comprised of several thousand unit comprised of several thousand soldiers. So demons here is so many of soldiers. So demons here is so many of soldiers. So demons here is so many of these demons inside of this demoniac these demons inside of this demoniac these demons inside of this demoniac that it literally is about probably that it literally is about probably that it literally is about probably about a thousand of them. the only way about a thousand of them. the only way about a thousand of them. the only way to depict themselves was to say that to depict themselves was to say that to depict themselves was to say that they were a military unit of a thousand they were a military unit of a thousand they were a military unit of a thousand soldiers. And scholars note that perhaps soldiers. And scholars note that perhaps soldiers. And scholars note that perhaps this word legion that's used in the uh this word legion that's used in the uh this word legion that's used in the uh fifth chapter of Mark was a veiled fifth chapter of Mark was a veiled fifth chapter of Mark was a veiled reference to the devastation of people reference to the devastation of people reference to the devastation of people done by Roman occupation. Remember the done by Roman occupation. Remember the done by Roman occupation. Remember the children of Israel, the Jewish people at children of Israel, the Jewish people at children of Israel, the Jewish people at this time of this gospel account that at this time of this gospel account that at this time of this gospel account that at the time that this gospel account was the time that this gospel account was the time that this gospel account was written, excuse me, um were under Roman written, excuse me, um were under Roman written, excuse me, um were under Roman captivity in the 10th Legion, a military captivity in the 10th Legion, a military captivity in the 10th Legion, a military unit um that was stationed to control unit um that was stationed to control unit um that was stationed to control the Jewish community was subject to

the Jewish community was subject to the Jewish community was subject to structural and systemic violence done at structural and systemic violence done at structural and systemic violence done at the hands of Rome. So the Jewish people the hands of Rome. So the Jewish people the hands of Rome. So the Jewish people who were living in this territory during who were living in this territory during who were living in this territory during this time, they knew of a of a a this time, they knew of a of a a this time, they knew of a of a a military force that were called the 10th military force that were called the 10th military force that were called the 10th Legion. And the legion that's uh Legion. And the legion that's uh Legion. And the legion that's uh depicted in this text right here points depicted in this text right here points depicted in this text right here points to perhaps the military force that was to perhaps the military force that was to perhaps the military force that was systemically oppressing the Jewish systemically oppressing the Jewish systemically oppressing the Jewish people during this time. people during this time. people during this time. >> So I'm going to give it a quick modern >> So I'm going to give it a quick modern >> So I'm going to give it a quick modern day application. Perhaps our closest day application. Perhaps our closest day application. Perhaps our closest modern-day equivalent to the 10th modern-day equivalent to the 10th modern-day equivalent to the 10th Legion, this military force that was Legion, this military force that was Legion, this military force that was oppressing the Jewish people, um I think oppressing the Jewish people, um I think oppressing the Jewish people, um I think would be police brutality, would be police brutality, would be police brutality, >> structured in systemic violence done at >> structured in systemic violence done at >> structured in systemic violence done at the hands of a corrupt entity. the hands of a corrupt entity. the hands of a corrupt entity. That's the metaphor that's at play here. That's the metaphor that's at play here. That's the metaphor that's at play here. So, it looks like this man is not So, it looks like this man is not So, it looks like this man is not ritually only only ritually impure. He's ritually only only ritually impure. He's ritually only only ritually impure. He's not dealing just dealing with chaos, but not dealing just dealing with chaos, but not dealing just dealing with chaos, but he's also dealing with an oppressive he's also dealing with an oppressive he's also dealing with an oppressive spirit that resembles mil a unit of spirit that resembles mil a unit of spirit that resembles mil a unit of militants that institutes systemic militants that institutes systemic militants that institutes systemic violence against a people group. So, violence against a people group. So, violence against a people group. So, he's dealing with chaos internally. He's he's dealing with chaos internally. He's he's dealing with chaos internally. He's dealing with impurity and the amount of dealing with impurity and the amount of dealing with impurity and the amount of demonic spirits that's within him are demonic spirits that's within him are demonic spirits that's within him are oppressing him as if he is dealing with oppressing him as if he is dealing with oppressing him as if he is dealing with police brutality.

police brutality. police brutality. That is what's at play here. So in That is what's at play here. So in That is what's at play here. So in simple t terms, the man in Mark 5 1-20 simple t terms, the man in Mark 5 1-20 simple t terms, the man in Mark 5 1-20 is a demoniac. But in more complex is a demoniac. But in more complex is a demoniac. But in more complex terms, he is an outcast. He's terms, he is an outcast. He's terms, he is an outcast. He's dehumanized and he's a victim of an evil dehumanized and he's a victim of an evil dehumanized and he's a victim of an evil force that seeks to control him. Y'all force that seeks to control him. Y'all force that seeks to control him. Y'all following me? following me? following me? >> Well, whether it's this demoniac or >> Well, whether it's this demoniac or >> Well, whether it's this demoniac or yourself who currently feels this way, yourself who currently feels this way, yourself who currently feels this way, Jesus makes clear that he does not turn Jesus makes clear that he does not turn Jesus makes clear that he does not turn from someone that is suffering in these from someone that is suffering in these from someone that is suffering in these types of conditions. Amen. Jesus did not types of conditions. Amen. Jesus did not types of conditions. Amen. Jesus did not turn from this demoniac. turn from this demoniac. turn from this demoniac. So Jesus uses rather this demoniac's So Jesus uses rather this demoniac's So Jesus uses rather this demoniac's conditions to exercise his authority conditions to exercise his authority conditions to exercise his authority over chaos, evil, and impurity. over chaos, evil, and impurity. over chaos, evil, and impurity. >> That's my second point. This passage >> That's my second point. This passage >> That's my second point. This passage shows us the authority that Jesus has shows us the authority that Jesus has shows us the authority that Jesus has over chaos, evil, and impurity. over chaos, evil, and impurity. over chaos, evil, and impurity. Uncleanliness. Funny enough, it's worth Uncleanliness. Funny enough, it's worth Uncleanliness. Funny enough, it's worth noting that Jesus did not seek out this noting that Jesus did not seek out this noting that Jesus did not seek out this demoniac. The text doesn't suggest that demoniac. The text doesn't suggest that demoniac. The text doesn't suggest that Jesus went searching for the demoniac.

Jesus went searching for the demoniac. Jesus went searching for the demoniac. Rather, it says in verse two, when Jesus Rather, it says in verse two, when Jesus Rather, it says in verse two, when Jesus got out of the boat, look at your Bible. got out of the boat, look at your Bible. got out of the boat, look at your Bible. It says it, "A man with an impure spirit It says it, "A man with an impure spirit It says it, "A man with an impure spirit came from the tombs to meet him." That's came from the tombs to meet him." That's came from the tombs to meet him." That's the word that it uses. And it also says the word that it uses. And it also says the word that it uses. And it also says in verse 6, "When Jesus when he saw in verse 6, "When Jesus when he saw in verse 6, "When Jesus when he saw Jesus from the distance," this being the Jesus from the distance," this being the Jesus from the distance," this being the demoniac, he ran and fell on his knees demoniac, he ran and fell on his knees demoniac, he ran and fell on his knees in front of him. This immediately raises in front of him. This immediately raises in front of him. This immediately raises the question, why did the demoniac seek the question, why did the demoniac seek the question, why did the demoniac seek Jesus? Jesus? Jesus? Why did this impure, chaotic demoniac, Why did this impure, chaotic demoniac, Why did this impure, chaotic demoniac, who knew that Jesus had authority seek who knew that Jesus had authority seek who knew that Jesus had authority seek Jesus? Jesus? Jesus? >> Let's read Mark 5 6-12. When he saw >> Let's read Mark 5 6-12. When he saw >> Let's read Mark 5 6-12. When he saw Jesus from a distance, he ran and fell Jesus from a distance, he ran and fell Jesus from a distance, he ran and fell on his knees in front of him. He shouted on his knees in front of him. He shouted on his knees in front of him. He shouted at the top of his top of his voice, at the top of his top of his voice, at the top of his top of his voice, "What do you want with me, Jesus, son of "What do you want with me, Jesus, son of "What do you want with me, Jesus, son of the most high God? In God's name, don't the most high God? In God's name, don't the most high God? In God's name, don't torture me. For Jesus had said to him, torture me. For Jesus had said to him, torture me. For Jesus had said to him, "Come out of this man, you impure or "Come out of this man, you impure or "Come out of this man, you impure or unclean spirit." Then Jesus asked him, unclean spirit." Then Jesus asked him, unclean spirit." Then Jesus asked him, "What is your name?" "My name is "What is your name?" "My name is "What is your name?" "My name is Legion," he replied, "for we are many." Legion," he replied, "for we are many." Legion," he replied, "for we are many." And he begged Jesus again and again to And he begged Jesus again and again to And he begged Jesus again and again to not send them out of the area. A large not send them out of the area. A large not send them out of the area. A large herd of pigs was feeding on the nearby herd of pigs was feeding on the nearby herd of pigs was feeding on the nearby hillside. The demons begged Jesus, "Send hillside. The demons begged Jesus, "Send hillside. The demons begged Jesus, "Send us among the pigs. Allow us to go into us among the pigs. Allow us to go into us among the pigs. Allow us to go into them." So what does this show us? Why them." So what does this show us? Why them." So what does this show us? Why did I just read that? It shows us that did I just read that? It shows us that did I just read that? It shows us that the demons, this is on your sheet, that the demons, this is on your sheet, that the demons, this is on your sheet, that the demons, it should be on your sheet, the demons, it should be on your sheet, the demons, it should be on your sheet, that the demons knew exactly who Jesus that the demons knew exactly who Jesus that the demons knew exactly who Jesus was. They recognized Jesus's authority.

was. They recognized Jesus's authority. was. They recognized Jesus's authority. Yet, despite them knowing Jesus's Yet, despite them knowing Jesus's Yet, despite them knowing Jesus's authority, they still attempted to authority, they still attempted to authority, they still attempted to control how Jesus would exercise his control how Jesus would exercise his control how Jesus would exercise his authority. authority. authority. >> Verse six says that when the demoniac >> Verse six says that when the demoniac >> Verse six says that when the demoniac saw Jesus in the distance, he ran to saw Jesus in the distance, he ran to saw Jesus in the distance, he ran to Jesus. The demons didn't hide from Jesus. The demons didn't hide from Jesus. The demons didn't hide from Jesus, but ran and acknowledged the Jesus, but ran and acknowledged the Jesus, but ran and acknowledged the Lord. This appears as an act of Lord. This appears as an act of Lord. This appears as an act of submission. We as believers run to submission. We as believers run to submission. We as believers run to Jesus. We may even bow down before him Jesus. We may even bow down before him Jesus. We may even bow down before him and call him Jesus, son of the most high and call him Jesus, son of the most high and call him Jesus, son of the most high God. Amen. The demoniac did just that. God. Amen. The demoniac did just that. God. Amen. The demoniac did just that. The demons recognize Jesus' authority, The demons recognize Jesus' authority, The demons recognize Jesus' authority, Jesus's lordship, and they even knew Jesus's lordship, and they even knew Jesus's lordship, and they even knew Jesus's name and where he came from. Jesus's name and where he came from. Jesus's name and where he came from. However, the words that followed this However, the words that followed this However, the words that followed this demonstrate the demon's desire for demonstrate the demon's desire for demonstrate the demon's desire for control. Verse 7 says that the demons control. Verse 7 says that the demons control. Verse 7 says that the demons asked for Jesus to spare them the asked for Jesus to spare them the asked for Jesus to spare them the torture that they were due. Verse 10 torture that they were due. Verse 10 torture that they were due. Verse 10 reads, "They begged Jesus again and reads, "They begged Jesus again and reads, "They begged Jesus again and again not to send them out of the region again not to send them out of the region again not to send them out of the region or the out of the area." Early or the out of the area." Early or the out of the area." Early Christianity scholar Joseph L. Kimmel Christianity scholar Joseph L. Kimmel Christianity scholar Joseph L. Kimmel argues that the demoniac's immediate argues that the demoniac's immediate argues that the demoniac's immediate rush toward Jesus, his calling Jesus by rush toward Jesus, his calling Jesus by rush toward Jesus, his calling Jesus by name, and his acknowledgement of Jesus name, and his acknowledgement of Jesus name, and his acknowledgement of Jesus as the son of the most high God were not as the son of the most high God were not as the son of the most high God were not acts of worship. Rather, they were the acts of worship. Rather, they were the acts of worship. Rather, they were the demon's attempt to seize the initiative demon's attempt to seize the initiative demon's attempt to seize the initiative by naming the exorcist. They, which was by naming the exorcist. They, which was by naming the exorcist. They, which was Jesus in this case, they sought to Jesus in this case, they sought to Jesus in this case, they sought to establish their own identity, gain establish their own identity, gain establish their own identity, gain recognition, and gain the upper hand recognition, and gain the upper hand recognition, and gain the upper hand over the one who had come to cast them over the one who had come to cast them over the one who had come to cast them out. Consider that argument. Perhaps the out. Consider that argument. Perhaps the out. Consider that argument. Perhaps the legion of demons, the impure, chaotic,

legion of demons, the impure, chaotic, legion of demons, the impure, chaotic, evil man who ran up to Jesus. Perhaps evil man who ran up to Jesus. Perhaps evil man who ran up to Jesus. Perhaps this legion of demons recognized Jesus's this legion of demons recognized Jesus's this legion of demons recognized Jesus's authority and sought to control the authority and sought to control the authority and sought to control the outcome of their encounter. Time and outcome of their encounter. Time and outcome of their encounter. Time and time again, they begged Jesus not to time again, they begged Jesus not to time again, they begged Jesus not to send them out of the region, perhaps send them out of the region, perhaps send them out of the region, perhaps hoping to cut a deal with Jesus so they hoping to cut a deal with Jesus so they hoping to cut a deal with Jesus so they could continue exercising their could continue exercising their could continue exercising their oppressive power in Gentile territory. oppressive power in Gentile territory. oppressive power in Gentile territory. How often do we see that in the faith? How often do we see that in the faith? How often do we see that in the faith? People recognize Jesus, but they only People recognize Jesus, but they only People recognize Jesus, but they only want Jesus for what he can do for them. want Jesus for what he can do for them. want Jesus for what he can do for them. >> We, like the legion of demons, want to >> We, like the legion of demons, want to >> We, like the legion of demons, want to define how we interact with Jesus. We, define how we interact with Jesus. We, define how we interact with Jesus. We, as Christians, want Jesus to act out his as Christians, want Jesus to act out his as Christians, want Jesus to act out his authority on our own terms. authority on our own terms. authority on our own terms. >> We see Christians who want to define >> We see Christians who want to define >> We see Christians who want to define what Jesus can and can't do. what Jesus can and can't do. what Jesus can and can't do. >> We as Christians want to put put use >> We as Christians want to put put use >> We as Christians want to put put use Jesus to put the Bible in schools, but Jesus to put the Bible in schools, but Jesus to put the Bible in schools, but not allow him to shape our views on not allow him to shape our views on not allow him to shape our views on voting rights. voting rights. voting rights. Christians want to tell Jesus whom we Christians want to tell Jesus whom we Christians want to tell Jesus whom we should love and whom we should hate. should love and whom we should hate. should love and whom we should hate. Christians want to tell Jesus what we Christians want to tell Jesus what we Christians want to tell Jesus what we can practice and what we can't practice.

can practice and what we can't practice. can practice and what we can't practice. Christians want Jesus's or God's power Christians want Jesus's or God's power Christians want Jesus's or God's power without his lordship. without his lordship. without his lordship. >> Like the legion of demons, I wonder if >> Like the legion of demons, I wonder if >> Like the legion of demons, I wonder if you and I are subject subject to trying you and I are subject subject to trying you and I are subject subject to trying to exercise our own authority over to exercise our own authority over to exercise our own authority over Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. >> Amen. I have a quick story, very quick >> Amen. I have a quick story, very quick >> Amen. I have a quick story, very quick story, homage to uh Dr. Roberts over story, homage to uh Dr. Roberts over story, homage to uh Dr. Roberts over there. There was a time when I was a there. There was a time when I was a there. There was a time when I was a little younger some years ago, I tried little younger some years ago, I tried little younger some years ago, I tried to exercise my authority over my to exercise my authority over my to exercise my authority over my parents. So, one time I'm I'm a good parents. So, one time I'm I'm a good parents. So, one time I'm I'm a good child, so I don't do it much, but I've child, so I don't do it much, but I've child, so I don't do it much, but I've done it before. Amen. So, there was a done it before. Amen. So, there was a done it before. Amen. So, there was a time where and obviously I'm their time where and obviously I'm their time where and obviously I'm their child, so I don't have all the child, so I don't have all the child, so I don't have all the authority. They have authority and I'm authority. They have authority and I'm authority. They have authority and I'm the child, right? Just like how the the child, right? Just like how the the child, right? Just like how the demons were subordinate to Jesus. So, demons were subordinate to Jesus. So, demons were subordinate to Jesus. So, there was a time where I I played drums. there was a time where I I played drums. there was a time where I I played drums. I played jazz drums back in um college. I played jazz drums back in um college. I played jazz drums back in um college. I was in in my undergrad years. I I was in in my undergrad years. I I was in in my undergrad years. I studied jazz music and played drums. And studied jazz music and played drums. And studied jazz music and played drums. And there was one time when I was back home there was one time when I was back home there was one time when I was back home in Savannah. I had to go to a gig in in Savannah. I had to go to a gig in in Savannah. I had to go to a gig in town and I needed to take my drums from town and I needed to take my drums from town and I needed to take my drums from out the house and put them into my car.

out the house and put them into my car. out the house and put them into my car. Now, there are two routes I could have Now, there are two routes I could have Now, there are two routes I could have took to uh get my drums from inside the took to uh get my drums from inside the took to uh get my drums from inside the house to outside of my car. I could have house to outside of my car. I could have house to outside of my car. I could have took the front door, which would be do took the front door, which would be do took the front door, which would be do the wraparound driveway to my car, or I the wraparound driveway to my car, or I the wraparound driveway to my car, or I could have did went through the garage, could have did went through the garage, could have did went through the garage, which was like right outside near my which was like right outside near my which was like right outside near my car. Y'all following me? Okay. So, I car. Y'all following me? Okay. So, I car. Y'all following me? Okay. So, I took my drums and I didn't want to take took my drums and I didn't want to take took my drums and I didn't want to take the longer route, so I just went through the longer route, so I just went through the longer route, so I just went through the garage and inside of the garage is the garage and inside of the garage is the garage and inside of the garage is my mom's beautiful Mercedes vehicle. my mom's beautiful Mercedes vehicle. my mom's beautiful Mercedes vehicle. Amen. So, I took my drums and I was Amen. So, I took my drums and I was Amen. So, I took my drums and I was walking through the garage trying to walking through the garage trying to walking through the garage trying to take the little shortcut to put the take the little shortcut to put the take the little shortcut to put the drums in my car cuz I had a gig in drums in my car cuz I had a gig in drums in my car cuz I had a gig in Savannah. I was running late and I was Savannah. I was running late and I was Savannah. I was running late and I was taking the drums and I think I tap I taking the drums and I think I tap I taking the drums and I think I tap I think right the key word is thing. I think right the key word is thing. I think right the key word is thing. I don't know. I think I suspect that I don't know. I think I suspect that I don't know. I think I suspect that I tapped my mom's Mercedes as I was tapped my mom's Mercedes as I was tapped my mom's Mercedes as I was walking outside of the uh house and I walking outside of the uh house and I walking outside of the uh house and I went to go put my drums in my car. And went to go put my drums in my car. And went to go put my drums in my car. And as I after I put my drums in my car, I as I after I put my drums in my car, I as I after I put my drums in my car, I was like, did I did I hit the Mercedes was like, did I did I hit the Mercedes was like, did I did I hit the Mercedes or did I tap it or was that just me? Was or did I tap it or was that just me? Was or did I tap it or was that just me? Was that a figment of my imagination? Right. that a figment of my imagination? Right. that a figment of my imagination? Right. So I went and I checked and I saw the So I went and I checked and I saw the So I went and I checked and I saw the ever so slightest smallest dent with a ever so slightest smallest dent with a ever so slightest smallest dent with a small scratch right next to it where I small scratch right next to it where I small scratch right next to it where I maybe tapped the car with the drums.

maybe tapped the car with the drums. maybe tapped the car with the drums. Right? So Right? So Right? So I wanted to kind of control the I wanted to kind of control the I wanted to kind of control the narrative in this situation. I wanted to narrative in this situation. I wanted to narrative in this situation. I wanted to kind of control the authority in this kind of control the authority in this kind of control the authority in this situation. I wanted to use my agency as situation. I wanted to use my agency as situation. I wanted to use my agency as the subordinate child to my the subordinate child to my the subordinate child to my authoritative parents. So I went back authoritative parents. So I went back authoritative parents. So I went back inside and I said, "Hey dad, I have inside and I said, "Hey dad, I have inside and I said, "Hey dad, I have something I need to show you real something I need to show you real something I need to show you real quick." And I showed my dad. I said, quick." And I showed my dad. I said, quick." And I showed my dad. I said, "Dad, what do you think about that "Dad, what do you think about that "Dad, what do you think about that scratch right there in that dent? Do you scratch right there in that dent? Do you scratch right there in that dent? Do you think that was there before?" And my dad think that was there before?" And my dad think that was there before?" And my dad said, "Uh, son, I don't know if that was said, "Uh, son, I don't know if that was said, "Uh, son, I don't know if that was there before." I'm like, "Dad, are you there before." I'm like, "Dad, are you there before." I'm like, "Dad, are you sure it was not there before?" sure it was not there before?" sure it was not there before?" And he said, "Son, And he said, "Son, And he said, "Son, what what like what do you need to tell what what like what do you need to tell what what like what do you need to tell me? Like, what's going on?" In that me? Like, what's going on?" In that me? Like, what's going on?" In that moment, I was trying to sway the moment, I was trying to sway the moment, I was trying to sway the authority in that situation to me to try authority in that situation to me to try authority in that situation to me to try and prove something, right? But notice and prove something, right? But notice and prove something, right? But notice and and the demons may have tried to and and the demons may have tried to and and the demons may have tried to influence Jesus's decision. influence Jesus's decision. influence Jesus's decision. Yet they never controlled Jesus's Yet they never controlled Jesus's Yet they never controlled Jesus's decision. Every request they made toward decision. Every request they made toward decision. Every request they made toward Jesus still required Jesus's permission. Jesus still required Jesus's permission. Jesus still required Jesus's permission. Even in their pleading, they revealed Even in their pleading, they revealed Even in their pleading, they revealed what they already knew. Jesus alone what they already knew. Jesus alone what they already knew. Jesus alone possessed the authority to determine possessed the authority to determine possessed the authority to determine their fate. Nevertheless, the demon their fate. Nevertheless, the demon their fate. Nevertheless, the demon Jesus allowed the demons their request.

Jesus allowed the demons their request. Jesus allowed the demons their request. They saw that the previously mentioned They saw that the previously mentioned They saw that the previously mentioned herd of pigs out in the distance and herd of pigs out in the distance and herd of pigs out in the distance and said, "Hey, Jesus, send us over there to said, "Hey, Jesus, send us over there to said, "Hey, Jesus, send us over there to those pigs so we can go into them." All those pigs so we can go into them." All those pigs so we can go into them." All the demons wanted in this situation was the demons wanted in this situation was the demons wanted in this situation was to ensure that they were still able to to ensure that they were still able to to ensure that they were still able to exercise their power and their exercise their power and their exercise their power and their authority. The text follows in f in Mark authority. The text follows in f in Mark authority. The text follows in f in Mark 5:13-15. He gave them permission and the 5:13-15. He gave them permission and the 5:13-15. He gave them permission and the impure spirits came out and went into impure spirits came out and went into impure spirits came out and went into the pigs. The herd about 2,000 in number the pigs. The herd about 2,000 in number the pigs. The herd about 2,000 in number rushed down the steep bank into the lake rushed down the steep bank into the lake rushed down the steep bank into the lake and were drowned. Those tending the pigs and were drowned. Those tending the pigs and were drowned. Those tending the pigs ran off and reported this in the town ran off and reported this in the town ran off and reported this in the town and the countryside. And the people went and the countryside. And the people went and the countryside. And the people went out to see what had happened. When they out to see what had happened. When they out to see what had happened. When they came to Jesus, they saw the man who had came to Jesus, they saw the man who had came to Jesus, they saw the man who had been possessed by the legion of demons been possessed by the legion of demons been possessed by the legion of demons sitting there dressed and in his right sitting there dressed and in his right sitting there dressed and in his right mind and they were afraid. Upon my first mind and they were afraid. Upon my first mind and they were afraid. Upon my first reading of this text, I think the first reading of this text, I think the first reading of this text, I think the first question that was raised or was why were question that was raised or was why were question that was raised or was why were the people so afraid? the people so afraid? the people so afraid? But then I stopped and imagined what But then I stopped and imagined what But then I stopped and imagined what they must have witnessed in this they must have witnessed in this they must have witnessed in this situation. Out of nowhere, they hear the situation. Out of nowhere, they hear the situation. Out of nowhere, they hear the deafening squeals of thousands of pigs. deafening squeals of thousands of pigs. deafening squeals of thousands of pigs. Then comes the thunder of thousands of Then comes the thunder of thousands of Then comes the thunder of thousands of hooves p pounding into the ground in hooves p pounding into the ground in hooves p pounding into the ground in unison, sounding like a massive unison, sounding like a massive unison, sounding like a massive avalanche racing down the mountain side.

avalanche racing down the mountain side. avalanche racing down the mountain side. Before they can even process what's Before they can even process what's Before they can even process what's happening here, splash after splash happening here, splash after splash happening here, splash after splash after splash after splash echoes across after splash after splash echoes across after splash after splash echoes across the water as an entire herd of pigs the water as an entire herd of pigs the water as an entire herd of pigs plunges into the sea. plunges into the sea. plunges into the sea. I get scared when I hear a German I get scared when I hear a German I get scared when I hear a German Shepherd bark. Shepherd bark. Shepherd bark. I couldn't have imagined hearing a I couldn't have imagined hearing a I couldn't have imagined hearing a thunderous roar of such a catastrophic thunderous roar of such a catastrophic thunderous roar of such a catastrophic event. And this event took place because event. And this event took place because event. And this event took place because of the internal chaos of one man before of the internal chaos of one man before of the internal chaos of one man before he encountered Jesus. This catastrophic he encountered Jesus. This catastrophic he encountered Jesus. This catastrophic historically uh uh uh referenced event historically uh uh uh referenced event historically uh uh uh referenced event hap was a personification of what was hap was a personification of what was hap was a personification of what was going on internally within a man who had going on internally within a man who had going on internally within a man who had not encountered Jesus yet. Yeah, not encountered Jesus yet. Yeah, not encountered Jesus yet. Yeah, >> that is that is a such a scary sight and >> that is that is a such a scary sight and >> that is that is a such a scary sight and that represents what that man was going that represents what that man was going that represents what that man was going through internally. through internally. through internally. Not only that, but the man who lived in Not only that, but the man who lived in Not only that, but the man who lived in the tombs, the man who cried day and the tombs, the man who cried day and the tombs, the man who cried day and night, the man who broke chains and night, the man who broke chains and night, the man who broke chains and handcuffs made of iron is now sitting handcuffs made of iron is now sitting handcuffs made of iron is now sitting clothed and in his right mind. Imagine clothed and in his right mind. Imagine clothed and in his right mind. Imagine seeing such a sudden transition. All seeing such a sudden transition. All seeing such a sudden transition. All because of the authority of one man, because of the authority of one man, because of the authority of one man, Jesus Christ, the son of the most high Jesus Christ, the son of the most high Jesus Christ, the son of the most high God. Verse 15 says, "As a result of this God. Verse 15 says, "As a result of this God. Verse 15 says, "As a result of this event, they were afraid." Funny enough, event, they were afraid." Funny enough, event, they were afraid." Funny enough, this is the same phrase that we see in this is the same phrase that we see in this is the same phrase that we see in Mark 4 to describe the disciples after Mark 4 to describe the disciples after Mark 4 to describe the disciples after Jesus calms the chaotic storm.

Jesus calms the chaotic storm. Jesus calms the chaotic storm. >> In both instances in which Jesus brings >> In both instances in which Jesus brings >> In both instances in which Jesus brings calm to what was once chaos, the calm to what was once chaos, the calm to what was once chaos, the response is fear. response is fear. response is fear. >> Why? Perhaps because um someone with >> Why? Perhaps because um someone with >> Why? Perhaps because um someone with that much authority causes fear. If that much authority causes fear. If that much authority causes fear. If Jesus has that much authority to work a Jesus has that much authority to work a Jesus has that much authority to work a miracle like that, what can he ask of miracle like that, what can he ask of miracle like that, what can he ask of you that you cannot do? If Jesus has you that you cannot do? If Jesus has you that you cannot do? If Jesus has that much authority to work out a that much authority to work out a that much authority to work out a miracle like that, what can he ask of me miracle like that, what can he ask of me miracle like that, what can he ask of me that I can't do? that I can't do? that I can't do? >> Amen. This brings me to my last point. >> Amen. This brings me to my last point. >> Amen. This brings me to my last point. Jesus restores what was once considered Jesus restores what was once considered Jesus restores what was once considered chaotic, impure, and unclean. chaotic, impure, and unclean. chaotic, impure, and unclean. Not only is this man now clothed and in Not only is this man now clothed and in Not only is this man now clothed and in his right mind, and not only are the his right mind, and not only are the his right mind, and not only are the pigs symbols of impurity and pigs symbols of impurity and pigs symbols of impurity and uncleanliness in the region, driven out uncleanliness in the region, driven out uncleanliness in the region, driven out and drowned in the sea, never to return, and drowned in the sea, never to return, and drowned in the sea, never to return, but Jesus also commisss the one who was but Jesus also commisss the one who was but Jesus also commisss the one who was once called a demoniac to bear witness once called a demoniac to bear witness once called a demoniac to bear witness to what God has done for him, turning to what God has done for him, turning to what God has done for him, turning his story into a testimony of his story into a testimony of his story into a testimony of restoration for his people. Mark 5:18-20 restoration for his people. Mark 5:18-20 restoration for his people. Mark 5:18-20 says this. As Jesus was getting into the says this. As Jesus was getting into the says this. As Jesus was getting into the boat, the man who had been boat, the man who had been boat, the man who had been demonpossessed begged to go out with demonpossessed begged to go out with demonpossessed begged to go out with him. Jesus did not let him, but said, him. Jesus did not let him, but said, him. Jesus did not let him, but said, "Go home to your own people and tell "Go home to your own people and tell "Go home to your own people and tell them how much the Lord has done for you them how much the Lord has done for you them how much the Lord has done for you and how he has had mercy on you." So the and how he has had mercy on you." So the and how he has had mercy on you." So the man went away and began to tell in the man went away and began to tell in the man went away and began to tell in the dopolis how much Jesus had done for him.

dopolis how much Jesus had done for him. dopolis how much Jesus had done for him. And all the people were amazed. This And all the people were amazed. This And all the people were amazed. This portion of the text records the first portion of the text records the first portion of the text records the first gentile missionary in the Gospel of gentile missionary in the Gospel of gentile missionary in the Gospel of Mark. The Lord didn't want him to Mark. The Lord didn't want him to Mark. The Lord didn't want him to disengage from where he was disengage from where he was disengage from where he was strategically placed. strategically placed. strategically placed. The Lord did not want him to disengage The Lord did not want him to disengage The Lord did not want him to disengage from where he was strategically placed. from where he was strategically placed. from where he was strategically placed. A non-Jew, an ethnic outsider now being A non-Jew, an ethnic outsider now being A non-Jew, an ethnic outsider now being commissioned by Jesus to go and testify commissioned by Jesus to go and testify commissioned by Jesus to go and testify amongst his people so that the Lord may amongst his people so that the Lord may amongst his people so that the Lord may be glorified is what's at play here. The be glorified is what's at play here. The be glorified is what's at play here. The testimony of someone who was once living testimony of someone who was once living testimony of someone who was once living with internal chaos, once living with with internal chaos, once living with with internal chaos, once living with internal impurity, once living with internal impurity, once living with internal impurity, once living with internal evil. One who was once subject internal evil. One who was once subject internal evil. One who was once subject to demonic forces of evil. One who was to demonic forces of evil. One who was to demonic forces of evil. One who was once deemed impure is now a recipient of once deemed impure is now a recipient of once deemed impure is now a recipient of the unmmerited favor and love of God. the unmmerited favor and love of God. the unmmerited favor and love of God. >> And the pe and the number of people he >> And the pe and the number of people he >> And the pe and the number of people he told wasn't a small number of people. told wasn't a small number of people. told wasn't a small number of people. The people that he told about his The people that he told about his The people that he told about his deliverance was not a small wee bit tiny deliverance was not a small wee bit tiny deliverance was not a small wee bit tiny small amount of people. It was he the small amount of people. It was he the small amount of people. It was he the text says that he began to tell in the text says that he began to tell in the text says that he began to tell in the doopolis. Somebody say the doopolis. Somebody say the doopolis. Somebody say the >> decopolis was a group of 10 cities >> decopolis was a group of 10 cities >> decopolis was a group of 10 cities primarily populated by a gentile primarily populated by a gentile primarily populated by a gentile population. I said 10 cities. Somebody population. I said 10 cities. Somebody population. I said 10 cities. Somebody say 10 cities.

say 10 cities. say 10 cities. >> 10 cities. Now, I'm not from Houston, >> 10 cities. Now, I'm not from Houston, >> 10 cities. Now, I'm not from Houston, but him telling in the Dopolis would be but him telling in the Dopolis would be but him telling in the Dopolis would be like him telling from Houston to the like him telling from Houston to the like him telling from Houston to the Woodlands, right? Pasadena to Sugarland, Woodlands, right? Pasadena to Sugarland, Woodlands, right? Pasadena to Sugarland, >> Katy and Pearland, >> Katy and Pearland, >> Katy and Pearland, >> Baytown to League City, >> Baytown to League City, >> Baytown to League City, >> Galveastston all the way up to Cypress. >> Galveastston all the way up to Cypress. >> Galveastston all the way up to Cypress. Did I say your neighborhood yet? Because Did I say your neighborhood yet? Because Did I say your neighborhood yet? Because like the demoniac, if the Lord has like the demoniac, if the Lord has like the demoniac, if the Lord has worked a miracle of deliverance in your worked a miracle of deliverance in your worked a miracle of deliverance in your lives and he can use you to bring more lives and he can use you to bring more lives and he can use you to bring more people to himself, you have to go and people to himself, you have to go and people to himself, you have to go and tell the good news. tell the good news. tell the good news. >> Amen. The things we used to do, what we >> Amen. The things we used to do, what we >> Amen. The things we used to do, what we don't do no more. The places we used to don't do no more. The places we used to don't do no more. The places we used to go, what we don't go no more. The way we go, what we don't go no more. The way we go, what we don't go no more. The way we used to think, we don't think anymore. used to think, we don't think anymore. used to think, we don't think anymore. The courage that we have, we didn't The courage that we have, we didn't The courage that we have, we didn't always have. The peace that we now have, always have. The peace that we now have, always have. The peace that we now have, we did not always have. The way I used we did not always have. The way I used we did not always have. The way I used the way I love people, I didn't always the way I love people, I didn't always the way I love people, I didn't always love people. The self-control I have is love people. The self-control I have is love people. The self-control I have is not the self-control I always had. The not the self-control I always had. The not the self-control I always had. The the spirit the fruit of the spirit that the spirit the fruit of the spirit that the spirit the fruit of the spirit that I now display or not fruit that I always I now display or not fruit that I always I now display or not fruit that I always displayed. Right? And it's all because displayed. Right? And it's all because displayed. Right? And it's all because Jesus came into my chaos. Jesus came Jesus came into my chaos. Jesus came Jesus came into my chaos. Jesus came into your chaos and brought about peace into your chaos and brought about peace into your chaos and brought about peace and restoration. [applause] and restoration. [applause] and restoration. [applause] Amen. So now if Jesus came into your Amen. So now if Jesus came into your Amen. So now if Jesus came into your chaos, if Jesus came into your life and chaos, if Jesus came into your life and chaos, if Jesus came into your life and brought about peace and restoration, brought about peace and restoration, brought about peace and restoration, it's now your job. It's now your it's now your job. It's now your it's now your job. It's now your commission, just like the man in Mark 5 commission, just like the man in Mark 5 commission, just like the man in Mark 5 1-20, to tell our families, our 1-20, to tell our families, our 1-20, to tell our families, our co-workers, those in our communities, co-workers, those in our communities, co-workers, those in our communities, and those in our circles what Jesus has and those in our circles what Jesus has and those in our circles what Jesus has done for you so that all may be amazed.

done for you so that all may be amazed. done for you so that all may be amazed. Amen. Amen. Amen. [applause] >> [applause] >> [applause] >> Hallelujah. Well, Well, the invitation is extended. Father, we thank you Father, we thank you for all of your blessings, for all of your blessings, for all of your blessings, especially the blessing of your word especially the blessing of your word especially the blessing of your word through the blessing through the blessing through the blessing of Reverend Miles Cutter. of Reverend Miles Cutter. of Reverend Miles Cutter. Now, we ask that you move on your Now, we ask that you move on your Now, we ask that you move on your people. people. people. If there's anybody here who has not If there's anybody here who has not If there's anybody here who has not accepted Jesus as savior and lord of their life, Jesus as savior and lord of their life, let them know tonight that they can be let them know tonight that they can be let them know tonight that they can be delivered.

If there's somebody here tonight seeking If there's somebody here tonight seeking a church home, a church home, a church home, we pray that you would guide them down we pray that you would guide them down we pray that you would guide them down the aisle even tonight. Or Or if there's somebody here on temporary if there's somebody here on temporary if there's somebody here on temporary assignment, assignment, assignment, let them know that we'll be glad to let them know that we'll be glad to let them know that we'll be glad to watch over them while they're in town watch over them while they're in town watch over them while they're in town for school, for work, for school, for work, for school, for work, for health concerns. for health concerns. for health concerns. This invitation goes out to all of them This invitation goes out to all of them This invitation goes out to all of them to make [music] a move to make [music] a move to make [music] a move in their lives in their lives in their lives that will cause them that will cause them that will cause them [music] to experience the miracle of [music] to experience the miracle of [music] to experience the miracle of deliverance. deliverance. deliverance. 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. [music] Amen. God, we pray. [music] Amen. God, we pray. [music] Amen. And thank God. And thank God. And thank God. Would you come?

Would you come? Would you come? [music] [music] [music] Is there one tonight? [music] Yeah. [music] Yeah. Oh, wonderful change change [music] [music] [music] has [singing] come home has [singing] come home has [singing] come home for me. for me. for me. [music] [music] [music] Oh, [singing] Oh, [singing] Oh, [singing] one one one of of of >> is there another come on [music] >> is there another come on [music] >> is there another come on [music] has come home has come home has come home for me. [music] for me. [music] for me. [music] Oh, [singing] has [singing] has [singing] come over [music] me. [music] me. Yes, it has. Oh, Yes, it has. Oh, Yes, it has. Oh, the fall [singing] the fall [singing] the fall [singing] change change change [music] [music] [music] has come home.

has come home. has come home. for me. [singing] for me. [singing] for me. [singing] [music] James. James. Okay. Say, "Hey, James." [singing] Okay. Say, "Hey, James." [singing] Okay. Say, "Hey, James." [singing] [music] >> James, we're glad. We're delighted. >> James, we're glad. We're delighted. We're excited to [music] have you as a We're excited to [music] have you as a We're excited to [music] have you as a part of our church family. part of our church family. part of our church family. >> I see you with your Bible in your hand. >> I see you with your Bible in your hand. >> I see you with your Bible in your hand. Yes, indeed. [music] Yes, indeed. [music] Yes, indeed. [music] We're excited about what God is going to We're excited about what God is going to We're excited about what God is going to do in you and through you and with you do in you and through you and with you do in you and through you and with you and for you in the life of our church. and for you in the life of our church. and for you in the life of our church. Amen. [music] Amen. [music] Amen. [music] Amen. Listen, Amen. Listen, Amen. Listen, on behalf of our pastor, [music] on behalf of our pastor, [music] on behalf of our pastor, [music] on behalf of all of our members, we just on behalf of all of our members, we just on behalf of all of our members, we just welcome you. welcome you. welcome you. Would [music] you go this way and follow our deacon you go this way and follow our deacon and she'll take you [music] and she'll take you [music] and she'll take you [music] to where they'll do intake for our new to where they'll do intake for our new to where they'll do intake for our new members. [music] Amen.

members. [music] Amen. members. [music] Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Give the Lord a hand of praise [music] Give the Lord a hand of praise [music] Give the Lord a hand of praise [music] for James. for James. for James. Amen. Amen. Amen. [music] [music] [music] Amen. Amen. Amen. And now give an appreciative applause And now give an appreciative applause And now give an appreciative applause and encouragement and encouragement and encouragement [music] [music] [music] to Reverend Miles Cutter. [music] [music] Were you blessed tonight? Were you blessed tonight? Were you blessed tonight? >> Praise the Lord. There's more to come. >> Praise the Lord. There's more to come. >> Praise the Lord. There's more to come. Amen. Amen. Amen. For the next few weeks, [music] we'll be For the next few weeks, [music] we'll be For the next few weeks, [music] we'll be hearing from each of our uh interns. As hearing from each of our uh interns. As hearing from each of our uh interns. As a matter of fact, [music] a matter of fact, [music] a matter of fact, [music] we can't keep interns away. we can't keep interns away. we can't keep interns away. We kick [music] them out and they come We kick [music] them out and they come We kick [music] them out and they come back. back. back. I want to appreciate Reverend Daniel Arvy. [music] Reverend Daniel Arvy. [music] He's in town He's in town He's in town serving at another church, one of our serving at another church, one of our serving at another church, one of our sister churches, [music] sister churches, [music] sister churches, [music] uh, this summer and he came by to uh, this summer and he came by to uh, this summer and he came by to support the interns.

support the interns. support the interns. Amen. In particular, Reverend Miles. Amen. In particular, Reverend Miles. Amen. In particular, Reverend Miles. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. They keep coming back. [music] Amen. They keep coming back. [music] Amen. They keep coming back. [music] Yes, indeed. Let us stand. We're a Yes, indeed. Let us stand. We're a Yes, indeed. Let us stand. We're a little bit into overtime. little bit into overtime. little bit into overtime. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> is 801. Oops. Oops. Pass my mind. We do have one service [music] this We do have one service [music] this week. We had one on yesterday and [music] now We had one on yesterday and [music] now we have one tomorrow. Uh, [music] Uh, [music] Sister Sister Sister Oria Greg. [music] Oria Greg. [music] Oria Greg. [music] Orginia Greg. Orginia Greg. Orginia Greg. Her service is tomorrow here in the Will Her service is tomorrow here in the Will Her service is tomorrow here in the Will Avenue Baptist Church sanctuary at 11:00 Avenue Baptist Church sanctuary at 11:00 Avenue Baptist Church sanctuary at 11:00 a.m. If you cannot be here to support a.m. If you cannot be here to support a.m. If you cannot be here to support this family, please support them [music] this family, please support them [music] this family, please support them [music] with your prayers. Amen.

with your prayers. Amen. with your prayers. Amen. Amen. And we want to pray for all of our Amen. And we want to pray for all of our Amen. And we want to pray for all of our Bereave families [music] Bereave families [music] Bereave families [music] as well as our members with health as well as our members with health as well as our members with health concerns. concerns. concerns. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. It's been a tremendous night Amen. It's been a tremendous night Amen. It's been a tremendous night [music] [music] [music] and I'd hold y'all longer, but y'all be and I'd hold y'all longer, but y'all be and I'd hold y'all longer, but y'all be mad at me mad at me mad at me [music] [music] [music] only cuz I just enjoy your company. only cuz I just enjoy your company. only cuz I just enjoy your company. Praise God. Father, we thank you. Praise God. Father, we thank you. Praise God. Father, we thank you. We magnify your name. We magnify your name. We magnify your name. [music] We ask now We ask now that you would cause us that you would cause us that you would cause us to be a better people than when we to be a better people than when we to be a better people than when we arrived. [music] Help us not to be manipulative like Help us not to be manipulative like [music] the demons [music] the demons [music] the demons but surrender to your total and complete but surrender to your total and complete but surrender to your total and complete will. [music] We pray for the bereieved families among We pray for the bereieved families among [music] us.

[music] us. [music] us. We ask that you give them your comfort, We ask that you give them your comfort, We ask that you give them your comfort, your peace, and your strength. your peace, and your strength. your peace, and your strength. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> We pray for those who are sick among us, >> We pray for those who are sick among us, >> We pray for those who are sick among us, those with health concerns, [music] those with health concerns, [music] those with health concerns, [music] asking that you would heal their bodies asking that you would heal their bodies asking that you would heal their bodies in the name of [singing] Jesus. in the name of [singing] Jesus. in the name of [singing] Jesus. [music] [music] [music] Now, continue to bless our [music] interns as continue to bless our [music] interns as they seek to bless us throughout their they seek to bless us throughout their they seek to bless us throughout their stay here. stay here. stay here. Give them what they need, Lord. Give them what they need, Lord. Give them what they need, Lord. Bless him and bless him indeed. [music] Bless him and bless him indeed. [music] Bless him and bless him indeed. [music] Thank you for blessing Miles Cutter Thank you for blessing Miles Cutter Thank you for blessing Miles Cutter tonight tonight tonight and using him in [music] your service. and using him in [music] your service. and using him in [music] your service. Now it's unto you [music] Now it's unto you [music] Now it's unto you [music] because you're able to keep us from because you're able to keep us from because you're able to keep us from falling. falling. falling. You're able to present us You're able to present us You're able to present us [music] [music] [music] faultless faultless faultless in your presence.

in your presence. in your presence. You're the only wise God. [music] You're the only wise God. [music] You're the only wise God. [music] To you be power and majesty, glory, and To you be power and majesty, glory, and To you be power and majesty, glory, and dominion now, henceforth, and forever dominion now, henceforth, and forever dominion now, henceforth, and forever more. [music] more. [music] more. [music] Amen. It's in the name of Jesus, the Amen. It's in the name of Jesus, the Amen. It's in the name of Jesus, the Christ of God, we pray. [music] Christ of God, we pray. [music] Christ of God, we pray. [music] Amen.