Bringing Others to Jesus: A Community Effort
Summary
On this Palm Sunday, as we prepare for Easter, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for your generous giving. Your tithes and offerings enable us to fulfill God's calling in Sand Springs and beyond. This week, I want to highlight our Next Gen Ministries, which are vital in raising the next generation of disciples. As you give today, consider supporting these ministries, as they are constantly active in nurturing our children and youth.
Before diving into today's message, let's pause to pray for those in our community dealing with sickness and challenges. We stand on God's promise of healing and trust in His plan for us. Today, we conclude our series "Life on Purpose," focusing on living according to God's purpose. Often, we confuse our gifts with our purpose, but our gifts are merely vehicles to fulfill God's purpose, which is to bring those far from Him into a relationship with Him.
In Mark 2, we find the story of a paralytic man brought to Jesus by his friends. This story illustrates several key points. First, people are naturally drawn to Jesus, not the image of Him we sometimes create. Jesus never had trouble gathering a crowd because He stood for something. Second, the friends of the paralytic were determined to reach Jesus, refusing to let obstacles deter them. This challenges us to consider what risks we are willing to take to bring others to Christ.
Third, this was a community effort. It took multiple people working together to bring the paralytic to Jesus, just as it takes all of us to reach out to those around us. Fourth, Jesus responded to the faith of the friends, not just the paralytic. Our faith can have a profound impact on those we care about. As we approach Easter, let's pray for a burden and boldness to reach out to those who need Jesus. May we be undeterred in our determination to bring others to Him.
Key Takeaways:
1. People are Attracted to Jesus: Jesus naturally drew crowds because He stood for something meaningful. People are not turned off by Jesus Himself but by the image we sometimes create. We must present the true Jesus, who stands for love, truth, and conviction. [50:35]
2. Determination in Faith: The friends of the paralytic were undeterred by obstacles. They took risks to bring their friend to Jesus. This challenges us to consider what risks we are willing to take to bring others to Christ, even if it means facing social inconvenience or rejection. [53:48]
3. Community Effort: Bringing the paralytic to Jesus was a community effort. It required multiple people working together. Similarly, reaching out to others is a collective responsibility. We must all do our part to bring people to Jesus, especially during significant times like Easter. [59:03]
4. Faith Moves Jesus: Jesus responded to the faith of the friends, not just the paralytic. Our faith can have a profound impact on those we care about. We must be undeterred in our determination to bring others to Jesus, trusting that our faith can lead to their transformation. [01:02:21]
5. Praying for Burden and Boldness: As we approach Easter, we should pray for a burden for the lost and a boldness to reach out. Boldness is not the absence of fear but the courage to act despite it. We must step out of our comfort zones to share the love of Christ with others. [01:06:00]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:30] - Gratitude for Generosity
- [02:00] - Highlighting Next Gen Ministries
- [03:30] - Prayer for Healing
- [05:00] - Life on Purpose Series Conclusion
- [07:00] - Understanding Purpose and Gifting
- [10:00] - Mark 2: The Paralytic's Story
- [12:00] - People Attracted to Jesus
- [15:00] - Determination in Faith
- [18:00] - Community Effort in Faith
- [20:00] - Faith Moves Jesus
- [23:00] - Praying for Burden and Boldness
- [26:00] - Invitation to Salvation
- [29:00] - Closing Prayer and Call to Action
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Mark 2:1-12
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Observation Questions:
1. In Mark 2, what actions did the friends of the paralytic take to bring him to Jesus, and what obstacles did they face? [40:04]
2. How did Jesus respond to the faith of the paralytic's friends, and what was the result for the paralytic man? [01:02:21]
3. What was the reaction of the crowd and the teachers of the law to Jesus' actions and words in this story? [47:13]
4. According to the sermon, what are some reasons people are naturally drawn to Jesus? [50:35]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. What does the story of the paralytic and his friends teach us about the importance of community in bringing others to Jesus? [59:03]
2. How does the determination of the paralytic's friends challenge our own willingness to take risks for the sake of others' spiritual well-being? [53:48]
3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that our faith can impact the lives of those around us? [01:02:21]
4. How does the sermon differentiate between the image of Jesus that people are drawn to and the image that might turn them away? [50:35]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you faced obstacles in sharing your faith. How did you respond, and what might you do differently in the future to overcome such challenges? [53:48]
2. Consider the role of community in your spiritual journey. How can you actively contribute to a community effort to bring others to Jesus, especially during significant times like Easter? [59:03]
3. Identify someone in your life who is far from Jesus. What specific steps can you take this week to reach out to them with love and boldness? [01:06:00]
4. The sermon emphasizes the need for a burden and boldness in sharing the gospel. What practical steps can you take to cultivate these qualities in your life? [01:06:00]
5. How can you ensure that the image of Jesus you present to others is one of love, truth, and conviction, rather than a distorted version that might turn them away? [50:35]
6. Reflect on your own faith journey. How has the faith of others impacted your relationship with Jesus, and how can you be that influence for someone else? [01:02:21]
7. What specific actions can you take this week to step out of your comfort zone and share the love of Christ with someone who needs it? [01:06:00]
Devotional
Day 1: Presenting the True Jesus
People are naturally drawn to Jesus because He embodies love, truth, and conviction. However, the image of Jesus that is sometimes portrayed can be misleading and off-putting. It is crucial to present the true Jesus, who stands for meaningful values that resonate deeply with people. By doing so, we can help others see the genuine character of Jesus and the transformative power of His message. As we approach Easter, let us focus on sharing the authentic Jesus with those around us, ensuring that our actions and words reflect His true nature. [50:35]
Matthew 11:28-30 (ESV): "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."
Reflection: Who in your life might have a distorted view of Jesus? How can you help them see the true Jesus through your actions and words today?
Day 2: Risking for the Sake of Faith
The story of the paralytic's friends in Mark 2 demonstrates a powerful determination to overcome obstacles in order to bring someone to Jesus. Their unwavering faith and willingness to take risks challenge us to consider what we are willing to do to bring others to Christ. This may involve facing social inconvenience or rejection, but the reward of seeing someone come to know Jesus is worth the risk. As we reflect on this story, let us ask ourselves what steps we can take to bring others to Jesus, even when it requires courage and boldness. [53:48]
2 Corinthians 5:20 (ESV): "Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God."
Reflection: What is one specific risk you can take this week to share your faith with someone who needs to hear about Jesus?
Day 3: The Power of Community in Faith
The effort to bring the paralytic to Jesus was a community endeavor, highlighting the importance of working together to reach those in need. Just as it took multiple people to bring the paralytic to Jesus, it takes a collective effort to reach out to others and share the love of Christ. This story reminds us that we are not alone in our mission to spread the gospel; we are part of a larger community that supports and encourages one another. As we approach Easter, let us commit to working together as a community to bring others to Jesus. [59:03]
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (ESV): "Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!"
Reflection: How can you collaborate with others in your community to reach out to someone who needs to experience the love of Christ?
Day 4: Faith that Moves Jesus
In the story of the paralytic, Jesus responded to the faith of the friends, not just the paralytic himself. This demonstrates the profound impact our faith can have on those we care about. Our faith can lead to the transformation of others, as it moves Jesus to act on their behalf. As we reflect on this story, let us be encouraged to have faith not only for ourselves but also for those around us. Our faith can be a catalyst for change in the lives of others, leading them to experience the love and power of Jesus. [01:02:21]
James 5:15 (ESV): "And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven."
Reflection: Who in your life needs your faith to intercede for them? How can you actively pray and believe for their transformation today?
Day 5: Praying for Burden and Boldness
As we approach Easter, we are called to pray for a burden for the lost and a boldness to reach out to them. Boldness is not the absence of fear but the courage to act despite it. We must step out of our comfort zones to share the love of Christ with others, trusting that God will give us the strength and courage we need. As we pray for this burden and boldness, let us be open to the opportunities God places before us to share His love and message with those who need it most. [01:06:00]
Acts 4:29-31 (ESV): "And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness, while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus."
Reflection: What specific step can you take today to step out of your comfort zone and share the love of Christ with someone who needs it?
Quotes
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God has given you a gift to fulfill His purpose. But your gift is not your purpose. Come on, your gift is a vehicle that He's given you to fulfill His purpose in the earth. And so we have to understand that His purpose is not for you to be a doctor or a lawyer or an entrepreneur. His purpose in the earth is so that those who are far from Him might come to know Him and be saved eternally. Come on, that is His purpose in the earth. He said it like this in Mark 16 and Matthew 28. He said, go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. [00:36:35]
Come on, if we want to understand the purpose and the plan of God, we have to start with God's purpose, not with our desire. You understand that, right? And the thing is, is God so beautifully wove it all together so that my gifting makes way for me to fulfill His purpose. Come on. But His purpose is not my gifting. And so we have to understand that. So we've been talking about His purpose in this series because oftentimes we'll talk about His more for our life. And I don't ever want it to get distracted because I want it to always remain on His purpose. [00:37:55] (48 seconds)
Now, some teachers of the law were sitting there thinking to themselves, Why does this fellow talk like that? He's blaspheming. Who can forgive sins but God alone? And immediately, Jesus knew in his spirit that this was what they were thinking in their hearts. And he said to them, Why are you thinking these things? Which is easier to say to this paralyzed man, your sins are forgiven, or to say, Get up, take your mat, and walk. But I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins. So he said to the man, I tell you, Get up, take your mat, and go home. [00:40:32] (39 seconds)
And it says, and they gathered. Now notice, prior to this, they weren't gathering. He just kind of hung out. He could hang out at his own house. Nobody really bothered him. But now he's beginning to have a name built for himself. He's becoming famous. And all of a sudden, now the people are gathering around him. And it says in such large number that they couldn't get in the door. Right? Now, the way that the houses were built back then was they were actually built down. And the roof was really ground level. And they would take, like, grass and stuff and mix it with mud. And that's what they would make the roof out of. [00:45:01] (44 seconds)
And so these guys couldn't get in. And so now they walk around back up the side of this little hill, go over the house, and they begin to dig through the roof to lower their friend down into. Now, I'd never really thought about this until I really started studying it. And the thing is, is now most people, most theologians, or many theologians put out there that this was very much likely Jesus' house. It wasn't some random house he had just shown up at. Remember, they had heard he had come home. [00:46:55] (42 seconds)
The first thing that I noticed when I was reading this story is that people are attracted to Jesus. Now, I know that there have been all kind of statistics put out in the United States of America that church attendance was dropping off and all of this kind of stuff. But the fact is, is that people are attracted to Jesus. Many times, people are not attracted to the image of Jesus that we have set up. Read the Gospels, and you'll see Jesus never had a problem gathering a crowd. I mean, it went from him being not known to him coming back to his hometown and then packing out his little house, which was probably somewhere between 50 and 100 people. [00:48:29] (64 seconds)
People are not turned off by Jesus. People are turned off by the image of him we've set up. People are not interested in a pansy, don't stand for anything Jesus. Come on, we want to create church in the image of our culture so that we don't say the hard stuff, so that we don't address the controversial issues, so that we don't deal with sin. We don't even call it sin anymore. It's issues, it's trouble, it's problems. Jesus didn't come to die for your problem. He came to die because of your sin. Okay? People do not have a problem following someone with convictions. Jesus had convictions. [00:49:51] (65 seconds)
The second thing I noticed from this story was that the friends were unwilling to settle for anything less than Jesus. Notice, notice, when they hit a bump in the road or a crowd in the doorway, they could have set their friend down and said, you know what, we tried, buddy. I really, you know, we gave it our all. We gave it our best effort and, and, and, because the fact is, is they were taking the liability on themselves to dig a hole in the roof. And they had already been bold enough to pick this friend up from where he was and carry him from where he was to Jesus' house. [00:53:38] (41 seconds)
They could have said, you know what, buddy, man, we really, I hate it. Let's, let's leave you here and maybe he'll come out after he's done and the crowd's kind of dissipate. Let's, let's just kind of wait and see. If it be thy will, oh Lord. No. They had come for Jesus and they weren't going to give up just because some person had blocked their entrance. That's why I have, I have, I have real issues now listen, hear me out, please hear me out. I have real issue when people stop coming to church because of church hurt. Now, I realize church hurt's a thing. Okay? Listen, I've been in ministry for a long time now. [00:54:48] (47 seconds)
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