Carrying Others to Christ: A Call to Action
Summary
In today's gathering, we delved into the profound narrative of the paralytic man whose friends carried him to Jesus, demonstrating an unwavering faith that not only led to his physical healing but also to the forgiveness of his sins. This story is a testament to the power of faith and the transformative impact of Jesus' love and forgiveness. It is a reminder that our greatest need is not physical healing but forgiveness, for without it, we have no hope for eternity.
We live in a world where many are lying on their own mats of despair, hopelessness, and sin. They may not be physically paralyzed, but they are immobilized by the burdens of life. It is our calling, as followers of Christ, to be the friends who carry these individuals to the feet of Jesus, where they can find true healing and forgiveness. This is the mission of our church, to reach out to the lost and broken, to extend the love and hope of Jesus to those who have yet to experience it.
Our community is filled with people who need the Lord, and it is our responsibility to do whatever it takes to bring them to Him. We are called to be bold in our faith, to pray with fervor, and to take action. Our church has been growing, and we are now embarking on a campaign to expand our facilities to accommodate the increasing number of people seeking God. This expansion is not just about physical space; it is about creating room for more souls to encounter the life-changing message of the Gospel.
We are not just building for ourselves but for the future generations who will come through our doors seeking hope and salvation. The legacy of those who have gone before us, who prayed and sacrificed for us to be here today, compels us to do the same for others. We are the current bearers of the mat, entrusted with the mission to bring others to Jesus.
Key Takeaways:
- Faith is the vehicle through which we bring others to Christ. Just as the friends of the paralytic man demonstrated their faith by bringing him to Jesus, we too must exercise our faith by actively seeking to bring those around us to the Savior. Our actions, fueled by faith, can lead to the healing and forgiveness of others. [49:33]
- The church is not a building; it is a community of believers called to action. Our expansion efforts are not about constructing walls but about breaking down barriers that prevent people from encountering Jesus. We are creating spaces where community, worship, and transformation can take place.
- Prayer is the foundation of our mission. It should be bold, desperate, and reflective of our dependence on God. If our prayers do not challenge us, they are not worthy of the God we serve. We must pray with the expectation that God will move mountains for His glory.
- We are indebted to those who have carried the mat before us, and we owe it to future generations to carry it now. Our legacy is not in the buildings we erect but in the lives we touch and the souls we help save. We are part of a continuum of faith that stretches back to the early church and forward into eternity.
- The greatest act of love we can show our neighbors is to introduce them to Jesus. It is not enough to live comfortably within our own faith; we must be driven by a love that compels us to share the Gospel with those who have yet to hear it. Our mission field starts right outside our doors, and we are called to be relentless in our pursuit to reach every soul.
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Mark 2:1-12 - The story of the paralytic man and his friends who brought him to Jesus for healing and forgiveness.
#### Observation Questions
1. What did Jesus say to the paralytic man that surprised everyone present? (Mark 2:5)
2. How did the faith of the paralytic man's friends play a role in his healing? (Mark 2:5)
3. What was the reaction of the crowd when the paralytic man was healed? (Mark 2:12)
4. According to the sermon, what is the greatest need in our community? ([12:30])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Jesus prioritized forgiving the paralytic man's sins before healing him physically? (Mark 2:5)
2. How does the faith of the friends in the story challenge our understanding of intercessory prayer and action? ([11:43])
3. In what ways does the story of the paralytic man illustrate the mission of the church as described in the sermon? ([14:45])
4. How does the concept of being "mat carriers" for others apply to our daily lives and interactions with those around us? ([24:52])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when someone else's faith helped you in a difficult situation. How can you be that person for someone else this week? ([11:43])
2. The sermon emphasized the importance of bold and desperate prayer. What specific area in your life or community needs such prayer, and how can you commit to praying for it? ([17:19])
3. The church is expanding to create more space for people to encounter Jesus. How can you contribute to this mission, either through prayer, volunteering, or inviting others? ([20:00])
4. Think about someone in your life who is "lying on their own mat of despair." What practical steps can you take to bring them to Jesus, just as the friends did for the paralytic man? ([12:30])
5. The sermon mentioned the legacy of those who have gone before us. How can you honor their legacy by being proactive in your faith and outreach efforts? ([24:52])
6. How can you ensure that your actions and prayers are not just comfortable but truly reflect a "whatever it takes" attitude to bring others to Christ? ([19:18])
7. Identify one person in your community who needs to hear the message of Jesus. What specific action will you take this week to share the Gospel with them? ([20:47])
Devotional
Day 1: Faith Moves Us to Action
Faith is not a passive state but a dynamic force that propels believers to take concrete steps towards bringing others to Christ. Just as the friends of the paralytic man in the Scriptures went to great lengths to bring him to Jesus, believers today are called to actively seek opportunities to guide those around them to the Savior. This faith in action is characterized by a willingness to step out of comfort zones, to engage with those who are struggling, and to be the hands and feet of Jesus in a world in need. It is through these acts of faith that healing and forgiveness can flow into the lives of others, transforming them from the inside out. [49:33]
James 2:17-18 (ESV)
"So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. But someone will say, 'You have faith and I have works.' Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works."
Reflection: Who is someone in your life that you can actively bring to Christ through your actions this week, and what is one step you can take to do so?
Day 2: The Church Beyond Walls
The church's true essence is found not in its physical structures but in its people and their mission to embody Christ's love. The expansion of a church building is symbolic of the broader mission to break down barriers that prevent people from encountering Jesus. It is about creating a welcoming space where community, worship, and transformation can flourish. Believers are called to be architects of God's kingdom on earth, building not just with bricks and mortar but with compassion, service, and the message of the Gospel that can renovate hearts and lives.
Ephesians 2:19-22 (ESV)
"So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord."
Reflection: How can you contribute to building a spiritual home that welcomes and nurtures those who are seeking God in your community?
Day 3: Prayer as Our Foundation
Prayer is the bedrock upon which the mission of the church stands. It is through bold and fervent prayer that believers express their dependence on God and their desire for His will to be done. Prayers that challenge and stretch faith are the ones that resonate with the heart of God, who delights in doing the impossible for His glory. The community of faith is urged to come together in prayer, not only asking for personal needs but also interceding for the transformation of lives and the expansion of God's kingdom on earth.
Colossians 4:2-4 (ESV)
"Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison— that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak."
Reflection: What is one bold prayer you can commit to praying this week that reflects your dependence on God and your desire for His glory?
Day 4: Legacy of Faithful Stewardship
The legacy of faith is not encapsulated in the physical edifices we build but in the lives we impact and the souls we contribute to saving. As current bearers of the mat, believers are entrusted with the mission to bring others to Jesus, just as those who came before them. This stewardship of faith calls for a commitment to serve, to give, and to pray for the future generations, ensuring that the message of hope and salvation continues to be shared far and wide.
Hebrews 13:7 (ESV)
"Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith."
Reflection: In what ways can you honor the legacy of those who have carried the mat before you, and how can you leave a lasting spiritual legacy for future generations?
Day 5: Love Compels Gospel Sharing
The greatest expression of love for one's neighbor is to share the life-changing message of Jesus Christ. Comfort within personal faith is not the end goal; rather, believers are driven by a love that compels them to reach out to those who have not yet heard the Gospel. The mission field begins just outside the doors of the church, and it is the responsibility of every believer to be relentless in the pursuit of reaching every soul with the love and truth of Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 2:8 (ESV)
"So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us."
Reflection: What is one tangible way you can demonstrate love to your neighbor this week, and how can you incorporate sharing the Gospel into that act of love?
Quotes
"We live in a world full of people on mats... they've lost hope that God loves them, they've lost hope God cares for them... till they have some friends show up that look like you." [12:30](Download | )
"If your prayers don't intimidate you, they're an insult to God... I knew if we didn't do something, I was going to be disobedient." [18:42](Download | )
"880,000 people live within 15 minutes of this church and don't go to church anywhere... we're going to do something about it, we're going to grab the mat." [20:00](Download | )
"Somebody in the future is counting on you to grab your side of the mat to help them find their way home." [25:35](Download | )
"It's not just for Sundays... over 50,000 people a year come through this campus. This gives us a place to make Northstar feel like home." [21:20](Download | )
"I can't stand the thought that you invited your friend and they couldn't get in the room... some people, when there's no room, they leave." [23:27](Download | )
Chatbot
-
I'm an AI bot trained specifically on the sermon from Jan 22, 2024. Do you have any questions about it?