This past Saturday night at Refuge Church we were once again a livestream from the Coronavirus stay at home order. Our teaching came from Mark 14. It’s the story of two people, one in slavery, the other in freedom. Why do two people in the same circumstances experience such different levels of contentment and happiness. It’s simple math … Happiness = Realty/Expectations. To have freedom (happiness); we have to see the beauty of Jesus.
On Easter Eve we share the story of the Good News of Love. The LOVE Jesus came to redefine and reclaim. A love that overcame darkness, defeated death and died to bring us new life.
At the Passover meal Jesus shocks the disciples by revealing one of his own will betray him and another deny him that very evening. Mark 14:12-42
This week Jesus both Compels and Confuses us with his Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem. It’s time for the king to arrive and take his throne, but Jesus’ entry changes everything.
When the Bible talks of our hearts, the writers are speaking of our inner most being; our thoughts, motivations, emotions. In The Gospel of Mark, chapter-7, Jesus declares all hearts unclean, and the source of our defilement not external, but internal. But Jesus doesn’t leave us there, he gives us a solution. If we want to get well, Jesus offers a new heart, and a clean start.
Our text this week begins with a ludicrous and inadequate supply, in the hands of a reluctant distribution team. Sound familiar? But Jesus says … Give the people what you have, and I’ll make it enough.
Life is a choice between two unmanageable powers. The storm that is unmanageable and doesn’t love you. Or a God who is unmanageable, but knows each hair on your head and loves you.
When you truly seek to HEAR God’s Word and let it take root, it will transform your desires, your hopes, your dreams, your response to trials, the pursuits of your life, the way you raise your kids, the way you love your spouse. It will produce a bountiful harvest.
Due to some technical difficulties, we only recorded a portion of the audio from this message (2nd half), however, the full written manuscript follows, and as an added bonus, this week we’ve also included the audio for our time of worship together.
Jesus not only heals the paralytic from his physical condition, but more amazingly heals the man of his spiritual condition. This week guest speak Len Alexander takes us on a journey of love and compassion through this amazing event.
