Today I’m venturing to Harvest Bible Chapel in Rochester, MN. The lesson is taken from scripture in Mark.
Before Service
I was invited here by a leader from one of my young adult ministry groups. After a little Google-mapping the night prior I am on my way to the church across town. A sign at the intersection guides me there safely—I’m very thankful for it!
This church is actually located inside a middle school auditorium. As I arrive I’m greeted initially by a man and a women holding both doors open. Before even arriving I’m impressed with their signage and open-door greeting (its May it is still quite cool in Minnesota). The second set of double doors appear to be held by several Sunday School students. They are silent–but adorable! After entering the main lobby area there is a line of greeters to direct traffic for newcomers and also engage friends as they arrive. I lock eyes with a young woman–I don’t remember her name–standing at the “new guests” table. She looks at me as if she’s met me before—I’m compelled to walk over to her. She in fact had never met me before—but that said something about the atmosphere at the church already. I felt very welcomed.
I follow a herd of people through a hallway and arrive at the auditorium. There are two entrances, each with two greeters handing out pamphlets for today’s sermon. I enter and see a stack of Bibles just inside the door and immediately fall in love. I begin my walk to sneak in front like usual—a little more skill is involved today because of the staircase seating. There are ushers directing people to where there are open seats—an awesome plus. I find a spot of front and make myself comfortable.
The enthusiasm from the congregation during the worship is awesome by the way–the room is spinning. Lots of interaction from everyone. I see Pastor Deedrick (Steve) in front on the left side also participating. After ~20 minutes of worship music we’re ready for harvest.
Steve walks to the front and before beginning he drops to a knee and says a quick prayer for strength and guidance over the service he’s about to preach.
The Sermon
“Do your actions speak louder than your words?”
Mark 2:1-12 (ESV)
1And when he returned to Capernaum after some days, it was reported that he was at home. 2 And many were gathered together, so that there was no more room, not even at the door. And he was preaching the word to them. 3 And they came, bringing to him a paralytic carried by four men. 4 And when they could not get near him because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him, and when they had made an opening, they let down the bed on which the paralytic lay.5 And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.” 6 Now some of the scribes were sitting there, questioning in their hearts, 7 “Why does this man speak like that? He is blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?” 8 And immediately Jesus, perceiving in his spirit that they thus questioned within themselves, said to them, “Why do you question these things in your hearts? 9 Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise, take up your bed and walk’? 10 But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he said to the paralytic—11 “I say to you, rise, pick up your bed, and go home.”12 And he rose and immediately picked up his bed and went out before them all, so that they were all amazed and glorified God, saying, “We never saw anything like this!”
This is an amazingly powerful scripture, and with the insight and guidance I gained from Steve’s message today I’m excited to give you my interpretation.
Let us review the significance of the Scribes reaction to “We never say anything like this!” This is a big deal because in Biblical times the Scribes where the counselors for the Pharisees—who then went out and taught the word. In essence, the Scribes were the teachers for the teachers. We give the Scribes credit for knowing things.
The fact that all the Scribes had never seen anything like this meant even their eyes were opened to the power of God, and that Jesus truly was the Son of Man.
Steve separated his lesson today into four parts within Mark’s scripture. I will interpret through my eyes the key points from the lesson.
4 Actions That Show Your Faith
1. “I listen close to God’s word” or “I listen up to God’s word.” [Verses 1-2]
“Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Matthew 4:17
Meaning repent from those who are telling you lies, for the Kingdom of heaven is prepared to deliver its message. How do we enable our actions to speak louder than words? By listening in.
2. “I lean in to Jesus.” [Verses 3-4]
“And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe the he exists and the he rewards those who seek him.” Hebrews 11:6
Steve asks a very good question “what keeps me from drawing near?”
3. “I lay down my ______________.”
You’re supposed to fill in the blank on this one. I really resonated with something Steve said here.
“Satan deals with generalities and God lays down specifics.” [tweet this] What can you lay down to show your faith to God?
4. “I live out my Faith.” [Verse 12]
The man’s faith saved him. In essence, he was basically telling Scribes how it was by standing up and walking out of the room on his own accord. His actions spoke much louder than his words because you knew by the words Jesus had spoken he had been healed.
The action I seek to work on the most from Pastor Deedrick’s lesson was number four. I ask myself the question “what does it mean to truly live out your faith?” It means reading what the Bible says and instead of just thinking on it actually acting on it. I’m making a commitment to myself to grow in my actions.
Question: Which of Pastor Steve Deedrick’s four actions that show your faith do you struggle with the most? You can leave a comment by clicking here.