This Week's Sunday School Lesson, "A Lesson InThe Power Of Prayer", 4/3/2016

A LESSON IN THE POWER OF FAITH

Luke 7:1-10

PREACH THE WORD IN SEASON AND OUT OF SEASON

V:1. "When Jesus had finished saying all this in the hearing of the people, he entered Capernaum."

A. The ministry of Jesus was never stagnant.

     1. Jesus was always on the move,   from one place to another.

     2. He taught the Word at the sea side of  Galilee before going into

         Capernaum.

 B. There is nothing more profitable than discussing the Word of God to those we

      meet along our journey.

     1. Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God.

     2. You never know who is listening and who is carrying the Word ahead of

          you.

     3. God may use the Word proclaimed by you  to prepare others to receive

         the Word in other places.

     4. If God has been good to you, you ought to make some noise about Jesus.

     5. Our testimony is important to those we meet.

 C. The sea of Galilee ( Lake Gennesaret) is a large fresh water lake, 600 feet below sea

       level

      1. There were at least nine cities around the lake and 230 fishing boats at work doing

           Jesus  ministry.

      2. The cities drew their fresh water from the lake.

      3. The sea of Galilee was a place of commerce where large groups worked and traded

           their goods.

      4. It was an ideal place to find people to hear the Word and witness the miracles of

          Jesus.

IT'S OUR PROBLEMS THAT CAUSES US TO SEEK JESUS

V:2-3. " There a centurion's servant, whom his master valued highly, was sick and about to die. 3 The centurion heard of Jesus and sent some elders of the Jews to him, asking him to come and heal his servant."

A. The centurion was a wise man.

     1. He sent for doctor Jesus to heal His servant.

     2. He was a Roman soldier who heard about Jesus.

     3. He believed that if Jesus could work miracles in the lives of others, He could

         heal his servant.

 B. The New Testament is full of stories about the miracles of Jesus.

     1. We ought to be quick to call Jesus when we have a problem.

     2. The centurion didn't have a relationship with Jesus, yet He didn't hesitate

          to call on Him.

     3. The centurion sent the elders of the Church to intercede for him.

     4. The centurion expressed faith in the healing powers of Jesus.

     5. Faith in Jesus causes Him to act on your behalf. 

INTERCESSORY PRAYER GET'S THE SAVIOR ATTENTION

 V:4-5. " When they came to Jesus, they pleaded earnestly with him, "This man deserves to have you do this, 5 because he loves our nation and has built our synagogue."

A. The centurion was a good man.

     1. He cared for the nation Israel.

     2. He was helpful to the Jews.

     2. He showed His love by using his position to building a synagogue  for the Jews.

B. The Jews thought the centurion deserved Jesus help because of his deeds.

     1. The Jews were mistaken. No one deserves Jesus.

     2. All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.

     3. Even the good we do is just a filthy rag before the Lord.

     4. Jesus is not obligate to you because of your good works.

     4. It is only by the Grace of God that we have access to Him through

         His Son.

PRESENT YOURSELF HUMBLY BEFORE THE LORD

V: 6. " So Jesus went with them. He was not far from the house when the centurion sent friends to say to him: "Lord, don't trouble yourself, for I do not deserve to have you come under my roof."

A. It was not the centurion's deeds that causeed Jesus to act, but his faith.

     1. The centurion expressed his faith in Jesus by considering Jesus as his only

          source of help.

     2. The centurion expressed his faith by requesting those who had a relationship with

          the Father to call on Jesus for him.

 B. The centurion had the right attitude.

    1. He humble himself before Jesus.

    2. He realized his unworthiness.

    3. He realized the unworthiness of his household.

    4. You cannot stand before Jesus with a proud spirit.

    5. The Lord hates the proud.

THE AUTHORITY OF JESUS OVER YOUR SITUATION

V:7. " That is why I did not even consider myself worthy to come to you. But say the word, and my servant will be healed. "

A. The centurion had another quality in his faith that the Jews didn't have.

    1. He knew in His heart that Jesus didn't have to be present for

        his servant to be healed.

    2. It is the mind of Jesus directed at you, that is the solution to your problem.

B. The power of Jesus is not His physical touch, but His spiritual touch.

   1. A relationship with Jesus is the first step in solving your problem.

   2. Your prayers in faith is the solution to your problem.

   3. The centurion's action is the truth of the scripture.

      a. If anyone is sick, let him call the elders to  pray for him and he will

          recover.

      b. Intercessory prayer is powerful and recommended by the Lord.

A PHYSICAL EXAMPLE OF A SPIRITUAL REALITY

V: 8. " For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, 'Go,' and he goes; and that one, 'Come,' and he comes. I say to my servant, 'Do this,' and he does it."

A. The centurion used a physical example to describe a spiritual reality.

    1. Jesus has all power over heaven and earth.

    2. Jesus is the sole authority over all his creation.

B. Everything moves on the Word of Jesus.

   1. Nothing happens without the knowledge of Jesus.

   2. Everything that happens is by the will of Jesus.

   3. It is by the Grace of God that we are included in the will of Jesus.

FAITH IS THE KEY TO YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH THE LORD

V: 9. " When Jesus heard this, he was amazed at him, and turning to the crowd following him, he said, "I tell you, I have not found such great faith even in Israel."

A. Even though the centurion had never met Jesus, he had complete faith in Jesus.

   1. It was the faith of the centurion that established his relationship with Jesus

   2. It was the faith of the centurion that justified him before the Father in heaven.

   3. It was the faith of the centurion that caused Jesus to heal his servant.

B. Jesus used the sickness of the centurion's servant to show His disciples what faith

     really is and what faith in Him accomplishes.

   1. Faith draws you to Jesus.

   2. Faith establishes your relationship with Jesus.

   3. Faith causes Jesus to act on your behalf.

FAITH IN JESUS WORKS MIRACLES

V:10. " Then the men who had been sent returned to the house and found the servant

   well."

 A. Jesus will use your situation to be a testimony to someone else.

     1. A number of people were blessed by the centurion faith.

     2. The centurion was blessed.

     3. The centurion's servant was blessed,

     4. The Jews the centurion sent to Jesus were blessed.

     5. Those who followed Jesus were blessed.

     6. All were blessed with the knowledge that faith in Jesus solves problems.

YOUR PROBLEMS ARE DESIGNED TO GROW YOUR FAITH

Rev. M. Mitchell

Asst Pastor Of Greater Macedonia Baptist Church

5510 west Sam Houston Parkway

Houston, Texas

This Week' Sunday School Lesson, "Growing By Serving", 3/27/2016

GROWING BY SERVING

Mark 16:1-10

This story has been told many times and in many ways. I want to consider the

the ministry of the women; their faith in action. Each verse tells us something

about their  character and the growth of their devotion.

OBEDIENCE IS  BASIC TO SUCCESS

V:1. When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices so that they might go to anoint Jesus' body.

1. They were obedience first to God's commands.

   a. They followed the law.

   b. They waited until the Sabbath was over to start their mission for Jesus.

2. They were prepared to serve.

   a. They secured all the resources to complete their mission.

   b. Their mission was to anoint the body of Jesus.

3.They sacrificed their safety to show their love for Jesus.

GET STARTED EARLY

V: 2-3. " Very early on the first day of the week, just after sunrise, they were on their way to the tomb 3 and they asked each other, "Who will roll the stone away from the entrance of the tomb?"

1. The all were on one accord.

2. They did not take any dead weight with them.

   a. Only the ones who would serve went to the tomb.

   b. Those who had negative attitudes stayed home.

3. As they went on their way, they considered what needed to be done.

    a. Until you get started serving Jesus, you want know all that is required.

    b. When you get started, you find more to be done.

    c. Don't  worry, faith in Jesus is all you need.

LEARN ON THE MISSION

V:4. " But when they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had been rolled away."

1. Anytime you are on a mission for Jesus, there will be something to test your faith.

    a. They knew they needed help moving the stone, but had no idea who

        would help them.

    b. Jesus will provide whatever you need to complete your mission for Him.

    c. He has a vested interest in your success.

2. Jesus is bigger than any problem you have.

3. Trust  the Lord to be the strength of you mission.

GOD ENLIGHTENS YOU AS YOU SERVE

 V:5-6. " As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side, and they were alarmed. 6 "Don't be alarmed," he said. "You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him."

1. They came looking for the dead, but found the living.

2. They came to celebrate the  end of a life but found the beginning of eternal life.

3. They came with little understanding of God's Word, but left enlighten.

4. The angels reminded them of the truth in God's Word.

5. If God said it, act upon it.

ACCEPT NEW DIRECTIONS

V:7  "But go, tell his disciples and Peter, 'He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you."

 1. The women came with their own mission, but were given a new mission.

 2. We learn the Word of God by doing the work of God.

 3. Since they were the first to visit the tomb of Jesus, they were first to witness His  

    resurrection.

 4. The women came on the sad occasion of Jesus death but left with the joy of His

     resurrection.

 5. When you study God's Word, you will be first to be reward by what you have studied.

 6. Once you have been encouraged, God expects you to encourage others.

SERVING GOD PROVIDES NEW EXCITEMENTS

V:8. " Trembling and bewildered, the women went out and fled from the tomb. They said   

    nothing to anyone, because they were afraid.

 1. The women  witnessed several miracles that they could not understand.

 2. There were no guards posted at the tomb.

 3. The large heavy stone had been roll away from the tomb.

 4. Angels were sitting inside the tomb.

 5. They heard the message from the angels that Jesus had been resurrected.

 6. They met Jesus on their way back to their homes.

 7. They were both excited and afraid.

 8. We ought to be excited and fearful of the  our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

SERVING THE LORD SHOULD BE YOUR SOURCE OF EXCITMENT

Rev. M. Mitchell

Asst Pastor of Greater Macedonia Baptist Church

5510 West Sam Houston Parkway

Houston, Texas

This Week's Sunday School Lesson, "The Purpose For My Trials", 3/20/2016

THE PURPOSE FOR MY TRIALS

Mark 14:26-33,  66-72

The disciples had eaten the last passover meal with Jesus. He had participated in the

doctrine of communion with them. He had given the disciples the events leading to

His death. His disciples did not understand the significant of His death, nor did they want to see Him die. When you quit listening, you quit learning.                                                        

CHIRCH WORK BEGINS WHEN THE SERVICE ENDS

V:26-27.  When they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.

27 "You will all fall away," Jesus told them, "for it is written: "'I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered.'

A. Jesus knows what will happen to you before it happens.

    1. Some things that happens to you are according to God's divine plan of redemption.

    2. Whatever happens to you will work out for your good.

B. The good thing is, you are in God's plan.

    1. According to scripture, you will suffer with Christ and for Christ.

    2. It not unusual for us to be tempted to deny Christ as our faith is tested.

C. It was God's plan that Jesus be crucified and the disciples be push out of the

     Jerusalem.

    1. The Gospel was expanded by the movement of the disciples into new places.

    2. After the Resurrection, Jesus  commanded His disciples to

       take the Gospel to the ends of the earth. 

      a. This command is also given to us to proclaim the Gospel  where ever we go.

      b. In order to respond to God, you have to trust Him to prepare the way.  

THE LORD'S HAS PREDETERMINED ALL EVENTS

V:28. " But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee."

   A. Jesus gave the disciples beforehand knowledge of the order of events

       that would happen over the  resurrection weekend.

     1. First He would be delivered to the hands of evil men and crucified , then be

         resurrected.

     2. The disciples should not have been concerned about the events that took place.

 B. Because they were not listening they grieved at the death of Jesus.

    1. If they had been listening they would have been looking expectantly

       for His resurrection.

   2. If they had been listening, they not would have abandon Jesus, Friday night

       when He was taken captive.

   3. If they had believed  the Word of Jesus, they would not have spent the

       weekend in fear.

   4. When you don't trust the Word, you will spend countless hours worrying

       about things that Jesus has promised to take care of.

         

BOASTING IN YOURSELF IS SINFUL

V:29-31."  Peter declared, "Even if all fall away, I will not."

30 "I tell you the truth," Jesus answered, "today — yes, tonight — before the rooster crows twice you yourself will disown me three times."

31 But Peter insisted emphatically, "Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you." And all the others said the same. "

A. Our pride is a stumbling block to trusting in the Word.

     1. When we humble ourselves we can respect the Word of God.

     2. Trusting the Word will save much hardship.

B. Pride will cause you to say things you cannot backup.

    1. Pride is the work of the devil creeping into your life

    2. Pride is an irrational  behavior for a believer.

    3. Pride causes  you to over estimate your abilities.

    4. Pride will cause you to lie.

COMMUNICATION WITH THE FATHER THROUGH PRAYER

V:32 "They went to a place called Gethsemane, and Jesus said to his disciples, "Sit here while I pray."

 A. Prayer is  a primary tool of a believer.

     1. Before going into battle with Satan, have a conversation with God.

     2. The only person you can rely on is Jesus.

 B. When you pray, pray not only for yourself but for others who serve with you.

     1. When you pray, discuss with God the things you are concerned about.

     2. When you pray, include others who serve with you.

Mark 14:66-15:1

PEOPLE KNOW WHEN YOU BEEN WITH JESUS

V:66-68. While Peter was below in the courtyard, one of the servant girls of the high priest came by. 67 When she saw Peter warming himself, she looked closely at him. "You also were with that Nazarene, Jesus," she said. 68 But he denied it."

A. When you have been with Jesus, you will take on some of His characteristics.

   1. When you have been with Jesus, you can deny Him with your mouth, but your heart

        will be grieved.

   2. There are some people that you may not know that have been watching you.

   3. There are some people that you don't know that can tell a story about you.

   4. Peter did not know the servant girl, but  she had observed him.

   5. Not only did she know Peter, but she knew who he hung out with.

   6. Once you know the Lord for yourself, your mind want be to far from Him.

B. Once you know the Lord for yourself , you will be concerned about how you

     treat Him.

  1. No matter what setting you are in, your conscience want let you forget who you are

       and who's you are.

  2. The servant girl was Peter's conscience.

  3. Peter was in the right place, he just didn't have the guts to own up to it.

  4. It was cold that night. Only Jesus could warm up his heart.

LYING UNDER PRESSURE IS A LACK OF TRUST

V:69-70 "I don't know or understand what you're talking about," he said, and went out into the entryway. 69 When the servant girl saw him there, she said again to those standing around, "This fellow is one of them." 70 Again he denied it. After a little while, those standing near said to Peter, "Surely you are one of them, for you are a Galilean."

A. You can't get away from  your past.

    1. Your past will follow you around.

    2. When people look at you, they ought to see the best in you.

         a. Peter had been with Jesus, that was good.

         b. Peter was a Galilean, that was good.

   3. By denying Jesus, Peter denied the good that was in him.

JESUS CAN USE THE CONSEQUENCES OF YOUR SINS TO BRING YOU TO YOURSELF.

 71 He began to call down curses on himself, and he swore to them, "I don't know this man you're talking about." 72 Immediately the rooster crowed the second time. Then Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken to him: "Before the rooster crows twice you will disown me three times."

 And he broke down and wept.

A. The servant girl's persistence caused others in the crowd to recognize Peter as a

     disciple Jesus.

   1. When a believer try's to deny his relationship with Jesus, he gives the devil the

        opportunity to take charge of your mind.

   2. When you give in to the devil, you will find yourself saying and doing things that

        are outside of your true character.

   3. The servant girl was under the control of Jesus to force Peter to his third denial.

      a. The purpose was to cause Peter to reflect on Jesus and the truth in His Word.

      b. Once you understand that you failed to live up to your faith, you should be

           grieved  from the heart.

   4. When Peter heard the cock the second time, he was convicted that he had let his

        Savior down.

 B. Boastful Peter was brought to the conclusion that he was not as strong in Jesus as

      he pretended to be.

    1. It is the difficult times that test the strength of our faith.

    2. We need the difficult times to point out the weakness of our faith.

 C. While Peter was denying Jesus, he was still under His control.

    1. Throughout our walk with Jesus, we will fail from time to time.

    2. The good news about Jesus is that He tolerates us.

    3. Jesus uses our weaknesses to strengthen us.

    4. If we never look in the mirror we will never see our faults.

 D. God had a purpose for Peter's denial.

     1. It is found in Luke 22:31-32

         "Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift you as wheat.

          But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you

          have turned back, strengthen your brothers."

    2. The Lord knew that Peter had a boastful and prideful spirit.

        a. Jesus knew that Peter needed to unload the baggage of his pride for the

            next step of the ministry.

        b. Jesus had Peter's back through his trials.

        c. The Lord knew that failure would be the catalyst for Peter's change.

        d. Through his failure, Jesus would strengthen Peter to bless many people.

   3. James 1:2  says count your trials as joy, because the end results is patience

       perfection  and completion.

YOU CAN DENY JESUS BUT YOU CAN'T HIDE

Rev. M. Mitchell

Asst Pastor of Greater Macedonia Baptist Church

5510 West Sam Houston Parkway

Houston, Texas

This Week's Sunday School Lesson, "Your Choice, Jesus Or The World" 3/12/2016

YOUR CHOICE, JESUS OR THE WORLD

Mark 10:17-31

THE BEST QUESTION TO ASK

V:17 As Jesus started on his way, a man ran up to him and fell on his knees before him. "Good teacher," he asked, "what must I do to inherit eternal life?"

A. The text says the man ran to Jesus.

     1. We really don't know how much time we have to live, so it is an urgency

         to establish a relationship with Jesus.

     2. We can prepare for tomorrow, but we cannot determine what will happen

         tomorrow.

     3. We can be prepared for the final outcome if we have a relationship with Jesus.

         a. If you don't know Jesus, you should run to Him as quick as you can.

         b. If you do know Jesus, you should  run the race with Him.

  

B. The man asked  the most important question .

    1. The answer to this question determines the quality of your present, and the quality

        of your future on earth.

    2. How you respond to the  answer of this question determines your final

        destination, heaven or hell.

C. The man came to Jesus, the one who is the answer to this question.

   1. He humbled himself before the Lord Jesus.

   2. He gave Jesus the respect as a teacher who knew the answer.

   3. He gave Jesus a double honor.

       Not only did he call Jesus "teacher", but he call Him "Good".

DON'T THINK TO HIGHLY OF YOURSELF

 V:18 "Why do you call me good?" Jesus answered. "No one is good  except God alone."

 A. Jesus humbled Himself before the Father in the presence of man.

     1. Even though He was God in the flesh, He would not allow others to think of Him

         as Good.

     2. Even though He was equal to and one with the Father, He made Himself

         submissive to His Father in heaven.

 B. Jesus set the example for us to follow.

     1. Jesus wants us to be one with Him as He is one with the Father.

     2. Man was created in the image and likeness of the Father.

     3. Our image was damaged when Adam sinned in the Garden of Eden.

     4. Only Jesus can restore our image.

V:19-20. " You know the commandments: 'Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not give false testimony, do not defraud, honor your father and mother.'" 20 "Teacher," he declared, "all these I have kept since I was a boy."

A. First, Jesus tested the man's obedience to the law.

    1. He was a good man.

    2. He had a good character.

    3. He was obedient to the law.

 B. He was satisfied with who he was.

     1. He was not content with where he was going.

     2. Since the man called Jesus his teacher, he had heard Jesus talk about eternal

         life.

     3. He considered himself knowledgeable   about the law but he was not sure about

         eternal  life.

    4. We have the Word in front of us, but are we sure about our eternal life?

    5. The question is, if you die today are you sure you have a place in heaven? 

C. The law is not specific about how to get to heaven.

    1. The Law was tutor to live a life of obedience and as a result how to obtain

         the promises of God in the promise land.

    2. The man was confused because heaven was not specifically addressed in the

         law.

    3. He knew how to be good according to the law, but not how to be perfect in

        Jesus.

    4. Good according to man's concepts, want get you into heaven.   

THE WORD IS LOVE

V:21-22. " Jesus looked at him and loved him. "One thing you lack," he said. "Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me."

A. Jesus was sent down from Heaven, because God is love.

    1. Jesus loves His creation.

    2. Jesus look at the man without judgment, but with love.

 B. The man had everything he needed.

     1. He was satisfied with his material possessions.

     2. He trusted in his possessions.

     3. He was satisfied with his goodness because of his possessions.

     4. He probably gave to the poor, but made no sacrifices to support the poor.

 C. The man had it going on earth, but he had nothing in heaven.

    1. Jesus gave the man three  unexpected requirements to gain a place in heaven.

    2. First, he was required to sell all he had.

    3. Second, he had to give all the proceeds from the sell to the poor.

    4. Third, he had to follow Jesus.

    5. That is what Jesus requires of us, to sacrifice our lives for Him.

        a. If anyone try to save his life, he will lose it.

        b. If anyone looses his life for Jesus, he will find it.    Mat 16:25

MUCH KNOWLEDGE BRINGS MUCH PAIN

V: 22-23. " At this the man's face fell. He went away sad, because he had great wealth. 23 Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, "How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God!"

A. The man who came looking for salvation, was not willing to give up his wealth

     to obtain it.

  1. Jesus requires us to completely  surrender ourselves to Him.

  2. Jesus does not want partial surrender.

  3. The man trusted the wealth that Jesus made available to him, more than the Word

      of Jesus.

    4. The rich man was not willing to make sacrifices for eternal life.

    5. He wanted heaven but at a minimal cost.

  B. He was an almost Christian.

      1. He was materially rich, but spiritually poor.

      2. He was materially fixed on earth and spiritually doomed to hell.

      3. He could see wealth on earth, but he couldn't see wealth in heaven.

      4. He went away sadly back to his wealth, when he could have went forward

          gladly with Jesus.

   

C. Jesus gave the man a choice; Heaven or hell.

   1. He chose  to keep his wealth and life in hell.

   2. We have a choice, heaven or hell.

   3. We have a choice to follow the flesh or to follow Jesus.

   4. We cannot follow two masters, it is either the world or Jesus.

AMAZING GRACE

V:24-25. " The disciples were amazed at his words. But Jesus said again, "Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God! 25 It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God."

A. Man is caught up in his fleshly desires and cannot enter heaven on his own merits.

   1. Those who have much, rely on their wealth.

   2. Since the rich have every thing, they can't see how relying on God is

       beneficial.

   3. It is easier for the poor to rely on God for their health and strength.  

B. To explain His doctrine, Jesus uses an example that we can see as

     physically impossible.

   1. When man has wealth, he is blinded to the one who provided  the wealth.

   2. A rich man's wealth becomes bigger than Jesus.

   3.  A rich man's wealth is more important than Jesus.

   4. A rich man sees his wealth as the way into everything and the way out of

       anything.

   5. The man's wealth is the camel, the eye of the needle is the Kingdom of Heaven.

   6. The ways of the world is wide, but the way into heaven is a straight and narrow path.

V: 26-27. The disciples were even more amazed, and said to each other, "Who then can be saved?" 27 Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God."

A. Jesus left the door open for the rich man to be saved.

   1. He came to Jesus with an attitude of pride.

   2. He left with a more humble attitude.

   3. He came with confidence in himself, he left Jesus with doubt.

   4. He came to Jesus ignorant, but He left enlighten.

   5. He came to Jesus not knowing how to obtain eternal life, he left with

      with the knowledge of what it takes to get into heaven.

   6. He came thinking Jesus was just a teacher, he left knowing Jesus was the

      way to eternal life.

   7. He came thinking he was on the right path, he left knowing Jesus was the

       right path.

REWARD FOR SERVICE

 V:28-30 " Peter said to him, "We have left everything to follow you!" 29 "I tell you the truth," Jesus replied, "no one who has left home or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for me and the gospel 30 will fail to receive a hundred times as much in this present age (homes, brothers, sisters, mothers, children and fields — and with them, persecutions) and in the age to come, eternal life."

A. Making sacrifices for Jesus has rewards in this life while we live and in the heaven to

    come.

   1. Following Jesus, has a 100 fold increase in this life.

   2. God loves a cheerful giver.

   3. When we serve Jesus faithfully with our time and resources, God will make

       blessings available to us, that we cannot conceive or think.

   4. The disciples left every thing to follow Jesus but will gain everything in Jesus,

B. Our mission on earth is to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

    1. That means talking, walking and living,

    2. We have the proclaim the Gospel with our mouths.

    3. We have to walk according to the ways of the Lord.

    4. We have to trust the Lord in all our circumstances.

EQUAL IN HEAVEN

 V:31. " But many who are first will be last, and the last first."

  A.  Those who are first in this world, will be last in the kingdom of

        heaven if they should make it.

     1. The rich are first in this world and have the best of everything.

     2. They have their reward on earth.

     3. The poor on earth who confess their faith in Jesus have the best reserve for

          them in heaven.

 B.  The rich will have to loose their dependence on their wealth to

       have any chance of relying on Christ.

     1. The rich will be the last to come to Christ.

     2. The rich will be the last to find true joy which is only found in Jesus.

     3. The rich will be the last to find true peace which is only found in Jesus.

     4. The rich will be the last to find true love which is only found in Jesus.

     5. The rich will be the last to find forgiveness which is only given through

          faith in Jesus.

     6. The pursuit of wealth pushes the rich away from Jesus.

     7. The Word says seek the kingdom of heaven first and all we need will be added

         to us.

C. Another way to look at this statement, "The first will be last and the last

    will be first" is to consider a race.

   1. All the runners start out together and only one can finish first.

   2. The one who crosses the line first is first.

   3. The one who crosses the line last is last.

   4. There could be a case where all the runners cross the finish line at the same time.

       a. Everybody is first and nobody is last.

       b. Or, everybody is last and nobody is first.

   5. In the kingdom of heaven, everybody is equal.

IT'S YOUR CHOICE, I HOPE IT IS JESUS

Rev. M. Mitchell

Asst Pastor of Greater Macedonia Baptist Church

5510 West Sam Houston Parkway

Houston Texas  

This Week's Sunday School Lesson, "Doing Battle With Satan", 3/6/2016

DOING BATTLE WITH SATAN

Mark 9:14-29

DO NOT ARGUR THE WORD WITH NONBELIEVERS

V:14. " When they came to the other disciples, they saw a large crowd around them and the teachers of the law arguing with them. 15 As soon as all the people saw Jesus, they were overwhelmed with wonder and ran to greet him."

A. Jesus took Peter, James and John up to Mount Hermon  where He was transfigured.

    The three disciples heard a voice from the Father in Heaven saying, This is my Son,

     whom I love, listen to Him".

  1. As Jesus and the three disciples came down the mountain, they heard an argument

     between the Scribes, the teacher of the Law and the nine disciples.

  2. It was an argument between the traditionalists and the fundamentalists.

  3. The Scribes were the traditionalists and the disciples were the fundamentalists.

  4. It was an argument between nonbelievers and believers.

  5. It was an argument between the non spiritual and the spiritual

  6. It was an argument between the authority of man and the authority of God.

B. The traditionalist, the Scribes were opposed to the teaching of Jesus.

   1. They were opposed to any action that was not authorized by them.

   2. God had not sent a prophet in 400 years, so they took it upon themselves to

       be the interpreters and the authority of the Law.

   3. The ruling Jews had the approval of the Roman Government to be the authority over

        the Jewish civil laws. 

DO NOT OPERATE IN GOSPEL WITHOUT JESUS

 V:16-19. "What are you arguing with them about?" he asked. 17 A man in the crowd answered, "Teacher, I brought you my son, who is possessed by a spirit that has robbed him of speech. 18 Whenever it seizes him, it throws him to the ground. He foams at the mouth, gnashes his teeth and becomes rigid. I asked your disciples to drive out the spirit, but they could not."

A. The Disciples of Jesus had the fundamentals of healing down pat.

     They had witness  Jesus  healing and casting out demons from those who came

      to Him.

   1. Jesus had given them the power and the authority to heal and cast out demons.

   2. Jesus had sent the twelve disciples out two by two to heal and cast out demons.

       a. They had come back and reported to Jesus that they healed the sick and

            cast out demons.

       b. When the man brought his son to the nine disciples, they readily accepted

           the call to help.

      c. While they had caste out demons before, they failed in this case.

B. The traditionalist standing by immediately got into an argument with the disciples.

   1. The Scribes along with the Pharisees had ask Jesus, who gave Him the authority

       to heal and cast out demons.

   2. The traditionalists did not want change of any kind.

      a. They opposed the healing of anyone.

    b. They were not concerned about the welfare of their  people.

    c. For them it was a political failure for any one other than themselves to exercise

       power.

 3. God does not tell us, but the argument was probably about the authority to heal.

    a. It was  proof to the traditionalist when the disciples failed, that only they had the

        authority over the lives of the Jewish people.

    b. They used their traditions to override the power of the Word of God.   

    c. They knew Jesus, they knew his power, but they hated Him.

    d. They hated the influence Jesus and His disciple had on the people.

C. When the disciples failed to cast out the demon from the child, they

     allowed themselves to get distracted by the Scribes.

   1. Instead of regrouping, they allowed themselves to be drawn into an argument.

   2. Instead of reviewing the Words of Jesus, they started listening to the voice of

       Satan.

   3. Instead of calling on Jesus, they leaned on their own limited understanding.

   4. Arguments open the door for Satan to take charge.

   5. There is no rationalization in an argument.

   6. You should never argue with unbelievers about the Word of God.

INEFECTIVE WORK WITH OUT FAITH

V:19 "O faithless generation," Jesus replied, "how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy to me."

A. The disciples had missed the mark because of the weakness in their beliefs.

    1. There are three levels of faith; no faith, little faith and great faith.

    2. The Scribes had no faith in Jesus.

    3. The disciples had faith as long as Jesus was in their sight.

    4. The disciple had faith as long as what they did worked the first time.

        The disciples express little faith by not calling on Jesus

B. Jesus had great faith. His faith is perfect.

   1. Jesus recognized the lack of faith in His disciples because they had not called on Him

       in prayer.

   2. Sometimes the Lord allows us to fail, so we can realize our need for Him.

       a. There is a difference between faith and belief.

       b. I can believe in Jesus as my Lord and Savior, but not have faith that He can

           deliver me out of my troubles.

       c. Faith in Jesus means total surrender or total dependence.

       d. Taking nothing for granted, I can do all things through Christ who

           strengthens me.

 C. When Jesus arrived, the man took his son to Jesus.

     1. The man took His son to the source of faith.

     2. We only have access to the source if we are totally dependant on Jesus.  

     3. Without total dependence on Jesus, the Church is powerless.

     4. The disciples fail to take the problem to Jesus.

THE DEVIL LOVES TO SHOW OUT

V:20 "So they brought him. When the spirit saw Jesus, it immediately threw the boy into a convulsion. He fell to the ground and rolled around, foaming at the mouth."

A. The devil knows that Jesus is the source of power.

    1. The devil recognizes Jesus when He shows up.

    2. Christ wants us to be  one with Him.

    3. There is no room for self when we are serving God.

    4. Before Jesus, the devil  showed his power over man.

        a. The devil had power over the boy and he displayed his power by throwing the

            the boy violently on the ground.

        b. In  Jesus, we are released from the power of the devil

   5. The devil knows when you are faking and shaking.

   6. In the face of the devil, you got to show up with Word of God.

PROCLAIMING THE GOSPEL

V:21 "Jesus asked the boy's father, "How long has he been like this?"  "From childhood," he answered. 22 "It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us." 23 "'If you can'?" said Jesus. "Everything is possible for him who believes."

A. Notice, Jesus engaged the man in a conversation with the Word.

    1. If you want help someone, you got to tell them about Jesus.

    2. People outside the Church need to hear the Gospel truth.

    3. They don't need to know what you can do, they need to know what Jesus can do.

B. Notice, Jesus engaged the man in prayer.

    1. That was the reason the disciples were ineffective.

    2. They did not start out with prayer.

    3. The father was interceding for his son.

    4. The father needed a personal relationship with Jesus.

    5. The father needed total dependence on Jesus.

C. Jesus is ready to take care of your problem.

    1. The Lord Jesus has to get you to understand that this simple truth,

        "Everything is possible to him who trust God."

    2. In order to get you to understand this simple truth, God sometimes take

        you through difficulties, to bring you out victorious.

CONFESSION OF FAITH

V:24. " Immediately the boy's father exclaimed, "I do believe; help me overcome my

         unbelief!"

     1. Before there can be  healing, there has to be a confession of FAITH.

     2. Jesus is not going to step into you life without faith.

     3. Jesus will not step into your problem with out faith.

     4. The reason the  disciple couldn't help the man, is because they didn't

         bring the man to a confession of faith in Jesus.

     5. Before we try to tackle any issue we have, we need to affirm our faith in Jesus. 

     6. Notice  the simple prayer; Lord help my unfaithfulness.

THE POWER OF THE WORD, A TESTIMONY OF JESUS

V:25. " When Jesus saw that a crowd was running to the scene, he rebuked the evil spirit. "You deaf and mute spirit," he said, "I command you, come out of him and never enter him again." 26 The spirit shrieked, convulsed him violently and came out. The boy looked so much like a corpse that many said, "He's dead."

A. Unbelieving folk are always around.

    1. The "I told you it will not work folk" are always watching the Church

    2. People want to be entertained, so they will show up.

    3. Some people come to Church for the show, and not for spiritual growth.

    3. Some people want believe unless they see a display of  the power of Jesus.

B. Not only is Jesus watching  you,  but He is also watching the unbelievers.

   1. Somebody need to hear your testimony about what God has done for you.

   2. Somebody need to see a change in you.

C. The crowd saw the boy violently disturbed by the devil.

    1. The crowd saw a dead boy.

    2. The crowd saw the evidence of a devilish situation.

DELIVERANCE COMES BY FAITH IN THE WORD

V:27. " But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him to his feet, and he stood up."

 A.  "But Jesus"

     1. When Jesus gets control of your life, a change is going to take place

     2. When Jesus takes control of your situation, your situation is going to change.

 B. When you put your hand in Jesus hand, He will lift you up.

    1. In Jesus, there is life.

    2. In Jesus, the dead come alive.

    3. In Jesus, violent people become peaceful people.

    4. The devil wants to enslaved to you, but Jesus wants you free to worship Him.

C. Just because you are in the Lord, don't stop the devil from attacking you.

    1. You have to be on your guard at all times.

    2. The devil  goes to and fro seeking who he may destroy.

ANALIZING INEFECTIVE SERVICE

V:28-29. " After Jesus had gone indoors, his disciples asked him privately, "Why couldn't we drive it out?" 29 He replied, "This kind can come out only by prayer."

A. The problem with the disciples, was they forgot to pray.

   1. The problem was "WE" was tying to cast out a demon without Jesus.

   2. They got into themselves and forgot  to include Jesus.

   3.  They went to battle without their armor.

   4. The Bible says, "Put on the full armor of God."    Eph 6

   5. You can't do battle with Satan without the full armor of God.

   6. Satan does not move on your word. but he does move on God's Word.

B. Put on the full Armor of God:

   1. The helmet of salvation

   2. The breast plate of righteousness

   3. The shield of faith

   4. Sword of the Spirit

   5. Feet fitted with the Gospel truth

When you are dealing with Satan, he an easily spot any weakness in your

 faith.

DON'T OPERATE WITHOUT TRUSTING IN THE LORD

Rev M. Mitchell

Asst Pastor Of greater Macedonia Baptist Church

5510 W Sam Houston Parkway

Houston, Texas  77041