Unexpected Healing

 Mark = "Jesus has ALL authority over ALL things at ALL times".

1st. miracle = storm - power over nature
2nd. miracle = Legion = power over demons/evil
3rd. a healing ... power over sickness/disease

On one hand, Jesus did many healings ... example:  Matt. 14:14 - healed ALL their sick
But this one = without Jesus' knowledge, permission ... He doesn't pray, address, grant the healing BEFORE it happens!!!

Mark 5:21-34 - 'daughter' = person of mine - term of endearment

Question:  Why was she afraid?
Answer:  (1)  Shew as ceremonially unclean  (Lev. 15)
Therefore (2)  knowlingly violating Mosaic Law - not supposed to be there in the crowd
(3)  potentially rendering others unclean!
possibly (4) taking from Jesus without His consent!!?   (stole something from Him)
(5)  embarrassed ... (issue of blood .. discuss this in a mixed crowd???)

So.... she came trembling
However, she CAME!!   (because there was no healing elsewhere!)  She didn't let her fear or embarrassment keep her away.

Question:  Why did Jesus expose her?
Answer:  FOR HER SAKE  (her GOOD)!!
Because, now (after exposure) she has more than physical healing.  NOW she has His acceptance and assurance (of His blessing)!!
She goes home not just with physical healing, but heart healing, soul healing.

OBSERVATIONS:

#1)  All miracles are extra-ordinary (Biblical definition = a miracle is something totally outside of the realm of nature, science)
But THIS kind is Extra-extra ordinary!!
However, not TOTALLY unique!  Mark 6:52, Acts 19:11-12, Acts 5:14-16
This miracle was not normal.  That's why it's recorded.
Are more of these miracles possible?  Yes!!!  Likely???  NO!!!
Point = don't' expect to see/experience this!!

#2.  These healings did NOT come from a garment... they came FROM GOD ... THRU garments!!!
Illustration:  1 Pet. 4:10  Garden hose - from reservoir of grace to person in need.
Grace is not From the hose but THRU the hose!!!

So... #3)  The woman was not healed by FAITH but by GOD ... through Faith!!
On one hand, Mark 5:34
But explained/illustrated by Eph. 2:8 - "by God... through Faith..."
The hose is not the source of water.... = conduit of water!!!

So beware the ... "faith in faith" teaching.
ie:  "if I could only believe better ..."
Compare:  "if I only had a better hose.." - But the hose doesn't supply the water or control the tap!  (it is merely a channel, instrument, conduit)

ADDITIONAL OBSERVATIONS:

#1.  Faith is important - hers was...
A)  what drove her to Jesus
B) was to conduit through which grace flowed
C) was commended and rewarded  (verse 34)
D)  probably ... was expanded!! - because our faith tends to GROW as we EXERCISE it!!

But .. #2.  Your faith is never going to be perfect!
Rom.3:23 - if perfect faith was necessary to salvation, then who would be saved?

#3.  Good news!  He is faithful even when we are not!!  2 Tim. 2:13
So on one hand, do all you can tod evelp your faith..., however, don't beat yourself up when it's not perfect!  

#4)  Jesus knows all your secret acts of sin... BUT... He also knows your secret acts of righteousness!!!
This woman's FAITH was not hidden from Christ. - Matt. 6:3-4

More Good News ...
#5.  Jesus is no respecter of persons - He doesn't prefer one person over another.
He halts his trip with a synagogue ruler to assure a name-less woman!!
On one hand, you are not worthy of His attention.
However, neither is anyone else!!!!

#6.  Be careful how you respond to the Presence of the Holy Spirit!
Mark 5:17 - they asked Him to leave .... He Left!!!
Mark 5:23-24 - was asked to Come and He came!!!

Jesus went with those who wanted Him to come, and left those who asked Him to leave.

Jesus Casts out "Legion"

 Last time -Jesus is in a boat going eastward across the sea of Galilee.
He calms the storm - showing He has Authority over nature.

Today -  Jesus cast our "Legion" - shows He has authority over evil>

Point = Jesus has ALL Authority and power over ALL things at ALL times.
Mark 5:1-20  (tombs = possible caves in limestone bluffs)   (multiple demons)  

This is not a treatise/instruction manual for dealing with demons.
BUT a Biblical study of demons must consider this text.  It is a true story - primarily to show Jesus' power over demons.

so... I)  What We Know

#1.  demons exist  (or else Jesus is a liar)

#2.  they are evil (ie:  morally unclean (evil)

#3.  They are enemies of God, therefore, if you are a Christian, enemies of YOU!!  Rev. 12:17

But, #4)  Jesus has ALL power and authority over them!!

Question:  IF He has all power and authority, why are they allowed to plague us?

On one hand, we don't know all the answers to that....(Theodicy)
However, we do know....
    (1)  He has already defeated (all) evil.  (by the Resurrection)
and (2)  He will eventually abolish (all) evil!  (Revelation)

II)  What we THINK we Know  (based on Scripture and logic)

#1.  demons are fallen angels - created (not eternal) with free will .. and poor choice!!

#2.  There are many of them.
We know Satan fell, we assume some angels fell with him  - Rev. 12:3-4

#3.  They (still) have access to the physical world.

#4.  They are still active today.

Question:  Why not more demon possession today??
theory:  Great Holy Spirit movements tend to bring greater demonic movements.

III.)  What we can't know (for sure)

#1.  Why they want to possess a body?  Wat advantage?  gain?  even in a pig!!

#2.  Why they wanted to stay in the area?

#3.  Why Jesus permitted them to enter the pigs?
Theory:  maybe visible evidence to onlookers that this was more than a mental disease, healing.  When they went to the pigs, the pigs went crazy!

IV)  What we should not assume:

That we (Christians) have power, authority over them!!

Yes, the disciples were given that authority - Matt. 10:1, but.... we are NOT those disciples!!

On one hand, many New Testament texts tell us to be on guard, resist, stand firm...
However, NO text telling us to CAST out demons
                             or how to CAST out demons
                             or IF we should CAST out demons

This doesn't mean that we CAN'T, just = No Biblical text telling us we can  (or should)!!

Question:  What to do if confronted by a demon?  

1st. - "stand firm" - 1 Pet. 5:8-9  Christ owns you!

2nd. - rely on the Lord - for protection (if needed)  for authority (if He chooses to grant it)
Jude 9

Now... recognize

#1)  You will encounter evil (if you live in this world) - (we live in a fallen world with fallen people)

#2).  That evil MAY include demons - (or people influenced by demons!!)

But ... #3)  much of the evil you encounter will be from within yourself! 
James 1:13-14   Example:  Paul in Rom. 7 
Makes to reference to Satan or demons causing his problems,  .. only to "the sin at work within me..."

SUMMARY:

(1)  Jesus is Lord (over all things at all times)

(2)  You can trust Him for deliverance (from evil)

(3)  There is no deliverance (from evil) apart from Him. - Acts 4:12

So:  accept Christ  (salvation)
       trust Christ  (on daily basis)
       stand firm (in the faith)
       press on!!

Jesus Calms the Storm

 Last messages in Mark = parables - of soils, 2 kingdom parables
Was a teaching day - Mark 4:1-2

Following Day = miracles: 
4 miracles over the next 2 days = calms storm, casts out many demons, heals without His consent, raises young girl from the dead.

Many miracles are often noted - example:  Matt. 14:14 and no story with the miracle. 
But these come with a story!!

The Point of Miracles is generally more than to deliver people from physical problems.
Also = to demonstrate Jesus' authority and power over:   (the primary purpose)
Nature  (storm)
Demons  (legion)
Disease  (woman with issue of blood)
Death  (Jairus' daughter)

Stories are recorded ... to show Jesus' authority ... SO THAT....
  You'll trust Him for Salvation  (deliverance, reconciliation)
       example:  John 20:30-31

Having said that about miracles in general, let's look at 1 in particular - the Calming of the Storm.
Mark 4:35-41 -  question:  still do you not have faith?
Shows Jesus establishing His authority.

So.... miracles are designed to demonstrate to us (convince us....)
that....
(1) Jesus is Lord - ie:  He has ALL Authority, over ALL things ALL the time!!!!  Things in heaven - things on earth - things in the present - things in the future
Summary verse - Matt. 28:18-19 

that.....
(2)  You should TRUST Him
      For Salvation  (spiritual matters, eternal matters)
and IN Everyday matters  (situations)

BUT.... this brings up some valid questions:
#1.  IF Jesus has ALL authority, WHY is there evil and suffering?
ie:  He calmed THAT storm ... why not all storms?  MY storm?
He saved those disciples,.... why not all disciples???

(Theodicy = argument for God's goodness in light of evil and suffering)

On one hand, the Bible gives some answers (we should seek them out)
However, the Bible mostly gives assurances (we should accept them)

Summary = "I've demonstrated my Love.... (cross)
       and     "I've demonstrated my Authority (miracles & Resurrection)
  So....... TRUST ME ... regardless of appearances"

This is called ....FAITH   Heb. 11:1-2 - trusting Him regardless

Question #2.... If Jesus has all authority,... WHY are you still afraid?
(some answers to this one also...)
    (1)  you're afraid ... because you're human .... fall infinitely short
Rom. 3:23   2 Cor. 4:7- "in jars of clay"

(2)  You're afraid because suffering hurts - physical, emotional, relational
Can you be afraid and still trust? 
Example:  martyr facing fire?  lions?  torture?
Were they afraid?  experienced fear?  - YES!!!
Did they recant their faith?  NO!!
Point = there is a distinction to be made here - at what point is fear = to distrust?

(3)  You're afraid because He doesn't calm ALL the storms!!
Which means .. I'm going to have storms ... I'm going to hurt!!  And, my greatest hurts are often hurts of the HEART!!!

BUT NOTE:  Faith (courage) is not never being afraid.  Faith (courage) may be acting rightly  and properly
IN THE FACE OF FEAR!! 
Examples:  the martyrs, Jesus in Gethsemane - in great agony but yet remained true.

Meantime ... your current level of faith is not necessarily your permanent level of faith!!
Example #1 ... these disciples!!! - didn't stay in this level of distrust
Example #2 - the Apostle Paul - Phil. 4:10-13 - where you are currently is not the end of the show.

There is hope for growth, improvement, maturity  NOW!!)
Paul said he .... learned, by experience, through time, through effort.  It didn't come all at once!  didn't come in good times alone!  Didn't come without effort. 
But .... it did come!!!  We can grow in faith if we learn through our storms.

There is hope for glory  (then!!)  Rom. 8:18

So... Question #1 -- If Jesus = all authority ... why evil and suffering?
........Question #2 ... If Jesus = all authority ... why still afraid?
For Both we have ..... some answers,  many assurances!!

So.... Question #3 ... IF Jesus has all authority.... why not?  put your faith in Him???  - initially? 
for salvation ... reconciliation, security...?
it is imperative that you do so....  John 14:6

Lord's Supper Service

 The Elements of the Lord's Supper 

Bread = His Body - broken for us

Wine = His Blood - poured out for us

The Origin of the Lord's Supper = Passover Meal the night before His crucifixion - ie:  Last Supper
Matt. 26:26-28
As the Jews celebrate, commemorate their Covenant relationship with God through the Passover meal,
So Christians celebrate/commemorate  our Covenant relationship with God though the Lord's Supper

So, the Lord's Supper is celebrated and practiced in some, similar form by Christians throughout the history of the church AND throughout the world today!! - Form might be slightly different, but is practiced.

Primary text:  1 Cor. 11:23-26 

I) do this ... in Remembrance
of .... what He did  ie: substitutionary sacrifice
   ......why He did it - (John 3:16 - for the love of the world), Rom. 5:8
   .....who He did it for.  On one hand, the whole world (1 John 2:2) 
However, me/you individually  1 Tim. 1:15
This is very personal!!

II)  do this to Proclaim - 1 Cor. 11:26
Point = in partaking, you declare (non-verbally) your (A) belief in Him
                                                                                (B)  faith in Him
It is a demonstration of your faith in Christ and what He did.

III)  do this Together 
On one hand the Lord's Supper = a very Personal observation
However, it = traditionally and universally celebrated in a congregational setting (church)
Eph. 4:3-6 - the unity Paul calls us to
Illustration:  we (Christians) may not always sing in harmony, ... BUT! We all sing the same song!!

Question:  Who should partake?  Answer = believers 

                What if I feel unworthy? - 1 Cor. 11:27 = "worthy manner" = approach, attitude

               What if 'uncomfortable'? ... then just pass it by!

Lord's Supper Service

Passing Bread:

Isa. 53:1-7, 10, 12
1 Pet. 2:24-25

Eating Bread
Matt. 26:26

Passing Wine
John 6:47-56, 60-69

Drink the Wine
Matt. 26:27-28

Matt: 26:30
Closing Hymn = "Crown Him"

Closing Scripture
Num. 6:24-26

God's Visitations

 At Christmas we:  (1)  celebrate His Coming  (Incarnation - came in humility as a human baby)
                             (2)  Anticipate His Return  (2nd coming) - He will come in power and glory
But in the 'tween time ....??  ie:  the time between his first coming and his 2nd coming.
                            (3)  We hope for His Visitation(s)

Definition:  On one hand He is always with us - as a people group and as an individual
However, we sometimes have a special sense of His Immediate Presence!  (an experience, sensation, or evidence.)
Hence the song:  "O Come, O Come Emmanuel"

Broken into 2 categories:

I)  Corporate Visitations - moves among a people group
Examples from Scripture:   the Exodus, the time of Christ, Pentecost
Non-Scriptural examples = the Great Awakenings - 1730s and 1790s.  (1740 - 1742 church membership in New England doubled!!  in 2 years!!!

II)  Personal Visitations = reveals Himself to individuals.
example:  (nearly) al conversion experiences begin here - personal wooing, personal drawing

Question #1 - In what form do visitations come?  look like?
Scripture = visions, dreams, angelic visitations - examples:  Christmas story, Mary, Joseph, shepherds, magi
                  miracles; God manifests His presence in miracles - thru the Exodus, Elijah, Moses, etc.
But ... these are rare, unusual ... never the norm!!

The  most common = Presence and movement of the Holy Spirit working in a life.
John 14:15-18, 25-26, 16:12-14
example (again) - the Great Awakenings.  These were not a result of dreams, visions, angels, miracles!!!
Comparison:  Elijah's Visitation .. wind, earthquak3, fire - not in these.  But in a "still small voice" - 1 Kings 19

So.... Question #2... When will He visit?
Answer:  when HE deems it wise, best... according to His wisdom, His timing, purpose, etc.  - We have NO control.  He is in TOTAL control!!
On one hand expect an initial Visitation (call to salvation) - Rev. 3:20, 22:17
However, beyond that??? expect Him to do what's BEST!!!

Question #3 - Should I seek a Visitation? (pursue, etc)
Answer:  Yes... BUT... He's Lord, you are not.  Must be willing to accept the absence of His presence.
On one hand, scripture says "seek Him  (develop personal relationship)
However, you should be willing to accept His Will in this!!! 
Examples:  Job, Jesus on the cross, the Laments - Psm. 13:1-2
He may want you to be in the darkness for a period of time.   (Christian maturing theory)

Question #4... What if He doesn't Visit Me?  (beyond initial call)
Answer:  "Keep Walking!"  - Isa. 50:10
Job 13:15 - "though He slay me.... yet will I trust Him"
words to Peter - John 2 - "you ...... Follow me!!!"

Caution!! Beware of  "Visitation Envy"
Don't Covet a Visitation.
Don't Fabricate a Visitation.
However, don't be too easily (readily) satisfied!!!

Question #5   Will I Know if He's Visited Me?
On one hand, He's capable of making Himself known!
However, He doesn't always choose to!!! - Heb. 13:2  "unawares"

I suspect... He visits more often than we realize... But ... He doesn't do it in the form we expect!!
Example:  Incarnation, Messiah!!

Summary Point:  Heb. 13:5 = about $$ only?  or broader principle
Example:  Paul's thorn - "my grace is sufficient unto thee"

Additional notes:

I)  A visitation is not always a pleasant thing!!! 
Could be confrontation, chastisement, discipline, challenge, correction

II)  ever received a Visitation through the ministry of another??
IF SO..... THEN ... you (likewise) may be the medium of God's Visitation - (to another) - 1 Pet. 4:10

So... concerning a Personal (or Corporate) Visitation?

(1)  pray - stay in touch (this = a relationship)
(2) seek - a Visitation!!  create an inviting environment!!
(3)  be open ... to receiving a Visitation ... OR ... NOT!!
(4)  be sure (confident) that He IS WITH you!!! - regardless
(5)  Be Available - to be a tool, instrument of Visitation
(6)  Above all - Keep Walking!!!

The Incarnation; The Coming of Christ

 All the celebrations around the world came about because of Christ's birth.

John 1:1 and John 1:14 

At Christmas we celebrate His coming AS a man .... TO Earth.
Matt. 1:22-23 - this title "Immanuel" - God Incarnate
On one hand, is a great mystery - 1 Tim. 3:16
However, just because it is beyond comprehension does not mean it's beyond truth!!!

So... what did He come to Accomplish?  (what purpose?)

He Came To: 

#1)  Reveal God - John 1:18  (word is exegete - to reveal)
To reveal ... God's Person/Character
                   God's will/ plan  (for us (people))

On one hand, more fully but NOT completely!!! - He is infinite.  We will never be infinite.
However, how much more we know of God .. when you add the gospels and the New Testament! - Christ came to reveal this stuff.  2 Pet. 1:19

#2)  To Redeem Man - ("buy back")
Justice demands payment
(hence the Old Testament Sacrificial System - ceremonially saved from sins)

#3)  to Reconcile Man
Redeem has legal aspects            Reconcile = relational aspect.  (personal relationship)
Rom.8:14-17 - "...co-heirs with Christ."
2 Cor. 5:18 - "...through Christ"  - example:  Bridge illustration

NOTE:  The price paid doesn't assure Redemption  (must accept!!)
              The bridge built doesn't assure Reconciliation  (must cross!!)

#4.  to teach us - how to live this life!!

#5.  To model for us - how to live this life!!

So..... WWJD (what would Jesus do)  based on what DID Jesus do?!   Not what you think Jesus would do.
The answer to both = found in Scripture!!!  Not in your mind, your heart!!  It is irrelevant what you think!!

Some of Jesus' human actions, expressions modeled for us":
     humility - "emptied 'self" - Phil. 2
     compassion/sympathy - example:  the 5000 - "sheep without a shepherd"
     forgiveness - ex.  woman caught in adultery - "neither do I condemn..."
                                on cross - "Father, forgive... they know not...."
     sense of duty/responsibility - John 5:17 - "Father works and I work...."
     sense of purpose!!  "came to seek and save"
     self - discipline, self sacrifice/ obedience...

Above exercised NOT ONLY in pleasant times.
But amidst ... grief/sorrow/pain/frustration (anger)/hunger/thirst/fatigue (also = human!)
So... Heb. 4:15 = our Mediator also our Model!!

#6.  To Enable us - John 14:15-18
(doesn't give TASK without Provision!)
On one hand, not enabled to perfection
However, enabled to ... live the Christian life ... to follow... to serve... to model... to Promote!

The above 6 = things He came to accomplish (achieve)

But... motivation?  ie:  why would God come, live, Die...?

Because... (1)  He Loves You - John 3:16
            on one hand "world" = us...
            however the Scripture is clear ... includes you as an individual person!!!

                (2)  (obviously)  He Values You   (agape)
                      (A)  made you in His image
                     (B) you are worth dying for!!!

               (3)  He sees potential in you ... He's willing to beckon you, save you, indwell you, work with you.... and spend eternity with you!!!

Short Summary:  John 10:10

Parables of Jesus (continued)

 Last week = Parable of Soils  (soil is your heart, ou are responsible for the condition of the soil.)
Included Mark 4:10-12  along with Matthew 13

Point = Parables are designed to :  Reveal and Conceal Spiritual truths
Jesus wanted those who wanted to hear and see to see, and those who didn't, did not.

So now.... Mark 4:21-22
Is God's desire that all see and hear the spiritual truths.
However, He won't violate your free will.    If you are determined to not let God's truths in, He won't force you to hear.

So... Mark 4:23-24 The Warning (admonition)
IF you ahve Spiritual capacity to see, hear....
THEN .. you should (1) TAKE NOTE  (pay attention)
                      and    (2)  Consider carefully what's being taught and said..

Because:  Mark 4:24-25
(1)  the degree to which you apply yourself to these truths largely determines what you'll get out of them. 
Mark 4:14-15

(2)  if you don't use what you have, you cane expect to lose what you have! 
Illustration:  Matt. 25:26-29
So.
(3)  Paul's last words to Timothy - 2 Tim. 2:15

NOW
2 Kingdom Parables

I)  Mark 4:26-29 - Kingdom is like... a field of seeds that grow and develop regardless of farmer's understanding!

This does not mean we spread the Word and let God do all the rest.  Example:  1 Cor. 3:5-9
So... (1)  We are to apply ourselves to the Word in our own heart  (ex.  Parable of the Soils)

AND  (2)  we are to (attempt to) nurture the seed in other's hearts as well!!

II)  Mark 4:30-32
On one hand, the Kingdom had (apparently) insignificant beginnings
However, the Kingdom has had incredible growth and impact.

We tend to choose Pre-Mill (things get worse and worse before Jesus returns)
                  or        Post-Mill  (things get better and better)

BUT  - Kingdom growth often includes BOTH ... at the SAME TIME! 
Example:  Roman Empire after the Resurrection! 
Question:  Did things get better and better??  Christina growth and influence
Or... things get worse?? - decadence and decay

ANSWER = Both.... at the same time!

Another example = Corinth.    Yet ... 1 Cor. 15:58

Final takeaway from all this??    Mark 4:33
"as much as they could understand"...

The disciples didn't understand everything He said, so you're not going to understand all He says
But .. the final issue is not one of understanding.  It's one of TRUST!!!

ie:  Will you TRUST Him ... even when you don't understand?  (it's called FAITH!!)
                as your SAVIOR?
                as your LORD  (Boss)?
                when you can see?
           and when you can't?