Following Christ: The Callings of Jesus' Ministry - A Paralytic and a Publican
Sermon Outline
Message Slides
Interpreting Mark - Darrell Bock
Matthew: The Collaborator is Called - Bryan Litfin
Lessons from Healing and Legalism - Swindoll
Liberty and Legalism - J.I. Packer
Liberty, Legalism, and License - Swindoll
Theology in Application - Mark Strauss
The Healing of a Paralytic
Breaking all the man-made rules Jesus heals a paralyzed man in front of skeptics, demonstrating His authority to forgive sins. (Mark 2:1–12)
• Popularity and Preaching (2:1-2)
• Problems and Solutions (2:3-4)
• Healing and Forgiveness (2:5-11)
• Power and Praise (2:12)
The Calling of a Publican
Contrary to man-made expectations/prejudice Jesus calls a well-known sinner to follow him, demonstrating sinners need His righteousness. (Mark 2:13-17)
• Popularity and Preaching (2:1-2)
• Call and Response (2:14)
• Dinner, Disciples, and Deviants (2:15–16)
• A Powerful Point: Sinners need Jesus (2:17)
Jesus came to seek and to save those who are lost. Anyone can come to Him in faith and find freedom.
Next Steps
• Bring People to Jesus. No excuses!
• Get off your high horse!
• Follow Jesus in faith. You are never outside the reach of God’s grace.
Home Church Questions
Read Mark 2:1-17
“They made an opening in the roof…!” (2:4)
1. What would it take to stop you from getting people to Jesus? What is stopping you now?
“No one can heal sin but God alone.” (2:10)
2. What is the theological connection between sin and sickness?
3. How do we know Jesus was more interested in forgiving sin than healing disease?
“Follow Me” (1:28)
4. Are you following Jesus? Can anyone see a change in your life? What is it?
“Be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” (James 1:22)
5. What did you learn about God in this passage? How does this affect you?
6. How are you encouraged or challenged by this passage?
7. How will you respond to God this week?
Missions Focus
UPG FOCUS: The Sok in Laos
The Sok people of southern Laos number about 2,900, with virtually no known evangelical believers. Living in remote forested communities, they rely on subsistence farming, hunting, and gathering, while following traditional ethnic religions centered on appeasing spirits believed to influence every aspect of life. Although portions of Scripture are available, there are few ministry resources and little gospel access in their own language. Pray that the Sok would encounter the hope of Jesus Christ, that workers would faithfully bring the gospel in their heart language, and that a thriving community of disciples would take root among them.
Finances
Weekly Budget 35,915
Giving For 08/30 22,676
Giving For 09/06 35,149
YTD Budget 359,150
Giving 325,770
OVER/(UNDER) (33,380)
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The Spiritual Foundation of Marriage | Sundays, from 10:45 am–12:05 pm | in Room 2110
Build your relationship on the spiritual principles of the Christian life. This class is designed to help couples build their marriage on a spiritual foundation.
Men’s Mini-Muster - One Muster a year Isn’t Enough
Enjoy connection, games, great food, and brotherhood as we focus on the next part of our credo: Together, we are growing. We’ll explore how to grow deeper in Scripture, learn what sticks, and let God’s Word reshape our lives. September 25–26, in the register at fellowshipconway.org/register.
Father/Son Campout
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Special Pack OCC | Pack • Pray • Send — Be Part of the Mission!
October 5, join us at Fellowship for a powerful Operation Christmas Child Packing Event! Together, we’ll pack 2,900 shoeboxes to share the love of Jesus with kids in hard-to-reach places. Sessions: 11 AM–1 PM or 6–9 PM (childcare available in the evening for 6 years & under, RSVP to Shanna at 501-336-0332). Let’s fill every box, pray over every child, and send the Good News across the globe!
Fellowship Kids at Schaefer’s Pumpkin Patch | October 3 | 10 AM - 12 PM
Join us for a morning of fall fun! Enjoy games, a petting zoo, hayrides, and food trucks. Grab your hayride tickets at the booth and meet us by the tractor at 11:00 am for a ride with other Fellowship families. Don’t miss out—it’s going to be a blast!
Biblical Indispensable Relations
Relationships can sometimes feel like a maze, with some people challenging us and others leaving us longing for deeper connection. Join Michael Mercer for a transformative four-week journey into Biblical Indispensable Relationships, inspired by Leonard Sweet’s 11: Indispensable Relationships You Can’t Be Without. Discover the essential people God places in our lives and how these relationships can shape our faith, strengthen our souls, and help us grow closer to Christ and one another. Register at fellowshipconway.org/equipping.