Stirring Things Up
Church Year 2006
1/22/06 AM ~
Pastor Brad Dyrness
Sparks Nazarene Church
When life is bad remember this there is often something else that can, if we let it, help us see the other side.
There was a man who had been sick for 38 years.
Like this man we want a miracle for our circumstances.
Vs 6 Jesus asked - "Do you want to get well?
Kind of think that a dumb question.
The man's reply; "I have no one to help me."
He has become a victim.
Jesus takes away his excuses and says "Get up!"
So the Bible says he gets up and walks!
Then Jesus tells him,
"No excuses, you're well now!
Stop sinning or something worse will happen."
We all want our miracle don't we?
We like the miracles but we often miss the miracle worker who is standing right among us.
We want success, healing or some other favor but we are
sometimes unwilling to really “get well.” .
Know this:
1. Jesus is looking to make people well if they are willing. Vs 6
He offers help in our circumstances, hope in
our mourning, strength for our difficulties and healing for our
brokenness.
2. He also calls us to quit making excesses and take responsibility. Vs
7
Do you really want to get over your broken relationship or would you rather harbor a grudge?
3. Obedience releases the power of God. Vss. 8-9
We blame others for our problems and Jesus says: Get up, forgive, restore, ask for MY help and forgiveness.
4. There is something worse than being sick. Vs. 14
What is worse, going back to being a victim.
What would happen I our services Sunday if instead of wanting God to do for us
what he has done for someone else and told God; “I want to get well.”?
In what way are you sick, broken, hurt, Jesus offers healing if you'll,
· admit your need,
· quit making excuses and
· obey his command.
If not or if we revert to
· lying around complaining,
· blaming others and
· doing things our own way
Being paralyzed when you don't have to be - that is worse then anything else.