WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:15.640 Mark chapter 1. Today we go to Peter's house with Jesus. An archaeologist found Peter's house in 1968. 00:00:15.640 --> 00:00:24.260 ! It was where there's a picture popping up that shows you an octagonal shape there. 00:00:24.260 --> 00:00:34.960 That was built in the 5th century by Byzantines, which often built over holy sites to protect them. 00:00:35.939 --> 00:00:39.540 Almost every biblical site in Israel has a church over it. 00:00:40.240 --> 00:00:47.620 The spot in Bethlehem where Christ was born is weirdly in the basement of a very large cathedral. 00:00:47.619 --> 00:01:01.679 There was a Byzantine church that sat in front of the garden tomb, not far from the place of the skull or where Golgotha was thought to be. 00:01:02.539 --> 00:01:06.659 There's a traditional spot. There's some argument about where Christ was buried. 00:01:07.120 --> 00:01:11.099 The traditional spot of Jesus' burial is a huge church. 00:01:11.099 --> 00:01:13.439 It's a pattern that you see throughout Israel. 00:01:14.019 --> 00:01:19.879 But underneath that octagonal shaped building, the walls of Peter's house was found. 00:01:20.619 --> 00:01:21.959 They were made of plaster. 00:01:23.099 --> 00:01:30.060 And on that plaster was painted all kinds of images of religious art, 00:01:30.239 --> 00:01:37.199 as well as hundreds of crosses were placed on those plaster walls. 00:01:37.200 --> 00:01:41.879 They found fragments of special lamps that signify it was a special place. 00:01:42.320 --> 00:01:44.079 They were found throughout that house. 00:01:44.879 --> 00:01:51.040 And on the walls were written messages that were recorded, which were written in the first century. 00:01:51.579 --> 00:01:54.300 One said, Lord Jesus Christ, help. 00:01:55.540 --> 00:01:58.260 Another said, Christ have mercy. 00:01:59.439 --> 00:02:02.219 Another said, most holy God. 00:02:02.219 --> 00:02:12.500 There were 124 inscriptions in Greek, 18 in Syriac, 15 in Hebrew, and two in Latin. 00:02:14.060 --> 00:02:19.400 One of them states, Peter, helper of Rome. 00:02:20.180 --> 00:02:22.400 It is a neat spot. 00:02:23.500 --> 00:02:31.240 And sadly, for the last 35 years, all of that has been covered by a hideous octagonal monastery. 00:02:31.240 --> 00:02:37.280 That if you go into that monastery, there is glass in the center of it. 00:02:37.580 --> 00:02:46.960 And you can look down on what was previously uncovered and look down and see the octagonal Byzantine building, 00:02:46.960 --> 00:02:51.560 as well as see some of Peter's walls underneath that. 00:02:52.280 --> 00:02:59.780 That was added because something very special happened as recorded in the Gospels. 00:02:59.780 --> 00:03:04.580 Let's look at it in Mark chapter 1, beginning in verse 29. 00:03:04.740 --> 00:03:05.460 It says this, 00:03:05.460 --> 00:03:22.560 Now, Simon's mother-in-law lay ill with a fever, and immediately they told him about her. 00:03:23.240 --> 00:03:27.080 And he came and took her by the hand and lifted her up. 00:03:27.500 --> 00:03:31.140 And the fever left her, and she began to serve them. 00:03:31.139 --> 00:03:38.019 That evening at sundown, they brought to him all who were sick or oppressed by demons. 00:03:38.439 --> 00:03:43.619 And the whole city was gathered together at the door. 00:03:44.339 --> 00:03:48.919 And he healed many who were sick with various diseases and cast out many demons. 00:03:49.379 --> 00:03:54.699 And he would not permit the demons to speak because they knew him. 00:03:54.699 --> 00:04:01.239 How in the world do you host the King of kings and the Lord of lords? 00:04:02.379 --> 00:04:08.799 Well, quite honestly, anywhere that Jesus is, he's doing the hosting because he is the Lord of hosts. 00:04:08.979 --> 00:04:12.679 Now, that term there is not speaking of exactly that kind of host. 00:04:12.839 --> 00:04:19.279 But either way, I want you to know that Christ does not only come to church. 00:04:19.279 --> 00:04:21.619 We talked about that last week. 00:04:22.119 --> 00:04:26.399 But he walks with us, and he talks with us, and he ought to make a difference in your life. 00:04:26.559 --> 00:04:33.899 And not only at the church house, but also at your house and my house. 00:04:34.759 --> 00:04:37.579 He did make a difference at Peter's house that day. 00:04:37.659 --> 00:04:45.979 And it gives us a great indication of the impact, the opportunity of impact that we have at our house. 00:04:45.980 --> 00:04:49.800 Notice what happens when Jesus is in the house. 00:04:49.879 --> 00:04:53.220 When Jesus is in the house, lives are lifted. 00:04:55.220 --> 00:04:58.379 Peter's mother-in-law was sick. 00:04:59.500 --> 00:05:09.480 It's ironic that it is Peter's mother-in-law because the Catholic Church considers Peter to be the first pope. 00:05:10.640 --> 00:05:15.520 And priests have to take a vow to celibacy, and therefore they can't marry. 00:05:15.980 --> 00:05:22.980 And the one that they believe was the first pope was Peter, who was married. 00:05:23.860 --> 00:05:24.740 It's kind of awkward. 00:05:24.960 --> 00:05:29.180 But anyway, his mother-in-law was sick, and it was bad. 00:05:29.280 --> 00:05:32.660 Luke tells us that she had a high fever. 00:05:33.640 --> 00:05:36.879 And that's bad any time, but especially when guests are coming. 00:05:37.620 --> 00:05:39.060 And it was a preacher coming. 00:05:39.939 --> 00:05:41.939 And the preacher was Jesus. 00:05:42.560 --> 00:05:44.980 So now is not a good time to be sick. 00:05:44.980 --> 00:05:51.360 I remember one Thanksgiving, we planned to eat with Mom and Dad, and Mom got sick that week. 00:05:52.180 --> 00:05:53.939 And we was praying hard for her to get well. 00:05:55.000 --> 00:05:57.500 And she was trying her best to fend it off. 00:05:57.960 --> 00:06:03.939 And she woke up one Thanksgiving bad, and she called and said, 00:06:04.300 --> 00:06:08.800 with what I've got, I wouldn't feel comfortable fixing anybody's food. 00:06:09.740 --> 00:06:10.860 Fred did get sick. 00:06:10.860 --> 00:06:14.500 And so Thanksgiving was canceled. 00:06:16.460 --> 00:06:17.939 We didn't have a backup plan. 00:06:18.960 --> 00:06:23.240 And I said, I hope you feel better. 00:06:26.080 --> 00:06:28.699 And in my heart, I thought, I hope we get to eat. 00:06:28.699 --> 00:06:33.120 So we went to Cracker Barrel. 00:06:35.259 --> 00:06:40.360 Back before they took the cracker and the barrel off the sign. 00:06:44.699 --> 00:06:48.779 When Uncle Herschel was still respected and revered. 00:06:48.779 --> 00:06:53.899 Back when biscuits were cat head-like. 00:06:57.899 --> 00:07:05.039 Anyway, it's tough when there's serious sickness, especially when it's the host. 00:07:06.119 --> 00:07:10.139 The synagogue met until noon, just like we're going to do today. 00:07:11.419 --> 00:07:13.399 I thought somebody would catch it. 00:07:13.479 --> 00:07:17.259 But anyway, if you don't catch it now, you'll catch it in a few minutes. 00:07:17.259 --> 00:07:18.000 I promise you them. 00:07:18.620 --> 00:07:20.719 They left the church immediately. 00:07:21.839 --> 00:07:23.399 That's proof that they're Baptist. 00:07:25.699 --> 00:07:29.939 And Peter's house is very close to the synagogue. 00:07:31.759 --> 00:07:34.079 There's an image that shows how close it was. 00:07:34.120 --> 00:07:37.300 It was a large home with a unique feature. 00:07:37.300 --> 00:07:40.639 Matter of fact, where you see the octagonal shape away from the synagogue, 00:07:40.980 --> 00:07:42.980 in between were 12 houses. 00:07:42.980 --> 00:07:48.680 So that tells you how much larger his house was than those around him. 00:07:48.900 --> 00:07:51.180 It had a unique feature to it. 00:07:51.300 --> 00:07:55.140 It had doors that opened into a large gathering area. 00:07:55.780 --> 00:08:00.360 And historians and archaeologists believe that a church met in that home 00:08:00.360 --> 00:08:03.319 and that that home belonged to Peter. 00:08:03.720 --> 00:08:09.819 Now, what that means is there may not have been a church meeting there on the day Christ came 00:08:09.819 --> 00:08:11.899 because they met in the synagogue. 00:08:13.279 --> 00:08:20.139 But in the future ministry of Peter, even after the ascension of Christ, 00:08:20.939 --> 00:08:22.939 a church was formed in that home. 00:08:23.500 --> 00:08:28.019 It speaks a lot of the ongoing ministry of Peter and after the ministry of Jesus. 00:08:28.019 --> 00:08:34.059 But it also, the size of his home speaks to his success as a fisherman 00:08:34.059 --> 00:08:42.699 and how he walked away from that business to give Christ service while Christ walked the earth. 00:08:43.460 --> 00:08:47.360 That day when he left synagogue, they didn't have to go far. 00:08:48.419 --> 00:08:51.500 However, Peter's mother-in-law slipped out of the service early 00:08:51.500 --> 00:08:53.799 and it wasn't a check the rose just because she's sick. 00:08:53.799 --> 00:08:59.740 Actually, I doubt she was even able to go based on the biblical description of her sickness. 00:09:00.799 --> 00:09:02.759 They told Jesus immediately. 00:09:05.179 --> 00:09:08.159 Now, either that means they were very concerned about her 00:09:08.159 --> 00:09:10.719 or that means they were very hungry. 00:09:11.199 --> 00:09:12.199 I'm not sure which one. 00:09:12.899 --> 00:09:16.839 But that's not a problem when Jesus comes home with you. 00:09:17.399 --> 00:09:18.159 He can handle it. 00:09:18.240 --> 00:09:19.139 You see, he's the healer. 00:09:19.139 --> 00:09:19.759 He can handle it. 00:09:19.759 --> 00:09:20.159 He can handle it. 00:09:20.159 --> 00:09:20.319 He can handle it. 00:09:20.319 --> 00:09:20.600 He can handle it. 00:09:20.600 --> 00:09:22.860 Whatever the ailment. 00:09:24.500 --> 00:09:30.600 Now, there were all kinds of healing, but, and there are all kinds of healing, but he can do it. 00:09:31.439 --> 00:09:33.759 And I love the way he did it here. 00:09:34.939 --> 00:09:36.919 He didn't ask her for a seed gift. 00:09:38.819 --> 00:09:40.639 He didn't slap her on the head. 00:09:42.779 --> 00:09:44.159 She didn't fall out. 00:09:47.240 --> 00:09:48.639 He took her by the hand. 00:09:49.139 --> 00:09:52.240 And he lifted her up. 00:09:54.259 --> 00:09:57.639 And when he did, the fever left her immediately. 00:09:58.980 --> 00:10:00.460 I love how he did that. 00:10:00.519 --> 00:10:05.340 He just took her by the hand and lifted her up. 00:10:08.039 --> 00:10:10.379 That's exactly what he'll do for each one of us. 00:10:12.519 --> 00:10:16.019 Regardless of the hole that we're in, regardless of the bed in which we lie, 00:10:16.019 --> 00:10:20.980 regardless of the ailments that slow us, Christ will lift us up. 00:10:23.399 --> 00:10:24.559 Are you down today? 00:10:24.559 --> 00:10:30.559 We'll try our best to be kind to you today, but I'm going to tell you something. 00:10:30.659 --> 00:10:31.919 Christ is going to lift you up. 00:10:33.519 --> 00:10:34.539 Meet you where you are. 00:10:34.539 --> 00:10:41.779 Not only are lives lifted when Christ is in the house, but others are served. 00:10:43.039 --> 00:10:44.599 I want you to notice a couple things. 00:10:44.600 --> 00:10:51.680 One is she was instantly and completely healed, and she immediately began serving. 00:10:52.519 --> 00:10:53.879 It's the first thing that she did. 00:10:55.360 --> 00:11:03.100 Now, you know if you've had fever, high fever, that even when that fever breaks, you are worn, 00:11:03.840 --> 00:11:09.420 you are weary, you don't instantly feel completely well. 00:11:09.419 --> 00:11:10.240 It takes a while. 00:11:11.319 --> 00:11:18.339 That is unless you're healed by the touch of Jesus, because for her, immediately her strength came back, 00:11:18.959 --> 00:11:20.000 and she went to work. 00:11:20.599 --> 00:11:22.159 There was no recovery period. 00:11:22.620 --> 00:11:23.399 She got busy. 00:11:24.500 --> 00:11:27.639 And notice what she got busy doing. 00:11:28.699 --> 00:11:30.099 She was serving. 00:11:31.199 --> 00:11:34.879 That is what we need to be doing when Jesus has touched our lives. 00:11:34.879 --> 00:11:45.259 You know, some of you may know this, but I don't like calling this hour a worship service. 00:11:47.259 --> 00:11:48.799 I'll call it a worship hour. 00:11:49.820 --> 00:11:51.299 I'll call it a time of worship. 00:11:51.419 --> 00:11:55.519 I may call it a worship service from time to time, like I sometimes call life group Sunday school. 00:11:55.679 --> 00:11:57.059 I may fall back into that. 00:11:58.500 --> 00:12:04.580 But I don't like calling it a worship service, because when I grew up, that's what it was called. 00:12:04.879 --> 00:12:13.899 But I grew up believing that when we were here, sitting in the pew, we were serving the Lord. 00:12:17.120 --> 00:12:18.240 Can I be honest? 00:12:20.080 --> 00:12:21.539 That's not service to the Lord. 00:12:24.080 --> 00:12:25.539 Now, there's some in the nursery. 00:12:26.240 --> 00:12:27.419 That's service to the Lord. 00:12:29.340 --> 00:12:32.320 There's those in children's church from week to week. 00:12:32.320 --> 00:12:33.679 That's serving the Lord. 00:12:34.879 --> 00:12:36.580 There's those who are ushering. 00:12:38.000 --> 00:12:39.139 That's serving the Lord. 00:12:40.259 --> 00:12:42.399 That's those who are securing our facility. 00:12:42.500 --> 00:12:43.039 That's serving the Lord. 00:12:43.240 --> 00:12:47.340 Those who run this video and run this audio, allow you to hear and listen. 00:12:48.259 --> 00:12:49.659 That's serving the Lord. 00:12:50.320 --> 00:12:57.120 Those who served you coffee, if you went to the coffee bar this morning or gave you a bulletin when you came in and greeted you as you came in. 00:12:58.059 --> 00:12:59.000 That's serving the Lord. 00:12:59.000 --> 00:13:01.220 But sitting in a worship hour is not service. 00:13:02.759 --> 00:13:06.200 Let's never believe we're serving the Lord just by tolerating a preacher. 00:13:07.580 --> 00:13:08.480 That's not service. 00:13:11.179 --> 00:13:13.960 And serving the Lord is not only to happen in the church. 00:13:14.019 --> 00:13:15.460 I believe it is to happen in the church. 00:13:15.500 --> 00:13:17.740 And I believe all of us need to serve in some capacity. 00:13:17.740 --> 00:13:22.159 But it's not only to happen in the church. 00:13:23.840 --> 00:13:25.740 You serve him wherever you are. 00:13:25.799 --> 00:13:27.080 And I want you to notice something else. 00:13:28.299 --> 00:13:30.539 In Mark chapter 1 verse 31 it says, 00:13:30.860 --> 00:13:33.200 And she began to serve them. 00:13:33.539 --> 00:13:36.240 With an emphasis on them that I placed on there. 00:13:36.240 --> 00:13:39.460 Not him. 00:13:40.639 --> 00:13:41.600 But them. 00:13:43.279 --> 00:13:46.960 And that's big because service to the Lord involves serving others. 00:13:48.080 --> 00:13:49.899 Jesus tells a story in Matthew 25. 00:13:50.240 --> 00:13:52.480 And brings up people feeding the hungry. 00:13:52.700 --> 00:13:54.519 And giving drink to the thirsty. 00:13:54.720 --> 00:13:56.320 And welcoming the stranger. 00:13:56.560 --> 00:13:58.000 And clothing the needy. 00:13:58.120 --> 00:13:59.600 And visiting the sick. 00:13:59.759 --> 00:14:01.720 And visiting those in prison. 00:14:01.720 --> 00:14:04.100 And he says in Matthew 25 verse 40. 00:14:04.100 --> 00:14:06.019 Truly I say to you. 00:14:06.159 --> 00:14:09.340 As you did it to one of the least of these my brothers. 00:14:09.580 --> 00:14:10.840 You did it to me. 00:14:11.440 --> 00:14:12.779 He goes on to say. 00:14:12.960 --> 00:14:14.379 When you do not do it. 00:14:14.500 --> 00:14:14.980 Do that. 00:14:15.180 --> 00:14:16.060 You show evidence. 00:14:16.259 --> 00:14:19.040 That you don't have Christ in your life at all. 00:14:22.000 --> 00:14:23.800 When Jesus comes home with you. 00:14:25.180 --> 00:14:28.160 More than just an at church Sunday morning check off. 00:14:28.360 --> 00:14:30.240 When he comes home with you. 00:14:30.240 --> 00:14:33.240 Your home will be marked by serving others. 00:14:34.100 --> 00:14:36.399 There will be mutual service in your home. 00:14:36.759 --> 00:14:38.420 Even if you don't have guests. 00:14:38.519 --> 00:14:40.540 There will be mutual service in your home. 00:14:40.600 --> 00:14:41.500 When you serve others. 00:14:42.860 --> 00:14:44.060 You serve Christ. 00:14:45.159 --> 00:14:47.899 And the presence of Christ will change. 00:14:48.840 --> 00:14:49.600 A home. 00:14:51.659 --> 00:14:52.560 Not only that. 00:14:52.639 --> 00:14:54.019 But when Christ is in the house. 00:14:54.800 --> 00:14:56.460 Lives are changed. 00:14:58.420 --> 00:14:59.139 Scripture says. 00:14:59.379 --> 00:15:01.100 As soon as the sun went down. 00:15:01.160 --> 00:15:02.040 People started coming. 00:15:02.039 --> 00:15:05.179 Not just a few people. 00:15:05.819 --> 00:15:06.339 Everybody. 00:15:07.719 --> 00:15:09.679 The talk was great that day. 00:15:10.059 --> 00:15:13.240 Verse 28 says that his fame spread everywhere. 00:15:13.339 --> 00:15:14.319 And it spread fast. 00:15:14.459 --> 00:15:17.939 And they came as soon as the sun went down. 00:15:18.059 --> 00:15:18.779 And you know why? 00:15:19.620 --> 00:15:21.240 Because that's when the Sabbath was over. 00:15:22.620 --> 00:15:25.399 The Sabbath would go from sundown to sundown. 00:15:25.519 --> 00:15:27.279 Typically about 6 p.m. 00:15:27.279 --> 00:15:29.100 To about 6 p.m. 00:15:29.100 --> 00:15:30.819 Instead of our day. 00:15:32.379 --> 00:15:33.959 Ends or starts at midnight. 00:15:34.179 --> 00:15:35.240 And goes to the next midnight. 00:15:36.980 --> 00:15:39.059 The Jewish day is 6 p.m. 00:15:39.179 --> 00:15:42.100 Or sundown to sundown. 00:15:42.939 --> 00:15:44.819 When the skies darken. 00:15:45.019 --> 00:15:46.860 And even Jewish law speaks of. 00:15:47.120 --> 00:15:49.559 When you can see as many as three stars. 00:15:49.559 --> 00:15:55.299 That's when the Sabbath is over. 00:15:57.019 --> 00:16:02.719 And Jewish law prohibited one from carrying anything or anyone on the Sabbath. 00:16:04.119 --> 00:16:05.179 So they waited. 00:16:05.179 --> 00:16:12.399 To me it was almost like horses at the gate of sorts. 00:16:13.459 --> 00:16:15.039 Waiting to break loose. 00:16:16.559 --> 00:16:18.039 Won't the sun go down? 00:16:19.120 --> 00:16:21.759 And as soon as the sun went down. 00:16:22.399 --> 00:16:23.779 And the stars were seen. 00:16:23.859 --> 00:16:24.500 They came. 00:16:25.959 --> 00:16:27.519 Scripture says all of them came. 00:16:27.639 --> 00:16:28.939 And they brought the sick. 00:16:29.679 --> 00:16:31.279 And they brought the demon possessed. 00:16:31.279 --> 00:16:36.879 Now sometimes people get confused about the sickness that Jesus healed. 00:16:37.000 --> 00:16:38.740 And the demons that he cast out. 00:16:38.939 --> 00:16:40.379 Was that all the same? 00:16:40.559 --> 00:16:41.699 No it was not. 00:16:43.779 --> 00:16:45.799 Maybe in that day they couldn't tell the difference. 00:16:45.879 --> 00:16:47.279 I even talked about last week about. 00:16:47.519 --> 00:16:49.740 How there's confusion today I believe. 00:16:49.959 --> 00:16:54.759 And how we figure out exactly what someone's problem may be. 00:16:56.100 --> 00:16:59.399 When demonic activity becomes involved in that. 00:16:59.399 --> 00:17:03.720 But I'll tell you how I know who was sick. 00:17:04.099 --> 00:17:05.720 And Jesus healed them. 00:17:06.240 --> 00:17:07.400 And who was possessed. 00:17:08.559 --> 00:17:10.359 Or oppressed by a demon. 00:17:10.819 --> 00:17:12.759 And Jesus cast it out. 00:17:13.700 --> 00:17:15.779 He called it as it was. 00:17:16.099 --> 00:17:17.700 And he didn't make mistakes doing it. 00:17:18.460 --> 00:17:19.879 When he healed he healed. 00:17:19.980 --> 00:17:21.400 When he cast out he cast out. 00:17:23.400 --> 00:17:24.559 He was very clear. 00:17:25.160 --> 00:17:26.740 On what the problem was. 00:17:27.599 --> 00:17:29.379 Even maybe if somebody else couldn't figure it out. 00:17:29.380 --> 00:17:30.260 He could figure out. 00:17:30.560 --> 00:17:31.900 What exactly what it was. 00:17:32.100 --> 00:17:34.520 And he always took care of it. 00:17:34.920 --> 00:17:36.020 When the demon possessed. 00:17:36.460 --> 00:17:38.140 And the demon oppressed came. 00:17:40.720 --> 00:17:44.100 Surely due to the word getting out about what happened the day at church. 00:17:45.540 --> 00:17:47.140 When the demon possessed man. 00:17:48.080 --> 00:17:49.660 When that one was cast out. 00:17:49.740 --> 00:17:50.520 They brought more. 00:17:51.760 --> 00:17:52.660 He cast out demons. 00:17:52.660 --> 00:17:53.660 He was always able. 00:17:53.660 --> 00:17:54.880 He was always able. 00:17:55.340 --> 00:17:56.880 To defeat evil. 00:17:56.880 --> 00:17:58.680 And stop disease. 00:18:00.519 --> 00:18:03.180 You will see some healing in the Old Testament. 00:18:03.880 --> 00:18:06.680 You will see some healing in the book of Acts. 00:18:09.800 --> 00:18:10.279 Nowhere. 00:18:11.279 --> 00:18:13.160 Do you see any kind of healing. 00:18:13.480 --> 00:18:14.920 Like you see around Jesus. 00:18:17.080 --> 00:18:18.480 They brought him to Jesus. 00:18:18.680 --> 00:18:19.940 And there was not a task. 00:18:19.940 --> 00:18:21.019 That was too large. 00:18:21.019 --> 00:18:22.240 For him to handle. 00:18:22.759 --> 00:18:24.000 He handled everyone. 00:18:24.660 --> 00:18:26.559 He could do what needed to be done. 00:18:27.160 --> 00:18:29.039 He always defeated evil. 00:18:29.420 --> 00:18:31.019 He always stopped disease. 00:18:31.880 --> 00:18:33.299 He healed disabilities. 00:18:33.860 --> 00:18:35.100 He healed deafness. 00:18:35.600 --> 00:18:36.019 He healed blindness. 00:18:37.019 --> 00:18:38.360 He healed leprosy. 00:18:38.720 --> 00:18:40.180 He healed paralysis. 00:18:40.620 --> 00:18:42.039 He raised people from the dead. 00:18:42.299 --> 00:18:43.120 Whatever it was. 00:18:43.180 --> 00:18:43.980 He would cure it. 00:18:43.980 --> 00:18:47.740 But he. 00:18:47.980 --> 00:18:48.420 Here. 00:18:48.500 --> 00:18:49.519 Not only did he do that. 00:18:49.620 --> 00:18:51.460 But he shut the demons down. 00:18:51.799 --> 00:18:52.579 Shut them up. 00:18:53.660 --> 00:18:54.099 Why? 00:18:54.640 --> 00:18:57.039 Why did he want them to be silent? 00:18:59.079 --> 00:19:00.759 He wanted them to be silent. 00:19:02.019 --> 00:19:04.779 To save the confusion that they cause. 00:19:06.519 --> 00:19:07.880 Look back at the demon. 00:19:07.880 --> 00:19:11.860 And what he said to Christ in the synagogue. 00:19:11.859 --> 00:19:14.579 In verse 24. 00:19:15.919 --> 00:19:16.599 It says. 00:19:17.819 --> 00:19:18.639 The demon says. 00:19:18.859 --> 00:19:20.459 I know who you are. 00:19:20.799 --> 00:19:23.740 The Holy One of God. 00:19:25.359 --> 00:19:26.859 They knew who he was. 00:19:26.979 --> 00:19:28.059 And they acknowledged it. 00:19:28.139 --> 00:19:29.079 But he also could. 00:19:30.119 --> 00:19:31.899 It also could sound like an endorsement. 00:19:32.019 --> 00:19:32.559 Of sorts. 00:19:35.459 --> 00:19:37.179 That if the demon. 00:19:38.399 --> 00:19:39.000 Acknowledged. 00:19:39.519 --> 00:19:40.500 The Holy One of God. 00:19:41.500 --> 00:19:41.839 The demon. 00:19:42.839 --> 00:19:44.119 And said it in that way. 00:19:45.359 --> 00:19:46.959 It almost sounds affirmative. 00:19:48.359 --> 00:19:49.299 Coming from the demons. 00:19:49.459 --> 00:19:51.099 And Jesus didn't want the affirmation of the demons. 00:19:52.299 --> 00:19:53.859 He didn't want an endorsement of them. 00:19:53.919 --> 00:19:55.599 Because it could easily confuse people. 00:19:55.699 --> 00:19:57.359 Into believing that Jesus and the demons. 00:19:57.519 --> 00:19:58.759 Were on the same team. 00:19:59.839 --> 00:20:01.439 There's a similar thing that happens. 00:20:01.500 --> 00:20:02.639 In Acts chapter 16. 00:20:02.799 --> 00:20:04.539 Luke tells us about an encounter. 00:20:04.719 --> 00:20:05.719 That Paul and Silas had. 00:20:05.839 --> 00:20:07.759 With a slave girl filled with a demon. 00:20:08.359 --> 00:20:10.899 And he says in Acts chapter 16 verse 16. 00:20:10.900 --> 00:20:12.800 As we were going to the place of prayer. 00:20:12.920 --> 00:20:14.700 We were met by a slave girl. 00:20:14.800 --> 00:20:16.420 Who had a spirit of divination. 00:20:17.220 --> 00:20:18.840 And brought our owners much gain. 00:20:18.940 --> 00:20:20.080 By fortune telling. 00:20:20.079 --> 00:20:21.079 She followed Paul. 00:20:21.079 --> 00:20:25.079 She followed Paul. 00:20:25.179 --> 00:20:25.939 And us. 00:20:26.119 --> 00:20:26.599 Crying out. 00:20:26.679 --> 00:20:29.179 These men are servants of the most high God. 00:20:29.179 --> 00:20:31.359 Who proclaim to you the way of salvation. 00:20:32.359 --> 00:20:34.679 And this she kept doing for many days. 00:20:34.680 --> 00:20:37.080 Paul having become greatly annoyed. 00:20:37.080 --> 00:20:38.340 Turned and said to the spirit. 00:20:38.779 --> 00:20:41.080 I command you in the name of Jesus Christ. 00:20:41.400 --> 00:20:42.400 To come out of her. 00:20:42.700 --> 00:20:44.720 And he came out that very hour. 00:20:45.000 --> 00:20:47.259 Now why did Paul get annoyed. 00:20:47.460 --> 00:20:49.259 By somebody coming behind him. 00:20:49.500 --> 00:20:50.299 And saying. 00:20:50.660 --> 00:20:52.240 They're proclaiming the way of salvation. 00:20:52.519 --> 00:20:54.740 Because the demon of divination. 00:20:54.740 --> 00:20:55.920 In the girl. 00:20:56.320 --> 00:20:58.019 Was aligning itself. 00:20:58.240 --> 00:20:59.100 With Paul. 00:20:59.259 --> 00:21:00.860 And the message of Christ. 00:21:01.519 --> 00:21:02.799 And the effort was. 00:21:02.799 --> 00:21:04.139 To deceive people. 00:21:05.460 --> 00:21:06.460 To either. 00:21:07.000 --> 00:21:08.460 Give credence to. 00:21:08.740 --> 00:21:09.859 The slave girl. 00:21:10.859 --> 00:21:12.000 And her fortune telling. 00:21:14.259 --> 00:21:16.740 Or either to somehow dismiss. 00:21:17.819 --> 00:21:18.460 Paul. 00:21:18.619 --> 00:21:19.960 Even with an affirmation. 00:21:19.960 --> 00:21:20.579 Because. 00:21:21.899 --> 00:21:23.500 That fortune telling girl. 00:21:23.659 --> 00:21:24.460 Had been dismissed. 00:21:25.879 --> 00:21:27.339 It was to align. 00:21:29.059 --> 00:21:30.019 God's message. 00:21:30.119 --> 00:21:30.579 The gospel. 00:21:30.819 --> 00:21:31.579 With such evil. 00:21:31.680 --> 00:21:32.399 In people's minds. 00:21:32.799 --> 00:21:34.119 And for the same reason. 00:21:34.200 --> 00:21:35.359 Christ silenced the demons. 00:21:37.480 --> 00:21:38.879 Lives were changed that night. 00:21:40.839 --> 00:21:42.940 Ailments that had plagued people for years. 00:21:43.059 --> 00:21:44.399 Maybe their lives. 00:21:45.259 --> 00:21:46.379 Maybe all their lives. 00:21:46.619 --> 00:21:47.859 Those ailments were gone. 00:21:49.460 --> 00:21:50.859 Terminal illness was healed. 00:21:51.000 --> 00:21:51.799 Demon possession. 00:21:51.960 --> 00:21:53.440 People were free. 00:21:54.899 --> 00:21:56.079 All of the city. 00:21:56.240 --> 00:21:57.240 Was there to see it. 00:21:57.279 --> 00:21:58.379 And people's lives were. 00:21:58.680 --> 00:21:59.659 Forever changed. 00:21:59.660 --> 00:22:00.620 Matthew 18. 00:22:00.620 --> 00:22:00.660 Matthew 18. 00:22:00.740 --> 00:22:01.320 16 says. 00:22:03.320 --> 00:22:04.300 Matthew 8. 00:22:04.360 --> 00:22:04.960 Verse 16. 00:22:05.060 --> 00:22:07.100 Says that he healed all who were sick. 00:22:07.240 --> 00:22:08.240 Everybody that was there. 00:22:09.400 --> 00:22:10.040 That was sick. 00:22:10.540 --> 00:22:11.580 There wasn't one he skipped over. 00:22:11.640 --> 00:22:12.400 Because it was too hard. 00:22:15.279 --> 00:22:17.800 And that's what happens when Jesus comes into the house. 00:22:19.580 --> 00:22:22.460 Nothing is the same again when Jesus is welcomed. 00:22:22.460 --> 00:22:25.140 And working and leading in our homes. 00:22:26.340 --> 00:22:28.740 He makes all the difference. 00:22:31.579 --> 00:22:32.980 Now let me ask you something. 00:22:37.299 --> 00:22:40.840 How did all these people come to know that Christ had come? 00:22:42.319 --> 00:22:42.980 To Capernaum. 00:22:42.980 --> 00:22:48.559 How did these people know he was in town? 00:22:52.720 --> 00:22:54.400 They knew to come to Christ. 00:22:55.940 --> 00:22:57.720 Because somebody was telling them. 00:22:59.200 --> 00:23:01.700 About the difference that Jesus makes. 00:23:03.599 --> 00:23:05.299 People were telling folks. 00:23:05.860 --> 00:23:07.059 Where Jesus was. 00:23:07.059 --> 00:23:09.000 And how they could find Jesus. 00:23:09.000 --> 00:23:12.460 Because of the word of mouth. 00:23:12.660 --> 00:23:14.420 And because of the invitation to come. 00:23:14.500 --> 00:23:15.079 They came. 00:23:16.480 --> 00:23:17.460 Now I've been to Capernaum. 00:23:17.539 --> 00:23:18.559 The streets are narrow. 00:23:19.819 --> 00:23:21.019 The city's not large. 00:23:23.519 --> 00:23:25.000 To have that many people. 00:23:25.160 --> 00:23:26.500 From the Galilean region. 00:23:26.500 --> 00:23:27.660 To come into that area. 00:23:28.160 --> 00:23:30.420 Was somewhat overwhelming. 00:23:30.740 --> 00:23:32.440 There were people everywhere. 00:23:32.440 --> 00:23:34.640 But it did not stop them. 00:23:34.839 --> 00:23:36.339 Because lives were changed. 00:23:36.339 --> 00:23:36.599 Why? 00:23:36.720 --> 00:23:37.439 Because people. 00:23:38.599 --> 00:23:39.519 Were told. 00:23:45.039 --> 00:23:46.399 My question for you today. 00:23:46.579 --> 00:23:46.859 Is. 00:23:47.399 --> 00:23:50.159 Is Jesus welcome at your house? 00:23:52.980 --> 00:23:54.000 More specifically. 00:23:54.220 --> 00:23:56.179 Is Jesus welcome in your life? 00:23:59.339 --> 00:24:01.139 To have his will and his way. 00:24:01.240 --> 00:24:02.699 And to do what he would like to do. 00:24:02.700 --> 00:24:03.100 And. 00:24:08.100 --> 00:24:10.340 When's the last time. 00:24:10.440 --> 00:24:11.860 You told someone about Jesus? 00:24:14.420 --> 00:24:14.940 I mean. 00:24:15.059 --> 00:24:16.380 We tell people about our youngins. 00:24:18.299 --> 00:24:20.140 We tell them about our grand youngins. 00:24:21.640 --> 00:24:23.120 We tell them about our football. 00:24:26.180 --> 00:24:26.740 Well hey. 00:24:26.819 --> 00:24:28.000 You should have been at Pickens. 00:24:28.440 --> 00:24:29.519 High school football. 00:24:29.700 --> 00:24:30.360 Friday night. 00:24:31.160 --> 00:24:31.759 My soul. 00:24:31.759 --> 00:24:33.039 Y'all lit it up. 00:24:33.319 --> 00:24:33.900 Proud of you. 00:24:37.740 --> 00:24:38.099 Listen. 00:24:38.180 --> 00:24:39.059 If we love Jesus. 00:24:42.059 --> 00:24:44.920 And we talked about him half as much as we do our love. 00:24:45.220 --> 00:24:45.579 Interest. 00:24:46.759 --> 00:24:47.779 And our hobbies. 00:24:50.400 --> 00:24:52.140 We'd set the woods on fire for the Lord. 00:24:54.619 --> 00:24:56.079 We'd just have to change our conversation. 00:24:58.160 --> 00:24:59.440 What it is we're talking about. 00:24:59.440 --> 00:25:00.080 Listen. 00:25:01.860 --> 00:25:02.340 Listen. 00:25:02.700 --> 00:25:04.980 They took Jesus home with them. 00:25:06.120 --> 00:25:07.860 And when they took Jesus home. 00:25:07.960 --> 00:25:09.600 He characterized their homes. 00:25:10.600 --> 00:25:11.759 And when he did. 00:25:12.759 --> 00:25:14.400 People's lives were changed. 00:25:17.320 --> 00:25:18.460 Their needs. 00:25:19.460 --> 00:25:20.059 Were met. 00:25:22.920 --> 00:25:23.900 Change came. 00:25:23.900 --> 00:25:28.180 My question for you today is. 00:25:28.180 --> 00:25:31.480 What changes do you need to happen today? 00:25:35.320 --> 00:25:37.120 What do you need Jesus to do? 00:25:38.460 --> 00:25:39.700 In your life. 00:25:41.700 --> 00:25:42.880 In your home. 00:25:44.380 --> 00:25:44.920 Today. 00:25:44.920 --> 00:25:50.000 I am thankful that he can change it. 00:25:52.000 --> 00:25:53.820 He can cure whatever ails you. 00:25:55.940 --> 00:25:59.000 He can cast out whatever needs to be cast out of your life. 00:26:00.360 --> 00:26:02.340 He can change your life. 00:26:02.339 --> 00:26:06.139 It comes and starts with an acknowledgement. 00:26:09.599 --> 00:26:10.579 That you need him. 00:26:12.539 --> 00:26:14.579 It starts with an acknowledgement that. 00:26:14.919 --> 00:26:16.859 You know that you've sinned. 00:26:16.859 --> 00:26:20.539 And been separate from the Lord. 00:26:22.939 --> 00:26:24.699 Because of the sin that divides you. 00:26:24.819 --> 00:26:26.559 And you ask God to forgive you. 00:26:27.000 --> 00:26:27.799 To cleanse you. 00:26:27.859 --> 00:26:28.679 And to come into your life. 00:26:28.719 --> 00:26:30.439 And I'm thankful that when you do that. 00:26:31.439 --> 00:26:33.519 He'll empower you with the spirit of God. 00:26:33.579 --> 00:26:35.439 And help you to rise above the very things. 00:26:35.439 --> 00:26:36.519 That have hindered you. 00:26:37.119 --> 00:26:38.159 Without his help. 00:26:39.799 --> 00:26:41.319 You'll be strengthened and empowered. 00:26:41.319 --> 00:26:43.419 And it happens instantaneously. 00:26:44.919 --> 00:26:47.259 His salvation comes like his healing does. 00:26:47.319 --> 00:26:47.980 It's instantaneous. 00:26:51.099 --> 00:26:52.539 And the reality is. 00:26:52.700 --> 00:26:55.519 If you feel any inkling to the need of that at all. 00:26:55.579 --> 00:26:56.579 In your life today. 00:26:56.960 --> 00:26:58.519 You didn't come up with that on your own. 00:26:58.599 --> 00:27:01.319 The Bible says that we're dead in our transgressions and sins. 00:27:01.639 --> 00:27:03.839 We're not spiritually aware of our needs. 00:27:03.960 --> 00:27:05.700 Until God shows us that. 00:27:05.980 --> 00:27:07.559 And when God shows us that. 00:27:07.779 --> 00:27:09.460 If we'll answer his invitation. 00:27:09.460 --> 00:27:10.279 Scripture is clear. 00:27:10.279 --> 00:27:12.059 That today's the day of salvation. 00:27:12.220 --> 00:27:13.299 He'll meet you where you are. 00:27:13.359 --> 00:27:14.599 And he'll change your life forever. 00:27:15.619 --> 00:27:17.460 If you've never given your heart and life for the Lord. 00:27:17.519 --> 00:27:18.539 That's where it all starts. 00:27:22.440 --> 00:27:23.200 Maybe you have. 00:27:23.240 --> 00:27:23.980 And it's been private. 00:27:24.099 --> 00:27:25.299 But you've never done that publicly. 00:27:26.740 --> 00:27:27.879 Jesus by his commission. 00:27:27.960 --> 00:27:28.579 And by his example. 00:27:28.700 --> 00:27:31.019 Told us to follow that with baptism. 00:27:31.139 --> 00:27:32.099 And if you've never been baptized. 00:27:32.460 --> 00:27:33.799 We're going to do it in a few weeks. 00:27:34.460 --> 00:27:35.539 I encourage you. 00:27:36.059 --> 00:27:36.779 To come. 00:27:36.779 --> 00:27:37.899 And let's talk about that. 00:27:38.000 --> 00:27:38.559 And line that up. 00:27:38.720 --> 00:27:40.259 Maybe God's leading you to First Baptist Church. 00:27:40.279 --> 00:27:44.339 You know this is the place where God would have you to serve. 00:27:45.000 --> 00:27:47.619 And I'm thankful for what God's doing in our midst. 00:27:49.519 --> 00:27:50.599 God's leading you to come. 00:27:50.660 --> 00:27:51.119 You come. 00:27:51.220 --> 00:27:53.359 We'll work out what that means. 00:27:54.940 --> 00:27:57.539 Maybe you're here and it's not those things. 00:27:57.539 --> 00:27:58.539 You need to touch. 00:27:58.539 --> 00:27:58.879 You need a touch. 00:27:58.879 --> 00:28:01.000 You need a touch. 00:28:01.460 --> 00:28:01.799 Today. 00:28:02.659 --> 00:28:03.339 From the Lord. 00:28:03.420 --> 00:28:04.799 You need him to take you by the hand. 00:28:06.240 --> 00:28:07.279 And to lift you up. 00:28:10.059 --> 00:28:11.539 To touch what ails you. 00:28:14.019 --> 00:28:15.480 To straighten out what's wrong. 00:28:15.480 --> 00:28:20.259 To fix the things that are not right. 00:28:21.660 --> 00:28:23.339 And you need to lay them before the Lord. 00:28:24.900 --> 00:28:27.839 And ask him to do whatever he'd have you to do. 00:28:27.900 --> 00:28:29.660 You can do that where you'll stand in just a moment. 00:28:29.759 --> 00:28:31.360 You can do that at this altar. 00:28:31.599 --> 00:28:32.900 I'll be happy to pray with you. 00:28:33.120 --> 00:28:34.460 I have no idea. 00:28:35.620 --> 00:28:37.799 Don't pretend to know what God's told you. 00:28:38.799 --> 00:28:40.399 I know what he's told me to say. 00:28:41.720 --> 00:28:43.200 I don't know what he's doing in your life. 00:28:43.240 --> 00:28:44.659 But I encourage you to be obedient today. 00:28:46.039 --> 00:28:48.700 What better way to celebrate the Lord than just to be obedient. 00:28:49.839 --> 00:28:51.039 Lord Jesus I love you. 00:28:51.099 --> 00:28:52.599 And I thank you for your love for us. 00:28:52.599 --> 00:28:55.960 I ask right now that you'll lead and guide and move in our midst. 00:28:56.579 --> 00:28:58.039 Help us to simply be obedient. 00:28:58.180 --> 00:28:58.859 Father I pray. 00:28:59.559 --> 00:29:01.079 In Jesus precious name. 00:29:02.059 --> 00:29:02.379 Amen.