Word of God Speak

This past Sunday, the Gospel text came from Mark 1:21-28. It tells of Jesus beginning his ministry in the small village of Capernaum on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee. Here is the text from The Message:

Then they entered Capernaum. When the Sabbath arrived, Jesus lost no time in getting to the meeting place. He spent the day there teaching. They were surprised at his teaching—so forthright, so confident—not quibbling and quoting like the religion scholars.Suddenly, while still in the meeting place, he was interrupted by a man who was deeply disturbed and yelling out, “What business do you have here with us, Jesus? Nazarene! I know what you’re up to! You’re the Holy One of God, and you have come to destroy us!”Jesus shut him up: “Quiet! Get out of him!” The afflicting spirit threw the man into spasms, protesting loudly—and got out.Everyone there was incredulous, buzzing with curiosity. “What’s going on here? A new teaching that does what it says? He shuts up defiling, demonic spirits and sends them packing!” News of this traveled fast and was soon all over Galilee. (Mark 1:21-28, The Message)

Jesus speaks with authority. With all the voices that speak to us, that knock us down and tell us that we are not good enough, we unlovable and unworthy of God's attention, comfort and grace, we need to hear the word of God speak to us.

Even though we have heard the words of God's complete forgiveness and unconditional love over and over again, we often find ourselves still clinging to the thought that there must be a catch, and there should be more we have to do. We don't let the word of God have authority over us.
This struck me when I was doing my daily devotions last week. Here is the reading and prayer for the day:

Reading - Consider yourselves to be dead to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus. Romans 6:11 (NASB)


Prayer - Lord, why do we make excuses for our sins when you have redeemed us with the cross? You died to give us your grace and a new life! We must truly believe that sin has no power over us! Thank you, gracious Lord! Amen.


How true this is. Through Jesus Christ, our sin is washed away. God has forgiven and let it go of our sin, but we often refuse to let go. The authoritative word is one we need to hear again and again, and eventually, it sinks in. I am forgiven. Let the word of God speak to you today.

Some items to share today - the first I used in my sermon Sunday comes from Pastor Vince Garhardy of Australia.

• When evil whispers in your ear, “It’s no use, you can’t do it, give up!” we turn to the words of Scripture, and there we hear the words of St Paul thunder in our ears, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!”(Phil 4:13).
• When evil whispers the words, “You’re alone, there’s no one who cares for you, and no one who will stand by you”, Christ's word assures us, “I will be with you always, to the end of the age” (Mathew 28:20).
• When evil whispers the words, “You’re a failure, no one can possibly love a person like you”, the word of the Lord empowers us to carry on. “Your sins are forgiven” (Luke 5:20), we are told. “The mountains and hills may crumble, but my love for you will never end” (Isaiah 54:10).
• When evil whispers the words, “There is no hope and no help or comfort in the face of sickness and grief, a word comes from Christ, 
• “I am the good shepherd. I know my sheep and they know me.”  “I will never forget you!  I have written your name on the palms of my hands” (Isaiah 49:15).
• When evil whispers in your ear, “You’re going to die and that will be end of you" and terror strikes your heart, Jesus comes with a word, 
• “Do not let your hearts be troubled.  Trust me.  I have gone to prepare a place for you” (John 14:1-4). “All those who live and believe in me will never die” (John 11:26). 
• When evil whispers in your ear, “There is no point in praying, don’t waste your time.  You have better things to do”.  The word of the Lord comes to us with authority, “When you call on me, when you come and pray to me, I will listen” (Jer 29:12).

Here is a helpful list a friend shared a few years ago on Facebook:

• You say: "It's impossible" - God says: All things are possible (Luke 18:27) 
• You say: "I'm too tired" - God says: I will give you rest (Mat.11:28-30) 
• You say: "Nobody really loves me" - God says: I love you  (John 3:16 & John 3:34) 
• You say: "I can't go on"  - God says: My grace is sufficient (II Corinthians 12:9 & Psalm 91:15) 
• You say: "I can't figure things out" - God says: I will direct your steps (Proverbs 3:5-6) 
• You say: "I can't do it" - God says: You can do all things (Philippians 4:13) 
• You say: "I'm not able" - God says: I am able (II Corinthians 9:8) 
• You say: "It's not worth it"  - God says: It will be worth it (Roman 8:2)
• You say: "I can't forgive myself" - God says: I Forgive you  (I John 1:9 & Romans 8:1) 
• You say: "I can't manage" - God says: I will supply all your needs (Philippians 4:19) 
• You say: "I'm afraid" - God says: I have not given you a spirit of fear  (II Timothy 1:7) 
• You say: "I'm always worried and frustrated" - God says: Cast all your cares on ME (I Peter 5:7) 
• You say: "I don't have enough faith"  - God says: I've given everyone a measure of faith (Romans 12:3) 
• You say: "I'm not smart enough"  - God says: I give you wisdom (I Corinthians 1:30) 
• You say: "I feel all alone"  - God says: I will never leave you or forsake you (Hebrews 13:5) 

Hear the Good News!

From the musical group Mercy Me, a beautiful song - "Word of God Speak"

Peace,

Pastor Charlie