Sneak Peak @ Sunday: Rest

This coming Sunday, I’m speaking in “Big Church.” For those who aren’t familiar – that’s the 9:15 and 11:00 service with all the grown-ups. I’m talking about Rest.

I am sort of using this venue to straighten out a few thoughts that I have about “Rest.”

Last week in Vital Link we spoke about the 4 friends with the paralytic. I had mentioned that these guys did what it took to take their hurting and spiritually deprived friend to Jesus. They gave their time, had good attitudes and didn’t let sin get in the way.

They had first carry him across town, decided getting him through the wall of the crowd was impossible, hoisting him on a roof, digging a hole though it, and then lowering him down carefully in front of Jesus – hoping that this man they heard about, Jesus, didn’t have a short temper.

I didn’t speak very much on two important things that took place.

1.)Jesus showed the utmost compassion and mercy to the man and his four friends because of their faith.
2.)The men were probably so physically exhausted – BUT how peaceful was it to know that their obedience brought saving grace to their friend.

It’s funny how in order to get rest – you truly have to work hard (And I'm not talking about working for your Salvation - That's only done by the work of Jesus). But notice – they weren’t looking for rest – they were looking for peace and healing for their friend – and through that – they found their rest.

I don’t want to give away everything, especially all the passages I’ll be using – but take a look at the following:

1.)Read Isaiah 30:18. Write down your personal thoughts on this passage. Write down the kind of picture it paints of God?
2.)Read Hebrews 4:16. Write down your personal thoughts on this passage. Write down the kind of picture it paints of God?
3.)Read Mark 2:1-12. Are you feeling spiritually tired? According to this passage – what should you do? (Hint – what did the 4 guys do for the paralytic)
4.)Pray. Pray that God works you hard for his glory and honor – so that you may
receive rest.

I know this is a hard topic to swallow – so come out this Sunday & See what it’s all about!

Keep Rockin’,

Joey