Mark 9:14,16-17 NLT
14 When they returned to the other disciples, they saw a large crowd surrounding them, and some teachers of religious law were arguing with them.
16 “What is all this arguing about?” Jesus asked.
17 One of the men in the crowd spoke up and said, “Teacher, I brought my son so you could heal him. He is possessed by an evil spirit that won’t let him talk.
Arguing with religious people on whether Jesus has the power or the authority to operate in the supernatural only allows the devil to continue to maintain control.
Mark 9:19 NLT
Jesus said to them, “You faithless people! How long must I be with you? How long must I put up with you? Bring the boy to me.”
Religion and immature Christianity put a premium on living by our natural senses and natural influences. Personal trauma, dysfunctional family dynamics, or race and culture all serve as a direct attack on faith and trust in a loving, miracle-working God.
Mark 9:20-21 NLT
20 So they brought the boy. But when the evil spirit saw Jesus, it threw the child into a violent convulsion, and he fell to the ground, writhing and foaming at the mouth.
21 “How long has this been happening?” Jesus asked the boy’s father. He replied, “Since he was a little boy.
This question Jesus asked shows that demonic possession does not happen overnight. Habitually listening to the accuser’s lies slowly erodes all logic and reason.
Self-destructive behavior starts with a lying thought that developed into a living stronghold, which creates a false identity fortified and sustained by emotions and feelings.
What you believe matters! This young boy has been trained in his faith to worship the god of panic and mischief. Doctrine matters!
The historical culture of this region has watered down the power of the one true God. Culture matters!
They have settled for a powerless confused mixture of religious mush that has opened the boy’s heart to demonic activity. Faith matters!
Mark 9:22-23 NLT
22 The spirit often throws him into the fire or into water, trying to kill him. Have mercy on us and help us, if you can.”
23 “What do you mean, ‘If I can’?” Jesus asked. “Anything is possible if a person believes.”
Have we reduced our dependence on Jesus’ LORDSHIP or diminished our expectation of His power?
Are we moved more by what we see and hear and not what we know of Jesus?
How close are we in joining this man in saying, “Jesus, IF you can do something, it would really be good.”
Mark 9:24 NLT
The father instantly cried out, “I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief!”
Mark 9:27 NLT
But Jesus took him by the hand and helped him to his feet, and he stood up.
There’s nothing better than Jesus helping you to WAKE UP from your nightmare. WAKE UP and GET UP!
TIFAW
What I believe matters; therefore, my culture, my spiritual background, and my flesh, are all submitted to the LORDSHIP of JESUS.
I refuse to live my life by a watered-down religious mush that exalts concepts and diminishes power.
I believe and trust in Jesus; therefore, anything is possible.