Jesus - The Authority
Pastor Dave Ryerson
Part of The Gospel of Mark
February 23, 2025

Introduction

This sermon, based on Mark 9, emphasizes recognizing Jesus as our ultimate authority and aligning our lives with His teachings. Through anecdotes and scripture, the preacher illustrates the importance of growing in faith, inviting others to the church, and supporting fellow believers.


Jesus as the Ultimate Authority

  • Understanding that Jesus is the is crucial for a life of faith. We see that authority demonstrated when He casts out a in Mark 9.


  • Just like the disciples, we may feel intimidated or hesitate to about our faith. But asking questions helps us grow and deepen our faith.


Additional Notes:


Focus on Inviting Others

  • Our lives should be focused on inviting others to experience Christ’s love. We are encouraged to friends and neighbors to church.


  • This act of invitation is about sharing the of grace and love we’ve received with others in our community.


Additional Notes:


Celebrating Others’ Work in the Kingdom

  • We must focus on the kingdom’s work rather than critiquing how others serve. If others are serving Christ, they are on our .


  • Jesus instructed us not to stop those doing work in His name, indicating that every effort to spread the Gospel should be .


Additional Notes:


Personal Accountability and Integrity

  • Jesus teaches the importance of personal integrity, urging us to examine our lives and remove anything causing us to .


  • This self-examination helps us live in a manner that fully reflects our commitment to Christ and His teachings.


Additional Notes:


Conclusion

In conclusion, recognizing Christ’s authority compels us to live in alignment with His teachings, extend invitations to others, and work together as a community of believers. By focusing on personal integrity and supporting fellow Christians, we reflect God’s love and purpose in our lives.


Reflection Questions


How can you better understand and follow Christ’s authority in your life?


Who is someone you can invite to church this week to share the love and grace you have received?


What steps can you take to encourage and support fellow believers serving in God’s kingdom?