Welcome to Worship
February 26, 2023
8:30am
Jesus said to them, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” —(Mark 2:17)
Welcome to Worship: Rev. Bill Archer
Worship Song: House of the Lord
Musical Meditation: The Lord’s Prayer
Waves of Grace Choir
Prayer: Rev. Mark Adams
Redland Happenings and Welcome: Rev. Mark Adams
India Mission Trip Share: CC Day and Rev. Kevin Freeman
Worship Song: What A Beautiful Name
Ministry and Mission Moment: Cheryl Day
Musical Praise: All Creatures of Our God and King
Waves of Grace Handbells
Scripture: Mark 2:13-17
Sermon Series: Walk Thru the Bible – God’s Grand Story
Sermon Title: Friend of Sinners
Rev. Kevin Freeman
Sermon Notes:
While crowds followed Jesus, He stopped to notice Matthew, calling him to be a disciple. The Pharisees noticed that Jesus dined with sinners, but Jesus explained that they were the very reason why He had come. Befriending those same people with Christ’s love is how we show our love for Christ.
Because Jesus came to seek and save the lost, the Church is called to the same mission.
Our faith only works if it works for everyone.
13 He went out again beside the sea, and all the crowd was coming to him, and he was teaching them. 14 And as he passed by, he saw Levi the son of Alphaeus sitting at the tax booth, and he said to him, “Follow me.” And he rose and followed him. 15 And as he reclined at table in his house, many tax collectors and sinners were reclining with Jesus and his disciples, for there were many who followed him. 16 And the scribes of the Pharisees, when they saw that he was eating with sinners and tax collectors, said to his disciples, “Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?” 17 And when Jesus heard it, he said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.” —Mark 2:13–17 ESV
1.) Value
, not
.
Jesus was not content with faceless crowds following Him. He still focused on individual people.
“As He passed by, He saw…”
12 And he rose and immediately picked up his bed and went out before them all, so that they were all amazed and glorified God, saying, “We never saw anything like this!” —Mark 2:12 ESV
16 And the scribes of the Pharisees, when they saw that he was eating with sinners and tax collectors, said to his disciples, “Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?” —Mark 2:16 ESV
When you look at others, what do you see?
2.) Search for
, not
.
The notion that spiritual outsiders are the only ones with issues is an illusion.
You will see your expectations in others, so what are you expecting?
1 If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. —Colossians 3:1 ESV
3.) Celebrate the
, not
.
The Pharisees had a backward system that measured a person’s worth by how well that person met their criteria.
Worthiness is not found in measuring up but in looking up.
A dinner invitation to celebrate Jesus exists for each of us.
20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me. —Revelation 3:20 ESV
Celebrating the presence of the Savior is the best way to appreciate His standards.
Time of Decision and Commitment: Surrender
Benediction: Rev. Mark Adams