Pastor’s message, which was based on Mark 9:14-29, continued the message of man humbling himself to seek God’s help. Pastor’s message focused on the father of a demon possessed boy. Pastor noted that not all illness is from demon possession but most illness is from man’s sin nature. In this passage, the boy was seized by a demon and his father sought help by seeking out Jesus. He came upon the Apostles first and they were unable to cast out the evil spirit. The father kept going forward to the master, Jesus.
He was a good father seeking healing for his son. A father should know when his children need a touch from God. A father should raise his children to know they can look to God. Parents can and should provide Godly mentors for their children, especially in these days, to counterbalance against worldly influencers.
Elder men and women can teach the younger. Those who are close to Jesus can be an example. 1 Peter 5. Parents should look for someone who can be a Godly influencer. The parents, especially the father should be hanging out with other Godly men. Manly men can be Godly.
The boy’s father sought compassion – “Have mercy on us and help us, if you can” (Mark 9:22). Jesus responded: “What do you mean, ‘If I can’?” Jesus asked. “Anything is possible if a person believes.” (v23.) The father then appealed to Jesus saying, “I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief!” (v24.) Jesus then cast out the demon, healing the boy.
Men need to be worshipers and followers of Christ in order to lead their family to Jesus. Pastor asserted it is an indictment on Christians when we spend more on our children developing in sports than developing their spiritual growth.
Men (and women) need to humble themselves and not be too proud to seek help. Micah 6:8. Psalm 18: 27; Psalm 149:4. Peter encourages Christians to seek God’s power in 1 Peter 5:6-7:
6 So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor. 7 Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.All Christians need God to show up. Our reliance should be on Him. Paul boasts in his weakness to show God's strength. Paul acknowledges that he is not enough, but God is! Don't judge others, but rather intercede by prayer for them.
The boy’s father’s faith was not perfect, but he trusted that Jesus could work with imperfect faith.
God wants us to grow in our belief and reliance on Him. Don't be held back by mistakes in your past. Move forward. Press on to get to God. Desire more of God.
Men will not lead be able to lead their family to God if their wife and children are more spiritual than he is. Remember that His strength is made perfect in our weakness. We do not have it all together, but we can give it to Him.
Pastor feels there has been a spirit of pride in our community that has kept men from relying on God. This is spiritual warfare. Do not be acclimated or remain accustomed to that spirit. Do it God's way, humble yourself. Lead your children to Christ!
We sang this song in worship and I found this video to share. Good, Good Father.
Verses for Today:Mark 9:21-24 NLT
21 “How long has this been happening?” Jesus asked the boy’s father.
He replied, “Since he was a little boy. 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.”
24 The father instantly cried out, “I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief!”
Heavenly Father, I give you thanks that you gave me a Godly husband who shared his love of you with our children!
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