Jesus Changes People

Mark 5v1-21: At the core of this story is the truth that JESUS CHANGES PEOPLE. No one one is beyond the grace of God. Nothing is too difficult for Him to bring freedom too.

 

It couldn’t get any worse for a human being: This man lived among the tombs in the place of death. Kids don’t go near the tombs that’s where the crazy naked guy lives. The town had given up on this man. There’s no hope for him.

 

They tried to shackle him, he broke the shackles. Nothing has worked or helped. He’s an intimidating force. Now the only solution is to avoid him

 

The goal of the demons is to destroy the person. The man has all but disappeared, He is now more like an animal. He endures social isolation, self-destruction, and torment.

 

He is hopeless and helpless. Temptation is a baited hook designed to destroy, rob and steal. But all that is about to change with the arrival of Jesus.

 

What no shackles could ever do the authority of Jesus does.

It’s a legion but makes no dent in his authority.

Jesus saves him (more than forgiveness) restores his right mind. He was a prisoner of war a captive, a hostage that needed releasing.

 

NOW sitting there clothed. Released. Shaved, clean, dressed. He has a new identity. He’s sitting at Jesus feet and no longer living among the dead. Jesus does for us what we cannot do for ourselves. We need a savior. No one, nothing is too difficult for Jesus.

 

Don’t lose hope for anyone, and never lose hope for yourself. Are there areas in your life where you still live amongst the tombs in helplessness, tormented? Shackled + bound

 

Secret sins, habitual sins. Places where you believe lies, live in darkness. Have you given Satan a foothold through unforgiveness or anger?  Relational conflict. Unforgiveness destroys, torments, bounds, shackles and destroys.

 

TODAY He speaks a word. It doesn’t have to be like this. Being bound is not normal Christianity.

 

He whispers Remember the Cross, look back on what I’ve done for you in history. The battle is already won We don’t fight for victory, we fight from victory.

 

His victory is our victory. When Jesus died I died, when Jesus rose I rose, to newness of life. You are a new creature, a new creation, a new person. The old sin shackled you is already dead.

But you don’t know me, my temper etc. Consider this. Trust/believe this, put your faith in this truth. Consider yourself already free.

 

The gospel is complete salvation not through DIY morality, the foundation is the finished work. Maturity then is open eyes to what is already true. Christianity perfectly easy or impossible.

 

Chains of shame of guilt broken now. You can’t punish yourself into freedom. You receive it through Jesus

 

The cross is the hope for ourselves, this is the hope for people. This is the hope for our city. This is the hope for our world.

 

He is commissioned again to engage with people. Jesus wanted the restored man to proclaim what had happened. Go and tell them who you were, who you are, and what I’ve done.

 

Likewise He commissions us go tell friends and family about the mercy of Jesus.

 

 

 

 

Jamie Lee, 16/04/2012
Hello
Hello and welcome to our church. If you are a new visitor, we have a page for you to get to know us and learn more about planning a visit.
Click here to see more.

Planning your Visit

New to Church?


Welcome! Whether you've just moved to the area, or have lived here all your life, we hope our website helps you to find out everything you want to know about our Church.

 

Some key information about the church...

 

Where & when does the church meet?

The church meets every Sunday at 11:00 am for our Sunday Service. There is plenty of free parking around the CCK building. We are walking distance from Plumstead Train station and local buses. It’s good to get to the meeting 15 minutes early to enjoy a fresh cup of coffee before the service starts.

We meet at the church building in the middle of Plumstead

The address is:

46 Lakedale Road
Plumstead
London
SE18 1PS

You can see a map on our contact us page.

 

What should I expect when I visit the church?

You will receive a very warm welcome particularly from our Welcome Team who will be able to answer your questions and direct you to where you need to go.

Sunday is special because it’s the main opportunity in the week for the whole church family to gather, worship God, enjoy his manifest presence together, minister to one-another, receive encouragement and exhortation from God’s word and be refreshed by God’s Spirit and one-another’s friendship and support.

There will be approximately 45 mins of singing with opportunity for church members to pray, prophesy or read a passage from the bible. After the notices there will be a preach, we take time to understand the bible’s message and how this can teach us about God, about ourselves, about the world that we live in and about what authentic Christian lifestyle looks like in practice. At the end of the preach there is always a chance to respond.

Tea, coffee and biscuits are served after the service where there is plenty of time to meet new people and ask more questions.

 

What happens to the kids at church?

As a family church we are thrilled to have people of all ages involved in our Sunday morning meetings. Typically, after worshiping together for 30 minutes or so, the children and young people will leave for their own activities.

We have a fantastic programme for the kids at the Church for ages 0–14. Children stay with their parents at the start of the service as we worship (sing songs!) together for the first part of the morning. Someone will announce when the children need to go to their programme.

For more information about what happens in the children's work please visit the relevant age groups for you under church life.

Is there a dress code?

No! Please just be yourself and come dressed in your 'normal' clothes.

 

Will I have to join in?

Not at all!
You are free to simply observe or participate as much as feels comfortable for you.

 

Useful Links...

We have more information for you specifically if you…

 

I have more questions, how can I get in touch and ask them.

Please feel free to contact us.