THE POWER OF COMMUNITY

Mark 2:1-2 NIV

2 A few days later, when Jesus again entered Capernaum, the people

heard that he had come home.2 They gathered in such large numbers that there was no

room left, not even outside the door, and he preached the word to them.

Mark 2:5 (ESV)

says: “And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, ‘Son,

your sins are forgiven.’”

I. COMMUNITY CARRIES US WHEN WE CANNOT CARRY OURSELVES

Mark 2:3–4 (NIV)

“Some men came, bringing to him a paralytic, carried by four of

them. Since they could not get him to Jesus because of the crowd, they made an

opening in the roof…”

Galatians 6:2 (NIV)

“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”

• COMMUNITY CARRIES US WHEN WE CANNOT CARRY OURSELVES

II. COMMUNITY FAITH GETS JESUS’ ATTENTION

Hebrews 10:24 (NIV)

“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.”

Romans 1:9-12 English Standard Version

Paul’s heart was to get to his brethren to impart faith and in doing so also receive some from those he came to help! 9  For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I mention you  10  always in my prayers, asking that somehow by God's will I may now at last succeed in coming to you.  11  For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you—  12  that is, that we may be mutually encouraged by each other's faith, both yours and mine.

• COMMUNITY FAITH GETS JESUS’ ATTENTION

III. COMMUNITY CREATES OPPORTUNITIES FOR RESTORATION

Mark 2:5b. (ESV): Mark 2:5 (NKJV):

5 When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralyzed man, “Son, your sins are forgiven.”

James 5:14-16 ESV

14  Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord.  15  And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven.  16  Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.

• CHURCH WE NEED TO ACCESS THE POWER OF COMMUNITY!!!

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 English Standard Version

9  Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil.  10  For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!  11  Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? 12  And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken.

IV. THERE IS A DANDER OF STAYING OUTSIDE THE COMMUNITY

Hebrews 10:24-25 ESV

24  And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works,  25  not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

1 Thessalonians 5:11 ESV

11  Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.

1 Peter 5:8 NKJV

“Your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.”

• THERE IS A DANDER OF STAYING OUTSIDE THE COMMUNITY

V. CHURCH, COMMUNITY IS NOT OPTIONAL, IT IS ESSENTIAL.

1. When you have the faith and the courage TO BRING OTHERS BEFORE JESUS, not only does Jesus heal, but He also gets all the glory and draws more souls to himself through you!

Mark 2:4,5 11 

4  Since they could not get him to Jesus because of the crowd, they made an opening in the roof above Jesus by digging through it and then lowered the mat the man was lying on.  5  When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralyzed man, “Son, your sins are forgiven.” 10  But I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.” So he said to the man,  11  “I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home.”  12  He got up, took 7 his mat and walked out in full view of them all. This amazed everyone and they praised God, saying, “We have never seen anything like this!”

1 Corinthians 12:27 (NIV)

“Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.”