Notes from Sunday, April 4, 2004: How to Help People Believe, Again
by Pastor Brian C. Greene
Scripture: Mark 9:22-24
Mark 9:24 (Good News) "The father at once cried out, 'I do have faith (Romans 12:3), but not enough. Help me have more!'"
"Help me with my doubts!" (Message Bible)
Within this Scripture lies the answer to the mission of Pentecostal Tabernacle.
Our mission is "Restoring (healing) Broken Lives to the Glory (Credit) of God!"
In this Scripture lies the answer of how we will:
- Help both the People in need of healing. (The Father)
- And those who God will use as instruments of healing. (The Followers of Jesus)
The Answer: We must simply help them believe again!!
Like the woman caught in adultery (John 8), a person who has committed wrong acts, has made mistakes, or is simply struggling to do the right thing doesn't need another accuser.
What they need is someone to say, "Neither do I condemn you!" (John 8:11)
The term, "Go and sin no more," simply means "I've helped you to believe, again!"
How Do We Help People Believe, Again?
- Compassion: to suffer together, not condemnation and criticism (John 3:16, 17). Allow their situation to bother you. Hebrews 4:15
- Carry them to God's Throne: The power of intercessory prayer. Hebrews 4:16. "Prayer is only for the betterment of men when it has affected God and moved Him to do something men. Prayer affects men by affecting God. Prayer moves men because it moves God to move men. Prayer influences men by influencing God to influence them. Prayer moves the Hand that moves the world." (Edward McKendree Bounds, The Possibilities of Prayer)
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Commitment: (Latin = commence)
- Move with (your) compassion. (Mark 1:41 Jesus said, "I am willing!")
- Get them to DO something for Faith without works is DEAD. (James 2:20, 26)
Regarding the steps mentioned above:
- Deals with attitude.
- Deals with changing the atmosphere.
- Deals with action.