Foundations of Faith Week 3: Faith That Trusts in Jesus

Announcements:

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Worship:

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Introduction

Faith isn’t passive. Faith moves. Faith presses through obstacles.

In Mark 2, we see a powerful picture—not just of personal faith, but community faith.

Transition: Before we talk about roofs and crowds, let me tell you a story.

Illustration (Threaded Throughout)

“The Back Door Carry”

At a family gathering, an elderly man collapses. The front door is blocked. No one complains. No one debates.

They carry him out the back door, down the steps, and around the house to get help.

Love finds a way.

Mark 2:1–12

CSB (selected)

3 They came to him bringing a paralytic, carried by four of them. 4 Since they were not able to bring him to Jesus because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him…

5 Seeing their faith, Jesus told the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.”

Body

I. Faith Pushes Through Obstacles (vv. 1–4)

ILLUSTRATION CUE – POINT 1: “They didn’t stop when the front door was blocked—they found another way. That’s exactly what these friends did with the roof.”

Crowds didn’t stop them. Effort didn’t stop them. Faith refuses to quit.

“Without faith it is impossible to please God.” (Hebrews 11:6)

Transition: And faith often doesn’t walk alone.

II. Faith Often Belongs to the Community (v. 5)

ILLUSTRATION CUE – POINT 2: “Sometimes the person being carried doesn’t have the strength—but the people around them do.”

“When Jesus saw their faith…”

James tells us:

“Faith, if it does not have works, is dead by itself.” (James 2:17)

Transition: But Jesus sees a deeper need.

III. Jesus Addresses the Greatest Need First (vv. 5–10)

ILLUSTRATION CUE – POINT 3: “The family wanted help fast—but the deeper need had to be addressed first.”

Jesus forgives before He heals. Sin is the deeper problem.

Transition: Then Jesus proves His authority.

IV. Jesus Has Authority to Forgive and Heal (vv. 11–12)

The visible miracle confirms invisible forgiveness.

Conclusion

ILLUSTRATION CUE – CLOSING: “Who is God asking you to carry to Jesus—through the back door, around the house, or straight through the roof?”

Gospel Invitation

Some of us feel like the man on the mat—helpless and unsure if Jesus will receive us. He will.

“Jesus, I believe You died for my sin and rose again. I trust You to forgive and change me. Amen.”

Devotion Summary

Faith often looks like persistence—bringing others to Jesus no matter the obstacle.

Questions

Who has carried you in faith?

Who might God be asking you to carry?

Weekly Challenge

Pray intentionally for one person far from God.