THERE'S MORE IF YOU NEED IT

TEXT: Mark 8:1‑9

INTRODUCTION:  How many here, since you have been a Christian, has had needs you couldn't supply, questions you couldn't answer, problems you couldn't solve, and difficulties you couldn't bear?  How many here has had God meet your needs, answer you questions, solve your problems, and strengthen your through your difficulties?   People are looking for that pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, winning the lottery, or some other "lucky" break that is going to answer all of life's perplexities. That "break" NEVER comes through man‑made efforts. Tonight, we are going to explore the SATISFYING POWER OF JESUS!!!

I.          A PICTURE OF NEED!

A.        "The multitude have nothing to eat.." (V. 2) ‑

1.      They were in a wilderness, a barren place, caught in circumstances that by no means afforded satisfaction.

B.        Nothing to take away the hunger.

1.      Only surrounded by emptiness and no hope of finding anything.

2.      The Lord leads us into such places so that we may experience his might and saving power, love and grace!

C.        Notice they got in this situation by FOLLOWING JESUS! ‑ We think sin, neglect, or some other thing is responsible for our calamities...but the truth is that GOD LED YOU

1.      He knew that there would be nothing to eat. But God wants us to learn higher truths about Him. He is the Sustainer of life!

2.      He knew there was a red sea where he led Moses —

3.      He knew there was a fiery furnace waiting for the Hebrews

4.      He knew there was a den of lions waiting for Daniel

5.      And He waits with the answer you need, at the end of your problem!!!

D.        There are 2 things you need to remember when you are in need...

1.      The love of God ‑ "I have compassion on the multitude." (V.2)

a)      They had been with Jesus 3 days. The Lord not only counted the days, but also realized the depth  their need.

b)      It is said of the prodigal son that "no man gave unto him", but the father had COMPASSION... That was enough.

2.      The grace of God ‑ "If I send them away fasting they will faint by the way" (v.3) ‑

a)      If He sends us away, there is nothing before us but fainting and perishing. But... Hebrews 4:15‑16 ‑ "For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need."

II.       A QUESTION OF HELPLESSNESS!

A.        "From whence can a man satisfy these with bread here in the wilderness?" (V.4) ‑

1.      Those disciples who were really anxious to satisfy the multitude with bread will be deeply conscious of their own inability. Vain is the help of men.

B.        Man's help is, instead of seeking to satisfy them,

1.      Try to answer by ENTERTAINING and AMUSING THEM,

2.      Endeavoring to get them to FORGET their hunger!

C.        Only Jesus can satisfy the soul of man. 

John 6:35 "And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst."

III.    YOU MUST HAVE AN ATTITUDE OF TRUST!

A.        "He commanded the people to sit down." (V.6) ‑

1.      He asked what they had and they told Him just 7 loaves of bread. His answer ‑‑‑ SIT DOWN!

B.        There had to be a transfer of faith ‑

1.      From the 7 loaves, to the bread of life, Jesus!

2.      Just as there must be a transfer of our faith from our resources, abilities, and human efforts to the compassionate, almighty Savior Jesus!

C.         3 things must take place in our trusting God...

1.      FAITH! ‑

a)      It takes faith to just sit down, when every thing inside you screams to get a second job, borrow you way out, etc., in other words "WORK" it out yourself.

b)      You really need to SIT DOWN! You say, "yeah, but I'm suppose to do what I can, right?" ‑ you are to do what He tells you to do!

.       Sometimes, He requires some effort on your part.

.       Other times, He just says obey what I say.

2.      EXPECTATION! ‑

a)      After you sit down by faith, look up! Expect something to happen.

b)      You don't know when it will happen. Just that it is going to happen.

3.      REST! ‑

a)      Now, take your hands off of it and rest in Him.

b)      Leave it all to Him! Don't wrestle, but rest!

c)      Don't worry, but rest!

d)      Don't lose sleep over the thing, just rest!

IV.    THERE WILL BE A MANIFESTATION OF POWER!

A.        "He took the loaves and gave thanks, and brake and gave to His disciples, and commanded to set them also before them."

1.      They gave Him what they had.

2.      God uses what you already have to manifest His power.

B.        HOW He does it is not important. Don't try to figure it out.

C.        We must stop 3 things...

1.      Criticizing ourselves!

2.      Complaining!

3.      Confessing lack!

V.        THERE IS A SUPERABUNDANCE OF SUPPLY!

A.        "They took up of the broken meat that was left, seven baskets."

1.      The provision is such as would condemn any who went away hungry!

2.      It other words, if you go away from the Lord's table hungry, it is your own fault.

B.        There are no shortages with God!

1.      You will never bankrupt heaven.

2.      The reason we have not, is because we ask not in faith believing. Ask, and you shall receive!

C.        We must not forget to give God thanks for His goodness towards us and recognize His Lordship over our lives.

Deuteronomy 8:10 ‑ "When thou hast eaten and art full, then thou shalt bless the Lord thy God for the good land which he hath given thee."

CONCLUSION: The loving God we serve is here tonight to bless you and wants you to be a blessing to others. He is saying, "THERE'S MORE, IF YOU NEED IT!" Let me encourage you to come to His table tonight and I will guarantee you that you will not go away unsatisfied!