In this sermon, Barry Stephens delves into the powerful narrative of Jesus healing the demon-possessed man in Mark 5. He invites the congregation to imagine themselves in the shoes of various characters in the story, particularly the disciples and the healed man. Stephens draws parallels between the demoniac's experience and our own struggles with sin, addiction, and brokenness.

The pastor emphasizes two crucial responses to experiencing God's healing and grace. First, he stresses the importance of gratitude, reminding us that "our first response should always be gratitude." He supports this with Biblical examples and the idea that "gratitude always leads to joy." Secondly, Stephens highlights the imperative to share our testimony, just as Jesus instructed the healed man to "go home to your own people and tell them how much the Lord has done for you" (Mark 5:19). He concludes by asserting that if we truly believe in Christ's saving power, "silence is not an option."

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In this sermon, Josh Haynes delves into the difficulty many Christians face in fully experiencing and embracing God's goodness and affirmation. He suggests that our tendency to view everything through the lens of sin, starting from Genesis 3, prevents us from recognizing our inherent worth as bearers of God's image. Haynes traces God's consistent love and desire for covenant relationship throughout Scripture, highlighting stories like Abraham's covenant in Genesis 15 to illustrate God's faithfulness even when we fail.

Haynes challenges the notion that Christianity is primarily about rescue from sin, arguing instead that salvation is the doorway to truly living as God intended. He encourages listeners to claim their God-given goodness and to affirm this goodness in others, emphasizing that our most natural state is godly, not sinful. The sermon concludes with a personal story of baptizing his son, underscoring the importance of affirming our children's inherent goodness.

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In this powerful sermon, Dr. David Fraze tackles the difficult topic of suffering and pain in a world where God is present. He begins by addressing the common questions people ask when faced with tragedy, such as "Why do bad things happen to good people?" Fraze doesn't shy away from the reality that choices have consequences and that we live in a fallen world.

The speaker emphasizes the importance of authenticity in our faith, encouraging believers to be honest with God about their struggles. He uses Biblical examples, such as Psalms of lament and the story of Aaron in Leviticus 10, to show that it's okay to question God and express our pain. Fraze also shares personal experiences, including a tragic bus accident, to illustrate how God remains faithful even in our darkest moments.

Throughout the sermon, Fraze challenges common Christian platitudes and oversimplifications of Scripture. He urges the church to embrace a more nuanced understanding of faith that acknowledges the complexities of life while still holding onto the hope found in Christ. The message concludes with a powerful reminder that God is present in our suffering and that His power, which raised Jesus from the dead, is at work in believers' lives today.

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The Nov. 3, 2024 Sunday morning sermon at Broadway Church of Christ in Lubbock, TX. Dr. David Fraze guest speaker.

In this sermon, Dr. David Fraze delves into the account of Jesus healing the blind man from John 9, presenting it as a powerful example of God's ability to do the impossible. He encourages listeners to view the story through the eyes of the blind man, highlighting the dramatic shift from his greatest day (receiving sight) to his worst day (being rejected by his community).

Dr. Fraze draws parallels between the blind man's experience and modern-day feelings of being an impostor or outcast in church settings. He emphasizes the importance of creating authentic Christian communities where people are truly seen, accepted, and valued, regardless of their appearance or background. The sermon concludes with a poignant reminder that when believers surrender everything to follow Jesus, even in the face of persecution or rejection, He will always find them and reveal Himself.

https://bwaychurch.org