Here are my notes from last night's message on "Whatever It Takes Christianity". I love this story from Jesus' ministry!

MARK 2: 1-5 & 12 (NLT)

1When Jesus returned to Capernaum several days later, the news spread quickly that he was back home. 2 Soon the house where he was staying was so packed with visitors that there was no more room, even outside the door. While he was preaching God’s word to them, 3 four men arrived carrying a paralyzed man on a mat. 4 They couldn’t bring him to Jesus because of the crowd, so they dug a hole through the roof above his head. Then they lowered the man on his mat, right down in front of Jesus. 5 Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the paralyzed man, “My child, your sins are forgiven…

12And the man jumped up, grabbed his mat, and walked out through the stunned onlookers. They were all amazed and praised God, exclaiming, “We’ve never seen anything like this before!”

What hindered the man from being brought to Jesus?

“They couldn’t bring him to Jesus because of the crowd, so they dug a hole through the roof above his head. Then they lowered the man on his mat, right down in front of Jesus.” (Verse 4)

People were a hindrance.

Structure was a hindrance.

Whatever It Takes Christianity -

1. Is willing to carry others where they can’t go on their own.

“…four men arrived carrying a paralyzed man on a mat. (verse 3)

“Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” Galations 6:1-2

2. Is not afraid to mess up the structure if it enables someone to get in touch with Jesus.

“They couldn’t bring him to Jesus because of the crowd, so they dug a hole through the roof above his head. Then they lowered the man on his mat, right down in front of Jesus.” (Verse 4)

“What sorrow awaits you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees. Hypocrites! For you shut the door of the Kingdom of Heaven in people’s faces. You won’t go in yourselves, and you don’t let others enter either.” Matthew 23:13

3. Will act on faith instead of fear to get results.

“Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the paralyzed man, “My child, your sins are forgiven.” Mark 2:5