## The Day the Roof Caved In

## Mark 2:1-12

Last week we talked about a passage where the Master gave an invitation to all to come to a great supper. They responded to the invitation with a variety of excuses. One excuse is just as bad an another, but one that I have heard on several occasions is this, "If I ever stepped foot in the church, the roof would cave in!" Have you ever heard that one?

Listen to the one author's collection of the top ten reasons people give for why they stay away from church:

10. I've been thinking I'd like to go to church. But I don't know anyone. And I don't know what to do, where to go, what to expect when I get there.

9. I don't believe in God. Christians are dangerous fanatics, politically unpopular and always trying to shove their beliefs on others.

8. There are so many denominations . . . even Christians can't agree among themselves what the Bible means.

7. There are so many churches . . . I don't know which one to go to. Why should I come to yours?

6. Church is for "good" people who haven't messed up. You don't know where I've been or what I've done.

5. Church is not important.

4. I don't need to go to church. I can worship God, even when I'm fishing.

3. I don't have nice clothes to wear to church.

2. I don't have time. Sunday morning is the only day I can sleep late.

1. People in churches are hypocrites.

I've certainly heard some of the same things from people, and frankly some of the reasons are legitimate. But the real question isn't why don't people come to church, but rather, why don't people come to Christ? This morning I would like to address that thought. Read text: Mark 2:1-12

I. Not Everyone Has Friends That Will Help Them Come To Christ. (v1-5)

A. There was the helpless man.

1. This man could do nothing to help himself.

2. He was unable to get to Jesus on his own.

3. He needed someone to help him to get to the only One who could provide what he needed.

4. This is the condition of a person who is without Christ.

(Rom 3:10) "As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:"

(Rom 3:23) "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;"

(Acts 8:30-31) "And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest? {31} And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him."

B. There were those who were willing to help.

1. The first thing that we see about these men is their concern.

a. These four men had concern for their friend.

b. I want us to understand that it was not just pity, they did not just feel sorry for their friend who was a paralytic.

c. The concern that they had for their friend was seen in that it brought action.

d. They did something about it.

e. They sought out a way to help their friend, not just talk about it.

f. Do we have concern for the lost?

g. Do we care about those who perishing without a personal relationship with Jesus Christ?

h. Does it bother us to realize that they are on their way to hell?

2. They had cooperation.

a. They worked together to get the job done.

b. They know that they could not do it alone, so they worked with one another.

c. It took four people to bring that man to Christ, each one had to carry a corner of that bed.

d. They got together and decided what each one needed to do.

e. The work of bringing others to Christ is more than a personal decision.

f. It requires cooperation.

g. Will we work together to reach our community…our world for Christ?

3. The third things we see is commitment.

a. Notice from our passage that these four men did not quit when they came to the house.

b. They did not see the crowd and decide to give up.

c. They didn't leave the man outside and tell him that was the best they could do.

d. They were committed to bringing him to Jesus, because they knew that was his only hope!

e. Are we committed to doing whatever it takes to bring others to Christ?

f. Their eternity depends upon our commitment!

4. The fourth thing that those men had was confidence.

a. These men knew that Jesus could heal there friend.

b. They knew that Jesus had the answer to their friends problem.

c. That it was Jesus and Jesus alone who could help them.

d. They had confidence in Him; they had faith in Him!

e. Note v5, "When Jesus saw their faith…"

f. What happens when Jesus sees our faith?

C. There were those who were hindering.

1. There was the crowd in the house.

2. There was the crowd around the door.

3. They were unwilling to make way for the man who desperately needed Jesus.

4. This was a selfish crowd; they heard the Word, but were unconcerned that others needed to hear.

II. Sometimes People Are So Concerned About Getting Help With Their Problems That They Don't Get Help For Their Problem.

A. Jesus addressed this man's real problem.

1. Sometimes we pray for Jesus to heal this and heal that, when in reality there is a deeper problem.

2. Jesus first dealt with this man's sin problem.

3. After forgiving his sin, and saving his soul, then Jesus addressed the man's health problems.

4. Only after healing the man's soul, (something the people in the crowd couldn't see) Jesus healed his medical condition (something the people in the crowd could see)

5. One was connected with the other. v10-11

6. Where is our focus?

- As we look at the world in which we live, it is easy to only be concerned with symptoms and not address root causes?
- Yes, there are many problems; illiteracy, poverty, violence, and crime, but those are all symptoms of a deeper problem.
- Our world needs Jesus.
- If they don't come to this church, they miss something -this is a wonderful church with an exciting ministry.
- But if they don't come to our Lord, they miss everything!
- What are we doing to bring the people we know to Christ?
- Perhaps you are here today at the invitation of a friend.
- Are you ready to do more than find this church?
- Are you ready to come to Christ?