Transformers

Scripture Passage: Mark 2.1-12 (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark%202;&version=51;)

Last night my son James and I went to see Transformers. I saw it on opening night with some of my hangout buddies. But It was even better tonight with my "main man" - JB3. Seriously, it is a great movie. One of the things I love it about is that there are so many spiritual parallels between a bunch of cool robots who’s mission in life is to save the world, and our mission as Christians which is to partner with God as He saves the world – through His Son Jesus Christ. If you go see the movie look for that theme throughout.

Anyway, it hit me during the movie that we are called to be Transformers. No, I realize that we’re not the ones who make the change in other people's lives, but I am certain that being Transformers is what Jesus had in mind when He said, “You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” Here is part two of being light in a dark world…

2. They (the friends of the paralized man) BELIEVED that Jesus would SAVE their friend.
This is the principle of faith.

Luke 5:20 says, “Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the paralyzed man, ‘Son, your sins are forgiven.’” Jesus recognized the faith of the friends. This man’s salvation depended upon the faith of his friends. And the salvation of your friends, family, neighbors, children, and grandchildren depends on your faith in Christ to save them.

The paralyzed man is the perfect image of most people we know. Most people are paralyzed in life—by life. They’re paralyzed by guilt, loneliness, their past, grief, and even a lack of faith. So here’s the thing—they need you to have enough faith to bring them to Jesus. They need you to bring them to Jesus.

See, there’s a spiritual battle going on in the mind and life of every person. God has a will for your life. Satan has a will for your life. And you have a will for your life. And every moment of your life you are choosing whose will you are going to follow. There is a spiritual battle going on when people come to Jesus and take His mission for their life. And sometimes they don’t have the ability to fight or even the knowledge or desire to fight—that’s when you get in the fight for them. That’s when you bring them to Jesus.

The way you fight for them is to pray for them. And you make others aware that you’re praying for them – enlist them to pray too. But then you have to take action. You have to invite them to church. If you attend Rocky River Community Church you invite them to come with you this Sunday. If you go to some other Bible believing/teaching church then you invite them to join you there.

In a sense, you have to get in the “spiritual battle” for the people in your life – the people you do life with. Care enough about them to be a Transformer!

Live as Light today!