PONDER THIS

Ephesians 2:8-10 says, “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” Now, apply this verse to Jesus’ words in today’s verse, “Rise, take up your bed and walk.” How was this man delivered? By grace. There was nothing he could do; he was paralyzed. The Bible says immediately he was made well. Salvation is by the sheer grace of God. Had you and I been standing there, we might have asked, “How can you tell a paralyzed man to get up? If he could get up, he would’ve gotten up a long time ago. That’s impossible. And because it’s impossible, it’s unreasonable. And because it’s impossible and unreasonable, it’s unfair.” But even in our dispute, the man would rise.

Let me tell you what Christianity is. Christianity is the impossible, the unreasonable, and Jesus Christ. Jesus does the impossible, and He does the unreasonable, but it’s possible with Him. He says to a paralyzed man, “Rise.” And that’s what He says to every sinner. It is by grace, through faith.

• When have you tried to work for God’s favor? What kind of obstacles did you face?
• How do you feel knowing God has done the impossible in your own life, bringing you from death to life in Him?

PRACTICE THIS

Think of a friend who is struggling with hopelessness right now. Ask God to show you a way to encourage that person in the hope He has given you in the impossible moments of life.

Jesus Is God’s Answer to Man’s Disability | Part 2

John 5:1

In this message, Adrian Rogers shares how the miracle of the healing of the paralytic recorded in John 5:1-9 reveals that Jesus is God’s answer to Man’s disability.

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If Jesus Is Not Lord

We cannot have what He gives unless we receive Who He is.

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