LET US CROSS OVER TO THE OTHER SIDE TO SAVE LIFE & POSSESS OUR GLORY

Sunday 12 February, 2012 Sermon
by Elder Michael Asilevi.

Mark 4:35-39
"And the same day, when the even was come, he saith unto them, Let us pass over unto the other side.
And when they had sent away the multitude, they took him even as he was in the ship. And there were also with him other little ships.
And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full.
And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish?
And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm."

Mark 5:2,3,8

"And when he was come out of the ship, immediately there met him out of the tombs a man with an unclean spirit,
Who had his dwelling among the tombs; and no man could bind him, no, not with chains:"

INTRODUCTION
Our passage today shows is an illustration of what we face when we make the effort to disciple others. Jesus and the disciples after one outreach mission decided to go to another territory to continue with the work of of God. Although it is God's call the disciples were obeying they ran into the danger of losing their lives, and even then it appeared that God (Jesus) was sleeping in their lives (boat). What did they do? What do we need to do when as disciples of Jesus we run into storms?
When man disobeyed and sinned against God, he fell short of the glory of God, e.g. he lost the glory of eternal life (Salvation) and dominion over Satan. Fortunately, the glory of God was restored to man through the sacrificial death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. This glory of God is a complete package which includes Salvation, Redemption, Liberty, Dominion, Right of Relationship and Fellowship, Divine Healing, Anointing, and Gifts of the Holy Spirit which is offered freely to those who through faith forsake sin and cross over to the Lord's side. This offer has granted the grace and power of God to every person to cross over to the other side to save his or her life (or soul), posses the lost glory, and to seize every opportunity to cross over again to show others the way. In our sermon today, we want to look at what it takes to do the second cross over that brings others to Christ.

MEANING OF SOME KEY WORDS
CROSS OVER: Across an edge, a distance or an open space. To pass across from one place to the other.
A journey from one place to the other.
GLORY: Great fame or success. Admiration and praise that someone gets because they have done something impressive. Or Great Beauty
POSSES: Have, dominate, own, have ownership, or enter into control.
STORM: To attack with sudden violence. To show violent anger. Storm also represents - suffering, sickness, poverty, jobless, hunger etc.

A. PRESENTATION

PART I Danger and Deliverance: Let is talk briefly about crossing over to the other side to save souls. To turn around and go back to the world, not to partake in what they do, but to bring them the good news of the Lord Jesus is not an easy option. There is always the danger of temptation, violent attacks, and suffering. But we need to keep in mind also that there is deliverance (Jesus calms the storm)
PART II The Glory: The crossing over is not in vain. Look at the healing, salvation, liberty, dominion, and returning or restoration of lost glory that the crossing over will bring to others. (e.g., the healing of a demon-possessed man Mark 5:2,3,8)

B. LESSONS AND APPLICATION

Once the Lord has commissioned us to go and disciple others unto Himself, several temptations are bound to come. What kind of storm is blowing your way?
Let us communicate whatever issues, problems or challenges that may come our way in the process of discipleship to the Lord. He does not sleep, and He knows everything. But He wants us to keep relating to Him wherever we go, and stop relying on our experiences (Note that some of the disciples were fishermen) The disciples encountered their own share of challenges and talked to Christ. (See also Daniel 4:34a,36: When even the very sinful Nebuchadnezzar lifted his eyes to heaven, his glory was restored.)
It is time for us to take a new move in our relationship with God. What is your current position in the process of discipleship? How do you view or understand the Great commission? Let's arise and save a soul!

C. WAYS OF SAVING SOULS AND CLAIMING LOST GLORY

Be ready to let go every evil deed; do not cross over back with a wrong motive.
Always practice holiness and righteousness
Renounce your sins by doing what is right
Allow the Holy Spirit to work on your weaknesses
Abide by the Word of God & always do the WILL of God
Desire to sacrifice your property and time
Allow the Holy Spirit to influence and control your thoughts
Demonstrate positive faith through prayers and actions
Change from selfishness and wickedness and be kind to the oppressed.

CLOSING REMARKS

Some of us have been attacked as a result of our stand for God, to shine as light to bring our lost extended families, friends and colleagues to Christ. You may have been so discouraged that you now want to keep your faith covered, as if you are no longer a soldier of Christ. Maybe you are confused that as a Christian you also face certain kinds of attacks. Please, be not discouraged. The Lord has warned us about all that, and what is more comforting is that He will always be with us. Let us turn to Him, He is in the boat, waiting to be consulted. He will hear us, calm the storm, and restore His glory in our lives and ministries. Let us pray.

The videos and pictures below are from the morning on which this sermon was preached....