Podcasts about Bartimaeus

A Sermon for the First Sunday in Advent St. Matthew 21:1-13 by William Klock The Gospel we read on Christmas Day is the introduction to St. John's Gospel.  Those familiar words: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.  He was in the beginning with God.  All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made.  In him was life, and the life was the light of men.  The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it…The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world.” The light, God's Messiah, Jesus has come into the world.  He's brought light into the darkness.  He's brought life into the middle of death.  In him, God has become present to the world.  But between us and Christmas, between us and the coming of the light, stands Advent—to remind us what the world was like before light and life came into the midst of darkness and death—so that we might appreciate more the gift that God has given us in Jesus, so that we might appreciate more his love, his mercy, and his grace; so that we might appreciate more his faithfulness as we see his promises fulfilled in the Christmas story.  So that we might better live out the story he's given us in preparation for the day when he comes again. And so Advent begins with Jesus, the Messiah, the anointed king, on the Sunday before his crucifixion.  Palm Sunday.  Jesus has arrived in Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover.  Today we have St. Matthew's telling of that day.  He writes—at the beginning of Chapter 21: “When they came near to Jerusalem and arrived at Bethpage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two of the disciples on ahead.” The road from Jericho up to Jerusalem made its final approach to the city around the southern slope of the Mount of Olives. As the road came over the ridge, there was Jerusalem, across the Kidron Valley, a mass of great walls and rooftops, and above it all on Mount Zion, was the temple—the place where earth and heaven were supposed to overlap, the place where men and women could draw near to the presence of God, the shekinah, the cloud of glory that sat on the ark in the holy of holies.  A cloud of smoke went up perpetually from the altar in the temple court where the burnt offerings were made.  This was the scene that met Jesus as the road took him over the Mount of Olives: the city, bustling with crowds of visitors for the Passover, the temple in all its beautiful glory standing above the city, and that column of smoke going up, an aroma to the Lord. A Jewish man or woman, walking over that ridge and seeing this scene ahead, might be overcome.  It was heaven on earth—or the closest you could get to it.  It was a scene of glory.  It was a scene that would make your heart swell with pride, knowing that you were the people who lived with the living God in your midst.  And it was exciting for all these people travelling from the outlying regions of Judea and Galilee—like they were arriving at the centre of the universe.  I think of the description Victorian travellers gave of arriving in London, to the heart of the British Empire.  To the way I've heard New Yorkers talk of flying home from other parts of the world and seeing the skyscrapers or the Statue of Liberty out the window and knowing that you're home and swelling with pride because their home is—today—the centre of the universe.  This past March, Veronica I drove down Highway 101 to the central California Coast.  Between Sausalito and the Marin Headlands, you pass through the Waldo Tunnel and when you come out the south end of the tunnel, you're greeted with a stunning panoramic vista of the Golden Gate Bridge with San Francisco's skyscrapers in the background.  That's where I was born.  And when we drove out of the tunnel and saw that view, I think I felt something very much like the Jews would have felt coming round the Mount of Olives and seeing Jerusalem and the temple in the distance.  Jesus' disciples—a bunch of bumpkins from Galilee, way up in the north—must have felt that way.  But not Jesus.  Matthew leaves this part out, but St. Luke tells us that Jesus, seeing that beautiful and glorious view, stopped and began to sob.  The beauty, the glory wasn't lost on him, but he sobbed because he knew that it masked a people with no heart for God.  The city and temple were like a whitewashed tomb—beautiful, but full of dead men's bones.  He knew—as everyone knew, but dared not admit—the glory, the presence of God was not there.  The smoke my have risen from the altar, but the holy holies was bare and empty—just like the heart of the people.  Jesus saw the coming judgement of God on a faithless people.  He saw the city and the temple as they would be in a generation: a smoking ruin. Matthew puts our attention on Jesus' acted out prophecy.  He sends two of his disciples ahead into the village of Bethphage, “‘Go into the village,' he said, ‘and at once you'll find a donkey tied up and a foal beside it.  Untie them and bring them to me.  And if anyone says anything to you, say, “The lord needs them, and he'll send them back straightaway.”'  He sent them off at once….So the disciples went off and did as Jesus had told them.  They brought the donkey and its foal and put their cloaks on them, and Jesus sat on them.”  Why?  Well, says Matthew, “This happened so that the prophet's words might be fulfilled: ‘Tell this to Zion's daughter: Behold!  Here comes your king; humble and riding on a donkey, yes, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.” Matthew quotes from the Prophet Zechariah.  Matthew could see what Jesus was doing here.  Jesus never did anything randomly or without reason.  The location, the donkey, the colt—they're all important.  Jesus could have taken a different route to Jerusalem, but he picked this one so that he'd be standing on the Mount of Olives when all this happened.  This was the spot were Zechariah said that the Lord would stand when he came in judgement on faithless Jerusalem.  And Zechariah explains the strange command to the disciples about the donkey.  This was not how kings made their triumphal processions.  At least, not ordinary kings.  They were carried by their servants or they rode on horseback or in a chariot.  But Zechariah, hundreds of years before, had highlighted the humble nature of the coming Messiah.  He was the one who would ride to his coronation on the back of a humble donkey. Jesus' acted out prophecy reveals who he is and it exposes all the wrong ideas his people had about the Lord and his Messiah—and it probably exposes some of our wrong ideas, too.  To the people who longed for the Lord to come in judgement on the nations, Jesus comes in judgement to his own people.  To the people who imagined the Messiah coming in a chariot with a great army to liberate Jerusalem and to reign over his people like a greater David, Jesus comes riding on a donkey with an army of ordinary pilgrims.  To the people who imagined God coming in merciless, vengeful, pitiless wrath to bring judgement on sin, Jesus comes in humility, weeping over the coming judgement.  Jesus is coming to take his throne, to fulfil what the Prophets—like Zechariah—had spoken, to show the Lord's faithfulness, but not in the way anyone expected. I think of our Epistle today from Romans, where St. Paul writes those words: “Owe no one anything, but to love one another, for the one who loves his neighbour has fulfilled the torah.”  I don't think Paul could have written those words before he met the risen Jesus.  He certainly knew what the greatest commandments were: to love God and to love his neighbour.  But he didn't understand.  He was part of that Jerusalem Jesus wept over.  A city that talked about love of God and love of neighbour, but a city—a nation—of people at each other's throats, a people longing eagerly for fire and brimstone to rain down on their enemies, a people with little if any thought for those in their midst most in need, a people ready to cry out in demonic rage for the crucifixion of their own Messiah.  And a people who did all these things with an absolute and devoted passion for a God they utterly misunderstood.  And this was why what should have been the beating heart of Jerusalem—the presence of the living God in the temple—this is why it, why he was missing.  The people had returned from their Babylonian exile, they had rebuilt the temple, but the heart of the people was still far from God.  They were impure.  Their salt had lost its savour.  Their light had turned to darkness.  They were false witnesses of their God.  And so his presence, the cloud of glory, had never returned. The road to Jerusalem was jammed with people who say Jesus sobbing.  They probably thought his tears were tears of joy to see the holy city.  Little did they know.  They were just excited to see him.  They'd heard the stories.  Word was no doubt spread through about the healing of blind Bartimaeus in Jericho.  Pilgrims from Galilee told others of the amazing things Jesus had done and taught there.  And as the disciples places their coats on the donkey and Jesus took his place, word was going through the crowd: “That's him!” So, says Matthew, “the great crowd spread their coats on the road.  Others cut branches from the trees and scattered them on the road.  The crowds went on ahead of him and those who were following behind shouted: ‘Hosanna to the son of David!  Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.  Hosanna in the highest!” The crowd surrounds Jesus. All the way to Jerusalem they'd been singing the psalms of ascent and the royal psalms.  Songs full of hope.  Psalms about that recalled the glory days of David, psalms about God coming to his people, psalms about God finally setting this broken world to rights.  Psalms that looked forward to the coming Messiah.  And now—maybe, they hoped—here he was.  Not like anyone expected, but they'd heard the stories.  Maybe they'd heard him preaching.  Maybe they'd seen his miracles.  And that was enough.  So they parade him down the Mount of Olives, across the valley, and back up and into the gates of Jerusalem. Along the way they, Matthew says, they laid their coats and palm branches on the ground.  Now it's the people acting out prophetically even if they didn't know it. Matthew, writing to a Jewish audience makes sure that as they read this, they're reminded of a scene or two from their own history.  In 2 Kings 9 we read about Jehoram.  He was King of Israel, the son of the wicked King Ahab.  And in Jehoram, the apple had not fallen far from the tree.  He was as wicked as his father, so the prophet Elisha ordered that Jehu, instead, was to be anointed King in his place.  He announced that Jehu would bring the Lord's judgement on the wicked house of Ahab.  As Jehu was anointed by the prophet, the men who were gathered cast their coats on the ground before him and blew a trumpet. And then there's Judas Maccabeus.  2 Maccabees 10:7 describes the people hailing Judas as king by laying wreathes and palm branches at his feet.  Judas had not only defeated Israel's enemies and liberated the nation, but he had purified the temple from its defilement by the Greeks.  He was a national hero—particularly for the Pharisees and the Zealots.  Judas' kingdom inspired hope. But Jehu was not the saviour the people hoped for.  As a king he was a mixed bag.  He put an end to the more outrageous form of idolatry in Judah.  He got rid of the altars to Baal.  But he never removed the golden calves that Jeroboam has set up at Bethel and Dan.  He failed to dig out the root of Judah's idolatry and faithlessness to the Lord.  In the end, the Lord still allowed the people to be exiled for their faithlessness.  And Judas Maccabeus.  He was a national hero.  But his kingdom was short-lived.  The shekinah never returned to the temple, despite his zealousness for torah.  The hope he'd brought to the people was quickly crushed.  But this time, looking at Jesus, the people hoped, it would be different.  And so they sing to him.  They acclaim him as the Messiah, the anointed king.  “Hosanna—save us—O son of David!  Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.  O Hosanna—save us—we cry to heaven!” Matthew gives us a sense of the longing and hope of the people.  They're desperate for the Lord to come and set their broken world to rights.  Jesus sees it too and I expect it made him weep all the more, because he knew that God's new world was not going to come the way they wanted it to, he knew that he would not going to his messianic throne the way they wanted him to, because he knew that to set everything to rights would mean judging the sin and corruption of his people and the city and even the temple.  And he knew the only way to his throne was through their rejection and death on Roman cross. But on he went into the city.  Acting out the prophecy.  Matthew writes that “When they came into Jerusalem, the whole city was gripped with excitement.  ‘Who is this?' they were saying.  ‘This is the prophet, Jesus,' replied the crowds, ‘from Nazareth in Galilee!”  This is the Prophet.  They weren't saying that Jesus was just another prophet.  He was the Prophet.  The one the people hailed Jesus as in our Gospel last Sunday, after he fed the multitude.  He was the one promised to come, like another Moses, to save the people and lead them out of bondage.  In other words, “This is the Messiah, Jesus, from Nazareth in Galilee.” He had come to take his throne.  And so from the gate of the city, Jesus led the triumphal parade of cheering people through the winding streets—the same route he would take in reverse, bearing a cross, just five days later.  He made his way up and up through the city to the temple and through the gate.  And when he got there, Matthew says, “Jesus threw out all the people who were buying and selling in the temple.  He flipped over the tables of the money-changers and the seats of the dove-sellers.  ‘It is written,' he said to them, ‘My house will be called a house of prayer, but you have made it a lair of bandits!” Jehu and Judas Maccabeus had cleansed the temple.  That was the expectation of the Messiah.  But not like this.  I think we often focus too much on Jesus' actions as a condemnation of the commerce going on in the temple—probably because we're aware of the evils of our own overly materialistic and commercialistic culture.  I don't think Jesus was angered by the commerce itself.  People needed animals for the sacrifices and not everyone was a farmer.  A lot of people were travelling from far away and it wasn't easy or realistic to bring the animals with them.  And the money changers, well, since the temple only used its own coinage, they were at least a necessary evil.  Nevertheless when you think of Mary and Joseph going to the temple for her purification after the birth of Jesus and offering two turtledoves, it says something about how poor they were.  When you think about the words of her Magnificat, singing about filling the hungry with good things and sending the rich away empty, when you think of the widow offering her “mite” in the offering box, you certainly get the sense that the system was privileging the rich and making access to the temple a burden for the poor—and in that this whole system was emblematic of the way in which Israel had lost the heart of God and was desperately in need of judgment…or renewal…or as it would happen: both.   But the really important thing about Jesus flipping tables and driving out the merchants is something I think we're prone to missing.  Again, this is another acted out prophecy.  The really important thing is that what Jesus did brought the work of the priests and the whole sacrificial system that day to a grinding halt.  It goes along with everything else he said about the temple—like announcing that he would tear it down and rebuild it in three day—and it goes right along with all the times that he bypassed the temple, the priests, and the sacrificial system by offering forgiveness apart from them.  That, far more than everything else, is what had angered the Pharisees.  That was what got him arrested and crucified. So what Jesus is getting at here is that the Messiah has come, not just to purify the temple, but to establish a new and better one.  To really inaugurate the work of new creation that the old temple had always pointed to.  The people had forgotten this.  The temple was never meant to be an end in itself.  The temple pointed to God's future—to the day when sin is gone, to the day when creation is made new and the garden restored, and to the day when men and women are made new as well, to the day when a renewed humanity once again lives in God's presence and serves in his temple as priests. And, Brothers and Sisters, that's what Jesus inaugurated through his crucifixion and resurrection.  He shed his blood, not for a building, not for an altar made of stone, but for a people: a full, perfect, and sufficient sacrifice, oblation, and satisfaction for their sins.  At the cross, Jesus washed his people clean and he's washed them—he's washed us clean—so that we can be God's temple.  And so Jesus rose from the grave and ascended to the right hand of his Father, the perfect man, the new Adam, to take up his vocation as high priest.  And as high priest, he's poured God's Spirit into his people, purified by his blood.  He's made us his temple and called us to join in the vocation we were originally created for: to be God's priests and stewards serving beside our saviour. So Advent comes as a forced pause.  We're racing towards Christmas and to the joy it represents.  And the church says, “Hold on.  Slow down.  You need to stop and think about what it all means.  You need to stop and think about why Jesus came, why he was born, why it was necessary for light and life to be born into the world.  You need to reflect on the darkness of this fallen and broken world.  You need to reflect on the awfulness of sin and of death and of our slavery to them so that you can fully appreciate the gift in the manger with more than mushy holiday sentimentalism.  This is the Messiah, this is the saviour—Israel's saviour and now our saviour.  Come not just to make us feel good, but come to deliver us from sin and death, come to set God's creation to rights.  Come to purify us with his blood, to dwell in the midst of the people, to fill us with Gods' Spirit, and to sweep us up into his messianic mission.  Brothers and Sisters, to make us the people in whom the world encounters the glory of the living God and meets the humble saviour whose kingdom has come, not by a sword, but by the cross.  To make us stewards of the Gospel that, empowered by the Spirit, we might prepare the world for Jesus' return. Let's pray: Almighty God, give us grace to cast away the works of darkness, and put on the armour of light, now in the time of this mortal life in which your Son Jesus Christ came to visit us in great humility; that in the last day, when he shall come again in his glorious majesty to judge both the living and the dead, we may rise to the life immortal; through him who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.  Amen.

What do you do when life backs you into a corner and every easy answer disappears? Pastor Hans shared the story of blind Bartimaeus, a man who refused to stay quiet when Jesus passed by. In a moment charged with fear, tension, and uncertainty, one desperate voice cut through the noise and changed everything. This message will challenge you to see desperation not as a sign of weakness but as the doorway to the clarity and breakthrough you have been praying for.

Bartimaeus knows that he is blind, he knows that Jesus is passing by, and he knows what Jesus can do for him. Jesus, would you help us see?

Bartimaeus may have been physically blind, but he saw Jesus more clearly than anyone else. In Mark 10:46–52, he cries out for mercy, Jesus stops for him, heals him, and he immediately follows. Spiritual blindness creeps in when we cling to pride, comfort, or old identities. Jesus invites us to admit our need, cast off what holds us back, and follow Him with a clear heart and open hands.

On this Freedom Friday, we had Asheritah Ciuciu join us to talk about how to reroute distracting thoughts during quiet time to focus more on the Lord. Asheritah is a national speaker, bestselling author, and founder of One Thing Alone Ministries, an online ministry that helps overwhelmed women find joy in Jesus. She has also written several books, including “Unwrapping the Name of Jesus: An Advent Journal.” We also had Dr. John Mabus join us to discuss how God receives us when we come to Him for help. We turned to Mark 10:46-52, where we see how, when Blind Bartimaeus cried out to Jesus for sight, He received Bartimaeus and gave him sight. Dr. Mabus is an Associate Professor of Applied Theology and Church Ministries at Moody Bible Institute. For the past 14 years, Dr. Mabus has served as a Navy Chaplain, sharing the gospel and caring for military personnel. We then turned to the phone lines to ask listeners, “What pressing need in your life has revealed your ultimate need for Jesus?” Then we had R. York Moore join us to discuss how we know God really loves us. York is a gifted speaker, revivalist, and abolitionist. He is also the President, CEO, and National Evangelist of the Coalition for Christian Outreach (CCO). He has also authored several books, including “Seen. Known. Loved. 5 Truths About God & Your Love Language”. You can listen to the highlights of today's program on the Karl and Crew Showcast. If you're looking to listen to a particular segment from the show, look at the following time stamps: Asheritah Ciuciu Interview [04:59] Dr. John Mabus Interview [24:23] Call Segment [36:01] R. York Moore Interview [48:04 ] Karl and Crew airs live weekday mornings from 5-9 a.m. Central Time. Click this link for ways to listen in your area! https://www.moodyradio.org/ways-to-listen/Donate to Moody Radio: http://moodyradio.org/donateto/morningshowSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this Freedom Friday, we had Asheritah Ciuciu join us to talk about how to reroute distracting thoughts during quiet time to focus more on the Lord. Asheritah is a national speaker, bestselling author, and founder of One Thing Alone Ministries, an online ministry that helps overwhelmed women find joy in Jesus. She has also written several books, including “Unwrapping the Name of Jesus: An Advent Journal.” We also had Dr. John Mabus join us to discuss how God receives us when we come to Him for help. We turned to Mark 10:46-52, where we see how, when Blind Bartimaeus cried out to Jesus for sight, He received Bartimaeus and gave him sight. Dr. Mabus is an Associate Professor of Applied Theology and Church Ministries at Moody Bible Institute. For the past 14 years, Dr. Mabus has served as a Navy Chaplain, sharing the gospel and caring for military personnel. We then turned to the phone lines to ask listeners, “What pressing need in your life has revealed your ultimate need for Jesus?” Then we had R. York Moore join us to discuss how we know God really loves us. York is a gifted speaker, revivalist, and abolitionist. He is also the President, CEO, and National Evangelist of the Coalition for Christian Outreach (CCO). He has also authored several books, including “Seen. Known. Loved. 5 Truths About God & Your Love Language”. You can listen to the highlights of today's program on the Karl and Crew Showcast. If you're looking to listen to a particular segment from the show, look at the following time stamps: Asheritah Ciuciu Interview [04:59] Dr. John Mabus Interview [24:23] Call Segment [36:01] R. York Moore Interview [48:04 ] Karl and Crew airs live weekday mornings from 5-9 a.m. Central Time. Click this link for ways to listen in your area! https://www.moodyradio.org/ways-to-listen/Donate to Moody Radio: http://moodyradio.org/donateto/morningshowSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this Freedom Friday, we had Asheritah Ciuciu join us to talk about how to reroute distracting thoughts during quiet time to focus more on the Lord. Asheritah is a national speaker, bestselling author, and founder of One Thing Alone Ministries, an online ministry that helps overwhelmed women find joy in Jesus. She has also written several books, including “Unwrapping the Name of Jesus: An Advent Journal.” We also had Dr. John Mabus join us to discuss how God receives us when we come to Him for help. We turned to Mark 10:46-52, where we see how, when Blind Bartimaeus cried out to Jesus for sight, He received Bartimaeus and gave him sight. Dr. Mabus is an Associate Professor of Applied Theology and Church Ministries at Moody Bible Institute. For the past 14 years, Dr. Mabus has served as a Navy Chaplain, sharing the gospel and caring for military personnel. We then turned to the phone lines to ask listeners, “What pressing need in your life has revealed your ultimate need for Jesus?” Then we had R. York Moore join us to discuss how we know God really loves us. York is a gifted speaker, revivalist, and abolitionist. He is also the President, CEO, and National Evangelist of the Coalition for Christian Outreach (CCO). He has also authored several books, including “Seen. Known. Loved. 5 Truths About God & Your Love Language”. You can listen to the highlights of today's program on the Karl and Crew Showcast. If you're looking to listen to a particular segment from the show, look at the following time stamps: Asheritah Ciuciu Interview [04:59] Dr. John Mabus Interview [24:23] Call Segment [36:01] R. York Moore Interview [48:04 ] Karl and Crew airs live weekday mornings from 5-9 a.m. Central Time. Click this link for ways to listen in your area! https://www.moodyradio.org/ways-to-listen/Donate to Moody Radio: http://moodyradio.org/donateto/morningshowSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this Freedom Friday, we had Asheritah Ciuciu join us to talk about how to reroute distracting thoughts during quiet time to focus more on the Lord. Asheritah is a national speaker, bestselling author, and founder of One Thing Alone Ministries, an online ministry that helps overwhelmed women find joy in Jesus. She has also written several books, including “Unwrapping the Name of Jesus: An Advent Journal.” We also had Dr. John Mabus join us to discuss how God receives us when we come to Him for help. We turned to Mark 10:46-52, where we see how, when Blind Bartimaeus cried out to Jesus for sight, He received Bartimaeus and gave him sight. Dr. Mabus is an Associate Professor of Applied Theology and Church Ministries at Moody Bible Institute. For the past 14 years, Dr. Mabus has served as a Navy Chaplain, sharing the gospel and caring for military personnel. We then turned to the phone lines to ask listeners, “What pressing need in your life has revealed your ultimate need for Jesus?” Then we had R. York Moore join us to discuss how we know God really loves us. York is a gifted speaker, revivalist, and abolitionist. He is also the President, CEO, and National Evangelist of the Coalition for Christian Outreach (CCO). He has also authored several books, including “Seen. Known. Loved. 5 Truths About God & Your Love Language”. You can listen to the highlights of today's program on the Karl and Crew Showcast. If you're looking to listen to a particular segment from the show, look at the following time stamps: Asheritah Ciuciu Interview [04:59] Dr. John Mabus Interview [24:23] Call Segment [36:01] R. York Moore Interview [48:04 ] Karl and Crew airs live weekday mornings from 5-9 a.m. Central Time. Click this link for ways to listen in your area! https://www.moodyradio.org/ways-to-listen/Donate to Moody Radio: http://moodyradio.org/donateto/morningshowSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this Freedom Friday, we had Asheritah Ciuciu join us to talk about how to reroute distracting thoughts during quiet time to focus more on the Lord. Asheritah is a national speaker, bestselling author, and founder of One Thing Alone Ministries, an online ministry that helps overwhelmed women find joy in Jesus. She has also written several books, including “Unwrapping the Name of Jesus: An Advent Journal.” We also had Dr. John Mabus join us to discuss how God receives us when we come to Him for help. We turned to Mark 10:46-52, where we see how, when Blind Bartimaeus cried out to Jesus for sight, He received Bartimaeus and gave him sight. Dr. Mabus is an Associate Professor of Applied Theology and Church Ministries at Moody Bible Institute. For the past 14 years, Dr. Mabus has served as a Navy Chaplain, sharing the gospel and caring for military personnel. We then turned to the phone lines to ask listeners, “What pressing need in your life has revealed your ultimate need for Jesus?” Then we had R. York Moore join us to discuss how we know God really loves us. York is a gifted speaker, revivalist, and abolitionist. He is also the President, CEO, and National Evangelist of the Coalition for Christian Outreach (CCO). He has also authored several books, including “Seen. Known. Loved. 5 Truths About God & Your Love Language”. You can listen to the highlights of today's program on the Karl and Crew Showcast. If you're looking to listen to a particular segment from the show, look at the following time stamps: Asheritah Ciuciu Interview [04:59] Dr. John Mabus Interview [24:23] Call Segment [36:01] R. York Moore Interview [48:04 ] Karl and Crew airs live weekday mornings from 5-9 a.m. Central Time. Click this link for ways to listen in your area! https://www.moodyradio.org/ways-to-listen/Donate to Moody Radio: http://moodyradio.org/donateto/morningshowSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this Freedom Friday, we had Asheritah Ciuciu join us to talk about how to reroute distracting thoughts during quiet time to focus more on the Lord. Asheritah is a national speaker, bestselling author, and founder of One Thing Alone Ministries, an online ministry that helps overwhelmed women find joy in Jesus. She has also written several books, including “Unwrapping the Name of Jesus: An Advent Journal.” We also had Dr. John Mabus join us to discuss how God receives us when we come to Him for help. We turned to Mark 10:46-52, where we see how, when Blind Bartimaeus cried out to Jesus for sight, He received Bartimaeus and gave him sight. Dr. Mabus is an Associate Professor of Applied Theology and Church Ministries at Moody Bible Institute. For the past 14 years, Dr. Mabus has served as a Navy Chaplain, sharing the gospel and caring for military personnel. We then turned to the phone lines to ask listeners, “What pressing need in your life has revealed your ultimate need for Jesus?” Then we had R. York Moore join us to discuss how we know God really loves us. York is a gifted speaker, revivalist, and abolitionist. He is also the President, CEO, and National Evangelist of the Coalition for Christian Outreach (CCO). He has also authored several books, including “Seen. Known. Loved. 5 Truths About God & Your Love Language”. You can listen to the highlights of today's program on the Karl and Crew Showcast. If you're looking to listen to a particular segment from the show, look at the following time stamps: Asheritah Ciuciu Interview [04:59] Dr. John Mabus Interview [24:23] Call Segment [36:01] R. York Moore Interview [48:04 ] Karl and Crew airs live weekday mornings from 5-9 a.m. Central Time. Click this link for ways to listen in your area! https://www.moodyradio.org/ways-to-listen/Donate to Moody Radio: http://moodyradio.org/donateto/morningshowSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this Freedom Friday, we had Asheritah Ciuciu join us to talk about how to reroute distracting thoughts during quiet time to focus more on the Lord. Asheritah is a national speaker, bestselling author, and founder of One Thing Alone Ministries, an online ministry that helps overwhelmed women find joy in Jesus. She has also written several books, including “Unwrapping the Name of Jesus: An Advent Journal.” We also had Dr. John Mabus join us to discuss how God receives us when we come to Him for help. We turned to Mark 10:46-52, where we see how, when Blind Bartimaeus cried out to Jesus for sight, He received Bartimaeus and gave him sight. Dr. Mabus is an Associate Professor of Applied Theology and Church Ministries at Moody Bible Institute. For the past 14 years, Dr. Mabus has served as a Navy Chaplain, sharing the gospel and caring for military personnel. We then turned to the phone lines to ask listeners, “What pressing need in your life has revealed your ultimate need for Jesus?” Then we had R. York Moore join us to discuss how we know God really loves us. York is a gifted speaker, revivalist, and abolitionist. He is also the President, CEO, and National Evangelist of the Coalition for Christian Outreach (CCO). He has also authored several books, including “Seen. Known. Loved. 5 Truths About God & Your Love Language”. You can listen to the highlights of today's program on the Karl and Crew Showcast. If you're looking to listen to a particular segment from the show, look at the following time stamps: Asheritah Ciuciu Interview [04:59] Dr. John Mabus Interview [24:23] Call Segment [36:01] R. York Moore Interview [48:04 ] Karl and Crew airs live weekday mornings from 5-9 a.m. Central Time. Click this link for ways to listen in your area! https://www.moodyradio.org/ways-to-listen/Donate to Moody Radio: http://moodyradio.org/donateto/morningshowSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Week one of our Thanksgiving focused series. This week we look at the life of Bartimaeus and how taking a step forward helped find healing, hope, and his people. 

Read OnlineAs Jesus approached Jericho a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging, and hearing a crowd going by, he inquired what was happening. They told him, “Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.” He shouted, “Jesus, Son of David, have pity on me!” The people walking in front rebuked him, telling him to be silent, but he kept calling out all the more, “Son of David, have pity on me!” Luke 18:35–39This beautiful story of the healing of this blind man, named Bartimaeus in the Gospel of Luke, sets for us a model of how we must come to Jesus in prayer. Bartimaeus and his encounter with Christ is an icon upon which we must meditate so as to imitate him in his weakness, openness, confidence and perseverance.To begin, this “blind man was sitting by the roadside begging.” We must see this as an ideal image of how to begin our prayer. When we start to pray, we must see our littleness, weakness and extreme poverty in our spiritual life. We come to God with nothing. Unable to see. A beggar. And one who is incapable of meeting our own spiritual needs. This is Bartimaeus, and this must be the way we come to our Lord in prayer. Sometimes we can fall into the illusion that our prayers are so elevated and pious that God must be very impressed. If that's your struggle, then you are more like the Pharisees. This blind man, however, is the ideal to aim for. So when you begin your prayer, come to our Lord as a spiritually poor and needy beggar.In this state of humility, just as it happened in this Gospel story, you can be certain that “Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.” So as you sit in your humble and needy state, wait and be attentive to Jesus passing by. Wait upon His gentle voice, His quiet inspiration, His calming and unmistakable presence. If you can humble yourself this way and then sense our Lord's divine presence touching you in some way, then further imitate Bartimaeus by calling out interiorly, “Jesus, Son of David, have pity on me!” The cry from the depths of your heart in prayer must come as a result of Jesus “passing by.” It must be a response to Him coming to you on His own. As Jesus passes by, spiritually speaking, He waits for you to call to Him. He desires that you call to Him. And He desires that you do it with firm confidence and perseverance.Notice that as this blind beggar cried out, there were obstacles put in his way. The people “rebuked him, telling him to be silent.” But even this was a gift, because it enabled Bartimaeus to cry out all the more. So also with us, when obstacles arise in our prayer, such as distractions, temptations, a lack of consolation, or any other challenge to our prayer, we must see these obstacles as hurdles that must be overcome. Doing so will deepen our union with Jesus, turning that apparent obstacle into a source of blessing. Reflect, today, upon these four aspects of a deep prayer life that are presented to us through the witness of this blind beggar. First, ponder your weakness and poverty as you turn to God in prayer. Second, be attentive to the presence of God as He passes by, waiting for you to call to Him. Third, cry out to Him and beg Him to come closer. And fourth, work to overcome every obstacle to prayer and see those obstacles as opportunities to call out to God all the more. My compassionate Lord, I come to You in my weakness and poverty, I come in need of Your divine touch and healing. As You do pass by, I acknowledge Your presence and call to You. Jesus, please do come to me, have pity on me. Help me to overcome every obstacle to Your love and to trust in You always, never wavering from my commitment to You. Jesus, I trust in You.  Image: Workshop of Fernando Gallego, Public domain, via Wikimedia CommonsSource of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2025 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.

He was blind, broke, and begging… but when Jesus walked by, Bartimaeus refused to stay silent! In this fire-filled message “Rise, Jesus is Calling You,” Pastor David Bendett unpacks the explosive encounter in Mark chapter 10 where one desperate cry stopped the Savior in His tracks. Discover why Bartimaeus saw spiritually what others missed, how he cried louder when told to shut up, why he threw off his old garment, and how his bold faith instantly opened his eyes—and launched him to follow Jesus for the rest of his life. If you're stuck in darkness, addiction, depression, or disappointment, this word will awaken your spirit to cry out, rise up, and receive the miracle that's waiting for you!

Matthew Week 118     2 Corinthians 4:5 ESV   5 For what we proclaim is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, with ourselves as your servants for Jesus' sake.       Matthew 20:29-34 ESV   29 And as they went out of Jericho, a great crowd followed him. 30 And behold, there were two blind men sitting by the roadside, and when they heard that Jesus was passing by, they cried out, "Lord, have mercy on us, Son of David!" 31 The crowd rebuked them, telling them to be silent, but they cried out all the more, "Lord, have mercy on us, Son of David!" 32 And stopping, Jesus called them and said, "What do you want me to do for you?" 33 They said to him, "Lord, let our eyes be opened." 34 And Jesus in pity touched their eyes, and immediately they recovered their sight and followed him.                       Mark 10:46-52 ESV   46 Then they came to Jericho. As Jesus and his disciples, together with a large crowd, were leaving the city, a blind man, Bartimaeus (which means "son of Timaeus"), was sitting by the roadside begging. 47 When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!"   48 Many rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, "Son of David, have mercy on me!"   49 Jesus stopped and said, "Call him."   So they called to the blind man, "Cheer up! On your feet! He's calling you." 50 Throwing his cloak aside, he jumped to his feet and came to Jesus. 51 "What do you want me to do for you?" Jesus asked him.   The blind man said, "Rabbi, I want to see."   52 "Go," said Jesus, "your faith has healed you." Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road.       Luke 18:35-43 ESV   35 As he drew near to Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging. 36 And hearing a crowd going by, he inquired what this meant.37 They told him, "Jesus of Nazareth is passing by." 38 And he cried out, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!" 39 And those who were in front rebuked him, telling him to be silent. But he cried out all the more, "Son of David, have mercy on me!" 40 And Jesus stopped and commanded him to be brought to him. And when he came near, he asked him, 41 "What do you want me to do for you?" He said, "Lord, let me recover my sight."42 And Jesus said to him, "Recover your sight; your faith has made you well." 43 And immediately he recovered his sight and followed him, glorifying God. And all the people, when they saw it, gave praise to God.       Matthew 8:28 ESV   28 And when he came to the other side, to the country of the Gadarenes, two demon-possessed men met him, coming out of the tombs, so fierce that no one could pass that way.       Philippians 4:4-7 NIV   4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.       Luke 4:17-19 ESV   17 And the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written,   18 "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,   because he has anointed me   to proclaim good news to the poor.   He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives   and recovering of sight to the blind,   to set at liberty those who are oppressed,   19 to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor."       Hebrews 12:1 ESV   Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,       John 21:20a; 21-22 ESV   20 Peter turned and saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following them... 21 When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, "Lord, what about this man?" 22 Jesus said to him, "If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow me!"

Our world is loud, divided, and exhausted. What if the answer isn't more effort — but restored compassion?In this powerful message from our series The Lord's Favor, Marcel Hall explores how God restores compassion in our hearts so we can reflect the character of Jesus to a hurting world.Drawing from the biblical foundation of Jubilee and the story of Bartimaeus in Mark 10, Marcel shows how compassion grows when we remember the mercy we've received, truly see and hear the people around us, and help others spiritually.This message invites us not to strive in our own strength, but to let Jesus restore what has grown dim — so compassion can flow from us the way it flowed from Him. Whether you're exploring faith or seeking deeper spiritual transformation, this sermon will encourage you to reset your heart, release what's been holding you back, and join Jesus in restoring compassion in the world.Click here to donate to the programClick here for more sermonsOC Church of Christ

When Jesus asked blind Bartimaeus what he wanted, the man didn't describe his problem - he envisioned his miracle. Are you giving God facts about your struggles or faith for your breakthrough?

Mark 10:46-52 (NKJV)Andrew, Isack, and Edwin consider the question Jesus asked both the sons of Zebedee and the son of Timaeus: What do you want me to do for you?Read the written devo that goes along with this episode by clicking here.    Let us know what you are learning or any questions you have. Email us at TextTalk@ChristiansMeetHere.org.    Join the Facebook community and join the conversation by clicking here. We'd love to meet you. Be a guest among the Christians who meet on Livingston Avenue. Click here to find out more. Michael Eldridge sang all four parts of our theme song. Find more from him by clicking here.   Thanks for talking about the text with us today.________________________________________________If the hyperlinks do not work, copy the following addresses and paste them into the URL bar of your web browser: Daily Written Devo: https://readthebiblemakedisciples.wordpress.com/?p=23402The Christians Who Meet on Livingston Avenue: http://www.christiansmeethere.org/Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/TalkAboutTheTextFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/texttalkMichael Eldridge: https://acapeldridge.com/ 

Pastor Jordan continues the “Questions Jesus Asked” series, focusing on Bartimaeus and Jesus' transforming question, “What do you want Me to do for you?” Discover how bold, specific prayers move us from mere belief to obedient faith that follows Jesus beyond the miracle.

Mark 10:46-11:11 Jesus makes a glorious entry to Jerusalem as God's chosen King to the acclaim of the gathered crowd, which was hinted at in his healing of Bartimaeus.

The Bartimaeus Miracle Ps Jo Daet 9.11.25 by Christian Family Church Colac

Come As You Are Series - BartimaeusMark 10:46-52 “Then they came to Jericho. As Jesus and his disciples, together with a large crowd, were leaving the city, a blind man, Bartimaeus (which means “son of Timaeus”), was sitting by the roadside begging. When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” Many rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.” So they called to the blind man, “Cheer up! On your feet! He's calling you.” Throwing his cloak aside, he jumped to his feet and came to Jesus. “What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus asked him. The blind man said, “Rabbi, I want to see.” “Go,” said Jesus, “your faith has healed you.” Immediately, he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road.”How many of us have the faith of this man that Jesus healed?  He was sitting on the side of the road, and when he heard Jesus was passing by, he called out to him.  The crowd of people told him to be silent, but he continued to call out.  How many of us listen when others tell us to be silent?  Or worse yet, we don't feel worthy enough to speak up in the first place, or we are too nervous to speak out and ask for help, fearing rejection.  Bartimaeus did not listen when others told him to be quiet.  He kept calling out.  He believed that Jesus could heal him, and he was not going to let the chance pass him by.  Once Jesus heard him calling out, Jesus told the crowd to call him over.  When the crowd told Bartimaeus that Jesus would see him, the bible says, “He threw aside his cloak, sprang up, and came to Jesus.”  How great is that?  How many of us are jumping up at Jesus' call?  I know it's different.  Jesus was right there, and he got to see him and talk to him.  However, we can also talk to Jesus at any time we want to.  Even though we cannot see him, he is calling us to him.  He wants to invite us into a deeper relationship with him.  Do we hear this call?  Do we jump up, throw our cloak aside and run to him when we are called? I love the faith that Bartimaeus had.  He knew Jesus could heal him.  He did not seem to have any doubt that Jesus could cure his blindness.  He also didn't seem to doubt that Jesus would want to help him or to question whether he was worthy enough.  He saw Jesus walking by and called out to him.  Do we do this?  Jesus is here for us; he wants us to call out and to rely on Him.  Are we doing that?  It seems each week at my Prayer Group, God is showing up for us, and he is telling us to come closer.  He keeps telling us to rely on him, that he is our protection and our refuge.  Why are we not calling on him more?  When Jesus healed Bartimaeus, He said, “Go your way; your faith has made you well.”  How great would it be to hear those words from Jesus?One scripture verse that I think is amazing and that I struggle with is Mark 11:22.  This verse is Jesus' reply to the cursed fig tree.  Jesus said to them in reply, “Have faith in God.  Amen, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be lifted up and thrown into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen, it shall be done for him.”  This is the type of faith that I strive for, yet I sometimes wonder if it's possible.  I wonder if there are humans who can have this type of faith?  I know that God can do anything.  I truly believe this.  And yet, when I think of myself commanding a mountain to be lifted up and thrown into he see, I can't seem to wrap my head around that.  I have searched for this type of faith for a very long time now.  Probably since the first time I actually heard this scripture and let it sink in.  The very next verse is Mark 11:23, “Therefore I tell you, all that you ask for in prayer, believe that you will receive it and it shall be yours.”  This again just blows me away.  All that you ask for shall be yours if you believe. That seems like a lot of pressure, and at the same time, a huge promise on God's part.  As I mentioned earlier, ever since I heard scripture like this, I have sought out this type of faith.  I would love to believe without a shadow of a doubt that God can do all the things I ask Him to do, that He will answer all of my prayers.  I find it a struggle to believe as much as I would like to, and I wonder if this is because I have a human brain and we were trained from an early age not to believe in things that we can't see or prove.  We were mostly taught that there are certain things that can be done and things that can't be done.  I think as humanity grows, we are learning to question that more and more.  But it takes time to overcome years of that type of thinking.  I thought I would share one way I have been able to deepen my trust and faith that God can do all He says He can do.  I read books about all the miracles God has done and continues to do.  I love reading books about healing.  God is truly amazing, and He performs miracles every single day. If we were just on the lookout for them, we would see them.  If we can't see them in our lives, we can read about them in others' lives.  Harold Hill's book, “How to Live Like a King's Kid,” is an excellent example.  If you read all the amazing things that God did in his life, you can't help but start to believe he will do it for you as well.  Harold Hill also discusses his faith journey and how he reached a point where he began to see God do amazing things in his life.  Additionally, I have read books on healing by Francis McNutt, Randy Clark, Mary Healy, Matthew & Dennis Linn, which have been particularly beneficial.  When you read about God's healing of others and how there are people out there today who are calling upon God to heal people every day, then it strengthens your faith that he will answer your prayers as well.  Hebrews 13:8 says, "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”  We all know that Jesus performed miracles while he was alive and walked the earth.  He raised people from the dead, he cured numerous illnesses, he turned water into wine, and he did many other remarkable things.  This verse from Hebrews lets us know that these miracles were not just something he did in the past.  “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”  He is still performing these miracles today, and if we struggle to believe this, then we need to seek out the testimony of it, because it is out there. Another thing I pray often is Mark 9:24, “Lord, I believe, help my unbelief.”This story goes well with the Come As You Are series because Beartimaeus did just that. He knew he wasn't worthy to talk to Jesus, yet he called out to him anyway. He heard everyone telling him to be quiet, and yet he continued to call out, not because he thought he deserved the healing, but because he wanted it so badly. Is there something that you want so badly you are willing to call out to Jesus even though you don't feel worthy? Is there something you want so badly that you are willing to jump up and answer Jesus's call? Ask Jesus for whatever it is; what have you got to lose?Dear Heavenly Father, I ask that you bless all those listening to this episode today. Lord, we ask that you increase our trust in you. Lord, we believe, help our unbelief.  Lord, we need you to show us the way. We would like nothing more than to have the faith to move mountains, and we know that you are the only one who can give us that faith. So we're asking you, Lord, we are asking for the faith to move mountains.  Lord, give us the courage to ask when we need healing or when someone else needs healing.  Help us to turn to you first and ask you to heal them.  Lord, we give you permission to use us as your instruments of healing, as you used countless people before us.  Jesus, you are the great physician, and we ask that you continue that work through us.  There are too many people dying in the world today.  Let us help you help them.  Let us be your hands of healing, Lord Jesus.  We love you, and we ask all of this in accordance with your will and in Jesus' holy name, Amen.Thank you so much for joining me on this journey to walk boldly with Jesus. I look forward to meeting you here again tomorrow. Remember, Jesus loves you just as you are, and so do I! Have a blessed day!Today's Word from the Lord was received in June 2025 by a member of my Catholic Charismatic Prayer Group. If you have any questions about the prayer group, these words, or how to join us for a meeting, please email CatholicCharismaticPrayerGroup@gmail.com. Today's Word from the Lord is, “My children, I tell you that I love you. I want you to be fully convinced of it. The more you are convinced of it, the more you will convince others that I love them, too. Again, I tell you, be bold, be courageous, be mine, and make me known.” www.findingtruenorthcoaching.comCLICK HERE TO DONATECLICK HERE to sign up for Mentoring CLICK HERE to sign up for Daily "Word from the Lord" emailsCLICK HERE to sign up for my newsletter & receive a free audio training about inviting Jesus into your daily lifeCLICK HERE to buy my book Total Trust in God's Safe Embrace

The story of Blind Bartimaeus crying out to Jesus is well known among believers. Yet each time we revisit it, we are reminded of a timeless truth — Jesus hears our cry. In this message, we reflect on Bartimaeus's persistent faith and rejoice in the compassion of Christ, who still stops to listen when we call on His name.

DateNovember 2, 2025SynopsisIn this sermon, we explore how St. Ignatius of Loyola—once a vain soldier obsessed with glory—discovered that faith isn't about achievement but friendship with God. Through his story and the encounter between Jesus and blind Bartimaeus, we're invited to consider Jesus's tender question: "What do you want me to do for you?" This first installment of the In Good Company series reminds us that when we embrace our need for divine friendship rather than trying to earn our way to God, our vision is restored and we're empowered to "set the world on fire" with love.About The Local ChurchFor more information about The Local Church, visit our website. Feedback? Questions? Comments? We'd love to hear it. Email Brent at brent@thelocalchurchpbo.org.To invest in what God's doing through The Local Church and help support these podcasting efforts and this movement of God's love, give online here.

Caleb Drahosh While traveling Jesus is accompanied by His disciples and a great crowd. A blind beggar, Bartimaeus, calls out to Him. The man persists despite opposition; Jesus calls out for Bartimaeus to come to him. Jesus asks Bartimaeus what he wants and Bartimaeus replies that he would like to see. Jesus responds that his faith has made him well. Bartimaeus sought Jesus, recognized Him as the Messiah, came when Jesus called, received God's grace, and devoted his life to Jesus. Come to Christ and let Him serve you.

Today on the CityLight Podcast, we’re declaring, “It’s my time.” From the bold faith of blind Bartimaeus to the setbacks and sudden promotion of Joseph, we’ll explore how divine timing turns struggle into breakthrough and how your next miracle might be closer than you think.Guest Minister Nathaniel St. Eloi reminds us that real praise has power, whether it’s David dancing with abandon or Bartimaeus crying out on the roadside, desperate worship gets God’s attention. If you’ve been waiting, pressing, or wondering when things will shift, this episode will stir your faith to believe that your season of favor is now.(00:00) At a Pivotal Turning Point(10:45) Divine Timing and Accelerated Blessings(17:13) Embracing Divine Timing and Accelerated Blessings(26:25) Bartimaeus' Encounter With Jesus(37:59) The Power of Desperate Praise(54:49) The Power of Uninhibited Praisehttps://citylightnyc.com/ 

In this Bible Story, we learn about the silent faith of Zaccheaus and the loud faith of Bartimaeus. Both men are held back by sin or misfortune. However everything changes for them when they come in contact with Jesus. Zaccheaus uses his riches to feed the poor and destitute. Bartimaeus is blind, but has his sight restored. They are both examples of Jesus' power to change lives. This story is inspired by Matthew 20:20-28; Luke 19:1-10 & Mark 10:46-52. Go to BibleinaYear.com and learn the Bible in a Year.Today's Bible verse is Mark 10:50 from the King James Version.Episode 205: The crowds were thick as Jesus was passing through Jericho, so thick that Zacchaeus, a short man, could not get a glimpse of the Rabbi. So, he climbed a sycamore tree to get a better view. When Jesus saw him, He told Zacchaeus that they were about to have dinner together. Zacchaeus, filled with joy at what Jesus did for him, made right the wrongs of his past. The next day sitting by the gates of Jericho, was a blind beggar named Bartimaeus. When he heard that Jesus was near, he began to scream for Jesus. The man could not be stopped. Whenever someone tried to quiet him down he screamed all the louder. And Jesus heard him.Hear the Bible come to life as Pastor Jack Graham leads you through the official BibleinaYear.com podcast. This Biblical Audio Experience will help you master wisdom from the world's greatest book. In each episode, you will learn to apply Biblical principles to everyday life. Now understanding the Bible is easier than ever before; enjoy a cinematic audio experience full of inspirational storytelling, orchestral music, and profound commentary from world-renowned Pastor Jack Graham.Also, you can download the Pray.com app for more Christian content, including, Daily Prayers, Inspirational Testimonies, and Bedtime Bible Stories.Visit JackGraham.org for more resources on how to tap into God's power for successful Christian living.Pray.com is the digital destination of faith. With over 5,000 daily prayers, meditations, bedtime stories, and cinematic stories inspired by the Bible, the Pray.com app has everything you need to keep your focus on the Lord. Make Prayer a priority and download the #1 App for Prayer and Sleep today in the Apple app store or Google Play store.Executive Producers: Steve Gatena & Max BardProducer: Ben GammonHosted by: Pastor Jack GrahamMusic by: Andrew Morgan SmithBible Story narration by: Todd HaberkornSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Vine continues in our series TAKE HEART by considering a story from Mark 10:46-52. In this passage, we discover how our Savior can heal us from our blindness. www.thevineaustin.org DISCUSSION QUESTIONS 1. Share a moment where you felt like you were aware of the presence of God. It could be through an interaction with a friend, a beautiful moment in nature, or a simple morning walk. What did it feel like? 2. Read Mark 10:46-52? What do you notice happening in this passage? 3. What stands out to you about the disciples telling Bartimaeus to “take heart?” 4. When do you feel the most blind? What are things that take your awareness away from Christ? 5. Share a moment that you looked up and your perspective changed. How did that feel? What happened afterwards? What changed? 6. What has stayed with you from the sermon- either confusing, curious or encouraging? 7. What person or group of people do you want to illuminate who you feel like has been erased? 8. Is there anything in this message that has helped you take heart?

I hope you have been following our journey through the gospel of Mark because Sunday's text (Mark 10:46-52) marks a significant turning point in the book. In chapters 1-8, Jesus demonstrated His identity as Messiah and the Son of God through His miracles and parables. However, the people, even the disciples, did not fully understand. All of this came to a head at the end of Mark 8 when Jesus asked the disciples who they say He is. Peter finally confesses that Jesus is the Christ, but the twelve disciples still do not understand what kind of Messiah He has come to be. They think He will go to Jerusalem to reign, but Jesus tells them He is going there to be humiliated, to die, and to rise from the dead. He also clarifies that following Him means denying oneself and taking up the cross. From Mark 8:34 through 10:52, Jesus teaches the disciples what it truly means to follow Him. They understand Jesus is the Messiah, but they do not yet grasp His mission or what discipleship entails. This larger section begins illustrating this through the healing of a blind man in two stages (Mark 8:22-26). Like that blind man, the disciples see but not clearly yet. Each time Jesus explicitly states that He has come to die, they focus on their own glory and greatness (Mark 8:33-37; 10:35-45). Jesus repeatedly corrects them, saying that those who want to be great must be servants. He tells them that they must receive the kingdom as a child—desperately dependent—and uses the example of a rich young ruler who refuses to recognize his need and leave everything to follow Jesus. In Mark 10:46-52, right after James and John again seek after glory and greatness, Mark presents us with a powerful example of faith and discipleship. Just as this section began with the healing of a blind man, it now concludes with another blind man's healing. In contrast to the rich young ruler and James and John's requests for seats of power, the healing of blind Bartimaeus (the final healing miracle in Mark) depicts the faith and discipleship Jesus has been teaching His followers. Bartimaeus does receive the kingdom as a child. He leaves all to follow Jesus. When Jesus asks, "What do you want me to do for you?" as He asked James and John, Bartimaeus does not ask for glory or greatness—he begs for mercy. Sunday's text isn't just another physical healing; it's a powerful example of how faith sees clearly and follows Jesus. I. The Faith That Sees Clearly ( 46-48) II. The Faith That Perseveres (46-48) III. The Faith That Acts (49-51) IV. The Faith That Follows (52)

Mark 11:1-25//  Jacob NannieIn this powerful story, a blind beggar named Bartimaeus cries out to Jesus for mercy. Despite being told to be quiet, his bold and persistent call catches Jesus' attention. This sermon looks at the profound faith that led Bartimaeus to throw off his cloak, receive his sight, and immediately follow Jesus on the way.SERMON NOTES (YouVersion): https://bible.com/events/49503331PRAYER REQUESTS: https://ccefc.ccbchurch.com/goto/forms/2553/responses/new25.10.12

Mark 11:1-25// Bill GormanIn this powerful story, a blind beggar named Bartimaeus cries out to Jesus for mercy. Despite being told to be quiet, his bold and persistent call catches Jesus' attention. This sermon looks at the profound faith that led Bartimaeus to throw off his cloak, receive his sight, and immediately follow Jesus on the way.SERMON NOTES (YouVersion): https://bible.com/events/49503332PRAYER REQUESTS: https://ccefc.ccbchurch.com/goto/forms/2546/responses/new25.10.12

10 And he left there and went to the region of Judea and beyond the Jordan, and crowds gathered to him again. And again, as was his custom, he taught them. 2 And Pharisees came up and in order to test him asked, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?” 3 He answered them, “What did Moses command you?” 4 They said, “Moses allowed a man to write a certificate of divorce and to send her away.” 5 And Jesus said to them, “Because of your hardness of heart he wrote you this commandment. 6 But from the beginning of creation, ‘God made them male and female.' 7 ‘Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, 8 and the two shall become one flesh.' So they are no longer two but one flesh. 9 What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.” 10 And in the house the disciples asked him again about this matter. 11 And he said to them, “Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery against her, 12 and if she divorces her husband and marries another, she commits adultery.” Let the Children Come to Me13 And they were bringing children to him that he might touch them, and the disciples rebuked them. 14 But when Jesus saw it, he was indignant and said to them, “Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. 15 Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.” 16 And he took them in his arms and blessed them, laying his hands on them. The Rich Young Man17 And as he was setting out on his journey, a man ran up and knelt before him and asked him, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” 18 And Jesus said to him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone. 19 You know the commandments: ‘Do not murder, Do not commit adultery, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Do not defraud, Honor your father and mother.' ” 20 And he said to him, “Teacher, all these I have kept from my youth.” 21 And Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, “You lack one thing: go, sell all that you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” 22 Disheartened by the saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions. 23 And Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How difficult it will be for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God!” 24 And the disciples were amazed at his words. But Jesus said to them again, “Children, how difficult it is to enter the kingdom of God! 25 It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.” 26 And they were exceedingly astonished, and said to him, “Then who can be saved?” 27 Jesus looked at them and said, “With man it is impossible, but not with God. For all things are possible with God.” 28 Peter began to say to him, “See, we have left everything and followed you.” 29 Jesus said, “Truly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or lands, for my sake and for the gospel, 30 who will not receive a hundredfold now in this time, houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions, and in the age to come eternal life. 31 But many who are first will be last, and the last first.” Jesus Foretells His Death a Third Time32 And they were on the road, going up to Jerusalem, and Jesus was walking ahead of them. And they were amazed, and those who followed were afraid. And taking the twelve again, he began to tell them what was to happen to him, 33 saying, “See, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be delivered over to the chief priests and the scribes, and they will condemn him to death and deliver him over to the Gentiles. 34 And they will mock him and spit on him, and flog him and kill him. And after three days he will rise.” The Request of James and John35 And James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came up to him and said to him, “Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you.” 36 And he said to them, “What do you want me to do for you?” 37 And they said to him, “Grant us to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your glory.” 38 Jesus said to them, “You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, or to be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized?” 39 And they said to him, “We are able.” And Jesus said to them, “The cup that I drink you will drink, and with the baptism with which I am baptized, you will be baptized, 40 but to sit at my right hand or at my left is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared.” 41 And when the ten heard it, they began to be indignant at James and John. 42 And Jesus called them to him and said to them, “You know that those who are considered rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. 43 But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, 44 and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. 45 For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Jesus Heals Blind Bartimaeus46 And they came to Jericho. And as he was leaving Jericho with his disciples and a great crowd, Bartimaeus, a blind beggar, the son of Timaeus, was sitting by the roadside. 47 And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out and say, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” 48 And many rebuked him, telling him to be silent. But he cried out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” 49 And Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.” And they called the blind man, saying to him, “Take heart. Get up; he is calling you.” 50 And throwing off his cloak, he sprang up and came to Jesus. 51 And Jesus said to him, “What do you want me to do for you?” And the blind man said to him, “Rabbi, let me recover my sight.” 52 And Jesus said to him, “Go your way; your faith has made you well.” And immediately he recovered his sight and followed him on the way. The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), Mk 10:1–52.

When Jesus asked blind Bartimaeus, “What do you want me to do for you?” He already knew the answer. The question wasn't for His benefit but for Bartimaeus's. In the same way, God invites us to name our needs specifically — because specific prayers lead to deeper healing and ease our anxiety in personal ways.Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside's conviction that God's grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God's presence and activity in your life.

Mark 10:46-52 // Jonathan NeefIn this powerful story, a blind beggar named Bartimaeus cries out to Jesus for mercy. Despite being told to be quiet, his bold and persistent call catches Jesus' attention. This sermon looks at the profound faith that led Bartimaeus to throw off his cloak, receive his sight, and immediately follow Jesus on the way.SERMON NOTES (YouVersion): https://bible.com/events/49499816PRAYER REQUESTS: https://ccefc.ccbchurch.com/goto/forms/2542/responses/new25.10.05

Mark 10:46-52 // Ben BeasleyIn this powerful story, a blind beggar named Bartimaeus cries out to Jesus for mercy. Despite being told to be quiet, his bold and persistent call catches Jesus' attention. This sermon looks at the profound faith that led Bartimaeus to throw off his cloak, receive his sight, and immediately follow Jesus on the way.SERMON NOTES (YouVersion): https://bible.com/events/49499817PRAYER REQUESTS: https://ccefc.ccbchurch.com/goto/forms/2509/responses/new25.10.05

Mark 10:46-52 // Manny CheryIn this powerful story, a blind beggar named Bartimaeus cries out to Jesus for mercy. Despite being told to be quiet, his bold and persistent call catches Jesus' attention. This sermon looks at the profound faith that led Bartimaeus to throw off his cloak, receive his sight, and immediately follow Jesus on the way.SERMON NOTES (YouVersion): https://bible.com/events/49499818PRAYER REQUESTS: https://ccefc.ccbchurch.com/goto/forms/2553/responses/new25.10.05

Mark 10:46-52 // Paul BrandesIn this powerful story, a blind beggar named Bartimaeus cries out to Jesus for mercy. Despite being told to be quiet, his bold and persistent call catches Jesus' attention. This sermon looks at the profound faith that led Bartimaeus to throw off his cloak, receive his sight, and immediately follow Jesus on the way.SERMON NOTES (YouVersion): https://bible.com/events/49499815PRAYER REQUESTS: https://ccefc.ccbchurch.com/goto/forms/2574/responses/new25.10.05

Sermon Summary – Behind the Veil Part six of a prayer journey series. Focus: moving through each stage of prayer (modeled by tabernacle furniture) to reach the manifest presence of God behind the veil. Tied to the season of the Days of Awe and the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur). The Prayer Journey Thanksgiving (Entering the Gate) Acknowledge dependence on God. Gratitude for daily blessings builds humility and faith. Praise (The Courts) Praise God for His works in Scripture and in personal life. Strengthens confidence before making requests. Brazen Altar (Repentance) Clearing sin and disobedience—both actions committed and duties left undone. Laver (Speaking the Word) Affirming our position in Christ despite our condition. Candlestick (Holy Spirit Illumination) Welcoming the Spirit to renew the mind and guide prayer. Table of Showbread (Truth-telling with God) “Cup of coffee with God”: being fully honest—joys, anger, questions. Example: hard prayer for a loved one to be broken so they might return to God (like the prodigal son). Altar of Incense (Petition) Prayers rise as incense before God (Psalm 141, Revelation 8). Spirit-led petitions avoid selfish, flesh-driven requests. Behind the Veil (The Ark / Manifest Presence) Goal of prayer: intimacy with God, listening more than speaking. Jesus tore the veil, granting direct access—not just distant recognition but true fellowship. Lessons & Applications Manifest vs. Omnipresence: God is everywhere, but He desires to manifest Himself personally to His children. Prayer as Relationship: not “Walmart style” requests, but time invested with God. Hard Prayers: sometimes God calls us to pray for breaking, not blessing, to bring loved ones to repentance. Stillness & Meditation: modern culture overloads us with information; believers must learn to wait in silence before God. Faith & Persistence: Prayer must be effectual (energized by the Spirit), fervent (refusing to be denied), and prevailing (producing results). Biblical Anchors James 5: The effectual, fervent prayer of a righteous person avails much. Ecclesiastes 5: Draw near to hear rather than offer the “sacrifice of fools.” John 14: Jesus promises to manifest Himself to those who obey His Word. Examples of persistence in prayer: Jacob wrestling, Bartimaeus crying out, the woman with the issue of blood, Zacchaeus climbing the tree. Encouragement & Call Prayer is the greatest access point of power, healing, provision, and presence available on earth. Believers are urged to: Commit more time to prayer. Enter with thanksgiving and praise. Seek not just God's hand but His face. Be patient like Job, consistent like Elijah, and persistent like the saints of old. Final invitation: Unbelievers—come to Christ today. Prodigals—return to the Father. Christians—renew prayer life and spend time behind the veil.

Life may label you, crowds may silence you, but one cry of faith can stop Jesus in His tracks.

Mark 10:46-52 // Rachel NesseIn this powerful story, a blind beggar named Bartimaeus cries out to Jesus for mercy. Despite being told to be quiet, his bold and persistent call catches Jesus' attention. This sermon looks at the profound faith that led Bartimaeus to throw off his cloak, receive his sight, and immediately follow Jesus on the way.SERMON NOTES (YouVersion): https://bible.com/events/49496387PRAYER REQUESTS: https://ccefc.ccbchurch.com/goto/forms/2546/responses/new25.09.28

WHAT DO YOU WANT ME TO DO FOR YOU? From Mark 10, a sermon about the story of blind Bartimaeus and asking prayers. Big thanks to Pete Greig and Brian Zahnd, and others. The post What Do You Want Me To Do For You? appeared first on Plymouth Meeting Church.

This week's message reflects on Jesus' healing of blind Bartimaeus in Mark 10:46–52 and Paul's plea for deliverance in 2 Corinthians 12:7b–9. What do we really want God to do for us—and how does God sometimes answer in ways we don't expect? Drawing from real-life stories of struggle and grace, including the inspiring witness of a blind church member and a lesson learned from a high school football teammate with a stutter, Chapin explores the ways in which God's strength is revealed through our weakness. This is a powerful and honest reflection on what it means to be made well—not just healed of our infirmities, but transformed into agents of light, gratitude, and blessing. Whether you're wrestling with unanswered prayers or wondering what your life's challenges are meant to teach you, this episode reminds us that God's grace truly is sufficient.  

This passage tells the story of Bartimaeus, a blind beggar who recognized Jesus as the Messiah even before he received healing. Despite being silenced by the crowd, Bartimaeus cried out all the more, and Jesus stopped, called him near, and restored his sight. Jake highlighted that Jesus not only heals but brings complete wholeness (sozo): body, mind, and soul. Bartimaeus moved from sitting by the roadside to following Jesus on the way, a reminder that true faith both saves and transforms. As believers, we are called to encourage others to “take heart” and not become obstacles for those who are desperately trying to reach Jesus.

Our message this week explored the story of blind Bartimaeus from Mark's Gospel, emphasizing the importance of bold prayer and faith in seeking God's healing. Pastor Andrew highlighted how we often hesitate in our prayers due to feelings of unworthiness or social conventions, but God invites us to approach Him with the boldness and desperation of a child. The sermon challenged us to overcome our middle-class respectability and insulation, urging us to be more open about our needs and to seek God's healing power in our lives.

Our message this week explored the story of blind Bartimaeus from Mark's Gospel, emphasizing the importance of bold prayer and faith in seeking God's healing. Pastor Andrew highlighted how we often hesitate in our prayers due to feelings of unworthiness or social conventions, but God invites us to approach Him with the boldness and desperation of a child. The sermon challenged us to overcome our middle-class respectability and insulation, urging us to be more open about our needs and to seek God's healing power in our lives.

Pastor Brandon explores the theme of being 'richly blessed' through the lens of faith, scripture, and the importance of community. He emphasizes the need for recalibration in times of chaos, the role of the church in fostering unity and love, and the significance of personal cries for mercy, as exemplified by Bartimaeus. The discussion highlights the power of asking God for what we truly need, the journey of faith, and the impact of family in nurturing a faithful generation. Ultimately, it calls for a deeper understanding of God's love and the courage to embrace it.

In today's message, Pastor Jack encourages us to embrace a "higher hope"—not a natural, uncertain wish, but a supernatural hope fueled by faith that brings certainty. He teaches us that this hope, rooted in God's promises, does not disappoint and empowers us to believe for breakthroughs, healing, and victory even when situations seem impossible. Using examples from Scripture like Abraham, the Shunammite woman, and blind Bartimaeus, Pastor Jack reminds us that it's not over until God says it's over, and we are called to act boldly on our faith. He challenges us to rise with confidence, surround ourselves with champions, and step into the certainty of God's plans for our lives—today.Tune in now!Join us for service every Sunday at 9 and 11am (PST) and Wednesday at 7pm (PST)If you received Christ through this message, text JESUS to (253) 859-0832We would love to hear how God is touching your life through this ministry! Tell us your story in the comments!If you would like to partner with us financially, online giving is available through PushPay:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://theriver.church/give/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.theriver.church⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ http://www.facebook.com/riveroflifekent ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.twitter.com/riveroflifekent⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ http://www.instagram.com/riveroflifekent ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.theriver.church/app⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

In Week 1 of the Messy series, Pastor Curt Taylor kicked off with a message of hope centered on the story of Bartimaeus from Mark 10:46-52. Life is undeniably messy because our world is broken, and we are spiritually dead in our sins, completely unable to save ourselves. But God, rich in mercy and overflowing with love, steps into our mess through Jesus Christ to bring life, healing, and transformation. Pastor Curt reminded us that the gospel isn't advice about what we should do but good news about what God has already done — and His grace has the power to make us alive and whole, no matter how messy our lives may be.

August 31st, 2025At River Oak Church, we are a welcoming family of imperfect people who share a passion for God, a passion for others, and a passion for graciously sharing the good news of Jesus Christ. We enjoy an informal environment and Christ-exalting modern worship, and we are committed to following the truth of God's Word. We welcome you to come as you are, from wherever you've been, and join us!Support the show