Presented on 2.25.18 at Mt Pleasant United Methodist Church, www.mympumc.net, Audio, Video and Sermon Notes available

2. “Arise, Shine, for your light has
come…”
Isaiah 60:1

3. Pursue a Christ-Centered Life
‘For in Christ we live and move and have our
being.’
Acts 17:28

4. Overcoming the
Darkness
(1)Crisis of Meaning
(2)Crisis of Community

5. And Jesus was teaching them God's message.
Four people came, carrying a paralyzed
man. Since they could not get to Jesus
because of the crowd, they dug a hole in
the roof right above where he was
speaking. When they got through, they
lowered the mat with the paralyzed man on
it. When Jesus saw the faith of these
people, he said to the paralyzed man,
"Young man, your sins are forgiven."

6. The people were amazed and praised God.
They said, "We have never seen anything
like this!“
Mark 2:2-12 (NCV)

7. When Jesus saw him lying there and learned
that he had been in this condition for a
long time, he asked him, “Do you want to
get well?”
“Sir,” the invalid replied, “I have no one
to help me into the pool when the water is
stirred. While I am trying to get in,
someone else goes down ahead of me.”

8. Then Jesus said to him, “Get up! Pick up
your mat and walk.” At once the man was
cured; he picked up his mat and walked.”
John 5:6-9

9. “The difference between suffering which
destroys us and suffering which transforms
us begins with the presence of a caring,
thoughtful other who is willing to
acknowledge that brokenness with us.”
Ron Johnson

11. Build intentional
Community
You are the body of
Christ, each one of you is
a part of it.
1 Cor 12:27

12. Look Up – Be Alert
“The seed falling among the thorns refers to
someone who hears the word, but the worries
of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth
choke the word, making it unfruitful.” Matt
13:22

13. Look Up – Be Alert
“The seed falling among the thorns refers to
someone who hears the word, but the worries
of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth
choke the word, making it unfruitful.” Matt
13:22

14. Look Up – Be Alert
Busyness is artificial
significance.

15. Rise Up – Be Intentional
“The gate is small and the road is
narrow that leads to true life. Only a
few people find it.” Matt 7:14

16. Grow Up – Be a Disciple
“Speaking the truth in love, we will
grow to become in every respect the
mature body of him who is the head, that
is, Christ.” Ephesians 4:15

17. Grow Up – Be a Disciple
If it doesn’t challenge you, it won’t change
you!

18. Pursuing a Christ-Centered
Life