Faith in Action: The Unchanging Authority of Jesus Christ (02/11/'24)

Faith in Action: The Unchanging Authority of Jesus Christ The essence of a heart devoted to the Holy Spirit of Jesus Christ lies in recognizing the virtues of constancy and the pursuit of eternal life. It's crucial not to be swayed by various novel doctrines that diverge from the path of mutual support and actions that align with God's will. Central to this understanding is the unchanging nature of Jesus Christ, as illustrated by the episodes in Mark 2:5 and 10. In these verses, Jesus not only offers forgiveness of sins but also demonstrates his divine authority on earth to enact such forgiveness, affirming, "Son, your sins are forgiven," and "The Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins." This consistency underscores that Jesus Christ's teachings and essence remain constant throughout time. The narrative of the paralyzed man in Mark 2:5 vividly exemplifies faith translating into action. The determination of four men to bring their friend to Jesus, even resorting to causing minor damage to property by lowering him through the roof, embodies active faith. Their actions set the stage for a powerful demonstration of Jesus's divinity. By forgiving the man's sins and healing his physical ailment, Jesus not only showcases his compassionate authority but also confronts the prevailing religious norms that questioned the ability to forgive sins, a power attributed solely to God. This incident, along with Jesus's other miracles such as healing the sick, expelling demons, and discerning hidden thoughts, all point to his divine authority, aligning with prophecies like those found in Isaiah 35:6 and Psalm 139:1–2. These scriptures foretell the coming of the Messiah with the power to heal and the divine insight to understand the human heart, further affirming Jesus's identity and mission as being in direct accordance with God's power and authority. -Pastor Steven G. Lee (February 11, 2024)