Friday First: Faith That Delights Jesus

During this quarter we have been focusing on why people followed Jesus. What is it that made Him so attractive? Why is it that so many literally dropped what they were doing and went after Him … all the way to the cross and beyond? During March we observed how Jesus brings hope. He came to be the Lamb of God who takes away our sin. He demonstrated His indisputable and supreme power over death. During April, we learned how Jesus shows us the Father. He demonstrated the character of the Father in every way. He showed us how to live life that will bring God glory.

And now, during May, we will see how Jesus brings us life. As we gather together this Lord’s day, we’ll examine two passages: Matthew 15.21-28 and Mark 7.24-30. Here we see a woman approach Jesus with only one thing on her mind: getting her little daughter help … relief from the continual torment of being demon possessed. Because of this woman’s great faith - her daughter was healed … and Jesus provided the needed deliverance from a\ depressing, never-ending and hopeless state of existence … to life abundant!

On Sunday we will: 

• Examine the background of this story.
• See how great faith has the right focus.
• See how great faith has the right attitude.
• See how great faith is persistent.

As you prepare for worship on Sunday, please give consideration to these questions:

1. What type of social and/or religious position do you think the woman of our story occupied? Does this matter to her? To Jesus? What can we learn from this?
2. What situation has driven her to Jesus? Upon whom or what is her faith focused?
3. What are some clues we can observe regarding her repentant heart?
4. What degree of dignity does she give to Jesus? Why is this important to consider?
5. Does your faith have the type of persistence to weather any barriers that come along to test it? What would have been your response to Jesus’ statements?

OPENING / WELCOME
Kody Pritt

SONG LEADER
Roy Pyle

PRAYER OF PRAISE
Chris Fles

LORD'S SUPPER
James Johnson

SCRIPTURE READING
Kevin Elkins
Matthew 15.21-28

PREACHING
Matthew Allen

CLOSING COMMENTS & PRAYER
George Wacks

WELCOME CENTER
Sarah Spargo / Diann Coffman

USHERS
Dan Spargo / Jeremy Price

CLOSING THE BUILDING
Jim Grushon