2. Jesus & The Crowds Jesus’ mission: preaching the Kingdom of God Traveled about Entered with rapport Crowds came for miracles Now after John had been taken into custody, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of God, and saying, "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel." Mark 1:14-15 NASU

3. “Jesus was going throughout all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every kind of disease and every kind of sickness among the people. The news about Him spread throughout all Syria; and they brought to Him all who were ill, those suffering with various diseases and pains, demoniacs, epileptics, paralytics; and He healed them. Large crowds followed Him from Galilee and the Decapolis and Jerusalem and Judea and from beyond the Jordan.” Mt. 4:23-25, NASU

4. Jesus & The Crowds Jesus’ mission: preaching the Kingdom of God Traveled about Entered with rapport Crowds came for miracles Spread word of mouth Teaching and healing Now after John had been taken into custody, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of God, and saying, "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel." Mark 1:14-15 NASU Jesus was going through all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every kind of disease and every kind of sickness. Seeing the people, He felt compassion for them, because they were distressed and dispirited like sheep without a shepherd. Matthew 9:35-36, NASU

5. Jesus’ Use of Miracles How used or effect 1.Miracles opened doors 2.Miracles validated His authority & message Pharisees, Jn. 10:22-25 Apostles, Mt. 8:27 Crowds, Mt. 9:1-8 Worshipers, Mk. 1:21-28 Leaders, Jn. 5:18-23, 36

6. Jesus’ Use of Miracles How used or effect 1.Miracles opened doors 2.Miracles validated His authority & message 3.Miracles brought glory to God 4.Miracles fulfilled O.T. prophecies

7. Jesus’ Use of Miracles Manner in using 1.Genuinely interested Blind men, Mt. 9:27-30 2.With compassion Crowd’s sick, Mt. 14:13-14

8. Modern Christians in the Community Miracles are supernatural means of doing good deeds, our good deeds are a natural means of serving. Miracles validated Jesus’ Words were from God, God’s Word today in the Bible is our message. Miracles came from compassion and genuineness, love drives our message. Miracles prompted the crowds to glorify God, God is glorified by our good works.

9. Aledo in the Community Church Involved in community events Benevolence Cariety Foundation? C.A.S.A? Looking to serve in E. Parker County Individually Excited and positive Feeling of contribution and authenticity

10. Yeah, but…? “We’re too small…” Consider our options: 1.We do nothing 2.Rely on nominal advertising 3.Brainstorm: how can we have a real presence? “We’re too small…” Consider our options: 1.We do nothing 2.Rely on nominal advertising 3.Brainstorm: how can we have a real presence?

11. Yeah, but…? “Isn’t this just warmed over ‘social gospel’ thinking?” 1.We’re not talking about simply throwing money at some charities. 2.We’re talking about being diligent and deliberate in thinking about how to be involved. “Isn’t this just warmed over ‘social gospel’ thinking?” 1.We’re not talking about simply throwing money at some charities. 2.We’re talking about being diligent and deliberate in thinking about how to be involved.

12. How did Jesus use miracles? How can we use involvement in the community? What can you do? 1.Think constructively 2.Be involved in current efforts 3.Serve in the name of Christ 4.Look for opportunities for sharing 5.Open your home for studies 6.Talk positively 7.Pray & act in love