Mark 5:17-20

TITLE: Back to Business TEXT: Mark 5:18-20 PROPOSITION: After a traumatic event, it is impossible to get back to normal activity. QUESTION: Who? KEY WORD: Changed READING: Same INTRODUCTION:

1. The events of September 11, 2001 (terrorist attacks on NY and Pentagon) are still fresh

2. Mayor of NY, President said - Back to work, fly planes, buy things

3. All who meet Jesus are changed

4. Never return to same old, same old again

Man cured of demon possession - Mark 5:18-20

· Don't follow Jesus

· Go home and tell your friends and family

Shepherds Luke 2:8-9

· Normal night of watching sheep

· See the star, hear announcement of Jesus birth

· Visit the manger

· Luke 2:20 - returned - never the same

Jews at Pentecost - Jewish festival, good time, reunion

· Acts 2:5 every nation under heaven

· Saw the commotion, heard the sermon, pricked in their heart

· 3,000 baptized - never the same again

Saul

· On road to Damascus - papers to arrest Christians

· Bright light, Jesus confronts him

· Never the same again

Lydia

· Seller of purple from Thyatira

· On business trip in Philippi, at river, praying

· Paul teaches her - baptizes her

Jailer at Philippi

· Just going to work - night shift

· Hears Paul and Silas - singing and praying

· Earthquake - doors open - can not prevent all from escaping

·“Do yourself no harm” - all are present - none escaped

Peter hungry on a housetop waiting for lunch

· 1 Peter 4:4 - not running to the same excess (as before)

Conclusion:

1. Have you met Jesus?

2. IF you have met him, you will never be the same again.