Please read Mark 2:1-12 as background to this blog and have it open as you read the blog.
We find in this passage Jesus is in the house. If we are to be effective in getting the message of redemption to our world, Jesus has got to be in the house. We see in this passage that when Jesus is in the house the following happens:
REVELATION - v.2 - When Jesus is in the house God's Word is preached faithfully, His power and glory, His nature and character, His will, ways, and plans are revealed. He reveals Himself through His Word.
COOPERATION - v. 4 - The Bible is the text book on cooperation in all of its teachings on the Body of Christ and we see cooperation involved in this verse. When someone is causing division in the work of God, it is sin no matter how noble we might think the motive. Also, anytime we think we are so spiritual we don't need the rest of the body of Christ, it is contrary to New Testament teaching. God's way is cooperation.
RECONCILIATION - v. 5 - There is no reconciliation until there has been cooperation. When there is a lack of cooperation among the body of Christ, it becomes a distraction and the church fails to carry out its work of reconciling man back to God. We can spend all our time and energy trying to establish cooperation. But, if Jesus is in the house, cooperation is already there and an environment for reconciliation is already in place.
CONFRONTATION - v. 6-7 - When Jesus is in the house, you will face opposition. Satan will be stirred and find someone to help him oppose. If there is no confrontation or opposition, it probably means Jesus is not in the house.
MANIFESTATION - v. 12 - God makes Himself known through His acts. When we cooperate with God and each other - God shows Himself in His mighty works and we are able to see that it is God that has done it, not man. Some people think emotion is equal to manifestation. Emotion does not ever create manifestation, however at times emotion may be the result of spiritual manifestation.
GLORIFICATION - v.12b - They praised God, not the house, not the teacher, not the preacher, not the worship leader. They gave praise and glory to God. Do we leave our worship on a regular basis giving glory to God for what He has done? Do people see evidence of the manifest presence and glory of God when they worship with us? When Jesus is in the house, there will be glory! mjm
