The One that Almost Got Away! Mark 2:1-12

We’ve got to care for each other as family!

But what about those stuck outside?

Are we one of the four friends or one of the three impediments? so focused on their needs being met that they block others from Jesus so caught up in their blessings that they forget about folks outside so wrapped up in religious practice they shame others away

Over-saturated with church Under-experienced with Jesus Unwelcoming folks: want Jesus to meet their needs, but blocking the way to Jesus for others Fortressed folks: enjoy the church & their place in it, but they forget about folks outside Judgmental folks: so wrapped up in religious practice they shame others away want Jesus to meet their needs, but blocking the way to Jesus for others enjoy the church & their place in it, but they forget about folks outside so wrapped up in religious practice they shame others away

So how move them from the “got away” to the “almost” category?

Share Jesus in words & deeds, over time, consistently, & let us help! 1 Peter 3:15 Followers Fish Why Fish? Everyday People in whom He works as they share Jesus Better with Buddies

As we see folks with no clear path to Jesus, let’s remember … The Goal: bring people to Jesus to be made whole To Go: find them where they are and invite them We Gotta: be creative in removing barriers to Jesus

As we see folks with no clear path to Jesus, let’s remember … The Goal: bring people to Jesus to be made whole To Go: find them where they are and invite them We Gotta: be creative in removing barriers to Jesus