Epiphany 4 B (February 1): Power and Authority

NB There is a new 2024 updated version of this post

Bible Readings: Deuteronomy 18:15-20, Psalm 111, 1 Corinthians 8:1-13, Mark 1:21-28 

About the Images: Left: Lake Tyers beach early in the morning, East Gippsland, Australia (http://www.caravanparkphotos.com.au/lake_tyers_camp/index.htm). Nothing like a stormy sunrise to remind you of God's power and authority. My photo - so feel free to use it. Right: A compilation of microsoft free clipart.

Listening Song: Healing Rain By Michael W Smith on his album, Healing Rain, or on WOW 2006 (pictured at left) Story: Sarah Windchester's Story Found in In the Eye of the Storm by Max Lucado, Word, 1991, pp. 193-195. A good example of the demon of guilt. Story: Aristotle's Claims Find this story at http://onelifeministries.org/PathOfSpirit/090507_TruthClaimsandDiscernment.asp under the heading Wisdom. This story makes a good contrast with Jesus' authority in the gospel reading. Kid's Story: Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak, Randon House, 1963 (pictured at right) Story: Jesus Walks His Talk This story is found at http://net.bible.org/illustration.php?id=4708 under the heading Need for Godly Leaders but I like my title better :-) Story: No One Stops Them Ringing Their Bells This story is found at http://www.calvaryriverton.org/sermons/debbie/s-012906.html when you type "Alexander Solzhenitsyn" in Find. It is about the meaning of authority. This story is actually embedded in this site in a sermon on the Corinthians reading. Drama: Not Everyone Knows This in Mega Drama 3, Verena Johnson (ed), Openbook 2002,ISBN 0859109178 (v.3) page 34 (pictured at left) Image: The Scream by Edvard Munch. Great picture portraying the demon of loneliness, social isolation etc etc. Quote: Etty Hillesum My battles are fought out inside with my own demons (from An Interrupted Life) Quote: Frederick Buechner God does not give us neat answers, he gives us himself. Quote; Frederick Buechner It suddenly dawned on them that their wildest dreams hadn't been half wild enough. Film Clip: Arthur and the Invisibles There is a great clip when Arthur has his 10th birthday which portrays the demon of parental neglect. (pictured at right) Discussion: Arthur and the Invisibles 1. What makes Arthur really sad? 2. What happens when we are hurt badly by something someone does or says to us? 3. As Christians, how can we cope? Adult response: Give everyone a piece of paper and a pencil. Ask: What is bothering you most? Is their something specific in your life or is there someone you love who needs the healing touch of Jesus? What ever it is, write it down on the piece of paper and lay it at the foot of the cross to signify that you want Jesus to have the authority from now on in that situation from now on.