The Gospel brings healing big time. Our sick souls are mended and our broken relationship with God is restored. The Gospel also promises to bring physical renewal to the world and our bodies when Christ returns. In a similar way, the church is to go forth and bring the healing of Jesus in both word and deed.

Jesus was making big waves by challenging the burden of the Law. His compassion and mercy trumped the traditions of the day, which failed to fulfill the heart of the Law. Jesus demonstrated a great truth about the character of God even as he created commotion.

This sermon was preached by Steve Hartland from Trinity Church (http://www.trinitymd.org) on Colossians 1.

Jesus was becoming well known in the region. The demons knew him and those who needed healing knew him. As Christians, we are attached to the most famous person who ever lived, who was also God incarnate. We should make much about him.

The calling of a Christian is one of invitation, not force. Jesus calls us to follow him toward work here on earth and eternal life to come. But He doesn't leave us to our own devices. He is the source of our strength and the perfect model for a life of holiness.

The kingdom of God is a kingdom of repentance from our sins towards an allegiance with the King. Jesus inaugurated it and it continues to advance this very day. The church is an agent in this kingdom, and we are charged with bringing forth the Gospel to all people.

Our God is not detached from the pain and struggles of the world. In being fully man, he endured real trials and temptation. He is also a warrior-king who fought for his people, continues to intercede for them, and will one day return to finally put away all of His foes.

Jesus was the promised remedy for the curse laid on mankind from Genesis 3. After generations upon generations, Mark announces that the Messiah has come. The "good news" is here, dwelling among us.

The main character in the book of Ruth is God. This story is included in the canon to show us how theline of David would be preserved and ultimately lead to the birth of Jesus. The mundane details are never mundane in the life of a believer. Ruth was simply looking to make a living for herself and Naomi when she met Boaz. They would be the great grandparents of the greatest king to rule over Israel. The lives of believers are never mundane. Our story is part of God's greater redemptive story. We all have a part.

Naomi sees what is going on. She sees that there is an opportunity for Ruth's situation and her own situation to change. She also sees the budding romance between Boaz and Ruth. In essence, she instructs Ruth to go for it and offer herself to Boaz. She wants Ruth to make a move. Ruth risks her relationship with Boaz and sneaks in to his room while he is sleeping. She lays out her intentions for marriage in a daring move. Boaz could have taken advantage of Ruth but instead answers her graciously and lovingly. He reflects the character of God as his broken people come to him for a relationship. Jesus calls the weary and broken and sinful to himself. He offers to carry the burden and to be the remedy. Jesus asks us to risk everything and trust him. He asks us to take a gamble.