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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.
   

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