Some men brought to him a paralyzed man, lying on a mat. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the man, “Take heart, son; your sins are forgiven.” ~ Matthew 9:2 (NIV)
How close to our ministry’s heart this scripture is! I’m sure the story is a familiar one: Jesus is preaching and folks are gathered to hear. There is a group of men with a paralyzed friend, trying to reach Jesus, yet the crowds are so thick they cannot get close. So they climb on the roof of the building and lower the man down to Jesus on a mat (Mark 2:4). And Jesus forgives the paralyzed man. He is healed and can walk again (John 5:8).
We are all called to live it. Our calling in life is to bring the Good News to those who have hearts and ears to receive it. To be fishers of men. And we are the men in this story. At the same time, HOPE3 is the mat. HOPE3 is the vehicle with which we can bring folks closer to Christ. Through our Bible Study, Family Fun events, Bible Outreach Ministry and the HOPE3 Weekend we can raise people up by lowering them through the roof of the building to bring them in front of Jesus. Through our faith, people will be brought closer to God who can heal all ills.
HOPE3 is not a church. We don’t hold weekly services. And we welcome folks of all denominations – or no church affiliation at all. But we are a group of Christians interested in sharing the love of Christ. Interested in opening the doors to God’s mercy to others. Interested in “living it.”
Will you join us?
