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Adam Pardue: What the World Needs Now (Mark 8:1-10)
Adam Pardue, pastor of Highland Baptist Church in Lubbock, examined the story of Jesus feeding the 4,000—as distinct from the 5,000—emphasizing it is a message of inclusivity. “All people … are invited to the table,” he said. He contrasted Jesus’ invitation with clothing brand Abercrombie & Fitch’s CEO saying their clothes are just for the “cool kids.”
The key to Jesus’ invitation is his compassion, Pardue noted. Jesus was concerned for people’s physical and spiritual needs, and he expects his followers to extend the same compassion to people. This compassion looks like welcoming the unacceptable, Pardue suggested.
To do what Jesus expects, his followers must stay in communication with the people around them, with one another and with God the Father, Pardue explained. Jesus’ followers must also be convinced Jesus is sufficient to meet their needs. But Jesus is more than sufficient, Pardue continued. Jesus satisfies completely and then some.
This sermon was delivered March 12, 2023, for the morning worship service of Highland Baptist Church in Lubbock as part of a series titled “What the World Needs Now.”
A sermon outline is available here.
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