Alva Baptist Church

Demons, Dogs and Answered Prayer

On Mothers' Day Mark 7:24-30 brings us the story of a faithful, stalwart mother who draws near to God for the thing only He can deliver. The persistence of this mother illustrates the labour of unceasing prayer.  This story (told in Mark 7 and Matthew 15) arms us with the patience we need, to continue in prayer when it appears we are getting no result. This Mother goes away successful in her petition and God is glorified by her great faith.

Tradition and Truth

In Mark chapter 7 Jesus is quoted in His confrontation with religious rule-keepers.  As they assail Him for not keeping petty rules and traditions, He points out other rules which contradict what God actually requires.  We believe Jesus did this to highlight that rules which men contrive do not necessarily honour God; and that hallow religion, made up of rules and content with controlling behaviour, sometimes actually contradicts the heart of God for people.  Jesus, God in the flesh, was 100% alligned with the heart of the Father and the religious imposters did not recognize this because their hearts we so far from God. Even though they followed the religious system of rules to the letter, they were bound by the letter which could not save them, and were not lead by the Spirit of God.