The Place of Faith
Sunday, May 24, 2026
Pastor Mark D. Boykin
Watch the full sermon in it’s entirety here:
Mark 1–2
Today I want to encourage you about the power and place of faith in your life. In Mark chapters 1 and 2, we see Jesus moving in authority — healing the sick, delivering the oppressed, forgiving sins, and responding to faith. In Mark 1:23–27, Jesus entered the synagogue and there was “a man with an unclean spirit” who cried out. Jesus rebuked him saying, “Hold thy peace, and come out of him.” The people were amazed because Jesus spoke with authority.
Folks, when the Word of God is spoken, “it is quick and powerful and sharper than any two edged sword.” (Hebrews 4:12) We need worship, yes, but we also need the preaching of the Word because the Word of God is what brings men and women to salvation. It’s what brings healing to the body. When Jesus spoke, people said, “There is something different about this man.” Why? Because “He speaks the Word of God with authority.”
If there was ever a time when we needed men and women to preach the Word of God with authority, it is now.
Dismissive Faith
Mark 1:29–31
The first thing I want you to see is what I call dismissive faith.
Simon Peter’s mother-in-law was lying sick with a fever, and everyone else passed by her condition. “But Jesus.” He saw her when nobody else did. The Bible says Jesus “came and took her by the hand and lifted her up; and immediately the fever left her.” Jesus is not indifferent to our hurts, our pains, or our sickness. He is our great High Priest.
When Jesus steps into a situation, something is going to happen. When Jesus speaks a word, something is going to happen in your life. We pray in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth — that name that is above every name. There is no name like the name of Jesus.
In Mark 1:32–34, the whole city gathered at the door, bringing the sick and demon possessed to Jesus. The Bible says, “He healed many.” Notice it does not say He healed everyone. Why? Because without faith it is impossible to please God. Folks, if you can’t believe, you can’t be healed. In fact, if you can’t believe, you can’t be saved. Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.
Disruptive Faith
Mark 2:1–12
Secondly, I want you to see disruptive faith.
Jesus was preaching in a crowded house in Capernaum when four men brought a paralyzed man to Him. The crowd was so large they could not get through the door. But faith does not quit. One of them said, “If we can get to the roof, we’ll tear the tile out and put him down in front of Jesus.” And that is exactly what they did.
They got him up on the top of the roof, and they tore the tile back, and they lowered his body right before Jesus. Did Jesus rebuke them? No. The Bible says He saw their faith. Not just one man’s faith — their faith. Jesus looked at the paralyzed man and said, “Son, thy sins be forgiven thee.” Then He told him, “Arise, and take up thy bed, and walk.” Immediately the man got up completely healed by the power of faith in Jesus Christ.
I still believe Jesus heals today. I still believe He delivers. I still believe He saves.
The same Jesus that healed Bartimaeus is healing people today.
Divided Faith
Mark 2:6–12
While miracles were happening, the scribes sat there reasoning in their hearts, saying, “Who can forgive sins but God only?” Even in the presence of a miracle, there were doubters. And there are still doubters today.
Jesus answered them by healing the man openly so they would know “that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins.” Hear me clearly: if you have faith, all things are possible.
Not a few things. Not some things. All things are possible.
I’m talking about healing. I’m talking about families. I’m talking about finances. I’m talking about broken relationships and impossible situations. God can heal you. God can restore your life. God can bring your finances back into order. But we must believe Him.
Maybe today you’ve received a diagnosis. Maybe you’re carrying fear, debt, heartbreak, or spiritual weariness. But the same God who healed in Mark chapters 1 and 2 is still moving today. The God who healed me when I was 17 years of age with Hodgkin’s disease is the same God today who can heal you. But you must have faith to believe.
So today, lay it all at the cross. Tell the Lord: “I know You will heal. I know You will provide.”
And remember this truth: When Jesus is there, something is going to happen.
Whatever you are facing today, bring it to Jesus. Whether it is sickness, financial hardship, family division, fear, or spiritual weariness, lay it at the cross and trust Him completely. Do not give up. Do not surrender to fear. Keep believing. Keep praying. Keep trusting the Lord. If you have faith, all things are possible.
Father,
In the name of Jesus, strengthen my faith. Heal my body. Restore my home. Bring peace to my troubled heart and hope to my weary soul. Let the power of Your Word come alive in my life. And Lord, remind me that nothing is impossible with You. In Jesus’ mighty name,
Amen.