Pastor Kevin Long opened with a simple challenge: what lens are you looking through? The world’s “cool” glasses help you blend in, but spiritual glasses help you see what is really happening. In Mark 5:1–20, we meet a man living in extreme darkness, tormented, isolated, and trapped in bondage. Then Jesus steps onto the shore and everything changes. This sermon calls believers to guard what we watch, hear, and allow into our hearts, because small compromises can become open doors. At the same time, it offers real hope: Jesus has authority over darkness, He can break strongholds, and He transforms lives so completely that others cannot deny what He has done.
Tormented Life (Mark 5:5-7)
Mark introduces a man whose life is the picture of spiritual torment. He lives among the tombs, cut off from people, crying out day and night, even harming himself. No one can restrain him, not even with chains. Pastor Kevin pointed out how unnatural this is: isolation, self harm, constant inner chaos. It is the fruit of darkness.
What we consume shapes us. The enemy works through influence, temptation, and gradual compromise, and he aims to destroy lives, homes, and futures.
Trapped Life (Mark 5:8-13)
The man is not only tormented, he is trapped. Jesus commands the unclean spirit to come out, and the response reveals the depth of bondage. The name “Legion” signals many demons and complete control. Pastor Kevin highlighted a key truth: Jesus knocks and waits to be invited in, and the enemy also looks for permission. Doors get opened over time through what we allow into our minds and habits.
This is why Scripture calls believers to put on the whole armor of God. Even when a person belongs to Christ, the enemy still attempts oppression and harassment through lies, fear, temptation, and isolation. The goal is always the same: to ensnare, to enslave, and to keep someone stuck.
Transformed Life (Mark 5:14-20)
Then comes the turning point: Jesus sets him free. The same man who was violent and untouchable is now sitting there, clothed, and in his right mind. That is what happens when someone has a real encounter with Christ. Jesus does not manage darkness. He drives it out.
Pastor Kevin also drew attention to the community’s reaction. Instead of celebrating, many begged Jesus to leave. They focused on disruption and loss instead of deliverance and mercy.
The transformed man begs to go with Jesus, but Jesus gives him a mission instead: go home and tell what the Lord has done, and how He has had mercy on you. Real transformation always produces a witness. When Jesus frees someone, their story becomes a message that others cannot ignore.
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