Pastor Karl continues the "Kingdom Now" series in Matthew 9:1–17, showing that Jesus doesn't patch torn-up lives—He recreates them entirely, unleashing kingdom power to prove His authority and bring radical newness.

He explores the healing of the paralytic, lowered through the roof by four faithful friends who stopped at nothing to bring him to Jesus. Seeing their faith, Jesus first forgives the man's sins—addressing his deepest eternal need—then commands him to rise and walk, proving His divine authority on earth to forgive sins. This highlights bold evangelism through inconvenience, carrying others to Christ even when faith falters, and Jesus speaking hope first while prioritizing spiritual healing over temporary physical relief.

Next, Pastor Karl examines Jesus' call to Matthew (Levi), the despised tax collector who instantly leaves everything—paycheck, position, protection, identity, and any fallback—to follow with total, courageous allegiance. Comfortable faith falls short; true discipleship demands unconditional commitment to a new kingdom.

At Matthew's house, Jesus reclines with tax collectors and sinners, scandalizing the Pharisees. He declares He came as a physician for the sick—not the self-righteous—calling for mercy over rigid religion. Through parables of new cloth on old garments and new wine in fresh wineskins, He teaches that His kingdom brings expanding Holy Spirit life that inflexible, stubborn hearts cannot contain.

Core truth: Jesus came to recreate, not repair. The kingdom confronts our deepest needs, demands total surrender, and requires elastic, flexible hearts to receive the Spirit's fresh, transforming work—choosing new wineskins over rigid old ones.

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