Collins Peter preaches from Mark 5:1–20, the account of the demon-possessed man in the country of the Gadarenes. He begins by greeting the assembly and expressing his desire that the Word of God would not only instruct but penetrate deeply, humbling pride and bringing repentance.
He emphasizes that the man in this passage was utterly hopeless by human standards—violent, uncontrollable, isolated, tormented, and living among the dead. No chains could bind him, and no one could tame him. Collins draws attention to how Scripture describes this man as someone nobody could help—yet someone Jesus intentionally crossed the sea to reach.
Throughout the sermon, Collins highlights:
1. The Power of Evil
The demoniac’s condition reflects the destructive nature of sin and Satan. His brokenness, self-harm, isolation, and uncontrollable behavior picture the spiritual bondage humanity faces apart from Christ.
2. The Authority of Christ
Jesus confronts the unclean spirit with absolute authority. Collins notes that even the demons recognize His lordship. The dramatic transformation of the man—from naked and raging to clothed, calm, and in his right mind—shows Christ’s unmatched power to redeem the most desperate cases.
3. The Community’s Reaction
Instead of rejoicing, the townspeople are afraid and ask Jesus to leave. Collins challenges the listeners to consider whether they, too, can be uncomfortable with the power of God when it disrupts their comfort or expectations.
4. The Man’s Mission
Jesus sends the healed man back to his community saying,
“Go home to your friends, and tell them what great things the Lord has done for you.”
Collins emphasizes that a transformed life becomes a sent life. The man who once terrified the region becomes its first missionary, proclaiming the mercy of Christ.
5. Personal Application
Collins calls the church to:
Allow Scripture to make them uncomfortable
Humble themselves before God
Recognize that no one is beyond Christ’s reach
Share their testimony of deliverance
Respond in faith instead of fear
He concludes by pleading that the Word of God would convict, humble, and draw the lost to repentance, just as Jesus did for the man in Mark 5.