Who's Running Your Life? | Bryan L. Carter | Sermon Notes — Hello Pastor

Sermon Notes

Who's Running Your Life?

Bryan L. Carter

Concord Church Dallas • Sep 21, 2026 • 43 min

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Take this message with you through a journey of Scripture, reflection, and prayer.

Summary

In a world filled with competing voices, cultural influences, and personal distractions, everyone lives under some form of authority. Drawing from Mark 1:21–34, Pastor Bryan Carter emphasizes that believers are called to trust Jesus as the ultimate authority over every dimension of life. Through His authoritative teaching, His power over evil, and His divine authority over disease, Jesus demonstrates that He alone is trustworthy to direct our steps.

Themes

Authority of JesusSpiritual WarfareDivine HealingBiblical TeachingJustice and Community Engagement

Pastor's Points

1.

Jesus has authority in teaching.

2.

Jesus has authority over evil.

3.

Jesus has authority over disease.

Key Points

1.
Jesus has authority in teaching.
2.
Jesus has authority over evil.
3.
Jesus has authority over disease.
4.
Everyone lives under authority; the critical question is who gets the final say in your life.
5.
Jesus teaches with inherent authority because He is the Word made flesh, requiring no external rabbinical footnotes.
6.
Believers need spiritual 'noise-canceling headphones' to tune out cultural distractions and hone in on the voice of Christ.
7.
Jesus exercises authority over evil and empowers His followers to speak truth to power and confront societal injustice.
8.
Jesus demonstrates compassion and authority over physical ailments, restoring health and strength to those who come to Him.

Sermon Moments

“Metaphor of noise-canceling headphones to tune out social media, fears, and competing cultural voices in order to focus on Jesus.”

“Contrast between rabbis who cited external authorities and Jesus who spoke with inherent divine authority as the author of the Word.”

“Highlighting local church leaders and organizations stepping into community challenges to model Jesus' work against systemic evil.”

“Vivid physical description of Peter's mother-in-law being restored to full strength immediately upon a simple touch from Jesus.”

This Week

Set aside dedicated daily time in God's Word so Scripture becomes the primary authority guiding your daily decisions.

Practice spiritual 'noise-canceling' by putting away social media and cultural influences to listen for God's direction.

Identify one local community initiative or injustice and use your voice, vote, or volunteer time to support equity and justice.

Ensure you are registered to vote and participate actively in civic processes as an expression of faith.

Bring specific health concerns for yourself or loved ones to Jesus in prayer, trusting in His power to heal and sustain.

Reach out to encourage or assist a caregiver in your family or church community who carries a heavy daily burden.

Examine your life to identify any area where you have resisted God's authority and intentionally surrender it to Him.

Remember This

Trust Jesus to be the ultimate authority of your life.

A Challenge for You

Let Jesus be the authority in your life. Bow your head, declare your trust in Him, and align your steps with His Word today.

These are personal sermon notes shared to help you remember the message — not a replacement for Scripture, your church, or your pastors.