Pastors Aaron & Nicole Olinski

You never know what could happen from just one invitation. It might feel small, but one simple step, one cry for help, one moment of boldness, can lead to a life forever changed.

That’s why we’re focusing on for the one today. Because when someone encounters Jesus, everything changes.

Bartimaeus’ Story: A Cry for Mercy

In Mark 10:46-52, Jesus is making His final journey to Jerusalem. This isn’t just another trip to celebrate Passover. He knows what lies ahead. His crucifixion is drawing near.

As Jesus passes through Jericho, a blind man named Bartimaeus is sitting on the roadside. He’s a beggar, pushed to the margins of society because of his disability. His daily reality is shaped by dependence and invisibility. But Bartimaeus had one thing many people overlook. He knew who to call out to.

When he heard that Jesus was nearby, he shouted, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”

That shout wasn't casual. It was a cry of desperation. Just like a child yelling for their parent when they’re in need, Bartimaeus raised his voice, unwilling to be ignored.

And the question for us is this:


Are we willing to do whatever it takes to get Jesus’ attention?

Are we bold in our pursuit of Him, or are we more concerned about what others might think? Do pride or insecurity keep us from reaching for what God has for us?

If we allow fear of looking foolish to control us, we may miss the very life we’re longing for. Some of us are still trying to figure out our purpose, unsure of what God has planned. But there’s something more for you, and you don’t have to discover it alone.

Jump Into Something Bigger Than Yourself

At Grace Church, we believe that God has given us a purpose that’s bigger than ourselves. A vision to transform the Space Coast with the radical love of Jesus. It’s bold. It’s big. And it’s going to take all of us.

If you're searching for purpose, this is your invitation to jump in. Be part of something meaningful, something that extends beyond your own life.

Many in our church community have already experienced that transformation. In 2025, we celebrated 467 people saying yes to Jesus, and 158 people stepping into water baptism.

These aren't just numbers. Each one represents a story, people who have found freedom from addiction, brokenness, and pain. People walking in healing after years of shame, depression, or hopelessness.

That’s why we do this. It’s for the one.

The Power of an Invitation

Just like someone invited you to church or reached out to you in your moment of need, there are people in your neighborhood, your workplace, your gym, people who are struggling and searching. They may not know it yet, but they need the hope you’ve found.

You have the answer. You carry the light of Jesus. And your willingness to extend a simple invitation could be the turning point in someone’s life.

Even just recently, we had the opportunity to pray over the new Palm Bay City Hall. The mayor and city manager invited us to bless the building and our city through prayer. That’s the impact of living boldly in faith.

But not every response will be so welcoming.

When the Crowd Tries to Silence You

Back in Mark 10:48, when Bartimaeus cried out to Jesus, the crowd told him to be quiet. They rebuked him, tried to silence him.

But he only shouted louder: “Son of David, have mercy on me!”

There will be moments in your life when the crowd, whether it’s culture, coworkers, or even friends, will try to quiet your faith.

You might get eye rolls, subtle exclusion, or even ridicule for talking about Jesus or inviting someone to church.

But don’t stop. Don’t shrink back. When the world says to stay quiet, that’s when we press in even more.

Jesus Hears the One

In verse 49, something powerful happens:

“When Jesus heard him, he stopped and said, ‘Tell him to come here.’”

Jesus didn’t ignore Bartimaeus. He stopped.

And then He did something unexpected. He didn’t walk over to Bartimaeus. He told him to come.

That’s a challenge for a blind man. Walking toward someone you can’t see requires trust, effort, and courage. But Bartimaeus didn’t hesitate. He threw aside his coat, jumped up, and came to Jesus.

Jesus knew who Bartimaeus was. He knew his story, his pain, and his need. But in this moment, Jesus wanted to see what Bartimaeus would do. Would he take the first step?

And that’s what Jesus is asking of each of us.

What's Your Next Step?

At Grace Church, we believe every person has a next step. No matter where they are in their journey with Jesus.

Maybe you come to church occasionally, but it’s not yet a priority. Your next step might be making that commitment.

Maybe you’ve been attending for a while, but haven’t really connected. Maybe it’s time to join a Discover Grace event.

Maybe you’re lonely, struggling to grow spiritually on your own. Your next step might be to join a Connection Group.

Or maybe you’re carrying pain from your past, and God is calling you to step into a Freedom Group for healing.

There is a next step for everyone.

And just like Bartimaeus, sometimes Jesus wants to see what you’ll do.

He wants to see if you’ll take a step toward Him.

Not because He’s distant, but because He’s inviting you into something deeper. Into healing. Into purpose. Into transformation.

This could be your best year ever, if you move closer to Jesus. The question is, will you take that step?