Podcasts about him mark

In Mark 7:1-23, the religious leaders' opposition to Jesus resurfaces. After all the miracles that Jesus has performed, the Scribes and Pharisees are outraged because His disciples didn't wash their hands the “right” way before eating. It sounds trivial, right? But to them, it was a full-blown scandal, a matter of being “defiled” before God. Jesus doesn't respond to their question but instead exposes their obsession with outward traditions and their hypocritical approach to God's law. Then Jesus reveals what truly makes us unclean—our hearts. The Pharisees employed their traditions, such as “Corban,” to circumvent God's commands. They honored God with their lips, but their hearts were far from Him (Mark 7:6-7). Instead of answering their question about defiled hands, Jesus rebukes them for their hypocrisy and legalism and reveals that it is our hearts, not outward rituals or actions, that truly defile. How, then, can one be clean before God? Only from the inside. No amount of rule-following can fix the heart. But here's the good news: Jesus can! Through His sacrifice, He offers us a new heart, one that longs to follow God from the inside out. Take some time to read Mark 7:1-23 before Sunday. As you do, ask yourself: Are there ways I'm relying on “doing the right things” to be acceptable to God? What's in my heart that I need to bring to Jesus? Let us prepare ourselves to come and worship Him from the heart on Sunday as we sing and study His word. I. The Clash Over Tradition (v. 1-5) II. The Hypocrisy Of An Only Outward Religion (v. 6-13) III. The True Source Of Defilement (v. 14-23)

Color: White Old Testament: Job 19:23–27 Psalm: Psalm 118:15–29; antiphon: v. 1 Epistle: 1 Corinthians 15:51–57 Epistle: 1 Corinthians 5:6–8 Gospel: Mark 16:1–8 Introit: Psalm 8:1, 5–6, 9; antiphon: Luke 24:5b–6b Gradual: Psalm 118:24, 1 Verse: 1 Corinthians 5:7b–8a, c Christ's Resurrection Means That We Will One Day Be Raised   “Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed” (1 Cor. 5:7). By the shed blood of Christ, the Lamb of God, eternal death has passed over us. Now we pass with Christ through death into life everlasting. For Christ the crucified One is risen! The stone has been rolled away from the tomb, revealing that the tomb could not hold Him (Mark 16:1–8). Now our Redeemer lives eternally to save us from sin and Satan and the grave, and we can live in the sure hope of our own bodily resurrection with Christ. “After my skin has been thus destroyed, yet in my flesh I shall see God” (Job 19:26). Feasting on the living Christ, who is our meat and drink indeed, we boldly say: “O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting? . . . But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Cor. 15:54–55, 57). Lectionary summary © 2021 The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Used by permission. http://lcms.org/worship

Nobody expected Jesus to rise from the dead, not even His disciples and those closest to Him expected Him to get up and walk out of the tomb. It did not matter to His disciples that Jesus said that He would suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and the scribes and be killed, and after three days rise from the dead (Mark 8:31), because what He said fell upon deaf ears at the time. On the day of Jesus death, everyone believed that He had lost, and evil had won. There was no coming back in the minds of all who watched Him die, and for good reason! When a person was sentenced by Rome to be crucified, it was a sentence that was equally horrible as it was terminal. Jesus died and was buried in a tomb. When Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome went to Jesuss tomb, they went to anoint a decomposing and dead Jesus to cover up the stench of death while His disciples mourned. What these women were expecting was a very dead body. When they arrived at the tomb and found the stone moved, they were alarmed not because they expected the resurrection, but because they thought someone messed with the body (see Mark 16:1-5). This is why the young man, who most likely was an angel, said to them: Do not be amazed; you are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who has been crucified. He has risen; He is not here; see, here is the place where they laid Him (Mark 16:6). What was their response? They were terrified: ...they went out and fled from the tomb, for trembling and astonishment had gripped them; and they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid (Mark 16:8). What the disciples saw as defeat, the angels viewed at the edge of their seats, if Peter and the rest could have heard the chatter from heaven, maybe they would have heard: You just wait and see whats coming! If it were possible to hear the angels, and if they were listening closely enough, maybe they would have heard all of heaven ask: Did you not hear what Jesus said when He was with you? Did you not hear Him say, I am the good shepherd, and I know My own, and My own know Me, just as the Father knows Me and I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep.... No one has taken it away from Me, but I lay it down on My own. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it back. This commandment I received from My Father. (John 10:14-15, 18)? Some of you are feeling the way the disciples and those closest to Jesus felt in the wake of His death. Some of you are feeling like the disciples did when they woke up on Sunday morning: stuck, unsure, afraid, frustrated, angry, and hopeless. I want you to know today that there is a hope within your reach that can swallow up your paralysis, uncertainty, fear, frustration, anger, and hopelessness. For me to do that, I need you to see some things in the 23rd Psalm. Everyone Experiences the Valley of the Shadow of Death Death is the great antagonist and for some strange reason, we act as though we will never experience it, and when it does come... we are surprised by it. Just before Frank Sinatra died, he said, Im losing. The comedian, Groucho Marxs last words were, This is no way to live! Caesar Borgia (chayzaarayborzhuh) said on his deathbed: While I lived, I provided for everything but death; now I must die and am unprepared to die. In Psalm 23:4, we come to a very familiar sentence that has served to comfort the anxious and fearful: Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. Death is something that we all must face and not one of us will be able to escape it. The valley of the shadow of death is not only death, but the deep darkness of sin, and it is a deep darkness that envelops all humankind.[1] The valley of death is a darkness that no one is exempt from, even if you are a Christian. You see, the valley of deep darkness represents the curse our world is under and the curse that affects us all, and that curse is sin. This is why our world is a mess, this is why there is sickness and disease, and this is why we have to say goodbye way too often and sometimes way too soon. The Bible says that all of us are guilty of sin (Rom. 3:23), and that it is something that has been passed down from one generation to the next. Here is what the Bible says: ...through one man sin entered into the world, and death through sin, and so death spread to all mankind, because all sinned.... Nevertheless death reigned from Adam until Moses, even over those who had not sinned in the likeness of the violation committed by Adam (Rom. 5:12, 14). What the valley is to you really depends on whether or not you can say with the Psalmist: The Lord is my shepherd, I will not be in need. You see, there is one group of people who will be swallowed up by the valley and then there is another group of people who will walk through the valley. The question is this: What group do you belong to? Not Everyone Remains in the Valley of the Shadow of Death Jesus said of the 23rd Psalm: I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep (John 10:11). Here is what the Bible says about all of us: All of us, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way... (Isa. 53:3). Or to say it another way, all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Rom. 3:23). All of us have sinned and fall short of meeting the standard of a Holy God. So what was Gods solution to address our sin problem? Listen to the rest of Isaiah 53:3, All of us, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; but the Lord has caused the wrongdoing [sins] of us all to fall on Him. Jesus said, I am the Lord of the 23rd Psalm but He did not stop there, He went on to say, I am the good shepherd, and I know My own, and My own know Me, just as the Father knows Me and I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep (vv. 14-15). The way that you know that the Lord of the 23rd Psalm is your Shepherd is whether or not you believe who He claimed to be and that when He laid down His life for you because of your sins, that His death on a cross is sufficient for the forgiveness of your sins. And listen, if you really believe in Jesus, if you really belong to Him, and if you really know Him... you will believe the things that He said about Himself: I am the bread of life; the one who comes to Me will not be hungry, and the one who believes in Me will never be thirsty. (John 6:35) I am the Light of the world; the one who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life. (John 8:12) I am the resurrection and the life; the one who believes in Me will live, even if he dies, and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this? (John 11:2526) Anyone can say the things Jesus said, and everyone will die one day. If all that Jesus did was lay down his life for the sheep, then all that He is... is a dead martyr and nothing more. But consider what Jesus said to the disciples that they missed, most likely because of how impossible they found it to believe what He said to be: I am the good shepherd, and I know My own, and My own know Me, just as the Father knows Me and I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep. And I have other sheep that are not of this fold; I must bring them also, and they will listen to My voice; and they will become one flock, with one shepherd. For this reason the Father loves Me, because I lay down My life so that I may take it back. No one has taken it away from Me, but I lay it down on My own. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it back. This commandment I received from My Father. (John 10:14-18) What the disciples missed was the most important part of what Jesus said: I lay down My life for the sheep.... I lay down My life so that I may take it back.... I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it back. In other words, I will die for your sins to redeem you, and then I am coming back by way of a resurrection! It should not have surprised any of the disciples or the women who knew Jesus that the tomb was empty on the third day, but because the resurrection was so impossible and so beyond the limitations of their imagination that the Good Shepherd, the Lord of the 23rd Psalm, could die for sins and then conquer death by rising from it. This is why the angel said to the women when they arrived at the place Jesus was buried: Do not be amazed; you are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who has been crucified. He has risen; He is not here; see, here is the place where they laid Him (Mark 16:6). Conclusion We all want a happily ever after story. We go to the movies, and we watch sporting events just so that we might experience the impossible! We want to experience the Fellowship of the Ring and Frodo and Sams impossible mission to destroy the evil ring of Sauron. For you romantics in the room, you want Jerry Maquire to walk through the door finally believing that the love of his life is his wife, Dorothy, and maybe your heart fluttered when Dorothy told Jerry to shut up, followed by the words: You had me at hello. If you like the kinds of movies I like, then you wanted to stand and shout just before the great battle scene in Avengers: End Game. However, when it comes to experiencing the impossible for real and in our lifetime, we are shocked. When fantasy and reality merge and the impossible really happens, we are shocked. Perhaps you think your game is over because you are at the bottom of the 9th with three balls, two outs, a man on second, and you are down by one run! But wait, there is still a player on second and one more pitch to go over the plate. It was during the first game in 1988 World Series that Kirk Gibson, who played for the Dodgers, was injured and unable to run. It was surprising that he was put in as a pinch hitter at the bottom of the 9th inning with two outs. Gibson hobbled up to the plate to everyones surprise. With Mike Davis on first base, Tommy Lasorda was hoping Gibson could hit a ball far enough to get Davis to home for a game tying run. Gibson fouled two pitches for two strikes, swung at another ball down the first base line for a foul, and eventually ended up with 3 out of 4 balls giving him a full count. What this meant was that if he got another ball, he would be forced to walk or if he got one more strike, he would lose the game against the As by one run. When Dennis Eckersley, the closing pitcher for the As, threw a backdoor slider, Gibson swung with just about all his upper body to hit the pitch and sent the ball over the right-field fence for a homerun. The Dodgers won the world series that year, the only time Gibson was able to step up to the plate was that one time at the bottom of the 9th in the first game to hit one of the greatest homeruns in baseball history. After Gibson stepped on home plate, the announcer said this: In a year that seemed so improbable, the impossible has happened. There is a greater event that happened that did not happen before, nor has it happened since, and that event was the resurrection of Jesus Christ. When He walked out of the tomb on Sunday, the impossible happened, and because it happened, it changed everything. The resurrection of Jesus Christ affirms all that He did and claimed to be! Because of the resurrection, we can know and experience Him to be the Bread of Life, the light of the world, the resurrection and the life, and the Good Shepherd of the 23rd Psalm. Jesus tomb is empty and because He defeated sin and the grave, He alone is qualified and able to guide me in the paths of righteousness... even through I walk through the valley of the shadow of death. His rod and staff comfort me because He swallowed up the deep darkness of the valley through His resurrection! Jesus not only walked through the valley of the shadow of death, but He also defeated it and came out on the other side as the victor and Lord of Life! Jesus Christ is risen from the grave! If you dont know Him, then the 23rd Psalm is not for you and there is no going through the valley of the shadow of death. But, if you do know Him, then not only will He lead you through the valley of the shadow of death, but there is a table at the other end of it and because of the Good Shepherd, Psalm 23:6 is for you and all who hope in Jesus as the Lord of Life: Certainly goodness and faithfulness will follow me all the days of my life, And my dwelling will be in the house of the Lord forever. Amen. [1] Christopher Ash, The Psalms vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Crossway; 2024), p. 271.

Nobody expected Jesus to rise from the dead, not even His disciples and those closest to Him expected Him to get up and walk out of the tomb. It did not matter to His disciples that Jesus said that He would suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and the scribes and be killed, and after three days rise from the dead (Mark 8:31), because what He said fell upon deaf ears at the time. On the day of Jesus death, everyone believed that He had lost, and evil had won. There was no coming back in the minds of all who watched Him die, and for good reason! When a person was sentenced by Rome to be crucified, it was a sentence that was equally horrible as it was terminal. Jesus died and was buried in a tomb. When Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome went to Jesuss tomb, they went to anoint a decomposing and dead Jesus to cover up the stench of death while His disciples mourned. What these women were expecting was a very dead body. When they arrived at the tomb and found the stone moved, they were alarmed not because they expected the resurrection, but because they thought someone messed with the body (see Mark 16:1-5). This is why the young man, who most likely was an angel, said to them: Do not be amazed; you are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who has been crucified. He has risen; He is not here; see, here is the place where they laid Him (Mark 16:6). What was their response? They were terrified: ...they went out and fled from the tomb, for trembling and astonishment had gripped them; and they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid (Mark 16:8). What the disciples saw as defeat, the angels viewed at the edge of their seats, if Peter and the rest could have heard the chatter from heaven, maybe they would have heard: You just wait and see whats coming! If it were possible to hear the angels, and if they were listening closely enough, maybe they would have heard all of heaven ask: Did you not hear what Jesus said when He was with you? Did you not hear Him say, I am the good shepherd, and I know My own, and My own know Me, just as the Father knows Me and I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep.... No one has taken it away from Me, but I lay it down on My own. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it back. This commandment I received from My Father. (John 10:14-15, 18)? Some of you are feeling the way the disciples and those closest to Jesus felt in the wake of His death. Some of you are feeling like the disciples did when they woke up on Sunday morning: stuck, unsure, afraid, frustrated, angry, and hopeless. I want you to know today that there is a hope within your reach that can swallow up your paralysis, uncertainty, fear, frustration, anger, and hopelessness. For me to do that, I need you to see some things in the 23rd Psalm. Everyone Experiences the Valley of the Shadow of Death Death is the great antagonist and for some strange reason, we act as though we will never experience it, and when it does come... we are surprised by it. Just before Frank Sinatra died, he said, Im losing. The comedian, Groucho Marxs last words were, This is no way to live! Caesar Borgia (chayzaarayborzhuh) said on his deathbed: While I lived, I provided for everything but death; now I must die and am unprepared to die. In Psalm 23:4, we come to a very familiar sentence that has served to comfort the anxious and fearful: Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. Death is something that we all must face and not one of us will be able to escape it. The valley of the shadow of death is not only death, but the deep darkness of sin, and it is a deep darkness that envelops all humankind.[1] The valley of death is a darkness that no one is exempt from, even if you are a Christian. You see, the valley of deep darkness represents the curse our world is under and the curse that affects us all, and that curse is sin. This is why our world is a mess, this is why there is sickness and disease, and this is why we have to say goodbye way too often and sometimes way too soon. The Bible says that all of us are guilty of sin (Rom. 3:23), and that it is something that has been passed down from one generation to the next. Here is what the Bible says: ...through one man sin entered into the world, and death through sin, and so death spread to all mankind, because all sinned.... Nevertheless death reigned from Adam until Moses, even over those who had not sinned in the likeness of the violation committed by Adam (Rom. 5:12, 14). What the valley is to you really depends on whether or not you can say with the Psalmist: The Lord is my shepherd, I will not be in need. You see, there is one group of people who will be swallowed up by the valley and then there is another group of people who will walk through the valley. The question is this: What group do you belong to? Not Everyone Remains in the Valley of the Shadow of Death Jesus said of the 23rd Psalm: I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep (John 10:11). Here is what the Bible says about all of us: All of us, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way... (Isa. 53:3). Or to say it another way, all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Rom. 3:23). All of us have sinned and fall short of meeting the standard of a Holy God. So what was Gods solution to address our sin problem? Listen to the rest of Isaiah 53:3, All of us, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; but the Lord has caused the wrongdoing [sins] of us all to fall on Him. Jesus said, I am the Lord of the 23rd Psalm but He did not stop there, He went on to say, I am the good shepherd, and I know My own, and My own know Me, just as the Father knows Me and I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep (vv. 14-15). The way that you know that the Lord of the 23rd Psalm is your Shepherd is whether or not you believe who He claimed to be and that when He laid down His life for you because of your sins, that His death on a cross is sufficient for the forgiveness of your sins. And listen, if you really believe in Jesus, if you really belong to Him, and if you really know Him... you will believe the things that He said about Himself: I am the bread of life; the one who comes to Me will not be hungry, and the one who believes in Me will never be thirsty. (John 6:35) I am the Light of the world; the one who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life. (John 8:12) I am the resurrection and the life; the one who believes in Me will live, even if he dies, and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this? (John 11:2526) Anyone can say the things Jesus said, and everyone will die one day. If all that Jesus did was lay down his life for the sheep, then all that He is... is a dead martyr and nothing more. But consider what Jesus said to the disciples that they missed, most likely because of how impossible they found it to believe what He said to be: I am the good shepherd, and I know My own, and My own know Me, just as the Father knows Me and I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep. And I have other sheep that are not of this fold; I must bring them also, and they will listen to My voice; and they will become one flock, with one shepherd. For this reason the Father loves Me, because I lay down My life so that I may take it back. No one has taken it away from Me, but I lay it down on My own. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it back. This commandment I received from My Father. (John 10:14-18) What the disciples missed was the most important part of what Jesus said: I lay down My life for the sheep.... I lay down My life so that I may take it back.... I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it back. In other words, I will die for your sins to redeem you, and then I am coming back by way of a resurrection! It should not have surprised any of the disciples or the women who knew Jesus that the tomb was empty on the third day, but because the resurrection was so impossible and so beyond the limitations of their imagination that the Good Shepherd, the Lord of the 23rd Psalm, could die for sins and then conquer death by rising from it. This is why the angel said to the women when they arrived at the place Jesus was buried: Do not be amazed; you are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who has been crucified. He has risen; He is not here; see, here is the place where they laid Him (Mark 16:6). Conclusion We all want a happily ever after story. We go to the movies, and we watch sporting events just so that we might experience the impossible! We want to experience the Fellowship of the Ring and Frodo and Sams impossible mission to destroy the evil ring of Sauron. For you romantics in the room, you want Jerry Maquire to walk through the door finally believing that the love of his life is his wife, Dorothy, and maybe your heart fluttered when Dorothy told Jerry to shut up, followed by the words: You had me at hello. If you like the kinds of movies I like, then you wanted to stand and shout just before the great battle scene in Avengers: End Game. However, when it comes to experiencing the impossible for real and in our lifetime, we are shocked. When fantasy and reality merge and the impossible really happens, we are shocked. Perhaps you think your game is over because you are at the bottom of the 9th with three balls, two outs, a man on second, and you are down by one run! But wait, there is still a player on second and one more pitch to go over the plate. It was during the first game in 1988 World Series that Kirk Gibson, who played for the Dodgers, was injured and unable to run. It was surprising that he was put in as a pinch hitter at the bottom of the 9th inning with two outs. Gibson hobbled up to the plate to everyones surprise. With Mike Davis on first base, Tommy Lasorda was hoping Gibson could hit a ball far enough to get Davis to home for a game tying run. Gibson fouled two pitches for two strikes, swung at another ball down the first base line for a foul, and eventually ended up with 3 out of 4 balls giving him a full count. What this meant was that if he got another ball, he would be forced to walk or if he got one more strike, he would lose the game against the As by one run. When Dennis Eckersley, the closing pitcher for the As, threw a backdoor slider, Gibson swung with just about all his upper body to hit the pitch and sent the ball over the right-field fence for a homerun. The Dodgers won the world series that year, the only time Gibson was able to step up to the plate was that one time at the bottom of the 9th in the first game to hit one of the greatest homeruns in baseball history. After Gibson stepped on home plate, the announcer said this: In a year that seemed so improbable, the impossible has happened. There is a greater event that happened that did not happen before, nor has it happened since, and that event was the resurrection of Jesus Christ. When He walked out of the tomb on Sunday, the impossible happened, and because it happened, it changed everything. The resurrection of Jesus Christ affirms all that He did and claimed to be! Because of the resurrection, we can know and experience Him to be the Bread of Life, the light of the world, the resurrection and the life, and the Good Shepherd of the 23rd Psalm. Jesus tomb is empty and because He defeated sin and the grave, He alone is qualified and able to guide me in the paths of righteousness... even through I walk through the valley of the shadow of death. His rod and staff comfort me because He swallowed up the deep darkness of the valley through His resurrection! Jesus not only walked through the valley of the shadow of death, but He also defeated it and came out on the other side as the victor and Lord of Life! Jesus Christ is risen from the grave! If you dont know Him, then the 23rd Psalm is not for you and there is no going through the valley of the shadow of death. But, if you do know Him, then not only will He lead you through the valley of the shadow of death, but there is a table at the other end of it and because of the Good Shepherd, Psalm 23:6 is for you and all who hope in Jesus as the Lord of Life: Certainly goodness and faithfulness will follow me all the days of my life, And my dwelling will be in the house of the Lord forever. Amen. [1] Christopher Ash, The Psalms vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Crossway; 2024), p. 271.

What if following Jesus isn't about doing more, but simply being with Him? Before sending His disciples out, Jesus first called them to be with Him (Mark 3:13-14).In this episode, we unpack:

In Luke 6:12, Jesus spent the whole night in prayer, for He was about to call His 12 Apostles from among the many disciples who were following Him. You might ask what is the difference between a disciple of Jesus and an Apostle? A disciple is a learner, one who “disciplines” him or herself to follow Jesus as an apprentice. In the New Testament an Apostle is a chosen messenger sent with a special commission. Jesus had many disciples (see Luke 10:1) but only twelve handpicked Apostles. It is here in Luke 6:14-16 that Luke gives us their names.   The names of the Apostles are also given in Matthew 10:1-4; Mark 3:16-19; and Acts 1:13. Acts, of course only names 11 of them and leaves out Judas Iscariot because he has committed suicide. In all the lists, Peter is named first and, except in Acts 1:13, Judas is named last. The Judas in Acts 1:13 is Judas the brother (more likely "the son") of James, who is also called Thaddeus in Mark 3:18. It was not unusual for one man to have two or more names.   Simon received the name Peter (stone) when Andrew brought him to Jesus (John 1:40-42). Bartholomew is the same as Nathanael (John 1:45-49). The other Simon in the group was nicknamed "Zelotes," which can mean one of two things. It may mean that he belonged to a group of fanatical Jewish patriots known as "the Zealots," whose purpose was to deliver Israel from the tyranny of Rome. Or, perhaps the word Zelotes translates from the Hebrew word qanna which means "jealous for God, zealous for God's honor."   Nor are we sure of the origin of the word Iscariot that is attached to Judas the traitor. It probably means "man [ish in Hebrew] of Kerioth," a town in southern Judah (Josh. 15:25). Some connect it with the Aramaic word seqar which means "falsehood." Thus, "Judas the false one." The geographical explanation is probably right   What an interesting group of men! They illustrate what Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 1:26-29, and they are an encouragement to us today. After all, if God could use them, can He not use us? Perhaps seven of them were fishermen (see John 21:1-3), one was a tax collector, and the other four are anonymous as far as their vocations are concerned. They were ordinary men; their personalities were different; yet Jesus called them to be with Him, to learn from Him, and to go out to represent Him (Mark 3:14).   Please take the time to click on the following link and go to my Pastor Mike Impact Ministries website and read some very interesting, detailed observations on these 12 men taken from John Phillip's commentary on Luke. https://www.pmiministries.org/post/special-notes-on-the-disciples-of-jesus   Why 12 Apostles? Because there were twelve tribes in Israel, and Jesus was forming the nucleus for a new nation (see Matt. 21:43; 1 Peter 2:9). The first Christians were Jews because the Gospel came "to the Jew first" (Acts 13:46; Rom. 1:16). Later, the Gentiles were added to the church through the witness of the scattered Jewish believers (Acts 11:19) and the ministry of Paul, the Apostle to the Gentiles. In the church, there is no difference between Jew and Gentile because we are "all one in Christ Jesus" (Gal. 3:28).   It is significant that after Jesus called His 12 Apostles, and before He preached this great sermon, He took time to heal many needy people. This was a demonstration of both His power and His compassion. It was also a reminder to His newly appointed assistants that their job was to share His love and power with a needy world. It is estimated that there were 300 million people in the world in Jesus' day, while there are over 8 billion today, four fifths of them in the less-developed nations. What a challenge to the church!   One of the greatest callings that you can respond to in life, is “to be on mission with Jesus” to share the Good News of salvation through His Cross with the lost and needy world around us!   Yes, God can use you too!   God bless!

So far in Luke 6 Jesus is dealing with the criticism and questions from the Pharisees. They were convinced that He had allowed His disciples to “work” on the Sabbath when the rubbed some grains of wheat together in their hand and eat it (vs. 1-5). Secondly, they were enraged and sought to do Him harm after He healed the man with the withered hand. Jesus threatened their control over the people by exposing their hypocrisy and lack of compassion for hungry and hurting people.   The next thing the Savior does is a very important lesson for us today! Before He continues His ministry Jesus goes to “the mountain” and spends an entire night in prayer and communion with His Father. We need to remember that Jesus is indeed the Son of God, God in the flesh, but at the same time Jesus is the Son of Man, and entirely human!   I like how the Council of Chalcedon in AD 451, affirmed that Jesus: (1) is fully God; (2) is fully human; (3) is one person; and (4) possesses two distinct natures. The Chalcedon document, one of the most important in church history, says in part: “Following the holy fathers, we confess with one voice that the One and only Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, is perfect in Godhead and perfect in manhood, truly God and truly man, that He is of one substance with the Father as God, He is also of one substance with us as man. He is like us in all things without sin. This One and the Same Christ, Son, Lord, Only-begotten is made known in two natures (which exist) without confusion, without change, without division, without separation. The distinction of the natures is in no way taken away by their union, but rather the distinctive properties of each nature are preserved.”   My friend, if Jesus needed to spend time in prayer with His Father, how much more do we need to do the same before we make major decisions in our life. Or when we are dealing with tremendous stress of pressure from opposition from others or from evil spiritual forces.   Why did Jesus pray all night? For one thing, He knew that opposition against Him was growing and would finally result in His crucifixion; so He prayed for strength as He faced the path ahead. Also, He wanted the Father's guidance as He selected His 12 Apostles, for the future of the church rested with them. Keep in mind that one of the Twelve would betray Him, and Jesus knew who he was from the beginning (John 6:64). Our Lord had real human emotions (Luke 22:41-44; Heb. 5:7-8), and it was through prayer that He made this difficult choice.   Years ago, I heard someone say something that really stayed with me. “You can minister to the multitudes, but you can only disciple a few”. In some way, all of us as followers of Jesus Christ can minister to the hungry, broken, and hurting people all around us with both physical and spiritual help. And we should always be doing this, but the real work and calling of our Christian life is to disciple others.   Basically Jesus called His disciples to “follow Him” (Luke 5:27), to “be with Him” (Mark 3:14), and to “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Amen (Matthew 28:19-20).   Before we can make disciples of others, we must first be following Jesus, and spending time with Him in His Word and in prayer! May the Lord help us to do this today!   God bless! Link to Special Notes on the 12 Disciples of Jesus https://www.pmiministries.org/post/special-notes-on-the-disciples-of-jesus

Text: Mark 15:21-32 ESV THE KING OF THE JEWS IS CRUCIFIED After they scourged Jesus, they brought Him to Golgotha (which means Place of a Skull). This name originally comes from an Aramaic word. Although "skull" is from the Greek root word 'kranion', the Latin translation is 'calvaria', from which we get the term "Calvary." Its location is uncertain, but tradition says it is where the Church of the Holy Sepulchre now sits, outside the west wall of Jerusalem. The route from the Praetorium to Golgotha is less than half a mile, but the guards beat Jesus so severely (see Mark 15:15–19) He was too weak to carry the 100-pound [45 kg] horizontal crossbeam that distance. The guards use their rights as Roman soldiers to compel Simon of Cyrene to carry Jesus' cross. He was offered wine mixed with myrrh but He did not take it. Tradition states that the women offer crucifixion victims wine mixed with myrrh in the spirit of Proverbs 31:6–7. It says, "Give strong drink to the one who is perishing, and wine to those in bitter distress; let them drink and forget their poverty and remember their misery no more." Myrrh is a weak narcotic, and the women mean to dull the pain a little, but the pain relief can also lengthen the life of the victim. Earlier, during the Passover when He instituted the Lord's supper, Jesus said He will not drink wine until He can drink it in celebration of the fruition of His sacrifice, when the church joins with Him in heaven (see Mat 26:29). Secondly, Jesus rejects the drink is that He is not there to be comfortable. He is there to feel the weight of pain and humiliation that sin stains humanity with. Jesus is not a helpless victim who needs to find chemical solace in His condition. He is the King who must now soberly rule, even when He was hanging at the cross His composure is as one who is peacefully in control. After they beat Jesus, they divided his garments among them, casting lots for them, to decide what each should take. John explains that Jesus has five pieces of clothing (John 19:23–24). The guards, numbering four, split the first four pieces evenly. The last is a seamless, woven garment. Not wishing to tear it, the guards cast lots for it. This is the fulfillment of Psalm 22:16–18, David describes his bad circumstances in prophetic terms: For dogs encompass me; a company of evildoers encircles me; they have pierced my hands and feet— I can count all my bones— they stare and gloat over me; they divide my garments among them, and for my clothing they cast lots. Mark's description of the crucifixion is dry and direct. Most likely, this is due to his audience, which was mostly Romans. That culture knew all too well what crucifixion entailed, and it was considered an unpleasant topic. The inscription of the charge against him read, "The King of the Jews." It is standard procedure for crucifixion victims to be paraded about with a sign announcing their convicted crime. The Jewish leaders and soldiers call Jesus "King of the Jews" to mock Him (Mark 15:18, 32). Pilate does it to mock the leaders. Despite the fact the Sanhedrin denies Jesus is King of the Jews or the Messiah (John 19:15), the legal charge designates Jesus is executed because He is King of the Jews. He dies because He is the Messiah. The graphic details of His physical suffering, the scourging, the nails, and suffocation are not the primary causes of Jesus' pain. Neither is the intense shame and humiliation. It's the separation from His Father that is incomprehensible. Through no sin of His own Jesus is abandoned and has received God's wrath. ------------------------- Visit and FOLLOW Gospel Light Filipino on YouTube, Facebook and Instagram

We can play our part in seeing God do amazing things in our lives and the lives of others, by activating our faith. By definition, a miracle is a divine operation that happens outside of the laws of nature; it cannot be explained upon any natural basis. Amazingly, Jesus taught His disciples that God would do whatever we ask if we have faith, so faith is key to seeing miracles (Matthew 21:22). Even a little faith is powerful (Matthew 17:20).  In our convenience culture, there is a danger that we try to reduce the miraculous to a convenient formula. Faith is not an impersonal force, not a principle or a method. As we see from examples in the Bible, faith rests on the person of Jesus Christ. Our faith needs to be activated. Different times in the gospel we read Jesus saying ‘your faith has healed you' (Matthew 9:22 ESV; Mark 5:34 ESV; Luke 17:19; Luke 18:42).    The word used in the original language of the New Testament to describe healing is ‘Sozo'. It means “to preserve, rescue, save from death, or keep alive.” Sometimes, ‘Sozo' refers to spiritual salvation, resulting from a person's faith. For example, when a repentant prostitute washed Jesus' feet with her tears, He told her: “Your faith has saved you” (Luke 7:50). When Jesus said to certain people, “Your faith has made you well,” He was saying that their faith (their confidence in Him) caused God to bring their restoration. The power of Christ brought about the cure, but His power was applied in connection with their faith.   So, the value of one's faith does not come from the one who expresses it but from the one on whom it depends (Mark 10:52, Mark 11:22). In the case of a paralysed man at the pool of Bethesda where multitudes gathered to be healed (John 5:1-11). Jesus asked the man if he wanted to be made well. But he really didn't really understand the question. He thought the only way to be healed was to get into the pool at the right moment, but he couldn't do that. Jesus healed him anyway! This confused and needy man was healed by God's grace. He had no faith in Jesus at the time; he didn't even know it was Jesus who had healed him until later (John 5:12–13). That is how Jesus dealt with the sick in many cases. He separated their physical problems from their spiritual needs. Everyone whom Jesus willed to be healed was healed. Sometimes Jesus emphasised the faith they had, other times, in His great mercy, He healed those who had no faith and later drew them to Himself. So, what did Jesus mean when He told people, “Your faith has made you well”?   1. Faith in the authority of Jesus (Matthew 8:5-13) 2. Have faith to call on the name of Jesus (Mark 10:46-52; Isaiah 9:6-7; Isaiah 53:4-5; Mark 10:48; Exodus 15:26) 3. Faith to reach out to Jesus (Mark 5:24-34)  Apply    1. Faith in the authority of Jesus (Matthew 8:5-13). The story of the centurion whose servant was healed by Jesus appears both in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke. This centurion recognised that Jesus had authority and power in an area that he himself did not, that is physical healing. His own power and authority, great as it was, could not make his servant well again. His great faith on its own could not change the situation either. He needed the person and authority of Jesus. He activated his faith by finding Jesus and submitting to His authority. He had no doubt that sickness itself is under the authority of Jesus to command. Amazingly, Jesus would have willingly gone to the centurion's house out of compassion but responded according to his great faith instead. If you think of faith as a currency, it can only make a difference when you take it out of your purse or wallet! Similarly, when you activate your faith in God and allow yourself to believe in Him, the possibilities are endless. This means you act and talk like you have faith, you make decisions based on it, and you're not ashamed of it just like this centurion. The lesson here is that God alone is the miracle worker. So, come to Him, submitting to His authority in every area, just like this centurion. If you ask Him to work out His plans in your life as He sees fit, without pre-conditions, you will see miracles. Ask yourself: is it possible that you are limiting the size of your miracle because you have not put your faith in the authority of Jesus in your life? Make that decision, give Him first place to work as He sees fit without fear.   2. Have faith to call on the name of Jesus. In the story of Jesus's encounter with blind Bartimaeus, Jesus was leaving the city of Jerico with a large crowd following Him (Mark 10:46-52). Bartimaeus activated his faith by calling on the name of Jesus. He most likely knew who Jesus was through the scriptures that were read publicly, and by the many miraculous things Jesus was doing all around him. He called Jesus ‘Son of David', which showed that he believed Jesus to be the long-awaited Messiah, the King sent as the Saviour of the world, starting with Israel (Isaiah 9:6-7; Isaiah 53:4-5). Knowing who Jesus was and hearing about the miracles He was doing, Bartimaeus could hardly contain himself! Even in the face of discouragement Bartimaeus would not be silenced (Mark 10:48). This kind of faith caused Jesus to stop. He Jesus responded to the faith Bartimaeus had in His name, His reputation and person. Being blind, he had never seen Jesus, but that did not stop him believing Jesus. The same is true today. Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever. One of the names of God is ‘Jehovah Rapha' which means ‘The Lord who heals'. There's healing in His name (Exodus 15:26). Cry out to Jesus for mercy in your need and like Bartimaeus you will be saved, healed and delivered.   3. Faith to reach out to Jesus (Mark 5:24-34). In this final example, a woman's faith moved her to reach out and touch the garment of Jesus so she could be healed. This example illustrates powerfully that genuine faith relies on the person of Jesus. There were many who touched Jesus in that crowd, but only one had reached out to touch Him because of her faith in Him. Having to explain her bleeding in a crowded place would have been a great embarrassment to her, but she had faith in the divinity of Jesus, and in the compassion of Jesus. For her, Jesus was not just a good man, He is ‘Emmanuel', God with us in our pain, in our suffering. Her faith led her to believe that just taking hold of His garment would be sufficient for her healing. It is not the healing ministers that heal, it is not the longest, loudest prayer, it is Jesus and only Jesus who heals. If you reach out to Him now, He will answer you as He has promised. It is time like never before to activate our faith in the authority of Jesus, in the name Jesus, and to reach out to touch Jesus in our lives. Refuse to be held back by limitations and the discouragement of others. Go after God! If you draw near to God, He promises that He will draw near to you. 

Text: Mark 14:66-72 (ESV)   66 And as Peter was below in the courtyard, one of the servant girls of the high priest came, 67 and seeing Peter warming himself, she looked at him and said, “You also were with the Nazarene, Jesus.” 68 But he denied it, saying, “I neither know nor understand what you mean.” And he went out into the gateway and the rooster crowed. 69 And the servant girl saw him and began again to say to the bystanders, “This man is one of them.” 70 But again he denied it. And after a little while the bystanders again said to Peter, “Certainly you are one of them, for you are a Galilean.” 71 But he began to invoke a curse on himself and to swear, “I do not know this man of whom you speak.” 72 And immediately the rooster crowed a second time. And Peter remembered how Jesus had said to him, “Before the rooster crows twice, you will deny me three times.” And he broke down and wept.   PETER DENIES JESUS   Let us recall that on the way to the Mount of Olives, Peter was brash enough to swear before Jesus that even if all the other disciples fell away, he would never betray Him (v.31). In the garden of Gethsemane, he drew his sword to protect Jesus (John 18:10). Now, he is witnessing what these angry mob did to Jesus. He was terrified.   He was in the courtyard when one of servant girls of the high priest recognized Peter as one of Jesus' disciples. While warming himself among the others at a fire, the lady said, “You also were with the Nazarene, Jesus.” But he denied it, saying, “I neither know nor understand what you mean.” The rooster crowed as he headed towards the porch. The lady saw him again and shouted before the bystanders, “This man is one of them.” Once again, he denied it.   A few minutes later, the bystanders again said to Peter, “Certainly you are one of them, for you are a Galilean.” But he began to invoke a curse on himself and to swear, “I do not know this man of whom you speak.” And immediately the rooster crowed a second time. Most probably, they were the same servants and officers who arrested Jesus and brought Him to the high priest's house.   The proud Peter crumbled. When we take our eyes off Jesus and act impulsively, as Peter did, we endanger ourselves. Pride comes before a fall.[Prov 16:18] He disowned Jesus who he promised to protect even unto death. He became inconsistent. Paul warns us about judging the sins of others while we commit the same sins (Rom 2:17–23) ending with, "For, as it is written, 'The name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you'" (Rom 2:24).   Then, Peter broke down and wept. All of Peter's grandstanding is swept away. Luke says that at this point, Jesus literally turns and looks at Peter in his eyes (Luke 22:61). In fear for his safety, Peter has forgotten Jesus' warning to him. He finally realizes that all his bravado, claims, and presumptions mean nothing. With this dramatic, soul-crushing locking of their eyes, Peter realizes exactly what he has done, and just how unworthy he is of Jesus. He is full of deceit while Jesus has none. Later on, Jesus restored Peter. At the bank of the Sea of Galilee, Jesus will ask Peter three times if Peter loves Him. Three times, Peter readily admits he has ‘phileo' for Jesus only. In his humility, he admits he does not have ‘agape' love for Jesus. He is not able, in himself, to pick up his cross and follow Him [Mark 8:34]. Finally, he becomes open to Jesus to work in his heart so that he can ultimately, follow Jesus to his death.   Listen and FOLLOW us on our podcast ------------------------- Visit and FOLLOW Gospel Light Filipino on YouTube, Facebook and Instagram

We can play our part in seeing God do amazing things in our lives and the lives of others, by activating our faith. By definition, a miracle is a divine operation that happens outside of the laws of nature; it cannot be explained upon any natural basis. Amazingly, Jesus taught His disciples that God would do whatever we ask if we have faith, so faith is key to seeing miracles (Matthew 21:22). Even a little faith is powerful (Matthew 17:20).  In our convenience culture, there is a danger that we try to reduce the miraculous to a convenient formula. Faith is not an impersonal force, not a principle or a method. As we see from examples in the Bible, faith rests on the person of Jesus Christ. Our faith needs to be activated. Different times in the gospel we read Jesus saying ‘your faith has healed you' (Matthew 9:22 ESV; Mark 5:34 ESV; Luke 17:19; Luke 18:42).    The word used in the original language of the New Testament to describe healing is ‘Sozo'. It means “to preserve, rescue, save from death, or keep alive.” Sometimes, ‘Sozo' refers to spiritual salvation, resulting from a person's faith. For example, when a repentant prostitute washed Jesus' feet with her tears, He told her: “Your faith has saved you” (Luke 7:50). When Jesus said to certain people, “Your faith has made you well,” He was saying that their faith (their confidence in Him) caused God to bring their restoration. The power of Christ brought about the cure, but His power was applied in connection with their faith.   So, the value of one's faith does not come from the one who expresses it but from the one on whom it depends (Mark 10:52, Mark 11:22). In the case of a paralysed man at the pool of Bethesda where multitudes gathered to be healed (John 5:1-11). Jesus asked the man if he wanted to be made well. But he really didn't really understand the question. He thought the only way to be healed was to get into the pool at the right moment, but he couldn't do that. Jesus healed him anyway! This confused and needy man was healed by God's grace. He had no faith in Jesus at the time; he didn't even know it was Jesus who had healed him until later (John 5:12–13). That is how Jesus dealt with the sick in many cases. He separated their physical problems from their spiritual needs. Everyone whom Jesus willed to be healed was healed. Sometimes Jesus emphasised the faith they had, other times, in His great mercy, He healed those who had no faith and later drew them to Himself. So, what did Jesus mean when He told people, “Your faith has made you well”?   1. Faith in the authority of Jesus (Matthew 8:5-13) 2. Have faith to call on the name of Jesus (Mark 10:46-52; Isaiah 9:6-7; Isaiah 53:4-5; Mark 10:48; Exodus 15:26) 3. Faith to reach out to Jesus (Mark 5:24-34)  Apply    1. Faith in the authority of Jesus (Matthew 8:5-13). The story of the centurion whose servant was healed by Jesus appears both in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke. This centurion recognised that Jesus had authority and power in an area that he himself did not, that is physical healing. His own power and authority, great as it was, could not make his servant well again. His great faith on its own could not change the situation either. He needed the person and authority of Jesus. He activated his faith by finding Jesus and submitting to His authority. He had no doubt that sickness itself is under the authority of Jesus to command. Amazingly, Jesus would have willingly gone to the centurion's house out of compassion but responded according to his great faith instead. If you think of faith as a currency, it can only make a difference when you take it out of your purse or wallet! Similarly, when you activate your faith in God and allow yourself to believe in Him, the possibilities are endless. This means you act and talk like you have faith, you make decisions based on it, and you're not ashamed of it just like this centurion. The lesson here is that God alone is the miracle worker. So, come to Him, submitting to His authority in every area, just like this centurion. If you ask Him to work out His plans in your life as He sees fit, without pre-conditions, you will see miracles. Ask yourself: is it possible that you are limiting the size of your miracle because you have not put your faith in the authority of Jesus in your life? Make that decision, give Him first place to work as He sees fit without fear.   2. Have faith to call on the name of Jesus. In the story of Jesus's encounter with blind Bartimaeus, Jesus was leaving the city of Jerico with a large crowd following Him (Mark 10:46-52). Bartimaeus activated his faith by calling on the name of Jesus. He most likely knew who Jesus was through the scriptures that were read publicly, and by the many miraculous things Jesus was doing all around him. He called Jesus ‘Son of David', which showed that he believed Jesus to be the long-awaited Messiah, the King sent as the Saviour of the world, starting with Israel (Isaiah 9:6-7; Isaiah 53:4-5). Knowing who Jesus was and hearing about the miracles He was doing, Bartimaeus could hardly contain himself! Even in the face of discouragement Bartimaeus would not be silenced (Mark 10:48). This kind of faith caused Jesus to stop. He Jesus responded to the faith Bartimaeus had in His name, His reputation and person. Being blind, he had never seen Jesus, but that did not stop him believing Jesus. The same is true today. Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever. One of the names of God is ‘Jehovah Rapha' which means ‘The Lord who heals'. There's healing in His name (Exodus 15:26). Cry out to Jesus for mercy in your need and like Bartimaeus you will be saved, healed and delivered.   3. Faith to reach out to Jesus (Mark 5:24-34). In this final example, a woman's faith moved her to reach out and touch the garment of Jesus so she could be healed. This example illustrates powerfully that genuine faith relies on the person of Jesus. There were many who touched Jesus in that crowd, but only one had reached out to touch Him because of her faith in Him. Having to explain her bleeding in a crowded place would have been a great embarrassment to her, but she had faith in the divinity of Jesus, and in the compassion of Jesus. For her, Jesus was not just a good man, He is ‘Emmanuel', God with us in our pain, in our suffering. Her faith led her to believe that just taking hold of His garment would be sufficient for her healing. It is not the healing ministers that heal, it is not the longest, loudest prayer, it is Jesus and only Jesus who heals. If you reach out to Him now, He will answer you as He has promised. It is time like never before to activate our faith in the authority of Jesus, in the name Jesus, and to reach out to touch Jesus in our lives. Refuse to be held back by limitations and the discouragement of others. Go after God! If you draw near to God, He promises that He will draw near to you. 

Text: Mark 14:12-16 ESV 12 And on the first day of Unleavened Bread, when they sacrificed the Passover lamb, his disciples said to him, “Where will you have us go and prepare for you to eat the Passover?” 13 And he sent two of his disciples and said to them, “Go into the city, and a man carrying a jar of water will meet you. Follow him, 14 and wherever he enters, say to the master of the house, ‘The Teacher says, Where is my guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?' 15 And he will show you a large upper room furnished and ready; there prepare for us.” 16 And the disciples set out and went to the city and found it just as he had told them, and they prepared the Passover. Mark 14:12-16 ESV PREPARING FOR THE PASSOVER Jesus prepared for the Passover with His disciples. This demonstrates that He honors the ceremonial law of Moses. It is a day to commemorate how God has protected the Israelites during the tenth plague when He inflicted upon Egypt. God killed the firstborns of the Egyptians, while he "passed over" the Israelites who had put the blood of a lamb over their doors per God's instructions (read Exodus 12). He sent two disciples to prepare the place. In Luke 22:8, Luke identifies the two disciples as Peter and John. They easily find the place where they are to use. Why? Per instructions of Jesus, they would meet a man carrying water and follow him to his master's house. It was not their custom for their men to carry water in those days. How did Jesus have selected this place? The text isn't clear. Either, He may have coordinated with the homeowner beforehand or He may be following the leading of the Holy Spirit. This is a similar situation to Mark 11:1–7. There, Jesus told two of His disciples to enter a village and bring a specific donkey colt; when asked what they were doing they were to tell nearby men that "the Lord" needed to borrow it. This passage demonstrates how in control Jesus is, is it not? He knows where to find a room to celebrate the Passover meal with His disciples. They are His family. He knows someone will betray Him (Mark 14:18). And He knows He will die (Mark 8:31; 9:31; 10:32–34). He even tells Judas when to coordinate His arrest (John 13:27). Apparently, there is nothing about the unfolding events that is outside of Jesus' knowledge and control. To prepare for the Passover, they have to get a lamb without blemish, unleavened bread, bitter herbs, and wine. As Galileans, they will eat in the evening of 14 Nisan [ equiv. to April today], as the law states (Lev 23:5). Jesus' death, however, is most closely identified with the Passover. According to Paul, His is our Passover Lamb (1 Cor 5:7), who will die as the literal Passover lambs are slaughtered at the temple. ------------------------- Visit and FOLLOW Gospel Light Filipino on YouTube, Facebook and Instagram

Text: Mark 12:1-13 (ESV) THE PARABLE OF THE TENANTS   Reading these words today, the primary roles in this parable are clearer. This refers to the relationship of god to His people, the jews. The landowner is God. The tower is God's protection over Israel, Judaism, and the temple. The tenants are the jewish religious and civil leaders (Mat 23:31). The trip the landowner takes could be the four hundred years of silence between Malachi and John the Baptist, but it can also mean the entire history from Joshua's conquest of Canaan until this point.   In Jewish history, God sent prophets to the people to gather what the Jews owed God. In return for the blessings God gave the Israelites, He expected worship, sacrifice, obedience, and devotion. The treatment of the servants is a direct reference to how the Israelites reacted to God's prophets. Looking at the Old Testament prophets from a distance, we ask, “Are not God's actions almost seem cruel to them?” Why did He send so many messengers to ungrateful people, knowing they would be dishonored, beaten, and killed?   Undoubtedly, it is God's nature to continue to reach out to us (Hos 2:14–20; Jer 3:12–14). He is the covenant keeping God. Peter says, "The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance" (2 Peter 3:9). God's constant stream of messengers is His call for us to return to Him. Today, we are called to follow in those footsteps. Jesus calls all believers to pick up their cross and follow Him (Mark 8:34).   Sadly, the Messiah was sent by the Father and they rejected Him. The religious and civil leaders kill Jesus because they want to stay in power. They won't give up their corrupted religion of Judaism which they created. The Lord allows the destruction of Jerusalem in A.D. 70 so that the Jews once again are in diaspora until now.   This was a direct fulfilment to Psalm 118:22-23. Rabbis taught that the stone represented either Abraham, David, or the Messiah, and often interpreted "the builders" to mean the experts of the Mosaic law. That the stone was rejected from being a part of the sanctuary means the Jewish religious leaders reject Jesus as a significant part of their religion and relationship with God. That same stone becomes a part of the porch[cornerstone], through which all true God followers will be welcomed. God is not stymied by our misinterpretations of His will, whether intentional or by mistake. He will fulfill His plan and when we look back, we his followers call it "marvelous" (Mark 12:11). As a note, the Messiah was described as having no majesty or beauty that would automatically attract others to Him (Isa 53:2).   Listen and FOLLOW us on our podcast ------------------------- Visit and FOLLOW Gospel Light Filipino on YouTube, Facebook and Instagram

“In the second century, Jewish teachers applied it to Hezekiah (Justin Martry, Dialogue with Trypho, 33, 83)” Lewis, Matthew 14-28; 108.110:1 seems quoted or alluded to in Matt. 26:63-64; Mark 16:19; Acts 2:34-35; 5:30-32; 7:55-56; Rom. 8:34; I Cor. 15:25; Eph. 1:20; Col. 3:1; Heb. 1:3, 13; 8:1; 10:12-13; 12:2; I Peter 3:22.Lessons from this section Mark 12:35-37 paralleled by Matthew 21:41-46; Luke 20:41-44“Psalm 110 is the psalm most frequently quoted and alluded to in the New Testament. See also Matt. 22:44; 26:64; Mark 14:62; (16:19); Luke 20:42-43; 22:69; Acts 2:34-45; Romans 2:5; 8:34; 11:29; I Cor. 15:25; Eph. 1:20; Col. 3:1; Heb. 1:3; 5:6, 10; 6:20; 7:3, 11, 15, 17, 21; 8:1; 10:12-13; 12:2” Brooks, Mark, 200. Psalm 110:1 is quoted 14 times in the NT- NICOT, Psalms, 838.What are we told about Psalm 110, from Mark 12:35-37; Matt. 22:41-46; Luke 20:41-44?1. David is the author of Psalm 110- Jesus affirms this in Mark 12:36, 37- αυτος Δανιδ- David himself. The same point is made in Matt. 22:43 and Luke 20:42. “Jesus first affirmed the Davidic authorship of Ps. 110, something that is usually denied by modern scholarship” Brooks, Mark, 200. 2. David speaks by inspiration- In Mark 12:36 εν τω πνευματι τω αγιω- in the Holy Spirit. Matt 22:43 says, “in the Spirit.”These are not simply David's words but God's words. The same point is made about David and the Psalms in Acts 1:16; 4:25-26. “Jesus attributes a statement of Psalm 110:1 to David, inspired by the Spirit (cf. II Sam. 23:2)” Lewis, Matthew, 107.3. Psalm 110 speaks of the Messiah- David himself calls Him- Mark 12:37; also see Matt. 22:43; Luke 20:44.This interpretation of Psalm 110 is assumed as common ground between Jesus and the scribes- Mark 12:35; and Pharisees- Matt. 22:41. Acts 2:33-35 quotes Psalm 110:1 and stresses that is not David who ascended into heaven but that this is fulfilled in the Messiah/ the Christ. 4. The Messiah is David's Lord- David himself calls Him “Lord”- Mark 12:37; see also Matt. 22:44; Luke 20:44.The OT gives abundant evidence that the Messiah will be of the line of David- II Sam. 7:11-16; 22:51; Psalm 18:50; Isaiah 9:6-7; 11:1-9; 16:5; Jer. 23:5-6; 30:8-9; 33:15, 17, 22; Ezek. 34:23-24; 37:24; Hosea 3:5; Amos 9:11. The gospel of Matthew especially emphasizes Jesus as the Son of David- Matthew 1:1; 9:27; 12:23; 15:22; 20:30-31; 21:9, 15. The point is not to deny that the Messiah is the “son of David” but to state that answer is incomplete. He is both David's son and David's Lord. “The startling fact that David spoke of a king as ‘my lord' was pointed out by Christ, who left His hearers to think out its implications, and His apostles to spell them out” Kidner, 393. “The first Lord is God; the second is the Messiah. In Greek speech the slave described his master as my lord: the underling described his superior in the same way. The king, however, is at the top of the ladder. Whom could he describe in the phrase? A father does not address his son as ‘my Lord.' The figure David addressed must be his superior; how then is He David's son? None could answer. Nor is there an answer short of a knowledge of the divine nature of the Messiah of which they know nothing” Lewis, 107-108. 5. Psalm 110 expresses the relationship between the LORD/God and the Messiah/Christ The Messiah is a distinct “person” from the LORD- Mark 12:36; Psalm 110:1 “The LORD- YHWH- said to m

Color: White Old Testament: Job 19:23–27 Psalm: Psalm 118:15–29; antiphon: v. 1 Epistle: 1 Corinthians 15:51–57 Epistle: 1 Corinthians 5:6–8 Gospel: Mark 16:1–8 Introit: Psalm 8:1, 5–6, 9; antiphon: Luke 24:5b–6b Gradual: Psalm 118:24, 1 Verse: 1 Corinthians 5:7b–8a, c Christ's Resurrection Means That We Will One Day Be Raised   “Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed” (1 Cor. 5:7). By the shed blood of Christ, the Lamb of God, eternal death has passed over us. Now we pass with Christ through death into life everlasting. For Christ the crucified One is risen! The stone has been rolled away from the tomb, revealing that the tomb could not hold Him (Mark 16:1–8). Now our Redeemer lives eternally to save us from sin and Satan and the grave, and we can live in the sure hope of our own bodily resurrection with Christ. “After my skin has been thus destroyed, yet in my flesh I shall see God” (Job 19:26). Feasting on the living Christ, who is our meat and drink indeed, we boldly say: “O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting? . . . But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Cor. 15:54–55, 57). Lectionary summary © 2021 The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Used by permission. http://lcms.org/worship

The essence of discipleship is a love relationship with the Lord - a true disciple loves Him and seeks to express that in his life. Discipleship begins with the Gospel - the message of God's awesome love for us (1John 4:19). We need a revelation of His love for us, to receive His love and then give our love to Him. Once our heart is converted to Christ, we become His disciple and our whole life becomes an expression of our love for Him (the motivation of a true disciple is love for Jesus). If we detach discipleship from love, it becomes a religion of laws and rules, with little value or joy. God is not calling us to legalism, but the obedience of love, a real love relationship with Him, where we do His commands, because we love Him (John 14:15). This starts by us receiving the Gospel, the Good News of His love for us. Our hearts are converted to fall in love with Jesus, when we see how much He loves us personally, and how much He suffered to save us from sin and hell to have our love forever (Hebrews 12:2). The essence of the Gospel is the revelation of God's love for us. Its purpose is to win our heart. Mary demonstrated what it is designed to achieve – the total conversion of our heart to Him, so we give Him our worship and love, fully and freely, surrendering our lives to Him (Mark 14:3-5,9). Once our heart is converted, we naturally move into discipleship - the outworking of this love-relationship with Christ in the details of our life. Thus, the Great Commission is in 2 parts: (1) preach the Gospel to convert the heart (Mark 16:15). Then, (2) discipleship (Matthew 28:19-20). The life of a disciple, following and obeying Christ, is all from love, to please and glorify Him. We want to be like Him, because we love Him. Without that love, flowing from a converted heart, it loses its meaning. The Gospel is all about God's everlasting love in Christ, which (1) began in eternity past, when He chose us, and (2) was manifested in history through Christ, and (3) came to us personally, when He called us to Himself through the Gospel and saved us, and (4) is continually sanctifying us by His Spirit within us, and (5) will ultimately be consummated in us, when we are glorified. To fully comprehend God's love for us, we must go back to eternity past. God, in His Omniscience, before the creation of the world, knew all possible worlds He could create, with free-will beings in His image, to be part of His forever family, who choose to trust and love Him. He knew all possible freewill beings that could exist, and their choices in all possible circumstances. Then He sovereignly chose to set His love on certain ones (from the infinite number who might possibly exist) that He wanted for Himself, and then brought forth this universe where these ones exist and are saved (this is election). If you exist and have received Jesus, you are part of His elect. He has chosen you for Himself, for He loved and chose you from eternity, and created this universe to bring you forth. That's how special you are to Him! (2Thessalonians 2:13-14, Ephesians 1:4). His election means He set His special love upon us (Deuteronomy 7:6-8), as a man chooses a woman, based on his love for her. Since He loves us, He chose us to exist and be saved and belong to Him forever. God's ELECTION is also called FORE-KNOWLEDGE (1Peter 1:2), which means He chose to KNOW us from BEFORE creation. He chose to create and know Jeremiah before he was conceived (Jeremiah 1:5). Likewise, from eternity He chose to know us, set His love on us, and have a love-relationship with us (Jeremiah 31:3). Romans 8:28-39 is a declaration of God's everlasting love for us. Romans 8:29-30 describe the 5 manifestations of God's love from eternity past to eternity future: “(1) Whom God FOREKNEW (chose, set His love upon), (2) He also PREDESTINED to be conformed to the image of His Son (to be glorified).” He planned our salvation, and then carried out that plan by Christ's life, death and resurrection): “Moreover, whom He PREDESTINED, these (3) He also (effectually) CALLED (to Himself through the Gospel), and whom He CALLED, these (4) He also JUSTIFIED (when we responded to His call and received Jesus, He demonstrated His love for us by forgiving us and declaring us righteous through His Blood, putting us into right relationship with Himself, qualifying us to receive every blessing), and whom He JUSTIFIED, these (5) He also GLORIFIED.” On the basis of our justification, His Holy Spirit came inside us to sanctify us (make us more like Jesus), transforming us from glory to glory, and that process will be completed at His Return, when we will be GLORIFIED. The fact these verses talk about God's relentless LOVE for us, in the past, present and future (the heart of the Gospel), is confirmed by the next verses (v31-39). God chose you and will glorify you. He has wonderful plans for you for all eternity. This is the Gospel of His love!

The essence of discipleship is a love relationship with the Lord - a true disciple loves Him and seeks to express that in his life. Discipleship begins with the Gospel - the message of God's awesome love for us (1John 4:19). We need a revelation of His love for us, to receive His love and then give our love to Him. Once our heart is converted to Christ, we become His disciple and our whole life becomes an expression of our love for Him (the motivation of a true disciple is love for Jesus). If we detach discipleship from love, it becomes a religion of laws and rules, with little value or joy. God is not calling us to legalism, but the obedience of love, a real love relationship with Him, where we do His commands, because we love Him (John 14:15). This starts by us receiving the Gospel, the Good News of His love for us. Our hearts are converted to fall in love with Jesus, when we see how much He loves us personally, and how much He suffered to save us from sin and hell to have our love forever (Hebrews 12:2). The essence of the Gospel is the revelation of God's love for us. Its purpose is to win our heart. Mary demonstrated what it is designed to achieve – the total conversion of our heart to Him, so we give Him our worship and love, fully and freely, surrendering our lives to Him (Mark 14:3-5,9). Once our heart is converted, we naturally move into discipleship - the outworking of this love-relationship with Christ in the details of our life. Thus, the Great Commission is in 2 parts: (1) preach the Gospel to convert the heart (Mark 16:15). Then, (2) discipleship (Matthew 28:19-20). The life of a disciple, following and obeying Christ, is all from love, to please and glorify Him. We want to be like Him, because we love Him. Without that love, flowing from a converted heart, it loses its meaning. The Gospel is all about God's everlasting love in Christ, which (1) began in eternity past, when He chose us, and (2) was manifested in history through Christ, and (3) came to us personally, when He called us to Himself through the Gospel and saved us, and (4) is continually sanctifying us by His Spirit within us, and (5) will ultimately be consummated in us, when we are glorified. To fully comprehend God's love for us, we must go back to eternity past. God, in His Omniscience, before the creation of the world, knew all possible worlds He could create, with free-will beings in His image, to be part of His forever family, who choose to trust and love Him. He knew all possible freewill beings that could exist, and their choices in all possible circumstances. Then He sovereignly chose to set His love on certain ones (from the infinite number who might possibly exist) that He wanted for Himself, and then brought forth this universe where these ones exist and are saved (this is election). If you exist and have received Jesus, you are part of His elect. He has chosen you for Himself, for He loved and chose you from eternity, and created this universe to bring you forth. That's how special you are to Him! (2Thessalonians 2:13-14, Ephesians 1:4). His election means He set His special love upon us (Deuteronomy 7:6-8), as a man chooses a woman, based on his love for her. Since He loves us, He chose us to exist and be saved and belong to Him forever. God's ELECTION is also called FORE-KNOWLEDGE (1Peter 1:2), which means He chose to KNOW us from BEFORE creation. He chose to create and know Jeremiah before he was conceived (Jeremiah 1:5). Likewise, from eternity He chose to know us, set His love on us, and have a love-relationship with us (Jeremiah 31:3). Romans 8:28-39 is a declaration of God's everlasting love for us. Romans 8:29-30 describe the 5 manifestations of God's love from eternity past to eternity future: “(1) Whom God FOREKNEW (chose, set His love upon), (2) He also PREDESTINED to be conformed to the image of His Son (to be glorified).” He planned our salvation, and then carried out that plan by Christ's life, death and resurrection): “Moreover, whom He PREDESTINED, these (3) He also (effectually) CALLED (to Himself through the Gospel), and whom He CALLED, these (4) He also JUSTIFIED (when we responded to His call and received Jesus, He demonstrated His love for us by forgiving us and declaring us righteous through His Blood, putting us into right relationship with Himself, qualifying us to receive every blessing), and whom He JUSTIFIED, these (5) He also GLORIFIED.” On the basis of our justification, His Holy Spirit came inside us to sanctify us (make us more like Jesus), transforming us from glory to glory, and that process will be completed at His Return, when we will be GLORIFIED. The fact these verses talk about God's relentless LOVE for us, in the past, present and future (the heart of the Gospel), is confirmed by the next verses (v31-39). God chose you and will glorify you. He has wonderful plans for you for all eternity. This is the Gospel of His love!

Jesus is said to be indignant on two occasions in the Gospels: when the disciples stopped children approaching Him (Mark 10:14), and here when the man with leprosy approached Him. His indignation (could be translated anger) can be read in a few ways: that the leper wasn't sure He would be willing to heal him, or that He was angry at how sin had messed this man's life up, or maybe that He knew the man would ignore His later request to keep quiet. 

The biggest obstacle to faith for a lot of people is this: “If God is all powerful, then why does He cause (or allow) bad things to happen?” There's something fundamental that we must establish before we ever address this question directly: God is good, all the time (James 1:16-17).   We know this, at least in part, by what Jesus did. Jesus said that he who has seen him has seen the Father (John 14:8-9), and Jesus went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil (Acts 10:38, Matt 15:30, Matt 4:23-24, Matt 8:16, Matt 9:35, Matt 10:1, Matt 12:15, Matt 15:30, Luke 4:40, Luke 10:9).  He never refused healing to anyone who came to Him. He never harmed anyone "for their own good," or put a disease on anyone "to teach them something" or "to discipline them." Not once. In fact, He actively worked against all sickness and disease, to destroy the devil's work (1 John 3:8). He is the same today as He was when He was on earth (Hebrews 13:8). God the Father doesn't change either (Malachi 3:6). We know of God's character from His names in the Old Testament. He is Jehovah Nissi (The Lord my Banner - Ex 17:15). He is Jehovah-Raah (The Lord my Shepherd, or My Friend - Gen 48:15, Psalm 23:1, 80:1, Ez 34:11-15). He is Jehovah Rapha (The Lord That Heals, Ex 15:26). He is Jehovah Shammah (The Lord is There - He has not abandoned you: Eze 48:35). He is Jehovah Tsidkenu (The Lord Our Righteousness, Jer 23:6, 33:16). He is Jehovah Mekoddishkem (The Lord who Sanctifies You: Ex 31:13, Lev 20:8). He is Jehovah Jireh (The Lord will Provide, Gen 22:14). He is Jehovah Shalom (The Lord is Peace, Judges 6:24). He is Jehovah Sabaoth (The Lord of Hosts, 1 Sam 1:3, Ps 24:9-10, 84:3, Isa 6:5). Many other scriptures establish His goodness. He is ONLY good. (1 John 1:5, Psalm 84:11-12; Psalm 146:6-10; Psalm 107:9, Psalm 31:19, 1 Tim 4:4-5, Eph 1:3, Romans 8:28, Ps 103:2-5, Ps 145:16-19). God doesn't do bad things to His children. Yet He's powerful enough that for those who trust in Him, He can take even terrible circumstances that were not part of His plan, and bring good out of them.“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28). Those who know their scriptures well may point out Old Testament passages that sound like God, in fact, did do evil things. One example is in 2 Sam 24:1, when it says the Lord moved David (in pride) to count the number of his subjects... and then condemned David's sin in having done so (2 Sam 24:10) and punished him severely for it. Yet the exact same story appears in 1 Chron 21:1, where it says Satan moved David to number Israel. This is a very rare glimpse into what was happening in the spiritual realm in the Old Testament, where there is almost no doctrine of Satan. The primary exception to this is at the beginning of the book of Job; otherwise Satan is only mentioned by name here, and in Zechariah 3:1-2. (He is mentioned in Genesis 3 as "the serpent," of course, and also as Lucifer in Isaiah 14:12 and Ezekiel 28 as well.) The Old Testament had almost no doctrine of Satan because the people had no authority over him under the Mosaic covenant. What good would it do to learn that you have a bloodthirsty enemy, but there is nothing you can do to protect yourself from him? Because of this, in the Old Testament, anything supernatural, good or bad, was attributed to God, whether God was the instigator or not. The New Testament (and the revelation in Job 1:6-12) shows that this is not the case; there is a spiritual war going on, and we have an adversary who hates us. (For more on how God's dealings with man changed with different covenants, see my Blood Covenant biblical retellings duology: Blood Covenant Origins and Blood Covenant Fulfilled.) So if God doesn't cause bad things to happen, why do they happen? Evil comes about as a result of one of or a combination of three things -- 1) Satan, the enemy of God and therefore of us, who would like nothing better than to see us destroyed:“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I [Jesus] have come that they may have life, and have it to the full” (John 10:10).1 Peter 5:8 — “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” 2) A fallen world that will be redeemed one day, but isn't yet: “For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God” (Rom 8:20-21). and 3) people who are sinners, and either aren't yet saved or aren't yet perfected:“There is no one righteous [apart from God], not even one; there is no one who understands, no one who seeks God” (Rom 3:10-11). But if God is truly sovereign, or all-powerful, even if He doesn't cause bad things to happen, doesn't He at least allow them, for His own purposes--which largely boils down to the same thing? I thought this way for a very long time--that He was like a great General of an army, who sometimes had to make sacrifices for a greater good. Sometimes (sorry), that sacrifice turned out to be you. On one particular night, sitting in front of my fire alone and in the midst of a major life crisis, the Lord disabused me of this mistaken belief about Him. At the time it was an emotional, intuitive understanding, and the fruit of it--renewed joy, hope, faith, and trust in Him--was one layer of evidence that it was true. It was only later that I studied why this definition of God's sovereignty is also biblically inaccurate. God is sovereign in the sense that He is all-powerful, all-loving, and all-knowing, but He is not all-controlling. God told Adam and Eve not to eat of the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil; they did anyway. Was that God's will? Certainly not! He did everything He could to keep them from doing it, short of making them automatons, when He told them, don't do it. Likewise, any sovereign can set laws that his citizens may not necessarily obey. The US is a sovereign nation and in 1974 the administration set the "National Maximum Speed Law" of 55mph. But many drivers exceeded that speed limit regularly.  The New English Translation has the word “sovereign” appear more than any other biblical translation (368 times). Not one of the original Hebrew or Greek words connotes the idea that He controls everything that happens. Most of the time it's just the way they render God's names.The word sovereign is often translated from Shaddai (meaning Almighty) when it's part of God's name (48 times in the OT). Other times it's translated from ‘elohiym: supreme God, as a superlative, or ‘elyown, meaning High or Most High. Sometimes it's thrown in as part of the transition of ‘Adonay: an emphatic form of the Lord. Sometimes it's translated from tsaba', also translated the Lord of Hosts, meaning one who commands an army. In some cases the word sovereign is used to describe God's characteristics, but in context, it doesn't mean what we typically mean by the word (that His will always happens). The NET version of 1 Chronicles 29:11 says, "O LORD, you are great, mighty, majestic, magnificent, glorious, and sovereign over all the sky and earth! You have dominion and exalt yourself as the ruler of all." Only this translation uses the word sovereign; the others , translate it Head. This word connotes the idea of a supreme ruler, but not of one who always gets His way.  Psalm 84:11 is one of my favorites. It says, “For the Lord God is a sun and shield (magen: shield, buckler, protector).” The same verse is translated in NET: "For the LORD God is our sovereign protector." Clearly this doesn't say anything about His will always being done, either. Sovereign power is also translated as holiness from qadash: "to consecrate, sanctify, prepare, dedicate, be hallowed, be holy, be sanctified, be separate." This word is used in Ezekiel 28:25: "'This is what the sovereign LORD says: When I regather the house of Israel from the peoples where they are dispersed, I will reveal my sovereign power (or holiness) over them in the sight of the nations, and they will live in their land that I gave to my servant Jacob." Micah 5:4 says, "He will assume his post and shepherd the people by the LORD's strength, by the sovereign authority of the LORD his God. They will live securely, for at that time he will be honored even in the distant regions of the earth.” Sovereign authority is ga'own (exaltation, majesty, pride) shem (name, reputation, fame, glory): thus, better translated “in the majesty of the name” of the Lord.  Habakkuk 2:14 says, "For recognition of the LORD's sovereign majesty will fill the earth just as the waters fill up the sea." Sovereign majesty here is yada (to know, to perceive, to make known) kabowd (glory, honour, glorious, abundance), also translated “for the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord.” Of course God's will does not always come to pass. The classic example of this is 2 Peter 3:9: “The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance,” and 1 Timothy 2:4: “Who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” Matthew 18:14 also says, “Even so it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish.” Jesus paid for the sins of the whole world, not just those who are saved. 1 John 2:2 says, “He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world”, and 1 Tim 4:10 says, "That is why we labor and strive, because we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all people, and especially of those who believe.” But not everybody will be saved, clearly. God gave us free will; He doesn't force us to choose Him, nor does He make any of our other decisions for us, either. Jesus said in Matthew 7:13: "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and many enter through it." God wills it; He paid for it; but He won't get everyone as He would like. There are other verses that imply the concept of sovereignty (in the sense that when God decides to do something, He does it, and no one can stop Him).  But this refers to God's right and His power, and says nothing about potential restrictions He places on His right and power one way or the other. Here are a few of those verses: Job 42:2: “I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted.” Isaiah 46:10: “I declare the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose.” Romans 8:28: “All things work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose.” (i.e. He can use bad and work it for good.) So what restrictions did God place on His own power, and why are they there? God gave dominion of earth to men in the Garden of Eden (Gen 1:26-29)--like the lease on a property, the earth lease. When Adam obeyed Satan instead of God, he gave the earth to Satan, and Satan became the god of this world (2 Cor 4:4). Jesus defeated Satan on the cross, but the earth lease has yet to run out. Even the demons whom Jesus cast out knew that there was a set time when they would be evicted--but it was not yet (Matt 8:29). Once God had given His word, He had to abide by it. Everything in the universe is upheld by the integrity of His word (Hebrews 1:3). And yet, He still wanted to save us--but we'd locked Him outside of His own world by our choices. He had to find a way to "legally" get back on the inside. He'd given dominion of the earth to men (Psalm 115:16), so He had to become a man, to buy it back--our kinsman redeemer (see the book of Ruth for a true story that is also a parable of this). Jesus did buy it back, but even though He now has the rights to it, He won't take possession of it until He returns. He has delayed only so that all who would will be saved (2 Peter 3:9). Revelation 5 depicts the moment when the earth lease is finally up. Jesus begins to take possession of it, and to "evict" the evil from the world. Even then, He won't do it all at once, but in progressive steps, because part of the purpose of the Tribulation is to redeem His chosen people, Israel. Indeed, their turning to Him and asking Him to return is a prerequisite for His second coming (Matt 23:39). Until then, though, God has made "legal" provision for those who follow Him through successive covenants with men on earth who could agree to give Him permission. Prior to Abraham, God had no "legal" right to protect His favorites, which is why the book of Job played out the way it did. But once the Mosaic law came, it laid out blessings for those who followed God, and cursings for those who disobeyed Him (Deut 28)--because sin still had to be punished. The story of the Old Testament shows repeated episodes of disobedience, because the Jews could not follow the Law. God always knew this, of course--Paul's treatise in Romans demonstrates that the point of the Law was to show that all people are incapable of following it. Even so, there were those even in the Old Testament who figured out that what God really wanted was a changed heart (Psalm 51:10, Micah 6:8), not sacrifice (Hosea 6:6). Those few, like Abraham, Moses, Elijah, and David, got to enjoy a real relationship with God, even before Christ. Aside from spiritual blessings from obedience in the Old Covenant, God wanted good things for His people so much that He built in multiple paths to receive it. He designed the body such that it heals itself. In the law, He also instructed His people on how to work with the natural laws so that their bodies would be healthy. He told them to rest one day per week (the Sabbath). The Old Covenant is full of dietary rules, to eat certain things and not to eat others (corresponding to modern recommendations for health), to quarantine those who contracted contagious diseases, to decontaminate objects that had been in contact with mold, and many other things that would have made no medical sense to the Jews at the time. More than that, the most common command in scripture is to "fear not." We now know that stress (anxiety, fear, panic, etc) contributes to, by some estimation, up to 90% of chronic illness. From a practical standpoint for provision, scripture is filled with recommendations to be honest, generous, diligent and not lazy, to diversify our efforts, etc --to work with natural laws of sowing and reaping, so that we might prosper. I n the Old Testament, there are accounts of miraculous interventions for healing, provision, victory, etc--but God always worked through a man who cooperated with Him via the covenant in place at the time. In the New Testament, Jesus was the perfect embodiment of the will of the Father. He healed everyone who came to Him--but the method was often different. In some cases, He healed with a touch (Luke 5:13). In other cases, people touched Him (Mark 5:31), or even the hem of His garment (Matt 14:36). In other cases He merely spoke the word (Matt 8:8, John 11:43). In others He put mud on blind eyes (John 9:6). There was no formula; He met people where they were at, individually. Then in the New Covenant, Jesus redeemed us from the curse of the law (Galatians 3:13-14), leaving us with only the blessings for those who are in Christ (2 Corinthians 1:20). This means that today, there are many promises for blessing, healing, provision, and victory that we can stand on and receive by faith, whether a sudden miraculous intervention or a slow blessing working with natural laws (which is more common, Mark 4:14, 26-29). God sends His word to heal us (Ps 107:20). We can receive the blessings that are now already ours in Christ (Eph 1:3) by abiding in Him (John 15:7), trusting in Him (Prov 3:5-6, Psalm 91), learning what His word says (Hosea 4:6) and renewing our minds with it (Romans 12:2), casting down all imaginations to the contrary (2 Cor 10:5), and resisting the devil when he tries to lie to us about what is truly ours (James 4:7), by speaking God's word in faith (Mark 11:23), and by forgiving others and ourselves (James 5:16). Since God's word is as a seed, it takes time for the harvest to come (Mark 4:14, 26-29) and we will reap if we do not grow weary and lose heart (Gal 6:9). What if we fail to do our part and for whatever reason, don't or can't seem to receive this way, though? The earth is still under Satan's control until the earth lease runs out, and it's also still dominated by sinful people. The world itself is still corrupted by sin (Romans 8:19-22). God made provision for us to overcome these things, but there is still much to overcome. Job (who had no covenant to protect him at all) complained to God, "Have you eyes of flesh? or do you see as a man sees?" (Job 10:4). Even in the Old Testament, God pitied us and knew that we are but dust (Psalm 103:14), but then Jesus came and walked in our shoes. He can sympathize with our weaknesses exactly (Hebrews 4:15). When Peter walked on water and then took his eyes off Jesus and began to sink, Jesus still reached out and caught him (Matt 14:28-32). When the disciples feared drowning and woke Jesus, Jesus rebuked the winds and the waves (Mark 4:35-41). If we begin to fear and take our eyes off of Him, He's there for us too, to give us mercy and grace in time of need (Hebrews 4:16). He also gave us the body of Christ to stand with us and bolster our faith with the prayer of agreement (Matt 18:19, James 5:14-15). We also still have all of the alternative methods to receive God's blessings, as well: all truth is His truth. He gave us principles like sowing and reaping (Gal 6:7) which includes blessing the work of our hands (Deut 28:4-8). He gave us the science of natural laws, including medicine and logic. He promises to give us wisdom for whatever we need when we ask for it (James 1:5-8)--we just have to take Him at His word. Whatever tragedy may have befallen you in your life, God was not the author of it. He wants good things for you, and not evil (Jeremiah 29:11). He is for you, and not against you (Romans 8:31). If He gave you the very best He had, Jesus, to redeem you and make you His, why would He not also freely give you everything else that is good (Romans 8:32)? He weeps with you in your tragedy (John 11:35). He never wanted this for you. But He can take even that tragedy and bring good out of it, if You will trust Him to do so (Romans 8:28). God has been much maligned, even in the church. It's convenient and even sometimes comforting, in a twisted way, to say that God must have done, or allowed, some tragedy for some greater purpose of His that we cannot see. But the truth is, the earth is still a battleground, and God is the Hero, not the villain. He is only good. All the time.  Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

There is not sadder psalm that Psalm 88it gives an extensive vocabulary of deathSheol- 88:3; Pit- 88:4, 6; Dead/ death- 88:5, 10, 15;  Grave- 88:5, 11; Dark/ darkness- 88:6, 12, 18; shades- 88:10; Abaddon- 88:11; land of forgetfulness- 88:12He describes God as being behind his problems- 88;6, 7, 8, 14, 15, 16, 18Lessons from Psalm 881. Some suffering in this life may never end2. He does not give up on God and continues to pray3. It makes us long for God's blessings and eternityJesus as an answer to Psalm 88While Psalm 88 is not quoted in the NT and applied to Jesus, in many ways Jesus lived out the experiences of the author of Psalm 88.   88:3 He is full of troubles- Mark 14:33-3488:5 He was cut off from the land of the living- Isaiah 53:888:8, 18 He was shunned by those closest to Him- Mark 14:50-5288:18 Darkness was his companion- Mark 15:3388:10-12 The resurrection of Jesus transforms the questions expecting a no answer to a yes answer. 

Introit: Ps. 8:1, 5-6, 9; antiphon: Luke 24:5-7 Gradual: Ps. 118:24,1 Old Testament: Job 19:23-27 Psalm 118:15-29 (antiphon: v. 1) New Testament: 1 Cor. 5:6-8       or 1 Cor. 15:51-57 ProperVerse: 1 Cor. 5:7b-8a, c Gospel: Mark 16:1-8 Christ's Resurrection Means That We Will One Day Be Raised "Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed" (1 Cor. 5:7). By the shed blood of Christ, the Lamb of God, eternal death has passed over us. Now we pass with Christ through death into life everlasting. For Christ the crucified One is risen! The stone has been rolled away from the tomb, revealing that the tomb could not hold Him (Mark 16:1-8). Now our Redeemer lives eternally to save us from sin and Satan and the grave, and we can live in the sure hope of our own bodily resurrection with Christ. "After my skin has been thus destroyed, yet in my flesh I shall see God" (Job 19:26). Feasting on the living Christ, who is our meat and drink indeed, we boldly say: "O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting? . . . But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ" (1 Cor. 15:54-55, 57).

“The soldiers took Him away into the palace (that is, the Praetorium), and they called together the whole Roman cohort. They dressed Him up in purple, and after twisting a crown of thorns, they put it on Him; and they began to acclaim Him, ‘Hail, King of the Jews!' They kept beating His head with a reed, and spitting on Him, and kneeling and bowing before Him. After they had mocked Him, they took the purple robe off Him and put His own garments on Him. And they led Him out to crucify Him” (Mark 15:16-20, NASU). “Then the soldiers of the governor took Yeshua into the Praetorium and gathered the whole Roman cohort around Him. They stripped Him and put a scarlet robe on Him. And after twisting together a crown of thorns, they put it on His head, and a reed in His right hand; and they knelt down before Him and mocked Him, saying, ‘Hail, King of the Jews!' They spat on Him, and took the reed and began to beat Him on the head. After they had mocked Him, they took the scarlet robe off Him and put His own garments back on Him, and led Him away to crucify Him” (Matthew 27:27-31, NASU). “Now the men who were holding Yeshua in custody were mocking Him and beating Him, and they blindfolded Him and were asking Him, saying, ‘Prophesy, who is the one who hit You?” And they were saying many other things against Him, blaspheming” (Luke 22:63-65, NASU).

“One of the scribes came and heard them arguing, and recognizing that He had answered them well, asked Him, ‘What commandment is the foremost of all?' Yeshua answered, ‘The foremost is, “HEAR, O ISRAEL! THE LORD OUR GOD IS ONE LORD; AND YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND, AND WITH ALL YOUR STRENGTH” [Deuteronomy 6:4-5]. The second is this, “YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF” [Leviticus 19:18]. There is no other commandment greater than these.' The scribe said to Him, ‘Right, Teacher; You have truly stated that HE IS ONE, AND THERE IS NO ONE ELSE BESIDES HIM [Deuteronomy 6:4]; AND TO LOVE HIM WITH ALL THE HEART AND WITH ALL THE UNDERSTANDING AND WITH ALL THE STRENGTH, AND TO LOVE ONE'S NEIGHBOR AS HIMSELF [Deuteronomy 6:5; Leviticus 19:18], is much more than all burnt offerings and sacrifices.' When Yeshua saw that he had answered intelligently, He said to him, ‘You are not far from the kingdom of God.' After that, no one would venture to ask Him any more questions. And Yeshua began to say, as He taught in the temple, ‘How is it that the scribes say that the Messiah is the son of David? David himself said in the Holy Spirit, “THE LORD SAID TO MY LORD, ‘SIT AT MY RIGHT HAND, UNTIL I PUT YOUR ENEMIES BENEATH YOUR FEET' [Psalm 110:1].” David himself calls Him “Lord”; so in what sense is He his son?' And the large crowd enjoyed listening to Him” (Mark 12:28-37, NASU). “But when the Pharisees heard that Yeshua had silenced the Sadducees, they gathered themselves together. One of them, a lawyer, asked Him a question, testing Him, ‘Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?' And He said to him, ‘“YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND” [Deuteronomy 6:5]. This is the great and foremost commandment. The second is like it, “YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF” [Leviticus 19:18]. On these two commandments depend the whole Law and the Prophets. Now while the Pharisees were gathered together, Yeshua asked them a question: ‘What do you think about the Messiah, whose son is He?' They said to Him, ‘The son of David.' He said to them, ‘Then how does David in the Spirit call Him “Lord,” saying, “THE LORD SAID TO MY LORD, ‘SIT AT MY RIGHT HAND, UNTIL I PUT YOUR ENEMIES BENEATH YOUR FEET' [Psalm 110:1]”? If David then calls Him “Lord,” how is He his son?' No one was able to answer Him a word, nor did anyone dare from that day on to ask Him another question” (Matthew 22:35-46, NASU). “Then He said to them, ‘How is it that they say the Messiah is David's son? For David himself says in the book of Psalms, “THE LORD SAID TO MY LORD, ‘SIT AT MY RIGHT HAND, UNTIL I MAKE YOUR ENEMIES A FOOTSTOOL FOR YOUR FEET'” [Psalm 110:1].' Therefore David calls Him “Lord,” and how is He his son?'” (Luke 20:41-44, NASU).

“From there they went out and began to go through Galilee, and He did not want anyone to know about it. For He was teaching His disciples and telling them, ‘The Son of Man is to be delivered into the hands of men, and they will kill Him; and when He has been killed, He will rise three days later.' But they did not understand this statement, and they were afraid to ask Him” (Mark 9:30-32, NASU). “And while they were gathering together in Galilee, Yeshua said to them, ‘The Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men; and they will kill Him, and He will be raised on the third day.' And they were deeply grieved” (Matthew 17:22-23, NASU). “And they were all amazed at the greatness of God. But while everyone was marveling at all that He was doing, He said to His disciples, ‘Let these words sink into your ears; for the Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men.' But they did not understand this statement, and it was concealed from them so that they would not perceive it; and they were afraid to ask Him about this statement” (Luke 9:43-45, NASU).

“Yeshua went out, along with His disciples, to the villages of Caesarea Philippi; and on the way He questioned His disciples, saying to them, ‘Who do people say that I am?' They told Him, saying, ‘John the Baptist; and others say Elijah; but others, one of the prophets.' And He continued by questioning them, ‘But who do you say that I am?' Peter answered and said to Him, ‘You are the Messiah.' And He warned them to tell no one about Him” (Mark 8:27-30, NASU). “Now when Yeshua came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, He was asking His disciples, ‘Who do people say that the Son of Man is?' And they said, ‘Some say John the Baptist; and others, Elijah; but still others, Jeremiah, or one of the prophets.' He said to them, ‘But who do you say that I am?' Simon Peter answered, ‘You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.' And Yeshua said to him, ‘Blessed are you, Simon Barjona, because flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but My Father who is in heaven. I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My [assembly]; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; and whatever you bind on earth shall have been bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall have been loosed in heaven.' Then He warned the disciples that they should tell no one that He was the Messiah” (Matthew 16:13-20, NASU). “And it happened that while He was praying alone, the disciples were with Him, and He questioned them, saying, ‘Who do the people say that I am?' They answered and said, ‘John the Baptist, and others say Elijah; but others, that one of the prophets of old has risen again.' And He said to them, ‘But who do you say that I am?' And Peter answered and said, ‘The Messiah of God'” (Luke 9:18-20, NASU).

Jesus demonstrated that He was the Messianic King- -1- By His Divine Authority -Mark 11-1-6-- -2- By the Honor Bestowed upon Him -Mark 11-7-8-- and -3- By the Fulfillment of Prophecy -Mark 11-9-11-.

Jesus demonstrated that He was the Messianic King- -1- By His Divine Authority -Mark 11-1-6-- -2- By the Honor Bestowed upon Him -Mark 11-7-8-- and -3- By the Fulfillment of Prophecy -Mark 11-9-11-.

“Immediately the Spirit impelled Him to go out into the wilderness. And He was in the wilderness forty days being tempted by Satan; and He was with the wild beasts, and the angels were ministering to Him” (Mark 1:12-13, NASU). “Then Yeshua was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. And after He had fasted forty days and forty nights, He then became hungry. And the tempter came and said to Him, ‘If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.' But He answered and said, ‘It is written, “MAN SHALL NOT LIVE ON BREAD ALONE, BUT ON EVERY WORD THAT PROCEEDS OUT OF THE MOUTH OF GOD” [Deuteronomy 8:3].' Then the devil took Him into the holy city and had Him stand on the pinnacle of the temple, and said to Him, ‘If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down; for it is written, “HE WILL COMMAND HIS ANGELS CONCERNING YOU”; and “ON their HANDS THEY WILL BEAR YOU UP, SO THAT YOU WILL NOT STRIKE YOUR FOOT AGAINST A STONE” [Psalm 91:11-12].' Yeshua said to him, ‘On the other hand, it is written, “YOU SHALL NOT PUT THE LORD YOUR GOD TO THE TEST” [Deuteronomy 6:16].' Again, the devil took Him to a very high mountain and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory; and he said to Him, ‘All these things I will give You, if You fall down and worship me.' Then Yeshua said to him, ‘Go, Satan! For it is written, “YOU SHALL WORSHIP THE LORD YOUR GOD, AND SERVE HIM ONLY” [Deuteronomy 6:13].' Then the devil left Him; and behold, angels came and began to minister to Him” (Matthew 4:1-11, NASU). “Yeshua, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led around by the Spirit in the wilderness for forty days, being tempted by the devil. And He ate nothing during those days, and when they had ended, He became hungry. And the devil said to Him, ‘If You are the Son of God, tell this stone to become bread.' And Yeshua answered him, ‘It is written, “MAN SHALL NOT LIVE ON BREAD ALONE” [Deuteronomy 8:3].' And he led Him up and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. And the devil said to Him, ‘I will give You all this domain and its glory; for it has been handed over to me, and I give it to whomever I wish. Therefore if You worship before me, it shall all be Yours.' Yeshua answered him, ‘It is written, “YOU SHALL WORSHIP THE LORD YOUR GOD AND SERVE HIM ONLY” [Deuteronomy 6:13].' And he led Him to Jerusalem and had Him stand on the pinnacle of the temple, and said to Him, ‘If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down from here; for it is written, “HE WILL COMMAND HIS ANGELS CONCERNING YOU TO GUARD YOU' [Psalm 91:11], and, ‘ON their HANDS THEY WILL BEAR YOU UP, SO THAT YOU WILL NOT STRIKE YOUR FOOT AGAINST A STONE' [Psalm 91:12].” And Yeshua answered and said to him, ‘It is said, “YOU SHALL NOT PUT THE LORD YOUR GOD TO THE TEST' [Deuteronomy 6:16].” When the devil had finished every temptation, he left Him until an opportune time” (Luke 4:1-13, NASU).

The Touch October 2, 2022 Elwyn Johnston Luke 8:41 – 56 Verse of the Week: “with God all things are possible.” Matthew 19:26 1. Unashamedly desperate “when Jairus saw Jesus, he fell at His feet.” Mark 5:22 “The wicked are too proud to seek God.” Psalm 10:4 “had spent everything she had to pay the doctors, but she had gotten no better. In fact, she had gotten worse.” Mark 5:26 “Beware that in your plenty you do not forget the LORD your God….Be careful not to say, ‘I have achieved this wealth with my own strength and energy.' Remember the LORD your God. He is the One who gives you power to be successful” Deuteronomy 8:11, 17 & 18 “Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things” Jeremiah 33:3 “after hearing about Jesus, she came up in the crowd behind Him” Mark 5:27 “a large crowd gathered around Jesus” Mark 5:21 2. Unwavering resolve “a woman having an issue of blood for twelve years” Luke 8:43 “she was saying to herself, ‘If I only touch His garment, I will get well.'” Matthew 9:21 3. Unbelievable results will come your way “Immediately the bleeding stopped, and she could feel in her body that she had been healed of her terrible condition.” Mark 5:29 “Your daughter has died” Mark 5:35 “Do not be afraid; only believe.” Mark 5:36 “Jesus took the child by the hand” Mark 5:41 “Immediately the girl got up and began to walk, for she was twelve years old.” Mark 5:42

Astronaut Chris Ferguson made a difficult decision as the commander of the flight crew scheduled for a journey to the International Space Station. But that decision didn’t have anything to do with the mechanics of flight or the safety of his fellow astronauts. Instead, it pertained to what he considers his most important work: his family. Ferguson opted to keep his feet planted firmly on Earth in order to be present for his daughter’s wedding. We all face difficult decisions at times—decisions that cause us to evaluate what matters most to us in life, because one option comes at the expense of the other. Jesus aimed to communicate this truth to His disciples and a crowd of onlookers regarding life’s most important decision—to follow Him. To be a disciple, He said, would require them to “deny themselves” in order to walk with Him (Mark 8:34). They might have been tempted to spare themselves the sacrifices required of following Christ and instead seek their own desires, but He reminded them it would come at the price of that which matters much more. We’re often tempted to pursue things that seem of great value, yet they distract us from following Jesus. Let’s ask God to guide us in the choices we face each day so we’ll choose wisely and honor Him.

Acts 5:19-26 ESV 19 But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors and brought them out, and said, 20 “Go and stand in the temple and speak to the people all the words of this Life.” 21 And when they heard this, they entered the temple at daybreak and began to teach. Now when the high priest came, and those who were with him, they called together the council, all the senate of the people of Israel, and sent to the prison to have them brought. 22 But when the officers came, they did not find them in the prison, so they returned and reported, 23 “We found the prison securely locked and the guards standing at the doors, but when we opened them we found no one inside.” 24 Now when the captain of the temple and the chief priests heard these words, they were greatly perplexed about them, wondering what this would come to. 25 And someone came and told them, “Look! The men whom you put in prison are standing in the temple and teaching the people.” 26 Then the captain with the officers went and brought them, but not by force, for they were afraid of being stoned by the people. GO AND SPEAK THE WORDS OF LIFE Peter and the other disciples were incarcerated. The Bible doesn't promise that God will keep Jesus' disciples safe always. But here, God provided them a miraculous escape. During the night an angel of the Lord opened the doors of the jail and brought them out passing through guards unnoticed and found the doors securely locked later. Earlier Peter and John experienced it [Acts 4:1-3,21], so did Paul and Silas at Philippi.[Acts 12:1-11] Not to mention, the risen Lord who passed through a covered tomb heavily guarded by Roman soldiers and appearing to the disciples through locked doors. This particular escape had served God's plan. For God said unto them, “Go and stand in the temple and speak to the people all the words of this Life” Jesus promised them to become witnesses once the Holy Spirit should descend upon them.[Acts 1:8] Moreover, God gave them the opportunity to preach the Word of life. In other words, He who has commissioned us also would clear the way for us. God could create opportunities for His witness. “And when they heard this, they entered the temple at daybreak and began to teach.” Their obedience was spontaneous, was it not? Why? This was an answer to their courageous prayers, that is, “And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness, while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” [Acts 4:29,30] Do we pray for boldness to witness for Christ despite hardships? Or, a hardship-free life? Jesus has prepared the apostles for this civil disobedience. He taught them not to fear those who threatened to kill their bodies but to respect the God who can send their souls to hell (Luke 12:4–5). They were not able to do this before the indwelling of the Spirit, were they? They scattered at Jesus' arrest (Mark 14:50), Peter denied knowing Him (Mark 14:66–72), and even after Jesus rose from the dead they hid from the Jewish leaders in a locked room (John 20:19). However, when they were indwelt by the Holy Spirit, they were emboldened to defy human rulers in the service of God. -------------------- Visit and FOLLOW Gospel Light Filipino on YouTube, Facebook and Instagram

We have confidence in our relationship with Christ because of our love for others. We have the confidence of answered prayer. We have confidence in our abiding in Him and bearing fruit unto Him   Mark 8:36 "For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? John 14:6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. Have you trusted Him as your Savior? He can Save you if You ask Him based on His death, burial, and resurrection for your sins. Believe in Him for forgiveness of your sins today. “And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”  -John 8:32 Our mission is to spread the gospel and to go to the least of these with the life-changing message of Jesus Christ; We reach out to those the World has forgotten.  hisloveministries.podbean.com #HLMSocial hisloveministries.net https://www.instagram.com/hisloveministries1/?hl=en Don't go for all the gusto you can get, go for all the God (Jesus Christ) you can get. The gusto will get you, Jesus can save you. https://www.facebook.com/His-Love-Ministries-246606668725869/?tn-str=k*F   The world is trying to solve earthly problems that can only be solved with heavenly solutions

Pastor David shares Sunday in Dickinson. Last week, we looked at some basics of covenant: that a covenant is more than a contract, which has an end date and is an exchange of one thing for another, such as finances in exchange for labor and materials. A covenant is an unending agreement, broken only by the death of one of the two parties, and is an exchange not of a portion of one's life, but an exchange of the entirety of the lives of both who are entering the covenant. 1. Revealing a Friend: Treasure in Clay Jars 2 Corinthians 4:7 (TPT) We are like common clay jars that carry this glorious treasure within, so that the extraordinary overflow of power will be seen as God's, not ours. 2. Why me? God chose you to be His tupperware! 1 Corinthians 4:5-7 3. Conclusion: we are working together with the Holy Spirit! a. We labor with Him: Mark 16:20 (NKJV) And they went out and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them and confirming the word through the accompanying signs. Amen. b. We labor together: Ephesians 4:15-16 (NKJV) but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ— [16] from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.

I was inspired by one of my students the other day when she innocently played a on the church speaker, right after baptismal that was BAD!  She was a brand new believer and I kindly told her, “when you become a Christian, you shouldn't listen to music like this.” She said, “Really? Well….what exactly does it mean to be a Christian?”   As I heard her heart, I thought to myself, “I wonder how many more people are asking this question?”  So, this is why I decided to do this podcast.  This episode is for believers and new believers.  This will teach you how to witness and have the tools to equip you to lead people to the Lord This is what it means to be a Christian: 1. Have Faith……to believe…to be convinced, to be persuaded! You BELIEVE in Jesus and The radical, miraculous conception by the Holy Spirit, that He is the Son of God, the son of man. You believe that He existed and that He lived and died for you. He paid for you with His own blood.   You believe that He was raised from the dead in 3 days by the resurrection power of God.  You believe that He ascended to heaven and that He sent the Holy Spirit to abide with you forever.   You believe that the same power that raised Jesus Christ from the dead lives inside of YOU.   You believe that all things are possible with Jesus! You believe that your name is written in the Lamb's book of life and you are going to heaven.  2. Embrace His teaching:  John 8:31-32 TPT Jesus said to those Jews who believed in him, “When you continue to embrace all that I teach, you prove that you are my true followers. For if you embrace the truth, it will release true freedom into your lives.” Be merciful Luke 6:31 Walk in forgiveness Luke 6:37 Seek Goodness Luke 6:45 Respect others Luke 14:11 BE kind Luke 14 3. My heart is devoted to Him Mark 12:30-31 Love the Lord your God with all your heart, Love your neighbor and Love yourself Part of your love and  devotion is prayer and worship. 4. Do the things that Jesus did Jesus was always listening the voice of His father and obeying him.  Jesus said, If you love me, you'll obey me.  So…..be discipled…learn how to hear his voice, learn how to obey, learn how to grow in God because the sky is the limit.   Now HOW DO  I become a Christian?  Steps to Becoming a Follower of Jesus Christ Believe in your heart that Jesus is Lord. Acts 16:31 ESV And they said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.” John 3:16 ESV  “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. Confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord.  Romans 10:9 ESV   Because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. Be filled with the Holy Spirit. Repent Be baptized in the name of Jesus. Acts 2:38 ESV  And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Acts 22:16 ESV And now why do you wait? Rise and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on his name.' Be transformed by the power of God & RENOUNCE.  Romans 12:2 New American Bible (Revised Edition) Do not conform yourselves to this age but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and pleasing and perfect. Renounce your sin: Galatians 5:1 New King James Version Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage. Read Colossians 3:1-10 New King James Version Go out and make disciples, bring others to Jesus, tell others your story, your testimony.  Matthew 28:19-20 New International Version 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,  20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Introit: Ps. 8:1, 5-6, 9; antiphon: Luke 24:5-7 Gradual: Ps. 118:24,1 Old Testament: Job 19:23-27 Psalm 118:15-29 (antiphon: v. 1) New Testament: 1 Cor. 5:6-8       or 1 Cor. 15:51-57 ProperVerse: 1 Cor. 5:7b-8a, c Gospel: Mark 16:1-8 Christ's Resurrection Means That We Will One Day Be Raised "Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed" (1 Cor. 5:7). By the shed blood of Christ, the Lamb of God, eternal death has passed over us. Now we pass with Christ through death into life everlasting. For Christ the crucified One is risen! The stone has been rolled away from the tomb, revealing that the tomb could not hold Him (Mark 16:1-8). Now our Redeemer lives eternally to save us from sin and Satan and the grave, and we can live in the sure hope of our own bodily resurrection with Christ. "After my skin has been thus destroyed, yet in my flesh I shall see God" (Job 19:26). Feasting on the living Christ, who is our meat and drink indeed, we boldly say: "O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting? . . . But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ" (1 Cor. 15:54-55, 57).

  Easter Part 7 Jesus meets people today As we have seen, the good news is that Jesus is still living. The remainder of the four Gospels and the beginning of the book of Acts tell us a little more of what Jesus did before He ascended into the heavens. But Jesus still meets with people at the present time. How does He do this? Jesus walks with us, where ever we go and in particular in the darkest periods of our life. Just as he did with the two people on the road to Emmaus, he walks with those who proclaim to follow Him (Mark 16:12-13, Luke 24:13-32). Jesus speaks whenever the Bible is faithfully preached and read from, just as He opened the eyes of those on the Emmaus road when He explained the Scriptures (Luke 24:27). Jesus meets us in the Communion or Lord's Supper, with the bread and wine, which symbolise His flesh and blood as an act of remembrance of what He did for humanity. But that is not the end, because Jesus has promised that He is coming again. Not as a baby next time, but as an all conquering Son of God in judgment to gather those who follow Him. Are you ready? If you want to follow this Jesus, come on over Here is how… You won't regret it if you do! Becoming a Christian If you want to turn to God there is no need for delay. He is ready and willing to take you as his own – right now. You only have to ask him to forgive you and he will! Being a Christian is a partnership between God and yourself. Deciding to change course in mid-life, is what is called conversion, being born again, or deciding to be a Christian. When you place your faith in Jesus, becoming utterly dependent upon Him, you turn to God. Once you have made that decision, you leave behind your rebellion against Him. As you live each day, becoming more involved with Jesus day by day, you will find yourself changing. You stop doing things which separated you from him and find yourself doing things that develop your relationship with him. How do you develop this relationship? Until you enter into that relationship, sin, or that which alienates you from God, controls your rebellion against him in your attitudes and your activities. You develop this relationship by allowing God to take control of your life, as He asks you to accept His management and guidance of your life. God's point of view and His strength will become your point of view and your source of strength. You turn your mind, will and heart to Him for all you do. If you want to make that decisive step and become a Christian there are three simple steps to take. Firstly, admit that you have done wrong against God and his ways and turn away from those attitudes. Secondly, believe and trust in Jesus as your Saviour from the consequences of the anger of God towards you and your tendency to sin. Call on Him, receive, trust, obey and worship Him, recognizing him for who he is and what he has done. Lastly, accept the Holy Spirit of God into your life as the major motivating force for what you do. Once sin has been confessed, Jesus is believed in and trusted as Saviour and the Holy Spirit has entered your life, then you are a Christian. All these things happen together in a flash as you turn to God. Now you are ready to grow in grace and knowledge of our Jesus. Welcome to the family of God! God has chosen you. Jesus has paid for you and has put his mark within you through his Spirit (Ephesians 1:1-13). Download the Podcast to hear about the resurrected Jesus meeting people today - including you! Click or Tap here to listen to or save this as an audio mp3 file

Bible Study with Jairus - 1 Corinthians 11   1 Corinthians 11 introduces a perplexing question. If the chapter seems to instruct women to cover their heads, why do so few Christians practice this today? Furthermore, the passage says that women should keep silent in church (1 Corinthians 14:34). How should this be applied to today's world? These questions can be confusing to today's generation of Christians. Are Paul's words intended for a specific time and situation, or are they general principles of God for the entire Church? In other words, are Paul's words meant to be God's unchanging principles, or are they flexible guidance for specific contexts? Different churches have different understandings of this. Some people regard Paul's words as a universal principle given by the Holy Spirit. They require women to cover their heads and to avoid preaching. But other churches believe Paul's commands addressed specific social circumstances of the time, and there's no need to enforce it rigidly today. The church's position on this issue has split into two camps, conservative and liberal. Conservative churches often do not allow women to serve as pastors. But there are many female pastors in liberal churches. Some liberal churches even allow homosexuals to serve as pastors. How should Christians understand Paul's controversial words? When we study the Bible, we must understand the difference between God's unchanging principles and his specific guidance for individual circumstances. God's principles apply to all times and places, whereas his leading does not. We must always keep this difference in mind.   How to distinguish between God's principles and his guidance.   Christians have commonly made the error of confusing God's unchanging principles with his leading. God's principles reflect his unchanging nature, and they always involve his glory. His leading does not.   Brother Witness Lee gave a helpful example to illustrate the difference between God's principles and His leading. What if a young bridesmaid is trying to decide whether or not to wear a miniskirt at a wedding held at the church. This is a matter of God's unchanging principles. Wearing a miniskirt is not proper because the church is a holy place. Indecency is not acceptable. Miniskirts are not allowed in the church, regardless of time or location. [1]   What about other wedding decisions, such as details about specific time, place, colors, food,? etc. These decisions are matters of God's leading. No matter what you decide, you will not violate God's glory and principles. You may want to seek his specific leading, but you realize that your decision does not involve issues of right or wrong.   The Bible tells us that God's principles are unchanging. For example, many of the stipulations in the law given by Moses are related to God's principles. Some commands—“Do not kill, do not take the name of the Lord in vain, do not worship idols, honor your parents, do not covet, do not commit adultery”—are for all people at all times. Disobeying these commands is sin and all who sin will fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). These commands should be respected universally. The law often reveals God's principles. Disobedience to these principles offends the glory of God.   On the other hand, prophets often gave specific messages that were unique to a particular time and place. Each Old Testament prophet spoke different messages to different groups of people in different circumstances. Prophets communicated God's specific leading to individuals. The law and the prophets, two main segments of the Old Testament, demonstrate these two aspects of God's revelation - God's principles and His leading.   At times, God's principles and His leading can overlap. For example, the command to respect the Sabbath was an important law included in the Ten Commandments. However, this law was abolished after the Lord Jesus came. Many Christians make a distinction between ceremonial law and moral law. A moral law will never change, while a ceremonial law can be abolished. Many believe that the Sabbath was a ceremonial law.   The Sabbath regulations reflect both God's principles and His leading. God's principles are revealed through his mercy. Because of his mercy, God chose the Jews and commanded that they should observe the Sabbath. The purpose of the Sabbath was to give God's people spiritual and physical rest, helping them stay pure until the birth of Christ as Savior of mankind. Now that Christ has come, that purpose is fulfilled.   As Lord of the Sabbath (Matthew 12:8), Jesus could heal a man on the Sabbath (Mark 3:1-5) and eat grain with his disciples on the Sabbath (Matthew 12:1). In the story recorded in Mark 3, Jesus healed a man on the Sabbath. The passage specifically mentions that these Jews were hoping to find something to accuse Jesus of. Jesus asked them, “Is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good or to do harm, to save life or to kill?” But they were silent. The Lord Jesus was angry and grieved at their hardness of heart (Mark 3:4-5). After Jesus healed the man, the Pharisees went out and consulted with the Herodians about how to kill Him (Mark 3:6).   When Jesus healed this man on the Sabbath, he was reflecting God's unchanging principles and nature. Jesus showed God's tender mercy and demonstrated that He is the Savior. The Sabbath pointed toward the birth of our Savior, who would bring healing on the Sabbath. The Sabbath demonstrates God's nature and his mercy. On the subject of the Sabbath, God's leading in the New Testament differs from His leading in the Old Testament. Although God's leading has changed, His principles have remained the same.   The Pharisees failed to recognize the difference between God's principles and His leading. They mistakenly confused God's past leading with his unchanging nature and principles. They turned God's word into unchanging dogma, killed the Lord Jesus, and persecuted many Christians.   The Pharisees are not the only ones who have made this mistake. How many people in the church throughout the ages have committed the same mistake? Many denominations have tried to turn God's past leading into unchanging principles and unyielding dogma. They have equated God's specific leading for specific denominational leaders with universal truth. As a result, they were unable to move forward and seek God's leading for a new era. They became stumbling blocks to God's fresh guidance.   Let's look at some examples that will help you learn to tell the difference between God's principles and His leading.   A Story about Head Coverings   I was saved in the Local Church Movement. Watchman Nee, the founder of the Local Church Movement, had a spiritual friendship with Brother Theodore Austin-Sparks. Theodore is an important figure in the British Inner life movement. He once studied under Mrs. Jessie Penn-Lewis, an important figure in the Inner Life movement. Both had an important impact on Watchman Nee and later the Local Church Movement.   Watchman Nee taught that women should cover their heads, so many women in the Local Church Movement did so. Initially, I observed that women covered their heads automatically after they realized that they should obey men's spiritual truth. Later, many students who came to the United States from China were saved. No one forced these new immigrants to cover their heads. There are still some older women in the church who cover their heads, but this is never the main truth taught by the church.   After Brother Watchman Nee was imprisoned, Brother Witness Lee went to Taiwan to continue building the Local Church. He also continued to have fellowship with Brother Theodore and invited him to serve in Taiwan. But later, the two of them got into a disagreement. One main reason for their conflict was the “one church, one city” doctrine, a controversial topic that Theodore criticized. Another reason for their conflict was the issue of head coverings and culture.   Brother Witness Lee told the following story in his book. When Brother Theodore saw the Taiwanese soldiers wearing hats in the meeting hall, he criticized them. He told them that covering their heads was not in line with the Bible. However, Brother Theodore was using the culture of the West to judge the culture of the East. He was not basing his assessment on the truth of the Bible.   In Chinese culture, soldiers are not allowed to remove their hats. Therefore, all the military brothers who attended the meeting kept their hats on before and after the meeting. During the meeting, they took off their hats to show respect for the Lord, but they put them back on as soon as the meeting was over. [2]   Brother Theodore hastily condemned these military brothers because he did not know that wearing hats was required by the military. These military brothers were doing their best to glorify the Lord. By the rules of their Eastern culture, they were pleasing to the Lord. Because he was looking at them with Western eyes, Theodore thought the men were sinfully covering their heads.   I believe God's specific leading is unique for these military brothers in the context of Chinese culture. As soldiers, they must obey military orders. As Christians, they should take off their hats during the meeting. But after it is over, they may put their hats back on to remain in compliance. This not only glorifies the Lord but also abides by the military regulations of the secular society.   Applying these principles is a subtle balance. Theodore, who didn't understand Eastern culture, hastily condemned these military brothers for covering their heads. He mistakenly confused God's leading with God's unchanging principles.   A story of Kaifeng Jews   The story of the Kaifeng Jews also illustrates the principle of God's principles and God's leading. Matteo Ricci came to China as a missionary in 1583 and established a good relationship with the Chinese emperor and the scholar-official class. He was in a good position to spread the Gospel among the Chinese.   Ai Tian, ​​a Jew from Kaifeng, went to Beijing to take the official exam. Hearing about a Westerner who believed in one true God as he did, he went to see Matteo Ricci. Ai Tian believed that Matteo Ricci was a Jew. When he saw a picture of Mary, Jesus, and John the Baptist in Ricci's house, he thought they were images of Rebecca and her sons Isaac and Jacob.   Matteo Ricci, on the other hand, thought that Ai Tian was a Nestorian believer. Only later did he discover that Ai Tian was a Jew. Matteo Ricci wanted the Jewish community to come to know the Messiah, so he sent messengers to the Jewish community in Kaifeng to investigate. After investigating, they found that the Jews had integrated with the local Chinese culture to a considerable degree. They had combined the Chinese tradition of ancestor worship and emperor worship with their own belief that they should not worship idols. Chinese Jews placed God's name above the emperor's name on the plaque they were worshiping. When they worshiped, they worshiped God and ignored the emperor's name.   This story of synchronism sparked debate in the Holy See. Matteo Ricci and his fellow Jesuits explained that the Chinese people were only honoring their ancestors and not worshipping them as idols, just like the Jews honored their ancestors. They asked that the Chinese be given some space so that the gospel could continue to spread in China.   But the other faction had a different view. They were jealous of Matteo Ricci's success in China, and they opposed his point of view. They insisted that Chinese ancestor worship was idolatry and should not be tolerated. In the end, this faction won. The Holy See ruled that Chinese ancestor worship was idolatry. As a result, the Chinese emperor banned the spread of Christianity in China.   I think this example demonstrates the importance of differentiating between God's principles (don't worship idols) and His leading (evangelism in China). I feel it's a great pity that the Holy See at that time did not find a way to balance the two. Their choice led to the ban of Christianity in China and delayed the propagation of the Gospel among the Chinese for hundreds of years. If they had taken a more balanced approach, perhaps China's story would have been very different.   Avoid dogmatism   Some believe that when Paul commanded the Corinthian men not to cover their heads, he was referring to the fact that men in Roman times often covered their heads when they went to worship idols. They say that Paul commanded the believers not to cover their heads to avoid an association with idol worship. This command lies within the scope of God's principles. Paul also said that men are the glory of God, so they should not cover their heads (1 Corinthians 11:7). This statement may have been directed towards the customs of Roman men at that time – covering their heads when they worshiped idols.   Some believe that the same concept applies to women as well. Perhaps Paul was instructing that women should cover their heads because the city of Corinth was very promiscuous, and covering their heads would protect them.   These statements are worth considering, but let's look at the biblical records. When talking about men not covering their heads (1 Corinthians 11:4) and women covering their heads (1 Corinthians 11:5), Paul mentioned two contexts: "praying" and "prophesying." How do we explain this? How should we respond to what Paul said? Was Paul expressing God's firm and unchanging principles? Or was Paul giving specific guidance for a particular situation?   I don't have a specific answer with regards to the head covering here. But my main point is this: we must not use God's words as mechanical, lifeless dogma but as living principles that apply in fresh ways in every era. If God's guidance on the Sabbath could change between the Old Testament and the New Testament, then we should not be dogmatic about this command.   Rick Joyner told a story about a vision he had. He said that Paul appeared to him in a vision and said, “The modern church has highly exalted my writings. Churches should not allow my words to evaluate the words of the Lord in the four Gospels. Instead, they should use the words of the Lord to evaluate my works.”[3]   According to Rick Joyner, most exegetical writings since the Reformation have revolved around Paul's letters. Of course, much of this is good. These writings help us better understand Paul's letters.   At the same time, we must be careful not to exalt Paul's teachings too much. We should not equate Paul's specific guidance in this passage with the eternal and unchanging principles of God.   Wisely discern God's principles and His leading   Everyone has different interpretations of this passage on head coverings. We must learn to differentiate between God's principles and His leading. This mindset can help us learn to accurately apply the Bible's teachings to our lives.   To make this distinction, we must ask ourselves, “Does this command relate to God's unchanging nature and glory?” If so, the command should not be compromised. On the other hand, if the command is related to God's specific leading for a specific situation, we are free to make bold changes. We can apply this principle to every area of life and Christian ministry.   Are there any traditions in your church that are hindering Christ and the Holy Spirit? Perhaps God led your denomination's leaders to make specific decisions in the past. However, God's leading may be different for you in your current context. Ask yourself, “If I make changes, will it tarnish God's glory?” If so, it's a question of principles; you must not make changes. However, if the change only affects your tradition rather than God's glory, this decision falls within the scope of God's leading. You can make bold changes.   For example, some churches do not allow the use of any musical instruments in worship. Others restrict themselves to specific musical instruments. Applying the above principles, we can realize that God's glory will not be tarnished if we use musical instruments in worship.  The use of instruments does not cause us to fall short of God's glory. Rather, we can glorify God as we worship him with musical instruments. Such a change falls into the category of God's leading. We are free to be flexible and adapt to today's culture. Churches that firmly oppose the use of musical instruments are living in legalism and dogmatism. They need to be set free from this. They are following the traditions of men, not the word of God.   Let's look at another example. Some churches teach that women cannot be pastors and that only men can baptize. However, in the early days of church planting in rural China, churches were composed entirely of women, older people, and children. There were no men at all. The only ones who were familiar with the Bible were women. Naturally, they took on the role of spiritual leaders and baptizers. In addition, the government monitored men stringently, and men were often busy with work. The government's monitoring of women was relatively lax. Therefore, in the early days of rural churches in China, many women served as leaders. I think that this demonstrates God's leading at that place and at that time. Under such circumstances, it was logical for women to serve as spiritual leaders. They did not fall short of God's glory; instead, they demonstrated His glory.   However, Paul was speaking to another cultural context in 1 Corinthians 11. Perhaps there were women in the church who were challenging Paul's authority and rebuking him for being humble (or timid) (2 Corinthians 10:1). In addition, they didn't cover their heads or remain silent. Perhaps that's why Paul said that it was better for women to cover their heads and keep silent. His command was appropriate for the context of the period.   The concept of differentiating between God's principles and leading can help you better understand His words and follow His leading in your life. Of course, we must never tamper with God's words. At the same time, we must never use God's word mechanically or dogmatically. Instead, we should remember that in any situation, God will reveal his unchanging nature and guide us in the way we should go.   [1] [2] [3]

There is a sense of urgency in the Gospel of Mark. The Greek adverb ευθύς (yoo-thoos') normally translated “immediately” is found forty-two of its eighty-seven New Testament occurrences in the book of Mark and twelve times in Mark's chapter 1 alone. Certain doors of opportunity almost never open. When they do, one must act and, according to the Gospel of Mark, act now! Chances of a lifetime must be seized before they disappear. About two thousand years ago, four commercial fishermen recognized just such an opportunity. They “immediately… left their nets and followed Him” (Mark 1.17-18).

This Psalm repeatedly references David's sickness- 38:3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 17. He is suffering intensely. He is suffering because of his sin- 38:3, 4, 5, 18. This is not to say all suffering is directly connected to our personal sin. The book of Job shows that is not true. However, we cannot say that there is no connection between personal sin and suffering either. David experiences it right here.His enemies add to his pain- 38:12, 16, 19, 20- while his friends stand far off- 38:11.Jesus experienced the suffering the author of Psalm 38 experienced:His friends forsook Him- Matt. 26:55-56, 58; Luke 23:49He was beaten so badly there was no healthy part of His flesh- Isaiah 52:14; 53:5; Matt. 27:26-31.He enemies laid traps for Him- Mark 3:6; Luke 11:54; 20:20Jesus was like a deaf man- Matt. 27:13 and a mute man- Matt. 27:13-14Jesus was not like the Psalmist in the sense that He never sinned- Hebrews 4:14-16; I Peter 2:22.Jesus is able to carry away the burden of our sins described in Psalm 38:4- Matt. 11:28-30. Jesus can save and forgive. 

So what does it mean that Jesus is a prophet? It means that he has a prophetic ministry, in other words, he speaks the truth and applies it to men and women on behalf of God. Jesus was the ultimate prophet, for he revealed most clearly (both in his words and his life) God's character, saving purposes, and will for our lives. As Prophet, Jesus pronounced an end to all our sin. In the Old Testament, the prophet was the mouthpiece of God to the people. In fact, the prophet often prefaced his words by saying, "Thus says the Lord." As God's mouthpiece, the prophet spoke the words of indictment against the people for their sin (Isa. 1:4) and called them to repentance (v. 18). The prophet pronounced the forgiveness and pardon of God (Isa. 40:1–2). Jesus, as the final and sufficient Prophet, has done all of these for us. He came not just proclaiming the Word of God; He is the Word of God (John 1:1). He came to the world because of sin (Matt. 1:21). He proclaimed our need to repent and believe on Him (Mark 1:15). And He proclaimed our pardon and forgiveness for sin (Col. 1:14).

We Have This Hope As An Anchor Joni Brockelbank Why Anchor our Ship? To keep from being wrecked, lost or totally destroyed. Matt 8:27 - “Who is this that even the winds and seas obey Him” Mark 4:39 - “He rebuked the wind and said to the sea Peace by still and the winds ceased and it was calm Benefits of an Anchor An anchor is used to keep a vessel from being wrecked, lost or destroyed, and brings comfort and assurance to those aboard they aren't being controlled by the storm or at its mercy. Is 25:4 - “He is a shelter from the storm” Phil 4:7 - “He gives us peace that passes all understanding” Eph 2:14-16 - “He Himself is our peace” The Strength of an Anchor Anchors are made of heavy materials that enable it to bear the strain of a storm and wont corrode from the elements. 1 Pet 1:3 - Because of Christs resurrection from the dead He is our living hope. What Do We Do With an Anchor? We hold tight -- not to the WHAT, but the WHO. Jesus. He is our hope. Ps 91:14-16 - "Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore I will deliver him; I will set him on high, because he has known My name.He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will deliver him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him, and show him My salvation.” The Anchor Holds Isaiah 43:2 - “When you pass through the waters I will be with you, and when you pass through the rivers they will not sweep over you.” See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join us as we worship the Lord. We will be wrapping up our series on being “called into fellowship” with the Father, Son, and Spirit. When Jesus “called” His disciples, we are told He called them to be “with” Him (Mark 3:13-15). We too are called to be “with” Jesus. From this position of “fellowship” with the Son we are equipped to live life to the fullest. Having fellowship with Jesus is absolutely CENTRAL to the Christian life.

On today's episode we introduce the various segments that will comprise this podcast, we sit down with Lorraine Allen to discuss intergenerational friendships, their challenges, blessings, and how the church can facilitate more opportunities for them, and we wrestle with the "therefore" in the call of Jesus to His disciples - and ultimately to all believers - to deny self, pick up their cross, and follow Him (Mark 8:34).

As a church, we state that our Grow/Go/Gather mission strategy reflects our desire to make disciples of Jesus (Matthew 28:18-20) who in turn make more disciples. For us discipleship is not classroom/building based but more about a life-long daily apprenticeship of following Jesus, being like Him, obeying Him, proclaiming Him and glorifying Him (Mark 8:34 and Colossians 1:15-20). This is our aim but what does this really looks like as we slowly emerge out of lockdown i.e. what is a disciple, what does a disciple do, how does a disciple live etc are all questions to be addressed in this series. Recorded during the morning service at West Road Church on Sunday 2nd May 2021. If you'd like to find out more, head to www.westroadchurch.org.uk.

As a church, we state that our Grow/Go/Gather mission strategy reflects our desire to make disciples of Jesus (Matthew 28:18-20) who in turn make more disciples. For us discipleship is not classroom/building based but more about a life-long daily apprenticeship of following Jesus, being like Him, obeying Him, proclaiming Him and glorifying Him (Mark 8:34 and Colossians 1:15-20). This is our aim but what does this really looks like as we slowly emerge out of lockdown i.e. what is a disciple, what does a disciple do, how does a disciple live etc are all questions to be addressed in this series. Recorded during the morning service at West Road Church on Sunday 25th April 2021. If you'd like to find out more, head to www.westroadchurch.org.uk.

As a church, we state that our Grow/Go/Gather mission strategy reflects our desire to make disciples of Jesus (Matthew 28:18-20) who in turn make more disciples. For us discipleship is not classroom/building based but more about a life-long daily apprenticeship of following Jesus, being like Him, obeying Him, proclaiming Him and glorifying Him (Mark 8:34 and Colossians 1:15-20). This is our aim but what does this really looks like as we slowly emerge out of lockdown i.e. what is a disciple, what does a disciple do, how does a disciple live etc are all questions to be addressed in this series. Recorded during the morning service at West Road Church on Sunday 18th April 2021. If you'd like to find out more, head to www.westroadchurch.org.uk.

As a church, we state that our Grow/Go/Gather mission strategy reflects our desire to make disciples of Jesus (Matthew 28:18-20) who in turn make more disciples. For us discipleship is not classroom/building based but more about a life-long daily apprenticeship of following Jesus, being like Him, obeying Him, proclaiming Him and glorifying Him (Mark 8:34 and Colossians 1:15-20). This is our aim but what does this really looks like as we slowly emerge out of lockdown i.e. what is a disciple, what does a disciple do, how does a disciple live etc are all questions to be addressed in this series. Recorded during the morning service at West Road Church on Sunday 11th April 2021. If you'd like to find out more, head to www.westroadchurch.org.uk.

  Easter 2021 Part 10: Jesus Meets People Today As we have seen, the good news is that Jesus is still living. The remainder of the four Gospels and the beginning of the book of Acts tell us a little more of what Jesus did before He ascended into the heavens. But Jesus still meets with people at the present time. How does He do this? Jesus walks with us, where ever we go and in particular in the darkest periods of our life. Just as he did with the two people on the road to Emmaus, he walks with those who proclaim to follow Him (Mark 16:12-13, Luke 24:13-32). Jesus speaks whenever the Bible is faithfully preached and read from, just as He opened the eyes of those on the Emmaus road when He explained the Scriptures (Luke 24:27). Jesus meets us in the Communion or Lord’s Supper, with the bread and wine, which symbolise His flesh and blood as an act of remembrance of what He did for humanity. But that is not the end, because Jesus has promised that He is coming again. Not as a baby next time, but as an all conquering Son of God in judgment to gather those who follow Him. Are you ready? If you want to follow this Jesus, come on over Here is how… You won’t regret it if you do! Becoming a Christian If you want to turn to God there is no need for delay. He is ready and willing to take you as his own – right now. You only have to ask him to forgive you and he will! Being a Christian is a partnership between God and yourself. Deciding to change course in mid-life, is what is called conversion, being born again, or deciding to be a Christian. When you place your faith in Jesus, becoming utterly dependent upon Him, you turn to God. Once you have made that decision, you leave behind your rebellion against Him. As you live each day, becoming more involved with Jesus day by day, you will find yourself changing. You stop doing things which separated you from him and find yourself doing things that develop your relationship with him. How do you develop this relationship? Until you enter into that relationship, sin, or that which alienates you from God, controls your rebellion against him in your attitudes and your activities. You develop this relationship by allowing God to take control of your life, as He asks you to accept His management and guidance of your life. God’s point of view and His strength will become your point of view and your source of strength. You turn your mind, will and heart to Him for all you do. If you want to make that decisive step and become a Christian there are three simple steps to take. Firstly, admit that you have done wrong against God and his ways and turn away from those attitudes. Secondly, believe and trust in Jesus as your Saviour from the consequences of the anger of God towards you and your tendency to sin. Call on Him, receive, trust, obey and worship Him, recognizing him for who he is and what he has done. Lastly, accept the Holy Spirit of God into your life as the major motivating force for what you do. Once sin has been confessed, Jesus is believed in and trusted as Saviour and the Holy Spirit has entered your life, then you are a Christian. All these things happen together in a flash as you turn to God. Now you are ready to grow in grace and knowledge of our Jesus. Welcome to the family of God! God has chosen you. Jesus has paid for you and has put his mark within you through his Spirit (Ephesians 1:1-13). Click or Tap here to listen to or save this as an audio mp3 file ~ You can now purchase our Partakers books! Please do click or tap here to visit our Amazon site! Click or tap on the appropriate link below to subscribe, share or download our iPhone App!

Both Old and New Testaments provide many examples of miraculous healings. One of the names for God in the Bible is Jehovah Rophe meaning ‘the God Who Heals.' The translation from the Hebrew means ‘to completely make whole, to thoroughly mend and repair.' The God of the Bible cannot only heal physical disease but also personal sadness, mental anxiety and emotional wounds and the pain from our sins. To be healed is to be restored to wholeness. Psalm 147:3 says: ‘He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.' God declares in Exodus 15:26 ‘For I am the Lord who heals you.' Isaiah 53:5 speaking of all that Jesus would conquer at the cross says: ‘He was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.'The ministry of healing is central to Christianity and was key to its advance in the early church as it is today in many places around the world where Christianity is growing so rapidly (Acts 5:15-16). Healing the sick was an outstanding feature of the earthly ministry of Jesus. Sometimes the healings were on such a large scale that the gospel writers simply give an overview report (Matthew 15:30-31; Matthew 4:23). The all-powerful healing ministry is of Jesus is one of the signs that the Kingdom of God has come to earth (Matthew 11:4-5). We learn some key lessons about healing from the story of the lady who suffered with chronic haemorrhaging of blood:1. Jesus heals people in desperate needa. She had been sick a long time (Mark 5:25)b. She had found no help from human sources (Mark 5:26)c. She was getting worse (Mark 5:26; Luke 7:12-13)2. Jesus heals when people reach out to Him in faith (Mark 9:24; Mark 6:5-6; Matthew 13:58; Mark 5:27-28, 34; Mark 10:47-52)3. Jesus heals by releasing His power (Mark 5:29-30; Luke 6:19) ApplyAre you in desperate need for Jesus to heal you? The lady in this story was not just ill: she had an incurable condition that made her life a complete misery and excluded her from social contact. She had been sick a long time (Mark 5:25), plus she had found no help from human sources (Mark 5:26). Maybe you can also identify with this. Maybe you have been to all sorts of doctors and specialists, whether in public or private healthcare, but no one has been able to help you. That was the state this lady was in. She was now sick and poor because she had used up all her money trying to get better but actually she was getting worse (Mark 5:26). Yet it was in this moment of extreme pain and despair that ‘she heard about Jesus.' And there was something about Jesus that gave her hope. She thought that Jesus could help her when no one and nothing else could. And she was right because Jesus not only healed people, but He specialised in helping the most vulnerable.There are twenty-two stories of healing recorded in the gospels of Mathew, Mark and Luke. Of these twenty-two, fifteen of these healing accounts tell stories of Jesus' ministry to the marginalized - women, lepers, the demonised, beggars, and those who were discriminated against. Jesus had great compassion for those who had no one to help them (Luke 7:12-13). Today the Lord's love reaches out to everyone but particularly to those who are in desperate situations. He sees you in your great and ongoing pain. He sees you when you are all alone. He knows when you are out of earthly options. His heart goes out to you as you struggle to get comfortable or even breathe. Jesus suffered and He knows how to draw near to us in our suffering. Is this a time where you need to reach out to Jesus in faith? God can heal even when we have little faith. Sometimes we are like the Father of the troubled boy who said to Jesus in Mark 9:24: 'I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!' But what is clear is that healings take place where there is faith and not doubt. When Jesus went back to his hometown of Nazareth, the people who had seen him grow up were critical and cynical and as a result he couldn't do many miracles there (Mark 6:5-6; Matthew 13:58). So, if you want to see more of the miraculous today you must play your part in repenting of unbelief and helping to create a culture of faith. This lady in our story had certainly had many problems but she also had a lot of faith (Mark 5:27-28). She just focussed her faith on Jesus and refused to be discouraged or distracted. Although it seemed impossible because of the big crowds to get near to Jesus, she was determined to reach out to Him. She truly believed that if she could just touch even Jesus' garment she would be healed. And so this weak lady who felt so inwardly drained, pushed through to do just that and Jesus confirmed the link between her faith and her healing (Mark 5:34). Blind Bartimaeus also persevered in faith for healing even when people told him to shut up (Mark 10:47-52).Do you need to connect with the healing power of Jesus today? The moment this lady touched Jesus, she connected with the power source of God (Mark 5:29) and Jesus knew that someone had connected with Him (Mark 5:30). The power of God is released when we connect with Him through faith (Luke 6:19). As a song by Godfrey Birthill says: 'Just one touch from the King / Changes everything.' God changed everything for this woman and He can change everything for you too. You can be healed today and He can use you to bring healing to others. For Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

As a church, we state that our Grow/Go/Gather mission strategy reflects our desire to make disciples of Jesus (Matthew 28:18-20) who in turn make more disciples. For us discipleship is not classroom/building based but more about a life-long daily apprenticeship of following Jesus, being like Him, obeying Him, proclaiming Him and glorifying Him (Mark 8:34 and Colossians 1:15-20). This is our aim but what does this really looks like as we slowly emerge out of lockdown i.e. what is a disciple, what does a disciple do, how does a disciple live etc are all questions to be addressed in this series. Recorded during the morning service at West Road Church on Sunday 21st March 2021. If you'd like to find out more, head to www.westroadchurch.org.uk.

Cancel culture, inclusive language say what? Political correctness should not be allowed to tamper with the Word of God. Mom is an intimate, personal word, a nickname, though a common one. Cancel culture, according to Nardone, can go too far and do more damage than repair. She said once you're canceled, it becomes really hard to make a genuine apology, and even if you do people still might not believe you. ... “I think cancel culture is just really toxic, but people also need to be held accountable.   God created the family. His design was for a man and a woman to marry for life and raise children to know and honor Him (Mark 10:9; Malachi 2:15). Adoption is also God's idea, and He models this in His adoption of us as His children (Romans 8:15, 23; Ephesians 1:5). Regardless of the means by which they enter a family, children are a gift from God and He cares about how they are raised (Psalm 127:3; Psalm 34:11; Proverbs 23:13–14). When God gives us gifts, He also gives clear instructions about their use. Being a mother is a very important role that the Lord chooses to give to many women. A Christian mother is told to love her children (Titus 2:4-5), in part so that she does not bring reproach on the Lord and on the Savior whose name she bears.   Children are a gift from the Lord (Psalm 127:3-5). In Titus 2:4, the Greek word philoteknos appears in reference to mothers loving their children. This word represents a special kind of “mother love.” The idea that flows out of this word is that of caring for our children, nurturing them, affectionately embracing them, meeting their needs, and tenderly befriending each one as a unique gift from the hand of God. The Bible never states that every woman should be a mother. However, it does say that those whom the Lord blesses to be mothers should take the responsibility seriously. Mothers have a unique and crucial role in the lives of their children. Motherhood is not a chore or unpleasant task. Just as a mother bears a child during pregnancy, and just as a mother feeds and cares for a child during infancy, so mothers also play an ongoing role in the lives of their children, whether they are adolescents, teenagers, young adults, or even adults with children of their own. While the role of motherhood must change and develop, the love, care, nurture, and encouragement a mother gives should never cease.   Dad, your guiding hand on my shoulder will remain with me forever The greatest commandment in Scripture is this: “Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength” (Deuteronomy 6:5). Going back to verse 2, we read, “So that you, your children and their children after them may fear the LORD your God as long as you live by keeping all his decrees and commands that I give you, and so that you may enjoy long life.” Following Deuteronomy 6:5, we read, “These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up” (vv. 6-7).   Israelite history reveals that the father was to be diligent in instructing his children in the ways and words of the Lord for their own spiritual development and well-being. The father who was obedient to the commands of Scripture did just that. This brings us to Proverbs 22:6, “Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.” To “train” indicates the first instruction that a father and mother give to a child, i.e., his early education. The training is designed to make clear to children the manner of life they are intended for. To commence a child's early education in this way is of great importance. The Christian father is really an instrument in God's hand. The whole process of instruction and discipline must be that which God commands and which He administers, so that His authority should be brought into constant and immediate contact with the mind, heart, and conscience of children. The human father should never present himself as the ultimate authority to determine truth and duty. It is only by making God the teacher and ruler on whose authority everything is done that the goals of education can best be attained.   Martin Luther said, “Keep an apple beside the rod to give the child when he does well.” Discipline must be exercised with watchful care and constant training with much prayer. Chastening, discipline, and counsel by the Word of God, giving both reproof and encouragement, is at the core of “admonition.” The instruction proceeds from the Lord, is learned in the school of Christian experience, and is administered by the parents—primarily the father, but also, under his direction, the mother. Christian discipline is needed to enable children to grow up with reverence for God, respect for parental authority, knowledge of Christian standards, and habits of self-control.   The Bible has many positive things to say about adoption in general, but it universally condemns homosexuality as an immoral and unnatural sin against God. The modern practice of gay/lesbian/homosexual adoption is not mentioned in Scripture, but the homosexual factor cannot be ignored. Gay adoption treats a gay “family” as equal to a heterosexual family, and that violates the biblical model of the family unit as ordained by God.

As a church, we state that our Grow/Go/Gather mission strategy reflects our desire to make disciples of Jesus (Matthew 28:18-20) who in turn make more disciples. For us discipleship is not classroom/building based but more about a life-long daily apprenticeship of following Jesus, being like Him, obeying Him, proclaiming Him and glorifying Him (Mark 8:34 and Colossians 1:15-20). This is our aim but what does this really looks like as we slowly emerge out of lockdown i.e. what is a disciple, what does a disciple do, how does a disciple live etc are all questions to be addressed in this series. Recorded during the morning service at West Road Church on Sunday 7th March 2021. If you'd like to find out more, head to www.westroadchurch.org.uk.

Discussion Questions How do you determine whether or not someone is trustworthy? In Mark 1:21–22 & 27, what do you think it was about Jesus that caused people to recognize His authority? To trust Him? N.T. Wright believes the home the paralytic was brought to might have been Jesus’ home! Discuss the scene where this event takes place (Mark 2:1–12). Describe some sights, sounds, smells or responses that might bring this story to life. Feel free to be creative! Why did the paralytic’s friends do what they did? Why do you think Jesus forgave the man’s sins before he healed his body? Which is more difficult to do? The religious men opposed Jesus’ authority but the crowd was amazed by Him. What factors make it hard to believe in or trust God? Trust Jesus? What has helped you in this area? Jesus invited Levi, a tax collector, to follow Him (Mark 2:13–17). How does this reinforce that Jesus came for the least, the last, the lost? Do you relate to being one of the least, last or lost? To whom might you be called to reach out? What’s your next move?

As a church, we state that our Grow/Go/Gather mission strategy reflects our desire to make disciples of Jesus (Matthew 28:18-20) who in turn make more disciples. For us discipleship is not classroom/building based but more about a life-long daily apprenticeship of following Jesus, being like Him, obeying Him, proclaiming Him and glorifying Him (Mark 8:34 and Colossians 1:15-20). This is our aim but what does this really looks like as we slowly emerge out of lockdown i.e. what is a disciple, what does a disciple do, how does a disciple live etc are all questions to be addressed in this series. Recorded during the morning service at West Road Church on Sunday 28th February 2021. If you'd like to find out more, head to www.westroadchurch.org.uk.

As a church, we state that our Grow/Go/Gather mission strategy reflects our desire to make disciples of Jesus (Matthew 28:18-20) who in turn make more disciples. For us discipleship is not classroom/building based but more about a life-long daily apprenticeship of following Jesus, being like Him, obeying Him, proclaiming Him and glorifying Him (Mark 8:34 and Colossians 1:15-20). This is our aim but what does this really looks like as we slowly emerge out of lockdown i.e. what is a disciple, what does a disciple do, how does a disciple live etc are all questions to be addressed in this series. Recorded during the morning service at West Road Church on Sunday 21st February 2021. If you'd like to find out more, head to www.westroadchurch.org.uk.

"While He was saying these things to them, a synagogue official came and bowed down before Him, and said, “My daughter has just died; but come and lay Your hand on her, and she will live.” 19 Jesus got up and began to follow him, and so did His disciples. 20 And a woman who had been suffering from a hemorrhage for twelve years, came up behind Him and touched the fringe of His cloak; 21 for she was saying to herself, “If I only touch His garment, I will get well.” 22 But Jesus turning and seeing her said, “Daughter, take courage; your faith has made you well.” At once the woman was made well. 23 When Jesus came into the official’s house, and saw the flute-players and the crowd in noisy disorder, 24 He said, “Leave; for the girl has not died, but is asleep.” And they began laughing at Him. 25 But when the crowd had been sent out, He entered and took her by the hand, and the girl got up. 26 This news spread throughout all that land." (Matt 9:18-26 NASB)      The events that preceded this double pericope included Jesus calling Matthew to be His disciple and then joining him for dinner (Matt 9:9-10), which included tax collectors, sinners, and hostile Pharisees who joined the party late (Matt 9:11-13). While Jesus was at dinner and answering questions posed by the Pharisees, some disciples of John the Baptist approached Him with a concern as to why they and the Pharisees fasted, but Jesus’ disciples did not (Matt 9:14-17). Matthew then states, “While He was saying these things to them, a synagogue official came and bowed down before Him” (Matt 9:18a). Mark and Luke tell us this official was “one of the synagogue officials named Jairus” (Mark 5:22; cf. Luke 8:41), and that he “implored Him earnestly” (Mark 5:23a). Luke tells us Jairus’ daughter was “an only daughter” and that she was “about twelve years old” (Luke 8:42). That Jairus came and bowed before Jesus demonstrates humility.      Matthew records that Jairus told Jesus, “My daughter has just died” (Matt 9:18b). Mark and Luke state that Jairus’ daughter was “at the point of death” and had not yet passed (Mark 5:23b; cf. Luke 8:42a). It appears Matthew abbreviated the story, knowing the girl would die before Jesus arrived at Jairus’ home. Thomas Constable writes, “According to Matthew he announced that his daughter had just died. Mark and Luke have him saying that she was near death. Since she died before Jesus reached her Matthew evidently condensed the story to present at the outset what was really true before Jesus reached his house.”[1]      Jairus tells Jesus, “but come and lay Your hand on her, and she will live” (Matt 9:18c). Here, Jesus responded to Jairus’ faith, as He “got up and began to follow him, and so did His disciples” (Matt 9:19). It would seem others who were at Matthew’s dinner table heard the discussion and wanted to see what Jesus would do, as Mark informs us “a large crowd was following Him and pressing in on Him” (Mark 5:24). Perhaps these consisted of some of the tax collectors and sinners, the Pharisees, and maybe even some of the disciples of John the Baptist, since they were all with Jesus at the time Jairus approached Him at Matthew’s house.      As Jesus was walking through the city, Mathew informs us about “a woman who had been suffering from a hemorrhage for twelve years” (Matt 9:20a). Mark broadens the account, saying, she “had endured much at the hands of many physicians, and had spent all that she had and was not helped at all, but rather had grown worse” (Mark 5:26; cf. Luke 8:43). Not only had this woman suffered for twelve years, she also paid a lot of money to her physicians, who provided no benefit to her, and her situation only worsened. However, she had not lost all hope, as she came up behind Jesus and “touched the fringe of His cloak. For she was saying to herself, ‘If I only touch His garment, I will get well’” (Matt 9:20b-21). The “fringe of His cloak” probably referred to one of the four tassels that Jewish men wore on the corners of the cloaks which served as a visual reminder they were to live obedient lives to the Lord. Moses wrote: The LORD also spoke to Moses, saying, “Speak to the sons of Israel, and tell them that they shall make for themselves tassels on the corners of their garments throughout their generations, and that they shall put on the tassel of each corner a cord of blue. It shall be a tassel for you to look at and remember all the commandments of the LORD, so as to do them and not follow after your own heart and your own eyes, after which you played the harlot, so that you may remember to do all My commandments and be holy to your God.” (Num 15:37-40)      Touching the tassels of Jesus garment meant touching that part of His clothing that represented moral and ritual purity. According to the Law, ritual purity would have been lost if one came into contact with a woman who was bleeding internally. Craig Keener writes: "This woman’s sickness was reckoned as if she had a menstrual period all month long; it made her continually unclean under the law (Lev 15:19–33)—a social and religious problem in addition to the physical one. If she touched anyone or anyone’s clothes, she rendered that person ceremonially unclean for the rest of the day (cf. Lev 15:26–27). Because she rendered unclean anyone she touched, she should not have even been in this heavy crowd. Many teachers avoided touching women altogether, lest they become accidentally contaminated. Thus she could not touch or be touched, she had probably never married or was now divorced, and she was marginal to Jewish society."[2]      After touching Jesus’ garment, the woman was healed of her hemorrhage. Apparently, Jesus knew power had flowed from Him to another. Mark tells us, “Immediately the flow of her blood was dried up; and she felt in her body that she was healed of her affliction” (Mark 5:29). This woman came to Jesus secretly hoping to steal a cure from Him, without anyone knowing, and she got what she hoped for. And Jesus could have let her go about her life without stopping and drawing attention to her. But He did not. Rather, He made public what only He and the woman knew happened. Mark also informs us about the exchange between Jesus and the healed woman, saying: "Immediately Jesus, perceiving in Himself that the power proceeding from Him had gone forth, turned around in the crowd and said, “Who touched My garments?” And His disciples said to Him, “You see the crowd pressing in on You, and You say, ‘Who touched Me?’” And He looked around to see the woman who had done this. But the woman fearing and trembling, aware of what had happened to her, came and fell down before Him and told Him the whole truth." (Mark 5:30-33; cf. Luke 8:46-47)      Why was the woman afraid? Had years of suffering and being ostracized made her timid; fearful to be near others, perhaps expecting a rebuke for making others ceremonially unclean? Whatever the reason, she came to Jesus and humbled herself before Him and told Him the truth. But Jesus did not rebuke her. “But Jesus turning and seeing her said [θάρσει, θύγατερ· ἡ πίστις σου σέσωκέν σε], ‘Daughter, take courage; your faith has made you well.’ At once the woman was made well” (Matt 9:22). It was not the woman’s faith that affected her healing, but her faith in the Savior who alone had the power to heal. Matthew employs the Greek verb σῴζω sozo to describe her being “made well.” The verb means to save, deliver, rescue, or liberate. Here, the deliverance is clearly physical. No doubt His gracious words had a healing effect on her tired and wounded soul. It is also likely He did this for Jairus to witness so that his faith, which was about to be tested, might be strengthened for what lay ahead.      Mark informs us, “While He was still speaking, they came from the house of the synagogue official, saying, ‘Your daughter has died; why trouble the Teacher anymore? But Jesus, overhearing what was being spoken, said to the synagogue official, ‘Do not be afraid any longer, only believe’” (Mark 5:35-36; cf. Luke 8:49-50). Here was the test of Jairus’ faith. Though he was surrounded by voices of unbelief, Jesus encouraged him to believe. Jairus had a choice to make, and he obviously chose well. At this point, Jesus thinned the crowd that was traveling with Him, including His disciples, for “He allowed no one to accompany Him, except Peter and James and John the brother of James” (Mark 5:37; cf. Luke 8:51).      Jesus finally arrived at Jairus’ house, and “When Jesus came into the official’s house, and saw the flute-players and the crowd in noisy disorder, He said, ‘Leave; for the girl has not died, but is asleep’” (Matt 9:23-24a). Professional mourners were common in this culture as they helped the grieving family express the pain of their loss. But Jesus told the mourners to leave, for the reason for mourning was about to be removed, as the Giver of life would restore what once was lost. Throughout the Bible, sleep is a common euphemism for death (Dan 12:2; John 11:11; Acts 7:60; 1 Cor 15:6, 18; 1 Th 4:13–15; 2 Pet 3:4). Death is a tyrant that has ruled for millennia, but it cannot stand against the Lord of life, who raises the dead as easily as waking someone from sleep. But Jesus words did not go unheard or without response, as those in the house “began laughing at Him” (Matt 9:24b). But Jesus commanded them to leave, for He would not tolerate their mocking and unbelief.      Jesus permitted only “the child’s father and mother and His own companions” to enter the room where the girl’s body lay (Mark 5:40). And “when the crowd had been sent out, He entered and took her by the hand, and the girl got up” (Matt 9:25). Luke tells us Jesus spoke to the little girl, saying, “Child, arise” (Luke 8:54; cf. Mark 5:41), and that “her spirit returned” (Luke 8:55a). Mark informs us the girl “got up and began to walk” (Mark 5:42; cf. Luke 8:42), and Jesus asked “that something should be given her to eat” (Mark 5:43; Luke 8:55b). Jesus supernaturally raised her back to life, and then requested she be given something to eat, which would strengthen her naturally. Matthew closes this pericope by writing, “This news spread throughout all that land” (Matt 9:26). Warren Wiersbe writes: "It is interesting that Jairus and this woman—two opposite people—met at the feet of Jesus. Jairus was a leading Jewish man; she was an anonymous woman with no prestige or resources. He was a synagogue leader, while her affliction kept her from worship. Jairus came pleading for his daughter; the woman came with a need of her own. The girl had been healthy for 12 years, and then died; the woman had been ill for 12 years and was now made whole. Jairus’ need was public—all knew it; but the woman’s need was private—only Jesus understood. Both Jairus and the woman trusted Christ, and He met their needs."[3]      In summary, Jairus, as well as the woman with the hemorrhage, had confidence that Jesus could help them, and when they knew where Jesus was, their faith became aggressive, pushing through the crowds and overcoming the obstacles to reach the Lord. Here, we see that faith is strong when the need is great and the object of benefit is within reach. This double pericope demonstrated Jesus’ authority to heal the sick and raise the dead. What Jesus did for the helpless woman with the hemorrhage and Jairus’ dead daughter, He will do for those who trust in Him as Savior. For a day will come when there will no longer be sickness in this world and death will be removed. In the eternal state, we learn that Jesus “will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away” (Rev 21:4). And Jesus who sits on His throne will say, “Behold, I am making all things new” (Rev 21:5). Until then, we are trusting in Christ as our Savior (John 3:16), and “looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus” (Tit 2:13).   [1] Tom Constable, Tom Constable’s Expository Notes on the Bible (Galaxie Software, 2003), Mt 9:18. [2] Craig S. Keener, The IVP Bible Background Commentary: New Testament (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1993), Mt 9:20–21. [3] Warren W. Wiersbe, The Bible Exposition Commentary, vol. 1 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1996), 35.

Two men remembered for serving others for Jesus left careers in the arts to commit themselves to where they believed God had called them. James O. Fraser (1886–1938) decided not to pursue being a concert pianist in England to serve the Lisu people in China, while the American Judson Van DeVenter (1855–1939) chose to become an evangelist instead of pursuing a career in art. He later wrote the hymn, “I Surrender All.” While having a vocation in the arts is the perfect calling for many, these men believed God called them to relinquish one career for another. Perhaps they found inspiration from Jesus counseling the rich, young ruler to give up his possessions to follow Him (Mark 10:17–25). Witnessing the exchange, Peter exclaimed, “We have left everything to follow you!” (v. 28). Jesus assured him that God would give those who follow Him “a hundred times as much in this present age” and eternal life (v. 30). But He would give according to His wisdom: “Many who are first will be last, and the last first” (v. 31). No matter where God has placed us, we’re called to daily surrender our lives to Christ, obeying His gentle call to follow Him and serve Him with our talents and resources—whether in the home, office, community, or far from home. As we do, He’ll inspire us to love others, putting their needs above our own.

And all the devils sought Him - Mark 5 - Richard P Oldham Recorded Feb 26 1978

“And He was in the wilderness forty days, being tempted by Satan. And He was with the wild animals, and the angels were ministering to Him” (Mark 1:13).

Give to God what belongs to Him: Mark 12:17

Superman Meets Jesus Series: He is King August 30, 2020 AM Elwyn Johnston Matthew 8:28 - 34 Verse of the Week: “When Jesus was still some distance away, the man saw Jesus, ran to meet Him, and bowed low before Him.” Mark 5:6 1. You are important to God! “When Jesus got out of the boat, immediately a man from the tombs with an unclean spirit met Him” Mark 5:2 “he was…cutting himself with stones.” Mark 5:5 Capernaum – village of comfort “had not put on any clothing for a long time, and was not living in a house, but in the tombs.” Luke 8:27 “sitting down, clothed and in his right mind” Mark 5:15 2. What is important to you? “all the people of the country of the Gerasenes and the surrounding district…were gripped with great fear” Luke 8:37 “the whole city came out to meet Jesus; and when they saw Jesus, they implored Him to leave their region.” Matthew 8:34 The enemy will attack what is valuable to you. “the man from whom the demons had gone out was begging Jesus that he might accompany Him; but Jesus sent him away” Luke 8:38 “Go home to your people and report to them what great things the Lord has done for you, and how He had mercy on you.” Mark 5:19

And there arose a fierce gale of wind, and the waves were breaking over the boat so much that the boat was already filling up. Jesus Himself was in the stern, asleep on the cushion; and they woke Him and said to Him, "Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?" And He got up and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, "Hush, be still." And the wind died down and it became perfectly calm. And He said to them, "Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?" They became very much afraid and said to one another, "Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey Him?" (Mark 4:37-41, NASB) So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed. (John 8:36, NASB) Make Your Own Headlines is a 3-minute podcast striving to help you make the grace of God your top story. With Dow Welsh, pastor of Holland Avenue Baptist Church. For more information visit hollandavenue.com and check out the link below for the sermon podcast. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/holland-avenue/id1355927996?mt=2 Intro music: "Marty's Story" from https://seeds.churchonthemove.com/resources/music https://www.carolinacoastonline.com/entertainment/around_town/article_a3ca43e2-cc21-11ea-aad3-df4a816d3c54.html

Easter 2020 - God is Love Day 30. Jesus still meets people today "I am trying here to prevent anyone saying the really foolish thing that people often say about Him: 'I'm ready to accept Jesus as a great moral teacher, but I don't accept His claim to be God.' That is the one thing we must not say. A man who was merely a man and said the sort of things Jesus said would not be a great moral teacher. He would either be a lunatic - on the level with the man who says he is a poached egg - or else he would be the Devil of Hell. You must make your choice. Either this man was, and is, the Son of God: or else a madman or something worse. You can shut Him up for a fool, you can spit at Him and kill Him as a demon; or you can fall at His feet and call Him Lord and God. But let us not come with any patronising nonsense about His being a great human teacher. He has not left that open to us. He did not intend to." (C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity) But, as we have seen, the good news is that Jesus is still living. The rest of the four Gospels and the beginning of the book of Acts tell us a little more of what Jesus did before He ascended into the heavens. But Jesus still meets with people at the present time. How does He do this? Jesus walks with us, wherever we go and in particular in the darkest periods of our life. Just as he did with the two people on the road to Emmaus, he walks with those who proclaim to follow Him (Mark 16:12-13, Luke 24:13-32). Jesus speaks whenever the Bible is faithfully preached and read from, just as He opened the eyes of those on the Emmaus road when He explained the Scriptures (Luke 24:27). Jesus meets us in the Communion or Lord’s Supper, with the bread and wine, which symbolise His flesh and blood as an act of remembrance of what He did for humanity. But that is not the end, because Jesus has promised that He is coming again. Not as a baby next time, but as an all-conquering Son of God in judgment to gather those who follow Him. Are you ready? So, as we finish this short series, who is Jesus to you? If you want to follow this Jesus, come on over Here is how… You won’t regret it if you do! If you want to turn to God, there is no need for delay. He is ready and willing to take you as his own – right now. You only have to ask him to forgive you and he will! Being a Christian is a partnership between God and yourself. Deciding to change course in mid-life, is what is called conversion, being born again, or deciding to be a Christian. When you place your faith in Jesus, becoming utterly dependent upon him, you turn to God. Once you have made that decision, you leave behind your rebellion against him. As you live each day, becoming more involved with Jesus day by day, you will find yourself changing. You stop doing things which separated you from him and find yourself doing things that develop your relationship with him. How do you develop this relationship? Until you enter into that relationship, sin, or that which alienates you from God, controls your rebellion against him in your attitudes and your activities. You develop this relationship by allowing God to take control of your life, as he asks you to accept his management and guidance of your life. God’s point of view and his strength will become your point of view and your source of strength. You turn your mind, will and heart to him for all you do. If you want to make that decisive step and become a Christian, there are three simple steps to take. Firstly, admit that you have done wrong against God and his ways and turn away from those attitudes. Secondly, believe and trust in Jesus as your Saviour from the consequences of the anger of God towards you and your tendency to sin. Call on him, receive, trust, obey and worship him, recognizing him for who he is and what he has done. Lastly, accept the Holy Spirit of God into your life as the major motivating force for what you do. Once sin has been confessed, Jesus is believed in and trusted as Saviour and the Holy Spirit has entered your life, then you are a Christian. All these things happen together in a flash as you turn to God. Now you are ready to grow in grace and knowledge of our Jesus. Welcome to the family of God! God has chosen you; Jesus has paid for you and has put his mark within you through his Spirit (Ephesians 1). Click or Tap here to listen to or save this as an audio mp3 file Click or tap on the appropriate link below to subscribe, share or download our iPhone App!

**Heb 2:14-15** - 14 Therefore, since the children share in flesh and blood, He Himself likewise also partook of the same, that **through death He might render powerless him who had the power of death,** that is, the devil, 15 and might **free those who through fear of death were subject to slavery all their lives.** **Scene 1—The sickness that leads to glory (vs. 1-6)** - 11 Now a certain man was sick, Lazarus of Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha. 2 It was the Mary who anointed the Lord with ointment, and wiped His feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was sick. - 3 So the sisters sent word to Him, saying, "Lord, behold, he whom You love is sick." - 4 But when Jesus heard this, He said, "This sickness is not to end in death, but for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified by it." 5 Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. - 6 So when He heard that he was sick, He then stayed two days longer in the place where He was. **Scene 2—The clueless disciples (vs. 7-16)** - 7 Then after this He said to the disciples, "Let us go to Judea again." 8 The disciples said to Him, "Rabbi, the Jews were just now seeking to stone You, and are You going there again?" - 9 Jesus answered, "Are there not twelve hours in the day? If anyone walks in the day, he does not stumble, because he sees the light of this world. 10 "But if anyone walks in the night, he stumbles, because the light is not in him." - 11 This He said, and after that He said to them, "Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep; but I go, so that I may awaken him out of sleep." - 12 The disciples then said to Him, "Lord, if he has fallen asleep, he will recover." 13 Now Jesus had spoken of his death, but they thought that He was speaking of literal sleep. - 14 So Jesus then said to them plainly, "Lazarus is dead, - 15 and I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, so that you may believe; but let us go to him." 16 Therefore Thomas, who is called Didymus, said to his fellow disciples, "Let us also go, so that we may die with Him." - ** Mark 8:31-32** 31 And He began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and the chief priests and the scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again. 32 And He was stating the matter plainly. And **Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him** - **Mark 9:31-34** 31 For He was teaching His disciples and telling them, "The Son of Man is to be delivered into the hands of men, and they will kill Him; and when He has been killed, He will rise three days later." 32 But they did not understand this statement, and **they were afraid to ask Him.** 33 They came to Capernaum; and when He was in the house, He began to question them, **"What were you discussing on the way?" 34 But they kept silent, for on the way they had discussed with one another which of them was the greatest.** - ** Mark 10:33-37** 33 saying, "Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be delivered to the chief priests and the scribes; and they will condemn Him to death and will hand Him over to the Gentiles. 34 "They will mock Him and spit on Him, and scourge Him and kill Him, and three days later He will rise again." 35 James and John, the two sons of Zebedee, came up to Jesus, saying, **"Teacher, we want You to do for us whatever we ask of You." 36 And He said to them, "What do you want Me to do for you?" 37 They said to Him, "Grant that we may sit, one on Your right and one on Your left, in Your glory."** **Scene 3 -- Jesus meets Martha (vs. 17-27)** - 17 So when Jesus came, He found that he had already been in the tomb four days. 18 Now Bethany was near Jerusalem, about two miles off; 19 and many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary, to console them concerning their brother. - 20 Martha therefore, when she heard that Jesus was coming, went to meet Him, but Mary stayed at the house. 21 Martha then said to Jesus, "Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died. - 22 "Even now I know that whatever You ask of God, God will give You." - 23 Jesus said to her, "Your brother will rise again." 24 Martha said to Him, "I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day." - 25 Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies, 26 and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this?" - 27 She said to Him, "Yes, Lord; I have believed that You are the Christ, the Son of God, even He who comes into the world." - 1 John 5:12 - 12 He who has the Son has the life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have the life. - Rom 10:9 - that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; **Scene 4 -- Jesus Meets Mary (vs. 28-37)** - 28 When she had said this, she went away and called Mary her sister, saying secretly, "The Teacher is here and is calling for you." 29 And when she heard it, she got up quickly and was coming to Him. 30 Now Jesus had not yet come into the village, but was still in the place where Martha met Him. 31 Then the Jews who were with her in the house, and consoling her, when they saw that Mary got up quickly and went out, they followed her, supposing that she was going to the tomb to weep there. - 32 Therefore, when Mary came where Jesus was, she saw Him, and fell at His feet, saying to Him, "Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died." - 33 When Jesus therefore saw her weeping, and the Jews who came with her also weeping, He was deeply moved in spirit and was troubled, 34 and said, "Where have you laid him?" They said to Him, "Lord, come and see." - 35 Jesus wept. - 36 So the Jews were saying, "See how He loved him!" 37 But some of them said, "Could not this man, who opened the eyes of the blind man, have kept this man also from dying?" **Scene 5 – Lazarus is raised (vs. 38-46)** - 38 So Jesus, again being deeply moved within, came to the tomb. Now it was a cave, and a stone was lying against it. - 39 Jesus said, "Remove the stone." - Martha, the sister of the deceased, said to Him, "Lord, by this time there will be a stench, for he has been dead four days." - 40 Jesus said to her, "Did I not say to you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?" 41 So they removed the stone. - Then Jesus raised His eyes, and said, "Father, I thank You that You have heard Me. 42 "I knew that You always hear Me; but because of the people standing around I said it, so that they may believe that You sent Me." - 43 When He had said these things, He cried out with a loud voice, "Lazarus, come forth." - 44 The man who had died came forth, bound hand and foot with wrappings, and his face was wrapped around with a cloth. Jesus said to them, "Unbind him, and let him go." - 45 Therefore many of the Jews who came to Mary, and saw what He had done, believed in Him. - 46 But some of them went to the Pharisees and told them the things which Jesus had done. - **Mark 9:22-25** - 22 "It has often thrown him both into the fire and into the water to destroy him. But if You can do anything, take pity on us and help us!" 23 And Jesus said to him, " 'If You can?' All things are possible to him who believes." 24 Immediately the boy's father cried out and said, **"I do believe; help my unbelief."** - **Jeremiah 8:11** - 11 They have healed the wound of my people lightly, saying, 'Peace, peace,' when there is no peace. **1 Cor 15:52-57** - 52 in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet; for the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. 53 For this perishable must put on the imperishable, and this mortal must put on immortality. 54 But when this perishable will have put on the imperishable, and this mortal will have put on immortality, then will come about the saying that is written, "DEATH IS SWALLOWED UP in victory. 55 "O DEATH, WHERE IS YOUR VICTORY? O DEATH, WHERE IS YOUR STING?" 56 The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law; 57 but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

COMMENTARY A recurring theme we’ve seen in the book of Mark has been Jesus’ identity as the Son of God. Story after story demonstrates that the God of Israel has now appeared as the person of Jesus. This theme rises to a crescendo in today’s reading when Jesus makes His first public claim about His divinity (Mark 14:62). While Mark wants us to understand that Jesus was fully God, He also wants us to see that He was also fully human. No story expresses His humanity more poignantly than the first episode we read today. Mark 14:32-41 describes Jesus’ raw moments of anguish as He waits with Peter, James, and John for His arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane. Here, Jesus is described as “deeply distressed and troubled.” He admits to being “overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death” (Mark 14:34). Earlier, Jesus confidently told James and John that they would drink from a “cup” of suffering with Him (Mark 10:38). Now in their presence, He falls to the ground and pleads God to take this “cup” from Him (Mark 14:36). This is a degree of psychological distress that we are unaccustomed to seeing in Jesus. One reason why Mark might have included this vivid story could be that it shows us that Jesus had a full human experience. He suffered in every way, not just externally but also internally. By enduring the onslaught of sin in all its forms, He became for us a perfect and sympathetic Savior (Hebrews 2:14-18; 4:15; 5:7-10). Another reason why we might have this story is that Jesus shows us how to persevere when we suffer for following Him. Jesus finds His inner resolve by praying to the Father three separate times. In contrast, Peter falls asleep three times instead of praying as Jesus asks, “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation” (Mark 14:38). It’s noteworthy that at the end of today’s reading, Peter, in his own time of temptation, disowns Jesus three times (Mark 14:66-72). Jesus’ example, therefore, illustrates the power we can receive from God through prayer. God may not always give us exactly what we want for ourselves, but if we turn to Him, God offers the peace and power to persevere. SCRIPTURE MARK 14:32–72 GETHSEMANE 32 They went to a place called Gethsemane, and Jesus said to his disciples, “Sit here while I pray.” 33 He took Peter, James and John along with him, and he began to be deeply distressed and troubled. 34 “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death,” he said to them. “Stay here and keep watch.” 35 Going a little farther, he fell to the ground and prayed that if possible the hour might pass from him. 36 “Abba, Father,” he said, “everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.” 37 Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. “Simon,” he said to Peter, “are you asleep? Couldn’t you keep watch for one hour? 38 Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” 39 Once more he went away and prayed the same thing. 40 When he came back, he again found them sleeping, because their eyes were heavy. They did not know what to say to him. 41 Returning the third time, he said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? Enough! The hour has come. Look, the Son of Man is delivered into the hands of sinners. 42 Rise! Let us go! Here comes my betrayer!” JESUS ARRESTED 43 Just as he was speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, appeared. With him was a crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests, the teachers of the law, and the elders. 44 Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: “The one I kiss is the man; arrest him and lead him away under guard.” 45 Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, “Rabbi!” and kissed him. 46 The men seized Jesus and arrested him. 47 Then one of those standing near drew his sword and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear. 48 “Am I leading a rebellion,” said Jesus, “that you have come out with swords and clubs to capture me? 49 Every day I was with you, teaching in the temple courts, and you did not arrest me. But the Scriptures must be fulfilled.” 50 Then everyone deserted him and fled. 51 A young man, wearing nothing but a linen garment, was following Jesus. When they seized him, 52 he fled naked, leaving his garment behind. JESUS BEFORE THE SANHEDRIN 53 They took Jesus to the high priest, and all the chief priests, the elders and the teachers of the law came together. 54 Peter followed him at a distance, right into the courtyard of the high priest. There he sat with the guards and warmed himself at the fire. 55 The chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were looking for evidence against Jesus so that they could put him to death, but they did not find any. 56 Many testified falsely against him, but their statements did not agree. 57 Then some stood up and gave this false testimony against him: 58 “We heard him say, ‘I will destroy this temple made with human hands and in three days will build another, not made with hands.’ ” 59 Yet even then their testimony did not agree. 60 Then the high priest stood up before them and asked Jesus, “Are you not going to answer? What is this testimony that these men are bringing against you?” 61 But Jesus remained silent and gave no answer. Again the high priest asked him, “Are you the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One?” 62 “I am,” said Jesus. “And you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven.” 63 The high priest tore his clothes. “Why do we need any more witnesses?” he asked. 64 “You have heard the blasphemy. What do you think?” They all condemned him as worthy of death. 65 Then some began to spit at him; they blindfolded him, struck him with their fists, and said, “Prophesy!” And the guards took him and beat him. PETER DISOWNS JESUS 66 While Peter was below in the courtyard, one of the servant girls of the high priest came by. 67 When she saw Peter warming himself, she looked closely at him. “You also were with that Nazarene, Jesus,” she said. 68 But he denied it. “I don’t know or under- stand what you’re talking about,” he said, and went out into the entryway. 69 When the servant girl saw him there, she said again to those standing around, “This fellow is one of them.” 70 Again he denied it. After a little while, those standing near said to Peter, “Surely you are one of them, for you are a Galilean.” 71 He began to call down curses, and he swore to them, “I don’t know this man you’re talking about.” 72 Immediately the rooster crowed the second time. Then Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken to him: “Before the rooster crows twice you will disown me three times.” And he broke down and wept. REFLECTION 1. Mark 14:47 says, “Then one of those standing near drew his sword and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear.” This reaction reflects another misunderstanding about what Jesus was trying to accomplish as the Messiah. He wasn’t “leading a rebellion” (Mark 14:48). He was establishing a fundamentally different type of kingdom. This raises the question for us; is it ever appropriate for us to strike at someone like this? Why? 2. How do Jesus’ prayers in the garden help nuance His earlier teaching: “Whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours” (Mark 11:24)? In what situation do you need to echo Jesus’ words, “Not what I will, but what you will” (Mark 14:36)?

COMMENTARY Throughout the last two readings in Mark, Jesus has been on a journey to Jerusalem. In today’s reading, this journey ends in the same miraculous way that it started, with Jesus healing a blind man (Mark 8:22-26; 10:46-52). On its own, this closing story is significant because it reveals Jesus’ Messianic identity as the one who can bring sight to the blind (Isaiah 35:5; 42:7). Where it is located, the story is especially ironic because it shows how a blind beggar named Bartimaeus can “see” what others along the journey have failed to see. For example, Mark 10:50 tells how Bartimaeus abandons his cloak when Jesus calls to Him. This might not seem like a big deal to us, but for a beggar like Bartimaeus, this was a major sacrifice. His cloak may have been his only possession, and it was likely the place where he received alms. By casting his cloak aside in his pursuit of Jesus, Bartimaeus shows that he sees that following Jesus is worth more than making money. This is in direct contrast to the rich man described in Mark 10:17-22, who rejects Jesus when Jesus asks him to sell everything. Unlike Bartimaeus, the rich man couldn’t see that Jesus can give “a hundred times as much” to those who leave everything to follow Him (Mark 10:30). Bartimaeus also sees what two disciples, James and John, fail to see. Jesus asks all of them the same question: “What do you want me to do for you?” (Mark 10:36, 51). The response of James and John shows they still have a misguided view of the kingdom: “Let one of us sit at your right and the other at your left in your glory” (Mark 10:37). In contrast, Bartimaeus’ request shows that He sees Jesus as a Messiah who bestows “mercy” rather than seats of power (Mark 10:40, 47). Bartimaeus humbly but boldly tells Jesus, “I want to see” (Mark 10:51). This story about Bartimaeus should remind us that “the kingdom of God belongs to such as these” (Mark 10:14). Even though he had been a blind beggar, Jesus welcomed Bartimaeus into His community of “seeing” followers (Mark 10:52). Likewise, the spiritual blindness of the disciples and the rich man should challenge us to consider whether the love of power or money has blinded us to the way of Christ and His kingdom. Jesus can help us see, but first we have to recognize that we are blind. SCRIPTURE MARK 10 CHAPTER 10 DIVORCE 1 Jesus then left that place and went into the region of Judea and across the Jordan. Again crowds of people came to him, and as was his custom, he taught them. 2 Some Pharisees came and tested him by asking, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?” 3 “What did Moses command you?” he replied. 4 They said, “Moses permitted a man to write a certificate of divorce and send her away.” 5 “It was because your hearts were hard that Moses wrote you this law,” Jesus replied. 6 “But at the beginning of creation God ‘made them male and female.’ 7 ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, 8 and the two will become one flesh.’ So they are no longer two, but one flesh. 9 Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.” 10 When they were in the house again, the disciples asked Jesus about this. 11 He answered, “Anyone who divorces his wife and marries another woman commits adultery against her. 12 And if she divorces her husband and marries another man, she commits adultery.” THE LITTLE CHILDREN AND JESUS 13 People were bringing little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them, but the disciples rebuked them. 14 When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. 15 Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” 16 And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them. THE RICH AND THE KINGDOM OF GOD 17 As Jesus started on his way, a man ran up to him and fell on his knees before him. “Good teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” 18 “Why do you call me good?” Jesus answered. “No one is good—except God alone. 19 You know the commandments: ‘You shall not murder, you shall not commit adultery, you shall not steal, you shall not give false testimony, you shall not defraud, honor your father and mother.’” 20 “Teacher,” he declared, “all these I have kept since I was a boy.” 21 Jesus looked at him and loved him. “One thing you lack,” he said. “Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” 22 At this the man’s face fell. He went away sad, because he had great wealth. 23 Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God!” 24 The disciples were amazed at his words. But Jesus said again, “Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God! 25 It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.” 26 The disciples were even more amazed, and said to each other, “Who then can be saved?” 27 Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.” 28 Then Peter spoke up, “We have left everything to follow you!” 29 “Truly I tell you,” Jesus replied, “no one who has left home or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for me and the gospel 30 will fail to receive a hundred times as much in this present age: homes, brothers, sisters, mothers, children and fields—along with persecutions—and in the age to come eternal life. 31 But many who are first will be last, and the last first.” JESUS PREDICTS HIS DEATH A THIRD TIME 32 They were on their way up to Jerusalem, with Jesus leading the way, and the disciples were astonished, while those who followed were afraid. Again he took the Twelve aside and told them what was going to happen to him. 33 “We are going up to Jerusalem,” he said, “and the Son of Man will be delivered over to the chief priests and the teachers of the law. They will condemn him to death and will hand him over to the Gentiles, 34 who will mock him and spit on him, flog him and kill him. Three days later he will rise.” THE REQUEST OF JAMES AND JOHN 35 Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to him. “Teacher,” they said, “we want you to do for us whatever we ask.” 36 “What do you want me to do for you?” he asked. 37 They replied, “Let one of us sit at your right and the other at your left in your glory.” 38 “You don’t know what you are asking,” Jesus said. “Can you drink the cup I drink or be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with?” 39 “We can,” they answered. Jesus said to them, “You will drink the cup I drink and be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with, 40 but to sit at my right or left is not for me to grant. These places belong to those for whom they have been prepared.” 41 When the ten heard about this, they became indignant with James and John. 42 Jesus called them together and said, “You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. 43 Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, 44 and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. 45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” BLIND BARTIMAEUS RECEIVES HIS SIGHT 46 Then they came to Jericho. As Jesus and his disciples, together with a large crowd, were leaving the city, a blind man, Bartimaeus (which means “son of Timaeus”), was sitting by the roadside begging. 47 When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” 48 Many rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” 49 Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.” So they called to the blind man, “Cheer up! On your feet! He’s calling you.” 50 Throwing his cloak aside, he jumped to his feet and came to Jesus. 51 “What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus asked him. The blind man said, “Rabbi, I want to see.” 52 “Go,” said Jesus, “your faith has healed you.” Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road. REFLECTION 1. When Bartimaeus was “healed” [literally: saved], he was no longer content to sit “by the roadside,” but instead actively followed Jesus “along the road” (Mark 10:46, 52). How would you describe your own faith walk right now? Are you more like a fan, passively watching from the sidelines, or are you actively participating in your faith? 2. Imagine that Jesus asks you the same question He asks James, John, and Bartimaeus: “What do you want me to do for you?” (Mark 10:36, 51). How do you respond?

March 22 2020 - Sunday AM Sermon Why Jesus Said No to a Man Who Begged to Go with Him - Mark 5:15-20 Duration 23:24  

COMMENTARY In today’s reading, we encounter a collection of parables about the kingdom of God. A key to interpreting parables is recognizing their riddle-like nature. Parables aren’t always as simple as they might seem. In fact, Jesus indicates that they are meant to conceal as much as they reveal (Mark 4:11-12, 33-34). We see this in the parable of the mustard seed. On the surface, this parable teaches about the potential growth of Jesus’ kingdom. Just as the “smallest” of seeds can grow into the “largest of all garden plants,” so the kingdom of God has the potential to become great. This is an accurate interpretation, but there is another layer of meaning to this parable. Jesus doesn’t just say that a mustard seed can grow into a large garden plant. He adds that it has “such big branches that the birds can perch [literally: nest] in its shade” (Mark 4:32). This is a curious addition because birds generally don’t make nests in mustard shrubs, as His agrarian listeners would have known. Mustard shrubs are typically too weak and too hollow. This addition to the parable could be a hint about the supernatural character of this particular mustard shrub and therefore of the kingdom. Jesus’ kingdom would grow into something bigger and better than the laws of nature could ever predict. This addition could also provide a clue about the humility of the kingdom. Jesus is clearly playing off themes from Ezekiel 17, a messianic parable in the Old Testament. In that parable, God says He would plant a sprig that would one day grow into a cedar tree, a tree renowned for its stature. Ezekiel 17:23 says that the cedar would become so great that “birds of every kind will nest in it; they will find shelter in the shade of its branches.” The connections between Ezekiel 17 and the parable of the mustard seed are unmistakable. In both parables, seedlings become great plants that provide homes for birds. The main difference is that one is about a stately cedar tree, and the other is about a comparatively less impressive mustard shrub. Jesus therefore seems to be teaching a lesson not only about the growth of the kingdom but also about its character. His parable offers a corrective to those listening, both back then and today, who expect that the kingdom of God should reflect the pomp and pageantry of a cedar tree. The kingdom of God has power beyond what the laws of nature can explain. But unlike the kingdoms of this world, God’s kingdom comes with the humility of a modest mustard shrub. SCRIPTURE MARK 4:1–34 CHAPTER 4 THE PARABLE OF THE SOWER 1 Again Jesus began to teach by the lake. The crowd that gathered around him was so large that he got into a boat and sat in it out on the lake, while all the people were along the shore at the water’s edge. 2 He taught them many things by parables, and in his teaching said: 3 “Listen! A farmer went out to sow his seed. 4 As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. 5 Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. 6 But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. 7 Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants, so that they did not bear grain. 8 Still other seed fell on good soil. It came up, grew and produced a crop, some multiplying thirty, some sixty, some a hundred times.” 9 Then Jesus said, “Whoever has ears to hear, let them hear.” 10 When he was alone, the Twelve and the others around him asked him about the parables. 11 He told them, “The secret of the kingdom of God has been given to you. But to those on the outside everything is said in parables 12 so that, “ ‘they may be ever seeing but never perceiving, and ever hearing but never understanding; otherwise they might turn and be forgiven!’” 13 Then Jesus said to them, “Don’t you understand this parable? How then will you understand any parable? 14 The farmer sows the word. 15 Some people are like seed along the path, where the word is sown. As soon as they hear it, Satan comes and takes away the word that was sown in them. 16 Others, like seed sown on rocky places, hear the word and at once receive it with joy. 17 But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away. 18 Still others, like seed sown among thorns, hear the word; 19 but the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things come in and choke the word, making it unfruitful. 20 Others, like seed sown on good soil, hear the word, accept it, and produce a crop—some thirty, some sixty, some a hundred times what was sown.” A LAMP ON A STAND 21 He said to them, “Do you bring in a lamp to put it under a bowl or a bed? Instead, don’t you put it on its stand? 22 For whatever is hid- den is meant to be disclosed, and whatever is concealed is meant to be brought out into the open. 23 If anyone has ears to hear, let them hear.” 24 “Consider carefully what you hear,” he continued. “With the measure you use, it will be measured to you—and even more. 25 Whoever has will be given more; whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them.” THE PARABLE OF THE GROWING SEED 26 He also said, “This is what the kingdom of God is like. A man scatters seed on the ground. 27 Night and day, whether he sleeps or gets up, the seed sprouts and grows, though he does not know how. 28 All by itself the soil produces grain—first the stalk, then the head, then the full kernel in the head. 29 As soon as the grain is ripe, he puts the sickle to it, because the harvest has come.” THE PARABLE OF THE MUSTARD SEED 30 Again he said, “What shall we say the kingdom of God is like, or what parable shall we use to describe it? 31 It is like a mustard seed, which is the smallest of all seeds on earth. 32 Yet when planted, it grows and becomes the largest of all garden plants, with such big branches that the birds can perch in its shade.” 33 With many similar parables Jesus spoke the word to them, as much as they could understand. 34 He did not say anything to them without using a parable. But when he was alone with his own disciples, he explained everything. REFLECTION 1. Considering the political and religious climate of His time, why do you suppose Jesus taught “many things by parables” (Mark 4:2)? Why would He save His explanations about the parables for those who genuinely sought Him as opposed to those who blindly opposed Him (Mark 4:11-12, 34)? 2. In Mark 4:24, Jesus says, “Consider carefully what you hear.” How carefully do you consider Scripture? Do you just breeze through your reading, or do you reflect on its significance in your life? What would help you consider Jesus’ words more carefully?

Jesus said,   Come to Me all who are heavy laden and I will give you rest (Matt. 11:28). "I am with you always, even to the ends of the earth" (Matt. 28:20). He said that His words will not pass away (Mark 13:31). He said that He would raise you up on the last day (John 6:40). He said that whatever you asked in His name would be give to you. (John 14:14). He said He would disclose Himself to you (John 14:21). He said that He would reveal the Father to you (Matt. 11:27) And He said He would return in the clouds and that every eye will see Him (Mark 13:27). Because of who God is and what He has already done for you, you can trust Him even more for the future and have no fear that He will continue to uphold you, love you, and continue His wonderful loving plan in your life.   Will you trust Him? How much will you trust Him? How much will you rest in Him? It's up to you. Teleconference Wednesday night 8:30 EST. (202)780-1279  Support this ministry in several ways:  https://giv.li/p2nj61 https://www.patreon.com/speaklifechurchpodcast   Thanks, Rev. Kenn Blanchard  

Him Mark and me David are serious for once - but don't worry, it doesn't last too long. There's plenty of smut to titillate (Mark's favourite word - both of them!). We squeeze into some leaky tighty whities as we ponder viruses, sign language for porn movies and doughnuts. Or is that donuts?

I find myself somewhat bothered by the fact that sometimes when I am reading my Bible, I come to a spectacular WOW or AWESOME moment, and because I have read it so many times, I simply move ahead to the next verse. I ask The Lord to help me overcome that ho hum way of reading and thinking. In today's study, Jesus takes Peter, James and John with Him up to a high mountain to pray. As He is praying, Jesus was transfigured before them. While they are praying, Moses and Elijah appear in glory and are heard talking to Jesus about His crucifixion. Luke tells us that these three men were heavy with sleep. (Thank you, guys, for being so human!!) Peter asks Jesus if it would be okay for him to build a tabernacle for Moses, Elijah and Him. Immediately, The Father declares, “This is My Beloved Son, hear Him!” What a word for us today! Hear Jesus. It grieves The Spirit of God when men are quoted more than Jesus Christ, The Son of God. The transfiguration of Jesus followed His commands to deny yourself, pick up your cross and follow Him (Mark 8:34). In other words, for those who choose to follow Jesus, this very same transfiguration is what lies ahead for you. Paul tells us that in 1 Corinthians 15:35-54 and Philippians 3:21. However, this transformation begins the very moment that you repent of your sin, receive Jesus Christ as Lord, and begin to follow Him by the power of The Spirit and renewing your mind with The Word of God (Romans 12:1,2; 2 Corinthians 3:18). Selah

Investigating Jesus Part 45 Jesus meets people today As we have seen in recent studies in this series, Jesus is still living, He is alive and he meets with people today. I have met with Jesus and I am one of many who have encountered the risen and ascended Jesus Christ. I continue to meet with Jesus each day and in all circumstances of life. How does he do this? Jesus walks with us, where ever we go and particularly in the darkest periods of our life. Just as he did with the two people on the road to Emmaus, he walks with those who claim to follow Him (Mark 16:12-13, Luke 24:13-32). Jesus speaks whenever the Bible is faithfully preached and read from, just as He opened the eyes of those on the Emmaus road when He explained the Scriptures (Luke 24:27). Jesus meets us in the Communion or Lord’s Supper, with the bread and wine, which symbolise His flesh and blood as an act of remembrance of what He did for humanity. But that is not the end, because Jesus has promised that He is coming again. Not as a baby next time, but as an all conquering Son of God in judgment to gather those who follow Him. Are you ready? How can you become a Christian today, right now? If you want to turn to God right now, there is no need for delay. God is ready and willing to take you as his own right now. You only have to ask him to forgive you and to give you help on the journey ahead which he will do by giving you the gift of the Holy Spirit. It is a nurturing and personal partnership between God and yourself. The act of deciding to change course in mid-life, is what is called conversion. You may also know it as being born again or deciding to be a Christian. When you place your faith in Jesus, becoming utterly dependent upon him, you turn to God. That means that you have changed your intentions in the way you are going to live in future. However, once you have made that decision, you leave behind your spiritual isolation and rebellion against him. As you live each day, becoming more involved with Jesus day by day, you will discover you are changing. You will find yourself doing things that please Jesus and developing your relationship with him. Until you enter a personal relationship with God, accepting his gift of salvation for yourself, sin (all that which alienates you from God), controls your rebellion against him. This sin is seen in your attitudes and your activities. God asks you to accept his management and guidance of your life. When you do that, God’s point of view and his strength become your point of view and your source of strength. You turn your mind, will and heart to him for all you do. If you want to become a Christian and start a new life of adventure following Jesus Christ, you need to open the gift of grace for yourself in order to receive it. There are three simple steps to take: Admit that you have done wrong against God and his ways and turn away from those attitudes. Believe and trust in Jesus as your Saviour from the consequences of the anger of God towards you and your tendency to sin. Call on him, receive, trust, obey and worship him, recognizing him for who he is and what he has done. Accept the Holy Spirit of God into your life as the major motivating force for what you do. Once sin has been confessed, Jesus is believed in and trusted as Saviour then God the Holy Spirit has entered your life, then you are a Christian. All these things happen together instantly as you turn to God, being ready to grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus! That is a WOW moment in your life. Welcome to the family of God. God has chosen you; Jesus has paid for you and has put his mark within you through the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:1-13). Once you have made that decision, you leave behind your rebellion against him. As you live each day, becoming more involved with Jesus day by day, you will find yourself changing. You stop doing things which separated you from him and find yourself doing things that develop your relationship with him. How do you develop this relationship? Until you enter that relationship, sin, or that which alienates you from God, controls your rebellion against him in your attitudes and your activities. You develop this relationship by allowing God to take control of your life, as he asks you to accept his management and guidance of your life. God’s point of view and his strength will become your point of view and your source of strength. You turn your mind, will and heart to him for all you do. Click or Tap here to listen to or save this as an audio mp3 file You can now purchase our Partakers books! Please do click or tap here to visit our Amazon site! Click or tap on the appropriate link below to subscribe, share or download our iPhone App!

From the series: "Life-Changing Encounters with the Savior" Mark 4:35-41 1. The presence of Jesus does not guarantee a life free of difficulty (Mark 4:35-37). 2. Jesus cares about you in every situation, including life's fiercest storms (Mark 4:38-39). 3. The Lord uses storms to teach us and increase our faith in Him (Mark 4:40). 4. Jesus is greater than our storms (Mark 4:41).

Here are some (not all) of the Messianic prophecies fulfilled by Jesus in the Garden, on the cross, and during His death according to Psalms 22:  Verse 1- Forsaken by God (Mark 15:34). V. 2- Praying without ceasing before His death (Matthew 26:38-39). V. 6- Despised and rejected by His own people (Luke 23:21-23). V. 7- Mocked (Mt. 27:39). V. 8- Evil people will say, “He trusted in God, let Him now deliver Him.” (Mt. 27:41-43). V. 11- “None to help” because His disciples abandoned Him (Mark 14:50). V. 14a- Blood and water came out of His body (John 19:34). V. 14b, 16b- Death by crucifixion, hands and feet pierced (Mt. 27:35). V. 15- His thirst while suffering death (John 19:28). V. 16a- Gentiles (Jews called them dogs) will be present at His crucifixion (Luke 23:36). V. 16b- “A band of evildoers” refers in this particular case to the religious Jews that hated him and saw to it that He was crucified (Mt. 27:41-43). V. 18- Casting lots for His garments (John 19:23-24). … And the list goes on! Wow! That Psalm is so precise and so clear that you have to have help to misunderstand it! It was given through David 1000 years before the Messiah hung on the cross. Again, WOW! Listen to this anointed podcast and PLEASE forward it to all your family and friends. Glory to God!  Download the free book that was the basis for most of this study, “The Story of our Great Redemption: Beyond Human Imagination!” That's the link to get the free 194-page book. I've published five different versions on this subject since 1977. The latest 2013 version in Spanish,“Tres Días y Tres Noches en el Corazón de la Tierra” is 290 pages long. That is the most complete version I have published. In its pages are many of the extra things I brought out in these podcasts that were not in previous versions. Get the free "Tres Días..." PDF here. Glory to God!

Cody Busby - Us and Him - Mark 14:26-52

Investigating Jesus Part 16 Jesus’ Teaching (Part 1) What did Jesus teach? Throughout the Gospels, Jesus appeals to the Old Testament scriptures in every facet of his teaching. We see that Jesus frequently used Old Testament Scripture in his teachings concerning morality and the Laws (Matthew 5:14-8), the historical stories (Matthew 24:27-29) and in his debates with the religious leaders. Quite possibly, the supreme example of his teaching can be found in what we call the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:1-7:29). Whilst mainly speaking to his disciples, he allowed the crowds to listen. In this discourse, all of Jesus’ teachings are exhibited. Key themes from the Sermon on the Mount include: a Christian Disciple’s character, influence, righteousness, religion, devotional life, ambition and relationships. We look now at just 2 topics that Jesus taught. Firstly Regarding Himself: Whilst Jesus never directly claimed to be God, he did things only God could do. He claimed authority to forgive sins (Matthew 9:1-7). He also claimed exclusivity in being alone as the only way that a human could be engaged in an active & dynamic relationship with God. We see that when Jesus said: "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6). Jesus’ claim to be the prophesied and long awaited for Messiah, or Son of Man, is an appeal to Old Testament texts and their subsequent fulfilment and completion in Him (Mark 8:29-33). Primary amongst this, was his teaching that the Messiah must suffer and be glorified, which was also an appeal to Old Testament scripture (Luke 9:31; Luke 12:50; John 10:11-15). Now secondly, regarding the Kingdom of God: Jesus preached that entrance to the kingdom of God was through repentance (Matthew 3:2) and this repentance led to a spiritual rebirth (John 3:1-8). He calls all Christian Disciples to seek it first (Matthew 6:33) and to pray for it (Matthew 6:10). But what is the Kingdom of God? The Kingdom of God as taught by Jesus, was not a political uprising against the Romans, as thought by some people, including his disciples James and John (Mark 10:35-45). The Kingdom of God is a personal inner spiritual relationship with God as the ruler over the life of the Christian Disciple, but it is also the Christian Disciple exhibiting this relationship with God in a visible new society (Matthew 25:34; Luke 13:29). Parables such as the corn and weeds (Matthew 13:24-30) and the mustard seed (Mark 4:3-32) typify Jesus’ teaching on this. Next episode we will look more specifically at who Jesus taught Click or Tap here to listen to or save this as an audio mp3 file ~ You can now purchase our Partakers books! Please do click or tap here to visit our Amazon site! Click or tap on the appropriate link below to subscribe, share or download our iPhone App!

Pastor Vlad continues with part 4 of the series, “True Worship” with a message titled, “Deliverance is for the Desperate”. When your situation goes from bad to worse, turn it from worse to worship. Message Notes: Praise silences the devil and devil wants to silence your praise (Psalm 8:2; Isaiah 61:3; 1 Samuel 16:23). Devil has a mute spirit on the payroll to shut up Christians from praising and praying (Mark 9:25). Animal names for the devil: - bird (Matthew 13:4) - wolf (John 10:12) - like a lion (1 Peter 5:8) - dragon (Revelation 12:9) - snake (Genesis 3:1) Voice activates vice. Matthew 15:21-28 1. Don’t let God’s silence stop you. “But He answered her not a word” Matthew 15:23 2. If you can’t get to Jesus, get to His disciples. “And His disciples came and urged Him” Matthew 15:23 3. When things go from bad to worse, it’s time to turn the worse into worship. “Then she came and worshipped Him” Matthew 15:25 “When he saw Jesus from afar, he ran and worshipped Him” Mark 5:6 4. Before the truth will set you free it will make you miserable. 5. Deliverance to a believers what bread is to a child. Deliverance is for the desperate. Pastor Vlad released a new book "BREAK FREE", available on iBooks, Amazon, Kindle, Audible and everywhere books are sold. For more information: http://www.hungrygen.com/breakfreebook Stay connected with Pastor Vlad Instagram https://www.instagram.com/vladhungrygen Facebook https://www.facebook.com/vladhungrygen Twitter https://www.twitter.com/vladhungrygen Subscribe to his blog: https://www.hungrygen.com/blog

The Bible tells us, “God is _________.” Yeah, you can complete that sentence. Everyone can. “God is love” (1 John 4:8). We're so familiar with the phrase that we forget love is both a commitment of unconditional covenant and it is an emotion. God, committed to us, is emotional, too. Throughout the New Testament we read truths like- Jesus was distressed with the Pharisees (Mark 3:5)/ Jesus was moved with compassion (Mark 6:34). Jesus was full of joy through the Hoy Spirit (Luke 10:21). Jesus was sorrowful and troubled (Matthew 26:37-38). Jesus lingers even now, because the Lord is patient (2 Peter 3:9). In God (Jesus is God) we see the full range of emotions- even the ones we typically consider to be “bad” or “taboo” ones- expressed in a healthy way. There aren't bad emotions. Again, notice Jesus Himself experiencing the “bad” ones- Jesus wept multiple times throughout His ministry, including at Lazarus' tomb (John 11:35) and even over the city of Jerusalem itself (see Luke 13:35, 19:41). Jesus became angry on several occasions. He overturned the money changers' tables in the temple, after taking the time to make a whip to loosen the sacrificial animals (John 2:15, Matthew 21:12). He expressed His indignation when the disciples brushed the little children way from Him (Mark 10:14). Besides, we see emotions throughout the Bible- Solomon tells us, “There is a time to weep and a time to laugh… a time to mourn and a time to dance” (Ecclesiastes 3:4). Notice both extremes of the emotional scale are present. Paul acknowledged that we grieve, but “we do not grieve as those who who have no hope” (1 Thessalonians 4:13). That is, the emotion is present- even if we express it in a different way than others. When I grew up (and even until recently), I was confused about emotions. They could be dangerous. We could be deceived or led astray by them. We should never rely on our feelings, in other words. To say it another way, “You shouldn't let the caboose pull the train.” Remember this picture? Maybe there's some accuracy to that. But the truth is that faith can lead us astray, too, if that faith rests on the wrong thing. Facts- if they're the wrong facts- can derail us as well. For years I wanted to run from emotions rather than running towards them. It seemed safer, easier. Yet the way towards health and healing is actually to move straight into the emotions rather than trying to navigate around them. Leif Heitland, a Bible teacher, locked-on to this notion of God's feelings. He writes, “I often ask God to share His emotions with me because I know He is an emotional God- full of compassion, joy, and many other feelings.” Sometimes these feelings are “negative.” We become broken for other people, as we see them dealing with pain. Sometimes we become broken for ourselves. I can't tell you how many times I've broken down and cried as I've worked my way through my story- as I saw the hurt done to me, as I saw the pain I inflicted on my wife, as I realized how much I have exposed my children to spiritual and real danger. The Scripture shows me that God can be found in those emotions, though. And that seeking the Kingdom often involves not simply doing things out in the world but also in doing the tough, deep work of the soul. Further, James says to “Count it all joy when you endure trials” (James 1:2). I historically assumed he referred only to the external pressured we face. Perhaps he does. Or perhaps he refers to internal trials, too. The reality is that externals most often place weight on the soul. I do know that James promises something to those who endure the dark night. In James 1:3-4, he says to consider it joy- “because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” That is, in the tension God takes us to the “end” of ourselves, to a place where we can no longer rely on our personal resources. At that point, He takes us to a place where He produces something new and substantial inside us.

  Easter 2018 Part 10: Jesus still meets people today But, as we have seen, the good news is that Jesus is still living. The rest of the four Gospels and the beginning of the book of Acts tell us a little more of what Jesus did before He ascended into the heavens. But Jesus still meets with people at the present time. How does He do this? Jesus walks with us, where ever we go and in particular in the darkest periods of our life. Just as he did with the two people on the road to Emmaus, he walks with those who proclaim to follow Him (Mark 16:12-13, Luke 24:13-32). Jesus speaks whenever the Bible is faithfully preached and read from, just as He opened the eyes of those on the Emmaus road when He explained the Scriptures (Luke 24:27). Jesus meets us in the Communion or Lord’s Supper, with the bread and wine, which symbolise His flesh and blood as an act of remembrance of what He did for humanity. But that is not the end, because Jesus has promised that He is coming again. Not as a baby next time, but as an all conquering Son of God in judgment to gather those who follow Him. Are you ready? Click or Tap here to listen to or save this as an audio mp3 file ~ You can now purchase our Partakers books! Please do click or tap here to visit our Amazon site! Click or tap on the appropriate link below to subscribe, share or download our iPhone App!

it's ALL about JESUS (#1 in a 4 part series) “Listen to Him” Mark 9:1-8

The Bible is filled with journey upon journey. From Genesis to Revelation, Scripture is full of people on the move and today we are continuing that journey with The Gospel Of Mark. This gospel is unique because it emphasizes Jesus’ actions more than His teaching. It is simply written, moving quickly from one episode in the life of Christ to another. It does not begin with a genealogy as in Matthew, because Gentiles would not be interested in His lineage. After the introduction of Jesus at His baptism, Jesus began His public ministry in Galilee and called the first four of His twelve disciples. What follows is the record of Jesus’ life, death and resurrection. Mark’s account is not just a collection of stories, but a narrative written to reveal that Jesus is the Messiah, not only for the Jews, but for the Gentiles as well. In a dynamic profession, the disciples, led by Peter, acknowledged their faith in Him (Mark 8:29-30), even though they failed to understand fully His Messiahship until after His resurrection. As we follow His journeys through Galilee, the surrounding areas, and then to Judea, we realize what a rapid pace He set. He touched the lives of many people, but He left an indelible mark on His disciples. At the transfiguration (Mark 9:1-9), He gave three of them a preview of His future return in power and glory, and again it was revealed to them who He was. However, in the days leading to His final trip to Jerusalem, we see them bewildered, fearful and doubting. At Jesus’ arrest, He stood alone after they fled. In the following hours of the mock trials, Jesus boldly proclaimed that He is the Christ, the Son of the Blessed One, and that He would be triumphant at His return (Mark 14:61-62). The climactic events surrounding the crucifixion, death, burial and resurrection were not witnessed by most of His disciples. But several faithful women did witness His passion. After the Sabbath, early in the morning of the first day of the week, they went to the tomb with burial spices. When they saw the stone had been rolled away, they entered the tomb. It was not the body of Jesus they saw, but an angel robed in white. The joyful message they received was, “He is risen!” Women were the first evangelists, as they spread the good news of His resurrection. This same message has been broadcast throughout the world in the following centuries down to us today.

January 18, 2017 | Wednesday Fellowship Service (+Bp. Ricardo Alcaraz) Topic: God is inviting us to draw near in intimacy with Him Mark 3:13-15 – …

Jesus creates a new community to be with Him - Mark 3:7-19