Podcasts about in mark

In Mark chapters 1 and 2, we see the calling of the first disciples by Jesus. He simply said “Follow Me” and they left all and followed Him. What keeps us from leaving everything to follow Him?

SEEING CLEARLY THROUGH BLIND EYES!In Mark 8:22-25, we encounter a unique miracle performed by Jesus—a gradual healing of a blind man. 

In Mark 14:22–52, Jesus redefines the Passover with Himself at the center, revealing both His coming sacrifice and His disciples' coming failure—yet even in betrayal, He remains faithful to God's will so that we might walk in step with His Word, Spirit, will, and love.

Who is this Jesus who redefines greatness, challenges pride, and calls us to radical surrender? In Mark 9:33–50, He flips our ideas of power, warns us about the danger of sin, and reminds us that true influence starts with humility. This week, we're talking about cutting off what pulls us from Jesus—and staying salty in a world that's losing its flavor.

In Mark 15:1-15, we'll see Jesus' trial with Pontius Pilate and the crowd's insistence that he be put to death. These tragic events will point us to the goodness of Christ's substitutionary work for us. Mark 15:1-15 Pastor Matthew McCleary, Associate Pastor Visit our website at www.fremontpres.org Email us at podcast@fremontpres.org 

BLIND FAITH!In Mark 10:46-52, we encounter the powerful story of Bartimaeus, a blind beggar who hears that Jesus is passing by. Bartimaeus, despite his physical blindness, demonstrates a profound spiritual vision. As Jesus approaches, Bartimaeus cries out, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!" His persistence and faith shine through the crowd's attempts to silence him.

A posture of pride kept the Pharisees from experiencing Jesus for all He was. In Mark 7 and 8, we see humble faith allow strangers and friends to know the good authority He was and still is. May we be people of humble faith.

Sunday, we come to a definitive turning point in Mark's gospel. Mark's focus for the first eight chapters has been revealing Jesus' identity in the miracles He did and the parables He taught. But the people in Mark could not seem to understand. Even the disciples asked, "Who is this?" when Jesus stilled the storm in Mark 4. Jesus has repeatedly rebuked the disciples for their dullness, lack of understanding, and hard-heartedness. (Mark 8:14-21). In Mark 8:22-33, the disciples will finally understand that Jesus is the Christ, but they do not yet see clearly that the Christ has come to suffer and die. Nor do they know what it means to follow Jesus in his mission. Peter, representing the disciples, confesses that Jesus is the Christ, but in the very next breath, he rebukes Jesus for saying He must suffer, die, and rise from the grave. He sees the Christ, but not clearly yet. The rest of Mark will focus on the disciples coming to understand the way of the cross. This spiritual restoration of sight is pictured in Jesus' healing of a blind man in Bethsaida. Jesus touches the man and he can see, but not clearly. Jesus touches him a second time to restore his sight fully. This miracle happened just as it is written, and it is an illustration of Jesus restoring the disciple's sight and an introduction to what the following several chapters will teach. The Christ brings the kingdom by way of the cross, and therefore, those who follow Him must travel the same road, denying themselves and taking up the cross (8:34). I. Do You See Anything? (v. 22-26) II. Who Do You Say I Am? (v. 27-30) III. What Kind Of Christ Is He? (v. 31-33)

What is eternal life?Jesus says it's not just living forever — it's knowing Him. In Mark 4, He shows us how the Word (like a seed) can bear fruit in our lives when received in surrendered hearts. Kingdom growth isn't about hype or striving, but the hidden, transforming work of His Word. Let's ask Him to break up what's hard, reveal what's shallow, and make us good soil — so our lives truly reflect Him. 

Are we worshipping the true King, or seeking a worldly power version? In Mark 15:1–20, we'll consider what difference Jesus' rejection should make in our lives.

"Who was that masked man?" I must have heard that line a hundred times growing up, watching reruns of The Lone Ranger. At the end of every episode, the townspeople would stand around in awe as the stranger rode off into the sunset, wondering about the identity of their mysterious rescuer. But it doesn't take a mask to wonder about someone's identity—or your own. Far too often, we hide behind something—pain from the past, shame we've carried too long, names that were never really ours but somehow stuck. In Mark 5, Jesus meets a man who's lost his name to chaos. He knows himself only by his wounds. But Jesus doesn't leave him there—he speaks freedom and gives him an identity greater than he could have imagined. If you've ever wondered who you really are, Jesus offers an identity rooted not in your failures, but in his grace.

In Mark 5 we see Jesus heals a demon-possessed man but it results in the pigs, a great resource for the town, being drowned. This causes the people to reject Jesus.In this passage we see Jesus confirm His identity, reveal His authority but the question remains: How will we respond?

John 6:16-19 Now when evening came, His disciples went down to the sea, and after getting into a boat, they started to cross the sea to Capernaum. It had already become dark, and Jesus had not yet come to them. The sea began to be stirred up because a strong wind was blowing. Then, when they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the sea and drawing near to the boat; and they were frightened. What an interesting and memorable scene. Matthew, Mark, and John all record events of this night on the Sea of Galilee. The boat was large enough for 13 people. It was between 3 and 6 a.m. and dark, so their visibility was limited. The sea was choppy due to a strong wind. The disciples had strained at the oars for hours. Jesus walked on the water toward the boat. Certainly unexpected. Wouldn't it be interesting to know the comments of the disciples once one of them saw Jesus? Matthew's and Mark's accounts inform us that they were frightened, terrified, when they saw a form walking on the sea. They didn't immediately recognize who it was. Both accounts said the disciples exclaimed, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out in fear.” Matthew records that once Peter heard Jesus, he asked Jesus to command him to come to him on the water, which Jesus did. It seems the distraction of the waves occurred once Peter got to Jesus. When he started to sink and called out to Jesus to save him, Jesus took hold of him, and they walked to the boat together. Yes, Jesus rebuked Peter for having little faith, but hey, he did walk on water to Jesus and then with Him back to the boat. I'm impressed, aren't you? So here are my questions. Why did the Father do this? Why have His Son walk the 3 or 4 miles on choppy waters in the middle of the night when He needed to be resting up for another day of ministry? Jesus certainly could have gotten a good night's sleep and waited until morning, when He could have made the trip in another boat or have walked in daylight along the shoreline. In Mark 6:48, Mark wrote that Jesus intended to walk past them. Why didn't Jesus do that? Why did He go near the boat at all if He intended to meet them in Capernaum? That would have been easy to do. How far could they see on a dark, windy night? Maybe 10 or 15 yards? So what's with going on a four-mile walk on the Sea of Galilee in the middle of the night? Furthermore, why did John leave out Peter's walk on the water with Jesus? The reason for all of it was clearly stated by John in 20:31. It's so we might read this and believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God, and that we might have life in His name. For John's purpose, what mattered wasn't if Peter walked on the water, but that Jesus loved them so much that He provided undeniable proof that He is the Son of God. In fact, in Matthew's account, those who were in the boat worshiped Him saying, “You are certainly God's Son” (Matt. 14:33). That was the conclusion drawn by the experience on the sea of Galilee that night. But I don't want us to miss Peter's encounter with Jesus on the sea. I have a couple of questions for you. First, are you convinced that Jesus is the Son of God? It's impossible to love with God's love without believing Jesus is God's Son. To believe He is the Son is to believe the whole of creation belongs to Him and that He is the sovereign Lord of all things and everybody.

Who is this Jesus who walks straight from glory into chaos—and still brings healing, hope, and truth? In Mark 9:14–32, we see raw faith, honest struggle, and the power of prayer that moves mountains. This week, Pastor Korey unpacks what it means to trust Jesus not just on the mountaintop, but right in the middle of the mess.

Jesus Followers Practice a Weekly Time of Worship and Rest through Their Sabbath and a Daily Time Alone with God in Prayer MESSAGE SUMMARY: Jesus said, in Mark 2:27-28, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. So the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath.”. Therefore, we are to practice a weekly Sabbath – worship and rest. Also, we are to build into our lives a time alone with God each day. In Mark 1:35, Mark tells us about Jesus: “And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, He departed and went out to a desolate place, and there He prayed.". If Jesus needed to spend time in prayer, doesn't it make sense that we need to spend time in daily prayer as well?     TODAY'S PRAYER: Lord, I now take a deep breath and stop. So often I miss your hand and gifts in my life because I am preoccupied and anxious. Grant me the power to pause each day and each week to simply rest in your arms of love. In Jesus' name, amen. Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 132). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. TODAY'S AFFIRMATION: Today, Because of who I am in Jesus Christ, I will not be driven by Fear. Rather, I will abide in the Lord's Faithfulness. “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in Me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from Me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5). SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): Mark 2:27-28; Mark 1:35; John 16:33; John 10:10. A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org. THIS SUNDAY'S AUDIO SERMON: You can listen to Archbishop Beach's Current Sunday Sermon: “Stand in the Gap”, at our Website: https://awordfromthelord.org/listen/ DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB

In the one-hundred-and-seventy-eighth episode, we explore the Labelling Fallacy, starting with Trump labelling the Democratic platform, Kelly Loeffler incessantly labelling Radical Liberal Raphael Warnock, and Vivek Ramaswamy labelling himself and all his Republican primary opponents.In Mark's British Politics Corner, we look at Liz Truss and Suella Braverman labelling everyone who disagrees with them, Clive Lewis responding to the labelling of Palestine Action as a terrorist organization, and Rachel Shabi pointing out the hypocrisy in attacking Bob Vylan.In the Fallacy in the Wild section, we check out examples from All in the Family, Not the Nine O'Clock News, and Carnivale.Jim and Mark go head to head in Fake News, the game in which Mark has to guess which one of three Trump quotes Jim made up.Then we talk about the One Big Beautiful Bill again, now that it's becoming the law.And finally, we round up some of the other crazy Trump stories from the past week.The full show notes for this episode can be found at https://fallacioustrump.com/ft178 You can contact the guys at pod@fallacioustrump.com, on BlueSky @FallaciousTrump, Discord at fallacioustrump.com/discord or facebook at facebook.com/groups/fallacioustrumpAnd you can buy our T-shirts here: https://fallacioustrump.com/teeCreate your podcast today! #madeonzencastrSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/fallacious-trump/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

The Pharisees hid their flaws behind empty rituals, but traditions led to tragedy—worship that missed God's heart. In Mark 7:1-13, Jesus exposes their folly yet offers them hope: a Hope found in His sufficiencies despite our inadequacies. Join us Sunday for “A Tragedy Steeped in Tradition” as we fix our eyes on our one and only hope: Jesus.

Happy 4th of July! I hope you're enjoying the celebration of our country's freedom on this Independence Day and thanking God for His blessings. This Sunday, we'll look at Mark 8:1-21, where Jesus feeds 4,000, confronts the Pharisees, and rebukes His disciples for their forgetfulness. Mark uses this feeding and the events that follow not only to show Jesus as the Messiah for all nations but also to help His disciples grow in faith and understanding. In Mark 6, Jesus fed 5,000 in Galilee, yet the disciples missed the point of who He is. Last week, in chapter 7, a Gentile woman believed and was willing to accept the crumbs from the children's table. In Mark 8, Jesus feeds 4,000 in the Decapolis region, offering not just crumbs but a banquet to the Gentiles. Yet, even after previously witnessing Jesus feed the 5,000, the disciples still doubt when Jesus desires to feed this crowd. They ask, “How can anyone feed these people?” Back in the boat (v. 14-21), Jesus tries to teach the disciples about the danger of unbelief. He uses the image of leaven as the disciples argue about not having enough bread. Jesus asks, “Do you not remember?” and reminds them of the two miraculous feedings he just performed. Like the disciples, we often forget God's faithfulness in our lives. We forget how God has provided in the past and therefore fail to trust Him when circumstances look dark. Jesus challenges us to go beyond just admiring His miracles and to live out His truths daily. Growing as His disciples means letting His promises influence how we think and act, especially during tough times. Instead of allowing worry or unbelief to take hold and spread like leaven, we are called to trust the Bread of Life, who never fails. I. The Hungry Gentiles Get More Than Crumbs (v. 1-10) II. The Unbelieving Pharisees Get Nothing (v. 11-13) III. The Forgetful Disciples Get Rebuked (v. 14-21)

In Mark chapter seven Christ exposes and corrects the empty tradition of the religious leaders. Pastor Mike Karns continues his expositional series in the Gospel of Mark.

In Mark 13:1-37, Jesus reveals God's future plan for Israel—not the Church—through prophetic teaching about the coming Tribulation, urging His followers to live expectantly, stay alert, and trust Him even when all their questions aren't answered.

In Mark 2, people came to ask Jesus why His disciples did not fast like the Pharisees. Jesus' response? A question and two cryptic metaphors. Pastor Mike Kelsey unpacks not only the significance of these metaphors but also what the answer to this question means for our search for the abundant life as Christians today. […] The post Why didn't Jesus' disciples fast? | Mark 2:18-22 | Mike Kelsey appeared first on Cross Point Church.

The sighs of Jesus--brief yet profound--reveal more about His heart than many lengthy sermons ever could. They are not the sighs of weariness or despair, but of holy sorrow and tender compassion. In the space of just two chapters in Mark's Gospel, we hear our Lord sigh twice--once over human suffering, and once over human sin. Both sighs speak volumes of the Savior's perfect heart. Mark 7:34, "He looked up to Heaven and with a deep sigh said to him, 'Ephphatha!' (which means, 'Be opened!')." In Mark 7:34, Jesus heals a man who is deaf and mute. Before speaking the word of healing, He looks up to Heaven and sighs. Why? Because He sees beyond the man's immediate affliction. He sees the deeper cause--the brokenness of a world cursed by sin. Every disease, every disability, every tear, is a consequence of mankind's fall into sin. Jesus does not sigh in frustration but in sympathetic grief. He feels the weight of this man's misery, and through that sigh, He enters into it. Our Savior is not distant or unsympathetic. He is "a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering." (Isaiah 53:3) Every sigh of the suffering believer, finds a sympathetic echo in the soul of the Son of God. Mark 8, verse 12 tells us, "He sighed deeply and said, 'Why does this generation ask for a miraculous sign?'" In Mark 8, however, the sigh is different. The Pharisees demand a sign--though they have seen countless miracles already. Their request does not spring from faith, but from unbelief and obstinacy. And so Jesus sighs deeply. This is not the sigh of grief over physical suffering, but over spiritual blindness--a willful refusal to believe. It is the sigh of divine sorrow over hardened

Mark Blyth is a professor of international economics at Brown University. In Mark's first appearance on the show, he discusses his new book Inflation: A Guide for Users and Losers, the concept of angrynomics, a new way to look at price controls, demographic decline, and much more. Check out the transcript for this week's episode, now with links. Recorded on June 4th, 2025 Subscribe to David's Substack: Macroeconomic Policy Nexus Follow David Beckworth on X: @DavidBeckworth Follow Mark on X: @MkBlyth Follow the show on X: @Macro_Musings Check out our Macro Musings merch! Subscribe to David's new BTS YouTube Channel  Timestamps 00:00:00 - Intro 00:00:50 - Angrynomics 00:03:56 - Motivation for ‘Inflation: A Guide for Users and Losers' 00:08:27 - Five Things They Don't Tell You About Inflation 00:14:32 - Good, Bad, and Ugly Inflation 00:18:14 - Interest Rates and Inflation 00:21:33 - Price Controls 00:26:13 - Stories About Inflation 00:35:03 - Hyperinflation 00:42:24 - Pandemic Inflation 00:58:00 - Disinflation, China, and Demographic Decline 01:00:30 - Recommendations for Policymakers 01:02:00 - Outro

Who is this Jesus who shines with glory on a mountain and stands beside Moses and Elijah? In Mark 9:1–13, we witness the Transfiguration—a moment of awe, mystery, and divine confirmation that Jesus is the beloved Son. This week, we explore what it means to see Jesus for who He truly is and why we can trust Him, even when the mountaintop fades.

Welcome to Generation! ⛪︎What does it really cost to follow Jesus? In Mark 10, a wealthy young man asks one of life's most important questions: “What must I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus' answer cuts deeper than commandments. He reveals the condition of the heart.In this message, we explore what it means to trust fully, to confess humbly, and to believe, despite the cost, that following Jesus will be worth it. Whether you've built your life around success, security, or stuff… this passage invites us to surrender what we cling to, so we can receive what truly lasts.

"To be seized unjustly as a [wrongdoer], and put on trial as a criminal when innocent, is a severe affliction," writes JC Ryle, "But to hear men inventing false charges against us and coining slanders, to listen to all the malignant virulence of unscrupulous tongues let loose against our character, and know that it is all untrue – this is a cross indeed!" In Mark 14:53-65, we see that Jesus experienced precisely this, yet did not lash out or fight back, but entrusted "himself to him who judges justly" (1 Peter 2:23, ESV).June 15, 2025Helpful resources that shaped and informed this sermon: Let's Study Mark by Sinclair Ferguson, The Gospel of Mark by R.T. France, Mark by Kent Hughes, Gentle & Lowly by Dane Ortlund, Mark by J.C. Ryle, Dig Deeper into the Gospels by Andrew Sach & Tim Hiorns.

In Mark 7, Jesus sends out the 12 disciples with authority over unclean spirits to heal and proclaim repentance. When Herod hear of this, he assumed John the Baptist, whom he had beheaded, had come back to life.

The disciples had experience, knowledge, and authority—yet they couldn't cast out the demon. In Mark 9, Jesus reveals that some battles can't be won by effort, argument, or familiarity—they only come out by prayer. This message calls us back to honest, faith-filled dependence on Jesus, reminding us that spiritual problems require spiritual solutions, and our greatest help is found in persistent prayer.

My favorite part of summer? All the extra time I get to spend with my kids! They're always around! My least favorite? . . . Look, I love them, but they're always around!As I was studying our passage this week, Fiona interrupted me, and I didn't respond as I should. In my ideal world, there's no such thing as interruptions. Everything is planned. I know, I've still got some growing to do. Henri Nouwen said, "My whole life I've been complaining that my work was constantly interrupted, until I discovered that my interruptions were my work" (Reaching Out). As I turned back to the passage, I was convicted to find Jesus responding very differently than I to a fatal interruption. And it only builds the wonder of His actions and attributes in our story this week. In Mark 5, we get to sit on the front row and marvel at Jesus in all of his power, authority, and glory. But we're also confounded by His incredible compassion. Let your jaw drop this Sunday at the wonder that is Jesus Christ.-Greg

This week in our Knowing Jesus series through the Gospel of Mark, we explored how need is the doorway to truly encountering Jesus. In Mark 2, we saw how Jesus responds not to self-sufficiency, but to honest, faith-filled dependence. Whether it was the friends who tore open a roof to bring someone to Jesus, the sinners who shared a meal with Him, or the broken systems He came to renew—Jesus meets people in their need, not their perfection. The message is clear: God helps those who KNOW they CANNOT help themselves. Need moves Jesus, welcomes grace, and makes room for new life. Let's not miss Him by pretending we have it all together—let's come to Him honestly, and let Him transform us from the inside out.

Presented by Julie Busteed We've explored what it means to practice hospitality in everyday life, but how does that translate to our jobs? Today, there's an entire hospitality industry—hotels, restaurants, travel, and event services. You can even earn a degree in hospitality management! For those working in that field, hospitality is built into the job: welcoming strangers, serving with kindness, offering guidance, and meeting the practical needs of guests. But even if you don't work in that industry, the call to hospitality still applies. In the workplace, it might look like showing patience and grace to coworkers and clients, offering help when someone is overwhelmed, or simply pausing your own agenda to listen. It's that same outward focus—seeing others and responding with care. The greatest example of hospitality is Jesus himself. He consistently met people's practical needs with compassion and love. In Mark 8, he responds to a hungry crowd. “I have compassion for these people; they have already been with me three days and have nothing to eat. If I send them home hungry, they will collapse on the way, because some of them have come a long distance” (Mark 8:2-3). Jesus saw their need—and he acted. He miraculously provided food when none was available. In Mark 1, a man with leprosy begs Jesus for healing. Moved with compassion, Jesus reached out and touched him. ‘I am willing,' he said. ‘Be healed!' Instantly the leprosy disappeared, and the man was healed (Mark 1:41-42 NLT). Jesus saw the unseen people. He touched the untouchable, welcomed the outcasts, and made space for the overlooked—women, children, lepers, Gentiles, and sinners. Then of course when Jesus washed his disciples' feet at the last supper he beautifully demonstrated how to practice hospitality—to show God's love in practical ways and serve them—all for his glory. Hospitality isn't all about entertaining. It's about seeing others and serving them with love. Whether it's a kind word, a helping hand, or a listening ear, it's all for God's glory. I hope you're encouraged to practice hospitality wherever you are—including your workplace. Because when we serve others, we reflect the heart of Christ.

In the one-hundred-and-seventy-seventh episode, we explore the Halo Effect, starting with Trump's constant comments on the attractiveness of pilots and generals, his amazement at Transport Secretary Sean Duffy's ability to climb both up and down trees, and his reluctance to hire John Bolton and Janet Yellen.In Mark's British Politics Corner, we look at Peter Bone MP's defense of Boris Johnson, arguments for and against voting for Farage in Clacton, and David Cameron's sartorial attack on Jeremy Corbin.In the Fallacy in the Wild section, we check out examples from Britain's Got Talent, Hot in Cleveland, and a UX research company.Jim and Mark go head to head in Fake News, the game in which Mark has to guess which one of three Trump quotes Jim made up.Then we talk about Iran.And finally, we round up some of the other crazy Trump stories from the past week.The full show notes for this episode can be found at https://fallacioustrump.com/ft177 You can contact the guys at pod@fallacioustrump.com, on BlueSky @FallaciousTrump, Discord at fallacioustrump.com/discord or facebook at facebook.com/groups/fallacioustrumpAnd you can buy our T-shirts here: https://fallacioustrump.com/teeCreate your podcast today! #madeonzencastrSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/fallacious-trump/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This Summer is off to a beautiful start and is full of connection, growth and activation at Studio. We are calling this our “Summer of Kindness”! On Sunday we did part 3 of this series with our panel talk on “Sharing Jesus.” We had a great time exploring what this looks like in our lives and in our world today. We kicked things off by talking about evangelism—what it is, why it matters, and how it's a central part of following Jesus. In Mark 16:15, Jesus tells us to “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.” These were some of His final words to his disciples and we carry this commission to GO.Our goal was to put flesh on some of these big words, to know the power of the gospel (good news), and to get God's heart for humanity. We talk through things like:What does sharing the gospel look like in everyday life?Why is it sometimes hard to do?How do we know when to talk to someone, and what do we even say?What is the role of love in reaching humanity?As we aim our heart and attention toward people, it's important to be aware of who is in front of us. Do we know who we're talking to—whether someone knows Jesus, has church hurt, or is just figuring things out. Especially in the South, where there are churches on almost every corner, it's easy to assume where people are coming from. Walking in the awareness of God's love often looks like slowing down, listening, and being present.Billy Graham said it best:“It's the Holy Spirit's job to convict, God's job to judge, and my job to love.”At the end of the day, we're all called to share the hope we've found in Jesus—it doesn't require us to know everything, but is powerful when we are moved by love. Let your light shine (Matthew 5:16), give what you've got, and trust that God will use it.Let's continue to grow and mature in love, and get good at sharing it with those around us!For more info, you can go to our website, check us out on Instagram, Facebook, or YouTube. If you would like to support STUDIO financially, you can do so here.Have a great week!

In this powerful episode, we walk through a story of God's faithfulness — from heartbreak to healing. Shelli shares a personal testimony of her son, who suffered a traumatic accident at just 18 months old. Now at age 10, he's mowing lawns with strength and purpose — a picture of resilience, redemption, and God's hand at work.Together, we reflect on how God transforms our stories — using even the darkest moments for good, just as Romans 8:28promises. Through Psalm 139, we remember that God has always known and seen us, even in the womb. And in Romans 12:1–2, we're called to live as living sacrifices, no longer conformed to this world but transformed by the renewing of our minds.But sometimes, it's not our circumstances that limit us — it's our hearts. In Mark 8:17–21, Jesus challenges His disciples: “Are your hearts still hardened?” This episode invites honest reflection. Have we allowed pain or fear to harden our hearts? Are we missing the miracles in front of us?Let this conversation open your eyes to what God is doing — where you've been is not the end of the story. He's faithful to complete what He started. The question is: will we have eyes to see, and hearts ready to believe?

In a weary and hungry world, we often find ourselves running on empty—emotionally, physically, even spiritually. In Mark 6:30–44, we meet Jesus, the true Shepherd, who sees the crowd not as a nuisance but as sheep without a shepherd. He feeds their hearts and stomachs. In this familiar miracle, we see far more than a meal—we see the Messiah who satisfies.

In Mark 4:21-25, Jesus reminds His listeners that no one lights a lamp just to hide it under a basket. The light is meant to be seen, just like the truth of the Gospel in our lives. Pastor Isaiah challenges followers of Jesus to understand that we are not called to hide our faith. We're meant to boldly make His love, grace, and truth known to the world around us - this is the only proper way to live if we really hear what He is saying!

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)

Who is this Jesus who asks the most important question we'll ever answer—“Who do you say I am?” In Mark 8:27–38, we see a bold confession, a shocking rebuke, and a call to take up our cross and follow. This week, Pastor Korey unpacks what it means to truly know Jesus—and why the right answer changes everything.

Friday, 20 June 2025   And when John had heard in prison about the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples... Matthew 11:2   “And John, having heard in the prison the works of the Christ, having sent two of his disciples” (CG).   In the previous verse, Jesus departed to teach and preach in their cities. It now says, “And John, having heard in the prison.”   The word desmótérion, prison, is introduced. It is derived from desmon, a bond, chain, or fetter. As such, it speaks of a place of bondage, such as a dungeon or prison. The reason for his imprisonment is not recorded until Matthew 14 –   “At that time Herod the tetrarch heard the report about Jesus 2 and said to his servants, ‘This is John the Baptist; he is risen from the dead, and therefore these powers are at work in him.' 3 For Herod had laid hold of John and bound him, and put him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip's wife. 4 Because John had said to him, ‘It is not lawful for you to have her.' 5 And although he wanted to put him to death, he feared the multitude, because they counted him as a prophet.” Matthew 14:1-5   John is in prison, but it is apparent that he had freedoms while there. In Mark 6, during his time in prison, it says –   “Therefore Herodias held it against him and wanted to kill him, but she could not; 20 for Herod feared John, knowing that he was a just and holy man, and he protected him. And when he heard him, he did many things, and heard him gladly.” Mark 6:19, 20   It is during this time in prison that John heard about “the works of the Christ.” Including the article before Christ changes the tone of the narrative –   John heard about the works of Christ. John heard about the works of the Christ.   What appears to be the intent is that while in prison, John has heard about the things the Christ (the Messiah) had been doing. But one of the things the Messiah was prophesied to do would have affected him personally –   “The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me, Because the Lord has anointed Me To preach good tidings to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives, And the opening of the prison to those who are bound.” Isaiah 61:1   Because of his imprisonment and because of the promises stated in Isaiah, John may have been wondering where the disconnect was. Therefore, it says, “having sent two of his disciples.”    This continues to tell us that John had freedoms while in prison. He was allowed to be visited by his disciples and give word to them to go on a mission. As for the words, some texts say dia, through, instead of duo, two. In other words, it would mean he sent a message by his disciples rather than he sent two disciples. Luke 7:19 says duo, two.   Life application: Concerning the difference between through and two above, a few commentaries give their thoughts –   “For ‘two of his disciples' read, on the best MS. authority, by means of his disciples.” Cambridge   “Possibly the slight difference between διά, the true reading here, and δύο, which is genuine in Luke, points to the common source (observe here a Greek source) having been written, but with the close similarity in sound this need not have been the case. Observe that the true reading lays slightly more emphasis on the fact of the inquiry coming from John himself.” Pulpit Commentary   “Two of his disciples (δύο) But the correct reading is διά, by. He sent by his disciples. So Rev.” Vincent's Word Studies   Cambridge says the text which says dia is “the best.” Pulpit says it is “the true reading.” Vincent's says it is “the correct reading.” Did you accept their thoughts? Did you ask yourself, “How do they know this?” Did you consider that “best” is a subjective word in the manner in which it is being used?   Luke clearly says two. We have ancient witnesses that do not agree, and because one of them is older, it is assumed to be the better, even though it was found later. Why is it necessary to say dia, through, and meaning “by,” when the initiator is already identified? The Pulpit Commentary says that by saying dia, it “lays more emphasis on the fact of the inquiry coming from John himself.” Does it?   And John, having heard in the prison the works of the Christ, having sent two of his disciples... And John, having heard in the prison the works of the Christ, having sent by his disciples...   Maybe the focus is on the two, not that they were merely his disciples.   As always , be careful not to merely accept some scholar's words without questioning how they came to their conclusions. Seemingly strong arguments will often not seem as strong when an alternate and opposing evaluation is suggested. You will only get out of your time in the word what you put into it. Take commentaries with a grain of salt, but don't hesitate to read and consider them, even when they come to different conclusions.   Lord God, thank You for challenging us with Your word. It is a treasure trove of delight. But You have allowed man to transmit it from its originals. Men are faulty, and so help us to identify where things may have been incorrectly copied or intentionally manipulated. Give us wisdom in Your precious word. Amen.  

In Mark chapter two we read the story of a paralyzed man who spent his days lying on a mat. People ignored him. Until one day, someone lifted his mat, and his life was forever changed.

Daily Dose of Hope June 19, 2025   Scripture – Matthew 14   Prayer:  Abba Father, We come to you today in awe of your love for us.  Thank you, Lord, for your sacrifice.  Thank you for sitting high and looking low.  We give you all the glory and praise, Lord Jesus.  Help us to be less selfish and more like you.  On our own, we mess it up.  We need you, Jesus.  We need you minute by minute.  Guide our thoughts today, Lord.  Guide our words and guide our actions.  May we look more like you today, Lord, than we did yesterday.  In Your Name, Amen.   Welcome back, everyone, to the Daily Dose of Hope, a Deep Dive into the Gospels and Acts.  Today, we are diving into Matthew 14.  We start with the murder of John the Baptist.  We read about this in Mark as well.  Herod was an evil guy.  We can see there is little value placed on human life in the Roman Empire. Herod is far more concerned about how he looks in front of his guests than how he looks in front of God.  Then, we have the feeding of the 5,000.  This miracle is in all four Gospels so we need to lean in and really pay attention here.  After Jesus heard about his cousin John being killed, he decided to get away.  You can't blame him; I'm sure he needed time to grieve and he just needed some solitude.  But the crowds followed him.  You would think he might get annoyed but he doesn't. Verse 14 says, When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed their sick. Jesus really doesn't miss a beat.  No matter how physically tired he is, he keeps taking care of the people, giving them what he knows they need.  Some people today might suggest that Jesus had poor boundaries.  He could have said, “You guys, we really need a break.  I'm off today.”  But that isn't what he did.  He had compassion on the people.  He tolerated and even welcomed interruptions.  He would frequently be planning to do this one thing but pulled away in a different direction.  But it was in those interruptions, those distractions that Jesus did amazing work, that we get to see God at work in amazing, miraculous ways.  He heals the woman who had been bleeding for many years because she “interrupts” him on his way to the Roman official's home.  Think of the man whose friends created a hole in the roof to lower their friend in front of Jesus and “interrupt” his teaching.  He was interrupted by a demon-possessed man at the synagogue and he heals him.  I counted something like 35 “interruptions” and it was in those interruptions that Jesus healed, taught, loved, and demonstrated God's glory.  Back to the miracle. There were roughly 5000 men there, which doesn't include the women and children because at that time, women and children would not be in the official count.  So we are talking probably 10-15,000 people being present.  When the disciples wanted to send the people away, they were simply being practical, right?  They were on the outskirts of Bethsaida, and the closest village would have been a several hour walk.  It makes sense that they would immediately think to send them away.  And they were tired.  And they were probably a bit annoyed and wanted them to just go away.  But that isn't what Jesus decided to do.  Jesus tells the disciples “You give them something to eat.”  This is so interesting to me because Jesus is putting the responsibility on the disciples to solve the problem.  You do it.  In Mark, the disciples complain “but that would take half a year's wages to feed all these people.”  So Jesus talks them through it.  What do you have?  Well, we have five loaves of bread and two fish.  Jesus takes the food multiplies it.  I often wonder if Jesus knew he was going to do this all along or it just kind of happened in the moment.  Exactly how it happened, we don't know.  What we know is that it happened.  Jesus took a little and turned it into a lot.  In that moment, we see God's Kingdom in all it's fullness.  In God's Kingdom, there is no sickness so Jesus healed.  In God's Kingdom, there is no hunger so Jesus fed.  Most of us are pretty well fed but that was not the norm in first century Palestine.  People did not get enough to eat.  Those 10-15K people that Jesus was caring for in Bethsaida, these were peasants.  They were hungry people.  The social structures of the day ensured that these people were always a little hungry, always a little desperate.  That way the Roman government could stay in control.  It was quite effective. But Jesus was demonstrating a different way of life, one in which “God” is on the throne, one in which all people are valued and cared for and fed.  I love that line in verse 20, “they all ate and were satisfied.”  That would have been very unusual for that group of people, to eat and be satisfied.  And there were 12 baskets left over, a basket for each disciple to carry.  I wonder if Jesus did that so that as they were carrying these baskets home, they would continually be reminded that God is so much bigger than they ever could imagine, that Jesus will find a way no matter how impossible the situation might seem.  Jesus can take five loaves of bread and two fish and feed 15,000 people.  He can defy the laws of nature.  I mean, he created the laws of nature.  I'm not sure how many of you are currently dealing with something that seems impossible, that seems like there is no solution – a health crisis, a broken relationship, a financial mess.  If you hear nothing else today, I want you to hear that NOTHING, no problem, is too big for our God.  God can and will make a way but we have to release it to him.  We have to allow him to take care of it the way he sees fit.  It might not be, it probably won't be, the way we would do it.  But there is always a way.  Finally, the chapter closes with Jesus walking on water and this fascinating interaction with Peter.  Jesus had been off praying, as he was apt to do, and he goes to find the disciples. They see him walking on water and at first, think he is a ghost. Peter, in his normal partly bold, partly impulsive way, asks Jesus if he can walk on the water too. Specifically, he says, “Lord, if it is you, tell me to come to you on the water.” So Jesus says to come and Peter steps out on the water. Can you even imagine what must have been going through Peter's head at the time? For a while, Peter does fine. He is actually walking on water. But as soon as he takes his eyes off Jesus, he sinks. Think about that–the very minute he looks away, gets distracted, and begins to doubt–he starts to sink. Think about your own life. How often have you taken your eyes off Jesus and begun to sink? The author of Hebrews tells us in chapter 12 to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, the author and perfector of our faith. When we keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, we have confidence that we aren't alone, that God is present, and that there is a purpose to all of this. The very minute we begin to look away, the sinking begins. We become stalled. We falter. We forget who and whose we are.   Blessings, Pastor Vicki

Are you struggling with how to stop using alcohol as a crutch when it's all you've ever known for comfort, confidence, or escape? When alcohol becomes the go-to for numbing pain, soothing nerves, or simply making it through the day, letting it go can feel like losing a lifeline. Mark leaned on alcohol to suppress decades of emotional trauma and mask neurodivergent traits that made emotional expression difficult. Glenn turned to beer as a buffer against social anxiety and the constant pressure to fit in, using it to quiet a mind that never stopped spinning. In this episode, Coaches Hayley and Ruby help both men uncover the deeper beliefs that shaped their drinking behaviors—and explore how discovering healthier emotional tools can lead not just to freedom from alcohol, but to a more grounded, present, and emotionally connected life. In Mark's session: Exploring childhood trauma and emotional suppression The connection between neurodiversity and alcohol reliance Why alcohol became a long-term emotional safety blanket How to stop using alcohol as a crutch and find new emotional tools Body scan practices to access suppressed feelings Visualization and the emotion wheel as tools for emotional insight The difference between masking emotions vs. processing them Recognizing progress even when it doesn't look like expected healing Finding alternative ways to self-soothe and cope and more… In Glenn's session: Growing up in a home where alcohol was a symbol of adulthood Using beer to manage social anxiety and introversion The rise in drinking during isolation and how it became a daily habit How to stop using alcohol as a crutch for connection and calm The emotional highs and lows of early alcohol-free living Discovering joy in ordinary moments and accepting melancholy Letting go of perfection in mindfulness and meditation Rewriting social rules and embracing introversion Building confidence through small steps and self-acceptance and other topics… Hayley Scherders is a certified TNM Coach with training from the Canadian Addiction and Mental Health Association. Drawing from personal experiences, Hayley understands how tough change can be and provides a safe, compassionate, and judgment-free space where her clients can feel supported. She believes that with the right mindset, anyone can change their life at any time. Learn more about Coach Hayley: https://thisnakedmind.com/coach/hayley-scherders/   Ruby Williams is a certified Naked Mind Senior Coach dedicated to helping people rethink their relationship with alcohol. With 19 years of experience in the wine industry, Ruby understands how alcohol can become a regular part of life, especially in social or stressful situations. After finding freedom in 2019, she was empowered to improve her health, lose weight, and achieve lifelong goals. Ruby uses thoughtful questioning to help clients shift their mindset and build a more balanced, fulfilling, and healthier relationship with alcohol. Learn more about Coach Ruby: https://thisnakedmind.com/coach/ruby-williams/

Welcome to Generation! ⛪︎What does Jesus really say about divorce, and how does the gospel meet us in the mess? In this honest and hope-filled message from Mark 10, we unpack God's beautiful design for marriage, the heartbreak of broken relationships, and the mercy of Jesus for real-life pain. Whether you're married, single, divorced, or somewhere in between, there's grace here for you.

In Mark 4:1-20, Jesus used a parable to teach that the Word of God is like seed, and the condition of our hearts determines the fruitfulness of what is produced. Pastor Isaiah explains that while some hearts are hard, shallow, or distracted by the world, others are "good soil," ready to receive and respond. The call of Christ is not just to hear the Word, but to receive it, reflect on it, and let it take root in order to produce lasting spiritual growth!

In Mark 10:4-52, a blind man sees better than most with sight: Zack explores the significance of the Bartimaeus story and its important application to our lives.

Who is this Messiah who heals a blind man in stages, predicts His death, and calls us to take up our cross? In Mark 8, Jesus reveals who He truly is—and it's not always what people expect. This week, we're wrestling with identity, revelation, and the cost of truly following Him.

In the one-hundred-and-seventy-sixth episode, we explore the Appeal to Outdated Data, starting with Trump getting Chicago gun laws wrong, and being disingenuous about Fauci's masking advice, then Musk pretending the press minimizes violence against white men.In Mark's British Politics Corner, we look at Nigel Farage using old figures to claim the cost of aiming for Net Zero is too high.In the Fallacy in the Wild section, we check out examples from Jonathan Jarry, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, and Boston Legal.Jim and Mark go head to head in Fake News, the game in which Mark has to guess which one of three Trump quotes Jim made up.Then we talk about the Trump's latest flurry of pardons.And finally, we round up some of the other crazy Trump stories from the past week.The full show notes for this episode can be found at https://fallacioustrump.com/ft176 You can contact the guys at pod@fallacioustrump.com, on BlueSky @FallaciousTrump, Discord at fallacioustrump.com/discord or facebook at facebook.com/groups/fallacioustrumpAnd you can buy our T-shirts here: https://fallacioustrump.com/teeCreate your podcast today! #madeonzencastrSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/fallacious-trump/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Ever miss something right in front of you—like your keys… or God's hand at work? In today’s devotional, Whitney Hopler challenges us to slow down, tune in, and truly notice the presence of God in our daily lives. Whether it’s a squirrel in the woods or a verse that lands differently, God is constantly speaking—we just need to pay attention. If you’re feeling spiritually distracted or disconnected, this is your reminder to re-engage your senses and your soul.

Who is Jesus? In Mark 2 and 3, Jesus makes a claim about himself that's so immense it almost defies categories.  In this text, two incidents are detailed and they both have to do with how we observe the Sabbath day. To understand the magnitude of Jesus' claim here, we have to unpack the meaning of the entire text and then ask what he's actually claiming. Let's look at the features of the story and learn from each of these: 1) the anger of Jesus, 2) the enemies of Jesus, and 3) the claim of Jesus and what that means for you. This sermon was preached by Dr. Timothy Keller at Redeemer Presbyterian Church on February 8, 2015. Series: Light in the Darkness: Glory of Jesus in Mark. Scripture: Mark 2:23-3:6. Today's podcast is brought to you by Gospel in Life, the site for all sermons, books, study guides and resources from Timothy Keller and Redeemer Presbyterian Church. If you've enjoyed listening to this podcast and would like to support the ongoing efforts of this ministry, you can do so by visiting https://gospelinlife.com/give and making a one-time or recurring donation.

In Mark 2, Jesus makes a claim that is so over the top, so out of all categories, so outrageous that the religious leaders don't even have a word for it. They've called him blasphemous before, but this claim goes beyond their words. In this passage, two incidents are linked together, both having to do with the Sabbath. And what Jesus says is that he's not here to reform religion—he's here to absolutely end religion and replace it with himself.  What we're going to see is, 1) on the one hand, the futility of religion and, 2) on the other hand, the finality of Jesus Christ. This sermon was preached by Dr. Timothy Keller at Redeemer Presbyterian Church on February 19, 2006. Series: King's Cross: The Gospel of Mark, Part 1: The Coming of the King. Scripture: Mark 2:23-3:6. Today's podcast is brought to you by Gospel in Life, the site for all sermons, books, study guides and resources from Timothy Keller and Redeemer Presbyterian Church. If you've enjoyed listening to this podcast and would like to support the ongoing efforts of this ministry, you can do so by visiting https://gospelinlife.com/give and making a one-time or recurring donation.