In our last study in Mark, we followed Jesus as he neared his death in Jerusalem at the time of the Passover feast. The disciples were afraid and amazed at Jesus' determination (Mark 10:32). As they traveled with Jesus, so did the crowds. They flocked around Jesus. And the time of Jesus' cross grew near.
Read moreFollow #31 -- Mark 10:17-31 -- The Cost of the Kingdom
Our story begins with a man desperate for Jesus. The other gospels tell us he was a young local ruler.
Read moreFollow #29 -- Mark 10:1-12 -- Garden Marriage
When sin entered the world, the relationship between men and women was capsized. God created his world. He put man and woman in it to cultivate and subdue it -- together. But when they sinned, death was introduced to the planet. This death was not immediate. It was slow. Nor was it only a physical and future death. It was spiritual, emotional, and relational. Life ceased to work as it was intended. And, as you scan history, this brokenness is often displayed in marriage.
The Call of Abraham (Genesis 12:1-3)
The Call of Abraham
(Genesis 12:1-3)
The passage tells us the Lord spoke to Abram. We aren't told how God spoke to Abram, nor does it tell us why God chose to call this man. I think it is unwise, though, to use this passage as an example of divine election for salvation. Abram received this call of God, not for eternal salvation, but to be a blessing to the nations. (5 Minutes/1200 Words)
Read moreFollow #25 -- Mark 8:34-38 -- Following Jesus
I must start today's teaching by reminding you of our place in the gospel of Mark. Mark had begun his book by revealing Jesus' identity: he is the Christ, the Son of God (Mark 1:1). And in the first eight chapters of his gospel, Mark shows us the beauty of Jesus' life. No one in the book had confessed Jesus to be the Christ, the long-awaited Messiah, the descendant of David, who would vanquish Israel's enemies and bring in an everlasting kingdom.
Read more