Jesus Uses Imperfect Faith To Accomplish His Perfect Work (Mark 9:19-24)

February 23, 2023 Nate Holdridge

We live in a generation and during a time of high exposure to the world's problems. Like no generation before us, we carry little devices in our pockets that keep us up to date on the chaos around us. And we might get discouraged or overwhelmed by all we see. This is why it is good to notice how Jesus responded. He saw the big problems but also did the little things that would help this man and his son. At that moment, he did what he could. So should we. (4 Minutes/900 Words)

Who Is This Man?—Jesus Is The Christ (Mark 8:27-29)

December 8, 2022 Nate Holdridge

As readers of Mark's gospel, we already know. Mark used his first words to introduce us to Jesus. His first words were: *"The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God"* (Mark 1:1). (8 Minutes/2000 Words)

How To Unleash Jesus' Mighty Work in Your Life (Mark 6:1-6)

August 3, 2022 Nate Holdridge

The story before us is one of the most terrifying in all the gospel accounts. Jesus visits his hometown of Nazareth (1), and they are astonished at his words and works (2). They knew he was powerful, mighty works having been done by him all throughout the region (2). But since they had known Jesus and his family for many years, they took offense at him (3). (12 Minutes/3000 Words

Jesus the Rescuer (Mark 5:1-20)

July 20, 2022 Nate Holdridge

A legion of demons, a herd of pigs plummeting off a cliff, and a man living in a graveyard on the outskirts of town—these are the shocking images of this episode. Word after word, sentence after sentence, and paragraph after paragraph grips the reader. This happened! (12 Minutes/3000 Words)

Jesus' Atmosphere of Grace (Mark 2:23-28)

May 4, 2022 Nate Holdridge

As we continue our study of Mark, it is becoming evident that Jesus' way is far different than that of the religious leaders who came before him. He offered forgiveness of sins to the paralyzed man. He called Matthew the tax collector and ate with sinners. He did not fast, but feasted, with his disciples. And, in each episode, he was a stark contrast to the religious leaders of his day. (11 Minutes/2900 Words)

Jesus Is the Friend of Sinners, Part 1 (Mark 2:13–17) - He Calls People Like Levi

April 6, 2022 Nate Holdridge

Jesus Is the Friend of Sinners, Part 1 He Calls People Like Levi

(Mark 2:13–17)

The first time Jesus spoke in Mark's gospel, he said, "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel" (Mark 1:15). And, at this point in Mark's gospel, we have learned many introductory things about the kingdom of God Jesus said was at hand. (7 Minutes/1800 Words)

Jesus Fills Our True Need (Mark 2:1-12)

March 30, 2022 Nate Holdridge

The story pivots us from the introductory days of Jesus' ministry to the controversial ones. We know Jesus wasn't popular with all people at all times—he was, after all, crucified. And most of us know that Jesus became disliked by the religious leaders of his day. So, his popularity must have become mixed with opposition at some point. (10 Minutes/3000 Words)

Jesus Has Authority Over All Spiritual Uncleanness (Mark 1:35-45)

March 23, 2022 Nate Holdridge

Mark doesn't refer often to Jesus' prayer life, but when he does Jesus is alone, and his ministry is in the balance. In the garden of Gethsemane, Mark presents Jesus praying to bolster his determination to get the kingdom through the means of his death on the cross (Mark 14:36). After feeding the 5,000, a time John tells us they wanted to take him by force and make him king, Jesus went up to the mountain to pray alone (Mark 6:45-52). (6 Minutes/1500 Words)

Jesus Has Authority Over All Natural Brokenness (Mark 1:29-34)

March 16, 2022 Nate Holdridge

On the same day he taught in the synagogue and delivered the man with the unclean spirit, Jesus went to the house of Simon and Andrew with James and John. Our modern equivalent would be going out to lunch or dinner after church services. And I imagine the disciples' minds were racing as they took Jesus to the house. Did that just happen? Did you guys see what I saw? What have we gotten ourselves into? (3 Minutes/900 Words)

Jesus Has Authority Over All Invisible Forces (Mark 1:21-28)

March 9, 2022 Nate Holdridge

Every person has guides who help them navigate life. All of us have authoritative voices that help us decide how to live. What the disciples of Jesus would quickly begin learning is that Jesus should be our authoritative guide. (7 Minutes/1800 Words)