For Us, Against Us

 Mark 9:40
 For he that is not against us is on our part.

All doctrine is not critical to having eternal life. The Doctrine of the Church concerning Jesus Christ, who He is, and why He came to earth is essential to salvation. There are other teachings that are important and hinge on the person of Christ, but it is important to know that knowing Jesus to be God and coming to save sinners through His death and resurrection is crucial and essential to our beliefs and eternal salvation. “Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers” (Titus 1:9). A church that does not hold to this sound doctrine, is not part of the universal church of Jesus Christ that encompasses all who believe that Jesus is Lord and Savior of the heart. They are against sound doctrine and people should be warned of their false teachings. God has a plan for each believer to fulfill the mission of the gospel of Christ. The world is filled with churches that seek to fulfill that mission. As believers, we desire to fellowship with those who are like-minded and share the same core values. Therefore, we may choose to attend and be a part of a particular church. If you don’t agree with those core values, then it is probably best to find a place where you can be effective in ministry to do what God has called you to do. We are too close to the end days and Jesus will soon be returning. We have kingdom work that needs to be done. We don’t have time to be fussing over non-essential doctrine. He that is not against us is on our side.

Take Up The Cross

 Mark 8:34
Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.

I have heard this scripture often used to describe people who have been going through difficult times. “This is the cross that is given to you to bear.” Bearing your cross goes deeper than going through your own personal hardship. 
Everyone, both Christian and unbeliever, goes through hard times and unwanted burdens in life. But, the cross that Christ refers to is a “death route” experience. The cross symbolizes death to self and all that is unholy. To take up the cross daily is an act of purpose and submission. Taking up the cross is telling God that you are submitted to His will and His plan for your life. Whatever that may bring, your heart is totally surrendered to Him. A true follower of Christ will make decisions that will often require him to deny what he wants and do what is best for the kingdom. Jesus said, “Come after me, and follow me.” Many follow Him for the loaves and the fishes, but turn aside when faced with having to pick up the cross. Such demands are too high of a price to pay. The things of this world, the creature comforts, and the approval of others is just asking too much to give up. 
Taking up the cross does not necessarily mean that one lives in poverty or without the enjoyments this life provides, but it does mean that one is willing to relinquish their hold of them to follow after Him. Our Christian journey will take us to a fork in the road. The cross lays at the crossroad. This is a place in your life where a decision is made to take up the cross and let God take full control of your life. Jesus asked this of the young man, “One thing you lack: go your way, sell everything you have, and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me.”- Mark 10:21. Unfortunately, this young man had a lot of riches and was not willing to take up the cross and surrender himself to God’s plan for his life.

Ambition to Serve

 Mark 10:44
… Whoever would be first among you must be a servant of all.

Ambition is a good trait to have. Setting goals and discipling yourself to work toward those goals. But Jesus warned us about having ambitions that were totally self centered. James and John had ambitions to be seated next to Him when Jesus set up His kingdom. They had ambitions to be in charge, to have power over others. Power is one of the P’s that destroy the soul. Along with pleasures of this world, pride of Life, and prosperity. History tells the story of those who sought power to rule kingdoms and nations. Such ambitions never come to a good end. Being a ruler or leader is not an easy task when it also requires being a servant. You must be able to take charge, have vision, know how to delegate, and be willing to listen to others. A good leader will demonstrate leadership by being an example of what needs to be done. Pauls says, “Follow me, as I follow Christ.” Jesus, the Son of God, lived a life of servanthood, and made the ultimate sacrifice by giving His life that we might be saved. Ambition to be like Jesus, to serve others, and be a servant of all is not done by human efforts. It requires a daily submission to God and His will and purposes. “All of my ambitions, hopes and plans I surrender these into your hands.” from the hymn, Jesus, All for Jesus, should be the prayer of our heart. Let us walk carefully, that we keep our ambitions in the center of God’s will.

Pressing Toward the Prize

 Philip 3:13,14
Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,.. I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

The past is behind me. The things of the world have been left behind. I have come to the understanding that I am nothing, and all my good works are but waste and fruitless in obtaining salvation. Going to church, following all the rules of behavior and ritual all come short. Like the rich young ruler, evening keeping all the moral laws of God, I still come empty handed. I now press toward the cross of Christ, looking only to Jesus for grace and forgiveness. There is now a higher calling, a calling to be more like Jesus, a desire to obtain the perfect mind of Christ. Looking for the day where this body will be resurrected and adamic perfection is obtained, mortality becomes immortality. But until that day, we press toward Christian perfection, our hearts can be perfect before God. Keep your eyes on the goal, the prize of eternal life. The journey may not be easy, but it will be worth it all. Keep pressing on!

Traditions of Men

 Mark 7:9
And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition.
Many traditions are grounded in scripture. It is our tradition to always pray for our food before we eat. This is a good practice, and I believe it honors God, but it is not a commandment. Yes, we find examples in scripture where prayer was made before eating. Jesus, gave thanks at the last supper, and we use such examples to do likewise in our daily habits. But there are many traditions that are born out of necessity and become relevant practice in our daily walk with God that are not “Thus saith the Lord.”. Many traditions become habits of life and build character. I believe that traditions are good and should have a place in our lives. But traditions should never keep us from fully following God’s word and being led by His Spirit by His word. His word was given to us over a span of a thousand plus years, holy men of God, inspired by the Holy Spirit.(2 Peter 1:21) “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness” (2 Tim 3:16). Let us keep our tradition, especially if it aligns with God’s word, but may it never hinder us from fully obeying God.

Mark 15-16

The cry to crucify Jesus pierced the darkness of Pontius Pilates’ hall. Hate, envy, and pride ruled the hearts of the chief priest and the people. Who among them who saw the wondrous miracles of Christ to heal the lame and cause the blind to see would utter such a cry. Who among them who ever gazed into the eyes of Jesus and witness the love of Christ would cry out “crucify Him”. Sin and deception ruled that dark Friday morning. Yet He spoke not a word as He walked the dusty path up to Galgotha. (mark 15a)

The sun which normally shines down around noon was covered in darkness. For 3 hours the skies had the erie sense of doom. Jesus hung on the cross suffering and laboring to breathe. Sin nailed Him to the cross, sin scorned and ridiculed Him to the end. The hour had come, He took His last breath with the weight of sin on his breast, He gave up His life to redeem sinful man back to God. The veil of the temple was split in two and the cry of salvation was proclaimed “Surely this was the Son of God” Deity, the ultimate lamb, paid the ultimate price to set men free from the bondage of sin. The Love of God, how measureless. (mark15b)

It was a early in the morning on the first day of the week. The sun was peeking over the horizon. The Sabbath was over and the followers of Jesus were still bewildered by the passing events over the last couple of days. Faith in the future was dashed and shattered a fortnight ago. We often have our hopes and dreams fade away with the circumstances of life, but we who believe God are not without hope. Only believe and it will come to pass. Hope will arise again. He is Alive! He is risen, and He is Alive! (mark16)

Mark 14

Staying awake is sometime tough to do. Spiritual lathery can cause one to become indifferent to the coming of Christ. It is certain that failing to watch for the signs of His coming will bring disappointment. 

Betrayal is hard to understand. It violates the basic premise of trust. It is unthinkable to realized that one would back stab the Savior, but greed and selfishness has no limits. Sin is no respecter of person, it will attack even those who are close to Jesus and blind them with pride and deception. (mark 14a)

Blinded by self interest, Judas was willing to call Jesus, “Master”. He gave the illusion that he was a servant of Christ and a follower of the Savior. It is not what we speak that really matters, but how we live that will determine our spiritual destiny. Not everyone that say, “Lord, Lord” will enter into the Kingdom. (mark14b)

The test to the believer is to see if they are willing to identify with the cross of Jesus. To be named among those who will take a stand against the popular opinion of the world and side with the truth of God’s Word. Denying Christ is to reject Christ. Peter overwhelmed with the possibility that he too would suffer the fate of Christ was willing to curse in anger. In a moment of weakness, Peter failed to stand for his convictions. In a moment of sorrow and regret, Peter wept himself back to Jesus. (mark 14:b)

Mark 11-13

God expects fruit from those who call God their Father. Those who name the name of Christ will show forth fruits of righteousness. A tree that only has the outward appearance, but bare no fruit is doom for destruction and ultimately will be cast into everlasting fire. (mark 11a)

The measure of our faith will determine the extend that God will move in our behalf. There is a high correlation between answers to prayer and how much Faith we have in God to see it happen. The obstacles in our lives that hinder us can be removed according to our faith. It is the promise of Jesus, “it shall come to pass” if we don’t doubt and have faith in God. (mark 11b)

It was a sad day when the Jews rejected their Messiah. He came to deliver them from sin and set them free from their enemies. They rejected Christ, therefore Christ went to the Gentile who were willing to accept His claims. (Mark 12a)

Outward piety, without inward purity is nauseating to Christ. Professing to be godly without possessing  God inwardly is futility in the worse way. God is not looking for outward demonstration of morality, but is wanting a people who inwardly seek the righteousness of God in sincerity and humility. “”Beware of the scribes, who love to go in long clothing, and love salutations in the marketplaces,“(mark 12b)

The end is sure to come. The signs of the time can be seen in the world all around us. Days of affliction increase world wide and conflict and tribulation arise in every part of the world. Those who put their trust in Christ and continue to believe that He will ultimately reign will see the end come and Christ take the throne and rule this earth. Even so, Lord Jesus, come quickly! (mark 13a)

Staying awake is sometime tough to do. Spiritual lathery can cause one to become indifferent to the coming of Christ. It is certain that failing to watch for the signs of His coming will bring disappointment. (mark 13b)

Mark 7-10

There is no substitution for truth. Traditions and customs are useful for maintain cultural unity and identity, but they should never trump the Commandments of God. What are His commandments? “Love God with all you heart and your neighbor as yourself."

The actions and behavior of a persons is an indications of the condition of the heart. Where the heart is, so is its treasure. Sin originates from the heart of a person. The defilement of a person is not what is taken in, but comes from the motive of the heart. If the motive of the heart is to please God, then the actions  and behavior of a person will glorify God. (mark 7a)

Sin is like leaven in bread, under the right circumstances, it will begin to overtake the life. We must take heed that we do not let sin reign in our heart, but ask God to remove any trace that will hinder God from having full control. Mark 8

Great men will rise and many will greatly esteem their achievements, but there is only one who stands among them that is deserving of worship. It is He who is nailed to the cross, breeding and dying for all mankind. He and He alone, I will bow the knee and fall at His feet in complete obedience and surrender. (mark 9)

There is nothing in life worth having if it will keep you out of heaven. The pearl of great price is valued beyond anything one can imagine. riches, power, fame, and possession are all but dust when compared to the eternal value of being with God forever. It is better to be lame and destitute than burn in an eternal hell without God. (mark 9b)

The sacred vows of marriage are not to be taken lightly. It was ordained of God from the beginning of time that man and women would become one flesh. The unity of holy matrimony is not the institution of man, but of God. Disregarding vows given before God must be held with sacredness and conviction. (mark 10a)

To be first in the kingdom of God one must first know how to serve. To be great in the eyes of God, we must know how to humble ourselves before Him and before others. The secret of greatness is learning how to serve the needs of others. Christianity is a religion of love and servitude .(mark 10b)

Mark 4-6

What kind of ground is your heart? Is your ground prepared to receive the Word of God. Jesus (The Word) knocks at the door of our heart wanting to come and take residence. Will we allow Satan to shut the door in the face of Christ, will our heart be so cluttered with that there is no room for Christ. May we have a heart that is open to Christ and may he grow and become rooted and grounded in our lives. (Mark 4:1a)

Life is like living on a boat out to sea. The journey is mostly calm and uneventful. But, the reality is that the sea is many times unpredictable and the unforeseen storm starts to effect the destiny of the boat. We fear the storm, not knowing if it will crash or sink. It can be comforting to know that the one who can control the storm is riding in the boat with you. One who cares and understands our fear and anxiety. He is able to still the storm at sea. (mark 4b)

The power of Christ to pardon sin is deity, the power of Christ to cast out demons is divine. There is no power on earth that is able to control the demonic powers of Satan. It is only through Christ that a soul can be completely cleanse and made whole. It is the power of Christ that sets man free. Sin will always bind and control people, but Jesus Christ came that to set the prisoner free to live a life in their own right mind.(mark 5a)

Touching Jesus is the passion of my life. The touch of faith brings life when life seems to have no purpose. Dead in trespasses and sin, touching the hem of His garment in faith stimulates the virtues of Christ to flow in my direction. He touched me and He made me whole. Life will never be the same again. (mark 5b)

Where was Jesus when John’s head was severed? These are hard questions that have no satisfying answer to those whose loved and grieved the death of John the Baptist. Where is God when bad things happen to good people? Why do the righteous suffer? Serving God does not guarantee a life without death or suffering. To the contrary, all those that live in Christ will suffer persecution. Evil visits the godly and ungodly, but the godly will rise again. (mark 6)

We often look at situations through the eyes of human capability. What is humanly possible? Without defining the laws of nature, we look at the circumstances and concede defeat. With men it is impossible, but with God all things are possible. Take what bread you have, give it to Jesus, and He will satisfy the need. Harden not your heart, but believe that all things all possible to those who put their trust in God.(mark 6b)

Mark 1-3

Being baptized with water is symbolic of sins being washed away. Being baptized with the Holy Spirit is symbolic of the infusion of new life. The baptism of Jesus Christ goes beyond the washing away of sins, the Holy Spirit comes to led us into all truth, leaving the ways of sin and walking in the light and dwelling the presences of God. (mark1a)

The healing power of Jesus heals the infirmities of people who cry out to Him. Jesus came to heal the sick and bring new life and hope to all who recognized their need to be made whole. The compassion of Jesus is no respecter of person. He loves all, but will only bring healing to those who want help. (mark 1b)

A new follower of Christ needs time to learn and grow. You cannot expect a new believer to reach spiritual maturity and to understand all there is to know about following God. They are but babes in Christ and not ready for the meat. You cannot put new wine into an old wineskins, anymore than you can expect new believers to handle the rigor of spiritual battle. The time will come when they will have to stand up and count the price for following Jesus. (mark2)

The Sabbath day was a special day of strict religious observance in the days of Jesus. The religious leaders of that day took the law way beyond the purpose and intend when God gave man the Sabbath. Jesus came and changed the rules and directed others to make it a day of showing grace and mercy. A day set apart for spiritual healing. It is important to abstain from secular work and indulgence, but it should not be a hindrance to worshiping God and showing acts of kindness. (Mark 3)

It is dangerous to tribute the work of God as the work of Satan. That which is wroth by the Holy Spirit is not to be taken lightly. Those that do the will of God are children of God and will recognized the hand of God at work. A child of Satan is in danger of hell fire because they refuse to acknowledge and be led by the truth that comes from the Holy Spirit. (mark3b)

True Christianity

Mark 12:28-34, 38-40

Truth is defined as a verified or undisputable fact. Jesus proclaimed to be the truth. He not only spoke words of truth, but He himself was the essence of truth. True Christianity is to know Him. This goes beyond following a creed of rules or rituals. True Christianity is a relationship that is then manifest by the religion we live. Following the Christian faith or religion in truth requires a prerequisite. One must first be born of God through the Spirit, made a new creature through the sacrificial death of Christ. Accepted and adopted into the family of God. It is only through confession and believing that the blood of Christ can cleanse from all sin that one becomes a true believer in Christianity. The commandments of Jesus to those who follow Him are given to us here in the scripture, to love God with all our heart and to love our neighbors. It is not possible to do this without first coming to Christ, and accepting His forgiveness for the sins of our past. It is only then, can we truly start to serve God and live the religion that Christ taught.

Seeker of Truth vs.28
• Desire to know the truth
• Concluded that Jesus spoke with authority
Serving One True God vs. 29
• There is only one way to God
• He alone is truth
Selfless Love vs.30
• All your heart, soul, mind, strength
• Our affections, being, thinking- intellect, physical body
Second Command vs.31
• Love your everyone as you would want to be loved
Sincere Answer vs. 32-34
• Discreetly- caution, and good judgment, as well as wisdom in looking ahead. Carefully thought out.
Shunning False Religion vs.38,39
• Look out for those who claim to know everything
• Lift themselves up
• Appear to be dressed Holy
• Strive for power and position
Semblance of Righteousness vs. 40
• Take advantage of those who are helpless or easily manipulated
• The focus of their religion is keeping rules
• They have the talk, but not the walk
• They will be judge by God, who knows the heart.

True Greatness

Mark 10:35-45
The attributes of being “great” in our society is often marked by some outstanding accomplishment achieve by a man or women. We study about “Great Men” in history and “Great Women” who helped shape this country. As we reflect on Biblical history, from Genesis to Revelation, we see “Greatness” scattered throughout the pages of scripture. We marvel at Noah’s great ability to build the Ark, Abraham’s faith to step out under the stars to begin a new nation, and Solomon’s great wisdom to discern right and wrong. Many people today aspire to be great and to make a difference in today’s world. There are those who seek greatness because they crave popularity, power, or position. Jesus teaches us that those types of people will have their reward on earth, but will count for nothing in eternity. Contrary to the world’s viewpoint, Jesus, defines true greatness, “whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister, and whosoever of you will be the chief, shall be servant of all” Greatness is not for a selected few, greatness can be achieved for whosoever will.
Asking amiss- vs.35
• What we desire- did not Christ admonish to do so?
• Discerning the will of God in are asking
Aspiration to greatness- vs.37
• Grant that we may sit- motivation to be exalted
• Climbing the latter of “success”
Ambition is checked vs. 38
• Ye know not what you ask- Blind to their condition
• Jesus knows our needs better than we know them
Ability declared vs. 39
• We can! Self reliance
Acknowledgment of the Savior vs. 39
• Ye shall indeed. Looking beyond the present
Assent given to the Father vs.40
• Is not mine to give- Not my will, but thy will be done
Ascendancy of rules vs. 42
• Gentiles exercise lordship- authority over other
• The world’s view of greatness
Acquiring greatness vs. 43, 44
• Shall be servant of all- living to serve
• Humility- No job is too little for those who serve
• The path to true greatness is following His example
Atonement for all vs.45
• Ultimate act of servant hood
• We who were with hope/helpless died to give us hope

Divine Nourishment

Mark 8:1-9, 14-21

To sustain the body to be healthy and strong, it is imperative that one takes time to nourish themselves with food and water. These basic necessities of life are essential for survival and must not be neglected if we are to grow and live healthy lives. God made humanity with a body and a soul. The till of the ground has provided man with food to sustain the body. But man cannot survive with bread alone. He must also nourish the soul. Jesus, who is the bread of life and true source of divine nourishment, had sent out the invitation to come and dine. This divine food from heaven is the source of our spiritual substance and is essential to our spiritual growth and eternal survival. Jesus said, “He that hunger and thirst after righteousness shall be filled” We often crave and long for certain foods, but how often do we crave for the bread of Life and divine nourishment for heaven?

Calling of the disciples vs.1
• Minister to those in need
• Obligation to feed those who are in need
Compassionate Christ vs. 2-3
• The Love of Jesus how measureless
• Looking through the eyes of Christ
Complications arise vs. 4
• Obstacles that we will face
• Humanly this is not possible, but with God
Charge of the Savior vs. 6, 15
• He is the answer to all are needs
• Trust and obey- “Whatsoever He saith, do it”
Control of the circumstance vs. 5-7
• We must let go and let Him be in control
• He still desires to use us as vessels for His glory
Contamination of truth vs.15
• Beware of those who are able to twist the truth
• Just because it looks delicious, does not mean it will satisfy
Consider and Call to mind the miracles vs. 17-21
• How quickly we forget what God has done
• Understanding the spiritual world
• He desires that we have a present and active faith
• The Holy Spirit will lead us to remember

Crying Out To Jesus

Mark 7:24-37

In desperation, it is not uncommon for people to cry out for help. The cry it not always a literal shout or calling out. It often is the silent aching of the soul that looks for fulfillment or searches for answers to life’s many questions. Crying implies that there is a demonstration of strong emotions and a tense focus on a particular need. There is a singleness of mind and determination to get the attention of someone to give aid or warn of pending danger. Everything else in life fades when compared the immediate need. Through out the Word of God we find examples of men and women crying out to God for help. In almost all situations, the person finds themselves unable to help themselves. David, the great Psalmist gives us many examples of such desperate calling out to God for help. “My heart and my flesh crieth out for the living God”. Psalm 84:2b. In our lesson today, we find a women crying out to Jesus to free her daughter from unclean spirits. In the other example, a group of concern individuals beseech Jesus to bring healing to the deaf and dumb man. In both cases, Jesus saw their need and faith in Him to answer.
Proclaiming of Christ –vs.25 (she heard of Him)
• How can they hear unless someone tells
Pursuing a remedy- vs.25 (she came)
• She went out looking
• Searching in the right place- Must be more than sincerity
Prostrated before Christ- vs.25 (fell at His feet)
• Realize her inadequacy
• Be merciful to me a sinner- Only Christ is able
Pleading for a need- vs.26, 32
• She besought Him
• They beseeched Jesus
Putting her in her place- vs.27 (it is no meet)
• All have sinned- Unrighteous before God.
• We must humble ourselves- He shall lift us up
Persistent in prayer- vs.28 (yes Lord, yet)
• Holding on and willing to take whatever God has for us
• Importunity- We must not let up- “ I will not be denied”
Procuring through divine intervention- vs. 29, 33, 34
• Let God decide how to solve the problem- “He said”
• His way is best- Let go and let God be God- “He spit”
Promise from the Savior- vs.30 (devil gone out) vs.35 (he spake)
• From the lip of Christ- He said it.
Publishing the works of Christ- vs. 36 (they published it)
• It is only natural to let others know.

The Religion of The Pharisees

Mark 7:1-13

Religion can be define as, “something one believes in and follows devotedly; a point or matter of ethics or conscience”. In respect to a religious organization, religion is seen as, “a specific fundamental set of beliefs and practices generally agreed upon by a number of persons or sects”. The beliefs and practices are generally derived from a source that is believed to be from some higher power. Often this source in spoken through some human who proclaims to be God’s messenger to mankind. The essence of a true religion is based on the validity and authenticity of the messenger. Is he truly God’s mouthpiece, or is he a false prophet that is diluted and full of self grander?
The Pharisee’s proclaim a religion that originated with Abraham and Moses. Based on the veracity of God’s Word, the messengers were true men of God. But, the Pharisee’s twisted their words to serve their own purposes. Jesus, undaunted by the Pharisee’s accusations faced them with their hypocrisy and called it for what was, “Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own traditions… Making the Word of God of none effect”.

Fault Finding (vs.2)
• Remove the beam from your own eye first
• Often practice to excuse one’s own failure to live right
Faithful to Traditions (vs.3)
• Understanding the rightful place of traditions
• The hands are clean, but the heart is dirty
Far from God (6)
• Giving only lip service
• Motives are self-centered- not done to the glory of God
False Worship (vs.7)
• Vain worship- pretense of worship
• That they may be seen of men
Failure to Keep God’s Commandments (vs. 8)
• Laying God’s Word aside for a rule book
• The power of God’s word is non existent
Forgetting the essentials (vs. 10, 11)
• Substituting “Corban” as an excuse not to follow the essentials
• What does God require? “Do justly, love mercy, walk humbly
Freedom from the Yoke of Bondage (Galatians 6:1-14)
• No longer in bondage to regulations- Not saved by works
• Freedom to follow the check of the Holy Spirit
• Love and liberty to serve God unhindered by the root of Sin

Rejecting The Truth

Mark 6: 1-13
The light of God’s truth penetrates the darkness to every man. Revealing to man that without God, life is meaningless and hopeless. What is God’s truth? What happens when we refuse to heed what God is telling us? For every action, there is a reaction. The consequences of rejecting the truth that God reveals to us are irreparable if we fail to ultimately walk in the light that He sheds on our path. The Bible is God’s word given to us for our day. It reveals to us how to obtain eternal life, how we should live and act in all manner of conversation. The words of Jesus speak powerfully to the need of man’s heart, and to the life of love and forgiveness that should be demonstrated to mankind. Failing to follow these truths will result in a life most miserable, and end with the eternal consequences of death. What are we doing with the Truth that Jesus has given to us?
Arms reaching out to His own (vs. 1)
• Reaching out to family and friends
• Reaching out to the world
Amazed by His teachings (vs. 2)
• He spoke with authority
• They questioned His miracles
Affronted by His words (vs. 3)
• Questioned His origin
• There hearts were convicted by the truth
• Ashamed to be identified with the Truth (Jesus)
Abased by His own (vs. 4)
• He was not honored by them
• They were humility by Him
• They belittle Him
Astonished by their unbelief (vs. 6)
• He was amazed by their rejection
• “Shook His head in shock and surprise”
Accepting truth (vs. 10, 13)
• Let it abide in your “home”
• Proclaim it to others
• The miracle of a clean heart
• Let God put the broken pieces back together- Healing power
Anathema to truth rejecters (vs. 11)
• Refuse to repent
• The judgment liken unto Sodom
• The Judgment of God is final
• Divine retribution

The Wisdom of Jesus

Mark 4:21-34

The words of Christ are not hard to understand. He speaks with simplicity and clarity. It is His desire for all to come to the knowledge of His truth. The way of salvation is not complex and difficult to comprehend, a fool need not error or be detoured from grasping and obtaining its meaning. The wisdom of His words spoke not only to the minds of men and women, but it reached into the heart and soul of all who heard Him speak. The heart would either reject or receive His words. To the Scribes and Pharisee His word brought conviction and revealed their hypocrisy, to the sinner it brought hope and forgiveness. The wisdom of Christ astonished all who heard, for no man spoke with such authority and wisdom. Let him, who has an ear, hear and do what the Master says to do. For those, who hear and do it is given to them to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God.

Speaking in Parables (vs. 33, 34)
• Making connections/past experiences
• Comparing nature to spiritual insight
Shining as a Candle (vs. 21, 22)
• The truth is for all to have and receive
• Our own lights needs to be out in the open
Seriousness of the Word (vs. 24)
• What are we doing with the Word?
• We will be accountable for the light God gives us
Sowing the Seed (vs. 26)
• The Sower, the Holy Spirit and human vessels
• The Seed: The Word of God- His truth
Spring up from the Soil (vs.27)
• The Soil: the heart of Man- condition of the soil
• Good soil- will bring forth new life- All things pass away
Shooting up of Branches/Leaves (vs. 32)
• Healthy growth of life in Christ
• Establish and rooted in the Word of God
Sickling of the Harvest (vs. 29)
• Our lives will bare the fruit of His Spirit
• It will be used to nourished the world
• The fruit of our labors- Bring in God’s harvest
Shadow of Protection (vs. 32)
• Refuges in God’s Sanctuary- The Church should be a place to find shelter from the world.
• Standing strong- Those that are spiritual help those …

A Friend of Jesus

Mark 2: 13-22

What is a friend?
It has been said that a friend is someone who accepts you for who you are unconditionally. They see and know your faults, failures, and shortcomings and still will keep their heart open and listen to your heart as you cry out. Jesus loves unconditionally. Sin has taken man to the depth of depravity yet Christ still reaches down to lift them out. His love crosses social barriers and will be a friend to anyone who will come unto Him. His friendship exceeds that of any human. He is a friend that will not leave you or forsake you. Christ died for our sins and is forever reaching out with His forgiveness. He loves and cares too much for our souls to leave us without hope. His friendship entreats us to follow Him and accept Him as our friend and Savior.

A Friend to the Multitude (multitude resorted unto him)
• Jerusalem, oh Jerusalem!
• Whosoever will
• Compassion for a lost world
A Friend to the Despised (the Levi)
• Those hated by others
• Unpopular
• He passed by their way
A Friend to the Sinner (sat with sinners)
• The undeserved
• The blood has gone deeper than the stain of sin
• The confessor- Have mercy on me
A Friend to the Sick (but they that are sick)
• Sick in soul- those who’s hearts are diseased
• In affliction, He is near
A Friend to the Unrighteous (came not to call the righteous)
• Through Christ we are made right
• We are has filthy rage in His sight
• Our heart is made right by the light
A Friend to His Disciples ((they cannot fast)
• He knows what we can bear- They are not ready to fast
• Intimate communion with God- We can enter sacred dwelling place of God- Drawing close to the Jesus and He will bring you into His arms.
• What a friend we have in Jesus- He’s a friend that sticks closer than a brother.

Christ is Risen

Mark 16:1-14
The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the matrix of Christianity. It is the pivotal truth and anchor of our faith that makes Christianity more than just another religion conjured by man. It is not a religion of man, but a relationship initiated by God who rules and reigns in the pass, present, and future. The certainty of this truth is express by the Apostle Paul when he says, “And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain”
The gospel accounts of the resurrection of Christ vary slightly in detail and sequence, but such difference does not dimension the validity of the truth. The account given to us by Mark is focused around the women that went to the sepulcher to anoint the body of Jesus, and a summary of other disciples that saw Him. The scripture lesson ends with a rebuke by Jesus for their unbelief in not believe those that saw Him first.

First Day of the Week (early in the morning…)
• The Christian Sabbath
• The sorrow and grief of death
Fortify with a Stone (…the stone from the door)
• The hindrances we face
• Continue to do what is right
Frighten by Angels (they were affrighted)
• One angel or two angels?
• Startled by the unexpected
• Fear is dispelled with astonishment
Foretelling of Christ (there shall ye see Him)
• He is not here- this was foretold
• You shall see Him face to face
• We must go where He leads to be able to see Him
Fled to Tell (fled from the sepulcher)
• They were admonish to go
• Spread the good news (gospel truth)
First seen by Mary (He appeared first…)
• Mary, delivered of 7 devils- From the depth of sin
• Personal acknowledgement- He calls our name. Is He Master?
Fellowship with Christ (they walked and went)
• Broke bread with them- social relationship
• Open the scripture with them- spiritual enlightenment
• Did not our heart burn within? – Sensing His presence
Faithlessness rebuked (upbraided them…)
• The frailty of humanity- the struggle with believing miracles.
• Rebukes are meant to strengthen. How do we accept rebukes?