God's Purpose

 Acts 9:36
 Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and alms deeds which she did.
Tabitha was known for her ministry in making clothes for those in need. Her life was spent helping others and giving herself to make life easier on others. When she passed away, many gathered to mourn her passing. Upon hearing that Peter and his disciples were nearby, they sent messengers to have him come. It is unclear if they just wanted Peter to come and pay respects, or if they hoped for a miracle. It was God’s will that a miracle happen. Miracles don’t always happen just because we pray they will. God always has a purpose to manifest his power. God was not done with Tabitha. The miracle from death to life brought many to believe in Christ. Tabitha was not a preacher, she was a woman who demonstrated Christ in her life through her good works and giving her life to the service of helping people. No doubt, after God raised her from the dead, she continued to be faithful in making garments and giving to others who had needs.

Walking On Water

Matt 14:29  And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus.

Walking on water is not possible. The laws of nature defy the possibility that humans can literally walk on the surface of the water. The laws of nature do not apply to God. He created the laws that govern our universe, He can alter those laws at will. With men, this is impossible, but with God, all things are possible. When God asks us to do the impossible it would be natural for fear to grip our hearts. We who fear the unknown and things that seem impossible to do know a God that does things that are impossible. Have any mountains that are in the way? Have any rivers that are over flowing the banks you need to cross? Have any seas that need parted? I don’t know if I will ever need to walk on water, but I need Him to work out some impossibilities that I cannot do in my own strength or ability. Taking the first step in believing Him, and keeping my trust in the one who can make miracles happen is what God requires of me. With God, all things are possible.

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.

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

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?

Jesus The Healer

Mark 1:21-34

The ministry of Jesus is summarized in what He did for humanity. He served, sacrificed, and suffered for others that they all may have the opportunity to be saved from sorrow, sadness, and sin.
Sickness is brought upon man by diseases that attack the body. The effects of sin in the world, is to bring death to that which lives. When sickness came upon people it was assumed that the person had committed sin, therefore sickness was the punishment. Christ cleared up this misconception when he said, “Neither did this man sin or his parents…” We often don’t understand why sickness falls to a person, but we can trust God that such events are fulfilling a divine purpose.
Jesus came to heal the broken in body and spirit. He came to make life whole. His healing power goes beyond making the body well, but reaches to the depth of the soul where sickness is rebuked and the healing power of God’s forgiveness is administered. Have you experience the healing power of Christ in your life?

Capernaum is open (went into Capernaum)
• Nazareth rejects Christ
• The harvest was ready for reaping in Capernaum
• Do we have an open heart to the works of Christ?
Church gathering (into the synagogue)
• The Christian Sabbath- Day of worship
• A place to be feed by His Word
• Open to all classes of people
Christ Authority (as one that has authority)
• He was the Word- The author of truth
• He did not explain the law- he proclaimed it
Casting out of sin (come out of him)
• Sinners in the Church- Are they welcomed?
• The rebuking of Satan- evil spirits cast doubt and fear
• Showing forth the power of Christ- The power of the Church
Caring for believers (he took her hand)
• Especially to the household of faith
• Peter witness- Casting, all your cares upon Him, for…
• Is Christ the master of your home?
Compassion for all (he healed many)
• Sharing the Grace of God
• Love them into the Kingdom- I have no other choice.
• His healing power is for whosoever will
• All need healing, for all come short of the Glory of God.