I mentioned on Sunday three things to keep an eye out for as we read. I thought it might good to list these here as a reminder. First, Jesus is always teaching about the nature of the Kingdom and how it differed from the people's expectations. Take note of these descriptions and see how they might be applied to the church. How are these descriptions different or similar to your own expectations? Second, Jesus' divinity and authority are often presented. Some of these affirmations are straightforward, others are more subtle. Often, Jesus says and does things that are only possible if He is God. Third, although Jesus teaches often to crowds, we also see Him making a deeper investment in a few. Notice in Mark 3 He chooses the 12 "to be with Him." (3:14). Pay special attention to Jesus' teaching of the disciples. How can we apply these lessons in our own Spiritual walk?
I'm looking forward to another great week! God bless!
13 comments:
Isaiah mentions feeding the poor. Mike just spoke about it yesterday.
I was thinking about yesterday's message and the designation "friend of sinners". Jesus was the only one for whom that designation meant anything. If we say we are a friend of sinners, big deal...our friends could say the same thing. We are all sinners...Jesus was the only one without sin. About the best we can say as those who are saved is that we are friend to unsaved sinners. We have nothing to boast about except that Christ has saved us.
Great insight. You're absolutely right. Unfortunately, we often don't get to choose our own labels. All we can do is try to shape people's perspective of us by the way we live and speak.
D.T. Niles gives a great definition for evangelism that is very appropriate for our conversation. He said, "Evangelism is just one beggar telling another beggar where to find bread."
I've heard that definition before...it is a perfect description!
I agree, it has to be about grace and forgiveness. Otherwise, and I may sound a bit pessimistic here, but we may as well be doomed otherwise.
I can't believe the pharisees were so stuck on the sabbath that they didn't want anyone healed. Wouldn't it also be safe to say that suffering is also a means of work? Then by theory, shouldn't people be healed so they don't have to suffer on the sabbath?
I can definitely tell some outside forces were clouding my judgement this morning. I woke up for some unimportant reason, and I found myself thinking things against my faith that I would not ordinarily think about on my own, well I don't think I would think about them.
Just kinda felt like talking a bit, yaknow? Thanks for listening, and I love the fact that we are getting more people to do this. I was thinking about a screencap that instructs people on how to use this blog.
A couple of interesting points there, Carl! One definition of work, according to dictionary.com is "23. to make way with effort or under stress". That definition is definitely consistent with someone trying to endure suffering. I had never thought about it that way before, so thanks for that insight!
In re: external forces, I have noticed a lot of attacks by the enemy recently. I think he is upset with the good that is happening and thinks he can stop it by acting up. Stay strong in the faith...I'll keep you in my prayers today!
I agree, great comments Carl. What a fresh perspective. I also agree that the enemy works hardest to frustrate those who are advancing the Kingdom. But we should take confidence in knowing that all he can do is frustrate us, he can't defeat us. We ALREADY have victory in Christ. I'll be praying for you too Carl, and for our church.
I'll be preaching about the "unforgivable sin" of blasphemy against the Spirit on Sunday. I would love to get some opinions on the passage. For instance, what questions or thoughts come to mind when you read what Jesus says in Matthew 12:32? "Whoever speaks a word against the Son of Man, it will be forgiven him. But whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit, it will not be forgiven him, either in this age or in the age to come."
Thanks, and yeah I mean it occurred to me that pain is also kinda like working too. So why should people be suffering on the sabbath, it doesn't make sense. Especially when it's a day off created by God himself.
And as for blasphemy, well I feel like saying this. As like as you have Christ in your heart, and you know you want to change and make an effort, then you can never blaspheme. What does everyone think?
This electronic bible study, as my dad might say, is just what I have been looking for to keep me reading the bible.
I agree Papa J...that is one of my favorite passages...we are all equal at the foot of the cross. What freedom that conveys!
It is interesting how half of that passage has made it into our society - the part about all being the same. Unfortunately, too many people miss the "foot of the cross" element, which makes the first part bogus. We are NOT all equal without Christ, because this is a selfish world, one that values power and greed. Hard to be all the same if people are all striving to be #1...there can't be more that one #1!
Amen!
Thank you and well I'm just really saying what I think is in my heart about this. I think all of this is doing me good, I think I can feel it. Though I'm not really sure.
How can anyone think evil can heal? Evil can only harm in the end... I like how this weeks um, lesson is it? Talks about the Holy Spirit, and equality, and all that good stuff.
Interesting point about there can only be one no.1. I heard Les Brown say years ago that if we put God first, we will never come in second. Imaging what the working world would be like if you didn't have everyone trying to outdo the other at all costs. No lying, cheating, integrity would count for something. also, I have been thinging this week, grace it so important. If I had to count on never messing up or making a mistake or sinning , I would definately be out of the running. by grace, though, we are counted as children of God through Jesus.
What a great week of discussion! You never walk away the same after having an encounter with the Word of God. I think this walk through Mark with have an impact on us all. I'm enjoying this a lot. Thanks everyone.
Post a Comment