Mary, an Example of Devotion to Christ (Mark 14:1-11)

February 29, 2024 Nate Holdridge

Jesus Christ is worthy of our devotion. There is nothing we can give him that would put him in our debt. Though we know this about Jesus, what the woman in this story did for him is still astonishing because of its total lack of moderation. This is what the people present struggled with when they saw her that day. To them, she could have given the money to the poor and thanked Jesus less extravagantly.

The Millennial Reign: Part 2 (Mark 13:24-37 & Rev. 20:1-6)

February 22, 2024 Nate Holdridge

The fourth element of the millennium is that spiritual life will come to the nations. Israel won't be alone in its renewed spiritual life. The prophets clarified that the earth will experience a population explosion during the millennium. With the curse suspended or at least significantly decreased, Isaiah and Jeremiah said infants would no longer die, and everyone would *"fill out their days,"* so that death at age one hundred would be considered young (Isaiah 65:20, Jeremiah 30:20).

The Millennial Reign: Part 1 (Mark 13:24-37 & Rev. 20:1-6)

February 15, 2024 Nate Holdridge

Today, we pick up in Mark 13 with Jesus teaching his disciples about the end times. Last week, we studied his second coming, which takes place before his millennial reign. Now, we will look to the book of Revelation to learn more about the time of his 1,000-year reign.

The Second Coming of Christ (Mark 13:24-27)

February 8, 2024 Nate Holdridge

On the Mount of Olives outside Jerusalem's temple, a few days before his crucifixion, Jesus explained the end times to his disciples.

What Jesus Treasures, Part 2 (Mark 12:41-44)

January 4, 2024 Nate Holdridge

Previously, in Mark 12, we saw how Jesus was moved by the gift of the poor widow at the temple that day. He used her example to teach his disciples that she had given more than the wealthy with their immense contributions, because her sacrifice was greater. To Jesus, this woman was a model of devotion, an example of worship, and a true lover of God. Let’s look at some more lessons from her story.

What Jesus Treasures, Part 1 (Mark 12:41-44)

December 28, 2023 Nate Holdridge

In today's passage, Jesus lets his disciples in on a secret found in an anonymous woman's story.

Deciding—Not Only Desiring—To Be Strong in Him (Ephesians 6:10-20)

November 1, 2023 Nate Holdridge

Today, my mind is on a particular insight in Paul's exhortations to the Ephesians about spiritual warfare (or, really, about life). He said we wrestle not against people but powers, so he told us to take up the armor of God. I've identified and explained this armor elsewhere, so today, let’s consider the personal responsibility Paul expected each of us to take in putting on that armor.

Part 3: What Kind of King is Jesus? Long Awaited (Mark 11:8-11)

June 22, 2023 Nate Holdridge

As Jesus enters the city of Jerusalem, his entrance is peculiar. Why did Jesus want to ride in on a young donkey? He'd gone to Jerusalem many times for various feasts. Ever since his childhood, Jesus had been a pilgrim bound for Jerusalem. And he had never ridden in on a young donkey. Why did Jesus choose such a dramatic and different entrance on this day?

Part 2: What Kind of King is Jesus? Meek (Mark 11:8)

June 15, 2023 Nate Holdridge

Jesus' journey into Jerusalem wasn't only a fulfillment of prophecy, but a glimpse into his kingdom. You see, everything Jesus did that day of his arrival spoke of his royalty. Why?

Part 1: What Kind of King is Jesus? In Control (Mark 11:1-7)

June 8, 2023 Nate Holdridge

In our last look at Mark, we followed Jesus as he neared his death in Jerusalem at the time of the Passover feast. As Jesus neared the city, he did something uncharacteristic. All through Mark's gospel, Jesus has silenced people. Only recently, with Bartimaeus, has Jesus begun to invite attention. And now, as they approach the eastern side of the city, Jesus decides to mount a young donkey and ride into Jerusalem like a coming king.