It seems ironic that the Pharisees wanted Jesus to perform a sign from heaven right after he miraculously fed four thousand people. They didn't want a miracle—they knew Jesus was capable of those—but a sign from heaven, or a sign from God, testifying to Jesus' identity. They didn't realize that his presence was a sign from heaven, for he had stepped out of glory to minister to humankind. (3 Minutes/700 Words)
Read moreSeeing God Correctly: God Is Angered by Dead Religion (Mark 3:1-6)
It is amazing how religious leaders would not answer Jesus' questions. He'd asked, Is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good or to do harm, to save life or to kill? And they responded with silence (4). I mean, the answer was so obvious, but they couldn't bring themselves to respond. They couldn't confess it was lawful on the Sabbath to do good. (5 Minutes/1400 Words)
Read moreJesus' Atmosphere of Grace (Mark 2:23-28)
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)
Read moreArchival Post: Our Salvation Song
Hezekiah was an excellent king of Judah. A descendant of David, he bore similar traits to his ancestor in that he worshipped God and delighted in God's law. At one point, Hezekiah became sick. Isaiah the prophet was summoned, and he told Hezekiah his time to die had come. Hezekiah pleaded with God but also pleaded with Isaiah to plead with God. Isaiah returned with the glad announcement that Hezekiah would live. For another fifteen years, Hezekiah sat on the throne.
Read moreOutworkings and Witnesses of the Gospel’s Truthfulness – Three Outworkings (1 John 5:1–5)
John knew the truthfulness of the gospel message and watched Jesus' life, and heard His teaching. He witnessed Jesus' death and resurrection and had seen the gospel flood the world after Jesus' ascension. And, over time, John had discovered what the gospel does inside a believer. He knew the gospel message is true, but had also come to discover some of its outworkings. (9 Minutes/2400 Words)
Read moreOur Salvation Song (Isaiah 38:20)
Hezekiah was an excellent king of Judah. A descendant of David, he bore similar traits to his ancestor in that he worshipped God and delighted in God's law. At one point, Hezekiah became sick. Isaiah the prophet was summoned, and he told Hezekiah his time to die had come. Hezekiah pleaded with God but also pleaded with Isaiah to plead with God. Isaiah returned with the glad announcement that Hezekiah would live. For another fifteen years, Hezekiah sat on the throne. (5 Minutes/1000 Words)
Read more