Sunday Sermon: The Ministry of Christ 01—Luke 4:1-15—Preparation
Read moreJesus Rejects Self-Sufficiency While Looking for Dependence Upon God (Mark 9:25-29)
Jesus loves to save. And sometimes he will save us by allowing things to get worse before they get better. In the time of worsening, you must still believe, even with imperfect faith, in his ability and desire to break through. (3 Minutes/700 Words)
Read moreJesus Replaces Chaos With Flourishing (Mark 9:14-18)
Our episode today provides a significant contrast with the glory of the mount of transfiguration. All the gospel writers are careful to record the stories together. They wanted us to note the differences between the two scenes. (5 Minutes/1300 Words)
Read moreArchival Post: How Not To Handle Temptation
Temptation is all around us. Daily, we are bombarded with the pull of fleshly passions. Because of temptation, we must feed the Spirit.
Read moreBelieve the Right Things About Jesus (Mark 3:20-35)
Mark sets up our next scene by pointing out two separate groups, Jesus' family and the scribes. But before looking at each group and their response to Christ, Mark is clear to point out why both of them reacted to Jesus at this time. The crowds. (14 Minutes/3600 Words)
Read moreJesus Has Authority Over All Invisible Forces (Mark 1:21-28)
Every person has guides who help them navigate life. All of us have authoritative voices that help us decide how to live. What the disciples of Jesus would quickly begin learning is that Jesus should be our authoritative guide. (7 Minutes/1800 Words)
Read moreHis Mission: Jesus Is the Champion Who Delivers His People (Mark 1:12-13)
Mark does not include robust detail about Jesus' time of temptation in the wilderness. Matthew and Luke record three direct temptations from Satan, along with Jesus' scriptural rebuttals to each. Instead, Mark gives an overview of the events. He isn't as interested in the dialogue, but the action itself. (4 Minutes/950 Words)
Read moreThe Life of David - Transformed by the Secret King (1 Samuel 22:1–2)
There are episodes in David's life that serve as an excellent picture of the God-hearted man. He went through human struggles, complete with human failures, and our hearts are often encouraged by the way God worked in his life. Our most recent episodes are examples of David's human weakness. (11 Minutes/3000 Words)
Read moreSeth's Line (Genesis 4:25-5:32)
Here, when Adam and Eve have another son, they called him Seth. His name might mean something like seat or buttocks or new beginning or foundation. It's clear Eve felt there was something special about this son, saying, God has appointed for me another offspring instead of Abel. This is beautiful because of the clear hope found in Eve. (8 Minutes/2000 Words)
Read moreThe Fall (Genesis 3:4-6)
At this point, Satan had Eve teed up. He had planted the seeds of doubt in God and in God's word. She was ready for destruction, primed for manipulation. (4 Minutes/900 Words)
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