Biblical Literacy Podcast

Mark began a new series titled Snapshots of Jesus as seen throughout the Gospels. Today focused on the Gospel of Mark. This New Testament synoptic Gospel is not  written in chronological order. Rather the stories of Jesus are repeated themes for the reader to contrast and compare. The first thirteen verses of the Gospel of Mark are written from God’s perspective followed by verses that reflect man’s bewilderment at Jesus’ teachings. Today’s lesson reviews three aspects: the writer's Perspective, Greek/Roman influence, and the Biblical concept.

Mark drew the curtain back on Advent lesson 4, unveiling a lesson on “Adventus”  which is Latin for Arrival. ( Advent is the 4 weeks of celebration on the Christian calendar before Christmas, the birth of Christ.)

He broke down the arrival onto 3 life events.

1. Arrival in Bethlehem

2. Arrival in Life

3. Arrival to come, the “second coming”

Mark gives us a brain teaser…which Christmas carol is about the second coming? Do you know?

Mark addresses the 3 life events by discussing in detail:

1. Life’s curveballs

2. Our testimony

3. Our Lord “God”

He references many passages in Luke 1:39-53 to address life’s struggles and solutions, what our testimony should entail, the power it gives us and our promise in our belief that our Lord will come again.

Mark closes with profoundly knowing and in deep belief that life throws us curveballs, but we are servants of God and we can tell the world about  our God.

Joy to the world, the Lord has come and that is who we are.

Mark taught lesson 3 in the study of Advent. This week’s emphasis: When Jesus Comes Again. Mark focused on a taste and feast Advent buffet as written in Luke 1. Mark used Scripture to show us life is full of ups and downs, life is full of contrasts, God does incredible things, is always reliable, but not predictable.

Listen to Mark explain the social norms/culture of the day through Luke’s  accounting of the events leading  up to Jesus’ birth. In conclusion, we re loved, favored, and we can trust the Lord is with us through all of life’s ups and downs.

Brent Johnson continued teaching the Advent series with lesson 2. Today is the second Sunday in

Advent, Adventus in Latin which means arrival.

After sharing in responsive liturgical reading, Brent expounded on the emphasis of week 2: Peace of

God. We are promised God's peace as the angels' proclaimed to the shepherds of Jesus' birth,

"Fear not." Brent focused on three points of being pleasing to God:

1. Trust / Faith God - Matt 8:23-27. Romans 8:5-8

2. Bring Peace to Others - Matt 5:9. Matthew 28:19-20. Ezra 17:10

3. Pray - Talk and Listen to God - Philippians 4:6-8

God is at work in all things. He will give us peace. Listen as Brent details the meaning of the Second

Sunday in Advent.

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Today was the first Sunday in Advent, and Mark taught the first of four lessons before Christmas. Mark first explained the histories of marking time around the world and how it affected the church regarding holy day observances. He then transitioned to 3 focus areas for Advent that infuse joy and faith:

Arrival in Bethlehem: God has plans.

Arrival of Christ in our life.

The arrival of Jesus again.

God has perfect timing, and believers are to rely only on God as we 1) live with purpose, 2) serve and pray, and 3) demonstrate faith over fear.

Listen to Mark explore the beginning of the Advent season and God’s purpose for us since the beginning of time.

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Dr. Peter Williams joined Mark this morning to dig deep and reveal numerous levels of meaning from the three lost and found parables found in Luke 15:

The lost sheep

The lost coin

The lost or prodigal son

The main focus was the prodigal son relating several examples of similar real events in Genesis.

Jesus spoke to a mixed audience in easy to understand language. Listen to Mark and Peter discuss how Jesus used the power of story to reveal and hide, to bypass our natural defenses, and show truth in a non-threatening environment.

Mark brought the study of Philippians to a close with a focus on Philippians

4:14-23.

He shared three points from Paul:

1. Finding a Deeper Fellowship: We learn that by doing good for others and

sharing in their suffering and trouble, we will be stronger Christians.

2. An Uncomfortable Truth. Paul was familiar with the Greco-Roman culture

and their sign of friendship in giving and receiving gifts. He encouraged

giving to others with a right heart motive. God is glorified and richly blesses.

3. The Larger World. We should remove our blinders and greet all the

saints in Christ Jesus knowing God is at work doing great things all over

the world.

Listen to Mark provide Scriptural insight that demonstrates Paul’s love and

encouragement for the Philippians and all believers.

Sunday’s Biblical Literacy Class was a breakfast celebration with lots of fun and food. Mark interviewed his mother who thrilled us with her delightful answers. Listen to Mrs. Lanier’s wisdom and especially her sweet potato story.