Would you say that Jesus is a man of His word? He told Lazarus to come out of the tomb and Lazarus did (even though he had been dead four days!). Jesus commanded the wind and waves to stop and they did. Jesus took bread and said, "This is my body," and took wine and said, "This is my blood." Jesus is a man of His word. He gives us what He says...and what a gift Jesus has given us in His supper!

A little drop of water may not seem like much, but over time and multiplied it can develop into a mighty flood. God pours new life into us through baptism, a little bit of water that brings a flood of God’s blessings.

The saying goes, “A dog returns to its vomit.” That’s nasty! Why would anyone or anything go back to something so disgusting? It seems ridiculous, but that is the temptation for Christians as well. We are saved by grace through faith in Jesus alone. Why would anyone go back to a law that only condemns us?!

Jesus Christ is the foundation of the Church. His perfect life and sacrificial death demonstrates the epitome of love and opens up the free gift of His salvation to the world. Jesus’ love fueled the first Christians to speak and live and die boldly. That same Jesus, His same love, His message of salvation moves us to connect people to life in Jesus boldly.

Jesus Christ is the foundation of the Church. His perfect life and sacrificial death demonstrates the epitome of love and opens up the free gift of His salvation to the world. Jesus’ love fueled the first Christians to speak and live and die boldly. That same Jesus, His same love, His message of salvation moves us to connect people to life in Jesus boldly.

Paul writes, “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone” (Romans 12:18). Throughout Mark’s Gospel we find Jesus teaching truth, acting with great power, loving and caring for people. Many received Jesus’ ministry gladly and with amazement. The religious leaders, for the most part, did not. After many interactions, the sinful stubbornness of the religious leaders leads to conflict. That is what unfolds in Mark 12.

People have various views about Jesus: from nice, friendly, loving Jesus to harsh, condemning, flipping-the-tables Jesus. In Mark 11 we meet “hangry” Jesus. Don’t let His actions keep you from digesting what Jesus is dishing out. (Digesting…see what I did there in relation to “hangry”?)

Which would you rather have: total dependence on someone else or total independence? That question lies at the heart of the encounter Jesus has with a man in Mark 10. It also lies at the heart of our relationship with Jesus.

Today we are going to look at Mark 9. We will focus on the transfigured presence of Jesus. We pray that you see and experience how sweet it is to be in the glory and presence of God. May God bless your worship.

Who do you say Jesus is? A prophet? A teacher? A kind man? A god? The one and only Savior? What you say and believe about Jesus directly impacts why and how you follow Jesus.