The Bible, especially the Old Testament, was written in the context of Middle Eastern culture wherein hospitality is of the utmost courtesy. In a time where cities were set miles apart with nothing in between, a hospitable host could mean the difference between life and death. Abraham shows us how a servant of God should serve even strangers in a sacrificial gift proportionate to his means (Genesis 18:1-8).

Jesus has looked out into the room of his disciples and said "you are my family". This high honor is extended to us through the ages. Though sin has corroded family and community, Jesus Himself has welcomed us into the household of God and the family customs and traditions have been given to us (Mark 3:31-35).

In what genre do we think our life is found? What kind of narrative do we think we're living? Unless we're well aware that our lives are all about Jesus, we can often fear that off-genre events derail our lives. Instead, we ought to embrace the hardships of marriage as aspects of God's written plan. He's in charge of the narrative. Craig and Vicki Finley offer pivotal marriage tips like practicing forgiveness and fighting fair.

When scribes from Jerusalem label Jesus as a high ranking satanic agent, Jesus pronounces a stern warning that there is a sin that cannot be forgiven. Here we see that each person must decide whether to fight for Jesus or against Him. There is no neutral ground (Mark 3:22-30).

Jesus calls 12 young men to be His specially selected disciples, known as apostles. These men stand apart from the generic crowds that surround Jesus. What is the difference between a bystander and a disciple? Relationship. Our walks with Jesus are highlighted by the truth that He's reached out to us to enter into relationship with Him (Mark 3:7-21).

With Ahab, son of Omri in power, God raises up Elijah the prophet to speak His word. Elijah is bold in the face of opposition but when he sees that the Baal worshippers won't relent, he falls into a panic. God assures Elijah of His retained remnant, and sends Elijah on three final assignments.

We find Jesus spending His Sabbath at the synagogue when enters a man with a withered hand. Jesus uses this as an opportunity to show that God's law was meant to proactively do good, not merely refraining from evil (Mark 3:1-6).

Both Israel in the North and Judah in the South begin their descent into judgment. Israel's kingdom declines much more quickly with betrayal after betrayal leading to a number of separate dynasties. The Davidic Dynasty in Judah remains intact, but even the Davidic Kings display a departure from God's ordinances. Idolatry, treachery, and assassination plague these succeeding generations of God's once-holy people.

When Jesus' disciples are caught picking grain on the Sabbath, the Pharisees think they've caught Jesus' troupe in apostasy. This accusation becomes an opportunity for Jesus to share God's heart for the flourishing of life. In this we see how God intends to set His people free to rest and to work, not to bind them by restrictions regarding rest and work (Mark 2:23-28).

Tonight we cover two chapters of sharp incline and two chapters of an even steeper decline. Solomon's reign marks the zenith of Israel's history, but his use of wealth and his polygamy turns his heart away from the Lord. God's favor is also turned away from Solomon's lineage (though He promises to preserve a remnant for David's sake). Solomon's son Rehoboam's trust in inexperienced counsel leads to a massive secession from the kingdom. So begins to show the defects in the hearts of these kings of men.