Jesus teaches the parable of the sower in the opening section of Mark chapter 4. Pastor Steve explained the value and importance of parables to Jesus's ministry, and also helped us apply the truths of the four soils to our own lives.

Jesus responds to the accusations that he is using Satan's power to cast out demons in the closing section of Mark chapter 3. He follows up with a warning that ascribing the work of the Spirit to Satan is a blasphemy against the Holy Spirit and is not forgivable. Pastor Steve explains the often misunderstood concept of the "unpardonable sin" and whether or not we as believers have anything to worry about regarding it.

Jesus responds to the accusations that he is using Satan's power to cast out demons in the closing section of Mark chapter 3. He follows up with a warning that ascribing the work of the Spirit to Satan is a blasphemy against the Holy Spirit and is not forgivable. Pastor Steve explains the often misunderstood concept of the "unpardonable sin" and whether or not we as believers have anything to worry about regarding it.

Pastor Steve takes us through the middle section of Mark 3 where Jesus prays (all night, Luke tells us) before selecting the twelve disciples that will make up his inner circle. Steve gave us the backstory on the disciples we know more about from the rest of the New Testament and discussed why Jesus would choose *these twelve* men!

Pastor Steve takes us through the middle section of Mark 3 where Jesus prays (all night, Luke tells us) before selecting the twelve disciples that will make up his inner circle. Steve gave us the backstory on the disciples we know more about from the rest of the New Testament and discussed why Jesus would choose *these twelve* men!

Pastor Steve teaches the opening story of Mark chapter 3, where Jesus again challenges the religious leaders by performing a healing on the Sabbath.

Pastor Steve teaches the opening story of Mark chapter 3, where Jesus again challenges the religious leaders by performing a healing on the Sabbath.

In the final two sections of Mark chapter 2, Jesus deals head on with the religious expectations of the Pharisees, revealing their intense care for rituals and traditions of men over and above the state of the heart. Jesus deals with both their outward pride over their fasting as well as their refusal to understand that the Sabbath was God's gift of rest to man. Instead they had made the Sabbath burdensome with their long list of rules and regulations.

In the final two sections of Mark chapter 2, Jesus deals head on with the religious expectations of the Pharisees, revealing their intense care for rituals and traditions of men over and above the state of the heart. Jesus deals with both their outward pride over their fasting as well as their refusal to understand that the Sabbath was God's gift of rest to man. Instead they had made the Sabbath burdensome with their long list of rules and regulations.

Sometimes we don't get the full effect of the scenes in the Bible--so Pastor Steve took time to explain the role and reputation of a tax collector during the time that Jesus walked the streets of Galillee. Having done that we understand the power of the story of Matthew (Levi) being called by Jesus to "Follow me." in Mark 2! We are also called to have this connection to sinners, to be inviting them and spending time with them to share the good news of God's salvation with them.