Why do modern translations bracket off this section of Scripture- Is this a questioning of God's Word- In this message, we consider the evidence concerning these verses and consider what it means for this passage. At the end of this, we will not only have a better understanding of this passage, but also of how we have God's Word.

From our Sunday morning Bible readings.

Mark has a reason for summarizing the events of the resurrection in the way that he does. The resurrection means that all believers can have new life, so Mark calls the reader to respond to the news of the resurrection. He calls you as the reader to note the empty tomb, the angelic announcement, and the response of the women so that you might believe.

The climax of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John is the crucifixion, that -Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures.- This is His work on behalf of all believers, and today, we're considering the first half of the crucifixion -and the second half next week-. We're going to first consider His work on the cross, and then we'll consider the ridicule of that work.

From our Sunday morning Bible readings.

We begin looking at article eight---WE AFFIRM that the primary role of the church is to worship God through the preaching of his word, teaching sound doctrine, observing baptism and the Lord's Supper, refuting those who contradict, equipping the saints, and evangelizing the lost. We affirm that when the primacy of the gospel is maintained that this often has a positive effect on the culture in which various societal ills are mollified. We affirm that, under the lordship of Christ, we are to obey the governing authorities established by God and pray for civil leaders.----WE DENY that political or social activism should be viewed as integral components of the gospel or primary to the mission of the church. Though believers can and should utilize all lawful means that God has providentially established to have some effect on the laws of a society, we deny that these activities are either evidence of saving faith or constitute a central part of the church's mission given to her by Jesus Christ, her head. We deny that laws or regulations possess any inherent power to change sinful hearts.

We struggle with our sinfulness and wonder if we're worthy of salvation. But the point is that we're not- that's why we need salvation. In this passage, we see some of the most wretched sinners represented in Pilate, the Sanhedrin, and Barabbas- yet, Jesus chooses to push His message moves forward.

From our Sunday morning Bible readings.

Often, we assume we know best. That presumption led Peter to reject the Lord's warnings regarding his coming temptation. If we want to do better than he did, we need to understand both the nature sin and repentance. Ultimately, we need to stop trusting in ourselves and start trusting in the Lord for all of life.