Grasp the Bible

Welcome to episode 83 of Grasp the Bible.  In this episode, we continue our study in the Book of Mark, covering chapter 12:35-44.  The series is called “Get in, buckle up, and hold on!”  Today, we discuss: 

• The Messianic conundrum (vv. 35-37) 
• Steer clear of the scribes (vv. 38-40) 
• Sacrificial Giving (vv. 41-44) 

Key takeaways: 

• How is it that the Messiah can be both a descendant of King David and yet be in a position greater than King David?  The answer is that Jesus physically was a descendant, but spiritually, he was greater.  He was a divine human. 
• To declare Jesus as Lord in Mark’s day would be viewed as sedition since Caesar alone was “Lord of all.”  In some places today, to confess Jesus as Lord is to invite persecution and even death. 
• Beware of religious leaders who are prideful, demanding money and seeking the praise of others. 
• Pride is the self-deception that we have earned position and power for ourselves and deserve to be recognized for it. 

Quotable: 

• It is true: money talks. It tells us where our hearts are. 

Application: 

• Like the scribes at the time of Jesus, many people today will affirm Jesus’s humanity...he was an actual person.  The problem, however, is that they do not acknowledge his deity.  Yes, he was a good person.  But no, he was not God.  By citing Psalm 110, Jesus’s riddle should get us thinking about how he can be the son and master of a king. 
• Money—giving— reveals the state of the heart as few other things can. 
• When it comes to giving, the posture of our hearts makes all the difference. 
• Two of the greatest dangers for Christian leaders are pride and abuse of power. 

Connect with us: 

Web site:  https://springbaptist.org 

Facebook:   

https://www.facebook.com/SBCKleinCampus (Klein Campus) 

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Need us to pray for you?  Submit your prayer request to https://springbaptist.org/prayer/ 

If you haven’t already done so, please leave us a rating and review in your podcast provider. 

Welcome to episode 82 of Grasp the Bible.  Since today is the mid-term elections for 2022, we discuss Romans 13:1-7.  Today, we cover: 

• The believer’s submission to human government (vv. 1, 2)  
• The role of human government (vv. 3, 4) 
• The dynamics of obedience (vv. 5–7) 

Key takeaways: 

• Paul wrote to instruct the Church on how to behave properly toward the state. 
• Submission does not depend on how “good” government is, and the Christian does not get a pass on submitting if government is evil. 
• The Scriptures testify that it is God who sets up governments—even the bad ones—and He takes them down as well. 

Quotable: 

• Government is the deacon of God, and as with any deacon, its job is to humbly serve. 

Application: 

• The Christian’s obedience to the state is always conditional, and sometimes disobedience is a duty.  There are at least three areas in which a Christian should resist authority. 

1. If he is asked to violate a command of God. 
2. When asked to do an immoral act. 
3. Going against their Christian conscience in order to obey the government. 

• Our task is to call authorities to accountability and warn them of judgment if they refuse to follow God and govern righteously. 
• We may be repelled by a politician’s scandalous conduct. But that does not disallow us from respecting the office. The person is just a human, but the office exists at the discretion of God. Even in our dissent we must always be Christian gentlemen and gentlewomen. 

Connect with us: 

Web site:  https://springbaptist.org 

Facebook:   

https://www.facebook.com/SBCKleinCampus (Klein Campus) 

https://www.facebook.com/SpringBaptist (Spring Campus) 

Need us to pray for you?  Submit your prayer request to https://springbaptist.org/prayer/ 

If you haven’t already done so, please leave us a rating and review in your podcast provider. 

Welcome to episode 81 of Grasp the Bible.  In this episode, we continue our study in the Book of Mark, covering chapter 12:18-34.  The series is called “Get in, buckle up, and hold on!”  Today, we discuss: 

• Jesus’ Teaching Concerning Marriage and the Resurrection (vv. 18-27) 
• Jesus’ Teaching Concerning the Greatest Commandment (vv. 28-34) 

Key takeaways: 

• Almost all theological error can be traced to one or both of the following:  1) ignorance of God’s Word, and, 2) ignorance of His power.  
• Christianity rises and falls on Christ’s resurrection.  His resurrection guarantees ours. 
• The resurrection is an entrance into a new and glorified existence that is far beyond anything we can imagine. 
• The pairing of the two commands, to love God and to love others, finds its precedent in the 10 Commandments (Exod 20:1–17; Deut 5:6–21), with the first four relating to love for God and the final six to love for fellow human beings.  The former provides the foundation for the latter. 

Quotable: 

• We do not live by rules but by relationships, a loving relationship to God that enables us to have a loving relationship with others. 

Application: 

• To know the Scripture truly is to have hearts ready to receive God’s kingdom and its King, Jesus the Messiah. 
• Those who truly love God will also love those who are created in His image.  Jesus showed that it was impossible to really love God without loving neighbors. Love for God is expressed by loving others. 
• Obedience to God is not about making sure every “i” is dotted and every “t” is crossed so that we are worthy to enter God’s presence. True obedience comes from a heart that has experienced God’s amazing grace and been transformed by it. 

Connect with us: 

Web site:  https://springbaptist.org 

Facebook:   

https://www.facebook.com/SBCKleinCampus (Klein Campus) 

https://www.facebook.com/SpringBaptist (Spring Campus) 

Need us to pray for you?  Submit your prayer request to https://springbaptist.org/prayer/ 

If you haven’t already done so, please leave us a rating and review in your podcast provider. 

Welcome to episode 80 of Grasp the Bible.  In this episode, we continue our study in the Book of Mark, covering chapter 12:1-17.  The series is called “Get in, buckle up, and hold on!”  Today, we discuss: 

• The parable of the vineyard (vv. 1-12) 
• The confrontation over taxes (vv. 13-17) 

Key takeaways: 

• The parable of the vineyard is about authority and ownership. Who has authority over vineyard?  The owner or the tenants?  Who owns the vineyard? 
• This is the first time in which Jesus tells a parable with the intent of his hearers, the religious leaders, understanding it. 
• The vineyard, in this case, the community of God’s people, will be taken from Israels’s religious leaders and will be placed under new leadership (Jesus and the apostles). 
• There are realms of authority for both the government and God, and allegiance to one does not necessarily mean disloyalty to the other. 
• Jesus affirmed the legitimacy of government and taxation. 

Quotable: 

• The absurdity of the actions taken by the vineyard owner demonstrates the indescribable lengths God has gone to offer people eternal salvation.  

Application: 

• Just like the vineyard owner sent his only son to the tenants, God continues to send His Son to those who reject Him.  God does this because He desires that none should perish, but that all should come to repentance. 
• Rejection of the messengers and the son bring judgment on the tenants.  In the same way, rejection of Jesus brings judgment as well. 
• The passage describes Jesus as a man of integrity because he:  Is not swayed by human opinion, he does not show favoritism, and he teaches the way of God truthfully.  These are great traits for anyone who wants to live a life of integrity. 
• Things made in the image of this world belong to this world.  Things made in the image of God belong to Him.  Since we are made in His image, we are His and we owe Him everything. 

Connect with us: 

Web site:  https://springbaptist.org 

Facebook:   

https://www.facebook.com/SBCKleinCampus (Klein Campus) 

https://www.facebook.com/SpringBaptist (Spring Campus) 

Need us to pray for you?  Submit your prayer request to https://springbaptist.org/prayer/ 

If you haven’t already done so, please leave us a rating and review in your podcast provider. 

Welcome to episode 79 of Grasp the Bible.  In this episode, we continue our study in the Book of Mark, covering chapter 11:12-33.  The series is called “Get in, buckle up, and hold on!”  Today, we discuss: 

• The Cursing (vv. 12-14) 
• The Cleansing (vv. 15-19) 
• The Cursing, part 2 (vv. 20-26) 
• The Conflict (vv. 27-33) 

Key takeaways: 

• The unfruitful fig tree is indeed a symbol of Israel. Under her unrepentant and recalcitrant leadership, the nation as a whole (except its righteous remnant) is unfruitful and will suffer horrific consequences. 
• We can be so busy with activities, but not accomplishing much for the Kingdom.  Churches can offer classes on evangelism, missions, and prayer.  But if all we are doing is creating smarter Christians, are we really fulfilling our calling? 
• As God’s agent to inaugurate the kingdom, Jesus calls the religious authorities to restore true worship to the temple or face God’s judgment and destruction. 

Quotable: 

• Prayer is not an emergency measure that we turn to when we have a problem. Real prayer is a part of our constant communion with God and worship of God. 

Application: 

• The fruit that we bear represents the impact we have on others for the kingdom of God. 
• Our prayers must be according to God’s will and His kingdom purposes. 
• Our failure to forgive others is not only detrimental to our relationship with them, but also with God. 

Connect with us: 

Web site:  https://springbaptist.org 

Facebook:   

https://www.facebook.com/SBCKleinCampus (Klein Campus) 

https://www.facebook.com/SpringBaptist (Spring Campus) 

Need us to pray for you?  Submit your prayer request to https://springbaptist.org/prayer/ 

If you haven’t already done so, please leave us a rating and review in your podcast provider. 

Welcome to episode 78 of Grasp the Bible.  In this episode, we continue our study in the Book of Mark, covering chapter 11:1-11.  The series is called “Get in, buckle up, and hold on!”  Today, we discuss: 

• Preparation for the Entrance to Jerusalem (vv. 1-6) 
• The Approach to Jerusalem as Messianic King (vv. 7-10) 
• Entrance into the Temple Courts and Return to Bethany (v. 11) 

Key takeaways: 

• Mark’s gospel has sometimes been called a Passion Narrative with an introduction because so much emphasis is placed on this final week of Jesus’ life.  The first 2/3 of Mark’s gospel spans 3 years.  The final 1/3 spans one week. 
• For the first time, Jesus permits his followers to give a public demonstration in his honor. 
• Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem fulfilled the prophecy made by Zechariah hundreds of years earlier (Zech. 9:9). 
• Tensions and expectations were at fever pitch as the people shouted, “Save us!” at Jesus’ entry. 
• The Messianic secret is over.  Jesus has taken intentional steps that reveal his status as the messianic King of the Jews. 

Quotable: 

• True peace can only be found through reconciliation and restoration.  True peace means a relationship with God and access to His presence. This is what Jesus came to bring. 

Application: 

• The implications for Jesus’ messiahship today are profound. If Jesus is King, then his followers owe him total allegiance. 
• For many people today, the Christian faith is a self-help program. If I put my faith in Jesus, what will he do for me? Christianity is fine if it meets my needs. 
• Jesus’ kingship reminds us that our lives are not our own: we were bought with a price. 

To order a copy of the Endless Praise CD or download, featuring the SBC Worship Choir, click here. 

Connect with us: 

Web site:  https://springbaptist.org 

Facebook:   

https://www.facebook.com/SBCKleinCampus (Klein Campus) 

https://www.facebook.com/SpringBaptist (Spring Campus) 

Need us to pray for you?  Submit your prayer request to https://springbaptist.org/prayer/ 

If you haven’t already done so, please leave us a rating and review in your podcast provider. 

Welcome to episode 77 of Grasp the Bible.  In this episode, we continue our study in the Book of Mark, covering chapter 10:32-52.  The series is called “Get in, buckle up, and hold on!”  Today, we discuss: 

• Jesus and the cross (vv. 32-34) 
• Jesus and the brothers (vv. 35-45) 
• Jesus and the blind man (vv. 46-52) 

Key takeaways: 

• This is the third passion prediction and the third cycle of events during which Jesus predicts his death, the disciples exhibit pride and self-interest, and Jesus teaches about the sacrificial and self-giving role of true discipleship. 
• The ultimate act of servant leadership is the Son of Man’s sacrificial death as a ransom payment for the sins of the world.   
• Bartimaeus is among the lowest of the low in Israel’s society, a blind beggar with little more than a cloak to his name. Yet he is in a better position to receive God’s blessings than the rich man Jesus encountered along the way. 
• True discipleship involves not only a persevering faith, but also a willingness to leave all and follow Jesus. 

Quotable: 

• Unless we know how to obey orders, we do not have the right to give orders. Before a person exercises authority, he or she must know what it means to be under authority. 

Application: 

• It is not by merit but by humble submission to God that rank is determined in the kingdom. 
• Christian leadership that is radically other-centered, focused on meeting the needs of others rather than controlling others to meet one’s own ends. The values of the kingdom turn the world’s system upside down. 
• To be first, you have to be last. To lead, you have to serve. 
• Discipleship means giving up pride and self-interest and seeking God’s kingdom first. 

To order a copy of the Endless Praise CD or download, featuring the SBC Worship Choir, click here. 

Connect with us: 

Web site:  https://springbaptist.org 

Facebook:   

https://www.facebook.com/SBCKleinCampus (Klein Campus) 

https://www.facebook.com/SpringBaptist (Spring Campus) 

Need us to pray for you?  Submit your prayer request to https://springbaptist.org/prayer/ 

If you haven’t already done so, please leave us a rating and review in your podcast provider. 

Welcome to episode 76 of Grasp the Bible.  In this episode, we continue our study in the Book of Mark, covering chapter 10:17-31.  The series is called “Get in, buckle up, and hold on!”  Today, we discuss: 

• The seeking ruler (vv. 17-22) 
• The private teaching (vv. 23-31) 

Key takeaways: 

• No one can enter the kingdom on their own merit; all must enter with childlike faith and in complete dependence on God. 
• The blessing of riches becomes a curse when they become an obstacle to a right relationship with God. 
• Money is a marvelous servant but a terrible master. If you possess money, be grateful and use it for God’s glory; but if money possesses you, beware! It is good to have the things that money can buy, provided you don’t lose the things that money cannot buy. 

Quotable: 

• Wealth naturally works at perverting one’s values. We soon know the price of everything and the value of nothing. 

Application: 

• Obedience is more than external compliance. It is a heart of love toward God that produces an internal transformation. 
• Jesus always demands that those who come to him put away their gods, whether they be possessions, position, power, a person, or a passion. 
• What are we to do? First, we must divest ourselves of dependence on our wealth.  Second, we must invest our wealth (we must give to God). 
• Riches are dangerous because they bring superficial happiness rather than true joy and distract us from what is truly important and of eternal value. 
• There is a principle here that must be remembered as we seek to lead lost people to Jesus: sinners cannot hang on to their sins and at the same time reach out to Jesus. 

Connect with us: 

Web site:  https://springbaptist.org 

Facebook:   

https://www.facebook.com/SBCKleinCampus (Klein Campus) 

https://www.facebook.com/SpringBaptist (Spring Campus) 

Need us to pray for you?  Submit your prayer request to https://springbaptist.org/prayer/ 

If you haven’t already done so, please leave us a rating and review in your podcast provider. 

Welcome to episode 75 of Grasp the Bible.  In this episode, we continue our study in the Book of Mark, covering chapter 10:1-16.  The series is called “Get in, buckle up, and hold on!”  Today, we discuss: 

• Jesus teaching on divorce (vv. 1-12) 
• Jesus teaching on children (vv. 13-16) 

Key takeaways: 

• Jesus’ followers must not abandon difficult marriage relationships simply because they are not meeting their personal needs. Authentic discipleship is not about self-gratification, but about giving oneself in sacrificial service for the kingdom of God. 
• Reading Deut. 24:1-4, we see that God was not putting His approval on divorce or even encouraging it. Rather, He was seeking to restrain it and make it more difficult for men to dismiss their wives. He put sufficient regulations around divorce so that the wives would not become victims of their husbands’ whims. 
• Not only is divorce contrary to God’s purpose, Jesus says, but it results in adultery when the divorced spouse remarries.  If the first marriage is permanent in God’s eyes, then remarriage after divorce is equivalent to adultery against the former wife. 

Quotable: 

• The marriage relationship reflects the nature of God, who is all-loving, all-giving, and working constantly toward reconciliation with his wayward children. 

Application: 

• While Jesus acknowledges that divorce happens (and so is regulated in the OT law), it was always a condescension to human fallenness. 
• Jesus points out that divorce is neither a right nor a privilege. It is always contrary to God’s will, even though it is “permitted” in certain circumstances. 
• The kingdom of God belongs to those who are childlike in their faith. 
• We enter God’s kingdom by faith, like little children: helpless, unable to save ourselves, totally dependent on the mercy and grace of God. 
• To receive the kingdom like a child means by faith and in complete dependence on God. 

Connect with us: 

Web site:  https://springbaptist.org 

Facebook:   

https://www.facebook.com/SBCKleinCampus (Klein Campus) 

https://www.facebook.com/SpringBaptist (Spring Campus) 

Need us to pray for you?  Submit your prayer request to https://springbaptist.org/prayer/ 

If you haven’t already done so, please leave us a rating and review in your podcast provider. 

Welcome to episode 74 of Grasp the Bible.  Today, we will be talking about the four expectations that Spring Baptist Church has of its members.

Healthy church members do the following:

• Regularly attend the Sunday morning worship service
• Actively participate in a small group Bible study (we call them Life Groups)
• Serve in the church according to their spiritual gifts
• Give financially to the needs of the church

Let's talk about each one...

• Attending a Sunday morning worship service:  The writer of Hebrews exhorts Christians not to forsake the gathering of themselves (Heb. 10:25).  While it's true that we can worship God alone, He intended for us to worship together as a body.  Also, if we take a self-centered approach to worship, we miss out on the opportunity to minister to others at church and to inspire them to worship as well.  As our senior pastor often says, "If it won't keep you from work on Monday, it shouldn't keep you from church on Sunday."
• Actively participating in a small group Bible study:  Small groups allow for participants to discuss the Scripture being taught and it challenges them to find ways to apply it in daily life.  Also, many people form friendships in these groups that last for years.  What's more, most of the ministry in our church originates in our small groups.
• Serve in the church:  Most churches (including ours) rely greatly on members volunteering to do the work of the ministry.  Both Paul and Peter write about how the Holy Spirit imparts at least one spiritual gift to believers so they may serve in their local church.  We find completeness in our faith when we employ the gifts God has given us when we serve in the church.  Want to take an assessment to determine your spiritual gifts?  Take our free survey here.
• Giving financially:  Tithing is commanded in the Old Testament.  Jesus commends the Pharisees in the New Testament for tithing.  God expects His people to give financially to support the work of the local church.  A tithe (10%) is the base amount of what is expected, with gifts and offerings above that.  Survey after survey over the last 20 years consistently shows that American churchgoers give (on average) only 2% of their income to the church.  The most common reason not to give 10% is "I just can't afford it."  Yet, we pay our government much more in taxes each year!  Why don't we tell the IRS that we can only give them 2%?  It's because we fear the consequences...and so we pay our taxes.  God asks for less than the IRS, and we tell Him no.  What this says is that we fear people more than we fear God.  All we have belongs to Him; we are simply stewards of His resources.  No doubt, it displeases Him when we take His money and spend it all on ourselves and give little, if any, back to Him.  And then we wonder why our finances are such a mess.  We encourage people who are not currently giving to begin by giving something and then watch God work.  Continue to increase giving until you are at 10%.  Give more, if you want.
  
  

We hope that you found this episode both challenging and helpful as you assess your spiritual health as a church member.