Are people basically good- That-s a common notion in our world today- evil is blamed on everything from environment to education, from bullying to bad parenting. Jesus insists that the problem of evil runs much deeper, and much closer to home, than most people think. Every person ever born is totally depraved - inwardly bent toward rebellion against God, regardless of external inputs. -There is nothing that enters a man from outside which can defile him- but the things which come out of him, those are the things that defile a man.- Mark 7-15 -NKJV- The doctrine of total depravity does not mean we-re all as bad as we could be, but that all people-s minds, emotions and wills are tainted by the curse of sin. Put more simply, man-s sin problem is not outside of him, but inside of him. We need a new heart - not a better environment - to be restored to God and conquer sin.

Do you like to be pitied- Most of us don-t- it implies that we-re pitiful. humanity, and took pity- moved with compassion for them...- So begins Mark-s account of the feeding of loaves and fish to show us Jesus- heart toward pitiful sinners - people like you and me. Jesus is so moved by our plight that He is He provides what neither we, nor anyone else, can supply. of food proves that He is our desperately-needed wilderness of sin into God-s fold.

Serving as ambassadors for Jesus is a joyful fulfillment of our life-s purpose. -Come aside by yourselves to a Mark 6-31 -NKJV- ministry mission, they excitedly told the Lord all to them is one we do well to heed- active ambassadors need physical, spiritual, and emotional rest. service for Him becomes mechanical, and is often fruitfulness. Of course, God faithfully energizes and equips service that He calls us to when rest must beinterrupted.

This week many of the saints at Hayden Bible Church have been preparing gospel 8,000 doors in the 83835 zip code. Priestley plastic bags, gospel tracks and DVDs. But thefreaky part is that it seems like people are Enjoying working to expand the together toward that end. our packing crew. They lived their lives in a way that expressed their love for God- which Paul and his friends could see they wanted to seeing this with an encouragement for them to do it even more- How encouraging it is to beexhorted to do what you already love doing-

What are your expectations- Is your response to life reflective of your belief that something will happen or be the -Yes, my responses are in complete alignment with my real expectations.- My response to my spouse or my friend or the kids - or the dog Whether accurate or inaccurate. Biblical orMost of us live with misunderstandings of what we should expect in our Christian life. to guide us in forming accurate expectations life-s circumstances. hope we have been saved -- -Rom 8-24-

Can a person like to hear the truth, yet still reject the One who is the Truth- Sadly, yes. Consider the case of Herod the tetrarch. He eventually beheaded John the Baptist, despite -hearing him gladly- and even protecting him. -Mark 6-20- Why- -John came- preaching a baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.- Mark 1-4 -NKJV- Specifically, John repeatedly warned Herod that he was sinning against God by marrying his immoral niece, Herodias. Herod-s conscience was conflicted- he didn-t want to silence John, nor did he want to obey the command to repent. At first, he chose to do neither. Then one day, his middle way of indecision proved inadequate.

Do you ever put the gospel to the test- Many of us are blessed with wonderful little intentional time with those who do not Jesus let His first disciples know right away fellowship with one another other, but a team---So they went out and preached that In the context of making the gospel known, their mission to serve God together, not alone.

Familiarity breeds contempt. You-ve heard that adage, and together we-ll study Mark-s gospel they knew Jesus best, He was rejected. despite vast evidence of His divine power to Jesus- former neighbors was anger and not belief. By contrast, a relatively small band of country, surrendered to Him as Lord. Why the difference-

A poor outcast. A prominent community leader. Both despairing and desperate. Jesus displayed His divine authority to heal and raise the dead in two very different lives. In doing so, the Lord made clear His desire and authority to grow faith in the hearts of -Do not be afraid- only believe.- Jairus, a synagogue leader, came to Jesus despairing of his daughter-s life. A community, came to Jesus desperate for her In God-s economy, despair and desperation often are preludes to grace. Neither our darkest despair, nor our deepest desperation are beyond the reach of Jesus- saving power.