With greater capabilities comes greater accountability. This study of the parable about the Rich Man and Lazarus helps us understand our responsibility to those less fortunate than us.

The first in the Ask Mark Anything class, members were asking questions around coping with the difficulties of the COVID-19 situation. The questions for this week:

1. What verses can strengthen our faith in a time of uncertainty?

2. How do I cope with worry, stress, and fear of the unknown?

3. How do I read the Bible and apply it to everyday life?

In this episode of Ask Mark Anything, Mark discusses the central components of how redemption works, and what it means to turn to God for salvation. We take a look at Scripture, History, and some modern interpretations.

Scripture speaks often of the “God of Israel.” But who did Israel believe that God was? What kind of a God did Israel envision as she worshiped? The answer to these questions can impact greatly our own Christian understanding of the God we have come to know.

Our guest for this conversation is Dr. John Fortner who completed his Ph.D. at Hebrew Union College. Dr. Fortner spent many years in Christian higher education, and has now been at work for nearly 50 years in local church work. He and his wife Jan reside in Alabama.

Some Scriptures we’ll be looking at:

We look forward to welcoming our new Minister of Discipleship, Dr. Kevin Burr, to work with us at Kings Crossing. This was a chance for our members to be able to interact with him and to learn a little more about him.

Joel warns of a coming plague, begging people to change their hearts and turn to God. But even where God allows for trouble, his long-term goal is always restoration and renewal.

We continue our study of the Minor Prophets with Obadiah and the problem of misplaced confidence. Dealing especially with Israel’s arrogant neighbor, the Edomites, we are cautioned about the danger of arrogance and gloating, neither of which God finds endearing.

In this class, we continue our study of the Minor Prophets: Turn and Return with a look at Micah. Preaching to Southerners during a time of affluence, he challenges people not to allow material prosperity to drive a wedge between them and God. He describes a clear vision of the future that will involve correction, but also great blessings.

Our study of the minor prophets brings us to Nahum, the second minor prophet to speak directly to Nineveh. But unlike the time of Jonah, the city is unrepentant and will be confronted with the holy, powerful God of Israel.

In baptism, we echo and anticipate many important truths. One of these truths is the answer to the biggest question of all: How can I be ready to die? How can I be saved from the clutches of death? In this final lesson of our series on Baptism, Mark addresses a dearly important topic.