Lessons for Living (Audio)

All around us, there are people - empty inside – who are seeking to know who they are. They want to know why they’re here. And we know that there is an answer to those questions, because we’ve found the Answer in a relationship with Jesus. But just as Zacchaeus probably heard from someone about Bartimaeus’ healing, we need to be witnesses of Jesus’ work in our lives. Pastor Mark will be teaching about the wonderful work Jesus wants to do in everyone’s life, whether they realize that’s Who they need or not; he’ll also be telling us about our need to embrace our role as witnesses.

Despite having access to the blessings of the God that created the universe, many times we fail or refuse to avail ourselves of His power. Whether it be pride, false humility – “I’m not worthy of God’s blessings” – or whatever, we fall way short of living the life He intended us to live. Pastor Mark will be talking about these things, using the life of Bartimaeus as an example for us. Jesus said He came to give us a more abundant life – all we have to do is ask. The reason God has us here is to tell others about Jesus, and to make God look good. Prayer is the key to that success.

Despite having access to the blessings of the God that created the universe, many times we fail or refuse to avail ourselves of His power. Whether it be pride, false humility – “I’m not worthy of God’s blessings” – or whatever, we fall way short of living the life He intended us to live. Pastor Mark will be talking about these things, using the life of Bartimaeus as an example for us. Jesus said He came to give us a more abundant life – all we have to do is ask. The reason God has us here is to tell others about Jesus, and to make God look good. Prayer is the key to that success.

In society, we see people who claim to be “religious” or even to be Christians, but whose lives don’t look like what Jesus said His followers would be like. The New Testament, over and over, warns believers to check their lives and make sure they are living like followers of Christ should be living. Pastor Mark will be teaching on this point, differentiating between someone who “goes to church” and someone who is pursuing Jesus. We would do well to listen attentively to what is said, and to evaluate ourselves to be certain that we are living as faithful followers of Christ.

In society, we see people who claim to be “religious” or even to be Christians, but whose lives don’t look like what Jesus said His followers would be like. The New Testament, over and over, warns believers to check their lives and make sure they are living like followers of Christ should be living. Pastor Mark will be teaching on this point, differentiating between someone who “goes to church” and someone who is pursuing Jesus. We would do well to listen attentively to what is said, and to evaluate ourselves to be certain that we are living as faithful followers of Christ.

When we read stories like the story of Bartimaeus, whom Jesus healed of blindness, we tend to think, “That kind of thing couldn’t happen here, now.” The problem with that thinking is that it contradicts what Jesus said would happen through His disciples, which includes us. Pastor Mark will be teaching from this story, and talking about the simple faith of Bartimaeus. He had one desire, and he made it known, trusting Jesus to do it. This is a good example for us – don’t get elaborate, ask Jesus for what we need, and – most importantly – trust Jesus to come through for us.

When we read stories like the story of Bartimaeus, whom Jesus healed of blindness, we tend to think, “That kind of thing couldn’t happen here, now.” The problem with that thinking is that it contradicts what Jesus said would happen through His disciples, which includes us. Pastor Mark will be teaching from this story, and talking about the simple faith of Bartimaeus. He had one desire, and he made it known, trusting Jesus to do it. This is a good example for us – don’t get elaborate, ask Jesus for what we need, and – most importantly – trust Jesus to come through for us.

Like some in the church today, Jesus’ disciples believed that earthly riches were an indicator of closeness to God and His resultant favor. Jesus, in His exchange with the rich young ruler, made it abundantly clear that earthly riches were an impediment to a closer walk with God. Pastor Mark will continue to teach from this passage, speaking about the high cost of discipleship. He will also teach about the benefits that result from making this “all in” commitment. We will find out that what God promises, beyond a renewed relationship with Him, is worth all of the sacrifices made.

Like some in the church today, Jesus’ disciples believed that earthly riches were an indicator of closeness to God and His resultant favor. Jesus, in His exchange with the rich young ruler, made it abundantly clear that earthly riches were an impediment to a closer walk with God. Pastor Mark will continue to teach from this passage, speaking about the high cost of discipleship. He will also teach about the benefits that result from making this “all in” commitment. We will find out that what God promises, beyond a renewed relationship with Him, is worth all of the sacrifices made.

Having God as our only God certainly has far-reaching ramifications. If He is Lord of every aspect of our life, that means that our life is going to change. Where we work, who we interact with, where we spend our time – all of these are impacted by deciding to submit to God’s leadership. Pastor Mark will be teaching on the importance of wanting God’s will for our lives, and the challenge it is to make God first. He will be reminding us that trying to find our fulfillment in things or people in this world will disappoint, because God designed us for a relationship with Him.