In the remaining verses of Chapter 12, Mark records a series of discussions that Jesus had with the religious leaders of Israel. The goal of the religious leaders was clearly to catch Jesus in His words. They fail however, because Jesus points out that they are in error because they misuse the scripture and misunderstand the power of God.

In Chapter 12, Jesus relates a parable loosely based on an OT passage of scripture from the book of Isaiah Chapter 5 where the vineyard is Israel and the owner is God. In doing so, Jesus was tying the rejectors of God in His day to rejectors in the past.

Big Idea: We don't know the future so live life to its fullest in righteousness and purity. The wise find joy in all circumstances while living set apart for God's work.

As we continue in Chapter 11 of Mark, the primary point of the rest of the chapter is a simple statement - have faith in God! Do not depend on a religious system that is broken beyond repair, don't depend on a man who has authority in other's men's eyes, but is far from God - have faith in God.

God wants people to make a decision about Jesus. No fence sitting, no "I'll decide someday who He is". Many are only given a small window to make this decision. For three years the Lord had provided proof that He is messiah through miracles, teaching, and the Word of God. Still there were those who wanted to make Him into something he was not. many wanted a political miracle worker to overthrow Rome. Others wanted Him to quietly go away. Only a precious few saw Him as the Messiah and savior to bring spiritual life to the world.

Where are you in your spiritual journey? Are yo sitting on the side of the road just getting by or are you passionately and committedly following Jesus? We experience deliverance only because we turn from our sin to Jesus for deliverance from the penalty of sin.

We were blessed to be able to welcome Christopher Yuan and his parents as our special guest speakers this week.What many would consider their worst nightmare has become a reality for Christopher Yuan. While attending dental school, he began living promiscuously as a gay man and experimenting with illicit drugs. Within a few years, he was expelled from dental school, imprisioned for drug dealing and discovered he was HIV positive.But God has turned his nightmare into an exciting and inpsiring story of redemption, grace and transformation. Christopher graduated from Moody Bible Institute in 2005 and Wheaton College Graduate School in 2007. He is currently working on a doctorate of ministry at Bethel Seminary. With an understanding heart and a desire to minister to those working through issues of sexuality and those living with HIV/ADIS, Christopher teaches at Moody while continuing his speaking ministry.

The great violinist, Niccolo Paganini bequeathed his marvelous violin to the city of Genoa on the condition that it must never be played. The wood of such an instrument, while used and handled, wears only slightly, but set aside, it begins to decay. Paganini's lovely violin has today become worm-eaten and useless except as a relic. In a similar way, a Christian's unwillingness to serve may soon destroy his capacity for usefulness.

Many believe we come to God on our terms - as long as we are somehat sincere, God will accept us. This morning we want to see from God's Word that God sets the terms for who He will spend eternity with - not us. While God intensely loves everyone, only those who turn from sin to Him can approach a Holy God. In this morning's passage, scripture clears up many of the misconceptions people have about finding eternal life.

The issue to divorce and remarriage is one that has probably touched everyone. This morning we're going to consider what God's Word has to say about this issue. With more marriages ending in divorce than surviving, it's an important one to consider how the child of God should view divorce.