"For what does it profit a man to gain the world and forfeit his soul? For what can a man give in return for his soul?" These are sobering questions from Jesus about recognition, glory and prestige. In other words, we can strive to get a lot now that seems to be immensely valuable and important. However, one day soon we'll discover that, all that shimmers and shines only has the value of monopoly money. In contrast to that, Jesus offers something to us of lasting value that will never be taken from us. But it comes in a counter-intuitive way, as the value of it isn't ultimately recognized or fully realized until a future day. | Outline: [I] Jesus Must Suffer, vs. 31-33 [II] We Must Sacrifice-Our Lives-Our Pursuits-Our Reputations, vs. 34-38

This story of the man’s blindness being relieved is intentionally placed at this part of Mark’s gospel. His eyes being opened is an illustration of the way that the spiritual eyes of the disciples are being gradually opened. The spiritual insight that...

This story of the man's blindness being relieved is intentionally placed at this part of Mark's gospel. His eyes being opened is an illustration of the way that the spiritual eyes of the disciples are being gradually opened. The spiritual insight that they've been given about Jesus enables them to answer correctly his question, "Who do you say I am?" That same question, from Jesus, echoes down the hallways of history to us. It's a question that each of us must be prepared to answer with conviction. | Outline: [I] Jesus Restores the Sight of the Blind, vs. 22-26 [II] Jesus Gives Spiritual Insight to his Disciples, vs. 27-30 [III] The Sermon in One Sentence: In Order to See Clearly the Touch of Jesus is Needed

The idea of self-examination isn’t that strange of a notion. Our physician reminds us of the importance of routinely doing a physical self-examination. Feeling around to see if there is a thing that has shown up that was previously not there or has...

The idea of self-examination isn't that strange of a notion. Our physician reminds us of the importance of routinely doing a physical self-examination. Feeling around to see if there is a thing that has shown up that was previously not there or has gone unnoticed. In a similar way, we are to spiritually examine ourselves in front of the mirror of God's Word and allow it to reveal the hidden and dirty areas of our true selves. This is a particularly necessary routine for us to engage is before taking part in the Lord's Supper. | Outline: [I] How do we self-examine? [II] What are to be the results of our self-examination? [III] Why are we to self-examine before the Lord's Supper?

Jesus deeply desired for his disciples to grow in spiritual understanding. But the problem was that the they had become so familiar with the teaching of Jesus that they weren’t strengthened by it in the way they needed to be. Their hearts were still...

Jesus deeply desired for his disciples to grow in spiritual understanding. But the problem was that the they had become so familiar with the teaching of Jesus that they weren't strengthened by it in the way they needed to be. Their hearts were still partially closed to the depth of Jesus's teaching and identity. I wonder if we see ourselves in them? | Outline: [I] Jesus Sees and Feeds, vs. 1-10 [II] Jesus Sighs and Leaves, vs. 11-13 [III] Jesus Cautions and Questions, vs. 14-21

It’s a nameless deaf man who is brought to Jesus in the story. Thankfully he has loving friends that beg for Jesus to heal him of his deafness. The trouble faced by this deaf man highlights the fact that we live in a world that is broken. A world...

It's a nameless deaf man who is brought to Jesus in the story. Thankfully he has loving friends that beg for Jesus to heal him of his deafness. The trouble faced by this deaf man highlights the fact that we live in a world that is broken. A world where many things don't work like their supposed to and things fall apart. Jesus steps in and compassionately heals the man. This little story gives us a snap shot of the greater story of the Bible, of people who are set free to speak the praises of Jesus and of a world that will be renewed, to the praise of Jesus.

Alistair Begg kicked off our Summertime Pulpit Swap series with a message from Acts 9. The early church experienced a season of peace, walked in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit and multiplied. These are helpful things for us...