Up to this point in the story the disciples have been companions of Jesus but really they've been spectators. But as we come to this section in Mark's rapid telling of Jesus's life we have a pause and slight shift of focus. Mark turns the camera toward the disciples who have been trained by Jesus and now he sends them out a trial mission of their own. | Outline: [I] The Twelve Disciples (a) Are Sent with a Friend, vs. 7 (b) Are Sent with Jesus's Authority, vs. 7 (c) Are Sent with Minimal Supplies, vs. 8-10 (d) Are Sent with Jesus's Message, vs. 11-13 [II] Today's Disciples (a) Follow Jesus (b) Live Like Jesus (c) Help Others Follow Jesus (d) Build Relationships

Jesus is Nazareth’s most famous citizen and his hometown gives him an icy reception. There’s no tickertape for this hometown hero, instead he faces outright rejection. This story presents us with a sobering warning that knowing a lot about Jesus and...

Jesus is Nazareth's most famous citizen and his hometown gives him an icy reception. There's no tickertape for this hometown hero, instead he faces outright rejection. This story presents us with a sobering warning that knowing a lot about Jesus and having frequent exposure to the good news about him, is no guarantee that you'll be persuaded to belief. In fact, just the opposite can happen, familiarity can breed contempt and outright rejection of Jesus. | Outline: [I] Astonished (vs. 1-2) [II] Offended (vs. 3) [III] Marveled (vs. 4-6)

Coming, in faith, to Jesus doesn’t mean that you have to have everything figured all out. You may be ignorant in some things but that’s how everyone comes. You may be in crisis and desperate for help, like Jarius, or you may be surprised by stirrings...

Coming, in faith, to Jesus doesn't mean that you have to have everything figured all out. You may be ignorant in some things but that's how everyone comes. You may be in crisis and desperate for help, like Jarius, or you may be surprised by stirrings of faith within you as we see in the unnamed woman of this story. Either way, if you will call out to Jesus he will bring you near. | Outline: [I] The Father's Earnest Pleas (vs. 21-24) [II] The Woman's Hopeful Reach (vs. 25-34) (a) Lesson #1 - Jesus Responds to the Woman's Weak Faith [III] The Lord's Challenging Decree (vs. 35-43) (b) Lesson #2 - Jesus Grows Jairus' Faith by Testing it

Pastor Marty Sweeney joins us from Old North Church in Canfield, Ohio where he oversees adult education and training. Pastor Sweeney also works as the Director of Ministry for Matthias Media (USA), a non-profit publishing ministry.

Pastor Marty Sweeney joins us from Old North Church in Canfield, Ohio where he oversees adult education and training. Pastor Sweeney also works as the Director of Ministry for Matthias Media (USA), a non-profit publishing ministry.

The beachside interaction between Jesus and the demon-possessed man is a picture of salvation and discipleship. We are born into sin’s grip, ruined by it ourselves and harmful to others. Jesus came to release us from enslavement to sin and self. Then...

The beachside interaction between Jesus and the demon-possessed man is a picture of salvation and discipleship. We are born into sin's grip, ruined by it ourselves and harmful to others. Jesus came to release us from enslavement to sin and self. Then to clothe us in his robe of righteousness where our shame is removed and dignity is restored. He then sends us out to be witnesses for him as our new identity leads to new purpose. That's what Jesus does in people. Has he done it for you? | Outline: [I] This Man is Gripped by Evil (vs. 1-5) [II] This Man is Freed from his Oppression (vs. 6-13) [III] This Man is Clothed and Restored (vs. 14-17) [IV] This Man is Focused on Staying (vs. 18-20)

When the disciples climbed into the boat that day, they did what they had done on countless other occasions. It was all familiar and ordinary to them; even the potential of a storm was an expected concern. So why did they come so undone on this trip?...