God's people were to keep the pattern of Sabbath rest because it would be a weekly reminder to them that God was the God of creation and their salvation. However, what God gave for restfulness had turned into restrictiveness. Jesus rights these wrongs by connecting his identity to the Sabbath so that we can receive deep rest in our souls. | Outline: [1] The Importance of the Sabbath: God gave it to his people for their good [2] The Challenges of the Sabbath: [A] It was difficult to know what was and wasn't work [B] It had turned into restrictiveness instead of restfulness [3] Jesus's Relationship to the Sabbath [A] He affirms its importance [B] He ties his identity to it

Jesus disarms the opposition that he faces about his disciples not fasting with a winsome response. His disciples weren't following the spiritual rigors of their day because Jesus was with and those were days of particular rejoicing. In this...

Jesus disarms the opposition that he faces about his disciples not fasting with a winsome response. His disciples weren't following the spiritual rigors of their day because Jesus was with and those were days of particular rejoicing. In this study we discover that Christianity brings perpetual joy for us as we take it and cultivate it. | Outline: [1] A Misguided Question (vs. 18): "Why don't your disciples fast?" [2] A Likeable Response (vs. 19-22) "These are days of celebration!"

An encounter with a tax official can be a positive experience unless the system of government is corrupt and the tax official is one of its cronies. The man that we are introduced to in vs. 13-17 of chapter two is just that, a crook and a tax crony...

An encounter with a tax official can be a positive experience unless the system of government is corrupt and the tax official is one of its cronies. The man that we are introduced to in vs. 13-17 of chapter two is just that, a crook and a tax crony. But then one day Jesus calls Levi to become his follower and friend. Even though it cost Levi much to follow Jesus, he gradually discovered that he gained more than he could have ever imagined. | Outline: (1) An Unexpected Addition (vs. 13-14). (2) A Personal Accusation (vs.1 5-16). (3) A Surprising Answer (vs. 17). There are two lessons we Learn about Following Jesus: (i) there's an impact upon relationships, and (ii) there's a definitive change.

Who can Forgive? | Mark 2:1-12 | When Jesus heals the paralytic he proves his authority to forgive sins by doing something difficult that could be seen to give credibility for belief in what can't be seen. He can forgive the hidden sins of the...

Who can Forgive? | Mark 2:1-12 | When Jesus heals the paralytic he proves his authority to forgive sins by doing something difficult that could be seen to give credibility for belief in what can't be seen. He can forgive the hidden sins of the heart and give the gift of certain forgiveness to the one who will take his word to heart. Outline: 1) Ingenuity (vs. 1-4) 2) Perplexity (vs. 5-7) 3) Authority (vs. 8-10) 4) Certainty (vs. 11-12)

True Freedom | John 8:31-38 | Human beings long for freedom - we even pursue it! However, the true freedom that we need comes to us only through Jesus. In John 8:31-38 we learn that Jesus is the Son of God who came to bring freedom to his people even...

True Freedom | John 8:31-38 | Human beings long for freedom - we even pursue it! However, the true freedom that we need comes to us only through Jesus. In John 8:31-38 we learn that Jesus is the Son of God who came to bring freedom to his people even at great cost to himself. Outline: 1) True Freedom Comes through Jesus' Word (vs. 31-32) (i) Jesus' Word Confirms (ii) Jesus' Word Informs (iii) Jesus' Word Liberates 2) True Freedom is Freedom from Sin (vs. 33-38) (i) A Statement about Sin (ii) An Observation about Slavery (iii) A Challenge to Consider our Ways

Teaching and Touching | Mark 1:35-45 | As Simon continues on in discipleship with Jesus he learns that Jesus wants people to take to heart his words, even more than being amazed at his works. In this section of Mark we see that the crowds and Simon...