July 22, 2018

The Gospel writer emphasized the compassion of the Lord Jesus as he taught and later fed this immense crowd of people. The disciples did not initially understand the significance of the miracle as their hearts were hardened. We also need to ponder the miracles of Christ to understand who he is for our life today.

Scripture: Mark 6:30-56

July 15, 2018

All people, including King Herod, need to respond to God’s Word with repentance. Because of Herod’s desire to please his wife, John the Baptist was imprisoned. Because of his pride, Herod was unwilling to repent of his rash vow that would make him a murderer. God will advance His Kingdom in spite of all the Herods of the world.

Scripture: Mark 6:14-29

July 8, 2018

The perfect Son of God was rejected by his home town. Then Jesus had his disciples preach in the surrounding villages. We need to be warned by the unbelief of Nazareth that we do not fall into the same attitude of contempt, and so miss out on the grace of God.

Scripture: Mark 6:1-13

July 1, 2018

Jesus mercifully responds to the prayer of the person who has faith. Our Lord shows his authority over incurable disease and death.

Scripture: Mark 5:21-43

June 24, 2018

Like the first disciples, followers of Jesus are certain to experience the storms of life. The disciples were wrong to be afraid. Like them, we must learn to trust Jesus as one who rules over all the forces of nature.

Scripture: Mark 4:34-41

June 17, 2018

If we think the Christian life is all about us, we are going to be discouraged and confused. The Christian life is about serving Christ and not ourselves. The Christian message is “to be reconciled to God” and the calling is for each one to be an ambassador for Christ.

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 5:5-17

June 10, 2018

The ministry of Jesus was an ongoing conflict. The devil used his people to slander the Gospel ministry, and he will do so in the present time as well. Jesus destroyed the slanderous explanation of his opponents and warned them of an unpardonable sin. The family of Jesus is made of those who do God’s will.

Scripture: Mark 3:20-35

June 3, 2018

We may not think that observing a day that belongs to God is a big deal but it was a big deal from the first week of creation and all through the Bible. The Sabbath Day is not our day to do whatever pleases us. It is a day to gather for worship, to praise the Lord in song, pray, and hear his Word while remembering that we have a Creator and Redeemer.

Scripture: Mark 2:23-3:6

May 27, 2018

The Sunday after Pentecost, Trinity Sunday, celebrates the doctrine of the Holy Trinity, one God, three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. God’s children are led by the Spirit, they are dependent upon the Heavenly Father, and have an ongoing connection with Christ.

Scripture: Romans 8:12-17

May 20, 2018

Jesus teaches us of the ministry of the Holy Spirit, the gift given to the disciples at Pentecost in Jerusalem. The day of Pentecost would be a display not only of the Spirit being poured out, but also a day to show his great power of convicting sinners and changing hearts. We must rely on the Holy Spirit’s power as we witness for Christ.

John 15:26-16:15