God works in ways we do not always understand or initially agree.  And yet his shocking salvation is always greater than we could ever imagine.

In this passage of Mark, we are going to look at two events in Jesus’ life. First, we will look at Jesus’ baptism. Ironically, if anyone did not need to be baptized, it was Jesus. So why did Jesus get baptized?  This points to the reality that although Jesus is the Son of God, he is identifying himself with humanity. Second, we will see Jesus in the wilderness for 40 days. Just like Israel wandered in the wilderness for 40 years because of their sin, Jesus will enter into the wilderness for 40 days and will overcome the temptation of sin. This points to the truth that our only hope to be clean from our sin is Jesus alone!

Election is a difficult subject. We hate the idea of a God who chooses as he sees fit. And yet Paul reveals that God’s election showcases both his power to save and his glory in saving sinners like us. May we marvel at a God who works to save.

Has God failed to deliver on his promises for his people? That is the question the religious Jews were asking when reading Paul. Instead Paul  shows us the purpose of God’s election and how that election was  fulfilled.

In our 1st sermon in the book of Mark, we will see that Jesus Christ is the long awaited king that was promised in the Old Testament. Our greatest hope is to bow and submit to the true great King, King Jesus.

Following Christ in this world is difficult. Often it will lead to suffering and persecution from multiple angles. However, for those in Christ, we have the love of God that will preserve us and lead us to eternal life.

Life is hard. We feel weak. Thus we turn to whatever we can find to relieve the pain and stress. Unfortunately they fail to provide us the help we are truly looking for. The only help and hope we can have in our current condition is the redemption of God.

A survey of the Old Testament from Deuteronomy through 2 Chronicles

A survey of the Old Testament from Deuteronomy through 2 Chronicles

The pull of sin is strong. Often we fall into it without even thinking.  However, if we have come to believe in Christ, we are adopted into God’s family. This adoption ought to lead to a reformation in our minds, hearts, and action.