What is the most powerful kingdom on earth? What criteria would you use to determine the answer to this question? I would argue that any kingdom is only as powerful as those who rule it. Jesus says that His kingdom belongs to children. That does not exactly inspire a picture of power. And yet, the kingdom of God is the most powerful kingdom in the world (there are no rivals). Why? Look at

the king!

When people tell you there is no difference between the divorce rate among Christians compared to the world, don't believe them. When a husband and wife are committed to Jesus, good things happen in their marriage. At the same time, they are still two sinners living together in a broken world, which means that hard things happen too. But the Gospel gives us the grace and power to forgive, to love, and to overcome.

Marriage is a test.  God graciously gives us marriage to test our reliance on Him and His promises.  Marriages get into trouble when spouses seek to test one another, instead of submitting to God’s testing.  The good news of the Gospel is that Jesus has already provided a passing grade!  We don’t have to be proved right in our marriage.  We are free to prove the worth, the satisfaction, and the sufficiency of Jesus.

I’m glad to be back in Mark.  Advent was wonderful, and Sundays in January were a gift, but now that we are back in Mark, I feel like I’ve come home again after being away on a great trip.  We are diving back in at chapter ten, where the Pharisees are testing Jesus regarding marriage and divorce.  Indeed, marriage is a test!  This will be a good opportunity for us to do a “Marriage in Mark” miniseries that I hope will help all of us see more clearly God’s design for marriage.

You can look at the Gospel from a number of perspectives.  Each one gives us a greater appreciation for God’s grace to us.  Forensically, the Gospel removes our guilt so that we stand before God as justified and exonerated.  The Gospel also reconciles us to the God we offended so that our relationship is repaired.  From a family perspective, the Gospel turns orphans into sons and daughters who are embraced by our heavenly Father.  And, economically, the Gospel forgives our spiritual bankruptcy, so that we stand before God with the riches of Christ. Rejoice today that our debt is paid and that we have eternal inheritance!

Today we join those around the world who affirm that life, all human life, is a gift from God.  Our lives are embodied in our bodies, which were prepared uniquely for us.  God has a purpose for our lives, to serve Him and bring blessing to others.  This is why life, all life, is sacred—no matter our age, our color, or our ability.