“As Jesus started on his way, a man ran up to him and fell on his knees before him. ‘Good teacher,’ he asked, ‘what must I do to inherit eternal life?’" (Mark 10:17, NIV)
The man in this encounter with Jesus asks a really important question: what do I need to do to inherit eternal life? Is it enough to be ‘good’, or is there something more that is needed? Jesus’ words bring the man sadness, but can bring us great comfort and assurance. I hope that you’ll be able to join us at 8:30, at 10:30, or online (details below), as we look at this together.
Jesus said ‘Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.’ (Mark 10:15, NIV)
We’re continuing our look at Mark’s gospel, and spending a few weeks thinking a little more about what it looks like to follow Jesus. In this passage (Mark 10:1-16), we’ll see how following Jesus affects some of our relationships. If we are totally devoted to following him then how we think about relationships might well be changed. I hope that you’ll be able to join us at 8:30, at 10:30, or online (details below), as we look at this together.
“If your hand causes you to stumble, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life maimed than with two hands to go into hell, where the fire never goes out.” (Mark 9:43, NIV)
As we read Mark's Gospel, we are asked to consider three questions: Who is Jesus? Why did he come? What does it mean to follow him? In the passage we are looking at this week, Jesus presents us with the choice between life and death - not just now, but for eternity. Following Jesus can be hard at times: there will be many things that we want to do that God says we shouldn't be doing. We should, instead, be so focused on walking in Jesus path, that we will get rid of anything that would distracts us, or cause us to lose our step. It might seem painful, or uncomfortable, at the time, but our trials and our devotion to God will lead to our growth in holiness. I hope that you'll be able to join us at 8:30, at 10:30, or online (details below), as we look at this together.
“Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, 'Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all.'” (Mark 9:35, NIV)
Who is the most important? The world around us is full of people fighting to have money. power, and status - to be the most important. Jesus takes the concept of importance, and turns it on its head. The most important is the one who serves, not the one who fights to have prominence and power. As we continue to look at Mark's Gospel this Sunday, we'll see that Jesus is the one who came to serve us. We can also be encouraged that, in God's Kingdom, none of us are insignificant. I hope that you'll be able to join us online, at 8:30, or at 10:30 (details below), as we look at this together.
“‘I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!’” (Mark 9:24, NIV)
Belief can be hard: sometimes we can be uncertain what it is we believe, or that we believe enough. As we continue to look at Mark’s Gospel this Sunday, we’ll see that, when it comes to trust and faith, it all comes down to Jesus. I hope that you’ll be able to join us online, at 8:30, or at 10:30 (details below), as we look at this together.