Mark 11-16 record the final week of our Lord's earthly life. Mark devotes more than one-third of his Gospel to "Passion Week."Daniel L. Akin, Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary: Exalting Jesus in Mark, p. 242 The Lord's sovereignty never ceases to amaze me even in the seemingly small details of life. Akin's quote above shows us that … Continue reading How to Prepare for Easter Sunday (April 17, 2022)
Why Does Mark’s Gospel Begin with the Ministry of John the Baptist?
The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. As it is written in Isaiah the prophet, "Behold, I send my messenger before your face, who will prepare your way, the voice of one crying in the wilderness: 'Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight,'" John appeared, baptizing in … Continue reading Why Does Mark’s Gospel Begin with the Ministry of John the Baptist?
M.DIV., M.A., D.MIN–What Does It All Mean? Understanding School Degrees As A Pastor Search Team Member
Scenario If you have been in a congregationally-led local church for any length of time, you might be familiar with this situation. Your beloved pastor has resigned and moved on to another place of ministry or calling. The church appoints a Pastor Search Team (PST) to begin looking for their next pastor. The job description, … Continue reading M.DIV., M.A., D.MIN–What Does It All Mean? Understanding School Degrees As A Pastor Search Team Member
Jesus Is God’s Beloved Son: A Lesson from Mark 9:7-8
And a cloud overshadowed them, and a voice came out of the cloud, "This is my beloved Son; listen to him." And suddenly, looking around, they no longer saw anyone with them but Jesus only.Mark 9:7-8 This event displays the second time readers of Mark's Gospel have witnessed a voice exclaim that Jesus is God's … Continue reading Jesus Is God’s Beloved Son: A Lesson from Mark 9:7-8
The Old Testament Points Us to Jesus: A Lesson from Mark 9:4-5
And there appeared to them Elijah with Moses, and they were talking with Jesus. And Peter said to Jesus, "Rabbi, it is good that we are here. Let us make three tents, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah." For he did not know what else to say, for they were … Continue reading The Old Testament Points Us to Jesus: A Lesson from Mark 9:4-5
Jesus’ Transfiguration Reflects His True Nature
And after six days Jesus took with him Peter and James and John, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his clothes became radiant, intensely white, as no one on earth could bleach them.Mark 9:2-3 Mark's Source Many scholars argue that Mark's Gospel comes from the … Continue reading Jesus’ Transfiguration Reflects His True Nature
Jesus Is Greater than Moses
And after six days Jesus took with him Peter and James and John, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his clothes became radiant, intensely white, as no one on earth could bleach them.Mark 9:2-3 Why Six Days? Mark, under the divine inspiration of the Holy … Continue reading Jesus Is Greater than Moses
Should I Get My Child A Cell Phone? A Proverbs Pathway to Help You Answer this Question
If you are like me, you might be constantly bombarded with the, "Why can't I have a phone, daddy?" question from your children. Perhaps you respond with your reasons for seemingly denying your child this "lifeline" to the outside world. Your child, more than likely, responds with the, "But, all my friends have one." Maybe … Continue reading Should I Get My Child A Cell Phone? A Proverbs Pathway to Help You Answer this Question
How Does Jesus’s Kingship Comfort Believers?
Disclaimer: this blog post comes out of a sermon I preached on 9/12/2021 at First Baptist Church Spring Hope in Spring Hope, nc. At the top of Mark's Gospel in my Bible are written the words, "The King has come!" I am not sure when I wrote this or what sermon I was listening to … Continue reading How Does Jesus’s Kingship Comfort Believers?
4 Reasons to Consider Joining a Church Being Revitalized
The mentality of many churchgoers in America is, "What can the church do for me?" We live in a consumeristic society so it makes sense that believers living in America would shop for a church just like they would a pair of shoes. My purpose for writing this post is to encourage believers seeking church … Continue reading 4 Reasons to Consider Joining a Church Being Revitalized
Be Imitators 