This past Sunday I surveyed our congregation with this question: what is a disciple? The call of Jesus is to make disciples (Matthew 28:18-20). But if we do not know what a disciple is, how can we make them. If we as a church do not have the same idea of what a disciple is, how…
Wanting to be great?
THE STORY OF JESUS: Mark 9:30-37 “They had argued about who was the greatest.” (Mark 9:34) What do Christians argue about? We tend to argue more about being right more than being great. We may not insist on being first, but we will boast in how God is blessing us! Our successful churches, or programs, or numerical…
Deeper, stronger prayer
THE STORY OF JESUS: Mark 9:25-29 “This kind can come out only by prayer.” (Mark 9:29) Some versions include the words ‘and fasting’. Fasting is an intense way of praying; I see the words as repetition. Somehow the disciples were not able to drive out the spirit (v.18). They had done so on other occasions, what was…
Depends who you believe in!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Mark 9:14-24 “Everything is possible for one who believes.” (Mark 9:23) Is this ACTUALLY true, can believing make the impossible possible? Can I jump off a cliff without wings, and fly if I believe? It depends in part on who it is we believe in. If I believe in someone weak, I cannot expect…
Still lots we don’t understand!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Mark 9:9-13 “They kept the matter to themselves, discussing what “rising from the dead” meant.” (Mark 9:10) Being with Jesus must have been an inspiring yet confusing time. They were seeing and hearing amazing things, things never even imagined possible. And Jesus was constantly challenging their ways of thinking about things. They’d been…
A glimpse of future glory!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Mark 9:1-8 “Some who are standing here will not taste death before they see that the kingdom of God has come with power.” (Mark 9:1) The disciples were eager to see the kingdom of God come with power. This is why Peter was so adamant that Jesus the Messiah would not die. But…
Do I really want this?
THE STORY OF JESUS: Mark 8:34-38 “Whoever wants to be my disciple…” (Mark 8:34) Look at this list, at what Jesus says is involved: do you want this? When I speak with other Christians, I assume that we WANT this. But if they wanted it, we would be pursuing it… right? We wouldn’t wait for it to…
Get behind me Satan!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Mark 8:31-33 “He rebuked Peter. ‘Get behind me, Satan!’” (Mark 8:33) God has a purpose for our lives. He gives us everything we need to fulfill that purpose. Satan wants to thwart your purpose any way he can. He will use whatever – even people close to you – to hold you back….
I can’t convince you!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Mark 8:27-30 “‘Who do you say I am?’ Peter answered, ‘You are the Messiah.’” (Mark 8:29) God had promised for centuries that a Messiah (Lord , Saviour) would come. I can say that for myself, Jesus is my Lord and Saviour. He is my constant Friend, Guide, Leader, Helper, in very real, very…
One day I will see!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Mark 8:22-26 “Once more Jesus put his hands on the man’s eyes.” (Mark 8:25) Curious, why did this healing need to be a two stage process? We can only guess; my guess is that there was a reason unique to this man. We also know that similar things happen today. Some people are…