Faith Benzonia: Recent Episodes
Steve Ayers
How can I Respond When I Am In Over My Head?2 Timothy 2:14-191. I can both teach and be an example of trusting God. vs 14-152. I can choose to move away from bad influences. vs 16-183. I can express confidence in God in turbulent times. vs 19
4 Motivations to Inspire Me to Endure2 Timothy 2:8-131. Jesus has taken care of the worst thing that can happen. vs 82. The effectiveness of God’s Word is not hindered by my circumstances. vs 93. I do not work for my own benefit. vs 104. Jesus is there even in the beyond. vs 11-13
How Can I Take Advantage of God’s Spiritual Blessings for Me?2 Timothy 2:1-71. Be strong in grace. vs 12. Do the work and keep the big picture in mind. vs 23. Be willing to endure hardship. vs 3-7
How Can I Break the Worry Loop?
2 Timothy 1:13-18
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I need to remain obedient to God’s Word. vs 13-14
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I need to be involved in service to others. vs 15-18
I Can Be Confident of God’s Sovereignty In My Life2 Timothy 1:8-121. Sometimes I have to choose to believe in God's sovereignty. vs 82. My salvation is a reminder of God’s work in my life. vs 9-113. I am confident God will complete the work He has started in my life. vs 12
THERE ARE SPECIFIC WAYS THAT I CAN ENCOURAGE A YOUNGER BELIEVER2 TIMOTHY 1:1-71. I CAN LET THEM KNOW HOW MUCH I VALUE THEM. VS 22. I CAN REGULARLY PRAY FOR A YOUNGER BELIEVER. VS 33. I CAN LET THEM KNOW HOW MUCH I ENJOY THEIR COMPANY. VS 44. I CAN COMMUNICATE MY ADMIRATION FOR THEIR FAITH. VS 55. I CAN REMIND THEM OF THEIR SPIRITUAL RESOURCES. VS 6-7
LAZINESS IS COMFORTABLE, DANGEROUS, AND CURABLEPROVERBS 26:13-161. GOD’S WORD DEFINES LAZINESS FOR ME. PROV 26:13-162. LAZINESS BRINGS TROUBLE. PROV 15:19; 18:93. THERE IS HOPE FOR THE LAZY PERSON. PROV 6:6-8
PRIDE IS DESTRUCTIVE BUT CAN BE ADDRESSED1. PRIDE IS DESTRUCTIVE. PROV 30:11-142. HUMILITY IS THE ONLY WAY OUT OF FOOLISHNESS AND INTO HONOR. PROV. 13:18
ENVY CAN DESTROY ME, BUT THERE IS HOPEPROVERBS 27:41. ENVY IS MORE DANGEROUS THAN ANGER. PROV 27:42. ENVY WILL RESULT IN PERSONAL DAMAGE. PROV 14:303. THERE IS A RIGHT RESPONSE TO ENVY. PROV 23:17-18, 24:19-20
HOW SHOULD I RESPOND WHEN ANGRY?PROVERBS 29:221. I NEED TO KNOW WHAT CHARACTERIZES ANGER. PROV 29:222. I CAN RESPOND TO ANGER WITH KINDNESS. PROV 15:1, 25:21-223. I CAN RESPOND TO ANGER BY OVERLOOKING PERSONAL INJUSTICE. PROV 19:114. I HAVE TO TRUST GOD TO AVENGE. PROV 20:22
JESUS IS ABLE TO ACT IN ANY SITUATIONLUKE 8:22-251. JESUS HAS A PLAN FOR HIS FOLLOWERS. VS 222. WHEN TROUBLE COMES I HAVE TO DECIDE HOW TO RESPOND. VS 23-24a3. IN TIMES OF TROUBLE, I CAN GROW IN KNOWING JESUS. VS 24b-25
MY GOD IS GREAT ENOUGH TO REVERSE THE IMPOSSIBLEPSALM 1131. I CAN CONFIDENTLY PRAISE THE LORD. VS 1-32. OUR GREAT GOD IS NOT ALOOF, THOUGH HE HAS A RIGHT TO BE. VS 4-63. GOD ACTS ON BEHALF OF THE OUTCAST. VS 7-9
SPIRITUAL SIBLINGS SHOULD HAVE:AN EMOTIONAL BONDAN ABSENCE OF CONFLICTA SHARING OF RESOURCES
WHEN THE CHURCH WAS A FAMILYCONCEPT 1 - SPIRITUAL MATURITY IS FORMED AND MEASURED IN THE CONTEXT OF RELATIONSHIPS.CONCEPT 2 - THE PHRASE ”PERSONAL SAVIOR” OCCURS NOWHERE IN THE BIBLE.CONCEPT 3 - IN THE NT WORLD, THE GROUP TOOK PRIORITY OVER THE INDIVIDUAL.CONCEPT 4 - RELATIONSHIP PRIORITIES WERE DIFFERENT IN THE BIBLE THAN TODAY.CONCEPT 5 - FOLLOWING JESUS MAY AFFECT MY FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS.MODERN PRIORITIES
WHEN THE CHURCH WAS A FAMILYCONCEPT 1 - SPIRITUAL MATURITY IS FORMED AND MEASURED IN CONTEXT OF RELATIONSHIPS.CONCEPT 2 - THE PHRASE ”PERSONAL SAVIOR” OCCURS NOWHERE IN THE BIBLE.CONCEPT 3 - IN THE NT WORLD, THE GROUP TOOK PRIORITY OVER THE INDIVIDUAL.
GOD HAS THE ABILITY TO REVERSE PRESENT PAINFUL SITUATIONSAMOS 9:11-151. GOD IS ABLE TO CHANGE CURRENT POWER STRUCTURES. VS 11-122. GOD IS ABLE TO MOVE HIS PEOPLE FROM SCARCITY TO ABUNDANCE. VS 13-15
MY GOD IS INTENT ON JUDGING SINAMOS 9:1-101. THERE IS NOWHERE THAT SINFUL MAN CAN HIDE FROM GOD. VS 1-42. THE NATURAL WORLD IS AT THE CREATOR’S DISPOSAL. VS 5-63. GOD IS ABLE TO DISTINGUISH BETWEEN THE RIGHTEOUS AND THE WICKED. VS 7-10
WHAT TO EXPECT AS A CLUELESS RELIGIOUS HYPOCRITEAMOS 8:1-141. THINGS WILL NOT ALWAYS CONTINUE AS THEY ARE NOW. VS 1-32. GOD WATCHES OVER AND AVENGES THE POOR. VS 4-103. WHAT YOU ABUSE, YOU LOSE. VS 11-14
4 CHARACTERISTICS OF THOSE WHO CAN EXPECT GOD’S JUDGMENTAMOS 7:7-171. THOSE WHO CAN EXPECT JUDGMENT HAVE BEEN FOREWARNED. VS 7-92. THOSE WHO CAN EXPECT JUDGMENT TWIST GOD’S WORDS. VS 10-113. THOSE WHO CAN EXPECT JUDGMENT DENY GOD’S WORK IN OTHERS. VS 12-154. SUCH JUDGMENT CAN BE EXPECTED TO TOUCH ALL THAT THEY HOLD DEAR. VS 16-17
HOW CAN SINFUL MAN AND A HOLY GOD INTERACT? AMOS 7:1-61. GOD IS INVOLVED IN THE AFFAIRS OF MAN, INCLUDING JUDGING SIN.2. THE FIERCENESS OF HIS WRATH DEMONSTRATES HOW OFFENSIVE OUR SIN IS TO HIM.3. GODLY PEOPLE INTERCEDE FOR WICKED PEOPLE BEFORE GOD.4. SOMETIMES GOD CHOOSES TO RESPOND WITH COMPASSION.
4 MARKS OF A WISE PERSONPROVERBS 3:5-121. I NEED TO TRUST GOD, NOT MYSELF. VS 5-62. I NEED TO TAKE ACTIONS THAT ENFORCE MY TRUST IN GOD. VS 7-83. I NEED TO BE MARKED BY GENEROSITY. VS 9-104. I NEED TO BE SKILLED IN DEALING WITH ADVERSITY. VS 11-12
WHAT DOES LOVE LOOK LIKE?ISAIAH 53:1-61. LOVE SACRIFICES SELF. VS 1-32. LOVE WILLINGLY ACCEPTS ANOTHER’S PAIN. VS 4-6
I CAN HAVE JOY IN SPITE OF MY CIRCUMSTANCES1. OUR GOD WILL COME TO SAVE US.2. HE IS ABLE TO BRING ABUNDANT LIFE IN PLACES OF DEATH.3. HE WILL CREATE FOR US A PLACE OF EVERLASTING JOY.
MY GOD IS BIG ENOUGH TO REVERSE IMPOSSIBLE SITUATIONSAMOS 6:8-141. GOD IS WILLING AND ABLE TO STEP INTO THE STREAM OF HISTORY. VS 82. GOD IS ABLE TO REVERSE THE FATE OF MEN AND PROPERTY. VS 9-113. WHY WOULD GOD GET SO ANGRY AT HIS OWN PEOPLE? VS 124. GOD IS ABLE TO DESTROY OUR SOURCES OF POWER. VS 13-14
2 DANGERS THAT CAN ARISE FROM PURSUING A LIFE OF EASEAMOS 6:1-71. I CAN BECOME MARKED BY APATHY. VS 1-22. I CAN BECOME MARKED BY INDULGENCE. VS 3-7
WHAT HAPPENS IF I CONSIDER RIGHTEOUSNESS AND JUSTICE AN OPTION I CAN IGNORE?AMOS 5:18-271. GOD’S JUDGMENT IS SOMETHING TO BE FEARED. VS 18-20,272. GOD HATES WORSHIP FROM SELFISH PEOPLE. VS 21-233. WRITING MY OWN WORSHIP RULES LEADS TO IDOLATRY. VS 25-26
I AM TO SEEK GOD REGARDLESS OF THE CHOICES OF THOSE AROUND MEAMOS 5:1-171. GOD HAS THE ABILITY TO JUDGE SIN ON A NATIONAL LEVEL.2. SEEKING GOD MEANS DOING RIGHTEOUSNESS AND JUSTICE.STRUCTURE OF AMOS 5:1-17A. Lament for Israel (vs. 1-3) B. Seek the LORD and live (vs. 4-6) C. Accusations of no justice (vs. 7) D. The LORD is the one with authority (vs. 8-9) C’. Accusations of no justice (vs. 10-13) B’. Seek the LORD and live (vs. 14-15)A’. Lament for Israel (vs. 16-17)
3 ASSUMPTIONS THAT SHOW MY VIEW OF WORSHIP IS BROKENAMOS 4:4-131. MORE IS BETTER. VS 4-52. TROUBLE IS TO BE ESCAPED FROM RATHER THAN REFLECTED ON. VS 6-113. GOD WORKS WITHIN MY PARAMETERS ON A TRANSACTIONAL BASIS.. VS 12-13
MY SELFISH USE OF WEALTH WILL HAVE NEGATIVE RESULTSAMOS 3:9-4:31. WEALTH CAN BLIND ME TO ACTS OF OPPRESSION. VS 9-122. WEALTH CAN CREATE A FALSE SENSE OF SECURITY. VS 13-153. WEALTH CAN INCREASE SELFISHNESS. VS 1-3
GOD’S ACTIONS MAY SOMETIMES SURPRISE MEAMOS 3:1-81. I NEED TO ACCEPT THAT SOMETIMES GOD DISCIPLINES ME. VS 1-22. GOD HAS CHOSEN TO REVEAL HIS WAY TO ME. VS 3-8
GOD CARES ABOUT HOW I TREAT THE WEAKAMOS 2:6-161. WHEN SIN IS SOCIALLY ACCEPTABLE, I BECOME NUMB TO ITS UGLINESS. VS 6-82. GOD HAS DEMONSTRATED TO ME HOW I AM TO TREAT THE WEAK. VS 9-123. MISTREATMENT OF THE WEAK DOES NOT GO UNNOTICED BY GOD. VS 13-16
2 LESSONS I CAN LEARN ABOUT GOD’S WORK IN THE NATIONSAMOS 1:3-2:51. MY GOD IS BIG ENOUGH TO JUDGE THE NATIONS.2. ANY USE OF POWER BY ME TO EXPLOIT THOSE WEAKER ANGERS GOD.
3 TRUTHS ABOUT GOD’S CHARACTER THAT GIVE ME HOPE AMOS 1:1-2 1. GOD PARTNERS WITH COMMON PEOPLE. 2. GOD IS BIG ENOUGH TO CONTROL THE FORCES OF NATURE. 3. GOD LOVES ME ENOUGH TO REVEAL HIS CHARACTER TO ME.
THE CRUCIFIED JESUS ROSE FROM THE DEAD
MARK 16:1-8
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THERE IS EVIDENCE THAT THE RESURRECTION TOOK PLACE. VS 1-4
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GOD’S REVELATION EXPLAINS THIS CONFUSING SITUATION. VS 5-6
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THE RESURRECTION DEMANDS A RESPONSE. VS 7-8
WHAT DOES COURAGEOUS FAITH LOOK LIKE? MARK 15:42-471. I CHOOSE NOT TO BE CONCERNED ABOUT PRESERVING MY CURRENT STANDING. VS 42-452. I CHOOSE TO DO THE WORK TO GET THE TASK ACCOMPLISHED. VS 463. SOMETIMES I WATCH FOR FUTURE OPPORTUNITIES WHEN MY PRESENT RESOURCES ARE LIMITED. VS 47
4 RESPONSES OF FAITH I CAN OBSERVE AT THE CROSS MARK 15:33-41 RESPONSE #1: NOT ABANDONING MY FAITH IN A TIME OF CRISIS. VS 33-34 RESPONSE #2: MISSING SIGNIFICANCE BECAUSE OF HOPING FOR A SPECTACLE. VS 35-38 RESPONSE #3: BELIEVING IN WHAT IS IN CONTRAST TO PREVIOUS BELIEFS. VS 39 RESPONSE #4: DOING WHAT LITTLE THAT CAN BE DONE IN AN INTENSE MOMENT. VS 40-41
JESUS WILLINGLY ACCEPTS ABUSE ON MY BEHALF MARK 15:16-32 1. JESUS ACCEPTED ABUSE IN PAYING MY RANSOM. 2. JESUS ACCEPTED ABUSE AS MY EXAMPLE IN SUFFERING.
BEING RELIGIOUS DOES NOT KEEP ME FROM BEING EVIL
MARK 15:1-15
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OBEDIENCE CAN LEAD ME TO EXTREME ACTIONS. VS 1-5
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WHEN I AM THE STANDARD, UGLINESS HAPPENS. VS 6-15
I AM CAPABLE OF GREAT SIN MARK 14:66-72 1. SELF-PRESERVATION CAN LEAD ME TO SIN. VS 66-68 2. JESUS TOOK THE CURSE I DESERVED. VS 69-72a 3. THE WORD OF GOD IS ABLE TO BRING REMORSE. VS 72
I WILL CHOOSE TO COMMIT MYSELF TO THE RIGHTEOUS JUDGE MARK 14:53-65 1. I WILL TRUST THE RIGHTEOUS JUDGE, EVEN WHEN FALSE WORDS ARE SPOKEN AGAINST ME. VS 53-59 2. I WILL TRUST THE RIGHTEOUS JUDGE, BECAUSE I KNOW THINGS WILL BE MADE RIGHT IN THE FUTURE. VS 60-62 3. I WILL TRUST THE RIGHTEOUS JUDGE, EVEN WHEN PHYSICAL HARM HAPPENS. VS 63-65
MY CHAOS DOES NOT MEAN THAT GOD HAS FORGOTTEN ME MARK 14:43-52 1. HAVING SHREWD ENEMIES DOES NOT MEAN THAT GOD HAS FORGOTTEN ME. VS 43-46 2. HAVING BUMBLING FRIENDS DOES NOT MEAN THAT GOD HAS FORGOTTEN ME. VS 47 3. GOD’S WORD IS EFFECTIVE EVEN IN CHAOS. VS 48-49 4. GOD HAS NOT FORGOTTEN ME EVEN IF MY FRIENDS FLEE. VS 50-52
AS A FOLLOWER OF JESUS, I WILL EXPERIENCE SUFFERING
MARK 14:32-42
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SOMETIMES MY SORROW IS OVERWHELMING. VS 32-34
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PRAYER REMINDS ME OF GOD’S SOVEREIGNTY IN MY TROUBLE. VS 35-36
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MY BEST RESPONSE TO TROUBLE IS TO WATCH AND PRAY. VS 37-38
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SOMETIMES I WILL FACE TROUBLE ALONE. VS 39-42
JESUS LOVES ME
MARK 14:27-31
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JESUS LOVES ME ENOUGH TO GIVE ME HOPE. VS 27-28
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JESUS LOVES ME EVEN WHEN I OVERESTIMATE MY OWN ABILITIES. VS 29-31
*Sorry about the audio parodically cutting out.
I CHOOSE TO HOPE IN JESUS AS MY DELIVERER
MARK 14:22-26
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JESUS WAS AFFLICTED FOR ME. VS 22
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JESUS ALLOWS ME TO EXPERIENCE FORGIVENESS. VS 23-24
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JESUS HAS A PLANNED FUTURE FOR ME. VS 25
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I CAN CONFIDENTLY PRAISE GOD FOR MY DELIVERANCE. VS 26
WHAT HOPE DO I HAVE WHEN MY LIFE STRESS BECOMES GREAT?
MARK 14:12-21
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JESUS IS IN CONTROL EVEN WHEN EVENTS SEEM CONTRARY TO THAT. VS 12-16
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GOD IS ABLE TO USE THE EVIL PLANS OF MAN TO ACCOMPLISH HIS PURPOSES. VS 17-21
MY ANGER DISPLAYS ITSELF IN MANY WAYS
MARK 14:1-11
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MY ANGER IS SOMETIMES DISPLAYED IN VIOLENCE. VS 1-2
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MY ANGER IS SOMETIMES DISPLAYED IN CRITICISM. VS 3-5
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MY ANGER IS SOMETIMES DISPLAYED IN DEFENDING OTHERS. VS 6-9
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MY ANGER IS SOMETIMES DISPLAYED IN USING OTHERS FOR PERSONAL GAIN. VS 10-11
ARE THERE BETTER WORSHIP PRACTICES THAN MY CURRENT WAYS?
1 CORINTHIANS 11:17-22
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SOMETIMES MY WORSHIP PRACTICES DO MORE HARM THAN GOOD. VS 17-19
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GOD DOESN’T WANT A MIXTURE OF SELFISHNESS AND WORSHIP. VS 20-21
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JUST BECAUSE SOMETHING IS COMFORTABLE, DOESN’T MAKE IT RIGHT. VS 22
WHY SHOULD I ATTEND CHURCH?
LUKE 7:18-28
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DOUBT AND DESPAIR ARE A REAL PART OF LIFE. VS 18-20
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JESUS GENTLY CORRECTS MY BELIEFS THAT LEAD TO DOUBT. VS 21-23
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JESUS DOESN’T VIEW ME BASED ON MY LOW POINTS. VS 24-28
WHEN EVIL IS GREAT, I NEED TO LIVE BY FAITH
MARK 13:28-37
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FAITH WATCHES FOR GOD TO BE AT WORK. VS 28-30
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FAITH TRUSTS THE WORD OF GOD TO BE EFFECTIVE EVEN IN GREAT CHAOS. VS 31
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FAITH TRUSTS, EVEN IF I DON’T KNOW WHEN GOD WILL ACT. VS 32-37
GOD CAN CARE FOR HIS OWN, NO MATTER THE LEVEL OF EVIL
MARK 13:19-27
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GOD IS ACTIVE IN HISTORY (AND MY LIFE) BECAUSE HE LOVES ME. VS 19-20
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GOD LOVES ME ENOUGH TO WARN ME OF COMING DANGER. VS 21-23
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GOD WILL CARE FOR ME EVEN IN UNPRECEDENTED CHAOS. VS 24-27
CAN I TRUST GOD’S WORD WHEN LIFE IS DIFFICULT?
MARK 13:14-18
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GREAT EVIL DOES NOT ERODE THE POWER OF GOD’S WORD.
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GOD PROVIDES A WAY OF ESCAPE FOR THOSE WHO TRUST HIS GUIDANCE.
WHAT DOES JESUS WANT ME TO KNOW ABOUT HOW TO RESPOND TO CRISIS?
MARK 13:3-13
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I NEED TO BE AWARE OF THE TEMPTATION TO DECEPTION. VS 3-6
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I SHOULD NOT BE TROUBLED IN MY SPIRIT. VS 7-8
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I CAN PRESENT TRUTH, EVEN WHEN OPPOSED. VS 9-13
4 THOUGHTS REGARDING JESUS’ PROPHECY OF TEMPLE DESTRUCTION
MARK 13:1-2
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JESUS DOES NOT HAVE A PROBLEM WITH DESTRUCTIVE JUDGMENT.
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JESUS IS POWERFUL ENOUGH TO BRING ABOUT THE UNPRECEDENTED.
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ABSENCE OF THE TEMPLE REMINDS US OF THE IMPORTANCE OF THE MINISTRY OF THE HOLY SPIRIT.
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CONFIDENCE IN PAST PROMISES FULFILLED GIVES US CONFIDENCE IN FUTURE PROMISES YET UNFULFILLED.
I NEED TO BE CAREFUL WHO I CHOOSE AS A SPIRITUAL EXAMPLE
MARK 12:35-44
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I DO NOT WANT A SPIRITUAL EXAMPLE WHO IS BLINDED BY THEIR OWN AUTHORITY. VS 35-37
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I DO NOT WANT A SPIRITUAL EXAMPLE WHO IS MARKED BY SELFISHNESS. VS 38-40
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I WANT A SPIRITUAL EXAMPLE WHO IS MARKED BY GENEROSITY. VS 41-44
HOW CAN I EXPERIENCE A VIBRANT RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD?
MARK 12:28-34
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I NEED TO BE WILLING TO ASK HIM HARD QUESTIONS. VS 28
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I UNDERSTAND THAT SOMETIMES GOD PROVIDES UNEXPECTED ANSWERS. VS 29-31
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I MUST BE WILLING TO ACCEPT GOD’S UNUSUAL ANSWERS. VS 32-34
THE HOPE OF THE RESURRECTION SHOULD AFFECT HOW I LIVEMARK 12:18-271. RELIGIOUS PEOPLE SOMETIMES CREATE FANCIFUL STORIES ABOUT RESURRECTION LIFE. VS 18-232. GOD’S ABILITY TO BRING NEW LIFE DEMONSTRATES HIS POWER. VS 24-253. GOD IS ABLE TO KEEP HIS PROMISES IN SPITE OF DEATH. VS 26-27
POLITICS CAN BE DIVISIVE
MARK 12:13-17
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RELIGIOUS PEOPLE SOMETIMES USE POLITICS HYPOCRITICALLY. VS 13-15
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MY RESPONSE TO GOD AND GOVERNMENT IS SET BY JESUS. VS 16-17
JESUS CONFRONTS SPIRITUAL PEOPLE CONCERNING SELFISHNESS
MARK 12:1-12
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GOD SET UP HIS CHOSEN PEOPLE FOR SPIRITUAL SUCCESS. VS 1-2
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SOMETIMES GOD’S PEOPLE REJECT GOD’S WAYS. VS 3-8
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GOD IS STILL ABLE TO ACCOMPLISH HIS WORK IN SPITE OF REJECTION. VS 9-11
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SOMETIMES PEOPLE CHOOSE ANGER INSTEAD OF REPENTANCE. VS 12
JESUS IS THE ONE SENT FROM GOD
MARK 11:27-33
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IT IS NOT UNUSUAL FOR JESUS TO ANGER MAN. VS 27-28
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JESUS IS THE ONE TO ACT WITH AUTHORITY ON BEHALF OF GOD. VS 29-30
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MY REFUSAL TO ACCEPT TRUTH LIMITS MY ACCESS TO FURTHER TRUTH. VS 31-33
3 LESSONS JESUS TEACHES US ABOUT PRAYERMARK 11:12-261. IT IS EASY TO MISUNDERSTAND OR MISUSE PRAYER. VS 12-212. PRAYER IS NOT TO GET MY WILL DONE IN HEAVEN, BUT TO GET GOD’S WILL DONE ON EARTH. VS 22-243. REFUSAL OF HORIZONTAL FORGIVENESS BLOCKS VERTICAL FORGIVENESS. VS 25-26
2 PROPER RESPONSES I CAN HAVE TO KING JESUS
MARK 11:1-11
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I OBEY, EVEN WHEN IT DOESN’T MAKE SENSE. VS 1-6
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I CHOOSE TO PRAISE, EVEN WHEN IT SEEMS DEBATABLE. VS 7-11
JESUS IS ABLE TO REMOVE OUR DISTRESS
MARK 10:46-52
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I MUST BE AWARE OF MY NEED FOR MERCY. VS 46-47
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IN PURSUING MERCY, I DISREGARD OBSTACLES. VS 48-50
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JESUS IS ABLE TO GRANT MERCY. VS 51-52
AS A FOLLOWER OF JESUS I NEED TO BE CHARACTERIZED BY SERVICE TO OTHERS
MARK 10:35-45
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MY NATURAL DESIRE IS FOR POWER AND POSITION. VS 36-37
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FOLLOWING JESUS WILL COST ME. VS 38-40
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JESUS USES HIMSELF AS AN EXAMPLE FOR HOW I SHOULD LIVE. VS 41-45
WE FOLLOW THE ONE WHO KNOWS OUR FUTURE
MARK 10:32-34
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THE UNCERTAINTY OF THE FUTURE CAN EASILY LEAD US TO FEAR. VS 32
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JESUS USES PROPHETIC WORD TO ADDRESS THE FEARS OF HIS FOLLOWERS. VS 32-34
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IT IS EASY FOR FOLLOWERS OF JESUS TO OVERLOOK THE REALITY OF SUFFERING. VS 35-37
HOW SHOULD I RESPOND TO THE UNEXPECTED?
MATTHEW 1:18-25
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I WILL CHOOSE TO BE HORIZONTALLY RIGHTEOUS. VS 18-19
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I CAN RECOGNIZE THAT GOD HAS A BIGGER PLAN THAN I DO. VS 20-23
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I CAN CHOOSE TO OBEY MY CREATIVE GOD RATHER THAN HOLD ON TO MY COMFORTABLE PAST. VS 24-25
HOW DOES FOLLOWING JESUS AFFECT MY TREATMENT OF WOMEN?
MARK 10:1-12
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CULTURE DOES NOT HAVE A HIGH VIEW OF WOMEN. VS 1-5
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JESUS PROVIDES A DIFFERENT VIEW OF THE TREATMENT OF WOMEN. VS 6-12
WHAT DOES SERVICE LOOK LIKE?
MARK 9:38-50
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SERVICE DOES NOT CLAIM EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS TO THE NAME OF JESUS. VS 38-41
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SERVICE CHOOSES TO SACRIFICE FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE LEAST OF SOCIETY. VS 42-48
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THE TRIALS OF LIFE SHOULD NOT REDUCE MY EFFECTIVENESS IN SERVICE. VS 49-50
JESUS HAS A DIFFERENT SUCCESS PLAN THAN THE WORLD
MARK 9:30-37
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IN OBEDIENCE, MY EXAMPLE CHOSE TO SUFFER. VS 30-32
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I MUST CHOOSE TO BE A SERVANT. VS 33-37
HOW CAN I EFFECTIVELY SERVE PEOPLE IN THEIR SUFFERING?
MARK 9:14-29
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I SHARE IN THEIR PAIN BY LISTENING TO THEIR STORY. VS 14-22
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I CAN USE THE OPPORTUNITY TO TEACH ABOUT JESUS. VS 23-27
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I DISPLAY FAITH BY MEANS OF PRAYER. VS 28-29
3 REASONS WHY I CHOOSE TO OBEY JESUS
MARK 9:1-13
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I CHOOSE TO OBEY JESUS BECAUSE HE IS THE ULTIMATE JUDGE. VS 1-4
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I CHOOSE TO OBEY JESUS BECAUSE MY WAYS ARE NOT HIS WAYS. VS 5-8
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I CHOOSE TO OBEY JESUS BECAUSE HE DID WHAT HE CALLS ME TO DO. VS 9-13
A PRAYER FOR DELIVERANCE AND GUIDANCE
PSALM 25
1-3 PRAYER FOR RELIEF FROM DISTRESS AND SLANDER
4-7 PRAYER FOR GUIDANCE AND PARDON
8-15 PRAYER FOR GUIDANCE AND PARDON
16-22 PRAYER FOR RELIEF FROM DISTRESS AND SLANDER
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ASHAMED (VS 2,3,3,20) - TO PALE
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WAY (VS 4,8,9,12)
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JUDGMENT/JUSTICE (VS 9) - FIXING BROKENNESS
0 - DON’T KNOW WHERE SLEEPING TONIGHT
1 - THOSE WITH SOME SHELTER - DEPENDING ON TEMPERATURE
2 - THOSE WITH BORROWED SHELTER - UNPAID (FAMILY)
3 - THOSE WITH BORROWED SHELTER - PAID (RENTED)
4 - THOSE WITH OWNED SHELTER - OWNED
HOW DO I GET THERE?
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HEART OF HUMILITY
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PRAYING TO SEE NEEDS
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WILLINGNESS TO WATCH FOR GOD’S WORKING
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EVALUATION OF OWN HARD EXPERIENCES
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WILLINGNESS TO VOLUNTEER
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WILLINGNESS TO SACRIFICE TO CREATE MARGIN
3 DANGERS TO CONSIDER WHEN DECIDING TO FOLLOW JESUS
MARK 8:34-38
DANGER #1 BORROWING AN EASIER DEFINITION OF “FOLLOWER”. VS 34
DANGER #2 CONFUSION ABOUT THE VALUE OF THINGS. VS 35-37
DANGER #3 MISSING OUT ON WHO THE REAL JUDGE IN LIFE IS. VS 38
1:1-13 - PROLOGUE
1:14-3:6 - INITIAL PHASE OF GALILEAN MINISTRY
3:7-6:13 - LATER PHASE
6:14-8:30 - WITHDRAWAL BEYOND GALILEE
8:31-10:52 - JOURNEY TO JERUSALEM
PROPHECY BY JESUS (8:31; 9:30-31; 10:32-34)
DISCIPLES DULLNESS (8:32-33; 9:32; 10:35-37)
CALL TO DISCIPLESHIP (8:34-38; 9:33-37; 10:38-45)
8:27 - ON THE ROAD
9:30 - THROUGH GALILEE
10:1 - ENTERING JUDEA
10:17 - ON THE ROAD
10:32 - DESTINATION FINALLY ANNOUNCED
3 REFLECTIONS ON THE WORK OF JESUS
MARK 8:31-33
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AS SON OF GOD, JESUS WILLINGLY ACCEPTS SUFFERING FOR MY SALVATION.
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AS SON OF MAN, JESUS IS MARKED BY BOTH SUFFERING AND GLORY.
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JESUS COMMANDS DISCIPLES TO FOLLOW HIM.
3 WAYS PEOPLE RESPOND INCORRECTLY TO JESUS
MARK 8:27-30
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PEOPLE IGNORE JESUS FOR OTHER GODS. VS 27
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PEOPLE SOMETIMES VIEW JESUS AS JUST ANOTHER RELIGIOUS FIGURE. VS 28
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PEOPLE RESPOND INCORRECTLY TO JESUS BY CONNECTING HIM WITH POLITICAL IDEOLOGIES. VS 29-30
WHY CAN’T PEOPLE SEE WHO JESUS IS?
MARK 8:11-26
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PEOPLE CAN’T SEE WHO JESUS IS BECAUSE THEY DON’T WANT TO. VS 11-12
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THE ROUTINE AFFAIRS OF LIFE PRESENT REFLECTION ABOUT JESUS. VS 13-21
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PEOPLE CAN’T SEE JESUS BECAUSE THE SUPERNATURAL WORK ISN’T FINISHED. VS 22-26
3 CHARACTERISTICS OF JESUS THAT I SHOULD BE REFLECTING TO OTHERS
MARK 8:1-10
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JESUS RESPONDS TO THE NEEDS OF OTHERS WITH COMPASSION. VS 1-3
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JESUS TRANSFORMS A POINT OF NEED INTO AN OPPORTUNITY FOR UNITY. VS 4-7
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JESUS RESPONDS TO THE NEEDS OF OTHERS WITH GENEROSITY. VS 8-10
MT. 14:19; 15:36; 26:26
MK. 8:6,19; 14:22
LK. 22:19; 24:30
ACTS 2:46; 20:7,11; 27:35
1 COR. 10:16; 11:24,24
4X - FEEDING MULTITUDES
3X - LAST SUPPER
1X - EMMAUS ROAD
6X - SUNDAY SERVICE
1X - SHIPWRECK
JESUS IS GOD’S APPOINTED DELIVERER
MARK 7:31-37
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JESUS HAS THE COMPASSION TO ADDRESS BROKENNESS. VS 31-33
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JESUS HAS THE POWER TO REVERSE BROKENNESS. VS 34-35
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JESUS IS PUBLICLY RECOGNIZED AS GOD’S APPOINTED DELIVERER. VS 36-37
6:31-44 & 8:1-9 -- FEEDING OF MULTITUDE
6:45-56 & 8:10 -- CROSSING SEA AND LANDING
7:1-23 & 8:11-13 -- CONFLICT WITH PHARISEES
7:24-30 & 8:14-21 -- CONVERSATION ABOUT BREAD
7:31-36 & 8:22-26 -- HEALING
7:37 & 8:27-30 -- CONFESSION OF FAITH
BOOK MENTIONED: Agents of Flourishing (Pursuing Shalom in Every Corner of Society) by Amy L. Sherman
3 CHARACTERISTICS OF A CORRECT RESPONSE OF FAITH
MARK 7:24-30
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A CORRECT RESPONSE OF FAITH ACKNOWLEDGES A NEED FOR JESUS.
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I NEED TO HUMBLY ADMIT MY UNFAVORABLE BARGAINING POSITION.
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A CORRECT FAITH RESPONSE CONFIDENTLY ACCEPTS JESUS’ WORD.
WHAT KEEPS ME FROM ‘REST’ (EXPERIENCING GOD)?
MARK 7:14-23
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I CAN’T BLAME MY DISTANCE FROM GOD ON OTHERS. VS 14-16
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I AM ABLE TO CREATE GREAT EVIL ALL BY MYSELF. VS 17-23
WHAT DOES UNBELIEF LOOK LIKE FOR ME AS A RELIGIOUS PERSON?
MARK 7:1-13
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I AM QUICK TO FIND FAULT WITH THOSE NOT MEETING MY STANDARD. VS 1-5
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I AM MORE INTERESTED IN MY TRADITIONS THAN GOD’S COMMANDS. VS 6-9
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I USE MY TRADITIONS TO CANCEL THE POWER OF GOD’S WORD IN MY LIFE. VS 10-13
IN SPITE OF UNBELIEF, JESUS IS STILL MARKED BY COMPASSION
MARK 6:45-56
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JESUS DELIBERATELY PUTS ME IN SITUATIONS TO KNOW HIM BETTER. VS 45-52
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JESUS DISPLAYS UNTIRING CARE FOR PEOPLE’S PERSONAL DISASTERS. VS 53-56
UNLIKE EARTHLY KINGS, JESUS IS A GOOD SHEPHERD
MARK 6:30-44
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JESUS DESIRES TO PROVIDE REST FOR US. VS 30-32
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JESUS IS MARKED BY COMPASSION. VS 33-34
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JESUS IS ABLE TO PROVIDE EXACTLY WHAT WE NEED. VS 35-44
2 STUMBLING BLOCKS THAT KEEP ME FROM KNOWING JESUS AND HIS AUTHORITY
MARK 6:14-29
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REFUSAL TO ABANDON MY FAVORITE SINS KEEPS ME FROM KNOWING JESUS. VS 7, 12-13
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CHOOSING TO ASSOCIATE WITH SELFISH INFLUENCERS CAN KEEP ME FROM KNOWING JESUS. VS 8-9
THE SENT ONE HAS AUTHORITY TO SEND OTHERS
MARK 6:7-13
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JESUS IS POWERFUL ENOUGH TO SEND OTHERS TO DO KINGDOM WORK. VS 7, 12-13
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JESUS IS POWERFUL ENOUGH TO CARE FOR THE NEEDS OF THOSE SENT. VS 8-9
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SENT ONES CAN EXPECT POSITIVE AND NEGATIVE RESPONSES. VS 10-11
HOW DOES UNBELIEF WORK?
MARK 6:1-6
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UNBELIEF CHOOSES TO REFUSE THE OBVIOUS. VS 1-2
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UNBELIEF ELEVATES SELF TO BE GREATER THAN REVELATION. VS 3-4
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UNBELIEF IS OFTEN DISPLAYED PUBLICLY. VS 5-6
JESUS IS GREATER THAN DEATH
MARK 5:35-43
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IN THE PAIN OF LOSS, WE CAN BE MARKED BY BELIEF. VS 35-36
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JESUS SPEAKS OF DEATH AS SLEEP. VS 37-39
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REVERSING DEATH IS A SIMPLE MATTER FOR JESUS. VS 40-43
FAITH IN JESUS RESULTS IN DELIVERANCE
MARK 5:21-34
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FAITH REQUIRES ABANDONMENT OF SELF-CONFIDENCE. VS 21-24
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GOD GENEROUSLY ACCEPTS OUR FEEBLE EFFORTS OF FAITH. VS 25-29
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JESUS IS ABLE TO PROVIDE COMPLETE RESTORATION. VS 30-34
JESUS IS ABLE TO CONTROL THE SUPERNATURAL
MARK 5:1-20
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DEMONS ARE POWERFUL AND DESTRUCTIVE. VS 1-5
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DEMONS EASILY RECOGNIZE THE DEITY OF JESUS. VS 6-10
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DEMONS ARE POWERFUL AND DESTRUCTIVE. VS 11-15
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SOMETIMES MAN RESPONDS CORRECTLY TO THE DEITY OF JESUS. VS 16-20
HOW DOES JESUS RESPOND TO A NEAR DEATH EXPERIENCE?
MARK 4:35-41
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SOMETIMES JESUS LEADS HIS FOLLOWERS INTO THE PATH OF DANGER. VS 35-36
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SOMETIMES JESUS VISIBLY DEMONSTRATES HIS POWER IN OUR STORMS. VS 37-39
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JESUS IS ABLE TO USE SUCH EXPERIENCES AS TEACHING MOMENTS. VS 40-41
HOW DOES GOD COMMUNICATE WITH US?
MARK 4:21-34
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ANY HIDDEN TRUTH WILL EVENTUALLY BE REVEALED. VS 21-23
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OPENNESS TO REVELATION IS REWARDED. VS 24-25
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GOD’S POWER IS IN THE MESSAGE, NOT THE MESSENGER. VS 26-29
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GOD’S MESSAGE WILL GO FURTHER THAN EXPECTED. VS 30-32
WHY DO PEOPLE RESPOND LIKE THEY DO TO JESUS?
MARK 4:1-20
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I NEED TO LISTEN TO JESUS. VS 1-9
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I NEED TO RECOGNIZE THAT A RIGHT RESPONSE COMES FROM GOD. VS 10-12
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I MUST KNOW WHAT PREVENTS ME FROM HEARING. VS 13-20
I MUST DECIDE HOW TO RESPOND TO THE SENT ONE
MARK 3:20-35
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“HE’S INSANE” IS ONE RESPONSE TO THE MINISTRY OF JESUS. VS 20-21
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“HE’S EMPOWERED BY SATAN” IS ANOTHER RESPONSE TO JESUS. VS 22-30
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OBEDIENCE IS THE ONLY CORRECT RESPONSE TO JESUS. VS 31-35
JESUS IS THE SENT ONE FROM GOD
MARK 3:7-19
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JESUS CAN HEAL ANY BROKENNESS. VS 7-12
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JESUS HAS THE AUTHORITY TO SEND OTHERS TO DO HIS WORK. VS 13-19
JESUS IS THE EXAMPLE OF COMPASSION FOR US
MARK 3:1-6
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BEING RELIGIOUS CAN BLIND ME TO COMPASSION. VS 1-2
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JESUS DESIRES COMPASSION. VS 3-5
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BEING RELIGIOUS CAN HARDEN MY HEART TO MERCY. VS 6
JESUS CHALLENGES HOW RELIGIOUS PEOPLE ARE TO BEHAVE
MARK 2:23-28
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THE RELIGIOUS PERSON’S FOCUS ON MORALITY CAN BLIND THEM TO COMPASSION. VS 23-24
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COMPASSION ALWAYS BEATS TRADITION. VS 25-27
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JESUS OPENLY DECLARES GREATER AUTHORITY THAN THE RELIGIOUS LEADERS. VS 28
HOLDING ON TO MY PAST CAN GET IN THE WAY OF A BETTER FUTURE
MARK 2:18-22
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TRUTH EXPOSES THE FOOLISHNESS OF TRADITIONS. VS 18
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THERE ARE TIMES WHEN IT IS INAPPROPRIATE TO HOLD ON TO TRADITIONS. VS 19-20
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TRADITIONS CAN CAUSE MORE HARM THAN GOOD. VS 21-22
JESUS EXTENDS FORGIVENESS TO MORE THAN EXPECTED
MARK 2:13-17
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SOMETIMES JESUS CALLS SOCIAL OUTCASTS TO BE HIS DISCIPLES. VS 13-14
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RELIGIOUS PEOPLE STRUGGLE AT TIMES WITH WHO RECEIVES FORGIVENESS. VS 15-16
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THE WORK OF JESUS AND HIS FOLLOWERS INVOLVES CALLING PEOPLE TO REPENTANCE. VS 17
JESUS HAS THE POWER TO FORGIVE SINS.
MARK 2:1-12
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A SINFUL MAN ENTERS THE PRESENCE OF JESUS. VS 1-4
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RELIGIOUS PEOPLE ARE OFTEN CONFUSED BY FORGIVENESS. VS 5-7
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JESUS PROVES HIS ABILITY TO FORGIVE. VS 8-12
HOW CAN SUCH A GOOD MINISTRY PRODUCE SUCH CONTROVERSY?
MARK 1:40-45
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JESUS HAS GREAT AUTHORITY AND COMPASSION. VS 40-42
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JESUS COUNSELS A RESPONSE OF OBEDIENCE. VS 43-44
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MAN’S DISOBEDIENCE CAUSES TROUBLE FOR JESUS. VS 45
KNOWING JESUS INCLUDES KNOWING HOW TO RESPOND TO HIM
MARK 1:29-39
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A RIGHT RESPONSE TO JESUS IS SERVICE. VS 29-31
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A SELFISH RESPONSE TO JESUS USES HIS GENEROSITY BUT DOESN’T SERVE. VS 32-34
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PRAYER HELPS ME FOCUS ON A CORRECT RESPONSE TO GOD. VS 35-39
JESUS HAS GREAT AUTHORITY
MARK 1:14-28
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JESUS HAS THE AUTHORITY TO ANNOUNCE GOOD NEWS. VS 14-15
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JESUS HAS THE AUTHORITY TO CHANGE OUR WORK. VS 16-20
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JESUS HAS THE AUTHORITY TO COMMAND THE SPIRIT WORLD. VS 21-28
JESUS IS A KING WORTH FOLLOWING
MARK 1:1-13
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THE WAY IS PREPARED FOR A GREAT KING. VS 2-8
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A GREAT KING IDENTIFIES WITH HIS PEOPLE. VS 9-11
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A GREAT KING KNOWS THE STRUGGLES OF HIS CITIZENS. VS 12-13