Grasping the Word: Recent Episodes
Mark Parker
GRASPING THE WORD is practical discussion of Bible principles and suggestions of what one can read, memorize, meditate upon and study to get a Grasp of the specified verse of the week.Podcasts are focused on the verse of the week. The 2022 edition has the theme, "WORSHIP AND WISDOM FROM THE WORD." Each month there is a Proverb and a Psalm of the Month. The intent is to help listeners learn to apply the Word of God to their worship and prayer as well as gauging the rest of their life through the looking glass of God's Word (James 1:23). A video of the Psalm of the month is available for viewing https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKj9tdDrxkyL3Lux7Nv4VaA/videos
Grasp The Word is a discipleship initiative of Southern Oaks United Pentecostal Church where we plant the Word of God in our heartsGrasp The Word is a discipleship initiative of Southern Oaks United Pentecostal Church where we plant the Word of God in our hearts.
THE THEME FOR 2026 IS "THINGS THAT ACCOMPANY SALVATION" (Hebrews 6:9). Each month the focus is on a different THING that accompanies salvation.
For the month of January the theme is simply, SALVATION.
Randall Hughes presents, "The Men of Ezekiel 18."
NOVEMBER - Ezekiel 18 - INDIVIDUAL OPPORTUNITY
1. Scratching the Surface: Ezekiel 18:20
2. Digging Deeper: Ezekiel 18:20-24
3. Striking it Rich: Ezekiel 18:20-32
The GRASP verse of the month for October, 2025
OCTOBER - Romans 6 - FREEDOM FROM SIN
1. Scratching the Surface: Romans 6:4
2. Digging Deeper: Romans 6:3 -11
3. Striking it Rich: Romans 6:1-18
This is Part I of a Bible study taught by Pastor Mark H Parker to Southern Oaks on October 8.
For the complete Bible study follow this link: https://youtube.com/live/AZ8UNy2ORYA?feature=share
In GRASPING THE WORD 2025, Southern Oaks is going for gold! Psalm 19:10 states that the Word of the Lord is more desirable than much fine gold. In 2025 we are digging deeper and striking it rich with deeper love for truth, greater knowledge of God and increased understanding. For the first time in this the 6th year of GRASPING THE WORD, we have different levels of learning, based upon a single passage of scripture for each month. It is a huge challenge to learn a passage of scripture, yet these are so fundamental in scripture and Apostolic doctrine that they are worth every effort. Here’s the plan:
Each month there is a passage that is the focus of our reading, hearing, memorization, meditation and study. From that passage there are 3 levels of memorization: 1) Scratching the surface (consists of one or two verses that would give a concise summary of the passage itself), 2) Digging Deeper (consists of a portion of the passage) and 3) Striking it Rich (consists of all or most of the passage).
Children and adults alike will scratch the surface each month. The children will work on these verses during their memory time in Sunday school. We believe it could perhaps be the most memorable year in their learning up to this point because of the context of these key verses.
Youth and adults should be able to dig deeper each month seeing there are usually at least 30 days (except February) to learn the material. In most instances, this will encompass 4 to 6 verses from the passage of the month.
Youth and adults will be encouraged to select a passage each quarter in which they will “Strike it Rich,” by memorizing the entire passage. For example, in the first quarter the passages scheduled regard, “The Creator”, “The Word Made Flesh” and “The Ten Commandments.” The participant will choose one passage to commit to memory and use the entire 3 months to memorize that passage along with monthly verses from the respective months of January, February and March. You will cherish these passages for the rest of your life. You will continue to pray it, praise it, meditate upon it and teach it through all your days.
God’s word is to be desired more than MUCH fine gold. How deep will people dig to gain this world’s goods? How much more should one apply themselves to “hiding God’s word in their heart (Psalm 119:11)?
The result will be this testimony:
Psalms 119:13-16
13 With my lips have I declared all the judgments of thy mouth.
14 I have rejoiced in the way of thy testimonies, as much as in all riches.
15 I will meditate in thy precepts, and have respect unto thy ways.
16 I will delight myself in thy statutes: I will not forget thy word.
GRASPING THE WORD 2025 is the 6th year of the Bible verse program for Southern Oaks United Pentecostal Church. This year there is a verse passage of the month (www.MyOKCchurch.com/discipleship).
Participants are encourage to GRASP the Word of God by reading, hearing, memorizing, meditating and studying the assigned passages of the month. There are many church programs which emphasize this including one Mid Week Bible Study will focus on the GRASP passage of the month.
This podcast is on Psalm 96, the passage of the month of July, 2025. This is part one.
Acts 2 contained the Grasping the Word, passage of the month for June. This is Part Two of a Bible study regarding what Peter said in Acts 2:38, 39.
Follow the link for all episodes of GRASPING THE WORD podcasts.
https://www.buzzsprout.com/1151081
Part Two of GRASP 2025 Passage of the month for May, Deuteronomy 6:1-15.
www>MyOKCchurch.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/southernoaksupc/
Andrew Parker gives introductory remarks about the significance of THE SHEMA beyond "head knowledge" to affecting "lifestyle."
PASSAGE OF THE MONTH for May 2025.
Southern Oaks United Pentecostal Church
www.MyOKCchurch.com
The April 2025 Grasping the Word verses of the month is from Matthew 5. The opening remarks into the Sermon on the Mount are labeled as the Beatitudes. These 9 attributes all begin with "blessed." For Part 1 click the following link:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/1151081/episodes/16912280-grasp-2025-matthew-5-part-1.mp3?download=true
Click on the link below for more information about Grasping the Word 2025 including the schedule.
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Hear
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Read
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Meditate
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Memorize
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Study
God's Word
https://southernoaksupc.org/#grasp
Southern Oaks' Assistant Pastor, Andrew Parker teaching on the GRASP passage of the month for March, 2025, Exodus 20
Excerpt of Bible Study by Assistant Pastor Randall Hughes regarding Grasping the Word 2025, passage of the month of February, John 1:1-18.
We are talking about WHO just as the writer of Psalm 104 emphasized. The WHO is God himself. He is infinite, eternal, all-powerful. He is the creator and sustainer of all.
Psalm 104
Psalm 90
Psalm 148
Grasping the Word is a discipleship initiative of Southern Oaks United Pentecostal Church in which people who desire to grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ delve deeper into the Bible, God's Word.
To Grasp the Word is five-fold; hear, read, meditate upon, study and memorize. For the year of 2025 there is a passage of the month in which all are asked to focus on using the 5-fold methods prescribed.
For 2025 there are 3 memorization levels, 1)scratching the surface, 2) digging deeper, 3) striking it rich. Level 3 constitutes memorize the entire passage.
The overall theme of the year is "Going for the Gold" and is based upon the following;
Psalms 19:10-11 (KJV)
10 More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold:
sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.
11 Moreover by them is thy servant warned:
and in keeping of them there is great reward.
For this year's schedule go to https://southernoaksupc.org/#grasp
Exodus 15
2 The LORD is my strength and song, and he is become my salvation: he is my God, and I will prepare him an habitation; my father's God, and I will exalt him.
Verse of the Week for October 6, 2024.
Available as video youtube: https://youtu.be/OwTjPyXPTDM
Pursue Wisdom is the theme of the Proverbs.
A great resource are articles on Proverbs and Wisdom from bible.org
Episode 29 - Praises come from angels and heavenly hosts in the highest heights and descend throughout all of God's creation until they reach man. Mankind in turn should send the praises back up to the highest heights.
How personal can it get? The Lord is MY shepherd!
Edited from the original podcast of April, 2022. The 2024 theme for Grasping the Word is REMEMBER.
Pastor Mark Parker and Assistant Pastor Andrew Parker discuss this beautiful Psalm.
Companion is from the same root word as company. Who we choose to keep company with tells much about who we are.
The Gospel of Mark takes one point from the Lord's prayer and emphasizes it in this verse of the week for April 28. The Lord's Prayer is found in Matthew's rendition of the Sermon on the Mount and also Luke. Luke gives 3 points about praying this prayer of forgiveness that show the value of this each and every day.
This is part 2 of 2 podcasts for the verse of the week for April 21, 2024. The subject of this is allowing the Spirit to be a governing element in the life of a born again believer.
Galatians 5:24, 25 are our GRASP verses for the week of April 21, 2024. This is part one of a two part series for the week. This is a reworked podcast from GRASP 21 of the same verse.
**1 John 5:4 - For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.
The Apostle John wrote this letter warning about false prophets in the world.
He warned the believers about the world:
1. Love not the world
2. The world will not know you.
3. The world may hate you.
4. The world is wicked.
Yet he also gave the way to victory for the believer:
1. 1 Jn 4:4
2. 1 Jn 5:4**
GRASP verse of the week for April 7, 2024 is 1 Corinthians 7:1. What should be the motivation for holy living?
A discipleship podcast of Southern Oaks United Pentecostal Church of Oklahoma City.
Host: Pastor Mark H. Parker
To GRASP the Word, one must hear it, read it, meditate upon in, study it and memorize it. For more information go to: www.southernoaksupc.org/#grasp
Those who gladly received the word of Peter in Acts 2, were baptized. A group of about 3000 on that inaugural day of the New Testament church had responded to the instructions of Peter in Acts 2:38.
But those who experienced Acts 2:38, needed to continue steadfastly.
To all who experience Acts 2:38, there is more to being saved than a once in lifetime experience. Salvation must become a way of living.
It began on the Day of Pentecost (29 AD) and continues until this day – God’s Spirit is being poured out “upon all flesh”. Researchers estimate that each week several thousand individuals around the world are receiving the Holy Ghost, speaking with other tongues for the first time.
Acts 2 was the beginning of the church Jesus said He would build. It was on the day of Pentecost which was the Jewish feast of first fruits. It marked the BEGINNING of the Harvest. The Harvest of souls for the true church will continue until Jesus catches His church away.
Reading the summary of the Booklet, Adorning the Doctrine by J.R. Ensey and added insights by Pastor Mark Parker on Jude 1:3.
In this verse we have an inseparable link between SALVATION and THE NAME. The three aspects of salvation; repentance, baptism, and receiving the Holy Ghost, are all to be associated with the name of Jesus Christ alone.
Pastor Mark Parker reading from a book written by Missionary, Craig Sully.
The Greek word from which “Lord” is derived in this Ephesians 4:5 is kurios. Commentator William Barclay describes the two uses for this single word in ordinary Greek:
Master. in contradistinction to servant or slave.
It was also the regular designation for the Roman emperor.
He adds this insight, “Christians are joined together because they are all in the possession and in the service of the one master and king.”
Episode 5 takes the verse of the week for the last week of January 2024. Pastor Parker will be reading edited portions of a sermon preached on the Harvestime Radio Program's Guest Pulpit Series, on May 10, 1981. The message, THE MYSTERY OF CHRIST was preached by Pastor Robert Sabin.
Colossians 2:9
For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.
Join Pastor Mark Parker for a reading from the book, "All the Fulness" by David Campbell.
The copy read from was published in 1975 from Word Aflame Press
Grasping the Word continues in 2024 (our 5th year) for Southern Oaks United Pentecostal Church. THE THEME IS "REMEMBER." All of the verses on this year's schedule are verses we have used in the previous 4 years. This year we REVIEW, RENEW, REFRESH, REPLENISH AND REMEMBER.
Psalm 119
15 I will meditate in thy precepts, and have respect unto thy ways.
16 I will delight myself in thy statutes: I will not forget thy word.
The entire schedule is available on our website: https://southernoaksupc.org/#grasp
Join Pastor Mark H Parker for the 3rd podcast of the REMEMBER series on John 10:30. Pastor reads from "The Oneness View of Jesus Christ" by David K. Bernard.
Grasping the Word continues in 2024 (our 5th year) for Southern Oaks United Pentecostal Church. THE THEME IS "REMEMBER." All of the verses on this year's schedule are verses we have used in the previous 4 years. This year we REVIEW, RENEW, REFRESH, REPLENISH AND REMEMBER.
The entire schedule is available on our website: https://southernoaksupc.org/#grasp
Join Pastor Mark H Parker for the 2nd podcast of the REMEMBER series on John 4:23, 24.
Grasping the Word continues in 2024 (our 5th year) for Southern Oaks United Pentecostal Church. THE THEME IS "REMEMBER." All of the verses on this year's schedule are verses we have used in the previous 4 years. This year we REVIEW, RENEW, REFRESH, REPLENISH AND REMEMBER.
The entire schedule is available on our website: https://southernoaksupc.org/#grasp
Join Pastor Mark H Parker for this very first podcast of the REMEMBER series on Isaiah 43:10, 11.
Part of Southern Oaks UPC discipleship initiative in 2022.
This Proverb warns of the dangers and bitter end of adultery. The seriousness of this subject is reflected by the fact that there are 5 passages in Proverbs that warns of the consequences of adultery.
Proverbs 2:16-22
Proverbs 5:1-23
Proverbs 6:20-35
Proverbs 7:1-27
Proverbs 9:13-18
This episode includes a reading of, "The Spider and the Fly" written in 1829 by Mary Howitt.
Discussion of the book, THE GREATEST QUESTION by Andy Stanley.
The first of 7 verses of different topics concerning wise and foolish choices.
GRASP 22 Psalm of the month for July, 2022. Excerpts from an adult Sunday school lesson at MyOKCchurch.com by Andrew Parker. The focus is on God Himself being our refuge and strength and 3 action points relative to that knowledge.
Grasping the Word is a discipleship initiative of Southern Oaks UPC in Oklahoma City. Participants are encouraged to Grasp the Word by hearing, reading, memorizing, meditating upon and studying the assigned verse.
In this podcast Pastor Mark Parker and Assistant, Andrew Parker share thoughts on Psalm 23.
The Proverb for the month of April, 2022 is chapter 6:16-19
16 These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: 17 A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, 18 An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, 19 A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.
Although there are 7 things listed in these verses which are indentified as thing the Lord hates, the use of the phrase “six things , , , yea, seven” is a Hebrew literary style which implies the list is not exhaustive.
It is similar to the New Testament writing of Paul when he lists “works of the flesh” in Galatians 5. After listing 17 things the Apostle simply completed it with the words, “and such like.” This phrase reminds us that there is more that could be in the list.
In Proverbs 6:16 There are parallel phrases which basically say the same thing. The first phrase speaks of “doth the Lord hate” and the second phrase speaks of things that are “an abomination unto him.”
The Psalm of the Month for March, 2022 is Psalm 19. Pastor MH Parker and Assistant Pastor Andrew Parker of Oklahoma City share insight and inspiration on this incredible Psalm of David.
One should choose to abide by the Word of the Lord because it pleases God and he will reward accordingly. But one does reap many blessings in relationships with fellow man when they behave in a manner that is pleasing to God.
The year of 2022 Grasping the Word will focus on a Psalm of the month and a Proverb of the month. We learn to worship according to "His excellent greatness" with the Psalmists and to "walk in wisdom" through the Proverbs.
A key component in Spiritual growth is a relationship with God through prayer and the Word of God. GRASP 2022 highlights one Psalm a month each can read, hear, meditate upon, memorize and study. In addition, there will be one verse of the books of wisdom each month. By all of us focusing on the same verses we grow individually and also in unity as the body of Christ.
For the Grasping the Word schedule and more information go to
https://www.southernoaksupc.org/grasp-2022
Pastor gives a little coaching in Grasping the Word on things to look for while meditating and studying the verses in GRASP 22. The importance of reading line by line and of recognizing Parallelism and its different types will assist comprehension in both Psalms and Proverbs.
www.MyOKCchurch.com for Grasp 22 schedules.
Music used by Permission by IBC Praise, "Wednesday Morning."
Pastor Mark Parker introduces the latest Grasping the Word plan for Southern Oaks UPC. The Grasping the Word series for 2022 will be Worship and Wisdom from the Word. The verses to hear, read, memorize, meditate upon and study are found in a Psalm of the month and a Proverb of the month. Also, a Psalm of the year is designated as Psalm 150 and the Proverb of the year is Proverbs 4:7.
The complete schedule for the year may be found at https://www.southernoaksupc.org/grasp-2022
The music for the beginning and end of the clip is from IBC Praise and is entitled, "When I Think About the Lord."
One of the most important things to the believer is forgiving others. God's forgiveness of the believer's sins is contingent upon the willingness and ability of the believer to forgive those who have wronged them.
Mark stresses this one petition out of the Lord's prayer in the verse of the week.
This is less than 10 minutes in duration!
Podcast on the verse of the week for November 12, 2012 on 2 Peter 1:5-7. This is a special edition and was taken from a public Bible study lesson taught by Pastor Mark Parker on November 15 on "Peter's Last Letter."
This was Peter’s Farewell Address to those of like precious faith (verse 1).
- 13 Yea, I think it meet, as long as I am in this tabernacle, to stir you up by putting you in remembrance; 14 Knowing that shortly I must put off this my tabernacle, even as our Lord Jesus Christ hath shewed me. 15 Moreover I will endeavour that ye may be able after my decease to have these things always in remembrance.
His reason for writing.
- 2 Peter 3 1This second epistle, beloved, I now write unto you; in both which I stir up your pure minds by way of remembrance: 2 That ye may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us the apostles of the Lord and Saviour:
His charge.
- 2 Peter 3 17 Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness. 18 But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.
Pastor Mark Parker talks about desiring the sincere milk of the word, that we may grow thereby and how GRASP 21 is a tool to expedite spiritual growth in the believer.
Assistant Pastor Andrew Parker shares insight into the GRASP verse of the week, 1 Thessalonians 3:12
A key component in Spiritual growth is a relationship with God through prayer and the Word of God. GRASP 2021 highlights one verse a week each can read, hear, meditate upon, memorize and study. By all focusing on the same verse we grow individually and also in unity as the body of Christ.
Grasping the Word verse of the week for October 17, 2021. Pastor gives insight into this verse as well as the intentions of the Apostle Paul for writing what has become known as the Love chapter which shows "a more excellent way."
Andrew Parker gives insight into the verse quoted within the verse: Hebrews 13:5
Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
Song of the Week: His Eye is on the Sparrow
https://youtu.be/awx05j3mZkA
The Apostle Paul wrote to the young pastor, Timothy with "charges" or issuing "commands" as a superior officer would a soldier. In our verse of the week, 1 Timothy 1:5, Paul wrote of "the end of the commandment." The "commandment" was the charge that Paul gave to Timothy as this is from the same Greek word as "charge." The "end" simply means, "the goal" or "aim." Paul wanted Timothy to stay "right" no matter what hardships or obstacles he faced.
Hebrews 9:14 - How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?
The first three words of the verse, “How much more” shows comparison. It is a comparison between the blood of Christ and that of bulls and goats. It also shows superiority. The blood of Christ is superior over the blood of the sacrifices of the Old Covenant.
The GRASP verse of the week for September 12, 2021
A key component in Spiritual growth is a relationship with God through prayer and the Word of God. GRASP 2021 highlights one verse a week each can read, hear, meditate upon, memorize and study. By all focusing on the same verse we grow individually and also in unity as the body of Christ.
Those who belong to Christ, are in the flesh but do not live according to the flesh. The scripture instructs "walk in the Spirit and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh."
Grasping the Word is a discipleship program for Southern Oaks United Pentecostal Church of Oklahoma City. In order to GRASP the Word you must, hear, read, memorize, meditate and study the Word of God.
This podcast is a broadcast of insights on the GRASP verse of the week. Along with the thoughts is a song and prayer. This encourages the participant to apply what they learn to praise and prayer.
The emphasis for this verse is to be an "heir." This GRASP verse of the week is for June 27, 2021
The GRASP verse of the week for May 13, 2021. Pastor Parker speaks about Adoption into the family of Jesus Christ.
Pastor Mark Parker gives insight into Acts 20:28, verse of the week of May 23, 2021. He talks of the significance of "the flock" and "the shepherd" in relation to the role of the church.
Song: A Shepherd's Song https://youtu.be/oKXsUrAY-Ec
The theme for GRASP 21 is, THE BELIEVER'S LIFE. The second segment of this theme is, THE ROLE OF THE CHURCH. This is the 3rd verse we have used to show the role of the believer. Previous episode's of this segment were from the Sermon on the Mount and speak of being "the salt of the earth" and "the light of the world."
In this episode Pastor Mark Parker speaks of how to be a witness one must have a first hand experience before they offer a valid testimony. Examples used: John the Baptist, the Apostles. those who receive the power of the Holy Ghost.
Andrew Parker gives insight into Matthew 5:14, the GRASP verse of the week for May 2, 2021.
GRASP 21 is a discipleship initiative of Southern Oaks United Pentecostal Church wherein there is a focus verse of the week. Participants are to read, hear, meditate, memorize and study the respective verse. The theme for 2021 is THE BELIEVER'S LIFE.
GRASP verse of the week for 4/11/21. Pastor's insight into the verse includes multiple times Peter mentioned submission in his letter. He also points out that the true example of submission, verified by the writings of Peter and Paul is Jesus Christ.
Each GRASP of the week devotion includes a song and a prayer.
To GRASP the Word includes the five dimensions of Reading, Hearing, Memorizing, Meditating and Studying. In each weekly Podcast the elements of Reading, Hearing and Studying are employed. In addition, the recommendation of a song and prayer teaches us to give practical application to the verse.
This consists of segments of a Bible study taught on 1 Corinthians 15:33 and has become part of the GRASP 21 series.
GRASP verse of the week, 04/04/21, 010
Pastor's Insight, song and prayer for this weeks verse.
The Apostle Paul wrote to Timothy, his son in the faith to be an example of the believers. Paul not only preached but he lived out what he preached. He was a living example of Christianity. He admonished Timothy to be the same.
Where many of our GRASP verses concerning, THE BELIEVER’S LIFE before this week has drawn sharp distinctions between the believer and unbelievers. Matthew 13:30 is different. In this case, the wheat and tares are almost indistinguishable for much of the growing season. In fact, from the time of the sowing of seed all the way up to harvest time they are allowed to mature together, lest wheat be destroyed with tares.
The origin of the wheat was from one man’s hand and the tares from that of his enemy. The beginning is different and the end will be too.
Psalm 119:72 describes God's Word as being better than Gold. This episode explores Psalm 119 and the terms used to describe God's Word, benefits and attributes of God's Word. All of these things help explain the reason one should "Buy the truth and sell it not."