Category: Mark

Learn to Fish Like a Fisherman

5/6/2019

Alexander the Great was not satisfied, even when he had completely subdued the nations. He wept because there were no more worlds to conquer, and he died at an early age in a state of debauchery.

Hannibal, who filled three bushels with the gold rings taken from the knights he had slaughtered, committed suicide by swallowing poison. Few noted his passing, and he left this earth completely unmourned.

Julius Caesar, staining his garments in the blood of one million of his foes, conquered 800 cities, only to be stabbed by his best friends at the scene of his greatest triumph.

Napoleon, the feared conqueror, after being the scourge of Europe, spent his last years in banishment. (Pulpit Resource, G.S. Bowles)
They failed to live out Christ’s purpose in life. In my last blog, we saw that Jesus told Peter. Andrew, James, and John to follow Him to become fishers of men (Matthew 4:17-22). They lived out Christ’s purpose in life. We can learn at least four principles from real fishermen on how to become a fisher of men.

Patience and Perseverance
It takes many hours to catch a fish. The same is true in sharing our faith. Jesus went throughout Galilee teaching in the synagogues, preaching good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness (severe pain, demon-possessed, epileptics and paralytics). Patience and perseverance resulted in large crowds following him (Matthew 4:23-25)

Because of the crowd, four men cut an opening in the roof above Jesus. They lowered a mat a paralyzed man was lying on to bring him before Jesus (Mark 2:1-5). They showed great patience and perseverance.

Good instincts
We must go to certain spots where fish are biting and be ready to catch them. Jesus told Levi, a tax collector, to follow Him. Jesus ate at his house with other sinners. He didn’t call the righteous, but the humble who knew their sin (Mark 2:13-17). Jesus returned in the power of the Holy Spirit to minister in Galilee (Luke 4:14; Matthew 4:23-25). Sensitivity to the timing and leading of the Holy Spirit enables one to take advantage of spur-of-the-moment opportunities.

Skill
A good fisherman knows his tools: how to cast out his line, and right bait and timing for certain kinds of fish. Similarly, fishers of men have the Word of God and Holy Spirit’s leading for their tools. Jesus said His mission was walking in the Holy Spirit and proclaiming good news/liberty to four categories of people: poor (helpless, brokenhearted, no wealth, position, or influence); captives (unable to be free from bad habits, physical addiction, lust for money, and ways of the world); blind (spiritually blind, unbelief, and prideful); and oppressed (beaten and broken down by worldly authorities) (Luke 4:18-19).

Know how to work together.
When a fish is hooked, your buddy stands by with a net. Jesus sent out His disciples in twos (Mark 6:7; Luke 10:1). As one person shares, the other person can pray.
Jesus’ told His disciples to let down their nets in the deep for a catch. So many fish caused their nets to break (Luke 5:1-11). Discover these four principles in this passage: patience and perseverance, good instincts, skill, and know how to work together.

Overcome your fear and fulfill your purpose to preach the gospel because people are going to hell without Christ (Luke 4:43 ; 5:10).

To see more blogs, go to www.markpomeroy.com

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How to Regain Purpose and Hope

4/29/2019

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Our mission agency, Christ For the City Int’l, spent a day serving during our bi-annual board meetings. During lunch, I sat down next to a man eating alone. I asked, “How’s your day going?”

After an awkward pause, he opened up. I sensed a melancholy spirit. He said his wife of 34 years died in his arms four years ago. She was the love of his life with a “beautiful spirit inside and out.”

This man turned to alcohol and his life spiraled out of control. He remarried, but temporarily lost touch with his second wife. I prayed out loud. Tears seeped out of his eyes. This man once had been a deacon in an evangelical church, but now seemed to have lost all hope.

How do we lose purpose and hope? How do we regain it?

We find a clue in Jesus’ temptations in the wilderness, mentioned three times (Matthew 4:1-11; Mark 1:12-13; Luke 4:1-12). He was led by the Spirit and tempted by the devil. The first was self-gratification (lust of the flesh). If you’re the Son of God, meet the physical need by turning stones into bread. Jesus, like us, need God’s word to withstand the temptation (Matthew 4:1-4).

The second temptation was self-promotion (lust of the eyes). The devil had Jesus stand on the highest point of the temple and throw Himself down. The devil twisted Scripture. Jesus said not to put God to the test (Matthew 4:5-7).

The third temptation was self-exaltation (boastful pride of life). The devil showed all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor so Jesus would worship him. Jesus said to worship and serve God only (Matthew 4:8-11).

Before the temptations, Jesus had a mountain top experience--heaven was opened, saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and heard an affirming voice of unconditional love from heaven (Matthew 3:16-17). When things go well and you feel blessed, beware the devil will blast you with chaos, confusion, and criticism.

After the temptations, Jesus preached, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.” Jesus told Peter. Andrew, James, and John to follow Him to become fishers of men. (Matthew 4:17-22). The devil doesn’t want you to share the gospel or disciple others.

On the encouraging side, angels, ministering spirits to serve believers, helped Jesus and will attend to you (Mark 1:12-13; Hebrews 1:14).

If we resist temptation, share our faith and begin discipling others, evil forces will come against us. We must walk in Christ’s authority and drive out evil spirits (Mark 1:21-28).

Because we’re in a spiritual battle, we must fight with the spiritual weapons of prayer and God’s word.

It’s important we follow the example of Jesus and pray, preferably early in the morning (Mark 1:35).

The devil is crafty and leaves us until an opportune time. He knows our weaknesses. In Jesus’ case, everyone praised Him as the word got around (Luke 4:13-15). Seeking the praise of others may prevent us from sharing the gospel and discipling others.

Don’t love the world, which include the lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes, and boastful pride of life. Those who do God’s will live forever (1 John 2:15-17).

The greatest purpose and hope we have in life are to follow Jesus in catching men for Him.

To read past blogs, go to https://www.markpomeroy.com/

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Preach the Gospel Without Fear and Doubt (Insights in NT)

2/10/2011

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Fear and doubt are the two main reasons why people don't share the gospel with others. You fear that people will think you are a religious fanatic if you share the gospel with them. You doubt that the gospel makes a difference in someone's life so you keep quiet. Supernatural signs including life transformation and healing the sick prove the gospel is true and sufficient because Christ rose from the dead and sits at the right hand of God.

Mary Magdalene, Mary mother of James, and Salome noticed the huge stone gone from the entrance of Christ's tomb. A young man clothed with a white robe told them that Jesus had risen from the dead. He instructed them to tell the disciples and Peter that He was going before them into Galilee where they would see Him. They trembled and said nothing to anyone because they were afraid (Mark 16:1-8). Seeing Christ's supernatural working can cause fear so you remain quiet.

Jesus first appeared to Mary Magdalene from whom He had cast out seven demons. His disciples doubted that she saw Him alive. Jesus appeared in a different form to two disciples while they were walking and others didn't believe their report (Mark 16:9-13). Sharing Christ's supernatural working with others can cause doubts in them.

In spite of fear and doubts, go into all the world and and preach the gospel to all creation so people can believe. Supernatural miracles of casting out demons, speaking in new tongues and healing the sick accompany those who believe. Because the Lord Jesus sits at the right hand of God, He confirms the word with signs as you preach (Mark 16:14-20).

Experiencing God's perfect love for you removes fear. Having faith in Christ's resurrection and His sitting at the right hand of God removes doubt. Now preach the gospel to all the world.

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Sacrifice Leads to Success (Insights in NT)

2/5/2011

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Our society rewards glitz and glamour. We live in an impatient society. Enron's "creative" accounting practices show that companies often look for short-term profits instead of long-term health and sustainability. Employees get promoted based on image and style instead of character and substance. Movie stars get publicity because of their looks and wild lifestyle, not because of serving humankind. Politicians say and do whatever it takes to get elected and often forget to deliver on their campaign promises. Pastors are tempted to tone down their messages so they don't offend major donors. Students cheat on exams so they can get good grades to enter prestigious universities. Jesus's way of the cross cuts against the grain of our human thinking. As athletes know, the sacrifice in training and preparation leads to ultimate success. Let's consider what we can learn by Christ's example.

After the religious leaders bound and led Jesus to Pilate , he asked Christ if He was King of the Jews. By not answering his question, chief priests accused Him of many things, which amazed Pilate that Jesus made no further answer (Mark 15:1-5). When others attack your character, don't defend yourself.

Chief priests stirred up multitude to ask for release of notorious criminal, Barabbas, instead of Jesus. When Pilate asked what evil He had done realizing their actions were motivated out of evil and what He should do with Christ, they shouted repeatedly, “Crucify Him!” Wishing to satisfy the public, Pilate released Barabbas and had Jesus scourged and delivered to be crucified (Mark 15:6-15). Politicians and even religious leaders often do focus groups to determine public opinion as a way to gain popularity instead of teaching people how to think for themselves.

The soldiers placed a crown of thorns on Jesus, mocked Him as “King of the Jews,” beat Him with a reed and led Him away to be crucified (Mark 15:16-20). Those who think outside the box by questioning the establishment that take people out of their comfort zones are often silenced and even crucified out of envy.

They crucified Christ in the third hour with two robbers on each side of Him to fulfill Scripture, “And He was numbered with transgressors.” The soldiers divided up His garments among themselves and wrote inscription of the charge against Him, “The King of the Jews.” Those passing by hurled abuse saying, “Ha! You who are going to destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, save Yourself, and come down from the cross!” Chief priests, scribes and those crucified with Him mocked Christ saying, “He saved others? He cannot save Himself. Let this Christ, the King of Israel, now come down from the cross, so that we may see and believe!” (Mark 15:21-32). Serve and communicate with humility focusing on the ultimate goal instead of spectacular results, with the hope that people notice you.

In the ninth hour, Jesus cried out, “My God, My God, why has Thou forsaken Me?” Some thought He was calling for Elijah. When Jesus died, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. A centurion standing in front of Him said, “Truly this man was the Son of God!” Some women who used to follow and minister to Jesus looked at Him from a distance including Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, Joses and Salome, and many other women (Mark 15:33-41). Unexpected people comprehend the truth when you go against the grain of the establishment.

A prominent member of the Council, Joseph of Arimathea, gathered up courage to ask Pilate for the body of Jesus. Joseph wrapped Jesus in a linen cloth, laid Him in a tomb hewn out of rock and rolled a stone against the entrance. The two Mary’s looked on to see where He was laid (Mark 15:42-47). Your example inspires others to risk their reputation to fulfill vital roles in making the world a better place.

Human and logical thinking oppose God's plan of the cross. We reason that being politically correct by not talking about Christ and His way of the cross will make people accept us so we can exert greater influence. It's just the reverse. Sacrifice and not easy solutions lead to success. Focusing on long-term strategies instead of short-term, superficial gains will make our cities better places to live, both individually and corporately. As you will see in Mark 16, the cross is the only way to ultimate victory.

Answer these questions:
1. When others attack your character, do you remain silent instead of defending yourself?
2. Do you help people think for themselves instead of being concerned about popularity?
3. Do you take people out of their comfort zones thinking of their long-term welfare?
4. Do you focus on the ultimate goal instead of spectacular results hoping people will notice you?
5. Are unexpected people comprehending and following your example?
Ask God to develop your character so you can answer, yes, to these questions.

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What's Leading You Astray from Christ? (Insights in NT)

1/30/2011

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Life contains many mine fields disguised as distractions and desires of your sinful nature seeking to kill you. Everything in this world conspires to lead you astray from the simplicity and pure devotion to Christ. Religious leaders sought to kill Him. His disciples turned away from Him. Only one woman in Mark 14 lavished praise on Him. What's leading you astray from Christ?

With Passover and Unleavened Bread two days away, chief priests and scribes sought how to capture and kill Christ (Mark 14:1-2).

A woman lavishly poured costly perfume of pure nard over Christ in the home of Simon the leper. Some scolded her saying she wasted the perfume since the money saved could be given to the poor. Jesus told them to leave her alone since she had done a good deed of anointing His body beforehand for burial and people will remember her when the gospel is preached (Mark 14:3-9).

Money motivated Judas to seek an opportune time to betray Jesus to the chief priests (Mark 14:10-11).

In preparing the sacrificial Passover lamb, He asked the disciples to follow a man carrying a pitcher of water. When he entered a house, He instructed them to ask the owner for the guest room, which would be a large furnished upper room, where "I may eat the Passover with My disciples" (Mark 14:12-16).

While eating, Jesus predicted one would betray Him. All the disciples were grieved and said, "Surely, not I?" Jesus said it would have been better for that man not to have been born (Mark 14:17-21).

Jesus broke bread saying it was His body. After they all drank from a cup, He said this was His blood of the covenant poured out for many. None would drink of the fruit of the vine until that day when "I drink it new in the kingdom of God" After singing a hymn, they went to the Mount of Olives (Mark 14:22-26).

Jesus predicted they all would fall away because Scripture said that striking the Shepherd caused the sheep to scatter, but after He had been raised, He would go before them to Galilee. Peter said he would not fall away, but Christ said he would deny Him three times (Mark 14:27-31).

When they came to Gethsemane, Jesus took Peter, James and John with him. While there, He became very distressed and troubled as His soul was deeply grieved to the point of death. He prayed that God would remove the cup so He wouldn't have to die, concluding, "yet not what I will, but what Thou wilt." Three times He found His disciples sleeping and not watching, even for one hour. He exhorted them to keep watching and praying so they not come into temptation because, the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak. The Son of Man then was betrayed into the hands of sinners (Mark 14:32-42).

Judas accompanied by a multitude of religious leaders with swords and clubs, captured and led Christ under guard. Christ told them everyday He was teaching in the temple and they didn't sieze Him, but this happened so "Scriptures might be fulfilled." His disciples left Him and fled including a young man wearing nothing but a linen sheet over his naked body (Mark 14:43-52).

Peter followed Jesus at a distance while He was led away to the high priest. The religious leaders and whole Council kept trying to obtain testimony to put Him to death. Jesus kept silent and made no answer to false testimony against Him. After the high priest asked if He was the Messiah, Jesus answered, "I am and you shall see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of power, and coming with the clouds of heaven." Because of His "blasphemy," they condemned Him to death. Some spat at Him and others blindfolded and beat Him with their fists and said, "Prophesy!" (Mark 14:53-65).

Peter denied three times that he was with Jesus to a servant-girl, maid and bystanders, by answering, "I do not know this man you are talking about!" Peter wept after remembering Jesus saying, "Before a cock crows twice, you will deny Me three times" (Mark 14:66-72).

Let’s look at these 11 paragraphs in a chiastic structure as follows from the first through the eleventh paragraphs: A; B; C; D; E; F; E'; D'; C'; B'; A’. We group together the content contained in A & A’; B & B’, etc. Here are my conclusions:
1. Fear of man minimizes the effects of Christ's death so you deny His work on your behalf (A & A').
2. Instead of following the world's desires, follow the woman's example of lavish and sacrificial worship by spending time in prayer and listening to God (B & B').
3. Money can be security blanket preventing you from hearing and obeying Christ's radical teaching to take up your cross and follow Him (C & C').
4. Watching, praying and spending time with Christ prevents succumbing to temptation since the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak (D & D').
5. Beware of severe consequences in boasting that you won't fall away and deny Christ (E & E').
6. The focal point of your life should be the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ through His shed blood (F).

Consider the theme of Mark 14 (item #6) summarized in 2 Cor. 11:3-4 since it's easy to be led astray from the simplicity and pure devotion to Christ in the following ways:
1. Is fear of man leading you astray from the simplicity and pure devotion to Christ?
2. Are the world's desires leading you astray from the simplicity and pure devotion to Christ?
3. Is acquisition of more money leading you astray from the simplicity and pure devotion to Christ?
4. Is laziness in prayer leading you astray from the simplicity and pure devotion to Christ?
5. Is over-confidence leading you astray from the simplicity and pure devotion to Christ?

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Are You Ready for Christ's Second Coming? (Insights in NT)

1/23/2011

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Reading the newspaper headlines about natural disasters, terrorist attacks and relational unrest throughout the world have tendency to create fear. Remember these are birth pangs for Christ's Second Coming. Instead of being anxious, prepare yourself spiritually by putting your hope in Christ, not in things of this world. Christ comforts and encourages, while the world overwhelms and discourages. Since the disciples faced an uncertain future as persecution increased around Christ and themselves, He gave them the big picture surrounding His Second Coming.

As Jesus was going out of the temple, He told the disciples that every stone would be torn down from it. They asked when these things would take place and the sign for their fulfillment (Mark 13:1-4).

Jesus said the beginning of birth pangs would see many deceivers coming in His name, hear of wars and rumors of war, nations and kingdoms rising against each other and earthquakes & famines occurring in various places (Mark 13:5-8). Intense spiritual deception, natural disasters and political chaos are signals to prepare for Christ's Second Coming.

He exhorted the disciples to be on guard since they will be hated and many put to death on account of Christ. The Holy Spirit will tell them what to say as a testimony, especially when suffering persecution from religious leaders, family members and civil leaders since the gospel must first be preached to all nations (Mark 13:9-13). Severe persecution accelerates the spread of the gospel into all nations.

When you see the Abomination of Desolation standing where it should not be, flee to the mountains for great tribulation is coming. False Christs and prophets will show signs and wonders to even lead believers astray (Mark 13:14-23). Trusting in Christ and His provision protects you from evil political and spiritual authorities.

After the tribulation and immediately before Christ comes back in the clouds with great glory, the sun and moon will be darkened, stars will fall from heaven and powers in the heaven will be shakened. At His coming, the angels will gather believers together from the earth. When you see these things occurring, know Christ is coming soon. No one knows the exact time except God the Father. Be on the alert for His sudden appearing since His words won't pass away (Mark 13:24-37). Be alert for natural signs and spiritually prepared in readiness for Christ's Second Coming.

Rate yourself on a scale (1 being lowest and 10 highest) concerning your alertness (opposite of apathy) on the following principles that were underlined above:

1. Intense spiritual deception, natural disasters and political chaos are signals to prepare for Christ's Second Coming.
2. Severe persecution accelerates the spread of the gospel into all nations.
3. Trusting in Christ and His provision protects you from evil political and spiritual authorities.
4. Be alert for natural signs and spiritually prepared in readiness for Christ's Second Coming (blog on Mark 12 explains how to be spiritually prepared)

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Why Jesus Came to Earth (Insights in NT)

1/18/2011

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Like in Jesus' day, people are confused why Jesus came to earth. A Muslim will shrug his shoulders if you ask him for a solution after doing something wrong. A Hindu will tell you maybe you can get it right in your next life. A psychiatrist will tell you, "You need some counseling, step in my office. Oh, that'll be $200 per hour once a week." Jesus Christ offers His disciples a relationship with God and forgiveness of sins, whereas in other religions people perform certain rituals and rites hoping to please God. Through Christ's dialogue with religious leaders and the crowd, He pointed out four "F's"--foundation, focus, force and foremost priority of life--that amazed both His opponents and those receptive to His message. These four "F's" explain why Jesus came to earth.

To illustrate His past circumstances, Jesus spoke a parable about a man planting a vineyard and sending slaves to vine-growers at harvest time to receive produce. The vine-growers beat the first slave and sent him away empty-handed. The second was wounded in the head and treated badly. The third slave was killed along with many others. Finally, the vineyard owner sent a beloved son expecting him to be respected. Jesus compared his killing to Himself, "The stone which the builders rejected, this became the chief cornerstone" (Mark 12:1-12). How amazing to consider the cross or crucified Jesus as the foundation of life.

Hypocritical Pharisees and Herodians attempted to trap Jesus by asking if it's lawful to pay a poll-tax to Caesar. He answered, "Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's and to God the things that are God's" (Mark 12:13-17). How amazing to consider your calling involves living in the world without being entangled.

Sadducees who believed in no resurrection questioned Jesus concerning which of his seven wives a husband would be married to in heaven. He answered that they "do not understand the Scriptures or the power of God" since people live forever like angels in heaven. He is God of the living when He told Moses that "I am God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob" (Mark 12:18-27). How amazing to consider that Christ's resurrection power imparts eternal life beginning now in this life.

A scribe asked Jesus what is the foremost commandment. He answered that loving God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength along with loving your neighbor as yourself are the greatest commandments. Jesus commended the scribe for his understanding that these were "much more than all burnt offerings and sacrifices" (Mark 12:28-34). How amazing to consider your most important priority is loving God and others.

Even though no one asked Him any more questions, Jesus asked how Christ could be the son of David when he calls Him Lord in Ps. 110: 1 (Mark 12:35-37). How amazing to consider the person of Christ as both God and man.

He warned them to reflect on the greater condemnation scribes received when they sought favor and honor from men, but devoured widows' houses and offered long prayers for appearance's sake (Mark 12:38-40). How amazing to consider that God values doing justice for the less fortunate more than religious observances.

Jesus pointed out that a "poor widow put in more than all the contributors to the treasury" even though many rich people put in large sums. They put in their surplus while she "out of her poverty, put in all she owned, all she had to live on" (Mark 12:41-44). How amazing to consider that God looks upon the heart, while man looks on appearances.

Let’s look at these seven paragraphs in a chiastic structure as follows from the first through the seventh paragraph: A; B; C; D; C’; B’; A’. We group together the content contained in A & A’; B & B’, etc. Here are my conclusions:

1. The foundation of your life is experiencing the sufferings of the cross through Christ's death (A & A’)
  2. The focus of your life is doing justice with the less fortunate while not entangled in religious observances (B & B’)
  3. The force of your life is Christ's resurrection power since He is both God and man (C & C’).
  4. The foremost priority of your life is loving God with all your heart, mind & soul and loving your neighbor as yourself (D).

The above four "F's" can be summarized by Phil. 3:10-12. Meditate on this passage and ask God to make the cross the foundation of your life (attitude), doing justice the focus of your life (action), Christ's resurrection power the force of your life (empowerment) and loving God and others the foremost priority of your life (passion).

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Focus On Prayer, Not Money (Insights in NT)

1/12/2011

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George Mueller lived during the 1800s and prayed in millions of dollars (in today’s currency) to meet the needs of his orphan houses. He never asked anyone directly for money, but trusted God to put in people's hearts to send him what he needed. He never took out a loan or went into debt. And neither he nor the orphans were ever hungry. Mueller's calling: The orphan houses exist to display that God can be trusted and to encourage believers to take him at his word. He was grieved that “so many believers . . . were harassed and distressed in mind, or brought guilt on their consciences, on account of not trusting in the Lord.” He wanted to show everyone that God is faithful and still answers prayer. In Mark 11, Jesus teaches people to pray and take Him at His word because He answers prayer.

Jesus sent two disciples to find a colt for His triumphal entry. People brought the colt to Him and spread their garments and branches in the road. They cried out, "Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord; blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David; Hosanna in the highest!" (Mark 11:1-10). Allow God have triumphal entry in your life so His kingdom comes into the world.

Jesus cast out those buying and selling in the temple and overturned the tables of the moneychangers. He taught that His house should be a house of prayer for all the nations instead of a robbers' den. The religious leaders sought to destroy Him but the multitude was astonished at His teaching (Mark 11:15-18). Focus on prayer, not money and self-interest.

Jesus exhorted His disciples to have faith in God and not doubt in their heart so they would believe He grants what He says. He told them to forgive if they had anything against anyone so their Father would forgive their transgressions. God won't forgive those who don't forgive others (Mark 11:22-26). Trust God in fulfilling promises from His word and answering prayer when you forgive others.

After religious leaders questioned Christ's authority, He asked, "Was the baptism of John from heaven, or from men?" When they wouldn't answer, He refused to tell them by what authority He did these things (Mark 11:27-33).
Don't fear men, but believe in Christ's supernatural authority in prayer.

Is your life centered in prayer or making a living?
Do you believe God's promises from His word?
Do you believe that Christ's authority in prayer comes from heaven?
What is stopping you from making a commitment to pray? (ex. fear of men, not believing God answers prayer, ignorance of God's promises, distractions in making money)

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Stepping Out of Mediocrity (Insights in NT)

1/6/2011

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No one wants to live a mediocre Christian life. As hard as I try, forces pull me back to the status quo where I'm not different than anyone else. It's like rowing against a strong current. Every force is fighting against my best efforts to live the normal Christian life in the way God designed. Mark 10 provides a blueprint to step out of mediocrity and into the adventurous life that pleases Him.

Pharisees questioned Jesus whether it was lawful for a man to divorce a wife. He replied that Moses permitted a man to write a certificate of divorce because of hardness of heart. Marriage was designed for humankind to leave father and mother so the two become one flesh. In response to the disciples' questions, Jesus answered that whoever divorces one's spouse and marries another commits adultery (Mark 10:1-12).

The disciples rebuked the people who brought children to Jesus so He might touch them. He said that those who do not receive the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it (Mark 10:13-16).

The rich young ruler asked the Good Teacher what he must do to inherit eternal life. Jesus asked why he called Him good since no one is good except God alone. He reminded the rich young ruler about the ten commandments, which he confirmed keeping since his youth. When Jesus said for him to sell everything, give to the poor to obtain treasure in heaven and follow Him, he went away grieved since he owned much property (Mark 10:17-22).

Jesus repeated himself twice for added emphasis, saying how hard for wealthy people to enter the kingdom of God. He continued saying "it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God." These sayings astonished the disciples causing them to ask, "Then who can be saved?" Jesus responded that all things are possible with God. When Peter said the disciples left everything to follow Him, He replied that no one leaves house, family or business for His sake and for the gospel's sake without receiving a 100-fold increase now along with persecutions and eternal life in the age to come. The first will be last and the last, first (Mark 10:23-31).

Jesus explained His future to the 12 disciples that the chief priests and scribes would condemn Him to death and deliver Him to the Gentiles where He would be mocked, spit upon, scourged, killed and rise again three days later (Mark 10:32-34)

James and John didn't get it. They asked to sit at His right and left hand in glory. Jesus rebuked them since they were totally ignorant about the persecutions and sufferings necessary to prepare them. In addition, it wasn't His choice to give them that privilege but only "for those for whom it has been prepared." To emphasize his point even more, Jesus said rulers of the Gentiles lord and exercise authority over their subjects, but true greatness is shown by servanthood and being a slave of all. The Son of Man came not to be served but to serve and give His life a ransom for many (Mark 10:35-45).

An example of Jesus' servanthood is how He related to the blind beggar, Bartimaeus, after he kept calling out, "Son of David, have mercy on me!" Jesus stopped and said, "Call him here." After he came to Jesus, He asked Bartimaeus, "What do you want Me to do for you?" The blind man said, "My Master, I want to regain my sight?" Jesus said, "Go your way; your faith has saved (made well) you." Immediately he regained his sight and began following Him (Mark 10:46-52).

Let’s look at these seven paragraphs in a chiastic structure as follows from the first through the seventh paragraph: A; B; C; D; C’; B’; A’. We group together the content contained in A & A’; B & B’, etc. Here are my conclusions:

1. Rather than self-sufficiency and hardened heart, God desires neediness and humble heart (A & A’)
  2. Rather than seeking honor and authority, God desires childlike faith and servanthood (B & B’)
  3. Rather than trusting in possessions and good works, God desires generosity to the poor and willingness to suffer persecution (C & C’).
  4. The three points above explain how to attain the main theme of Mark 10: Prioritize loving Christ and the spread of the Gospel more than family and material wealth since He promises a 100-fold return in this life along with persecution plus eternal life beginning now (D).

Ask God for these personal prayer requests:
1. Nurture neediness, humble heart, childlike faith, servanthood, generosity to the poor and willingness to suffer persecution.
2. Prioritize loving Christ and the spread of the Gospel more than family and material wealth remembering His promise of 100-fold return and persecutions plus eternal life.

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How to Embrace the Cross (Insights in NT)

1/1/2011

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One of George Barna's mega themes for 2010: The influence of Christianity on culture and individual lives is largely invisible. He states that Christianity has arguably added more value to American culture than any other religion, philosophy, ideology or community. Although there were a few subgroups that were more likely than average to experience church-based accountability, there was not a single segment for which even one out of every five people said their church does anything to hold them accountable.

We observed in Mark 8, that to embrace the cross, you must deny yourself and follow Christ, lose your life for Christ's sake, prioritize peoples' souls over worldly gain and not be ashamed of Christ and the gospel. The next chapter in Mark 9 explains steps on how to embrace the cross as you become salt in influencing the culture.

Perspective: See Christ and Nothing Else
After Jesus took Peter, James and John up the mountain, He was transfigured before them. His garments became exceedingly white and a voice came out of the cloud, "This is My beloved Son, listen to Him!" They saw no one except Jesus alone. He told them that "He should suffer many things and be treated with contempt" (Mark 9:1-13).

Faith: All Things Possible Through Prayer
The disciples were unable to cast out a spirit in a boy who was mute, which dashed him to the ground making him foam at the mouth, grind his teeth and become stiff. Jesus said all things are possible to him who believes. He rebuked the deaf and dumb spirit and commanded it to come out of the boy and not enter him again. Jesus told the disciples that this spirit "cannot come out by anything but prayer" (Mark 9:14-29)

Lifestyle: Be Servant of All, Especially to the Least
Jesus taught His disciples that He would be killed and rise three days later. The disciples kept silent instead of answering Him since they were discussing among themselves which was the greatest. Jesus said the pathway to being first was serving all. He illustrated servanthood by saying that "whoever receives one child like this in My name receives Me" (Mark 9:30-37).

Commitment: Preserve Unity in Body of Christ
The disciples tried to hinder someone casting out demons in Christ's name because he wasn't following them. Jesus said that "he who is not against us is for us." Anyone who causes a little one to stumble should have a "heavy millstone hung around his neck and cast into the sea." Jesus' concern for unity in the body of Christ led Him to say that "if your hand causes you to stumble, cut it off; it is better for you to enter life crippled, than having your two hands, to go into hell, into the unquenchable fire." Maintaining peace with one another preserves unity in the body of Christ so you can be salt in the culture (Mark 9:38-50).

Evaluate yourself on a scale of 1 to 10 (1 being lowest and and 10 highest on the following items):
1. Perspective: Seeing Christ and Nothing Else
2. Faith: All Things Possible Through Prayer
3. Lifestyle: Be Servant of All, Especially to the Least
4. Commitment: Preserve Unity in Body of Christ
Use strength in your highest rated category to help build into your lowest rated one. In this new year, ask God through the power of the Holy Spirit to transform your perspective, faith, lifestyle and commitment in being salt in your world.

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Learn to Fish Like a Fisherman

How to Regain Purpose and Hope

Preach the Gospel Without Fear and Doubt (Insights in NT)

Sacrifice Leads to Success (Insights in NT)

What's Leading You Astray from Christ? (Insights in NT)

Are You Ready for Christ's Second Coming? (Insights in NT)

Why Jesus Came to Earth (Insights in NT)

Focus On Prayer, Not Money (Insights in NT)

Stepping Out of Mediocrity (Insights in NT)

How to Embrace the Cross (Insights in NT)

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