Authority

One Question

Mark 11:29-30 It is often important to know a person’s motive for asking a question before you try to answer it. Politicians know this one. They always have to second guess a question before they try to answer it. They think about how their answer could trap them into saying something they don’t wantContinue reading “One Question”

Two Questions

Mark 11:27-28 When people feel threatened they will do some unusual things. Fear is a very powerful emotion. People have been killed because of fear’s power to overtake rational thought. Fear is one of our most basic emotions. God put it in us to protect us from harm. Fear is a God thing. AndContinue reading “Two Questions”

First Assignment

Mark 6:6-7 Just about every job requires some training from the employer. Some jobs, like the military, take months of training before you can even begin to work. And then you often work very closely with someone, someone with more experience. To become one of the best soldiers take years of training. Even whenContinue reading “First Assignment”

Authority’s Care

Mark 4:39 Have you ever been afraid of a barking, growling dog? It catches you off guard and suddenly there it is, and you are on its lunch menu. I am sure you have seen the news stories about dogs mauling people. If the people survive the damage is long-lasting and often life-altering. OneContinue reading “Authority’s Care”

At First Glance

Mark 1:29-31 All of us have jumped to a conclusion that later we found out was incorrect, incomplete, perhaps totally wrong. God has given us the ability to size up a situation very rapidly. And based on our learning history, we draw conclusions that protect our life. Let me give you an example. Continue reading “At First Glance”

Shriek

Mark 1:23-24 We talked about authority having two components, the right to speak on a subject and the ability to back up what is said with actions. Jesus is in a synagogue in Capernaum teaching those gathered for their worship service. Teaching was a normal part of that service, much like a church serviceContinue reading “Shriek”

Different

Mark 1:21-22 Authority! What exactly does that mean? I like to think of authority this way. Everyone has limits to what they are allowed to do, and what they can in fact do. I may want to pass a law, but I don’t have the authority to do so. I was not elected. IContinue reading “Different”

Mark 1:21-34 This section marks the first in a series of four cycles of Teaching and Miracles that span Mark 1:21-8:30. Mark uses the structure to emphasize different aspects of Jesus being the Servant of the LORD. This full series concentrates on Jesus’ person. We find out about who He was and the authorityContinue reading “Authority”

The Ten-Plus-Five’s

Psalm 15, 45, 75, 105, 135 Here is a recipe for godly living (Ps 15). Notice how many actions are connected to the description of someone who can be in God’s presence. Walk, do, speak, despise, honor, lends. There are both positive and negative things, do and don’t do things, on this list. Some thingsContinue reading “The Ten-Plus-Five’s”

Day 160

Fig tree is cursed Matthew 21 Key Verses: 8, 12, 15, 22, 25, 32, 39, 43, 46 I don’t know about you, but this seems like a strange way to welcome someone into town? Is this the ancient equivalent of the red carpet treatment? Is this how they welcomed celebrities? And they shout words proclaimingContinue reading “Day 160”