Mark 4

Posted on 01/06/2025 by John Harris

Mark 4:11

“He answered them, ‘The secret of the kingdom of God has been given to you, but to those outside, everything comes in parables'”

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Here Jesus teaches primarily through parables by the sea, using stories to convey deeper spiritual truths. He starts with the Parable of the Sower, describing how the word of God is received differently by various types of people, represented by seeds falling on different types of ground. He explains this parable to His disciples privately, highlighting the need for understanding and receptivity to God’s message.

Jesus then continues with other parables like the lamp under a basket, the growing seed, and the mustard seed, each illustrating aspects of the kingdom of God – its growth, its visibility, and its unexpected impact from small beginnings.

The chapter concludes with Jesus calming a storm on the sea, showcasing His authority over nature and His ability to bring peace amidst chaos.

This is he revelation of the kingdom of God through parables, emphasizing the importance of understanding, receptivity, and faith. Jesus uses these stories to reveal truths about God’s kingdom to those with ears to hear, while also demonstrating His divine power, which underscores the theme of Jesus as both teacher and Lord over creation.

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Come And See – The Gospel of John Chapter 20

Posted on 01/05/2025 by John Harris

“Evening Service”

 

Come and See
Raised Again
John 20:1-18 

 

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What Am I Living For? Philippians (the next one)

Posted on 01/05/2025 by John Harris

9:15am “Modern Service” Scott Lake Baptist Church (Lakeland FL)

 

 

What Am I Living For?
“A Filled, Following, Friend of God”
Philippians 4:8-9

 

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Mark 3

Posted on 01/03/2025 by John Harris

Mark 3:35
“Whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister and mother.”

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Jesus heals a man with a shriveled hand on the Sabbath, which leads to the Pharisees plotting against Him. Jesus then withdraws with His disciples to the sea, where He heals many and the crowd becomes so large He must teach from a boat. He appoints the twelve apostles. When His family hears about His activities, they think He’s out of His mind and try to take Him away. Meanwhile, scribes from Jerusalem accuse Him of being possessed by Beelzebul. Jesus refutes this by explaining that Satan cannot cast out Satan and warns against blaspheming against the Holy Spirit. His mother and brothers arrive, but Jesus redefines family, stating that whoever does God’s will is His family.

Jesus emphasizes that spiritual kinship through obedience to God’s will transcends biological relationships.

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Mark 2

Posted on 01/02/2025 by John Harris

Mark 2:17
“It is not those who are well who need a doctor, but those who are sick. I didn’t come to call the righteous, but sinners.”

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Jesus heals the sick

Jesus returns to Capernaum, where he heals a paralyzed man, demonstrating his authority to forgive sins. This act stirs controversy among the scribes. Jesus then calls Levi (also known as Matthew), a tax collector, to follow him, leading to Jesus dining with sinners, which prompts Pharisees to question his actions. Jesus responds by teaching that he came for sinners, not the righteous.

This chapter also covers debates about fasting, where Jesus explains the newness of his ministry with parables about new wine and old wineskins.

The theme of Mark 2 is Jesus’ authority and mission to call sinners to repentance.

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