Mark - Christ, Chief Cornerstone

Laying the Foundations

Jesus Heals

Jesus Heals

Jesus stays a pandemic in his times. He demonstrates multiple healing acts in multiple ways to people from different walks of life. The crown of it all is His power to heal sin – by offering His life as sin offering for the world – past, present and future.Matt...

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Jesus’ Ministry Launch

Jesus’ Ministry Launch

What is ministry? What is the focal point of Jesus’ ministry? How does that apply to us today? God has called all who believe in Him to minister in different ways. Fulfilling that call using Christ’s role model is finding fulfilment in life.Matt 4:12-25, Lk 4:14-37;...

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The Tempter lures Jesus

The Tempter lures Jesus

What is Satan’s strategy behind temptations? What can be our strategy following Jesus who remained sinless throughout His life? The temptations of Jesus symbolize basic temptations we all face. His response guides us as to how we can face temptation.Matt 4:1-11, Mark...

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John Baptizes Jesus

John Baptizes Jesus

Jesus, by getting baptized, introduces the concept of baptism by the Holy Spirit a seal of our inheritance with God. He brings home the significance of baptism today. What happens when we get baptized by water and the Spirit that seals our salvation?Matt 3:13-17, Mark...

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The Greatest Prophet

The Greatest Prophet

Born miraculously out of godly aged parents, John the Baptist is fully dedicated to his calling. Jesus marks him out as the greatest man that ever lived. Yet barring Christ himself, there would be many greater than him? What is greatness in Christ’s eyes?Objective...

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The Chosen and Called

Sabbath Love

Sabbath Love

JJesus demonstrates in His unique way that Sabbath is all about love and healing. He shows kindness by continuing to patiently teach the hard hearted Pharisees trying to destroy Him. He shows kindness by healing and bringing new life to an unfortunate man, possibly a...

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Mercy versus Ceremony

Mercy versus Ceremony

Jesus beautifully highlights the importance of applying mercy to the rules, regulations and ceremonies followed. The law was meant to help, not hamper; to reach out in mercy, not merely ceremony.Bible passages: Matt 12:1-8; Mark 2.23-28 Luke 6.1-5 Sabath Attitudes:...

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The First Commission

The First Commission

Jesus empowers His disciples with great spiritual authority and power to reach the lost sheep of Israel. They go out with nothing other than Gods’ power and spirit in them. They go out in faith with no material resources. They depend on God to provide through His...

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New Patches on Old

New Patches on Old

Patching up our old life with new behaviors doesn’t really change us. Our life has to be transformed from within for lasting effect and impact. This can only happen by yielding to the work of the Holy Spirit within our lives.Passage:Matt 9:14-17; Mark 2:18-22; Luke...

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Jesus Calls Matthew

Jesus Calls Matthew

Jesus’ call to Matthew followed by his instant and swift response gives us much to learn on following Jesus. He was ready to leave everything immediately and follow. He seals his choice with a celebration feast to introduce all his friends to Jesus.Matt 9:9-13 ; Mark...

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The Lame Walk

The Lame Walk

He was determined to get through to Jesus even if it meant breaking a roof. Jesus in return makes healing incidental and assures him forgiveness of sins. Jesus proves He is far more than just a prophet or healer. He is the Messiah.Matt 9:1-8, Mark 2:1-12, Luke...

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Restoring the Leper

Restoring the Leper

The golden rule – treat others the way you want to be treated. Summarizing the sermon on the mount – this powerful principle covers much.Matt 8:1-4, Luke 5:12-16; Mark 1:40-45 Introduction The Rules The Leper’s faith SCALES the obstacles Jesus STIRS tradition...

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Flourishing in Adversity

Parable of the Sower

Parable of the Sower

Seeds of God's word are being scattered throughout the world. Few hearts allow them to take root and achieve the productivity and success only a disciple of the Kingdom can achieve.Context Bible Passages: Matthew 13:1-9; 18-23; Mark 4:1-9; 13-23; Luke 8:4-8; 11-15 The...

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The visionaries

The visionaries

There are some who see without perceiving, hear without listening, have a heart that does not receive and understand the truth. Jesus highlights who are those visionaries who can truly perceive and build the Kingdom of God.Bible Passages: Matthew 12:46-50;Mark...

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The Unpardonable Sin

The Unpardonable Sin

What is the unpardonable sin? Does it occur at one time or over a period of time? At what point is a person beyond hope of salvation? What can we do to steer clear from the danger zone and be assured of our salvation? Bible passage - Matt 12:22-37; Mark 3:20-35; Luke...

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Jesus Delivers

Jesus Delivers

When God appears silent, a miracle may be happening. When storms are raging prepare to witness the power above all storms. The only requirement is to ensure Christ is in the boat with us. He will take us through.Matt 8:28-34; Mark 5:1-20; Luke 8:26-39; Objectives...

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Stillness in Storm

Stillness in Storm

When God appears silent, a miracle may be happening. When storms are raging prepare to witness the power above all storms. The only requirement is to ensure Christ is in the boat with us. He will take us through.Matt 8:23-27, Mark 4:35-41; Luke 8:22-25 Bible passage...

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Do not Judge

Do not Judge

What is the difference between judgement and discernment? If Jesus came to save and not judge, what should our attitude be? In what situations do we need to be discerning. How can we use this to help others?Matt 7:1-6; Mark 4:24-25; Luke 6:37-42 1.Objectives 2.What it...

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Power shines through Rejection

Empty Traditions

Empty Traditions

Traditions can be beautiful - carrying sentiments and values down generations. However they can also be completely meaningless and even destructive.Passages: Matt 15:1-20; Mark 7.1-23; Luke 11.37-41; 6.39 Background Jewish and biblical perspective on handwashing in...

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Eternal Food

Eternal Food

Jesus always wants what's highest and best for us. The crowds were thronging Jesus to meet their immediate needs. He tries to give them a long term perspective. Bible passages: Matt 14.34-36; Mark 6.53-56; John 6.22-29 Background Do we try to shape God? Physical food...

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Walking on Water

Walking on Water

Jesus had demonstrated his power over the sea earlier. Yet his disciples hearts were still hard and faith small. Jesus not only demonstrates another miracle, he shows us that faith can do miracles in our lives as well.Matt 14.22-33; Mark 6.45-52; John 6.16-21; Jesus...

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Unlimited Provision

Unlimited Provision

Jesus had hungry multitudes with Him. He asked Philip to feed them. Philip looked at his physical resources and declined. Jesus did a miracle that He was expecting Philip to do! Bible Passages Matthew 14.13-21; Mark 6.32-44; Luke 9. 10b-17; John 6.1-15; Jesus’s...

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Facing the Messiah

Facing the Messiah

While even His family did not recognize Him in the early stages, we know some brothers and mother did come to His saving knowledge later in life after Christ’s resurrection. We hope others from His hometown followed suit.He grew up with them They were in denial He...

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Labourers are Few

Labourers are Few

It is God who sends out workers into the fields of souls ripe to receive Him. Do our eyes perceive these harvest fields in the world? Are we compelled to reach out to them? Are we willing to pray? Are we willing to go?Matthew 9:35-38; Mark 6:6b; 34; Luke 8:1; 10:2...

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Faith that Heals

Faith that Heals

Visionary faith from people of various walks of life win healing from Jesus. A leader requests, an unclean woman reaches out to touch him, blind men recognize Jesus as Messiah and the demon possessed man requires help from friends.Matt 9:18-34; Matt 20:29-34;  Mark...

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Faith and Falsehood

A Glimpse of Glory

A Glimpse of Glory

Shortly after Jesus stands at the "gates of hell" and declares the power of His Kingdom over it, he gives Peter, James and John "a glimpse of glory" as Jesus is transfigured and God speaks. The Voice of God This is my Son Whom I love I am well pleased with Him Listen...

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Discipleship

Discipleship

What does it mean to be a disciple of Christ? Who is our greatest enemy? How do we successfully defeat the enemy?The Condition    The Challenge   The Cross   The CrownMatt 16.24-28; Mark 8.34-9.1; Luke 9.23-27; John 12.25 Matthew 16:24 Then Jesus said to his...

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Death Prediction

Death Prediction

There are at least three incidences reported in the bible of Jesus predicting his death. In reality there may have been more.Clear prediction – Perceiving the victory Hasty retaliation – Accepting God’s will Stern correction – Prioritizing God’s concerns Blind...

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Keys to the Kingdom

Keys to the Kingdom

Standing by the then known "Gates of Hell" or gates to the underworld, Jesus offers Peter and the disciples, the "Keys to the Kingdom" of Heaven. He promises that the "gates of hell" cannot prevail over it.Introduction – Caesarea Philippi The Messiah The Rock The...

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Viral Influences

Viral Influences

There are two kinds of influences – positive and negative. Both the power of evil and the power of God have the capacity of multiplying and spreading virally.IntroductionSome Religious Leaders – The evil virusUpcoming Disciples – The ineffective vaccineGrowing...

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Compelled by Compassion

Compelled by Compassion

In the last phase of Christ’s ministry, we see increasing Jewish opposition and increasing Gentile acceptance. God’s work never stops – it moves on and on and spreads wider and wider.Since we have already discussed a similar miracle – feeding of the 5000, we’ll look...

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Persistant Faith

Persistant Faith

Jesus has moved to a primarily Gentile region. While His words appear harsh, He is teaching the disciples and communicating His main purpose to minister to the Jews. He is also testing the lady. Her faith shines through.Jesus: Travelled a long way Had a Long term...

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The last sign

The last sign

Jesus demonstrated in several ways to several people that He is indeed the much-awaited Messiah. Yes, most Jews continued to reject Him and ask for more signs. Jesus said He would demonstrate one last sign as a last chance.Bible passage - Matt 12:22-37; Mark 3:20-35;...

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Surmounting Dark Powers (Mark 9:14-50)

Dealing with Obstacles

Dealing with Obstacles

A statement like “if your hand causes you to sin cut it off” causes on to sit up. Does Jesus really mean it? On deeper reflection, we need to ask ourselves what is causing us to sin and what should we cut off.The Stumbling Blocks Our Greatest Enemy The Punishment The...

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The Greatness of a Child

The Greatness of a Child

As the reality of the Messiah becomes more and more evident to the disciples, their attention turns, not to service but greatness. Jesus then explains what greatness truly means in the Kingdom of Heaven demonstrating the example of a child.Steps to Greatness are:...

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Faith, like a Mustard Seed

Faith, like a Mustard Seed

Mustard seeds have certain distinguishing qualities that separate them from the rest. It is these qualities that Jesus highlights, which are required in our faith and life. Introduction Satan’s Pillaging .. Disrupts peace .. Destroys lives .. Renders God’s people...

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When Demons Outplay Disciples

When Demons Outplay Disciples

The disciples had been empowered by Jesus and authorised to exercise power over demons. However on one occasion they failed. Introduction Satan’s Pillaging .. Disrupts peace .. Destroys lives .. Renders God’s people powerless Disciples’ Powerlessness .. Failure to...

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Welcome the Righteous

Welcome the Righteous

Jesus encourages his disciples to work on through adversity. They need to wipe out differences and strive towards a common goal. We need to welcome disciples by accepting, serving and supporting them; A great reward awaits in heaven.Bible Passages: Matt 10:40-42; Mk...

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Lifestyles

Lead, to Serve

Lead, to Serve

As Jesus gains popularity, his disciples and relatives have dreams of positions in His future kingdom. Jesus patiently explains that great leaders in His kingdom are those who serve the best.Who is the greatest? The disciple’s response Christ’s response Christ’s cup...

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The Rich and the Righteous

The Rich and the Righteous

How do we attain eternal life? Times have changed but perceptions haven’t changed much.Four key questions are posed in this passage. The answers to which determine our destiny. What good thing can I do to inherit eternal life? What do I still lack? Who then can be...

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Jesus Blesses Children

Jesus Blesses Children

In the midst of the crowds, healing, teaching, a beautiful thing was happening. People were bringing children to Jesus. Disciple’s Perception Jesus’ Admission Child’s Position Bible Passages: Matt 19.13-15; Mark 10.13-16; Luke 18.15-17 Matthew 19:13 Then people...

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Towards the Cross

Towards the Cross

A brief passage, but mentioned in 3 gospels. As Christ’s footsteps turn towards the cross, it marks the end of his almost lifelong tenure in Galilee. We reflect on His amazing life.Introduction Background Flashback The Lamb of God Christ’s Persona Light Grace Truth...

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Rejected by the builders

The Coin in the Fish

The Coin in the Fish

When Jesus asks Peter to take the coin out of the fish's mouth, it signifies something huge for the Roman world. It also demonstrates Jesus' respect to the authorities even when He was the highest authority.Historical context What does Jesus do? What do we expect from...

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The Cornerstone is Established

Sheep among Wolves

Sheep among Wolves

Jesus is sending his people as sheep among ferocious wolves. How can few sheep survive among a pack of wolves? Jesus provides the secret. Their success rides in being shrewd as snakes and innocent as doves.Bible Passages: Matt 10:16-25; Mark 13:9-13; Luke 12:11-12;...

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