These are posts about the Gospel of Mark.
Mark
When walking the path God has set for us, our faith can cause us to display amazing composure in times of great trial. Jan Hus allowed himself to be burned at the stake as he attempted to work towards church reformation. Dietrich Bonhoeffer voluntarily returned to Germany under the Nazi
Mark
The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak. No sentence describes my frustration with humanity more than this. How many times do I devote myself to doing better today, yet by the end of the day I find myself fallen again? How many times do I know my weak
Mark
God is in control. This is such an easy concept to forget, especially when the world sets on injustice and we seem powerless to prevent it or change the course of the world. We see in the perspective of hours, days, weeks, and possibly months or rarely years. God sees
Mark
We’ll always be tempted to do what we want rather than follow God’s ways. This doesn’t mean we always choose poorly. Sometimes, with the grace of God, we do choose the right thing. That doesn’t change the fact that sin is always right there beside us,
Mark
Even when the world abandons us, God does not leave our side. The Father will never forsake us or leave us alone. He may allow us to choose to leave His embrace, but even then, He is still ready to welcome us back into His arms. We are never truly
Mark
Jesus responds as He does because of His connection to the Father. This theme has been at the surface of this story for the last few days of reading, and it will continue to be significant with every new confrontation Jesus faces. Jesus can do what He does because He
Mark
Jesus will die on the cross, saving the world as He does. This message is repeated so often some worry it might become trite, but I don’t subscribe to that view. The more often I am reminded I know peace, love, and joy because Jesus was willing to go
Mark
Submission to the Father is the only perfect path through trial and into peace. Submission to God’s will takes great strength. Submission to the Father means having the ability to deny ourselves – our needs, our wants, the lusts of our heart. Submission to the Father means letting His desires
Mark
God makes a habit of talking boldly, then demonstrates His power by following through in unfathomable ways. He does the unexpected, and He does it spectacularly. That’s why He’s God. That’s why He deserves our worship. After singing a hymn, Jesus takes His disciples away from the
Mark
God is in control. The closer we get to the events of the crucifixion and resurrection, the more this theme comes out. He is the mastermind of the world. He allows us to play in His creation and have our way, but ultimately everything we do is within His greater
Mark
God’s love is so incredible we often struggle to understand its scope. How many times do I fall prey to sin, have an ungodly thought, or not reflect God’s character in some way? How often do I give Him opportunity to turn away from me and use someone
Mark
Jesus’ death opens the door to eternal life for anyone desiring to receive it. It is a simple thing to say; it is a difficult concept to fully grasp. Jesus’ death and the eternal life it brings profoundly impacts how we live, who we are, and the decisions we make.