Mark 10:17-31 An interviewer once asked Donald Trump, “What do you think about death? Do you worry about dying?” Trump said, “No. I’m fatalistic; I protect myself as well as anybody can. I prepare for things.” However, as Mr. Trump walked away, he hesitated momentarily. “No,” he said finally, “I don’t believe in reincarnation, heaven […]
Mark 10:13-16 Many of us have heard stories about someone buying something for a few dollars at a yard sale or flea market and then learning that what they purchased was worth much more than what they had paid. The seller did not know the value of the item they were offering for sale, or […]
Mark 10:1-12 Last time, we began studying Mark 10:1 to 12 under the title “Maybe I Do.” This text describes Jesus’ interaction with the Pharisees regarding divorce. In this dialogue with the Pharisees and His disciples, I mentioned that Jesus HIGHLIGHTS the insufficiency of “Maybe I do” and calls us to a radical commitment to […]
Mark 10:1-12 Do you know the secret to a lasting marriage? I’m sure there are as many answers as opinions, and some will be right. Some would say that love is the most critical component. Do you agree? I don’t. I’ll tell you why in a few minutes. In Greek mythology, Sirens were beautiful sea […]
Mark 9:42-50 “You’re a radical!” No one wants to be called that. It’s a word that makes us uncomfortable. It suggests extremes in viewpoints, habits, beliefs, lifestyles, or institutions. Radicals are people you want to stay away from! Most people find their comfort zone somewhere in the middle rather than the extremes. In the United […]
Mark 9:30-41 “Core values” have become somewhat of a buzzword in business. Core values include a commitment to a quality product or service and creating value for the customer in the interaction. Integrity, knowledge, innovation, and more can be core values. These underlying principles guide the relationship between the business, its employees, and its customers. Core values […]
We are in the time of year when we pause to reflect on our blessings. Canadians have already celebrated their national Thanksgiving Day in October, and soon, it will be our turn in the US. If you’re like me, you sometimes struggle to be thankful. We have so much, yet we are so prone to […]
Mark 9:14-29 Robert and Mary Moffat were missionaries in Bechuanland (Bek-u-An-aland), now Botswana, in the early 1800s. They demonstrated unwavering faith and perseverance. Despite not a single soul embracing their message, they served the Tswana people for a decade. Even the leaders of their mission board questioned the prudence of their mission, but the thought […]
Mark 9:9-13 Do you remember the biblical account of Elijah confronting the children of Israel on Mount Carmel? It’s recorded in First Kings chapters 18 and 19. He asked them, “How long will you waver between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow him; but if Baal is God, follow him.” One true prophet of God […]
Mark 9:1-8 On February 12, 2018, the officially commissioned portraits of former President Obama and First Lady Michele were unveiled at the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery. The portraits now hang in the Smithsonian-operated Museum, where a complete collection of previous presidential portraits also hangs. Imagine the anticipation in the room as two large portraits, shrouded […]
