Friday, September 21, 2012

Mark 3:1-35


Scripture
  • Another time Jesus went into the synagogue, and a man with a shriveled hand was there.2 Some of them were looking for a reason to accuse Jesus, so they watched him closely to see if he would heal him on the Sabbath.3 Jesus said to the man with the shriveled hand,"Stand up in front of everyone."4 Then Jesus asked them, "Which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to kill?" But they remained silent.5 He looked around at them in anger and, deeply distressed at their stubborn hearts, said to the man, "Stretch out your hand." He stretched it out, and his hand was completely restored.6 Then the Pharisees went out and began to plot with the Herodians how they might kill Jesus
  • he had healed many, so that those with diseases were pushing forward to touch him
  • Whenever the impure spirits saw him, they fell down before him and cried out, "You are the Son of God."
  • When his family heard about this, they went to take charge of him, for they said, "He is out of his mind."
  • the teachers of the law who came down from Jerusalem said, "He is possessed by Beelzebul! By the prince of demons he is driving out demons."
Also *  Jesus went up on a mountainside and called to him those he wanted, and they came to him. He appointed twelvet that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach and to have authority to drive out demons.

Observation
  • Notice the varied responses to the actions and ministry of Jesus. His followers can expect the same. Those who recognize that they have a need are the most likely to respond positively to attempts to the ministry of Jesus Christ that we are attempting to carry on.
  • Jesus calls His followers and gives them specific tasks to do 

Application

Be prepared and expect to be rejected when following Jesus. Remember that He is the only One I have to please.  Some will respond and those make it all worthwhile.
Prayer

LORD, please make me willing to suffer rejection for Your sake.  You suffered much more than I ever will.  Please call me, empower me and equip me to fulfill Your purposes for my life.

Thursday, September 20, 2012

Hitting The Mark


Our church (Northridge Christian In Milledgeville GA) is currently in a series titled Hitting the Mark. The congregation is challenged to study the book of Mark using the S.O.A.P method of studying Scripture developed by Wayne Cordiero.  You can learn more about it here

Mark 2:1-28 

S.O.A.P Notes

Scripture

They gathered in such large numbers that there was no room left, not even outside the door, and he preached the word to them. 

This amazed everyone and they praised God, saying, "We have never seen anything like this!"

"It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners."

"The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. So the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath."

Observation

When we are truly and accurately imitating Christ, large numbers will be drawn to us! When they come we should teach them the Word!

Our actions will stand out and amaze people!

Get out of the holy huddle and reach out to the sin sick.  Do not be afraid of them or avoid them.

Don't be restricted and bound by traditions that keep you from taking care of business!!

Application

Test for Christ imitator wanna-be's

  1. Are crowds following you wanting what you have?
  2. Are they amazed at the things you do that are different from the norm?
  3. Am I reaching out to the sin sick and loving them into the kingdom?
  4. Am I controlled by the Spirit of God or the traditions of men?
Prayer
LORD Jesus, please mold me and make me into your image and use me to make a difference in someone's life today.