According to research from Open Doors, three ideologies lead to the most extreme levels of persecution against Christ-followers around the world. A domineering Christo-phobia resulting in social oppression, church burnings, arrests, forced imprisonment and executions spans the list of 50 most brutal nations ranked by the Christian NGO. Heading the list is North Korea, where…
Mark 14:32-42 (PRT) v. 32 When they arrive at the place called Gethsemane, he says to his followers, stay around here while I pray. v. 33 And he takes Peter, James, and John with him and he starts to be distressed greatly and heavy-hearted. v. 34 And Jesus says to them, “My soul is overwhelmed…
vv. 1-2 After Jesus was born in Bethlehem village, Judah territory—this was during Herod’s kingship—a band of scholars arrived in Jerusalem from the East. They asked around, “Where can we find and pay homage to the newborn King of the Jews? We observed a star in the eastern sky that signaled his birth. We’re on…
Pastor Rick’s Study Notes: First Impressions: Don’t miss that this passage is preceded by three miracles that extend grace to the nations and the Gentiles. Mark was subtle in positioning this here. Keep in mind that the Gospels aren’t designed to be a perfect chronology. They each crafted their unique Gospel accounts to their main…
Pastor Rick’s Study Notes The Power of a Moment: One Divide Mark 7:1-15 First Impressions: This passage demonstrates the divide between earning one’s way into heaven and receiving the free gift of redemption. The priests were concerned about their dirty hands; Jesus cleanses dirty hearts. They want to keep the colon clean; Jesus wants to…
