by Michael Sterns | Sep 7, 2017 | General, Scripture
Psalm 46:10 Be still, and know that I am God! Working with people in the context of a local church is hard. I don’t think I have to explain it. If you’ve done anything with people, you’ll know that people sometimes suck. Some people intentionally...
by Brad Blocksom | Sep 5, 2017 | Biblical Studies, New Testament, Scripture
Mark 13:14-23 The Desolating Sacrilege and Call to Flee Judea Jesus now comes as close as He ever will to answering the disciples’ question about when to expect the destruction of the Temple which He just prophesied. Daniel’s prophecy (Dan. 9:27, 11:31,...
by Brad Blocksom | Aug 8, 2017 | Biblical Studies, New Testament, Scripture
Mark 13:3-13 Jesus “Answers” When Will it Happen, and What Will be the Sign? Jesus has just prophesied the destruction of the temple. Now He sits on the Mount of Olives with His disciples (v.3). The view of the Temple from here is absolutely glorious! So...
by Brad Blocksom | May 29, 2017 | Biblical Studies, New Testament, Scripture
Mark 13:1-2 Jesus Prophesies the Destruction of the Temple Finally, Jesus leaves the temple (cf. 13:1 with Mark 11:27). On their way out, they get a view of the temple! Herod’s temple was one of the most impressive sights in the ancient world – an...
by Michael Sterns | Apr 12, 2017 | Biblical Studies, General, New Testament
1st Corinthians 1:18-25 (NRSV) For the message about the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written, “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and the discernment of the discerning I will...
by Brad Blocksom | Apr 11, 2017 | Biblical Studies, New Testament, Scripture
Mark 12:41-44 The Widow’s Offering There seems here to be the beginning of a transition. And yet there is also a contrast* between the previous passage (the hypocrisy of the scribes) with the generous sacrifice of the poor widow here (the very group whom the...
by Brad Blocksom | Mar 22, 2017 | Biblical Studies, New Testament, Scripture
Mark 12:38-40 Beware! This is the third consecutive pericope in Mark where the scribes are mentioned. In 12:28-36, a scribe questions Jesus. Then in 12:35-37, Jesus takes issue with scribal interpretation of a Psalm. And finally here, we are told to “Beware of...
by Luke Geraty | Mar 8, 2017 | Biblical Studies, Hermeneutics, New Testament, Old Testament, Scripture
As I have continued studying issues related to women in ministry, gender, and hermeneutics (biblical interpretation), I have come to the conclusion that the Bible requires that Church does all that she can to both encourage and empower women to actively pursue...
by Brad Blocksom | Mar 7, 2017 | Biblical Studies, New Testament, Scripture
Mark 12:35-37 Jesus, man of the people Jesus now turns His attention from answering His critics (religious elite and authorities) to teaching the people (the large crowd, v. 37). The scribes seem to be gone now, as Jesus talks to the crowd about them as if they are...
by Brad Blocksom | Mar 1, 2017 | Biblical Studies, New Testament, Scripture
Mark 12:28-34 What Really Matters Thus far in Jerusalem, Jesus has dealt with the chief priests, the scribes & elders, the Pharisees and Herodians, the Sadducees, and finally here, just one of the scribes. He seems to be impressed with Jesus’ answers in the...
by Michael Sterns | Feb 9, 2017 | Biblical Studies, New Testament
Mark 4:35-41 NLT As evening came, Jesus said to his disciples, “Let’s cross to the other side of the lake.” So they took Jesus in the boat and started out, leaving the crowds behind (although other boats followed). But soon a fierce storm came up. High waves were...
by Brad Blocksom | Jan 29, 2017 | Biblical Studies, New Testament, Scripture
Mark 12:18-27 The Sadducees and Resurrection In the previous encounter Jesus dealt with the Pharisees (and the Herodians). Now He is approached by another sect of Judaism, the Pharisees. I find that the best way to understand the distinction between these two groups...
by Brad Blocksom | Jan 10, 2017 | Biblical Studies, New Testament, Scripture
Mark 12:13-17 What about Paying taxes? Verse 13 would seem to indicate that this is a new episode, presumably separate from the previous (Parable of the Tenants). If, in 12:1-12, Jesus was teaching the crowd, here He is back to dealing with the authorities directly....
by Michael Sterns | Dec 22, 2016 | Biblical Studies, General, New Testament
John 15:11 NLT I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow! So last week, I skipped over this Advent theme of “joy.” I’m not one of those people that forces myself to speak on something if...
by Brad Blocksom | Dec 19, 2016 | Biblical Studies, New Testament, Scripture
Mark 12:1-12 …or How not to make friends and influence people (a Parable) It would seem that Mark sets this parable still in the Temple, immediately following the leadership’s challenge of Jesus authority. He won’t tell them by what authority He...
by Michael Sterns | Dec 14, 2016 | Biblical Studies, General, New Testament
John 15:9 I have loved you even as the Father has loved me. Remain in my love. Continuing on with Advent, I know that I skipped “Joy.” I have to be honest with you; I’m not there. I’ll probably get there by the time December 25th comes around,...
by Brad Blocksom | Nov 29, 2016 | Biblical Studies, New Testament, Scripture
Mark 11-27*-33 The Religious Leaders Question Jesus’ Authority After a brief stop at the fig tree on the way into town, Jesus and His disciples arrive again in Jerusalem (v. 27). At the Temple, Jesus is confronted by the chief priests, the scribes...
by Michael Sterns | Nov 29, 2016 | General, Scripture
Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. It’s now the beginning of Advent. This is the time of the year where we spend a month preparing ourselves for one day. People sometimes complain about others that...
by Brad Blocksom | Nov 20, 2016 | Biblical Studies, New Testament, Scripture
Mark 11:12-25 Jesus Curses a Fig Tree and Clears the Temple Courts The next day, on their way to Jerusalem, Jesus is hungry (v. 12). Fortunately, He sees a fig tree, but then, upon closer examination He finds that it bears no fruit (v. 13). Then somewhat strangely,...
by Brad Blocksom | Nov 12, 2016 | Biblical Studies, New Testament, Scripture
Mark 11: 1-11 Jesus enters Jerusalem as Messianic King Well, we’ve finally made it. Our scene opens with Jesus approaching Jerusalem at the Mount of Olives (v.1). He sends two of His disciples ahead into Bethphage with some interesting instructions: Grab a colt...
