Though scholars debate the length of the prologue, Mk 1:1-8 is largely about John the Baptist while Mk 1:9-15 is largely about Jesus. The transition from John the Baptist to Jesus the Christ (i.e., the Messiah) indicates the transition from the old era to the dawning of a new age in redemptive history.
![David's Lovingkindness | 2 Samuel 9 Lesson [Slideshow+]](https://catchforchrist.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/2-Samuel-9-Commentary-Study-326x245.png)
What do lions do when they take over a pride? They often kill the cubs of the former lion king. Similarly, in the ancient Near East, new kings would often kill off any potential rivals from the former king’s family. Going against cultural norms, however, King David demonstrates his lovingkindness by having King Saul’s grandson eat at his table like a son…
![Ambassadors for Christ (2 Corinthians 5:11-21) Bible Study [Slideshow+]](https://catchforchrist.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/2-Corinthians-5-11-21-Bible-Study-Slideshow-326x245.png)
Christians are called to be ambassadors — authorized agents of the message of reconciliation to God through Christ. We are reconciled reconcilers. In this (updated) Bible Study, based on a sermon…
![Lost & Found | Luke 15:11-32 Sermon (Parable of the Prodigal Son) [Video, Text+]](https://catchforchrist.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Lost-and-Foud.jpg-326x245.jpg)
‘The Parable of the Two Lost Sons and Gracious Father’. Doesn’t have the same ring to it, right? Yet, it is likely a bit more accurate than “The Parable of the Prodigal Son” or “The Parable of the Lost Son”. All three main characters represent parties who are probably present when Jesus takes advantage of a teachable moment…
How Do You Like Your Coffee? Many like coffee hot. Many like coffee cold (e.g, iced coffee). Yet, I suspect very few enjoy it lukewarm. If tasted, many […]
![If We're Following Christ, Christ Comes First | Mk 8:34-38 Sermon [Video, Text]](https://catchforchrist.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/crosswalk-300x300-300x245.jpg)
On the road of life, how tempting is it to type in our own GPS coordinates, head to where we want to go, and then ask God for traveling mercies? If we claim to follow Christ, however, we must let Jesus take the wheel. Following Jesus means we must be willing to “lose” our lives (metaphorically or even literally) for Christ. We must be ride-or-die.
![Tower of Babel (Genesis 11:1-9) Bible Study [Slideshow+]](https://catchforchrist.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Tower-of-Babel-Screenshot-Bible-Study-326x245.png)
This intriguing account, structured chiastically, tells how God disinherits and scatters peoples across the earth and assigned members of His divine council to govern each nation (cf. Dt 32:8-9, ESV) — before taking Israel as His special inheritance (cf. the Call of Abraham in Genesis 12f.) to establish His Kingdom.
![Psalm 82 & The Divine Council Bible Study [Slideshow+]](https://catchforchrist.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Ps82-326x245.jpeg)
In Psalm 82, God (Elohim, singular) stands in the divine assembly of elohim (plural)– lesser, created, divine/spiritual beings. At least some of these elohim are condemned by God for not exercising justice when governing the nations. They were supposed to govern justly concerning the poor, needy, fatherless, powerless – but they didn’t do their job. Therefore God says these disobedient elohim will die like mortals. Then the Psalmist prays that the LORD manifests His justice over all the nations – for they’re all, ultimately, the LORD’s inheritance.
![Trust in the LORD With ALL Your Heart | Proverbs 1:7, 3:5-6, 21:2 Bible Study [Slideshow+]](https://catchforchrist.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/My-way-versus-Gods-way-326x245.jpg)
The fear of the LORD is the foundation of true knowledge and wisdom. We must acknowledge that we creatures lack the knowledge and wisdom of the Creator. Thus, it only makes sense to follow the Creator of life’s instructions for life. We are to trust in the LORD entirely and exclusively, not in our feeble understanding. In everything we do, we are to submit to Him, and He will make our paths straight (morally). Let us not rely on our own moral compass and ethical judgments, for it is the LORD who is the ultimate Judge.
Research suggests that the modern conception of freedom — our most cherished value — is almost purely negative (i.e., freedom *from* constraints). The Truth of Jesus gives (negative) freedom *from* sin and (positive) freedom *to* fulfill our original purpose — right relationship with God. Though our culture often co-opts His words, His is the Truth that truly “will set you free.”
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