Often when people think about sin and punishment they go to one of two extremes. Some say that since God is loving, and since God’s grace is abundant, we don’t need to fear His wrath or punishment. Others say that since God is holy and just and righteous we should live in fear of His punishment, even if we believe. This morning we reflect on the reality that God hates sin, that sin is punished, that God’s grace is sufficient and the sometimes forgotten fact that holiness is worth dying for.

Digging Deeper

1.  American Christianity does not often speak of hell. Why do you think this is so? What did Jesus say about hell? (Luke 16:19-31; Matthew 25:41-46; Mark 9:42-48; Matthew 23:33; Luke 10:5).  How did He describe its dangers?

2.  The punishment of hell seems to some to be very severe. One reason why we sometimes wonder about its harshness is that we don’t fully appreciate the holiness of God.  How do the following passages illustrate God’s holiness:  Isaiah 6:1-7; Revelation 4:1-11 (try to imagine the scene); Exodus 19:16-19; Revelation 21:22-27)? Can you describe what it means for God to be Holy? How does that help us understand why He hates sin?

3.  Since God cannot be touched with sin (1 John 1:5) and since He is in every way Holy (Psalm 5:4-6) how should His people live their lives to reflect Him? (Leviticus 19:2; Matthew 5:48; 1 Peter 1:15-16) Can we live our lives that way – why or why not? Read Romans 6:1-14. What does that passage teach about how we think about sin in our lives as Christ followers?  Is it ever ok for us to simply go on sinning?  Is there an area in your life where you have ignored or tolerated ...<< MORE >>

Who is the Greatest?

When you think about greatness you can name many people who have been or are considered great.  Abraham Lincoln; Mother Teresa; Billy Graham.  Most Christians would say that Jesus was the greatest person who ever walked the Earth. What made Him great? Why do even non-Christians often revere Jesus? This morning we consider what it means to be great in the eyes of God.

 (Mark 9:33-41 NIV)  "They came to Capernaum. When he was in the house, he asked them, "What were you arguing about on the road?" 34 But they kept quiet because on the way they had argued about who was the greatest. 35 Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, "If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all." 36 He took a little child and had him stand among them. Taking him in his arms, he said to them, 37 "Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me."

 38 "Teacher," said John, "we saw a man driving out demons in your name and we told him to stop, because he was not one of us." 39 "Do not stop him," Jesus said. "No one who does a miracle in my name can in the next moment say anything bad about me, 40 for whoever is not against us is for us. 41 I tell you the truth; anyone who gives you a cup of water in my name because you belong to Christ will certainly not lose his reward."

 (Mark 10:35-46 NIV)  "Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to him.”Teacher," they said, "we want you to do for us whatever we ask." ...<< MORE >>

This morning we read of a story in which Jesus comes to his disciples who have experienced failure. They tried to cast out a demon, but he would not obey them. The task was apparently too much for the disciples to handle.  Or was it?  This morning we learn that nothing is too difficult for God; but victory only comes when we approach our problem God’s way.
 
Digging Deeper
1.  Compare Mark’s account of the healing of the boy in Mark with Matthew 17:14-20 and Luke 9:37-43. Note that Mark’s account is more detailed.  What is different in the three accounts?  What do the other accounts add? How do they help us understand this event? 

2.   What authority was given to the disciples (Matthew 10:1; Mark 3:13-15; Mark 6:7-13; Mark 16:19-20; Luke 9:1-6 and 10:17-20? Had they exercised that authority previously? Why do you think they failed this time?  Why didn’t they pray?  What happened to their faith?

3.  What does question 2 reveal about our own hearts and spiritual walk?  What authority do we have?  Why don’t we exercise it?  What keeps us from experiencing the kind of spiritual breakthrough that the man’s father and his boy experienced?  What would need to change for us to experience God’s power in those ways? How could that begin to change?  Are you willing to pay that price?

Scripture
(Mark 9:14-33 NIV)  When they came to the other disciples, they saw a large crowd around them and the teachers of the law arguing with them. 15 As soon as all the people saw Jesus, they were overwhelmed with wonder and ran to greet him. 16 "What are you arguing with them about?" he asked. 17 A man in the crowd answered, "Teacher, I brought you my son, who ...<< MORE >>

After confronting the religious leaders of His time, Jesus travels into regions where the Jewish people were not populated and he Jewish faith was not widely known. In a sense He moves into “enemy territory.”  Messiah came to His people – but they would not believe. Jesus came to those who had no clue and they believed. And because of that they were healed.

• Prayers that are answered.
• Desperation
• Perseverance
• Willingness to be humbled
  

Digging Deeper

1.  Compare the story of the Greek woman in Mark 7:24-30 with the story of the Roman centurian in Matthew 8:5-13.    In what ways are they the same? In what ways are they different?  Why were their requests granted? What were their attitudes?  How do those compare or contrast with the attitudes of many (see Luke 18:9-14).  Probably most of us would say we have hearts like the Greek woman’s hearts – but do we really?

2.  Read the following passages:  Matthew 15:24; Mark 7:27; Matthew 10:5-7; Romans 2:9-10.  To whom was Jesus sent? Why?  How do the following passages impact your answer: Romans 1:16 and Romans 10:12-13?

3.  One of the underlying themes of these stories is that of prejudice.  Gentiles were often referred to as “dogs.”  Do you think Jesus’ remark revealed His prejudice? Why or why not? How does the fact that he went into predominantly Gentile areas argue for or against your answer? Read Galatians 3:26-29.  What does this teach us about prejudice? Are you prejudiced?  Before you answer too quickly consider this:  how often do you go into “enemy territory?” (Move outside your own demographic).  What do you think or say about those in the poor areas of town (where drugs and crime take place)?  What comes to your mind the first time you meet someone from the Middle East? Do you go out of your way to help the Samaritans in your life (Luke 10:29-37).  Ask the Lord to reveal any areas where you might look at others with a prejudiced eye.  And then ask Him to forgive you.

Scripture

(Mark 7:24-37 NIV)  Jesus left that place and went to the vicinity of Tyre. He entered a house and did not want anyone to know it; yet he could not keep his presence secret. 25 In fact, as soon as she heard about him, a woman whose little daughter was possessed by an evil spirit came and fell at his feet. 26 The woman was a Greek, born in Syrian Phoenicia. She begged Jesus to drive the demon out of her daughter. 27 "First let the children eat all they want," he told her, "for it is not right to take the children's bread and toss it to their dogs." 28 "Yes, Lord," she replied, "but even the dogs under the table eat the children's crumbs." 29 Then he told her, "For such a reply, you may go; the demon has left your daughter." 30 She went home and found her child lying on the bed, and the demon gone.

 31 Then Jesus left the vicinity of Tyre and went through Sidon, down to the Sea of Galilee and into the region of the Decapolis. 32 There some people brought to him a man who was deaf and could hardly talk, and they begged him to place his hand on the man. 33 After he took him aside, away from the crowd, Jesus put his fingers into the man's ears. Then he spit and touched the man's tongue. 34 He looked up to heaven and with a deep sigh said to him, "Ephphatha!" (which means, "Be opened!"). 35 At this, the man's ears were opened, his tongue was loosened and he began to speak plainly. 36 Jesus commanded them not to tell anyone. But the more he did so, the more they kept talking about it. 37 People were overwhelmed with amazement. "He has done everything well," they said. "He even makes the deaf hear and the mute speak."

(Matthew 15:31 NIV)  The people were amazed when they saw the mute speaking, the crippled made well, the lame walking and the blind seeing. And they praised the God of Israel.

(Isaiah 42:1-7 NIV)  "Here is my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen one in whom I delight; I will put my Spirit on him and he will bring justice to the nations. 2 He will not shout or cry out, or raise his voice in the streets. 3 A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out. In faithfulness he will bring forth justice; 4 he will not falter or be discouraged till he establishes justice on earth. In his law the islands will put their hope." 5 This is what God the LORD says-- he who created the heavens and stretched them out, who spread out the earth and all that comes out of it, who gives breath to its people, and life to those who walk on it: 6 "I, the LORD, have called you in righteousness; I will take hold of your hand. I will keep you and will make you to be a covenant for the people and a light for the Gentiles, 7 to open eyes that are blind, to free captives from prison and to release from the dungeon those who sit in darkness.

(Mark 7:5-6 NIV)  So the Pharisees and teachers of the law asked Jesus, "Why don't your disciples live according to the tradition of the elders instead of eating their food with 'unclean' hands?" 6 He replied, "Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you hypocrites; as it is written: "'These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me.

 (John 1:6-13 NIV)  There came a man who was sent from God; his name was John. 7 He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all men might believe. 8 He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light. 9 The true light that gives light to every man was coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. 11 He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. 12 Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God-- 13 children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God.

Played: 67 | Download | Duration: 00:36:06

Jesus and the religious leaders of His day often were engaged in discussions, confrontations and/or dialogues concerning how we walk with and serve God.  No one would argue that those leaders were outwardly “religious” – their adherence to the “rules” was way above par. The problem, which Jesus points out, is that God not only looks at what we do – he looks at WHY we do it. God looks at our hearts.
 
 (Mark 7:1-23 NIV)  The Pharisees and some of the teachers of the law who had come from Jerusalem gathered around Jesus and 2 saw some of his disciples eating food with hands that were "unclean," that is, unwashed. 3 (The Pharisees and all the Jews do not eat unless they give their hands a ceremonial washing, holding to the tradition of the elders. 4 When they come from the marketplace they do not eat unless they wash. And they observe many other traditions, such as the washing of cups, pitchers and kettles.)

5 So the Pharisees and teachers of the law asked Jesus, "Why don't your disciples live according to the tradition of the elders instead of eating their food with 'unclean' hands?" 6 He replied, "Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you hypocrites; as it is written: "'These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. 7 They worship me in vain; their teachings are but rules taught by men.' 8 You have let go of the commands of God and are holding on to the traditions of men." 9 And he said to them: "You have a fine way of setting aside the commands of God in order to observe your own traditions! 10 For Moses said, 'Honor your father and your mother,' and, 'Anyone who curses his father ...<< MORE >>

He is Risen!

Easter Sunday is arguably the high point in the Christian calendar.  It is the celebration of Christ’s resurrection, the cornerstone of our faith.  It is the exclamation point for God’s love; the ultimate reminder of the certainty of God’s love. All of us live with the certainty of death. The resurrection reminds us that equally certain is the unchanging love of God for His people. He will not abandon us; He will not leave us without hope; He will not forsake His children. He did not abandon His Son and He will not abandon us.

Digging Deeper

1.  In the following passages we are told that God’s love accomplishes something for us, or affects our relationship with God in some way. Read each passage and then write down what the love of God accomplishes.  Deuteronomy 7:7-9; 1 John 5:16-19; Ephesians 1:4-6; 2:4-7; Titus 3:4-5; 1 John 4:10, 18-19; John 17:26; Romans 8:38-39.

2.  What is (or what should be) our response to God’s great love for us?  Read Luke 7:37-47 as you consider that question.  In the following passages God does something significant for the people involved – what is their response to God’s grace?  Mark 5:18-20; Psalms 116:12-14; Luke 17:5-6; Isaiah 6:5-9; Matthew 19:32-33.

3.  God loves you.  Do you believe that? Do you feel loved?  Why or why not? When we love each other we show that by the way we treat each other. How does God show His love for you? How might you show God that you love Him?

9 When Jesus rose early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had driven seven demons. 10 She went and told those who had been with him and who were mourning and weeping. 11 When they heard that Jesus was alive and that she had seen him, they did not believe it.

12 Afterward Jesus appeared in a different form to two of them while they were walking in the country. 13 These returned and reported it to the rest; but they did not believe them either.

14 Later Jesus appeared to the Eleven as they were eating; he rebuked them for their lack of faith and their stubborn refusal to believe those who had seen him after he had risen. 15 He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation. 16 Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.

Todays Scripture

(Mark 16:1-16 NIV)  When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices so that they might go to anoint Jesus' body. 2 Very early on the first day of the week, just after sunrise, they were on their way to the tomb 3 and they asked each other, "Who will roll the stone away from the entrance of the tomb?" 4 But when they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had been rolled away. 5 As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side, and they were alarmed. 6 "Don't be alarmed," he said. "You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him. 7 But go, tell his disciples and Peter, 'He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.'" 8 Trembling and bewildered, the women went out and fled from the tomb. They said nothing to anyone, because they were afraid.

(John 15:13-15 NIV)  Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. 14 You are my friends if you do what I command. 15 I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.

(Romans 5:6-8 NIV)  You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. 7 Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. 8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Christ arrives right on time to make this [our forgiveness] happen. He didn't, and doesn't, wait for us to get ready. He presented himself for this sacrificial death when we were far too weak and rebellious to do anything to get ourselves ready. And even if we hadn't been so weak, we wouldn't have known what to do anyway. We can understand someone dying for a person worth dying for, and we can understand how someone good and noble could inspire us to selfless sacrifice. But God put his love on the line for us by offering his Son in sacrificial death while we were of no use whatever to him. (The Message translation)

(1 John 3:1 NIV)  How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!

(1 John 4:7-12 NIV)  Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. 8 Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. 9 This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. 10 This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. 11 Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.
 

Played: 103 | Download | Duration: 00:33:02

Played: 85 | Download | Duration: 00:26:53