Mark 10:41-45
41 When the ten other disciples discovered what James and John had asked, they were indignant. 42 So Jesus called them together and said, "You know that in this world kings are tyrants, and officials lord it over the people beneath them. 43 But among you it should be quite different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, 44 and whoever wants to be first must be the slave of all. 45 For even I, the Son of Man, came here not to be served but to serve others, and to give my life as a ransom for many." (NLT)
Jesus did not come to be served but to serve. If you are to lead you must become a servant or slave to all. Have you ever heard the term “Servant Leader”? That is what we are to be. We are to lead like Jesus. Jesus led by example. Jesus had all the authority to tell others what to do but that is not what He did. He looked for ways to serve others, not Himself. A servant leader is not someone who does what everyone wants but wants to meets the needs of others through faith with grace. The world wants to control you but Jesus wants to lead you into the abundant life. The servant leader’s life is a life of uplifting others, encouraging others and leading others to Jesus by your servant heart.
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Our Mission is to Lead People into a Growing Relationship with Jesus Christ
Friday, March 30, 2012
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Mark 10:35-40
35 Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came over and spoke to him. "Teacher," they said, "we want you to do us a favor."
36 "What is it?" he asked.
37 "In your glorious Kingdom, we want to sit in places of honor next to you," they said, "one at your right and the other at your left."
38 But Jesus answered, "You don't know what you are asking! Are you able to drink from the bitter cup of sorrow I am about to drink? Are you able to be baptized with the baptism of suffering I must be baptized with?"
39 "Oh yes," they said, "we are able!"
And Jesus said, "You will indeed drink from my cup and be baptized with my baptism, 40 but I have no right to say who will sit on the thrones next to mine. God has prepared those places for the ones he has chosen." (NLT)
Each of us is chosen by God to do certain things. There are general things we are all called to do such as to share the gospel, love, give, show mercy and forgive to name a few. Yet we are not all called to be a Pastor or a missionary but we are to seek God’s specific calling for our life and then follow it. We should not ask God to give us a specific position but to accept what God has chosen for us to do and then do it to His glory to the best of your ability. Seek God for His will for you, praise Him for it and surrender fully to God’s way.
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Our Mission is to Lead People into a Growing Relationship with Jesus Christ
35 Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came over and spoke to him. "Teacher," they said, "we want you to do us a favor."
36 "What is it?" he asked.
37 "In your glorious Kingdom, we want to sit in places of honor next to you," they said, "one at your right and the other at your left."
38 But Jesus answered, "You don't know what you are asking! Are you able to drink from the bitter cup of sorrow I am about to drink? Are you able to be baptized with the baptism of suffering I must be baptized with?"
39 "Oh yes," they said, "we are able!"
And Jesus said, "You will indeed drink from my cup and be baptized with my baptism, 40 but I have no right to say who will sit on the thrones next to mine. God has prepared those places for the ones he has chosen." (NLT)
Each of us is chosen by God to do certain things. There are general things we are all called to do such as to share the gospel, love, give, show mercy and forgive to name a few. Yet we are not all called to be a Pastor or a missionary but we are to seek God’s specific calling for our life and then follow it. We should not ask God to give us a specific position but to accept what God has chosen for us to do and then do it to His glory to the best of your ability. Seek God for His will for you, praise Him for it and surrender fully to God’s way.
Sponsored by BMCC Men’s Ministry
Our Mission is to Lead People into a Growing Relationship with Jesus Christ
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Mark 10:32-34
32 They were now on the way to Jerusalem, and Jesus was walking ahead of them. The disciples were filled with dread and the people following behind were overwhelmed with fear. Taking the twelve disciples aside, Jesus once more began to describe everything that was about to happen to him in Jerusalem. 33 "When we get to Jerusalem," he told them, "the Son of Man will be betrayed to the leading priests and the teachers of religious law. They will sentence him to die and hand him over to the Romans. 34 They will mock him, spit on him, beat him with their whips, and kill him, but after three days he will rise again."
(NLT)
Jesus never leaves us in the dark. We sometimes think He has but we find we were the ones not listening in the first place. God has given us His word to tell us everything we need to know. Even though Jesus knew His disciples would not understand everything right away He explained it to them anyway. Jesus has sent His Holy Spirit to guide, teach and direct us into His will for our lives, we just need to be still and listen. It is important to know God’s Word so that we know what God wants us to do. Otherwise we will be going down the wrong path thinking “I know what God wants me to do, I don’t need to read scripture.” Wrong answer. In 2 Timothy 2:15 it says, "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." (KJV) Study or work hard at knowing God’s Word and His will for you. Just as Jesus let the disciples know what was going to happen to Him beforehand He will let you know what His will is for you too.
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Our Mission is to Lead People into a Growing Relationship with Jesus Christ
32 They were now on the way to Jerusalem, and Jesus was walking ahead of them. The disciples were filled with dread and the people following behind were overwhelmed with fear. Taking the twelve disciples aside, Jesus once more began to describe everything that was about to happen to him in Jerusalem. 33 "When we get to Jerusalem," he told them, "the Son of Man will be betrayed to the leading priests and the teachers of religious law. They will sentence him to die and hand him over to the Romans. 34 They will mock him, spit on him, beat him with their whips, and kill him, but after three days he will rise again."
(NLT)
Jesus never leaves us in the dark. We sometimes think He has but we find we were the ones not listening in the first place. God has given us His word to tell us everything we need to know. Even though Jesus knew His disciples would not understand everything right away He explained it to them anyway. Jesus has sent His Holy Spirit to guide, teach and direct us into His will for our lives, we just need to be still and listen. It is important to know God’s Word so that we know what God wants us to do. Otherwise we will be going down the wrong path thinking “I know what God wants me to do, I don’t need to read scripture.” Wrong answer. In 2 Timothy 2:15 it says, "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." (KJV) Study or work hard at knowing God’s Word and His will for you. Just as Jesus let the disciples know what was going to happen to Him beforehand He will let you know what His will is for you too.
Sponsored by BMCC Men’s Ministry
Our Mission is to Lead People into a Growing Relationship with Jesus Christ
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Mark 10:29-31
29 And Jesus replied, "I assure you that everyone who has given up house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or property, for my sake and for the Good News, 30 will receive now in return, a hundred times over, houses, brothers, sisters, mothers, children, and property — with persecutions. And in the world to come they will have eternal life. 31 But many who seem to be important now will be the least important then, and those who are considered least here will be the greatest then." (NLT)
Have you come to the point where you have given up everything for Christ? No, we have not. But we must give up all we are for Christ, to give to Him as He has given to us and to deny ourselves for Christ. For when we give up for Christ He gives more back. If your heart is not right and you are only giving up to gain something then your motives are sinful. But when you give up and obey the truth not ever expecting anything in return then God blesses you in His time more than what you have given even a hundred times over. God wants us to use what He gives us to bring honor and glory to Him. Blessings do not remove persecutions for we will always be persecuted in Christ because we are Christ followers and the world hates us because of that. The blessings here on earth are only temporary but the rewards to come in eternity will be forever. Our blessings here include not only monetary things but blessings of relationships and a larger family of all have been adopted into the family of God like you have. This life here on this earth is to be lived for Christ. Christ is the answer to all our problems and the standard by which we need to live for and work toward. “Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and all these things shall be added unto you.” Give your best to Jesus, give up self for Jesus’ sake, live to share the Good News of the Gospel and obey God’s will for your life. This life and all that we do is to be to the Glory of God.
Sponsored by BMCC Men’s Ministry
Our Mission is to Lead People into a Growing Relationship with Jesus Christ
29 And Jesus replied, "I assure you that everyone who has given up house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or property, for my sake and for the Good News, 30 will receive now in return, a hundred times over, houses, brothers, sisters, mothers, children, and property — with persecutions. And in the world to come they will have eternal life. 31 But many who seem to be important now will be the least important then, and those who are considered least here will be the greatest then." (NLT)
Have you come to the point where you have given up everything for Christ? No, we have not. But we must give up all we are for Christ, to give to Him as He has given to us and to deny ourselves for Christ. For when we give up for Christ He gives more back. If your heart is not right and you are only giving up to gain something then your motives are sinful. But when you give up and obey the truth not ever expecting anything in return then God blesses you in His time more than what you have given even a hundred times over. God wants us to use what He gives us to bring honor and glory to Him. Blessings do not remove persecutions for we will always be persecuted in Christ because we are Christ followers and the world hates us because of that. The blessings here on earth are only temporary but the rewards to come in eternity will be forever. Our blessings here include not only monetary things but blessings of relationships and a larger family of all have been adopted into the family of God like you have. This life here on this earth is to be lived for Christ. Christ is the answer to all our problems and the standard by which we need to live for and work toward. “Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and all these things shall be added unto you.” Give your best to Jesus, give up self for Jesus’ sake, live to share the Good News of the Gospel and obey God’s will for your life. This life and all that we do is to be to the Glory of God.
Sponsored by BMCC Men’s Ministry
Our Mission is to Lead People into a Growing Relationship with Jesus Christ
Friday, March 23, 2012
Mark 10:28
28 Then Peter began to mention all that he and the other disciples had left behind. "We've given up everything to follow you," he said. (NLT)
This is a typical response we make to Jesus, “I’ve given up everything for you Lord.” Have we really? The answer is no we haven’t. But praise God that He did. Praise God for His great love for us that He allowed Jesus to die for us. We have not suffered to the point of death therefore we have not given all. Yet God loves us and wants to use us to His glory. Take some time right now to praise God for all He has done for you. Praise His Holy Name.
Psalm 148:14
Praise the LORD!
Praise the LORD from the heavens
Praise him from the skies!
2 Praise him, all his angels!
Praise him, all the armies of heaven!
3 Praise him, sun and moon!
Praise him, all you twinkling stars!
4 Praise him, skies above!
Praise him, vapors high above the clouds!
5 Let every created thing give praise to the LORD,
for he issued his command, and they came into being.
6 He established them forever and forever.
His orders will never be revoked.
7 Praise the LORD from the earth,
you creatures of the ocean depths,
8 fire and hail, snow and storm,
wind and weather that obey him,
9 mountains and all hills,
fruit trees and all cedars,
10 wild animals and all livestock, reptiles and birds,
11 kings of the earth and all people, rulers and judges of the earth,
12 young men and maidens, old men and children.
13 Let them all praise the name of the LORD.
For his name is very great; his glory towers over the earth and heaven!
14 He has made his people strong, honoring his godly ones
— the people of Israel who are close to him.
Praise the LORD!
(NLT)
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Our Mission is to Lead People into a Growing Relationship with Jesus Christ
Mark 10:23-27
23 Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, "How hard it is for rich people to get into the Kingdom of God!" 24 This amazed them. But Jesus said again, "Dear children, it is very hard to get into the Kingdom of God. 25 It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God!"
26 The disciples were astounded. "Then who in the world can be saved?" they asked.
27 Jesus looked at them intently and said, "Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But not with God. Everything is possible with God." (NLT)
Through human efforts it is impossible to be saved. There is nothing we can do, no matter how good we are or how hard we try we cannot save ourselves even if we died for our own sins it would not be enough. Only through God’s plan, God’s way and by God’s sacrifice can we be saved. Jesus said in John 14:6 "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me."
Why did Jesus say that it is hard for the rich to be saved? Because they rely on their wealth and their possessions. They believe that it all belongs to them and they do not need anyone else but themselves. They do not realize that it all belongs to God. Is there anything wrong with being wealthy? No. It is about your attitude toward God and the wealth. It is a matter of the heart. Jesus wants to be the center of your life and your number one.
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Our Mission is to Lead People into a Growing Relationship with Jesus Christ
Mark 10:17-22
17 As he was starting out on a trip, a man came running up to Jesus, knelt down, and asked, "Good Teacher, what should I do to get eternal life?"
18 "Why do you call me good?" Jesus asked. "Only God is truly good. 19 But as for your question, you know the commandments: 'Do not murder. Do not commit adultery. Do not steal. Do not testify falsely. Do not cheat. Honor your father and mother. "
20 "Teacher," the man replied, "I've obeyed all these commandments since I was a child."
21 Jesus felt genuine love for this man as he looked at him. "You lack only one thing," he told him. "Go and sell all you have and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me." 22 At this, the man's face fell, and he went sadly away because he had many possessions. (NLT)
Jesus knew this man’s heart, “you know the commandments” and He knew this man’s life. He did not ask a lot of questions because He knew the answers already and He also knew what was lacking in his life as well. Jesus went right at the core of this man’s life and listed some of the commandments to him. The man basically said “I am a good person and I have kept God's standard." Can just being a good person save you? No. Can just keeping God’s standards save you? No. Jesus went for the man’s core, selfishness. The man lived for himself and his possessions. It defined who he was in his eyes. But Jesus wants the heart and this man’s heart was not in the right place and Jesus knew it. Jesus says deny yourself and come follow me. It is about giving up what you want for Jesus. It is about surrendering to Christ what rightfully belongs to Him, you. He died for you, He was buried for you and He rose from the grave for you, therefore He has the right over you. But Jesus is not going to force Himself on you but gives you a choice to accept Him or reject Him. Even after you have received Him as your Savior you still try to hide things from Him but He knows you, knows your heart and He wants your heart. He loves you and wants what is best for you so give Him your heart and live for Him. Don’t let things get in the way of your relationship with Jesus. When we are living for Him this makes Him smile.
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Our Mission is to Lead People into a Growing Relationship with Jesus Christ
Mark 10:12-16
Jesus Blesses the Children
13 One day some parents brought their children to Jesus so he could touch them and bless them, but the disciples told them not to bother him. 14 But when Jesus saw what was happening, he was very displeased with his disciples. He said to them, "Let the children come to me. Don't stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to such as these. 15 I assure you, anyone who doesn't have their kind of faith will never get into the Kingdom of God." 16 Then he took the children into his arms and placed his hands on their heads and blessed them. (NLT)
We are to have faith as children have faith in Jesus. In order to come to Jesus we must have the faith of a child. The faith of a child is pure trust and reliance on Jesus. Jesus sees us as His children therefore we must trust Him as children trust Him. Never turn children away for by them we will learn how to truly trust Christ. As God gives us His blessing we too are to pass that blessing on to our children and our spiritual children. “Give as God has given to you.” Bless others as God has blessed you. God has blessed us with an inheritance and that inheritance is to be shared, not hoarded. We are Jesus’ children and we are to follow in our King's footsteps. Faith, hope and love and the greatest of these is love.
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Our Mission is to Lead People into a Growing Relationship with Jesus Christ
Monday, March 19, 2012
Mark 10:10-12
10 Later, when he was alone with his disciples in the house, they brought up the subject again. 11 He told them, "Whoever divorces his wife and marries someone else commits adultery against her. 12 And if a woman divorces her husband and remarries, she commits adultery." (NLT)
Sometimes when scripture seems to be negative we can still see the encouragement in His Word. Here Jesus tells His disciple that if a man does this to his wife or if a wife does this to her husband it is adultery. Is adultery unforgiveable? No, but the consequences and the damage to relationships even to those near it will leave scares for the rest of their lives. Sin always leaves collateral damage. But the encouragement comes from the knowledge that when we turn from this sin God forgives, God can restore and God can bless. We serve a God of second chances. He never stops loving us even when we sin, regardless of the sin we have committed against Him and sin is always against God. Therefore turn to the living God and obey His word and surrender to His care and authority.
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Our Mission is to Lead People into a Growing Relationship with Jesus Christ
10 Later, when he was alone with his disciples in the house, they brought up the subject again. 11 He told them, "Whoever divorces his wife and marries someone else commits adultery against her. 12 And if a woman divorces her husband and remarries, she commits adultery." (NLT)
Sometimes when scripture seems to be negative we can still see the encouragement in His Word. Here Jesus tells His disciple that if a man does this to his wife or if a wife does this to her husband it is adultery. Is adultery unforgiveable? No, but the consequences and the damage to relationships even to those near it will leave scares for the rest of their lives. Sin always leaves collateral damage. But the encouragement comes from the knowledge that when we turn from this sin God forgives, God can restore and God can bless. We serve a God of second chances. He never stops loving us even when we sin, regardless of the sin we have committed against Him and sin is always against God. Therefore turn to the living God and obey His word and surrender to His care and authority.
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Our Mission is to Lead People into a Growing Relationship with Jesus Christ
Friday, March 16, 2012
Mark 10:1-9
1 Then Jesus left Capernaum and went southward to the region of Judea and into the area east of the Jordan River. As always there were the crowds, and as usual he taught them.
2 Some Pharisees came and tried to trap him with this question: "Should a man be allowed to divorce his wife?"
3 "What did Moses say about divorce?" Jesus asked them.
4 "Well, he permitted it," they replied. "He said a man merely has to write his wife an official letter of divorce and send her away."
5 But Jesus responded, "He wrote those instructions only as a concession to your hard-hearted wickedness. 6 But God's plan was seen from the beginning of creation, for 'He made them male and female.' 7 'This explains why a man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, 8 and the two are united into one.' Since they are no longer two but one, 9 let no one separate them, for God has joined them together." (NLT)
Not much is encouraging about divorce except to say if you're married don’t get divorced. God never intended for us to divorce but because of sin and the hardness of our hearts it happens. If you are divorced and not married then continually seek God’s will for your life. If you are remarried then be obedient to God’s Word in your marriage. If you and your spouse love as God loves-- that is with unconditional love divorce will not happen. We are to forgive as God has forgiven us and if do not forgive then God will not forgive us until we forgive (Matthew 6:14-15 & Colossians 3:13). If you are struggling in marriage then the best place to be is on your knees in prayer seeking God to the steps of restoration, in His Word diligently studying and obediently applying His Word to your life daily. Out of all the gifts that God gives the greatest gift is love. Unconditional love is unselfish love and a love that thinks more of the other person than themselves; not expecting anything in return. Take time and read through 1 Corinthians 13:1-13. V13 says, There are three things that will endure — faith, hope, and love — and the greatest of these is love. (NLT)
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Our Mission is to Lead People into a Growing Relationship with Jesus Christ
1 Then Jesus left Capernaum and went southward to the region of Judea and into the area east of the Jordan River. As always there were the crowds, and as usual he taught them.
2 Some Pharisees came and tried to trap him with this question: "Should a man be allowed to divorce his wife?"
3 "What did Moses say about divorce?" Jesus asked them.
4 "Well, he permitted it," they replied. "He said a man merely has to write his wife an official letter of divorce and send her away."
5 But Jesus responded, "He wrote those instructions only as a concession to your hard-hearted wickedness. 6 But God's plan was seen from the beginning of creation, for 'He made them male and female.' 7 'This explains why a man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, 8 and the two are united into one.' Since they are no longer two but one, 9 let no one separate them, for God has joined them together." (NLT)
Not much is encouraging about divorce except to say if you're married don’t get divorced. God never intended for us to divorce but because of sin and the hardness of our hearts it happens. If you are divorced and not married then continually seek God’s will for your life. If you are remarried then be obedient to God’s Word in your marriage. If you and your spouse love as God loves-- that is with unconditional love divorce will not happen. We are to forgive as God has forgiven us and if do not forgive then God will not forgive us until we forgive (Matthew 6:14-15 & Colossians 3:13). If you are struggling in marriage then the best place to be is on your knees in prayer seeking God to the steps of restoration, in His Word diligently studying and obediently applying His Word to your life daily. Out of all the gifts that God gives the greatest gift is love. Unconditional love is unselfish love and a love that thinks more of the other person than themselves; not expecting anything in return. Take time and read through 1 Corinthians 13:1-13. V13 says, There are three things that will endure — faith, hope, and love — and the greatest of these is love. (NLT)
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Our Mission is to Lead People into a Growing Relationship with Jesus Christ
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Mark 9:42-50
42 "But if anyone causes one of these little ones who trusts in me to lose faith, it would be better for that person to be thrown into the sea with a large millstone tied around the neck. 43 If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better to enter heaven with only one hand than to go into the unquenchable fires of hell with two hands. 45 If your foot causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better to enter heaven with only one foot than to be thrown into hell with two feet. 47 And if your eye causes you to sin, gouge it out. It is better to enter the Kingdom of God half blind than to have two eyes and be thrown into hell, 48 'where the worm never dies and the fire never goes out.'
49 "For everyone will be purified with fire. 50 Salt is good for seasoning. But if it loses its flavor, how do you make it salty again? You must have the qualities of salt among yourselves and live in peace with each other." (NLT) *(V44 & V46 are the same as V48 and are not found in earlier manuscripts)
Your walk with Christ is an important walk and one not to be taken lightly. When you teach you must teach God’s Word not your opinion. If, for some reason, your upbringing or personal opinion does not agree with God’s Word then you better take a close look at why they differ. God’s Word is truth and it needs to be taken to heart. If we teach contrary to God’s Word there are consequences to not keeping to it. In your walk God knows you will make small mistakes but He will continue to refine you with fire. This may hurt at times but in the end God will be glorified. Therefore we must continue to focus on Christ and His will for our lives and be obedient to His Word.
Salt not only is a seasoning but it is also a preservative. We are to be like salt, to season people’s lives with the Good news of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and to be a preservative, stable, steadfast in persecution and to be a reflection of the solid rock, Jesus Christ. Salt also can be a healing agent. In order to live in peace with each other we must heal our damaged relationship. If we do not do these things then we are of no use. If we lose our flavor then we become un-useful to our Masters work. Therefore be salt and never lose your flavor.
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Our Mission is to Lead People into a Growing Relationship with Jesus Christ
42 "But if anyone causes one of these little ones who trusts in me to lose faith, it would be better for that person to be thrown into the sea with a large millstone tied around the neck. 43 If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better to enter heaven with only one hand than to go into the unquenchable fires of hell with two hands. 45 If your foot causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better to enter heaven with only one foot than to be thrown into hell with two feet. 47 And if your eye causes you to sin, gouge it out. It is better to enter the Kingdom of God half blind than to have two eyes and be thrown into hell, 48 'where the worm never dies and the fire never goes out.'
49 "For everyone will be purified with fire. 50 Salt is good for seasoning. But if it loses its flavor, how do you make it salty again? You must have the qualities of salt among yourselves and live in peace with each other." (NLT) *(V44 & V46 are the same as V48 and are not found in earlier manuscripts)
Your walk with Christ is an important walk and one not to be taken lightly. When you teach you must teach God’s Word not your opinion. If, for some reason, your upbringing or personal opinion does not agree with God’s Word then you better take a close look at why they differ. God’s Word is truth and it needs to be taken to heart. If we teach contrary to God’s Word there are consequences to not keeping to it. In your walk God knows you will make small mistakes but He will continue to refine you with fire. This may hurt at times but in the end God will be glorified. Therefore we must continue to focus on Christ and His will for our lives and be obedient to His Word.
Salt not only is a seasoning but it is also a preservative. We are to be like salt, to season people’s lives with the Good news of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and to be a preservative, stable, steadfast in persecution and to be a reflection of the solid rock, Jesus Christ. Salt also can be a healing agent. In order to live in peace with each other we must heal our damaged relationship. If we do not do these things then we are of no use. If we lose our flavor then we become un-useful to our Masters work. Therefore be salt and never lose your flavor.
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Our Mission is to Lead People into a Growing Relationship with Jesus Christ
Mark 9:38-41
38 John said to Jesus, "Teacher, we saw a man using your name to cast out demons, but we told him to stop because he isn't one of our group."
39 "Don't stop him!" Jesus said. "No one who performs miracles in my name will soon be able to speak evil of me. 40 Anyone who is not against us is for us. 41 If anyone gives you even a cup of water because you belong to the Messiah, I assure you, that person will be rewarded. (NLT)
God calls people to do a variety of different things with different people and different cultures, just because they are not part of our group or church does not mean they are not working for God. We must remember that God can do whatever He wants whenever He wants with whomever He wants and how He wants. We are only one small piece to the great picture that God is working on. We are to be doing our part and others are to do their part. Remember “Anyone who is not against us is for us.” God has made things simple for us and it is we who try to make things more complicated. Jesus said that He would send the Holy Spirit to teach us all things and that is what He did. Remember when Jesus asked Peter three times if he loved Him and then they went for a walk together and Peter asked Jesus "what about that guy" (paraphrased) and Jesus said "what is that to you?" (parapharsed). Sometimes Jesus says to us "what is that to you?" It's just none of our business. We need to just be doing what God wants us to be done and leave the rest up to Jesus. We need to remember the KISS method “Keep It Simple Stupid.” I remind myself of this often because I can make things too complicated. Jesus wants us to trust Him, put our faith in Him, to believe in Him and to follow Him, pretty simple.
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Our Mission is to Lead People into a Growing Relationship with Jesus Christ
38 John said to Jesus, "Teacher, we saw a man using your name to cast out demons, but we told him to stop because he isn't one of our group."
39 "Don't stop him!" Jesus said. "No one who performs miracles in my name will soon be able to speak evil of me. 40 Anyone who is not against us is for us. 41 If anyone gives you even a cup of water because you belong to the Messiah, I assure you, that person will be rewarded. (NLT)
God calls people to do a variety of different things with different people and different cultures, just because they are not part of our group or church does not mean they are not working for God. We must remember that God can do whatever He wants whenever He wants with whomever He wants and how He wants. We are only one small piece to the great picture that God is working on. We are to be doing our part and others are to do their part. Remember “Anyone who is not against us is for us.” God has made things simple for us and it is we who try to make things more complicated. Jesus said that He would send the Holy Spirit to teach us all things and that is what He did. Remember when Jesus asked Peter three times if he loved Him and then they went for a walk together and Peter asked Jesus "what about that guy" (paraphrased) and Jesus said "what is that to you?" (parapharsed). Sometimes Jesus says to us "what is that to you?" It's just none of our business. We need to just be doing what God wants us to be done and leave the rest up to Jesus. We need to remember the KISS method “Keep It Simple Stupid.” I remind myself of this often because I can make things too complicated. Jesus wants us to trust Him, put our faith in Him, to believe in Him and to follow Him, pretty simple.
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Monday, March 12, 2012
Mark 9:33-37
33 After they arrived at Capernaum, Jesus and his disciples settled in the house where they would be staying. Jesus asked them, "What were you discussing out on the road?" 34 But they didn't answer, because they had been arguing about which of them was the greatest. 35 He sat down and called the twelve disciples over to him. Then he said, "Anyone who wants to be the first must take last place and be the servant of everyone else."
36 Then he put a little child among them. Taking the child in his arms, he said to them, 37 "Anyone who welcomes a little child like this on my behalf welcomes me, and anyone who welcomes me welcomes my Father who sent me." (NLT)
If you want to be great then you must become the least. To be first you must become last. To truly be great you must become humble. To be a leader you must become a servant. You must have faith as a small child has faith. If you cannot let go of first then your reward will be what you gain here on earth but if you let go of first and be willing to be last then your reward in heaven will be great. Your life here on earth is not about you but about Jesus. To gain your life you must lose your life. To be free you must give up control of your life to the work of the Holy Spirit. Jesus did not come to be served but to serve and we are to do the same. We are not here to be served but to serve others. We are to think more of others and less of yourself. "Anyone who welcomes a little child like this on my behalf welcomes me, and anyone who welcomes me welcomes my Father who sent me."
33 After they arrived at Capernaum, Jesus and his disciples settled in the house where they would be staying. Jesus asked them, "What were you discussing out on the road?" 34 But they didn't answer, because they had been arguing about which of them was the greatest. 35 He sat down and called the twelve disciples over to him. Then he said, "Anyone who wants to be the first must take last place and be the servant of everyone else."
36 Then he put a little child among them. Taking the child in his arms, he said to them, 37 "Anyone who welcomes a little child like this on my behalf welcomes me, and anyone who welcomes me welcomes my Father who sent me." (NLT)
If you want to be great then you must become the least. To be first you must become last. To truly be great you must become humble. To be a leader you must become a servant. You must have faith as a small child has faith. If you cannot let go of first then your reward will be what you gain here on earth but if you let go of first and be willing to be last then your reward in heaven will be great. Your life here on earth is not about you but about Jesus. To gain your life you must lose your life. To be free you must give up control of your life to the work of the Holy Spirit. Jesus did not come to be served but to serve and we are to do the same. We are not here to be served but to serve others. We are to think more of others and less of yourself. "Anyone who welcomes a little child like this on my behalf welcomes me, and anyone who welcomes me welcomes my Father who sent me."
Friday, March 9, 2012
Mark 9:30-32
30 Leaving that region, they traveled through Galilee. Jesus tried to avoid all publicity
31 in order to spend more time with his disciples and teach them. He said to them, "The Son of Man is going to be betrayed. He will be killed, but three days later he will rise from the dead."
32 But they didn't understand what he was saying, and they were afraid to ask him what he meant. (NLT)
Think about Jesus telling the disciples about His impending death and how hard this must have been. But He needed to prepare the disciples for what was ahead. Jesus does the same with us. He is preparing us for the mission He has for us. Don’t be afraid to ask Jesus questions, be diligent in your prayers and be diligent in your study of Scripture. The Holy Spirit is with you every step of the way. He lives within you to guide, direct, teach and show you God’s will for your life. He will show you how to glorify God your Father. Take the time to be still and hear His voice.
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30 Leaving that region, they traveled through Galilee. Jesus tried to avoid all publicity
31 in order to spend more time with his disciples and teach them. He said to them, "The Son of Man is going to be betrayed. He will be killed, but three days later he will rise from the dead."
32 But they didn't understand what he was saying, and they were afraid to ask him what he meant. (NLT)
Think about Jesus telling the disciples about His impending death and how hard this must have been. But He needed to prepare the disciples for what was ahead. Jesus does the same with us. He is preparing us for the mission He has for us. Don’t be afraid to ask Jesus questions, be diligent in your prayers and be diligent in your study of Scripture. The Holy Spirit is with you every step of the way. He lives within you to guide, direct, teach and show you God’s will for your life. He will show you how to glorify God your Father. Take the time to be still and hear His voice.
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Our Mission is to Lead People into a Growing Relationship with Jesus Christ
Mark 9:25-29
25 When Jesus saw that the crowd of onlookers was growing, he rebuked the evil spirit. "Spirit of deafness and muteness," he said, "I command you to come out of this child and never enter him again!" 26 Then the spirit screamed and threw the boy into another violent convulsion and left him. The boy lay there motionless, and he appeared to be dead. A murmur ran through the crowd, "He's dead." 27 But Jesus took him by the hand and helped him to his feet, and he stood up.
28 Afterward, when Jesus was alone in the house with his disciples, they asked him, "Why couldn't we cast out that evil spirit?"
29 Jesus replied, "This kind can be cast out only by prayer." (NLT)
When Jesus saw that the crowd was growing He quickly healed the boy. Jesus was not there to put on a show He was there to lead people to faith and truth. Even afterward people in the crowd still did not believe. Other versions say “prayer and fasting” in verse 29, therefore in Christ we must deny ourselves and dedicate ourselves to prayer and fasting. In other words we must focus solely and completely on Christ in total surrender to Him. Evil lurks in many places and we need to be ready when we are called upon to confront and battle evil. We are to be able to stand firm for Jesus and be unmovable.
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25 When Jesus saw that the crowd of onlookers was growing, he rebuked the evil spirit. "Spirit of deafness and muteness," he said, "I command you to come out of this child and never enter him again!" 26 Then the spirit screamed and threw the boy into another violent convulsion and left him. The boy lay there motionless, and he appeared to be dead. A murmur ran through the crowd, "He's dead." 27 But Jesus took him by the hand and helped him to his feet, and he stood up.
28 Afterward, when Jesus was alone in the house with his disciples, they asked him, "Why couldn't we cast out that evil spirit?"
29 Jesus replied, "This kind can be cast out only by prayer." (NLT)
When Jesus saw that the crowd was growing He quickly healed the boy. Jesus was not there to put on a show He was there to lead people to faith and truth. Even afterward people in the crowd still did not believe. Other versions say “prayer and fasting” in verse 29, therefore in Christ we must deny ourselves and dedicate ourselves to prayer and fasting. In other words we must focus solely and completely on Christ in total surrender to Him. Evil lurks in many places and we need to be ready when we are called upon to confront and battle evil. We are to be able to stand firm for Jesus and be unmovable.
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Our Mission is to Lead People into a Growing Relationship with Jesus Christ
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Words of EncouragementMark 9:14-24
14 At the foot of the mountain they found a great crowd surrounding the other disciples, as some teachers of religious law were arguing with them. 15 The crowd watched Jesus in awe as he came toward them, and then they ran to greet him. 16 "What is all this arguing about?" he asked.
17 One of the men in the crowd spoke up and said, "Teacher, I brought my son for you to heal him. He can't speak because he is possessed by an evil spirit that won't let him talk. 18 And whenever this evil spirit seizes him, it throws him violently to the ground and makes him foam at the mouth and grind his teeth and become rigid. So I asked your disciples to cast out the evil spirit, but they couldn't do it."
19 Jesus said to them, "You faithless people! How long must I be with you until you believe? How long must I put up with you? Bring the boy to me." 20 So they brought the boy. But when the evil spirit saw Jesus, it threw the child into a violent convulsion, and he fell to the ground, writhing and foaming at the mouth. 21 "How long has this been happening?" Jesus asked the boy's father.
He replied, "Since he was very small. 22 The evil spirit often makes him fall into the fire or into water, trying to kill him. Have mercy on us and help us. Do something if you can."
23 "What do you mean, 'If I can'?" Jesus asked. "Anything is possible if a person believes." 24 The father instantly replied, "I do believe, but help me not to doubt!" (NLT)
The crowd was in awe of Jesus and they even ran to greet Him. Why? Did they want to be saved or maybe they believed in Him as their Messiah? No, all they wanted was to see the show. When the man who brought his son to be healed spoke you can see that he did not seek Jesus but instead went to His disciples. That’s like going to a co-worker to ask a question only the boss can answer. Why don’t you just ask the boss? The man bypassed Jesus because of fear, knowing that he lacked faith in Jesus and did not want to be confronted about it. Even Jesus gets disappointed once in a while too. “You faithless people! How long must I be with you until you believe? How long must I put up with you?" Does this sound familiar with us? Yes it does. The man did not help himself because he put his foot further into his mouth by saying “Do something if you can.” That was the wrong thing to say. Jesus’ response "What do you mean, 'If I can'?" The man was caught, no faith and no belief in Jesus. You cannot escape Jesus and the man knew it. Jesus said, "Anything is possible if a person believes." There you have it. You must put your faith and belief in Jesus. There is no way around it you can try as hard as you like but it will always come back to Jesus and where you stand. Do you believe or do you doubt? Jesus does not want lukewarm followers He want followers who believe and have faith.
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14 At the foot of the mountain they found a great crowd surrounding the other disciples, as some teachers of religious law were arguing with them. 15 The crowd watched Jesus in awe as he came toward them, and then they ran to greet him. 16 "What is all this arguing about?" he asked.
17 One of the men in the crowd spoke up and said, "Teacher, I brought my son for you to heal him. He can't speak because he is possessed by an evil spirit that won't let him talk. 18 And whenever this evil spirit seizes him, it throws him violently to the ground and makes him foam at the mouth and grind his teeth and become rigid. So I asked your disciples to cast out the evil spirit, but they couldn't do it."
19 Jesus said to them, "You faithless people! How long must I be with you until you believe? How long must I put up with you? Bring the boy to me." 20 So they brought the boy. But when the evil spirit saw Jesus, it threw the child into a violent convulsion, and he fell to the ground, writhing and foaming at the mouth. 21 "How long has this been happening?" Jesus asked the boy's father.
He replied, "Since he was very small. 22 The evil spirit often makes him fall into the fire or into water, trying to kill him. Have mercy on us and help us. Do something if you can."
23 "What do you mean, 'If I can'?" Jesus asked. "Anything is possible if a person believes." 24 The father instantly replied, "I do believe, but help me not to doubt!" (NLT)
The crowd was in awe of Jesus and they even ran to greet Him. Why? Did they want to be saved or maybe they believed in Him as their Messiah? No, all they wanted was to see the show. When the man who brought his son to be healed spoke you can see that he did not seek Jesus but instead went to His disciples. That’s like going to a co-worker to ask a question only the boss can answer. Why don’t you just ask the boss? The man bypassed Jesus because of fear, knowing that he lacked faith in Jesus and did not want to be confronted about it. Even Jesus gets disappointed once in a while too. “You faithless people! How long must I be with you until you believe? How long must I put up with you?" Does this sound familiar with us? Yes it does. The man did not help himself because he put his foot further into his mouth by saying “Do something if you can.” That was the wrong thing to say. Jesus’ response "What do you mean, 'If I can'?" The man was caught, no faith and no belief in Jesus. You cannot escape Jesus and the man knew it. Jesus said, "Anything is possible if a person believes." There you have it. You must put your faith and belief in Jesus. There is no way around it you can try as hard as you like but it will always come back to Jesus and where you stand. Do you believe or do you doubt? Jesus does not want lukewarm followers He want followers who believe and have faith.
Sponsored by BMCC Men’s Ministry
Our Mission is to Lead People into a Growing Relationship with Jesus Christ
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Mark 9:11-13
11 Now they began asking him, "Why do the teachers of religious law insist that Elijah must return before the Messiah comes?"
12 Jesus responded, "Elijah is indeed coming first to set everything in order. Why then is it written in the Scriptures that the Son of Man must suffer and be treated with utter contempt?
13 But I tell you, Elijah has already come, and he was badly mistreated, just as the Scriptures predicted."(NLT)
What they did not see was that John the Baptist was the one. He came and prepared the way for Jesus. John set everything in order for Jesus to begin His ministry. Every Scripture that Jesus has spoken of was fulfilled. Every Old Testament Scripture that pointed to the Messiah Jesus fulfilled.
It is wonderful that we serve a Savior that everything He says He does. He has never been wrong, His word is truth and His love is everlasting. And when He said He would return that too He will do, guaranteed.
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11 Now they began asking him, "Why do the teachers of religious law insist that Elijah must return before the Messiah comes?"
12 Jesus responded, "Elijah is indeed coming first to set everything in order. Why then is it written in the Scriptures that the Son of Man must suffer and be treated with utter contempt?
13 But I tell you, Elijah has already come, and he was badly mistreated, just as the Scriptures predicted."(NLT)
What they did not see was that John the Baptist was the one. He came and prepared the way for Jesus. John set everything in order for Jesus to begin His ministry. Every Scripture that Jesus has spoken of was fulfilled. Every Old Testament Scripture that pointed to the Messiah Jesus fulfilled.
It is wonderful that we serve a Savior that everything He says He does. He has never been wrong, His word is truth and His love is everlasting. And when He said He would return that too He will do, guaranteed.
Sponsored by BMCC Men’s Ministry
Our Mission is to Lead People into a Growing Relationship with Jesus Christ
Monday, March 5, 2012
Mark 9:1-10
The Transfiguration
2 Six days later Jesus took Peter, James, and John to the top of a mountain. No one else was there.
As the men watched, Jesus' appearance changed,
3 and his clothing became dazzling white, far whiter than any earthly process could ever make it.
4 Then Elijah and Moses appeared and began talking with Jesus.
5 "Teacher, this is wonderful!" Peter exclaimed. "We will make three shrines —
one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah."
6 He didn't really know what to say, for they were all terribly afraid.
7 Then a cloud came over them, and a voice from the cloud said, "This is my beloved Son. Listen to him."
8 Suddenly they looked around, and Moses and Elijah were gone, and only Jesus was with them.
9 As they descended the mountainside, he told them not to tell anyone what they had seen until he,
the Son of Man, had risen from the dead.
10 So they kept it to themselves, but they often asked each other what he meant by "rising from the dead."
(NLT)
Jesus showed Peter, James and John who He truly was "the Son of Man" "the Messiah." They needed to see the real Jesus for Jesus was going to use them to begin His church. Peter of course puts his foot in his mouth but that's OK because we do too. We too need to do what God told Peter, James and John and that is to listen to God's beloved Son. The world lies to us all the time and tries to get us to believe anything. But Jesus is always honest, truthful and does what He says. There is always consistancy with Jesus. The world is unstable but Jesus is the Solid Rock.
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Our Mission is to Lead People into a Growing Relationship with Jesus Christ
The Transfiguration
2 Six days later Jesus took Peter, James, and John to the top of a mountain. No one else was there.
As the men watched, Jesus' appearance changed,
3 and his clothing became dazzling white, far whiter than any earthly process could ever make it.
4 Then Elijah and Moses appeared and began talking with Jesus.
5 "Teacher, this is wonderful!" Peter exclaimed. "We will make three shrines —
one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah."
6 He didn't really know what to say, for they were all terribly afraid.
7 Then a cloud came over them, and a voice from the cloud said, "This is my beloved Son. Listen to him."
8 Suddenly they looked around, and Moses and Elijah were gone, and only Jesus was with them.
9 As they descended the mountainside, he told them not to tell anyone what they had seen until he,
the Son of Man, had risen from the dead.
10 So they kept it to themselves, but they often asked each other what he meant by "rising from the dead."
(NLT)
Jesus showed Peter, James and John who He truly was "the Son of Man" "the Messiah." They needed to see the real Jesus for Jesus was going to use them to begin His church. Peter of course puts his foot in his mouth but that's OK because we do too. We too need to do what God told Peter, James and John and that is to listen to God's beloved Son. The world lies to us all the time and tries to get us to believe anything. But Jesus is always honest, truthful and does what He says. There is always consistancy with Jesus. The world is unstable but Jesus is the Solid Rock.
Sponsored by BMCC Men's Ministry
Our Mission is to Lead People into a Growing Relationship with Jesus Christ
Friday, March 2, 2012
Mark 9:1
1 Jesus went on to say, "I assure you that some of you standing here right now will not die before you see the Kingdom of God arrive in great power!" (NLT)
The key word here is "arrive." When Jesus died and ascended to heaven He sent the Holy Spirit to come and begin the coming process or the first step in the coming of the kingdom of God. We are now in the process of the kingdom of God coming. We are to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ until the full arrival of the kingdom of God. There are many things that must happen before Christ's full return. Our part in this process is to preach the word in season and out of season in other words all the time at every opportunity. Therefore Jesus was correct that those standing there would not see death but would see the Holy Spirit come at the beginning of the kingdom of God not that some would live until Christ returned. And as they were all gathered in that room they saw the Holy Spirit come in with great power as He dispersed His gifts to them and He continues to this day with great power giving gifts, guiding and teaching how to follow Jesus Christ.
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1 Jesus went on to say, "I assure you that some of you standing here right now will not die before you see the Kingdom of God arrive in great power!" (NLT)
The key word here is "arrive." When Jesus died and ascended to heaven He sent the Holy Spirit to come and begin the coming process or the first step in the coming of the kingdom of God. We are now in the process of the kingdom of God coming. We are to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ until the full arrival of the kingdom of God. There are many things that must happen before Christ's full return. Our part in this process is to preach the word in season and out of season in other words all the time at every opportunity. Therefore Jesus was correct that those standing there would not see death but would see the Holy Spirit come at the beginning of the kingdom of God not that some would live until Christ returned. And as they were all gathered in that room they saw the Holy Spirit come in with great power as He dispersed His gifts to them and He continues to this day with great power giving gifts, guiding and teaching how to follow Jesus Christ.
Sponsored by BMCC Men's Ministry
Our Mission is to Lead People into a Growing Relationship with Jesus Christ
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Mark 8:34-38
34 Then he called his disciples and the crowds to come over and listen. "If any of you wants to be my follower," he told them, "you must put aside your selfish ambition, shoulder your cross, and follow me.
35 If you try to keep your life for yourself, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake and for the sake of the Good News, you will find true life.
36 And how do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul in the process?
37 Is anything worth more than your soul?
38 If a person is ashamed of me and my message in these adulterous and sinful days, I, the Son of Man, will be ashamed of that person when I return in the glory of my Father with the holy angels."
(NLT)
To be a Christ follower we must deny ourselves, we must stop being selfish and start being selfless. Jesus did not come to be served but to serve and we are to follow Christ's example. When you live your life for yourself you will lose it. Your life will be of no worth or meaningless. But a life lived for Christ has meaning and purpose. In living for Christ you will find true life and life more abundant. Ask yourself these questions that Jesus asked the crowd: do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul in the process? Answer, no you do not benefit. You can only benefit from the one who created you and gave you life. Is anything worth more than your soul? No. You are a child of the living God, you belong to Him and He knows that you are valuable to Him.
Verse 38 is a verse we must think about. Are we ashamed to be called a follower of Christ? Are we ashamed of the Gospel? If we shy away from sharing the Gospel how do you think this makes Christ feel? Has He not done great things in your life? We are to be proud to be called His children regardless of what others say. This is not a selfish pride but one of honor and respect to our God and King. Therefore we need to speak out and speak the truth of Christ. Christ gave His all for us so then should we not give our all to Him? Yes, yes we should.
We can do all things through Jesus Christ who strengthens us.
Sponsored by BMCC Men's Ministry
Our Mission is to Lead People into a Growing Relationship with Jesus Christ
34 Then he called his disciples and the crowds to come over and listen. "If any of you wants to be my follower," he told them, "you must put aside your selfish ambition, shoulder your cross, and follow me.
35 If you try to keep your life for yourself, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake and for the sake of the Good News, you will find true life.
36 And how do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul in the process?
37 Is anything worth more than your soul?
38 If a person is ashamed of me and my message in these adulterous and sinful days, I, the Son of Man, will be ashamed of that person when I return in the glory of my Father with the holy angels."
(NLT)
To be a Christ follower we must deny ourselves, we must stop being selfish and start being selfless. Jesus did not come to be served but to serve and we are to follow Christ's example. When you live your life for yourself you will lose it. Your life will be of no worth or meaningless. But a life lived for Christ has meaning and purpose. In living for Christ you will find true life and life more abundant. Ask yourself these questions that Jesus asked the crowd: do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul in the process? Answer, no you do not benefit. You can only benefit from the one who created you and gave you life. Is anything worth more than your soul? No. You are a child of the living God, you belong to Him and He knows that you are valuable to Him.
Verse 38 is a verse we must think about. Are we ashamed to be called a follower of Christ? Are we ashamed of the Gospel? If we shy away from sharing the Gospel how do you think this makes Christ feel? Has He not done great things in your life? We are to be proud to be called His children regardless of what others say. This is not a selfish pride but one of honor and respect to our God and King. Therefore we need to speak out and speak the truth of Christ. Christ gave His all for us so then should we not give our all to Him? Yes, yes we should.
We can do all things through Jesus Christ who strengthens us.
Sponsored by BMCC Men's Ministry
Our Mission is to Lead People into a Growing Relationship with Jesus Christ
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