Mark 16:1-20
The Resurrection
The next evening, when the Sabbath ended, Mary Magdalene and Salome and Mary the mother of James went out and purchased burial spices to put on Jesus' body. 2 Very early on Sunday morning, just at sunrise, they came to the tomb. 3 On the way they were discussing who would roll the stone away from the entrance to the tomb. 4 But when they arrived, they looked up and saw that the stone — a very large one — had already been rolled aside. 5 So they entered the tomb, and there on the right sat a young man clothed in a white robe. The women were startled, 6 but the angel said, "Do not be so surprised. You are looking for Jesus, the Nazarene, who was crucified. He isn't here! He has been raised from the dead! Look, this is where they laid his body. 7 Now go and give this message to his disciples, including Peter: Jesus is going ahead of you to Galilee. You will see him there, just as he told you before he died!" 8 The women fled from the tomb, trembling and bewildered, saying nothing to anyone because they were too frightened to talk. 9 It was early on Sunday morning when Jesus rose from the dead, and the first person who saw him was Mary Magdalene, the woman from whom he had cast out seven demons. 10 She went and found the disciples, who were grieving and weeping. 11 But when she told them that Jesus was alive and she had seen him, they didn't believe her. 12 Afterward he appeared to two who were walking from Jerusalem into the country, but they didn't recognize him at first because he had changed his appearance. 13 When they realized who he was, they rushed back to tell the others, but no one believed them. 14 Still later he appeared to the eleven disciples as they were eating together. He rebuked them for their unbelief — their stubborn refusal to believe those who had seen him after he had risen.
15 And then he told them, "Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone, everywhere. 16 Anyone who believes and is baptized will be saved. But anyone who refuses to believe will be condemned. 17 These signs will accompany those who believe: They will cast out demons in my name, and they will speak new languages. 18 They will be able to handle snakes with safety, and if they drink anything poisonous, it won't hurt them. They will be able to place their hands on the sick and heal them."
19 When the Lord Jesus had finished talking with them, he was taken up into heaven and sat down in the place of honor at God's right hand. 20 And the disciples went everywhere and preached, and the Lord worked with them, confirming what they said by many miraculous signs. (NLT)
Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone, everywhere for our Savior is risen. Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and He will direct your path.
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Words of Encouragement will be taking the summer off. Words of Encouragement will return September 4th. Have a great summer and continue every day in the Word of God and in Prayer. God Bless you. See you in September.
Monday, June 25, 2012
The Burial of Jesus
42 This all happened on Friday, the day of preparation, the day before the Sabbath. As evening approached, 43 an honored member of the high council, Joseph from Arimathea (who was waiting for the Kingdom of God to come), gathered his courage and went to Pilate to ask for Jesus' body. 44 Pilate couldn't believe that Jesus was already dead, so he called for the Roman military officer in charge and asked him. 45 The officer confirmed the fact, and Pilate told Joseph he could have the body. 46 Joseph bought a long sheet of linen cloth, and taking Jesus' body down from the cross, he wrapped it in the cloth and laid it in a tomb that had been carved out of the rock. Then he rolled a stone in front of the entrance. 47 Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joseph saw where Jesus' body was laid. (NLT)
Courage, this is how we are to live our lives for Christ. God told Joshua before going into the promised land to have courage. Joseph of Arimathea was waiting for the Kingdom of God to come had no courage because he was afraid of the Jewish leaders and the Roman Empire. But when his Savior died, he finally got the courage to go forward. We need to die to self so that we can move forward to live for Christ and become courageous for Jesus.
Joshua 1:9 I command you — be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go."(NLT)
1 Corinthians 16:13-14 Be on guard. Stand true to what you believe. Be courageous. Be strong. 14 And everything you do must be done with love. (NLT)
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42 This all happened on Friday, the day of preparation, the day before the Sabbath. As evening approached, 43 an honored member of the high council, Joseph from Arimathea (who was waiting for the Kingdom of God to come), gathered his courage and went to Pilate to ask for Jesus' body. 44 Pilate couldn't believe that Jesus was already dead, so he called for the Roman military officer in charge and asked him. 45 The officer confirmed the fact, and Pilate told Joseph he could have the body. 46 Joseph bought a long sheet of linen cloth, and taking Jesus' body down from the cross, he wrapped it in the cloth and laid it in a tomb that had been carved out of the rock. Then he rolled a stone in front of the entrance. 47 Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joseph saw where Jesus' body was laid. (NLT)
Courage, this is how we are to live our lives for Christ. God told Joshua before going into the promised land to have courage. Joseph of Arimathea was waiting for the Kingdom of God to come had no courage because he was afraid of the Jewish leaders and the Roman Empire. But when his Savior died, he finally got the courage to go forward. We need to die to self so that we can move forward to live for Christ and become courageous for Jesus.
Joshua 1:9 I command you — be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go."(NLT)
1 Corinthians 16:13-14 Be on guard. Stand true to what you believe. Be courageous. Be strong. 14 And everything you do must be done with love. (NLT)
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The Death of Jesus
33 At noon, darkness fell across the whole land until three o'clock. 34 Then, at that time Jesus called out with a loud voice, "Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?" which means, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?"
35 Some of the bystanders misunderstood and thought he was calling for the prophet Elijah. 36 One of them ran and filled a sponge with sour wine, holding it up to him on a stick so he could drink. "Leave him alone. Let's see whether Elijah will come and take him down!" he said.
37 Then Jesus uttered another loud cry and breathed his last. 38 And the curtain in the Temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. 39 When the Roman officer who stood facing him saw how he had died, he exclaimed, "Truly, this was the Son of God!"
40 Some women were there, watching from a distance, including Mary Magdalene, Mary (the mother of James the younger and of Joseph ), and Salome. 41 They had been followers of Jesus and had cared for him while he was in Galilee. Then they and many other women had come with him to Jerusalem. (NLT)
“Truly, this was the Son of God!” Wherever Jesus went people were saved. Even on the cross at the moment of His death someone exclaimed “Truly, this was the Son of God!” Just before He died, one of the thieves also received Jesus’ gift of salvation and at the moment of His death. So did this Roman soldier. Jesus is our ultimate example of how we should be living our lives. We are to live our lives every moment for God our Father, just as Jesus did. Even when we are on our death bed, we should continue to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. Some will misunderstand us but many will understand who Jesus is through our life and our witness in Christ.
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33 At noon, darkness fell across the whole land until three o'clock. 34 Then, at that time Jesus called out with a loud voice, "Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?" which means, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?"
35 Some of the bystanders misunderstood and thought he was calling for the prophet Elijah. 36 One of them ran and filled a sponge with sour wine, holding it up to him on a stick so he could drink. "Leave him alone. Let's see whether Elijah will come and take him down!" he said.
37 Then Jesus uttered another loud cry and breathed his last. 38 And the curtain in the Temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. 39 When the Roman officer who stood facing him saw how he had died, he exclaimed, "Truly, this was the Son of God!"
40 Some women were there, watching from a distance, including Mary Magdalene, Mary (the mother of James the younger and of Joseph ), and Salome. 41 They had been followers of Jesus and had cared for him while he was in Galilee. Then they and many other women had come with him to Jerusalem. (NLT)
“Truly, this was the Son of God!” Wherever Jesus went people were saved. Even on the cross at the moment of His death someone exclaimed “Truly, this was the Son of God!” Just before He died, one of the thieves also received Jesus’ gift of salvation and at the moment of His death. So did this Roman soldier. Jesus is our ultimate example of how we should be living our lives. We are to live our lives every moment for God our Father, just as Jesus did. Even when we are on our death bed, we should continue to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. Some will misunderstand us but many will understand who Jesus is through our life and our witness in Christ.
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Wednesday, June 20, 2012
The Crucifixion
21 A man named Simon, who was from Cyrene, was coming in from the country just then, and they forced him to carry Jesus' cross. (Simon is the father of Alexander and Rufus.) 22 And they brought Jesus to a place called Golgotha (which means Skull Hill). 23 They offered him wine drugged with myrrh, but he refused it. 24 Then they nailed him to the cross. They gambled for his clothes, throwing dice to decide who would get them.
25 It was nine o'clock in the morning when the crucifixion took place. 26 A signboard was fastened to the cross above Jesus' head, announcing the charge against him. It read: "The King of the Jews." 27 Two criminals were crucified with him, their crosses on either side of his. 29 And the people passing by shouted abuse, shaking their heads in mockery. "Ha! Look at you now!" they yelled at him. "You can destroy the Temple and rebuild it in three days, can you? 30 Well then, save yourself and come down from the cross!"
31 The leading priests and teachers of religious law also mocked Jesus. "He saved others," they scoffed, "but he can't save himself! 32 Let this Messiah, this king of Israel, come down from the cross so we can see it and believe him!" Even the two criminals who were being crucified with Jesus ridiculed him. (NLT)
Even if Jesus came down off of the cross the leaders still would not have believed. They had lied to themselves and had twisted the scripture for so long they only believed their own lies. Even after Jesus rose from the dead and they knew that He did they still did not believe. For those who do not believe all we can do is to continually pray for them that the Holy Spirit will open their eye to the truth.
Even though Jesus was wrongfully accused He went to the cross willingly for us. Let us not take this love Jesus has for us for granted but let us share it as willingly as Jesus did. Jesus’ love was not meant for us to keep to ourselves but to share with everyone, to be given away. When we give Jesus’ love away to others He continually fills us with more of His love.
1 Corinthians 13:13 There are three things that will endure — faith, hope, and love — and the greatest of these is love. (NLT)
1 Corinthians 16:13-14 Be on guard. Stand true to what you believe. Be courageous. Be strong. 14 And everything you do must be done with love. (NLT)
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21 A man named Simon, who was from Cyrene, was coming in from the country just then, and they forced him to carry Jesus' cross. (Simon is the father of Alexander and Rufus.) 22 And they brought Jesus to a place called Golgotha (which means Skull Hill). 23 They offered him wine drugged with myrrh, but he refused it. 24 Then they nailed him to the cross. They gambled for his clothes, throwing dice to decide who would get them.
25 It was nine o'clock in the morning when the crucifixion took place. 26 A signboard was fastened to the cross above Jesus' head, announcing the charge against him. It read: "The King of the Jews." 27 Two criminals were crucified with him, their crosses on either side of his. 29 And the people passing by shouted abuse, shaking their heads in mockery. "Ha! Look at you now!" they yelled at him. "You can destroy the Temple and rebuild it in three days, can you? 30 Well then, save yourself and come down from the cross!"
31 The leading priests and teachers of religious law also mocked Jesus. "He saved others," they scoffed, "but he can't save himself! 32 Let this Messiah, this king of Israel, come down from the cross so we can see it and believe him!" Even the two criminals who were being crucified with Jesus ridiculed him. (NLT)
Even if Jesus came down off of the cross the leaders still would not have believed. They had lied to themselves and had twisted the scripture for so long they only believed their own lies. Even after Jesus rose from the dead and they knew that He did they still did not believe. For those who do not believe all we can do is to continually pray for them that the Holy Spirit will open their eye to the truth.
Even though Jesus was wrongfully accused He went to the cross willingly for us. Let us not take this love Jesus has for us for granted but let us share it as willingly as Jesus did. Jesus’ love was not meant for us to keep to ourselves but to share with everyone, to be given away. When we give Jesus’ love away to others He continually fills us with more of His love.
1 Corinthians 13:13 There are three things that will endure — faith, hope, and love — and the greatest of these is love. (NLT)
1 Corinthians 16:13-14 Be on guard. Stand true to what you believe. Be courageous. Be strong. 14 And everything you do must be done with love. (NLT)
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Tuesday, June 19, 2012
Mark 15:16-20
The Soldiers Mock Jesus
16 The soldiers took him into their headquarters and called out the entire battalion. 17 They dressed him in a purple robe and made a crown of long, sharp thorns and put it on his head. 18 Then they saluted, yelling, "Hail! King of the Jews!" 19 And they beat him on the head with a stick, spit on him, and dropped to their knees in mock worship. 20 When they were finally tired of mocking him, they took off the purple robe and put his own clothes on him again. Then they led him away to be crucified. (NLT)
It is painful to read what our Savior went through for us and He went through this willingly. To be God and to be mocked by those you created and loved. He came to show them His love for them but they mocked Him. We need to view each other as Jesus views us. Jesus sees us as valuable, worth dying for and worth loving. If our hearts have turned cold we remove ourselves from those who are hurting and need us to love them as the Savior loved us. Our salvation came at a great price, a price we can never repay even if we die and one we can never repay. Therefore we are to do the works of the Father as Jesus did the works of the Father. We are to love as Jesus loves us, we are to share the gospel as Jesus shared the Gospel and we are to deny ourselves and pick up our cross and follow Jesus. He suffered for us and it doesn’t hurt us to suffer for Him in the advancing the gospel and kingdom of God.
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The Soldiers Mock Jesus
16 The soldiers took him into their headquarters and called out the entire battalion. 17 They dressed him in a purple robe and made a crown of long, sharp thorns and put it on his head. 18 Then they saluted, yelling, "Hail! King of the Jews!" 19 And they beat him on the head with a stick, spit on him, and dropped to their knees in mock worship. 20 When they were finally tired of mocking him, they took off the purple robe and put his own clothes on him again. Then they led him away to be crucified. (NLT)
It is painful to read what our Savior went through for us and He went through this willingly. To be God and to be mocked by those you created and loved. He came to show them His love for them but they mocked Him. We need to view each other as Jesus views us. Jesus sees us as valuable, worth dying for and worth loving. If our hearts have turned cold we remove ourselves from those who are hurting and need us to love them as the Savior loved us. Our salvation came at a great price, a price we can never repay even if we die and one we can never repay. Therefore we are to do the works of the Father as Jesus did the works of the Father. We are to love as Jesus loves us, we are to share the gospel as Jesus shared the Gospel and we are to deny ourselves and pick up our cross and follow Jesus. He suffered for us and it doesn’t hurt us to suffer for Him in the advancing the gospel and kingdom of God.
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Monday, June 18, 2012
Mark 15:6-15
6 Now it was the governor's custom to release one prisoner each year at Passover time — anyone the people requested. 7 One of the prisoners at that time was Barabbas, convicted along with others for murder during an insurrection. 8 The mob began to crowd in toward Pilate, asking him to release a prisoner as usual. 9 "Should I give you the King of the Jews?" Pilate asked. 10(For he realized by now that the leading priests had arrested Jesus out of envy.) 11 But at this point the leading priests stirred up the mob to demand the release of Barabbas instead of Jesus. 12 "But if I release Barabbas," Pilate asked them, "what should I do with this man you call the King of the Jews?"
13 They shouted back, "Crucify him!"
14 "Why?" Pilate demanded. "What crime has he committed?"
But the crowd only roared the louder, "Crucify him!"
15 So Pilate, anxious to please the crowd, released Barabbas to them. He ordered Jesus flogged with a lead-tipped whip, then turned him over to the Roman soldiers to crucify him. (NLT)
Pilate is a prime example of someone who just follows the crowd. He figured out what the right thing to do was but instead he wanted to please the crowd. He cared about nothing more than his popularity. Following the crowd can be very dangerous-- just look at what happened to the crowd itself. The leading priests stirred up the crowd to get everyone was joining in. A mob or large crowd sometimes seems to take on its own personality and it is not always a good thing. It is very easy to get caught up in the moment.
But we as Christ followers are to focus on Christ at all times and to let Jesus lead us, not the crowd. We know that Jesus went to the cross willingly for us but we can also learn from the mistakes of others in the Bible so that we don’t make the same mistakes. When we are in the word everyday it helps us to guide and direct us in the right way.
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6 Now it was the governor's custom to release one prisoner each year at Passover time — anyone the people requested. 7 One of the prisoners at that time was Barabbas, convicted along with others for murder during an insurrection. 8 The mob began to crowd in toward Pilate, asking him to release a prisoner as usual. 9 "Should I give you the King of the Jews?" Pilate asked. 10(For he realized by now that the leading priests had arrested Jesus out of envy.) 11 But at this point the leading priests stirred up the mob to demand the release of Barabbas instead of Jesus. 12 "But if I release Barabbas," Pilate asked them, "what should I do with this man you call the King of the Jews?"
13 They shouted back, "Crucify him!"
14 "Why?" Pilate demanded. "What crime has he committed?"
But the crowd only roared the louder, "Crucify him!"
15 So Pilate, anxious to please the crowd, released Barabbas to them. He ordered Jesus flogged with a lead-tipped whip, then turned him over to the Roman soldiers to crucify him. (NLT)
Pilate is a prime example of someone who just follows the crowd. He figured out what the right thing to do was but instead he wanted to please the crowd. He cared about nothing more than his popularity. Following the crowd can be very dangerous-- just look at what happened to the crowd itself. The leading priests stirred up the crowd to get everyone was joining in. A mob or large crowd sometimes seems to take on its own personality and it is not always a good thing. It is very easy to get caught up in the moment.
But we as Christ followers are to focus on Christ at all times and to let Jesus lead us, not the crowd. We know that Jesus went to the cross willingly for us but we can also learn from the mistakes of others in the Bible so that we don’t make the same mistakes. When we are in the word everyday it helps us to guide and direct us in the right way.
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Friday, June 15, 2012
Mark 15:1-5
Very early in the morning the leading priests, other leaders, and teachers of religious law — the entire high council — met to discuss their next step. They bound Jesus and took him to Pilate, the Roman governor.
2 Pilate asked Jesus, "Are you the King of the Jews?"
Jesus replied, "Yes, it is as you say." 3 Then the leading priests accused him of many crimes, 4 and Pilate asked him, "Aren't you going to say something? What about all these charges against you?" 5 But Jesus said nothing, much to Pilate's surprise. (NLT)
There is a time for everything. There is a time to speak and a time to remain quiet. When you are accused of things you have not done, do not become defensive. Defensiveness sometimes can be misinterpreted and can be interpreted as being guilty. Remain calm and trust the Holy Spirit to give you the right words to speak. Sometimes nothing you say will change another person’s opinion, so then be slow to speak and quick to hear. Even Pilate knew that Jesus was innocent. Therefore trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding, forgive others that have trespassed against you and let the Lord fight the battle for you.
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Very early in the morning the leading priests, other leaders, and teachers of religious law — the entire high council — met to discuss their next step. They bound Jesus and took him to Pilate, the Roman governor.
2 Pilate asked Jesus, "Are you the King of the Jews?"
Jesus replied, "Yes, it is as you say." 3 Then the leading priests accused him of many crimes, 4 and Pilate asked him, "Aren't you going to say something? What about all these charges against you?" 5 But Jesus said nothing, much to Pilate's surprise. (NLT)
There is a time for everything. There is a time to speak and a time to remain quiet. When you are accused of things you have not done, do not become defensive. Defensiveness sometimes can be misinterpreted and can be interpreted as being guilty. Remain calm and trust the Holy Spirit to give you the right words to speak. Sometimes nothing you say will change another person’s opinion, so then be slow to speak and quick to hear. Even Pilate knew that Jesus was innocent. Therefore trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding, forgive others that have trespassed against you and let the Lord fight the battle for you.
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Our Mission is to Lead People into a Growing Relationship with Jesus Christ
Thursday, June 14, 2012
Mark 14:66-72
Peter Denies Jesus
66 Meanwhile, Peter was below in the courtyard. One of the servant girls who worked for the high priest 67 noticed Peter warming himself at the fire. She looked at him closely and then said, "You were one of those with Jesus, the Nazarene."
68 Peter denied it. "I don't know what you're talking about," he said, and he went out into the entryway. Just then, a rooster crowed.
69 The servant girl saw him standing there and began telling the others, "That man is definitely one of them!" 70 Peter denied it again.
A little later some other bystanders began saying to Peter, "You must be one of them because you are from Galilee."
71 Peter said, "I swear by God, I don't know this man you're talking about." 72 And immediately the rooster crowed the second time. Suddenly, Jesus' words flashed through Peter's mind: "Before the rooster crows twice, you will deny me three times." And he broke down and cried. (NLT)
It is interesting that Jesus did a lot of things in threes. Maybe that just stands for God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. Earlier Jesus told Peter that he would deny Him three times, but what did Peter say, “I will not deny you, I will die for you.” But as always Jesus was right and Peter here denies Christ three times. When Jesus later restores Peter Jesus three times asks Peter if he loves Him and tells him to feed His sheep. It is a wonderful thing that Jesus is a Lord that gives second chances. Jesus loves His creation so much that He is always willing to help us get through our failures and help us to bring glory and honor to God.
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Peter Denies Jesus
66 Meanwhile, Peter was below in the courtyard. One of the servant girls who worked for the high priest 67 noticed Peter warming himself at the fire. She looked at him closely and then said, "You were one of those with Jesus, the Nazarene."
68 Peter denied it. "I don't know what you're talking about," he said, and he went out into the entryway. Just then, a rooster crowed.
69 The servant girl saw him standing there and began telling the others, "That man is definitely one of them!" 70 Peter denied it again.
A little later some other bystanders began saying to Peter, "You must be one of them because you are from Galilee."
71 Peter said, "I swear by God, I don't know this man you're talking about." 72 And immediately the rooster crowed the second time. Suddenly, Jesus' words flashed through Peter's mind: "Before the rooster crows twice, you will deny me three times." And he broke down and cried. (NLT)
It is interesting that Jesus did a lot of things in threes. Maybe that just stands for God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. Earlier Jesus told Peter that he would deny Him three times, but what did Peter say, “I will not deny you, I will die for you.” But as always Jesus was right and Peter here denies Christ three times. When Jesus later restores Peter Jesus three times asks Peter if he loves Him and tells him to feed His sheep. It is a wonderful thing that Jesus is a Lord that gives second chances. Jesus loves His creation so much that He is always willing to help us get through our failures and help us to bring glory and honor to God.
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Mark 14:53-65
Jesus before the Council
53 Jesus was led to the high priest's home where the leading priests, other leaders, and teachers of religious law had gathered. 54 Meanwhile, Peter followed far behind and then slipped inside the gates of the high priest's courtyard. For a while he sat with the guards, warming himself by the fire.
55 Inside, the leading priests and the entire high council were trying to find witnesses who would testify against Jesus, so they could put him to death. But their efforts were in vain. 56 Many false witnesses spoke against him, but they contradicted each other. 57 Finally, some men stood up to testify against him with this lie: 58 "We heard him say, 'I will destroy this Temple made with human hands, and in three days I will build another, made without human hands.' " 59 But even then they didn't get their stories straight!
60 Then the high priest stood up before the others and asked Jesus, "Well, aren't you going to answer these charges? What do you have to say for yourself?" 61 Jesus made no reply. Then the high priest asked him, "Are you the Messiah, the Son of the blessed God?"
62 Jesus said, "I am, and you will see me, the Son of Man, sitting at God's right hand in the place of power and coming back on the clouds of heaven." 63 Then the high priest tore his clothing to show his horror and said, "Why do we need other witnesses? 64 You have all heard his blasphemy. What is your verdict?" And they all condemned him to death.
65 Then some of them began to spit at him, and they blindfolded him and hit his face with their fists. "Who hit you that time, you prophet?" they jeered. And even the guards were hitting him as they led him away. (NLT)
There is no other name on earth that has made as big of an impact as the name of Jesus. To this day there are still people who want to discredit Jesus, they say he is not who he says he is or he is not the messiah but why does he bring so much emotion from people? Because He is who he says He is. No one has ever performed the works that He performed. No one has ever spoken the way He has spoken and no one has ever changed so many lives or changed the hearts of evil men as Jesus did. The only conclusion is and always will be that Jesus is who He said He was. Praise to God for we serve a risen Savior.
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Jesus before the Council
53 Jesus was led to the high priest's home where the leading priests, other leaders, and teachers of religious law had gathered. 54 Meanwhile, Peter followed far behind and then slipped inside the gates of the high priest's courtyard. For a while he sat with the guards, warming himself by the fire.
55 Inside, the leading priests and the entire high council were trying to find witnesses who would testify against Jesus, so they could put him to death. But their efforts were in vain. 56 Many false witnesses spoke against him, but they contradicted each other. 57 Finally, some men stood up to testify against him with this lie: 58 "We heard him say, 'I will destroy this Temple made with human hands, and in three days I will build another, made without human hands.' " 59 But even then they didn't get their stories straight!
60 Then the high priest stood up before the others and asked Jesus, "Well, aren't you going to answer these charges? What do you have to say for yourself?" 61 Jesus made no reply. Then the high priest asked him, "Are you the Messiah, the Son of the blessed God?"
62 Jesus said, "I am, and you will see me, the Son of Man, sitting at God's right hand in the place of power and coming back on the clouds of heaven." 63 Then the high priest tore his clothing to show his horror and said, "Why do we need other witnesses? 64 You have all heard his blasphemy. What is your verdict?" And they all condemned him to death.
65 Then some of them began to spit at him, and they blindfolded him and hit his face with their fists. "Who hit you that time, you prophet?" they jeered. And even the guards were hitting him as they led him away. (NLT)
There is no other name on earth that has made as big of an impact as the name of Jesus. To this day there are still people who want to discredit Jesus, they say he is not who he says he is or he is not the messiah but why does he bring so much emotion from people? Because He is who he says He is. No one has ever performed the works that He performed. No one has ever spoken the way He has spoken and no one has ever changed so many lives or changed the hearts of evil men as Jesus did. The only conclusion is and always will be that Jesus is who He said He was. Praise to God for we serve a risen Savior.
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Mark 14:43-52
Jesus Is Betrayed and Arrested
43 And immediately, as he said this, Judas, one of the twelve disciples, arrived with a mob that was armed with swords and clubs. They had been sent out by the leading priests, the teachers of religious law, and the other leaders. 44 Judas had given them a prearranged signal: "You will know which one to arrest when I go over and give him the kiss of greeting. Then you can take him away under guard."
45 As soon as they arrived, Judas walked up to Jesus. "Teacher!" he exclaimed, and gave him the kiss. 46 Then the others grabbed Jesus and arrested him. 47 But someone pulled out a sword and slashed off an ear of the high priest's servant.
48 Jesus asked them, "Am I some dangerous criminal, that you come armed with swords and clubs to arrest me? 49 Why didn't you arrest me in the Temple? I was there teaching every day. But these things are happening to fulfill what the Scriptures say about me." 50 Meanwhile, all his disciples deserted him and ran away. 51 There was a young man following along behind, clothed only in a linen nightshirt. When the mob tried to grab him, 52 they tore off his clothes, but he escaped and ran away naked. (NLT)
All Scripture will be fulfilled and is being fulfilled right now. Everything is going according to God’s plan and will be fulfilled by the hand of God. Jesus was the fulfillment of the Law and Covenant that God set down before the foundation of the world just as He chose us before the foundation of the world.
The law was made to prepare the people for the coming of the Messiah so that they would have a beautiful relationship with Him. But the Pharisees ruined it by making the law more important than the relationship with the Messiah. They chose their perversion over the purity of the Savior.
God has always been and always will be about having a relationship with His children. A relationship based upon the heart and unconditional love.
Sponsored by BMCC Men’s Ministry
Our Mission is to Lead People into a Growing Relationship with Jesus Christ
Jesus Is Betrayed and Arrested
43 And immediately, as he said this, Judas, one of the twelve disciples, arrived with a mob that was armed with swords and clubs. They had been sent out by the leading priests, the teachers of religious law, and the other leaders. 44 Judas had given them a prearranged signal: "You will know which one to arrest when I go over and give him the kiss of greeting. Then you can take him away under guard."
45 As soon as they arrived, Judas walked up to Jesus. "Teacher!" he exclaimed, and gave him the kiss. 46 Then the others grabbed Jesus and arrested him. 47 But someone pulled out a sword and slashed off an ear of the high priest's servant.
48 Jesus asked them, "Am I some dangerous criminal, that you come armed with swords and clubs to arrest me? 49 Why didn't you arrest me in the Temple? I was there teaching every day. But these things are happening to fulfill what the Scriptures say about me." 50 Meanwhile, all his disciples deserted him and ran away. 51 There was a young man following along behind, clothed only in a linen nightshirt. When the mob tried to grab him, 52 they tore off his clothes, but he escaped and ran away naked. (NLT)
All Scripture will be fulfilled and is being fulfilled right now. Everything is going according to God’s plan and will be fulfilled by the hand of God. Jesus was the fulfillment of the Law and Covenant that God set down before the foundation of the world just as He chose us before the foundation of the world.
The law was made to prepare the people for the coming of the Messiah so that they would have a beautiful relationship with Him. But the Pharisees ruined it by making the law more important than the relationship with the Messiah. They chose their perversion over the purity of the Savior.
God has always been and always will be about having a relationship with His children. A relationship based upon the heart and unconditional love.
Sponsored by BMCC Men’s Ministry
Our Mission is to Lead People into a Growing Relationship with Jesus Christ
Monday, June 11, 2012
Mark 14:32-42
Jesus Prays in Gethsemane
32 And they came to an olive grove called Gethsemane, and Jesus said, "Sit here while I go and pray." 33 He took Peter, James, and John with him, and he began to be filled with horror and deep distress. 34 He told them, "My soul is crushed with grief to the point of death. Stay here and watch with me."
35 He went on a little farther and fell face down on the ground. He prayed that, if it were possible, the awful hour awaiting him might pass him by. 36 "Abba, Father," he said, "everything is possible for you. Please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will, not mine."
37 Then he returned and found the disciples asleep. "Simon!" he said to Peter. "Are you asleep? Couldn't you stay awake and watch with me even one hour? 38 Keep alert and pray. Otherwise temptation will overpower you. For though the spirit is willing enough, the body is weak."
39 Then Jesus left them again and prayed, repeating his pleadings. 40 Again he returned to them and found them sleeping, for they just couldn't keep their eyes open. And they didn't know what to say.
41 When he returned to them the third time, he said, "Still sleeping? Still resting? Enough! The time has come. I, the Son of Man, am betrayed into the hands of sinners. 42 Up, let's be going. See, my betrayer is here!" (NLT)
How will Jesus find you when He comes? Will He find you keeping watch and praying or will He find you sleeping? Jesus actually asks so very little of us. Can you not pray with Him for one hour? Yes, yes we can. The spirit is willing but the body is weak therefore we have to continually condition ourselves so we do not fall asleep. We need to be prepared and ready to battle the spiritual fight. The betrayer is here and he wants us to sleep instead of praying so that we will become weak. But let us be on our knees or prostrate before God in prayer that we will be strengthened for the betrayer cannot stand when we are grouped together in prayer. There is more power in numbers than there is by yourself.
Sponsored by BMCC Men’s Ministry
Our Mission is to Lead People into a Growing Relationship with Jesus Christ
Jesus Prays in Gethsemane
32 And they came to an olive grove called Gethsemane, and Jesus said, "Sit here while I go and pray." 33 He took Peter, James, and John with him, and he began to be filled with horror and deep distress. 34 He told them, "My soul is crushed with grief to the point of death. Stay here and watch with me."
35 He went on a little farther and fell face down on the ground. He prayed that, if it were possible, the awful hour awaiting him might pass him by. 36 "Abba, Father," he said, "everything is possible for you. Please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will, not mine."
37 Then he returned and found the disciples asleep. "Simon!" he said to Peter. "Are you asleep? Couldn't you stay awake and watch with me even one hour? 38 Keep alert and pray. Otherwise temptation will overpower you. For though the spirit is willing enough, the body is weak."
39 Then Jesus left them again and prayed, repeating his pleadings. 40 Again he returned to them and found them sleeping, for they just couldn't keep their eyes open. And they didn't know what to say.
41 When he returned to them the third time, he said, "Still sleeping? Still resting? Enough! The time has come. I, the Son of Man, am betrayed into the hands of sinners. 42 Up, let's be going. See, my betrayer is here!" (NLT)
How will Jesus find you when He comes? Will He find you keeping watch and praying or will He find you sleeping? Jesus actually asks so very little of us. Can you not pray with Him for one hour? Yes, yes we can. The spirit is willing but the body is weak therefore we have to continually condition ourselves so we do not fall asleep. We need to be prepared and ready to battle the spiritual fight. The betrayer is here and he wants us to sleep instead of praying so that we will become weak. But let us be on our knees or prostrate before God in prayer that we will be strengthened for the betrayer cannot stand when we are grouped together in prayer. There is more power in numbers than there is by yourself.
Sponsored by BMCC Men’s Ministry
Our Mission is to Lead People into a Growing Relationship with Jesus Christ
Friday, June 8, 2012
Mark 14:27-31
Jesus Predicts Peter's Denial
27 "All of you will desert me," Jesus told them. "For the Scriptures say,
'God will strike the Shepherd,
and the sheep will be scattered.'
28 But after I am raised from the dead, I will go ahead of you to Galilee and meet you there." 29 Peter said to him, "Even if everyone else deserts you, I never will."
30 "Peter," Jesus replied, "the truth is, this very night, before the rooster crows twice, you will deny me three times."
31 "No!" Peter insisted. "Not even if I have to die with you! I will never deny you!" And all the others vowed the same. (NLT)
Have we ever acted like this? Sure we have. “Hey I’ll be there” and then you don’t show up. “Oh I’m sorry something came up and I couldn’t make it.” Have you heard these excuses or worse have you given this excuse? God always keeps His word and we are to be like our Father in Heaven. If we say we are going to do something or be somewhere then do it, no excuses. Be a person of integrity as Jesus was. When we keep our word and obey God in it then we are blessed but if we do not we will have consequences to face. Be Holy for God is Holy. Show yourself different from the world and let your light shine for Jesus.
Sponsored by BMCC Men’s Ministry
Our Mission is to Lead People into a Growing Relationship with Jesus Christ
Jesus Predicts Peter's Denial
27 "All of you will desert me," Jesus told them. "For the Scriptures say,
'God will strike the Shepherd,
and the sheep will be scattered.'
28 But after I am raised from the dead, I will go ahead of you to Galilee and meet you there." 29 Peter said to him, "Even if everyone else deserts you, I never will."
30 "Peter," Jesus replied, "the truth is, this very night, before the rooster crows twice, you will deny me three times."
31 "No!" Peter insisted. "Not even if I have to die with you! I will never deny you!" And all the others vowed the same. (NLT)
Have we ever acted like this? Sure we have. “Hey I’ll be there” and then you don’t show up. “Oh I’m sorry something came up and I couldn’t make it.” Have you heard these excuses or worse have you given this excuse? God always keeps His word and we are to be like our Father in Heaven. If we say we are going to do something or be somewhere then do it, no excuses. Be a person of integrity as Jesus was. When we keep our word and obey God in it then we are blessed but if we do not we will have consequences to face. Be Holy for God is Holy. Show yourself different from the world and let your light shine for Jesus.
Sponsored by BMCC Men’s Ministry
Our Mission is to Lead People into a Growing Relationship with Jesus Christ
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
Mark 14:22-26
The Last Supper
22 As they were eating, Jesus took a loaf of bread and asked God's blessing on it. Then he broke it in pieces and gave it to the disciples, saying, "Take it, for this is my body." 23 And he took a cup of wine and gave thanks to God for it. He gave it to them, and they all drank from it. 24 And he said to them, "This is my blood, poured out for many, sealing the covenant between God and his people. 25 I solemnly declare that I will not drink wine again until that day when I drink it new in the Kingdom of God." 26 Then they sang a hymn and went out to the Mount of Olives. (NLT)
Jesus poured out His blood for us to seal the covenant between God and us. Without the outpouring of His blood we would not have salvation. When you take communion you take it before the Lord. It is not something to take lightly but seriously. You are to examine yourselves or examine your heart before God and confess any offences to Him before you partake or do not partake. If you take it lightly God will hold you accountable for it. Therefore partake with a clean heart and rejoice in the Lord Jesus Christ for His broken and beaten body and for His shed blood for your salvation. It is a time to remember everything that Jesus has done for you. Rejoice in the Lord and again I say Rejoice.
Sponsored by BMCC Men’s Ministry
Our Mission is to Lead People into a Growing Relationship with Jesus Christ
The Last Supper
22 As they were eating, Jesus took a loaf of bread and asked God's blessing on it. Then he broke it in pieces and gave it to the disciples, saying, "Take it, for this is my body." 23 And he took a cup of wine and gave thanks to God for it. He gave it to them, and they all drank from it. 24 And he said to them, "This is my blood, poured out for many, sealing the covenant between God and his people. 25 I solemnly declare that I will not drink wine again until that day when I drink it new in the Kingdom of God." 26 Then they sang a hymn and went out to the Mount of Olives. (NLT)
Jesus poured out His blood for us to seal the covenant between God and us. Without the outpouring of His blood we would not have salvation. When you take communion you take it before the Lord. It is not something to take lightly but seriously. You are to examine yourselves or examine your heart before God and confess any offences to Him before you partake or do not partake. If you take it lightly God will hold you accountable for it. Therefore partake with a clean heart and rejoice in the Lord Jesus Christ for His broken and beaten body and for His shed blood for your salvation. It is a time to remember everything that Jesus has done for you. Rejoice in the Lord and again I say Rejoice.
Sponsored by BMCC Men’s Ministry
Our Mission is to Lead People into a Growing Relationship with Jesus Christ
Friday, June 1, 2012
The Last Supper
17 In the evening Jesus arrived with the twelve disciples. 18 As they were sitting around the table eating, Jesus said, "The truth is, one of you will betray me, one of you who is here eating with me."
19 Greatly distressed, one by one they began to ask him, "I'm not the one, am I?"
20 He replied, "It is one of you twelve, one who is eating with me now. 21 For I, the Son of Man, must die, as the Scriptures declared long ago. But how terrible it will be for my betrayer. Far better for him if he had never been born!" (NLT)
Isn’t it wonderful that Jesus is the one who set the precedent for doing things based around eating food. Wonderful things can happen around eating food, great conversation and interesting topics. Sometimes even sad things can happen as here Jesus tells the disciples that one is going to betray Him. But sense we all have to eat it is a great way to get to know others. Invite someone to breakfast, lunch, dinner or just somewhere to get something to drink and get to know someone new. It’s a great way to get a conversation going about the great things Jesus is doing in your life and to share the gospel with them.
Sponsored by BMCC Men’s Ministry
Our Mission is to Lead People into a Growing Relationship with Jesus Christ
17 In the evening Jesus arrived with the twelve disciples. 18 As they were sitting around the table eating, Jesus said, "The truth is, one of you will betray me, one of you who is here eating with me."
19 Greatly distressed, one by one they began to ask him, "I'm not the one, am I?"
20 He replied, "It is one of you twelve, one who is eating with me now. 21 For I, the Son of Man, must die, as the Scriptures declared long ago. But how terrible it will be for my betrayer. Far better for him if he had never been born!" (NLT)
Isn’t it wonderful that Jesus is the one who set the precedent for doing things based around eating food. Wonderful things can happen around eating food, great conversation and interesting topics. Sometimes even sad things can happen as here Jesus tells the disciples that one is going to betray Him. But sense we all have to eat it is a great way to get to know others. Invite someone to breakfast, lunch, dinner or just somewhere to get something to drink and get to know someone new. It’s a great way to get a conversation going about the great things Jesus is doing in your life and to share the gospel with them.
Sponsored by BMCC Men’s Ministry
Our Mission is to Lead People into a Growing Relationship with Jesus Christ
Mark 14:12-16
The Last Supper
12 On the first day of the Festival of Unleavened Bread (the day the Passover lambs were sacrificed), Jesus' disciples asked him, "Where do you want us to go to prepare the Passover supper?"
13 So Jesus sent two of them into Jerusalem to make the arrangements. "As you go into the city," he told them, "a man carrying a pitcher of water will meet you. Follow him. 14 At the house he enters, say to the owner, 'The Teacher asks, Where is the guest room where I can eat the Passover meal with my disciples?' 15 He will take you upstairs to a large room that is already set up. That is the place; go ahead and prepare our supper there." 16 So the two disciples went on ahead into the city and found everything just as Jesus had said, and they prepared the Passover supper there. (NLT)
Jesus sent the disciples to prepare the Passover supper. Jesus wants us to go and be prepared to carry out His will for our lives. He has already made the plans for us and now He wants us to go and get moving. Seek His will for you because it has been planned out ahead of time and you will find it just as Jesus has told you. In scripture you will find very clear a lot of what God’s will is for all of us stated as “God’s will.” Scripture is always the beginning point to get you moving in the right direction. You begin with scripture which gets you walking with Christ and as you begin to draw nearer to Christ He will reveal His full will for you clearly. But if you do not start or ask or search you will never find it. Go and start preparing to find what Jesus has laid out for you to accomplish for Him.
Sponsored by BMCC Men’s Ministry
Our Mission is to Lead People into a Growing Relationship with Jesus Christ
The Last Supper
12 On the first day of the Festival of Unleavened Bread (the day the Passover lambs were sacrificed), Jesus' disciples asked him, "Where do you want us to go to prepare the Passover supper?"
13 So Jesus sent two of them into Jerusalem to make the arrangements. "As you go into the city," he told them, "a man carrying a pitcher of water will meet you. Follow him. 14 At the house he enters, say to the owner, 'The Teacher asks, Where is the guest room where I can eat the Passover meal with my disciples?' 15 He will take you upstairs to a large room that is already set up. That is the place; go ahead and prepare our supper there." 16 So the two disciples went on ahead into the city and found everything just as Jesus had said, and they prepared the Passover supper there. (NLT)
Jesus sent the disciples to prepare the Passover supper. Jesus wants us to go and be prepared to carry out His will for our lives. He has already made the plans for us and now He wants us to go and get moving. Seek His will for you because it has been planned out ahead of time and you will find it just as Jesus has told you. In scripture you will find very clear a lot of what God’s will is for all of us stated as “God’s will.” Scripture is always the beginning point to get you moving in the right direction. You begin with scripture which gets you walking with Christ and as you begin to draw nearer to Christ He will reveal His full will for you clearly. But if you do not start or ask or search you will never find it. Go and start preparing to find what Jesus has laid out for you to accomplish for Him.
Sponsored by BMCC Men’s Ministry
Our Mission is to Lead People into a Growing Relationship with Jesus Christ
Mark 14:10-11
10 Then Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve disciples, went to the leading priests to arrange to betray Jesus to them. 11 The leading priests were delighted when they heard why he had come, and they promised him a reward. So he began looking for the right time and place to betray Jesus. (NLT)
This must be one of the saddest moments in scripture where Judas looks to betray Jesus. Jesus was his friend and teacher. Jesus always showed Judas love and kindness. When we treat others the way Judas treated Jesus we act just like Judas. Jesus wants us to always love. The greatest commandment is to love, to love God first and then to love others the way God loves us. No matter what anyone does to you, you are to love as God loves you. When you can love as God loves (unconditionally) you will experience God in a way that is beyond wonderful. Love covers a multitude of sins.
10 Then Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve disciples, went to the leading priests to arrange to betray Jesus to them. 11 The leading priests were delighted when they heard why he had come, and they promised him a reward. So he began looking for the right time and place to betray Jesus. (NLT)
This must be one of the saddest moments in scripture where Judas looks to betray Jesus. Jesus was his friend and teacher. Jesus always showed Judas love and kindness. When we treat others the way Judas treated Jesus we act just like Judas. Jesus wants us to always love. The greatest commandment is to love, to love God first and then to love others the way God loves us. No matter what anyone does to you, you are to love as God loves you. When you can love as God loves (unconditionally) you will experience God in a way that is beyond wonderful. Love covers a multitude of sins.
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