Bible, theology, culture, etc.
The following is an unedited sermon manuscript; for an explanation of my sermon manuscripts, click here. *Originally preached November 15, 2020* Sermon Audio: Jesus and Sin (Mark 9:42-50) “Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him if a great millstone were hung around his neck and … Continue reading Jesus and Sin (Mark 9:42-50)
The following is an unedited sermon manuscript; for an explanation of my sermon manuscripts, click here. *Originally preached November 8, 2020* Sermon Audio: Jesus and Children (Mark 9:30-42; 10:13-16) 30 They went on from there and passed through Galilee. And he did not want anyone to know, 31 for he was teaching his disciples, saying to them, … Continue reading Jesus and Children (Mark 9:30-42, 10:13-16)
I am preparing to preach my last sermon on the gospel of Mark and, inevitably, the issue of the longer ending of Mark is something that must be addressed. Rather than writing out my thoughts, I have found James Edward's handling of the issue in his commentary to be a wonderful primer on why we … Continue reading What About The Ending of Mark?
1 And he said to them, “Truly, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the kingdom of God after it has come with power.” 2 And after six days Jesus took with him Peter and James and John, and led them up a high mountain … Continue reading Jesus and the Mountain (Mark 9:1-13)
34 And calling the crowd to him with his disciples, he said to them, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. 35 For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel's will save … Continue reading Jesus and Discipleship (Mark 8:34-38)
27 And Jesus went on with his disciples to the villages of Caesarea Philippi. And on the way he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that I am?” 28 And they told him, “John the Baptist; and others say, Elijah; and others, one of the prophets.” 29 And he asked them, “But who do … Continue reading Jesus the Messiah (Mark 8:27-33)
11 The Pharisees came and began to argue with him, seeking from him a sign from heaven to test him. 12 And he sighed deeply in his spirit and said, “Why does this generation seek a sign? Truly, I say to you, no sign will be given to this generation.” 13 And he left them, … Continue reading Jesus and Blindness (Mark 8:11-33)
24 And from there he arose and went away to the region of Tyre and Sidon. And he entered a house and did not want anyone to know, yet he could not be hidden. 25 But immediately a woman whose little daughter had an unclean spirit heard of him and came and fell down at … Continue reading Jesus and Outsiders (Mark 7:24-8:10)
What is your functional authority in your life? What do you give final say to when making decisions? I’m not referring to what you believe your authority is or what you think the authority should be. I’m referring to day-in day-out, what is it that makes you say: this is right, this is wrong, this is good, this is desirable? … Continue reading Jesus and Tradition (Mark 7:1-13)
Originally written in April, 2020 A former professor of mine recently wrote about his experience of his 23-year-old daughter contracting COVID-19. He writes: “Two days after the hospital admitted Hannah, a physician called to let us know that her lungs weren’t delivering sufficient oxygen to her body. If the medical team didn’t place her on a ventilator … Continue reading Yahweh in the Flesh (Mark 6:45-52)
Marc Sims 