Speaker: Nathan Guy

Mark chapter 13 has always been a difficult one to interpret. Some call it the Olivet Discourse. Some call it the “Little Apocalypse.” I call it difficult! In this lesson, we consider the likely reference to the fall of Jerusalem and the possibility of a reference to the cataclysmic change at the end of time.

Spiritual neurotics, find comfort in your Savior. Hear the sweet voice of Jesus say “I will never leave you, nor forsake you.” Hear the words of the apostle whom Jesus loved as he writes “so that you may know that you have eternal life.” Rest assured that not only in the space between prayers of confession, but at every moment of your walk as a struggling, imperfect, but trusting follower of Jesus, you have a righteousness that is not your own–but one given through the faithfulness of Jesus Christ. Sleep well knowing your father sees you not in your sin, but in your Savior. Yes, Virginia, you too can sing “Blessed Assurance.”

“Proof” is the wrong word. We don’t “prove” there is beauty in the artwork or that our spouse is in love with us. But we know it—and it is true and very real.
Is it reasonable to believe in God and in the Christian story? In this lesson, we look at clues in nature, in people, and in the story itself that has given rise to faith all over the world. Part 3 of 4.

In Mark 12, Jesus engaged in a series of 4 questions. The point of each is to reveal that the central question ought to be about the God we see preached by (and revealed through) Jesus Christ. Money, Power, and the authorities of this world are set opposite the call of the kingdom–to follow Jesus in giving all.

Reasons for being part of a gathered church family.

We all have a hole in our soul. And we look around at the universe for something to fill it. Youthfulness doesn’t last, money doesn’t heal all wounds, and every technological advancement only makes the problem worse. For some, even religion hasn’t given them the satisfaction they seek. As every day goes by, and we march closer and closer to death, our soul cries out, “is that all there is?”

What if I told you that the God I serve—the God I found in Jesus Christ—provides the answer to the deepest longings of your heart? He can fill that hole in your soul that money, relationships, and even religion can’t fill. And what he offers is no pie in the sky; it will resonate with you.

In Mark 11, Jesus enters into Jerusalem and overturns the tables of the money-changers in the Temple. The people spread out palm branches upon his arrival, and Jesus curses a fig tree in the process. What does this all mean? How does Zechariah 14 and the revolution of the Maccabees factor in?

Paul mentions the empty tomb in passing. It’s there. It’s part of the “first importance” teaching. But it wasn’t the empty tomb that produced hope in the heart of believers; it was their encounter with the risen Christ. The sight of the empty tomb brought fear and panic; but visions or appearances of Jesus brought hope and joy.

Questions and doubts are not opposite faith…they are part of a life of faith. But questions and doubts can either drive us to or drive us away from exploring the Christian story. In this first lesson, I share why I believe in “a faith worthy of our questions.” First in a 4-part series titled “A Worthy Faith.”