kj52's Podcast

READ: Mark 15:1-20 THINK: Have you ever noticed how fickle people can be—how quickly their moods, opinions and behaviors can be swayed depending on the situation or how others respond to them? Have you also noticed how people will do things when they are with a group or in a crowd—things they would never do, or even consider, on their own? Call it peer pressure, a group dynamic, a herd mentality—call it whatever you want—but it’s a sad reality that unrestrained crowds tend to throw aside inhibitions and bring out the worst in people. And when a few lose control, others often follow, all for the sake of two extremes—getting attention or trying to blend in. Christ’s followers, however, must dare to be different, resisting the inclination to imitate destructive behaviors. Instead, they must lead by example and seek to influence others for good. RESPOND: Why do you think the crowd—some of whom had likely witnessed Jesus’ ministry and even celebrated Him before—was so easily persuaded to ask for Barabbas’ release and for Jesus’ crucifixion (vv.9-14)? Why did Pilate eventually hand Jesus over to be crucified (v. 15)? How are we sometimes like Pilate? Why do you think the soldiers were abusive to Jesus, when they likely had little or no previous interaction with Him? How do you think you would have handled yourself as a soldier in that situation? Would you have joined in the ridicule? Why or why not? Why do people so easily engage in destructive behavior when they are with a group or crowd? PRAY: Ask God for boldness and strength of character to avoid destructive situations and to resist pressure from people to behave shamefully. Ask for wisdom in choosing the friends and groups with whom to keep company. ACT: When you are with a friend or in groups today, make a conscious effort to resist negative pressure to say or do anything that might displease God or hinder your witness for Him. Instead, be a leader and try to influence your groups for good, helping to bring out the best in those around you.

READ: Mark 14:1-26 THINK: Did Jesus lack concern for the poor? Certainly not! No one will ever care more for the poor—or for any of us—than Jesus. He proved His ultimate compassion by laying down His life to provide all of us with what we really need: the opportunity for forgiveness, hope, new life and a personal relationship with Him. His whole time on earth was aimed at fulfilling that purpose. Along the way He continually gave of himself to comfort, heal, enrich and restore countless lives. But knowing that His time on earth was short, Jesus infinitely valued the isolated moments when individuals disregarded the peer pressure and did something extra-special just for Him. These individuals seized opportunities that few others recognized, and Jesus would not deny them the privilege of ministering directly to Him. RESPOND: Why did Jesus accept the woman’s extravagant gift when others condemned her for wasting her resources? What is the “gospel” often referred to by Jesus and others in the Bible? (See 14:9 note in the FBSE.) In what way did the bread Jesus served at His last supper symbolize His own body (v. 22)? What did Jesus mean when He referred to “my blood of the covenant”? (See 14:24 note.) What is a “covenant”? How did Jesus Christ establish and seal a covenant with us through His death? (See article on The Old Covenant and The New Covenant, p. 1820.) PRAY: Express thanks to Jesus for suffering and giving His life so you could be forgiven of your sins and have an eternal, personal relationship with Him. ACT: Take time to think of and do something special just for Jesus. This may involve a tangible ministry gift or, better yet, a gift of extra time with Him personally. Perhaps you can spend time in conversational prayer at a favorite quiet spot. Try writing a song or poem of praise and adoration to Jesus, thanking Him for His personal sacrifice by which He provided you with eternal life.

READ: Mark 13:1-37 THINK: Have you ever noticed that whenever world events or catastrophes resemble descriptions given in the Bible of end-time events, people suddenly become interested in spiritual issues and what God says in His Word? That’s a natural response from people who know they are missing something in life. But don’t wait for a sign or event to point you to God’s Word or inspire you to trust Him. Learn the Word now. Be prepared, be alert and be ready at all times for Jesus’ return. RESPOND: In what ways are the times we live in now like the times described in this passage? Why does Jesus give repeated warnings to “watch out,” (v. 5), “be on your guard,” and “be alert” (cf. vv. 5, 9, 23, 33, 35, 37)? For what things must Jesus’ followers be prepared? What must you do to guard against deception in the days ahead? (See 13:5 note.) What will happen before the end comes (v. 10)? Why don’t Jesus followers have to worry about what to say when persecuted and standing before others as a witness for Christ (v. 12)? How can you make sure that you “stand firm to the end”? (See 13:13 note.) In what ways is Jesus combining the descriptions of several times and events in this passage? (See 13:14 note.) In what ways will people be spiritually “asleep” in the last days? (For further commentary on these issues, see study notes throughout Matthew 24.) PRAY: Ask God to keep you alert and on guard against spiritual deception as Jesus’ return approaches. Pray for a greater understanding of His Word so you can discern truth from error. Ask Jesus to help you do your part to spread His message before He returns. Thank the Holy Spirit for giving you the words to say when testifying about Jesus. ACT: Look through a newspaper, news magazine or web site. Notice how many items fit descriptions of last days events (e.g., wars, natural disasters, violent acts, immorality). Read the FBSE articles on False Teachers, p. 1370, and The Rapture, p. 1753 to gain insight into things for which Jesus says to be on guard and be ready. F I R E S T A R T E R

Here is the audio announcements/weekly run down and ?s answered from this weeks live podcast @ www.mogulus.com/kj52

4 topics.. 3 off twitter (colossians 2:8, nose picking, track and field) 1 off twitter (a superhero who loses his superpowers) ...follow me @ www.twitter.com/kj52 and be a part of it next week!

Here is a very real and embarassing story of what happened last thurs. when I gave my acceptance speech @ the dove awards..

READ: Mark 12:18-44 THINK: The Bible is packed with practical instruction, guidelines and direct commands from God. All of these principles are aimed at revealing His character and principles, helping us to experience productive and fulfilling lives, and pointing us to our need for God. Taken individually, the vast number of guidelines in God’s Word—though all for our good—might seem completely overwhelming. But Jesus summed up all of God’s life instructions in two basic commands: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength,” and “Love your neighbor as yourself.” By following these two prime directives, God’s people—with His help—will fulfill the requirements of God’s perfect law. RESPOND: In what ways did the Sadducees not understand the Scriptures or the power of God (v. 24)? What does it mean to love God with all your heart? all your soul? all your mind? all your strength? (See 12:30 note.) What does it mean to love your neighbor as yourself? In what ways do these two commands summarize and encompass all other commands? In what way did the one teacher of the law have a better understanding of Jesus and God’s kingdom (vv 28-34)? Why did Jesus take so seriously the hypocrisy and insincerity of the teach- ers of the law, and why would they be judged severely (vv. 38-40)? In what way did the poor widow give much more than all of the rich people (vv. 41-44)? How does God measure the value of giving? (See 12:42 note.) PRAY: Ask God to give you a greater understanding of what it means to love God with every aspect of your being, and to love others as yourself. Praise Jesus for His amazing love for you. ACT: Find a way to use your strength or intellect to honor God. Perhaps you can volunteer for a chore at home or church. Maybe you could share a ministry idea with a leader, write a paper on a Christian theme or create a poem of worship to God for your journal. Also, do something for someone else that you would like them to do for you.