I believe the Lord made men to be goal oriented. We are one-track animals, we are good at locking on to something and following it until we strike the proverbial mark. So what holds our focus during the course of everyday life? Better yet, what was Jesus’ focus? How did he structure His life so that He could reach His goal?
We catch a glimpse of His focus in Mark chapter 1, verses 35-38, “Let us go somewhere else to the towns nearby, in order that I may preach there also; for that is what I came out for.” Jesus had a job to do while here on earth, and He wasted no time getting to it. He came to love, to teach, and to die. He knew what He came out for. He was constantly focused on His objective.
What did you come out for? What made you get out of bed in the morning? Forget what the world says for a moment, forget that you care about what anyone thinks, including your family, and ask yourself, “Why am I here?” The question has been mishandled by so many “spiritual” people that it has become shopworn and almost silly. But this is a question that we need to answer within ourselves if we are to ever gain a sense of true direction in the Christian life.
Jesus never questioned it. His disciples may have, but in the end they understood, and most of them gave their lives as a result. This seemingly benign quote of Jesus tells us of His character, always pointed toward His objective. Thank our Holy God that He was so focused.
We must be focused too. Let us put aside those things that hinder us from proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ in word and deed. But how can we know what God wants from us, you ask? The answer is simple: He wants us to be focused on Him.
For further study:
Romans 8: 12-17
March 3, 2008
February 1, 2008
A Survey of the Gospel of Mark: Introduction
This is not a proper commentary in the likes of Mathew Henry or John MacArthur. It is an attempt to teach the basics of the book, while underscoring certain principles that this author feels is bedrock for the contemporary Christian. It is by no means authoritative, and as with any of the writings you see posted here (and anywhere else for that matter) it should be tested against the Holy Word of God itself.
This is also meant to be a basis for discussion, so please don't be afraid to post questions or comments, or even concerns. I will also include references and/or a reading list for those who wish to delve deeper into the topics covered.
Introduction
The Gospel of Mark is focused more upon the miracles of Jesus rather than his direct preaching to the Israelites. One might ask why then is this book included among the gospels, if it is basically a reiteration of the other three? There are at least two good reasons, one has a historical basis, and the other is spiritual.
Historically speaking, Mark fills some of the gaps of the other gospels by detailing more of His miracles. More than likely, Mark received much of his information from the apostle Peter, who was one of the twelve apostles. Mark himself was not, but we can assume that his information is quite good, given his relationship to the early burgeoning church in Palestine. Mark was the nephew of Barnabas, the missionary who traveled with Paul throughout Asia Minor. Acts 12:12 shows us that the early church gathered at his mother’s house to pray.
Spiritually speaking the Gospel of Mark gives us a window into a.) the character and humanity of Jesus, and b.) the fulfillment of biblical prophecy, which was of special import to the Jews at that time. The Jewish Messiah had to come in a certain way according to the Old Testament prophets. One of the obstacles Jesus faced was that the Jews had their own ideas of how those prophecies should be fulfilled. In effect this book attempts to show exactly how Jesus fulfilled these prophecies, and how they are a testament to His deity.
Jesus Christ is God, which can be shown in each of the gospels separately. But each has its own way of transmitting this message. All of the gospels work together in harmony to give us a greater, more believable, and accurate account of the life of Jesus.
May God bless the study of His Word.
This is also meant to be a basis for discussion, so please don't be afraid to post questions or comments, or even concerns. I will also include references and/or a reading list for those who wish to delve deeper into the topics covered.
Introduction
The Gospel of Mark is focused more upon the miracles of Jesus rather than his direct preaching to the Israelites. One might ask why then is this book included among the gospels, if it is basically a reiteration of the other three? There are at least two good reasons, one has a historical basis, and the other is spiritual.
Historically speaking, Mark fills some of the gaps of the other gospels by detailing more of His miracles. More than likely, Mark received much of his information from the apostle Peter, who was one of the twelve apostles. Mark himself was not, but we can assume that his information is quite good, given his relationship to the early burgeoning church in Palestine. Mark was the nephew of Barnabas, the missionary who traveled with Paul throughout Asia Minor. Acts 12:12 shows us that the early church gathered at his mother’s house to pray.
Spiritually speaking the Gospel of Mark gives us a window into a.) the character and humanity of Jesus, and b.) the fulfillment of biblical prophecy, which was of special import to the Jews at that time. The Jewish Messiah had to come in a certain way according to the Old Testament prophets. One of the obstacles Jesus faced was that the Jews had their own ideas of how those prophecies should be fulfilled. In effect this book attempts to show exactly how Jesus fulfilled these prophecies, and how they are a testament to His deity.
Jesus Christ is God, which can be shown in each of the gospels separately. But each has its own way of transmitting this message. All of the gospels work together in harmony to give us a greater, more believable, and accurate account of the life of Jesus.
May God bless the study of His Word.
January 17, 2008
New Look, New Year
Welcome to the Fireside Study! We are starting the year with a new look and a new format. Timely commentary will now come weekly, and subject matter may vary as we will have guest writers as well. I hope you enjoy the changes. We look forward to sharing thoughts of foundational Christian living in the new year!
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