Christ Reformed Presbyterian Church-PCA

Many people have thought and even felt that Mark's gospel shouldn't end at verse 8 of Chapter 16. It does not come across as positive as the other gospels. It bothered enough of those who copied the gospel to supply an ending that they thought was somehow lost. In most modern translations the other endings are printed in a different typeface and with explanatory notes. We will consider what Mark is saying by ending as he has chosen.

This text is both the climax of the passion narrative as well as visual theology. With great economy of words, Mark connects these events with its roots in the Old Testament and rounds off his presentation of Jesus whose identity cannot be known apart from the cross.

Jesus having been rejected by the spiritual leadership of Israel is handed over to the Roman governor Pilate with the intent to maneuver him to have Jesus crucified. There is more than meets the eye in these events. Mark writes intending that we his readers respond to these events.

As they leave the temple for the last time Jesus makes a prediction about its destruction. His answer is sweeping and points beyond the temple to his own second coming. Come see why we need this teaching to live faithfully in our uncertain times.

Jesus comes to the temple three times before he is betrayed. In the first trip he looks around and then goes home. We will look closely at the second visit where he acts and speaks in unexpected ways.

Jesus again predicts the destruction of the temple on his last visit there before he dies. In response to the questions of his disciples he speaks about the future and what we are to do in light of it.

A wealthy and sincere man approaches Jesus, desiring to know that he will receive eternal life. With great love Jesus presses in on him to expose what matters most to him.

Jesus is leading the disciples to Jerusalem where he will suffer and die. They continue to show that they are both blind to Jesus' agenda and motivated by selfishness in following him. Once again Mark is highlighting the nature and demands of discipleship for us.

A wealthy and sincere man approaches Jesus, desiring to know that he will receive eternal life. With great love Jesus presses in on him to expose what matters most to him.

The Pharisees are looking to trap Jesus by asking him about divorce. They suspect his views differ from their own and are seeking an advantage against him. Jesus challenges the way that they have distorted scripture and takes them back to God's original intention for marriage. Jesus is in this section of Mark addressing three primary arenas of life for disciples- marriage, children, and possessions.

This text begins with the second of three predictions that Jesus makes about his impending death. He seeks to be alone with his disciples to teach them about the deep connection between his suffering and what it means for them -and us- to follow him.

As Jesus and the three disciples descend from the mountain they are surrounded by crowds, a desperate father, an evil spirit, and a failure by his disciples. This encounter says much to us about faith, unbelief, and the power of Jesus.

Three of the gospels record the event of Christ's transfiguration. There is something other worldly about what takes place. What does it mean-- Why is it important-- What does it mean for Christ followers today--

Paul closes his letter with a statement that he has run his race and finished the course laid out for him. What can be learned from Paul about doing this that we can apply to our own lives--

As we come to the close of Paul's last letter, we reflect on some of the lessons to be learned from his life.

Paul commands Timothy to preach the Word to the church in Ephesus. How can we get the most benefit from this divinely ordained arrangement-- Further, this command implies preaching has authority. Authority is problematic in America today.

The preaching of scripture to the congregation of a local church is God's enduring plan. Paul lays out some of the essential reasons why nothing can replace preaching if we are to be faithful to Christ, grow in Christ likeness and live as his disciples.