gospel

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The Ultimate Reversal

Listen to Pastor Nick read the “Firestarter” and the Gospel.

[From the version for families with children]

A few of the disciples are at it again—looking for high positions of honor in Jesus’s kingdom.  It takes a long time for these men to know that they are closer to Jesus when they serve others, than when they sit next to him in seats of privilege.  The privilege for us as Christians is to be invited to be part of Jesus’s loving community of service.  And as for recognition of honor: Jesus was crucified!  So if you love Jesus and want to serve him by loving and serving others, then it will mean a kind of death to our preferences to be looking for “Oscars” and “Emmys” for our Christian performance. 

Verse 44 is the ultimate reversal.  If you want to be first, you must be willing to be counted last!  But this is so good!  The more our pride dissolves, the more the brightness of humility can shine.  Think long and quietly about that verse and see how you can live it one day at a time.   

 Mark 10:35-45 

What are “Bible Breaths”? Learn More…

Example: The greatest is the servant. v. 43

Sundays are dedicated to the Gospels from the Revised Common Lectionary.
In year B, we read from the Gospel of Mark

For all the Firestarters I recommend the ebook.  You will have the entire program of well over a thousand of these introductions with you on your phone or tablet. Check the menu options at the site for more information.

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Serious Warnings – Recorded

Listen to Pastor Nick read the “Firestarter” and the Gospel.

[From the original version of the book]

Jesus does not mince words when it comes to eternal life; the stakes are too high. Read these warnings as though for the first time.

Do you readily share your deepest conviction about absolute values? We are called to witness to others about eternal life. This means confronting others, not with judgments but with convictions. It includes sharing your faith in eternal life and the concern that others might be placing their eternal life in danger by the way in which they live.

Co-dependency means that we allow others to determine our actions, instead of God. Are you bold enough not to allow your actions to be a function of what others think of you?

Mark 9:38–50

What are “Bible Breaths”? Learn More…
Example:At peace with one another v. 50

Sundays are dedicated to the Gospels from the Revised Common Lectionary.
In year B, we read from the Gospel of Mark

For all the Firestarters I recommend the ebook.  You will have the entire program of well over a thousand of these introductions with you on your phone or tablet. Check the menu options at the site for more information.