“RE Verse reading–Mark 1:19-20, 3:13-17, 10:35-45 (day five)
I saw this quote on a friend’s Facebook page this week. “The biggest danger to every human being is located inside of them, not outside of them.” After reading Mark 10:35-45, I left with 2 observations: First, we are SO capable of either steering or being steered off the path of righteousness that it is scary. Qualities that are often applauded and admired (zeal, ambition, and dedication) can lead us away from the will and favor of God. Second, Jesus has NO problem pointing out the weaknesses and sin in the lives of His disciples. I see at work the frailty and depravity of mankind while at the same moment, I observe the firm and fair rebuke of a loving Lord. I am encouraged that sin (my sin) does not intimidate or hinder Jesus’ desire and capacity to challenge and confront my wickedness (whatever its motivation). My heart is both humbled and grateful this morning.
Author: Scott Lane
Scott Lane is the Executive Pastor of Ministry at FBCSA.
Is this YOUR Final Answer?
RE Verse reading–Mark 1:16-18, 8:27-33, 14:26-31, 66-72, 16:5-7 (day five)
It is the biggest question that we will ever need to answer. In Mark 8:29 Jesus gets down to the nitty gritty. “But what about YOU?” he asked. “Who do YOU say I am?” (emphasis added) How each of us answers this question will ultimately define our faith, belief system, and our trust in the scripture. In a conversation last week with my kids, we were talking about how the answer to this question is the ultimate litmus test of each and every religion. The question we must ask when investigating or confronted by another pattern of spirituality is “What do they say/believe about Jesus.?” Will they follow Biblical teaching? Will they try to reduce or explain away his humanity or divinity? It is a question that each of us is accountable to answer for ourselves. The answer will tell the world what we believe about God, The Scripture, Salvation, and so much more.
A Lesson from John the Baptist
RE Verse reading–Mark 1:1-11 (Day Five)
In the beginning of the Gospel of Mark, we meet John the Baptist. John the Baptizer understood his role in the Kingdom of God. It was to “prepare the way”. The required daily activities were preaching and baptizing. He did them with passion and faithfulness.
It’s a worthy question to ask. “What is my role in the kingdom of God?” Will it be in: What I say? What I do? Where I go? How I think? We should all ask these kinds of questions frequently. As a spouse or future spouse, as a parent, as a boss or employee, as a student, as a citizen, or as a friend, “How could I contribute to the Kingdom of God?” That God would want to use our talents, time, and tasks to help grow His Kingdom is an amazing thought. That our actions and attitudes could have an eternal influence is great perspective to regularly consider.
Another Reason to Give Thanks!!
Re Verse reading Acts 28:17-31(day five). Acts 18:15 “At the sight of these people Paul thanked God and was encouraged.” Donald Whitney’s book 15 Questions to Diagnose Your Spiritual Health, poses the revealing question: “Do you delight in the Bride of Christ?” It’s a great question. Our relationship to The Church (The Bride of Christ) says more about our spiritual health than the health of the church. The scripture says Paul was encouraged by the presence of fellow Christians and gave thanks for them. “The closer you are to The Lord, the closer you will be to other believers” – Peter Jeffrey. Let’s pause this weekend and give thanks for the Body of Believers where God has placed us! Let’s pray for the ministries and members! Let’s look for opportunities to be an encouragement to our church! Whitney’s challenge is for us to find “irresistible joy in the presence and ministry of Christ’s people, both in congregational form and as individuals”.
Experience is the Best Teacher
RE Verse passage: Acts 15:1-29 (day five) It’s an old saying that many have come to appreciate. It’s a truth that has been proven to be full of wisdom. “Experience is the best teacher”. When I read the Re:Verse passage this week, I couldn’t help but be drawn to Peter’s words, “God, who knows the heart” (verse 8). Who better than Peter to utter these words. Remember the confronting “restoration” conversation with Jesus in John 21? Peter confesses with humility, passion, and certainty, “Lord, You know all things”. Peter came to know the reality of God’s power, sovereignty, and omniscience. It made an indelible mark in his soul that day and taught him a lifelong lesson. God continued to use that experience to encourage him as a leader and servant of the church. Thank You Lord, for the many lessons You teach through ALL our experiences!!
Guest Blogger: Scott Lane – Associate Pastor, Education, Students & Venture
Who Did What?
RE Verse reading-Acts 13:1-5, 13-14, 42-52 (day five)
Scripture seems to say two different things in verses three and four. One verse says the church sent Barnabas and Saul, while the next verse states it was the Holy Spirit. So, Who did What? Which is true? The answer is BOTH. Now that’s an amazing conclusion with many implications and ramifications. Implications: The Holy Spirit, who is alive in the believer’s heart, speaks to and through each person. When we gather to search the scriptures, worship in song and sermon, pray together, and share in fellowship, the Holy Spirit may be speaking both personally and corporately to affirm God’s Plan for the future and His Will in the life of each member. Ramifications: We gather together with hope and hunger to hear and share what the Holy Spirit is saying. We listen and encourage one another because each has the Holy Spirit living inside them. I can’t wait for Sunday!!
Guest Blogger: Scott Lane – Associate Pastor, Education, Students & Venture
Great is thy Faithfulness
RE Verse reading – Acts 11:1-26 (day five)
Acts11:1 The apostles and the brothers throughout Judea heard that the Gentiles also had received the word of God. 2 So when Peter went up to Jerusalem, the circumcised believers criticized him 3 and said, “You went into the house of uncircumcised men and ate with them.”
I was listening to one of the songs we will sing Sunday morning in Logos. One of the lines states: “morning by morning new mercies I see”. Often times these mercies will challenge us to see circumstances and even others differently. Maybe forgiveness is in order, or perhaps compassion. What about patience or persistence? It is God’s daily mercy that will continue to shape our thoughts, attitudes, and perspectives to be like… His. Glad He’s not finished with me. Thank You that You send New Mercies each day “Oh God my Father”!! GREAT IS THY FAITHFULNESS!!
Guest Blogger: Scott Lane – Associate Pastor, Education, Students & Venture