Yesterday for class I taught out of Mark 1:21-28 and how God's power can infect our lives and spread like an epidemic, for this is where Jesus' ministry explodes into the world. Lately it seems I just can't get enough of Mark--his style of telling Jesus' story is unique, as are all the gospels, and surprisingly simple, yet anything but bland. His composition is distinct and decided: bypassing the birth narrative he spends more than half of his gospel illustrating the people-focused ministry of Christ (healings, miracles, transformations, etc). Then in the middle of chapter 8 "Jesus begins to teach" the disciples and doesn't stop until after he is arrested. To top it off the last third of Mark's book records the final of week of Christ's life on earth. Amazing author, even more amazing story.
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One of our junior guys, Mark, preached yesterday on Youth Sunday a great and genuine message on living for Jesus now. He spoke candidly about his own experiences in the past month that have woken him up from a life of pressing that spiritual snooze bar. I was so proud of the courage he showed yesterday and really felt that he touched a lot of hearts in our church, maybe to their suprise. (There's probably nothing I love more than seeing our kids sell out for Jesus)Mark may not be the best speech writer, and he doesn't claim to be a guy who has it all together. But with boldness he too shared good news yesterday; he spoke truth into the lives of God's people, some who may have been 70 years his elder. With humility he proclaimed what Christ is doing in his life as he shared part of his story. And when his story intersects with God's story it makes for something extraordinary that is anything but bland. It was quite beautiful, to watch another "Mark" write yet another chapter in the rich love story that is Jesus.
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pic of the day, tough guys:
2 comments:
Great entries. BTW: I do not make them call me Coach K, they started that on their own I don't hate it.
Oh good, you are alive.
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