Category: Bible Study

God’s Word at work bringing growth (Mark 4: 1-34)

We now have a cluster of parables about God’s kingdom with farming imagery dominating. The most famous of these is the parable of the Sower (or perhaps more accurately ‘soils’) where seed lands on different types of ground bringing different outcomes.  There are things that prevent seed from taking root, growing and bearing fruit reflecting… Continue reading God’s Word at work bringing growth (Mark 4: 1-34)

What is the Biblical basis for financially supporting pastors?

Having spent ten years as a paid pastor in a church, I’ve spent the past year and a bit in a slightly different position.  I’m currently self-supported which means I’m responsible for raising my own support.  There are a lot of positives and benefits to this.  One reason I was keen to spend some time… Continue reading What is the Biblical basis for financially supporting pastors?

Can I make sure that I don’t commit the unforgivable sin?

I recently wrote about the question “Have I committed the unforgivable sin.”   We’ve been working through Mark’s Gospel at our church and I preached on chapter 3 where the topic comes up when Jesus talks about blasphemy against the Holy Spirit.  In that section, Jesus says: 28 “Truly, I say to you, all sins will be… Continue reading Can I make sure that I don’t commit the unforgivable sin?

Have I committed the unforgivable sin? (Mark 3:20-30)

It’s a question that someone may well have asked you at some point.  Perhaps you’ve even asked it yourself. The possibility that I could commit a sin which puts me permanently and irreparably beyond God’s love and forgiveness is terrifying. To understand what Jesus means when he describes a sin which is unforgivable, we need… Continue reading Have I committed the unforgivable sin? (Mark 3:20-30)

The Motley Crew (Mark 3:13-19)

Mark now summarises the gathering together of Jesus’ twelve disciples.  He’s already begun to tell us about some of them. Back in 1:16-20, we have seen him call and commission the fishermen, Sim and Andrew, James and John.  They are told: “Follow me, and I will make you become fishers of men.” Mark 1:17 Jesus’ call… Continue reading The Motley Crew (Mark 3:13-19)

Recognised by enemies (Mark 3:7-12)

We’ve seen that Jesus is getting a lot of attention.  Crowds are coming from far and near, Judea, Galilee and Idumea (Edom) are mentioned here. This is causing problems for him because as his fame grows so do the crowds and this means that his movement and activities are restricted.  We’ve already seen an example… Continue reading Recognised by enemies (Mark 3:7-12)

Beyond Repair? (Mark 3)

Here’s my sermon outline from today. Introduction We loved our little Citroen C3.  It took us everywhere and we spent thousands of pounds on annual repairs.  Until one day, on a journey to Bradford after a decade and 100k miles, it decided to die. We crawled up the M6 and M62 at a dangerous snail’s… Continue reading Beyond Repair? (Mark 3)

A day made for you

When challenged about what his disciples are doing by picking and eating corn on the Sabbath, Jesus says: “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.” Mark 2:27 At the time Jesus was speaking, the Jewish Sabbath was in force. Jews observed Saturday as a day of rest from work remembering that God… Continue reading A day made for you

Picnic (Mark 2:23-28)

Do you remember when the then Prime Minister, Theresa May, was asked what the naughtiest thing was that she’d ever done?  Struggling to think of anything particularly heinous, she gave the since much mocked answer that she had once skipped through a field of wheat.  Well, here we find Jesus and his disciples in trouble… Continue reading Picnic (Mark 2:23-28)