Walking With Jesus Part 7: TESTIMONY (Mark 1:28-34)

Walking With Jesus Part 7: TESTIMONY (Mark 1:28-34)

by | Sep 17, 2024 | Bible Studies, God in the Details, Walking With Jesus

“News about him spread quickly over the whole region of Galilee.”

Mark 1:28, NIV

After the cleansing of the man with an unclean spirit in the synagogue, we see that news about Jesus spread like wildfire.

Jesus and His handful of disciples left the synagogue and went to the home of Simon and Andrew.

Simon’s mother-in-law was ill and in bed with a fever.

The Bible says that Jesus went to her, took her by the hand and helped her up – and out of her illness.

Thus far, in Jesus’ public ministry, we see God taking action – Jesus demonstrating His authority as the Hand of God stretched forth – against impure spirits (that which ails the mind and soul) as well as sickness (that which ails the body) – bringing not only relief, but also restoration.

This has always been the Will of God – that He might see His children restored – in mind, body and spirit!

Jesus came to free us from the shackles that hold us back from both wholeness and holiness.

We see that after the healing of Simon’s mother-in-law, the whole town gathered at her door to see, hear and meet Jesus. The Bible says “that evening, after sunset…” – in other words, some time had passed. This time was certainly enough for people to have heard the testimony of the man from the synagogue, as well as the news about Simon’s mother-in-law.

The whole town brought their sick and tormented to Jesus.

This is the power of testimony right here.

Speaking from my own experience, I have seen Jesus move as my healer, my protector, my provider – He has been there in the valley and on the mountaintop.

I have more than 20 years of testimonies in my pocket. He has never let me down.

And I am sure that, no matter how long you have known and walked with Jesus, you also have testimonies of His goodness, His mercy and His grace. I am sure that, if you have in any way or form encountered Jesus, you will have a story to tell – a story of redemption and restoration – even if the story is still a work in progress.

This testimony has the power to bring others to Jesus.

The news about Jesus didn’t spread because of some massive marketing campaign or targeted ads on social media – it didn’t go viral because of well-produced content or billboards next to the side of the road – the news about Jesus spread by word of mouth.

One person telling the next what they had seen, heard or experienced.

If the Gospel is the light of the world – that original spark or flame – shouldn’t we all, like candles be set alight to show the way to the Cross of Christ in a world darkened by depravity and hopelessness?

Let your little light shine.

The testimonies of one or two people in the first chapter of Mark – the man in the synagogue and Simon’s mother-in-law – led a whole town to Jesus.

Imagine if we all – all of us who believe, all of us who have seen God move, who have encountered Jesus – imagine if we all let our light shine! Imagine if we would all share our stories with who-ever might be willing to hear – we could turn the world upside down and right side up for Jesus!

Perhaps we could take action today – in this very simple way – and tell someone about how God took action on our behalf today.

Reflect:

1. Can you think of a way in which God has taken action in your life? What did He do for you? Now think of the people you know. Is there anyone going through a similar situation or circumstance? How can you share the good news of Jesus with them today?

2. The Bible compares the Kingdom of God to a mustard seed. How can the mustard seed of your testimony become a plantation unto the Lord? Is there a specific type of person who should hear your testimony? Where will you find them?

Prayer: Lord, give me opportunities to share my story with others today. Give me boldness to speak of the wonders you have done in my life. Remind me, oh Lord, of the blessings you have poured out in my life, and help me remember them out loud. You have saved me from eternal demise. Help me today to share my story of redemption and restoration, the story of how Your grace rewrote my life – with someone who needs it. Let my testimony be like a mustard seed which bears much fruit. In Jesus name. Amen.

Walking With Jesus Part 6: Authority (Mark 1:21-28)

Walking With Jesus Part 6: Authority (Mark 1:21-28)

by | Sep 9, 2024 | Bible Studies, God in the Details, Walking With Jesus

21 They went to Capernaum, and when the Sabbath came, Jesus went into the synagogue and began to teach. 22 The people were amazed at his teaching, because he taught them as one who had authority, not as the teachers of the law. 

Mark 1:21-22, NIV 

Early on in His ministry Jesus made waves in the synagogues through His radical teaching.

The teachers of the law had a lot of knowledge – they had authority over the letter – they could quote and interpret the scriptures with ease. 

But Jesus taught as one who had ‘authority’ – a different kind of authority. 

The Bible uses the word ‘Exousia’ here. Exousia refers specifically to the authority to act or do. It specifically refers to a moral authority – the liberty to do as one pleases. In most cases, in the New Testament, this refers to the spiritual authority of God delegated to believers, but is also used to refer to Pilate’s authority to choose who lives and who dies.

This is the authority that Jesus functioned in – as God made flesh – all authority was in Him.

Authority over eternal life and death – authority over the Heavens and the Earth. Authority over all things.

And it was clear in His teaching. He spoke and taught – not just as one who believed, but one who KNEW.

There was a certainty and a boldness in His teaching.

When Jesus spoke of the Kingdom of Heaven, it was not merely an allegory or a parable, but a vision waiting to take root. A thing that was, although not seen by mortal eyes, surely real and tangible – Jesus spoke of the Kingdom and the rule of God, not just as metaphysical ideas or philosophical constructs – but as a real and tangible thing you could touch and experience.

He spoke with the authority of one who HAD experienced eternity. He spoke with the authority of one who had seen, and touched, and lived the Kingdom – because He had!

He WAS the Kingdom made flesh.

He spoke as one who had the authority to not only choose who would live and die (like Pilate, a right reserved for kings) – but as the One who had the authority to turn dry bones into armies and crush death itself.

Even the gates of hell trembled when He spoke.

While teaching in the synagogue a man with an impure spirit cried out: “What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God!” (v.24, NIV)

And Jesus responded simply with: “Be quiet, come out!”

And the Spirit obeyed. The people marvelled at this – “even the impure spirits obey Him…”

The authority of God was in Jesus. Not just authority to speak – but authority to DO.

This is the same authority promised to all believers. Jesus does not just teach – He demonstrates.

Paul again and again urges believers to realize that Christ is alive – not just seated in the Heavens upon His eternal throne – but within us. He works in us and through us through His Holy Spirit living in us.

Let us live every day, walking like Jesus walked. Let us learn from Him. As we explore the scriptures further we will learn more about this authority that Jesus had and how it translates into the life of the believer.

For now, I leave you with this thought: The Word is always backed up with action. Jesus did not just teach. He DID. He took action.

My prayer for you today is that God’s Word will come alive in you. That it will be more than just letters on a page, but that, through His Holy Spirit, you will be able to translate it into action.

Reflect:

  1. John calls Jesus the Word Made Flesh (John 1). Jesus is the heart and the will of God, the very Word of God made manifest in the earth. The Holy Spirit is ‘Christ in us’. How should this affect our daily lives?
  2. What is one way that you can preach the Gospel without using words? What does it mean to be, not just a hearer, but also a doer of God’s Word? What does it look like?

Prayer: Lord, help me today to not only be a hearer of Your Word, but also a doer. Be present in my understanding and in my deeds, Lord. Help me understand the authority given to all believers through the indwelling of Your Holy Spirit – and help me walk in this authority. Help me walk in this victory – and help me share this victory with others. Victory over sin and temptation, situations and circumstances – let me understand and function according to Your Word. In Jesus Name. Amen.

Everyday Evangelism: The Romans Road

Everyday Evangelism: The Romans Road

by | Sep 3, 2024 | Equipped, The Pattern

“How do I lead someone to the Lord?”

This is by far one of the most common questions I get asked in my ministry to young believers.

And while this seems like a daunting task, it is actually quite simple. There are so many methods and techniques available to every day believers – and here I will present one of the simplest.

It is called the Romans Road to Salvation.

We have all given directions to somewhere – whether to the post office or the local mall, or even our own home – and we usually rely on landmarks to do so. “Turn left when you get to the big tree, through the red gate and past the old school…” Landmarks make it easy to tell others how to get where they are going.

And just like that we are going to use the book of Romans to guide our listener towards Jesus – guiding them along this road through Romans, the Romans Road, we are going to present our brothers and sisters with some landmarks to help them find their way from lost to found.

With only a handful of verses in your back-pocket you too can become an every day evangelist.

Landmark 1: ”We are all lost…”
Key verses: Romans 3:10, 3:23 and 6:23

The Bible teaches us that no-one is righteous – not even one ((Romans 3:10). All of us have sinned, and continue to sin, falling short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23).

This sin is very much a separation between us and God – like a huge wall or a wide chasm. Our sin separates us from God. 

His plan for us, from the very beginning was life. Romans 6:23: tells us that the wages of sin is death – eternal death and separation. Besides this, our sin also has very real consequences for us in our current life. It kills relationships, friendships and marriages – it kills our finances – it can even kill us.

Sin is bad and the consequences are bad.

And we all are guilty – all of us deserve what is coming to us. But there is hope.

Landmark 2: “There is hope in Jesus.”
Key verses: Romans 6:23, Romans 5:8

Romans 6:23 tells us that the wages of sin is death – but it also tells us that the free gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ.

Romans 5:8: gives us this wonderful news – that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us! He shed His blood upon the cross, giving His life for us, so that the death warrant of sin would be torn apart!

His blood justifies us! Frees us of the bondage of sin and fear! And calls us to be children of God!

Landmark 3: “Do you want to be free?”
Key verses: Romans 10:9-10, Romans 10:13

This freedom is available to you today. And it will cost you nothing more than a decision. Jesus already paid – it is yours – you just have to collect it!

John 3:16 says that God so loved the world that He sent Jesus to die for us! So that every single person – no matter what they have done or where they have been in life, might be saved if they call on His name! 

And calling on His name is really easy.

Romans 10:9-10: says the following: If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.  (NIV)

Romans 10:13 tells us that everyone who does this – everyone who calls on Jesus will be saved.

You just need a mustard seed of faith in your heart, and just confess it with me today – and you will be saved!

Landmark 4: The Result
Key verses: Romans 5:1-2, Romans 8:1

If you can muster up just that little bit of faith and courage to choose Jesus today something wonderful will happen.

Romans 5:1-2: Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. (NIV)

First of all, you will be justified. This means that all of your sins will be washed away and you will be clean before the Lord. The death warrant against you, the result of sin, will be torn up. You will be made new.

Romans 8:1 tells us that there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ.

This justification means that you can step into newness of life – a freshness – you can be renewed and restored today.

Secondly, you will be at peace with God – no longer separated from Him by your sin and shame, but walking with Him, and Him with you.

Lastly, through making peace with God, justified through Christ Jesus, you will be born again into His family – a child of God, and your inheritance will be eternal life. This means that one day, when all is said and done, I will see you there in Heaven!

If you want this today, let’s pray together:

Lord, I know that I am a sinner and that the wages of sin is death. I believe today that You died for me on the cross, so that I might be free of this sin and the death that comes with it. Right now I believe in my heart and confess with my mouth that Jesus Christ is Lord, that He died for my sins, and that through His blood, His death and His resurrection I am saved. Thank you Jesus for Your love, Your grace, Your mercy, peace, and this great gift of eternal life. In Jesus Name. Amen.

NEXT STEPS:

It is important that we don’t just leave the person at this point and move on to the next. Jesus calls us, not just to lead people to Him, but to make disciples! Remember to always provide your brother or sister with a way forward – details for their local church or a number they can call or even text. The person you have led to Jesus is now a newborn Christian, and newborns Christians – just like new born babies, need care and support. Make sure you lead them, not only to Jesus, but also to a place where they can grow in their newfound relationship with God.

 

Walking With Jesus Part 5: Fishermen (Mark 1:16-20)

Walking With Jesus Part 5: Fishermen (Mark 1:16-20)

by | Sep 2, 2024 | Articles, Bible Studies, Called, God in the Details, Walking With Jesus

“Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” 

Mark 1:17, NIV

The first disciples are called on the shore of the sea of Galilee – humble fishermen, Andrew and Simon who would later be called Peter, and a little later James and John – the Sons of Thunder.

They were everyday working men.

Where other Rabbi’s and Teachers called disciples from religious schools and places of higher learning, Jesus called the Everyman. Diamonds in the rough, with calloused hands and tough demeanors.

They were not seminary educated. They were not wealthy and had no status in society. They were common men, hard working men – although they might have been respected as small-time business men in their communities, they were often overlooked and underestimated in the other arenas of life – and dismissed altogether when it came to religious, spiritual and more philosophical things.

But Jesus sees deeper. 

Jesus arrives announcing the coming of The Kingdom – He has come with a mission and He needs strong, willing men to help Him establish, proclaim and expand the boundaries of this Kingdom.

Of course the core of His group would consist of fishermen – tough, rugged tenacious men. Courageous men. Hard working men.

Jesus looked at the fishermen and saw team-players (fishermen seldom worked alone) with great courage, stamina, faith, energy and patience – the ability to endure.

The Gospel of Jesus has always been practical.

God does not call the qualified – there were many who were qualified – who knew the scriptures, who understood the prophecies, who were willing and ready to believe – even in Jesus day. We see this in Nicodemus.

Nicodemus was willing to believe – but not willing to endure the hardship that would come with the Cross of Christ.

God qualifies the called. And on this day, by the sea of Galilee, He called four humble men. 

“Follow me… and I will make you fishers of men.”

And the Bible says they left their nets, they left their boats – and they followed.

They simply followed.

The Gospel of Jesus is practical. In training others for the work of ministry I have often found that courses, studies and endless reading lists are not effective – but the concept of ‘journeying’ is. There is power in ‘walking together’.

And this is what Jesus invited them to do. “Come and walk with me, and I will make you fishers of men…”

Jesus, in the book of Mark, teaches primarily through action. His training of the disciples is very much hands on, through demonstration more than discussion. And perhaps, for some of us, this is exactly what is necessary. 

Jesus is still calling fishermen today – not just the seminary student – God doesn’t need a degree to work through us – He only needs a willing heart with a yielded yes.

The biggest impact is not made from behind the pulpit, but through His presence in our daily lives – if He is present in us, and we are present in the lives of others, they will see Jesus! They will see Jesus in us.

As we walk with Jesus, learning from Him – as we do what we see Him doing, and as we live as we see Him living – we will see change, lasting change, not only in our own lives but also in the lives of those around us.

Jesus is calling you today to come and ‘walk’ with Him – and in so doing, to learn from Him – so that you might also become a fisher of men.

How will you answer this call today?

Reflect:

1. Is there anything you would have to leave behind to follow Jesus fully? What people, places or things might you have to leave behind to follow Jesus? How about sin, shame or fear?

2. Are you willing to take up the call of Christ? How can you start learning from Jesus today? What practical next steps can you take?

Prayer: Lord, let me heed Your call to discipleship today. Open the eyes of my heart and my imagination. As I read Your Word, show me what discipleship looks like. As I walk with You, Jesus, show me a better way. Let me learn from You Lord, let Your life speak volumes into my own. And, as I walk with You, let me be transformed – and as I am transformed, to look more like You, let others see You in me and be transformed as well. In Jesus Name. Amen.

Walking With Jesus Part 4: Political Language (Mark 1:14-15)

Walking With Jesus Part 4: Political Language (Mark 1:14-15)

by | Aug 26, 2024 | Bible Studies, Christological Reflections, God in the Details, Walking With Jesus

“After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news (Gospel)  of God. “The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!”

Mark 1:14-15, NIV

After coming out of the wilderness, Jesus starts preaching a very simple message.
Repent. The Kingdom has come near.

The Bible says that Jesus was preaching good news. The word used in the Greek here is ‘euaggelion’. In the pagan Greco-Roman world this word had very specific connotations.

There exists, for example, an ancient inscription from somewhere between 9 and 6 BC called the Priene Calendar Inscription. This inscription marks Caeser Augustus’ birthday as the beginning of the ‘gospel’ of his kingdom.

‘Euaggelion’ was often used to indicate an announcement of celebration – most commonly in political and military settings – to celebrate a conquest, or the coming of a kingdom – specifically the announcement of the arrival of a kingdom (especially a divine authority) that brings with it SALVATION from DESTRUCTION for all who would pledge allegiance to it.

Jesus came proclaiming exactly such a gospel. The Gospel of His Kingdom.     

The word for Kingdom used in Mark 1:15 is basileia which according to Strong’s refers to: kingship, sovereignty, authority, rule, especially of God, both in the world, and in the hearts of men; hence: kingdom, in the concrete sense.

Jesus came proclaiming the Kingdom come.

When we say the Kingdom is at hand it is not a Kingdom on the way, but rather the Kingdom close enough to touch.          

Jesus comes and starts preaching – a revolutionary message – declaring that the Kingdom has come and urging us to repent and believe in this good news – to take this declaration seriously. Jesus comes to confuse the norms; He comes to interrupt the status quo. His followers, those listening to His message, were quite familiar with the term ‘kingdom’. They had heard of the kingdom of Herod, they were familiar with the kingdom of Rome, but now they are introduced to a new kingdom – the KINGDOM OF HEAVEN. He comes to bring us a revolution – to overthrow the ruler of this world, and to establish His throne and dominion in the earth.

We understand that there were many sects within Judaism waiting for a militant Messiah – a warrior-king, much like David, who would bring military conquest and the overthrow of their oppressors. This is what many expected from God’s gospel.

But they had the wrong ‘oppressors’ in mind – they had their eyes set on temporary tyrants and human empires.

Jesus very much came preaching a revolution. A revolution of the heart and mind. This is where He longs to establish His rule – to overthrow and dethrone the tyrants of sin and death.

His Gospel is first and foremost accompanied by the word ‘repent’. In the Greek, the word used here is metanoeō (G3340 in the Strong’s concordance), and can be defined as follows:
to think differently or afterwards, that is reconsider. (Strong’s)

The proper definition of metanoeō therefore is to have a change of mind – it does not just imply a sense of regret, but rather a call to action, calling us – not to just stop sinning – but to start thinking differently. Calling us to be transformed through the renewing of our minds. Paul admonishes us over and over to be imitators of Christ. We must adopt the mind of Christ.

This is true repentance – becoming one with Christ. Being united with Christ and the change of mindset that comes with it.

This is what Christ was encouraging all who heard His preaching:

1. The Kingdom of God, the rule and reign of the Lord has come through the birth of Jesus Christ.
2. Repent – change the way you think to align with this Kingdom and its principles.
3. Believe the Gospel – entrust your life – pledge allegiance to receive salvation from judgement.

Jesus says ‘the time has come.’ The word for ‘time’ here is ‘Kairos’ referring to a time when conditions are right for the accomplishment of a strategic and crucial action. A decisive, opportune moment.

The time is now. The time for you to encounter the Kingdom of God is now. Don’t wait. Take action today.

Reflect:

1. ‘Metanoeō’ means to change your thinking – not just your actions. How does this affect your definition of repentance? How will changing your thinking affect your tendency to sin? Would it have any other effect on the way you live, besides in regards to sin and temptation? What would it look like to have the mind of Christ?

2. Christ preached the Kingdom Come. He promised us – in this – a spiritual, military-like conquest and salvation from destruction. He asked us to believe – in this context, to entrust our lives and pledge allegiance to this Kingdom – what does it mean to believe? What does it mean to entrust our lives and pledge allegiance? Is it as simple as just having a bit of faith and confessing it? Or do you think Jesus encourages something more?

Prayer: Lord, I am not content with merely being a citizen in Your Kingdom. Help me Lord to live a life worthy of the One You gave by being an ambassador of Your Kingdom. Lead me Lord, to not only be a hearer but a doer. Let my faith be reflected in action. Let my thinking be changed, I ask for the Mind of Christ. Transform my thinking, and through that, transform my life and the lives of those around me. In Jesus Name. Amen.