Mark: Just the Facts

Show Notes:

"Mark: Just the Facts"

Host: Jim Hughes, Christian Life Coach

We live in a time of exectutive summaries, watching movies instead of reading books, and PowerPoint bullets. That's the way the Gospel of Mark is: brief and straight to the point. In fact, you can probably read Mark in an hour and a half -- maybe even less.

Mark makes two main points:

1. Jesus has authority. He does this in Chapters 1-8 by highlighting the teaching of Jesus and the miracles of Jesus. This section culminates in Mark 8:29 when Jesus asked Peter: "Who do you say I am?" Peter replied, "You are the Messiah." The authority of Jesus had been established.

2. To follow Jesus means to serve. In Mark 8:34, Jesus begins to explain to his followers what it means to be a disciple: "If you want to be my follower, you must put aside your selfish ambition, shoulder your cross, and follow me." (NLT) The rest of the book focuses on how Jesus demonstrated and taught about being a servant.

My challenge to you today is to read the Gospel of Mark in one sitting and to focus on the two themes: Jesus has authority and to follow Jesus means to serve. Doing so cannot help but draw you closer to Jesus.

"I've been able to feel your prayers."

Show Notes:

Host: Jim Hughes, Christian Life Coach

How can anyone handle death without God?

When Your World Comes Crashing In

Show Notes:

Host: Jim Hughes, Christian Life Coach

For a transcript of this podcast, click here.

How to Know God's Love

Show Notes:

Host: Jim Hughes, Christian Life Coach

Link to The Jesus Creed below.

Three ways to open our hearts to God's love:

1. Sitting in His presence until we are inwardly still, clearing our minds, focusing on Him, and opening our hearts to His love.
2. Throughout the day repeating a short prayer: "Father, thank you for loving me."
3. At least once a day tell ourselves that God loves us -- no matter what.

Isn't it interesting that God allows us to choose whether to open our heats to his love?

Believing = Trusting

Show Notes:

Host: Jim Hughes, Christian Life Coach

John 3:16: "For God so loved the world that he gave his only son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish, but have eternal life."

What does it mean to "believe in Jesus?"

Recent survey results indicate that a large majority of Americans say they believe in Jesus -- but a much smaller number exhibit actions that suggest they are followers of Jesus. Is this the believing of John 3:16?

The phrase in John 3:16 is "believing in him." Maybe this is different that a belief about him.

It's helpful to notice that the verses following verse 16 talk about "trust." This helps us understand that the belief in verse 16 is a belief that results in trust.

Do you believe in Jesus? Do you trust in Jesus?

Maybe today is a good time for a gut check. How does your life show that you trust Jesus? If your belief is not strong enough to produce trust, maybe it's a good time to draw nearer to Jesus. He's earned our trust.

Rescued Because He Delighted in Me

Show Notes:

Host: Jim Hughes, Christian Life Coach

"He rescued me because he delights in me." Psalms 18:19 (NLT)

Even though we are undelightful people, God has chosen to take delight in us and rescue us.

"For God so loved the world that he gave his only son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. God did not send his son into the world to condemn it, but to save it. There is no judgment awaiting those who trust him. But those who do not trust him have already been judged for not believing in the only Son of God." John 3:16 ff (NLT)

Do you believe? Can you say with David, "He rescued me because he delights in me?"

Who or What Do You Trust In?

Show Notes:

Host: Jim Hughes, Christian Life Coach

"Cursed are those who put their trust in mere humans and turn their hearts away from the Lord. They are like stunted shrubs in the desert, with no hope for the future. They will live in the barren wilderness, on the salty flats where no one lives. But blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence. They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water. Such trees are not bothered by the heat or worried by long months of drought. Their leaves stay green, and they go on producing delicious fruit." Jeremiah 17:5-8 (NLT)

Two points to think about:

• Those whose trust is in the human will live lonely, unproductive lives.
• Those whose trust is in God will live lives of growth, productivity, and freedom from worry even in times of difficulty.

That seems like an easy decision!