Friday, June 28, 2024

Who Was John Mark?



John Mark, often referred to simply as Mark, is a significant figure in the New Testament of the Bible. Here are some key points about his story:

  1. Early Ministry and Travels: John Mark first appears in the Book of Acts. He accompanied Paul and Barnabas on their first missionary journey (Acts 12:25, 13:5). However, he left them partway through the journey and returned to Jerusalem (Acts 13:13), which caused some contention between Paul and Barnabas.

  2. Separation from Paul: When planning a second missionary journey, Paul refused to take John Mark along because he had abandoned them previously. This led to a sharp disagreement between Paul and Barnabas, resulting in their separation. Barnabas took John Mark with him to Cyprus, while Paul chose Silas as his companion (Acts 15:36-41).

  3. Reconciliation with Paul: Despite their earlier disagreement, Paul later acknowledged John Mark's usefulness in ministry. In his letters, Paul speaks positively about him. In Colossians 4:10, Paul refers to Mark as a valuable helper, and in 2 Timothy 4:11, Paul requests Mark's presence, saying, "he is helpful to me in my ministry."

  4. Association with Peter: John Mark is also closely associated with the Apostle Peter. In 1 Peter 5:13, Peter refers to Mark as his "son," indicating a close mentor-mentee relationship. This connection is significant because it is traditionally believed that Mark wrote the Gospel of Mark based on Peter's teachings and experiences.

  5. Author of the Gospel of Mark: Mark is traditionally credited with writing the second Gospel in the New Testament. The Gospel of Mark is believed to be one of the earliest written accounts of Jesus' life and ministry and is noted for its concise and straightforward style.

Through these events, John Mark's story in the Bible is one of initial failure, subsequent growth, reconciliation, and significant contribution to the early Christian church.

Sabbath School Lesson 1: The Beginning of the Gospel


 

The Book of Mark

Sabbath School Lesson 1

The Beginning of the Gospel

You may use this for presenting and studying the current Sabbath School Lesson.

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> Download the notes for this lesson's video here.

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Download  Mark (3rd qtr) Sabbath School Lessons Here

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>Why has sin gone on so long?

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Will we ever have to stand without Jesus in the last days?

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Thursday, June 27, 2024

Why Has Sin Gone on For So Long?


 

From a Christian standpoint, the question of why God has allowed sin to persist for so long is complex and has been the subject of theological reflection for centuries. Here are some key points that can help address this question:


 1. Free Will and Love

- Free Will: God created humans with free will, the ability to choose between good and evil. This freedom is essential for genuine love and moral growth. Without the possibility of choosing wrong, choosing right would be meaningless.

- Love: God’s desire for a loving relationship with His creation necessitates freedom. Love cannot be coerced; it must be freely given and received.


 2. God’s Patience and Redemption Plan

- Patience: The Bible portrays God as patient, not wanting anyone to perish but for all to come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9). This extended time allows more people the opportunity to turn to God.

- Redemption Plan: Throughout history, God has been unfolding a redemptive plan culminating in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. This plan demonstrates God’s justice, mercy, and love.


 3. Temporal vs. Eternal Perspective

- Human Lifespan: A human lifetime, though it can involve suffering, is relatively short compared to the eternal perspective. Christians believe that earthly life is just the beginning and that eternity with God will be free from suffering and sin.

- Eternal Glory: Paul writes in Romans 8:18 that “the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.” This eternal perspective can provide hope and comfort amidst suffering.


 4. Purpose of Suffering

- Character Development: Suffering can develop perseverance, character, and hope (Romans 5:3-5). It can draw people closer to God and shape them into the likeness of Christ.

- Greater Good: God can bring good out of suffering and evil, even when it is not immediately apparent. The story of Joseph in Genesis is an example, where what was intended for evil, God used for good (Genesis 50:20).


 5. Mystery of God’s Ways

- God’s Wisdom: Humans have limited understanding compared to God’s infinite wisdom. The book of Job emphasizes that God’s ways are beyond human comprehension, yet He remains just and sovereign.

- Trust in God: Faith involves trusting that God is good, even when we do not understand why He allows certain things to happen.


 Perspective on Evil and Suffering

Considering the shortness of human life in comparison to the vast history of sin, we can derive several perspectives:


1. Limited Duration of Suffering: No human being suffers more than their own lifetime, which, in the scope of eternity, is brief.

2. Hope in Eternity: The promise of eternal life with God, free from suffering and sin, provides hope and a future to look forward to.

3. Present Comfort: Knowing that God is with us in our suffering and has a purpose for it can provide comfort and strength.


In summary, from a Christian perspective, the persistence of sin and suffering in the world can be understood in the context of free will, God’s patience, the eternal perspective, and the mysterious nature of God’s wisdom. This perspective helps believers to trust in God’s goodness and justice, even amid the existence of evil and suffering.

Thursday, June 20, 2024

Sabbath School Lesson 13: The Triumph of God’s Love


 

The Great Controversy

Sabbath School Lesson 13

The Triumph of God's Love

You may use this for presenting and studying the current Sabbath School Lesson.

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> Download the notes for this lesson's video here.

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Download  Mark (3rd qtr) Sabbath School Lessons Here

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>Why has sin gone on so long?

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> Will we ever have to stand without Jesus in the last days?

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Saturday, June 15, 2024

Will We Ever Have to Stand Alone Without Jesus During the End Times?


 

Here are a few Bible verses that emphasize Jesus' promise to be with the faithful until the very end. We will never be able to stand without Jesus, past, present, and for all-time.

Many think we will one day need to stand on our own, and if we fail, we will be lost forever. We will have no mediator, so we must be essentially, "perfect."

At one point before Jesus comes, all decisions will have been made. The world has chosen to be with Jesus or be in rebellion of sin. The faithful will be sealed.

How or when that sealing happens is not fully explained. Nobody will ever be able to stand on their own without Jesus, in perfection.

Jesus would have died on the cross for nothing. If we could stand perfect on our own, Jesus' death was in vain. The Bible makes it clear that Jesus will be with us always, including the very end of this age.

Matthew 28:20 (NIV) "And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

This verse is part of the Great Commission, where Jesus is instructing His disciples to go and make disciples of all nations. His promise to be with them "always, to the very end of the age" assures them that He will provide guidance, strength, and presence as they carry out His mission. This promise extends to all believers, providing comfort and confidence that Jesus will never abandon them, regardless of the challenges they may face.

Hebrews 13:5 (NIV) "Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, 'Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.'"

This verse quotes God’s promise from the Old Testament (Deuteronomy 31:6, 8) and applies it to the lives of Christians. The assurance that God will never leave or forsake His people serves as a reminder that Jesus, as part of the Trinity, is always present with believers. This helps them maintain their focus on spiritual, rather than material, wealth and provides reassurance of God’s unwavering presence and support.

John 14:16-18 (NIV) "And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever—the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you."

Jesus promises His disciples that He will send the Holy Spirit, referred to as another advocate or helper, who will be with them forever. This promise emphasizes that even after His ascension, Jesus will continue to be present with His followers through the Holy Spirit. The Spirit’s indwelling presence in believers ensures they are never alone and have continual guidance, comfort, and support from Jesus.

Matthew 18:20 (NIV) "For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them."

This verse underscores Jesus' presence among believers whenever they come together in His name. It reinforces the idea that Jesus is always with His followers, particularly in their communal worship and fellowship. This presence is not limited by time or space, ensuring that believers can rely on His support and presence in their collective endeavors.

Revelation 1:17-18 (NIV) "When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. Then he placed his right hand on me and said: 'Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. I am the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades.'"

In these verses, the risen Christ reassures the apostle John with His eternal presence and authority. By declaring Himself the "First and the Last" and the "Living One," Jesus affirms His eternal existence and His victory over death. This assurance is meant to comfort believers with the knowledge that Jesus, who has conquered death, will be with them forever, providing them with hope and confidence even in the face of persecution and trials.

These verses collectively offer profound reassurance of Jesus' perpetual presence and support for the faithful, encouraging believers to trust in His enduring companionship and divine assistance throughout their lives.



Thursday, June 13, 2024

Sabbath School Lesson 12: Earth’s Closing Events


 

The Great Controversy

Sabbath School Lesson 12

Earth's Closing Events

You may use this for presenting and studying the current Sabbath School Lesson.

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> Download the notes for this lesson's video here.

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Download Current Sabbath School Lessons Here

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Thursday, June 6, 2024

Sabbath School Lesson 11: The Impending Conflict

 The Great Controversy

Sabbath School Lesson 11

The Impending Conflict

You may use this for presenting and studying the current Sabbath School Lesson.

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> Download the notes for this lesson's video here.

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Download Current Sabbath School Lessons Here

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