What does it take To Be Great?

As we continue in RPC's systematic study of the Gospel of Mark, this message focuses on Jesus' words about greatness.   Not surprisingly, the world's definition of "greatness" is radically different that God's.

Read Mark 10:32-45 before listening to the message.  Then deal honestly with Jesus' teaching on how you can become great.

God bless, KM

“To Be Great”

Mark 10:32-45

“great”

grāt

Adjective:

1.    of an extent, amount, or intensity considerably above the normal or average.

2.    of ability, quality, or eminence considerably above the normal or average.

** The world would lead us to believe that "greatness" was a matter of comparison...

Bible for Dummies - Genesis 12-25 (Chapter 5, Part 1)

Now we see God choosing who will be his primary family through whom salvation will be given. Abram, soon to be Abraham, is chosen and commissioned in the following chapter.

Abraham was not a perfect man...but here we learn how God can use anyone who will trust him for his promises.  Hope this helps you on your walk with the Lord. - KM

Chapter 5 – The Babylonian Hillbillies: The Adventures of Abraham and His Family

Part 1 - Genesis 12-25:18

Read Genesis 12:1-3 – The Call of Abram

            Note: “Abram” = Exalted Father; “Abraham” = “Father of Many”

** Abram’s name is changed by God as a sign of what God was doing in Abram’s life; the Lord was expanding or clarifying what He was doing.

God’s Promise to Abram (i.e.: a foreshadowing of The Abrahamic Covenant – Genesis 15) is that his descendants will... 

Bible for Dummies - Fallout from the Fall (Genesis 4-11)

We continue in our systematic reading of the whole Bible by discussing one of the pivotal moments in human history: the Fall. What happens after the Fall is tragic, but God embraces his world and begins the process of salvation.

Listen to the audio and follow the notes (below.)  Hope this is a blessing to you. - KM

Chapter 4 - The Fallout from the “Fall”

(Genesis 4-11)

** The Bible knows no ambiguity of the result of the Fall.  The textbook states (p. 90):

“Theologians have long debated the exact repercussions of Adam and Eve’s choice to eat from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil (see Chapter 3). Did their disobedience set a bad example that the rest of humanity has followed ever since? Or did something irreparable

Bible for Dummies - Genesis 1-3 (Chapter 3, Part 1)

We dive into the specific books of the Bible starting at the beginning (of course) with the book of Genesis - appropriately named as the book that records the Beginning of God's Creation...and so much more.

Some of the key Covenants of God are disclosed in Genesis...along with significant historic events such as the Creation, the "Fall", the Flood, and many others.

Chapter 3 – Part 1

Creation, Paradise Lost, and Other Mysteries of Life

(Genesis 1-3)

“Genesis”…

·      Hebrew: bereshith bara Elohim = in/at the “beginning” God created (i.e., the opening words from Genesis 1)

·      Greek: “Genesis” = origin or beginning

·      The book is not only the first book of the Hebrew and Christian Bible, but also functions 

Bible for Dummies - Overview (Chapter 2)

We continue with our introductory overview of the Bible.  Listen and use the notes provided.

God bless, KM

Chapter 2 – Lights, Camera, Action!

Previewing the Bible’s Stage and Storyline

In this Chapter… we continue with an overview of the Bible:

•       The Bible is a master play that tells the story of how God saves the world, specifically humankind, from sin.

Ø  The Acts of the Play: Act 1 – Old Testament; Act 2 – New Testament

Ø  Scenes of the Play: the groupings of Books of the Bible

Ø  The Common Theme throughout the Storyline: the Covenants

Ø  The Stage for the Drama: Ancient Israel

o   Names for this “Stage” have included: Canaan, Israel, the Holy Land,

Jesus, Children, and a Good Man

Dr. Warner continues our systematic study of the Gospel of Mark in this insightful and useful message from Mark 10:13-31.  Here some thoughts on the value of children in God's kingdom, as well as fresh teachings about marriage, love (all of the Biblical loves), and salvation.

For those who have ever wondered, "What do I need to do in order to have salvation?" this message is for you.  You will be challenged and encouraged by this exposition of the Savior's teachings.

Learn the Flow of the Bible: RPC's Bible for Dummies Class - Judges

Most Christians wish they had a better understanding of the Bible. At RPC we are engaged in an 18 month study through the entire Bible. It is inspired by a textbook, The Bible for Dummies.  Nearly half of the RPC congregation is enrolled.

In the future I will be posting the audio from my lecture and the notes for that lecture.  Unfortunately, I don't have all of the previous lectures, but I'll post what I have.  And if you want to buy the textbook, Amazon.com offers it for about $18...an excellent investment. (Note: Though the textbook is "off" in a few places, it is a good resource to which I supplement.)

Enjoy! - KM

Understanding the Book of Judges

** The opening of the book describes the history of the tribes as they wage war to take the land God had promised each tribe. Some were more successful than others, leading to various agreements between the various tribes of Israel and the local people (e.g.: Judges 2:1-3)

** Things started out relatively well (see Judges 2:6-7), but deteriorated when the generational shift occurred (Judges 2:10-15)

** Our textbook has it right…after the death of Joshua, there is an unhealthy, repetitive cycle

Jesus and Marriage: The World's Demands Collide with God's Design

It is time for the church of Jesus Christ to stand boldly for God's design for marriage!

The world is trying to redefine marriage as a matter of equality, fairness and/or justice, regardless of the gender of those involved.  But, "from the beginning" God has defined (and Jesus affirms in Mark 10:1-12) marriage as a matter of the creative order wherein a man and a woman unite in a life-long relationship.

Listen to this message and decide which definition you will embrace and uphold:  God's or the world's.

God's Design for Marriage:  Man and Woman Bonded under God

The Growing Reality: Marriage is Broken

Jesus and Marriage

Mark 10:1-12

To understand this passage is to understand one key phrase:  “From the Beginning” (v. 6)

** From the beginning, God has a perfect plan/design/hope for every aspect of your life.

Ephesians 1:11 – “In [Jesus] we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan