Answering the Mysteries of Jesus Christ – December 27

December 27, 2019

Quote of the Day

“Believers have no reason to be defensive concerning the Resurrection. To the contrary, any denial of the Resurrection is a denial of the Savior. The biblical evidence is overwhelming.”
~Albert Mohler (from “more than a spiritual resurrection?“)

Today’s Answer

Mark: The Gospel of Immediacy?
A.W. Pink

A characteristic term which occurs with great frequency in Mark’s Gospel is the Greek word Eutheos,” which is variously translated “straight away, immediately” etc. Notice a few of the occurrences of this word in the first chapter alone: “And straight away coming up out of the water, He saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon Him” (v. 10). “And immediately the Spirit drove Him into the wilderness” (v. 12). “And when He had gone a little further, He saw James 1:1 the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, who also were in the ship mending their nets, And straight away He called them” (vv. 19,20). “And they went into Capernaum; and straight away on the sabbath day He entered into the synagogue, and taught” (v. 21). “And immediately when they were come out of the synagogue, they entered into the house of Simon” (v. 29). “And He came and took her by the hand, and lifted her up, and immediately the fever left her” (v. 31). “And He straight away charged him, and immediately sent him away” (v. 43).

In all, this word is found no less than forty times in Mark’s Gospel. It is a most suggestive and expressive term, bringing out the perfections of god‘s Servant by showing us how He served. There was no tardiness about Christ’s service, but “straight away” He was ever about His “Father’s business.” There was no delay, but “immediately” He performed the work given Him to do. This word tells of the promptitude of His service and the urgency of His mission. There was no holding back, no reluctance, no slackness, but a blessed “immediateness” about all His work. We should all learn from this perfect example which He has left us.

Adapted from Why Four Gospels?, 2. The Gospel of Mark, by A.W. Pink.

Today’s Video

Why is john’s gospel so different?
Answered by Doug Bookman

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4 Ways Joy Enriches Our Lives – Your Daily Bible Verse – December 27

December 27, 2019

4 Ways Joy Enriches Our Lives
By Lynette Kittle

“But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.’”- Luke 2:10

Growing up I loved singing the song, “I’ve got the joy, joy, joy down in my heart” and shouting “where” after each stanza. It was a favorite song choice in Sunday school and Wednesday night services because it’s just fun to sing.

Psalm 100:1 encourages us to “make a joyful noise to the Lord” and singing it really did bring joy to my heart. Although just a simple child’s song, it conveys the kind of deep joy that comes from the Good News of Jesus Christ.

Below are 4 ways this joy enriches our lives

1. Joy Overtakes Sorrow

Joy has the power to overtake mourning and groaning as written in Isaiah 35:1, “Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighting will flee away.”

The Bible is full of stories of individuals who faced hardships, suffering, and loss. Yet Scripture tells us how God gives everlasting joy to crown our heads and wipe away grief and sadness (Isaiah 51:11). And Psalm 126:5 assures that, “those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy.”

The joy God brings is able to take away the deepest sorrow.

2. Joy Gives Strength

Nehemiah 8:10 tells us that the joy of the Lord is our strength. As we rejoice before God, joy comes (Psalm 68:3) strengthening, uplifting, and refreshing us.

Scripture describes, too, how God takes great delight in us, how He shouts for joy and rejoices with singing over us (Zephaniah 3:17).

3. Joy Cultivates Growth

James 1:1-2 encourages us to consider it pure joy when we encounter various trials.

However, like me, I’m guessing most individuals don’t look at dealing with difficulties as a source of joy. Still, God urges us to take on a joyful attitude in facing challenges because when we do, we will grow in perseverance, which will lead us to maturity, completeness, and a confidence of being complete in Christ (James 1:3,4).

Choosing joy during trying times produces benefits far more valuable than the wear and tear experienced.

4. Joy Produces Generosity

2 Corinthians 8:2 describes how in the midst of a very severe trial, the churches in Macedonia experienced “overflowing joy.” Scriptures describes how even in an atmosphere of extreme poverty, this joy produced a rich generosity among them.

The theme of many Christmas movies is the story of a hardened, stingy heart being softened and changed to a generous heart.

And it’s true! The joy God brings through His Good News changes hearts and lives during the holiday season and all year long.

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Lynette Kittle is married with four daughters. She enjoys writing about faith, marriage, parenting, relationships, and life. Her writing has been published by Focus on the Family, Decision, Today’s Christian Woman, kirkcameron.com, Ungrind.org, and more. She has a M.A. in Communication from Regent University and serves as associate producer for Soul Check TV.

Want to go beyond a minute in the Word today? Continue over to BibleStudyTools.com!

A Word with You – December 27, 2019

December 27, 2019

Paralyzed Parents

Listen to Audio (right click to save)

I was once held hostage by a dragonfly. This is very embarrassing, but it is true. I was just a little guy and my cousin and I were sitting on these swings in her backyard. I believed everything she said. And a dragonfly started to circle us on the swings. He was a big old guy; at least he looked big compared to the size I was then. And then he landed on the swing, and my cousin said to me, “You know, if they get mad at you they’ll drill a hole through you.”

I took one look at him and he kind of dived back and forth and started to dive bomb us. I started imagining him boring a hole in me, and it seemed reasonable. So I was frozen to the swing; I must have been there for a half hour… maybe an hour, I don’t know. I didn’t move until the crazy dragonfly left. Did I mention this is embarrassing? Well, today I know a dragonfly is nothing to fear, but my cousin that day made me afraid of something that I didn’t need to be afraid of. That might be happening at your house.

Make a difference and raise their kids on two words: GO MAD! Go make a difference! You need to change them. Don’t let them change you. You are their hope of another way to be.

I sat on a swing one day as a boy, paralyzed by something I didn’t need to fear. As Christian parents let’s not do that or cause our children to do it. Teach them the dangers of a lost world for sure; expose the darkness. And then outfit them with a strong deathly version…Jesus who doesn’t run from the darkness. He challenges the darkness.

© (c) Ronald P. Hutchcraft
Distributed by Ron Hutchcraft Ministries, Inc.

Learn how to begin a personal, love-relationship with the God who made you.

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