Jim’s Blog

Key Verse: Mark 13:10 “And the gospel must first be preached to all the nations.” Prophecy is a hot subject these days. Especially as we’ve just entered the 1990”s, the last decade of this millenium. There are all kinds of self-made prophets out there, ready and more than willing to predict the future. Then there […]

Key Verse: Mark 12:30 “…Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength…” I think we need to establish something right off the top–it’s possible to love someone you don’t like. Why? Because love is an act of the will, whereas “like” […]

Matthew 5 Divorce vv.31 & 32 – Part 2 Remember that it was a man’s world. The liberal view of Hillel, the convenience divorce of Greece and Rome, and the syntheses of these cultural norms all led to a man-sided approach. Shamai, although accused of legalism, sided with the woman. He did not want to […]

Key Verse: Mark 11:9 “…Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!” Have you ever thought you’d like to be famous? A household name? You know, someone whom people recognize on the street, write articles about and adulate? And, as you fantasize, you undoubtedly see yourself accepting all this adoration rather […]

Key Verse: Mark 10:15 “…Whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it.” I think we’ve all heard it said of some happy senior citizen that he or she is having a “second childhood”. Whereas in their early adulthood and middle age they may have been […]

Key Verse: Mark 9:7 “…This is My beloved Son. Hear Him!” Today’s reading includes the story of the transfiguration of Jesus as well as a healing of a boy with an evil spirit. It also includes a discussion of who is the greatest among the disciples, and a comment from Jesus on who’s with Him […]

  This “second wave” of Covid is no surprise but it is troubling. It’s a bit much to hear we may be under protocols for another year, barring a vaccine breakthrough. Even those whose tendencies to depression have been minimal are sounding a touch gloomy. Little wonder. We’re made for fellowship.   In the book […]

Key Verse: Mark 8:18 “Having eyes, do you not see? And having ears, do you not hear? And do you not remember?” This chapter gives us a fascinating insight into the frailty of human nature. Beginning in verse 14 we have a story of the disciples forgetting to bring bread on a boat trip. All […]

Key Verse: Mark 7:8 “…Laying aside the commandment of God, you hold the tradition of men…” If ever you’re tempted to reduce God’s work in your life to a system or formula, read this chapter. In the first half we read about Jesus’ revulsion for human systems and traditions. Specifically, He attacks formulas for righteousness. […]