[Practical Application Review – Week 8]
Greetings,
Hopefully you have been enjoying time in God’s Word. I truly hope that five (5) chapters each week is doable.
Have you noticed how quickly we are moving through? The book of Matthew is finished, and we are well into the book of Mark.
Schedule – Week 8:
Please read and/or listen to Mark 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Even though we enjoy reading and listening to the Bible being read, our primary goal is learning to live the Bible (to the best of our ability).
For “every” chapter:
Step 1: Select a passage of interest
Step 2: Identify area of teaching
Step 3: Consider a practical application
Now let us explore an example for each of these five chapters…
Text #1: Mark 8
Passage: (vv. 22-26)
Teaching: A blind man was brought to Jesus for healing. The first attempt produced only partial results (seeing men like trees walking). The second time brought full healing.
Application: I must be patient at times when prayer for healing takes more than one time. Or, if the process is spread out over a duration (before completion of the answer to my prayer).
Text #2: Mark 9
Passage: (vv. 38-40)
Teaching: John told Jesus about someone who was casting out devils in His name but did not follow them (their group). Jesus pointed out that those who are not against you are for you.
Application: I am happy to be able to work within the Christian faith and global body of Christ. Honestly, I do not think all believers need to work within my own group. Ultimately, we should work together (same goal), but will likely work more effectively as the spirit of God leads (different countries, languages, customs, etc.).
Text #3: Mark 10
Passage: (vv. 2-9)
Teaching: Pharisees questioned Jesus about whether a man could legally leave his wife. Jesus pointed out that Moses gave them permission to separate and divorce. However, that was never God’s plan (male and female to partner for life).
Application: By God’s grace, I have enjoyed marriage for over a quarter-century. My wife has been my life partner from the beginning. Love and intimacy are truly remarkable.
Text #4: Mark 11
Passage: (vv. 25-26)
Teaching: Our first item within prayer is to forgive others (of their trespasses). Then, we can enjoy forgiveness (from Father God) for our own.
Application: Truthfully, I desire everyone to enjoy that feeling of being forgiven. So, I release all who have ever offended me in some way (and I request everyone to do the same for me).
Text #5: Mark 12
Passage: (vv. 41-44)
Teaching: Jesus pointed out that a poor widow who gave two coins into the temple treasury actually gave more than those rich men who cast in significantly larger amounts. (Notice that she gave a much larger percentage, actually her all).
Application: Like the best followers of Jesus who have gone on before me, I desire to invest in the kingdom of God. My hands must become an extension of His, releasing resources to wherever they are most needed.
“Under the Shadow of the Almighty” (Psalm 91:1),
Shawn Episcopo