[Practical Application Review – Week 9]
Greetings,
I trust you are enjoying time in the Holy Bible. I truly hope that five (5) chapters each week is just right.
At our current pace, we will finish the book of Mark and begin the book of Luke this week.
Schedule – Week 9:
Please read and/or listen to Mark 13, 14, 15, 16 / Luke 1
Even though reading and listening to the Bible being read is valuable, 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 13
Passage: (v. 10)
Teaching: Before Jesus returns for His own followers, the gospel must first be preached among all nations.
Application: As one who follows my Lord Jesus Christ, I choose to tell others the good news of salvation and forgiveness of sins (through His blood). Also, I willfully support others doing the same around the world.
Text #2: Mark 14
Passage: (vv. 35-36)
Teaching: Jesus prayed that Father God would allow this hour (of rejection, pain, suffering and death) to pass … but not according to His own will, but as Father God desires.
Application: In my own prayers, I must learn to be less selfish (asking for my own benefit). More focus must be on the will of our Awesome God (His plan).
Text #3: Mark 15
Passage: (vv. 21-22)
Teaching: To help Jesus carry His own cross, an extra man was compelled to assist: Simon, the Cyrenian (the father of Alexander and Rufus).
Application: As Simon assisted Jesus with carrying the cross so that Father God’s plan of salvation could be fulfilled, I willingly make myself available to help wherever I may help with God’s will being done in this time (my day).
Text #4: Mark 16
Passage: (vv. 9-14)
Teaching: After Jesus rose from the dead, He appeared to different followers of His. As they told their experiences, others did not believe. Jesus later visited the whole group and spoke against their not believing those who had personally seen Him risen.
Application: Truthfully, I enjoy hearing the testimonies of other Christian believers. May I never foolishly disregard someone else’s divine encounters. I desire all followers of Jesus to personally experience a personal relationship with Him.
Text #5: Luke 1
Passage: (vv. 5-17)
Teaching: Zechariah and Elizabeth were both righteous and obedient to God’s commands. These became the entrusted parents of John the Baptist. Notice they wanted to have a child, but waited many years.
Application: Perhaps the best thing that I can do for my prayers and heart’s desires to be accomplished is to focus on living a life pleasing to God, to the best of my ability. With a little patience, waiting for Father God’s perfect timing.
“Under the Shadow of the Almighty” (Psalm 91:1),
Shawn Episcopo