[Practical Application Review – Week 6]

Greetings,

How are you feeling about reviewing five (5) chapters every week?  Between the weekdays and weekends, I hope you are doing well.

Our schedule continues with reading and/or listening to one chapter every Monday thru Friday (or as your schedule allows).  Weekends also work well (if preferred).

Schedule – Week 6:

Please read Matthew 26, 27, 28 / Mark 1, 2

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: Matthew 26

   Passage: (vv. 36-46)

   Teaching: Jesus and His disciples went to the Garden of Gethsemane, for a time of prayer.  Between prayer sessions, Jesus found His disciples sleeping.  Jesus asked Peter if he could not pray for at least one hour.  Awake and pray that you may not enter into temptation.

   Application: Prayer is my best tool for connecting to Father God, which in turn keeps God’s children preoccupied from times of temptation (sin and evil).

Text #2: Matthew 27

   Passage: (v. 19)

   Teaching: While Pilate (the governor) was on his judgment seat listening to those who spoke out against Jesus, Pilate’s wife encouraged him to have nothing to do with that righteous man, as she had suffered much in her dream.

   Application: As one who is married, I can also decide to listen to the advice of my wife (life-partner).  Often, decisions are better made when both parties in a martial union are doing so together (in unity).

Text #3: Matthew 28

   Passage: (vv. 16-20)

   Teaching: The 11 disciples went to the location where Jesus had promised to meet them.  Jesus presented the Great Commission where His followers collectively convert (invite) those willing from all nations.

   Application: As a modern-day follower of Jesus, I invite all those who connect with me to receive Jesus as their Lord and Savior. My desire is to be a coach and mentor to those within my network of people.

Text #4: Mark 1

   Passage: (vv. 14-15)

   Teaching: Jesus preached the gospel of the kingdom of God.  We all must repent and believe…

   Application: I am honored to have been studying the Bible and following Jesus for years and decades.  Even now, the basics must always be at the forefront of my thoughts: “repent” (change) and “believe” (follow).

Text #5: Mark 2

   Passage: (vv. 13-17)

   Teaching: When Jesus was asked why He was eating alongside revenue officers and sinners, Jesus pointed out that those who are healthy do not need a doctor.  Jesus came to help those who are seriously sick (physically and spiritually).

   Application: As a follower of Jesus, I feel compelled to minister to those who need the help the most.  May all see the light and love of Jesus flowing through each of His followers (Christians), including me.

“Under the Shadow of the Almighty” (Psalm 91:1),

Shawn Episcopo

ThruTheNewTestament.com