Tag: bible

  • Encouraged and Motivated by Prayer (4.19.26)

    PHILIPPIANS 1:3-11

    3I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, 4always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, 5because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. 6And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. 7It is right for me to feel this way about you all, because I hold you in my heart, for you are all partakers with me of grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel. 8For God is my witness, how I yearn for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus. 9And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, 10so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, 11filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.

    10 THEOLOGICAL TRUTHS FROM PAUL’S PRAYER

    Our relationship with God is responsive in nature. He moves, and we respond. For this reason, gratitude is a powerful tool to deepen our connection to God.

    In every circumstance, we can pray with joy because we know that the God to whom we are praying is in control and will do what is best.

    All who have put their faith in Christ are partners together for the Gospel. This should change the way we think about other Christians and other churches. We are not competitors, we are partners.

    God finishes everything He starts. If your life doesn’t feel finished, God isn’t done.

    Even in prison, Paul believed that he was a recipient of God’s grace. Oftentimes, God’s grace is extended even more when we are in times of trouble.

    Paul yearned for fellowship with the Philippians. When we are unified in Christ with other believers, we will develop a depth of fellowship that cannot be replicated by anything the world offers.

    Love is not blind. Love is more than a feeling. True love is built on knowledge and discernment. It is a product of the mind as much as the heart. True love seeks to analyze and recognize what is MOST valuable. True love leads to purity and blamelessness.

    Verses six and ten both mention the day of Christ, which refers to the end of all things. At that time, God will complete His work in us, and we will be completely pure and blameless. Until then, He is working on us to make us more pure and more blameless in what we love and how we live.

    Our lives should produce the fruit of righteousness that can only come through Jesus Christ. Therefore, anything that does not come from Him is not good for us, and anything that makes us more like Him is good for us.

    All good things bring glory to God. Anything that does not bring glory to God should not be on our todo list.

    GRATEFUL PEOPLE HAVE SELECTIVE MEMORIES

    PHILIPPIANS 1:3
    I thank my God in all my remembrance of you,

    Paul’s time in Philippi wasn’t exactly a vacation at the beach or a walk in the park. You can read all the details in Acts 16, but among other things, he had to deal with a heckler, he and his friends got beaten up, and he was even thrown in jail.

    Yet, in Philippians 1:3, Paul wrote that he was thankful every time he remembered the people who lived in Philippi. Was he thankful for all the bad times? (not that he shouldn’t be as God helps us grown in difficult circumstances) Actually, verses 4-5 clue us in as to why he was grateful.

    PHILIPPIANS 1:4-5
    always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now.

    Paul was grateful for the good times. He had warm memories of partnering with the Philippians to see the Gospel spread throughout their time. He was thankful for the support they had given as He proclaimed the truth.

    GRATEFUL PEOPLE HAVE SELECTIVE MEMORIES.

    You can choose which memories you dwell on. Only you can decide which story from the past you will play on repeat in your mind. If you choose to focus on the worst of times and the worst of people, you’ll be depressed, bitter, and tough to live with.

    If you choose to focus on the blessings and the blessed people, you’ll be grateful, hopeful, and a joy to be around.

    What will you put on your memory playlist today?

    Click on the image to download the DiscipleQuest PDF

    The DiscipleQuest PDF includes 7 days of verse study prompts. You can use these seven studies to dig deeper into what the Bible teaches about loving what God loves:

    • Amos 5:15
    • Romans 12:9
    • 1 John 5:1
    • John 14:15
    • Psalm 119:97
    • 1 John 4:19-21
    • Hebrews 1:9

    Use these questions as journal prompts or as conversation starters with a group of friends or a Bible study group:

    Paul starts many of his letters with prayers for the believers. Since we’ve already looked at his prayer for the Philippians, we’ll compare that prayer to a similar prayer in Colossians. As you work through this study, keep Paul’s prayer in Philippians 1 in the back of your mind.

    When you pray for someone else, what kinds of things do you pray for? How do you decide for whom you are going to pray?

    Read Paul’s prayer for the Colossians in Colossians 1:9-14.

    Which part of this prayer do you most appreciate?

    Which part of this prayer raises questions in your mind? (give the group a chance to discuss these questions)

    Are any parts of this prayer convicting for you? Why?

    Paul says he has not stopped praying for the people in Colosse. What do you think he means by that?

    How would your relationship with someone change if you prayed for them every day?

    For what kinds of people should you be praying every day?

    Here are some of the things Paul prayed for the Colossians:

    • increased knowledge of God’s will
    • spiritual wisdom and understanding
    • a life that honors and pleases God
    • the fruit of good works
    • a growing knowledge of God
    • strength, endurance, and patience
    • joy

    Which of these prayer items do you most need?

    Take a minute as a group and have everyone pray silently for each other and the needs they’ve expressed.

    For whom will you commit to pray every day this week? What will be your prayer for them?

    PHILIPPIANS: Line By Line

    1:3-11: Paul’s Prayer for the Philippians

    3. I give thanks to my God for every remembrance of you.

    Some people spark memories that make us grateful, and some spark memories that make us sad, angry, hurt, and other negative emotions. Paul’s words here are a reminder first that we are to pray for our enemies (Jesus said so). Secondly, his words are a challenge to us to strive to be the kind of people who spark gratitude in the memories of others. How we live and treat others impacts whether they remember us with gratitude or another lesser emotion.

    4. Always praying with joy for all of you in my every prayer.

    Every time Paul mentions joy in this book, we do well to remind ourselves that he was in prison and still had reason for joy. One of those reasons is that he continued (always) to pray. In any circumstance, the more we unite ourselves to God in prayer, the more our relationship with Him and in Him will supersede our situation, and the joy will flow. 

    5. Because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now.

    Paul’s joy was the result of partnership and the result of the gospel. Partnering is fun, and we can partner with others in many pursuits, but not every pursuit will bring joy. My partnerships may bring wealth, power, position, influence, popularity, and more. However, all those things will go away. When we partner with people in the gospel, the benefits are eternal. Partnering in the Gospel isn’t easy, and it might be frightening, but where two or three are gathered in His name (that’s partnering), He is there in the midst. He will never leave or forsake!

    6. I am sure of this, that he who started a good work in you will carry it on until the day of Christ Jesus.

    If your life doesn’t feel finished, that’s because God isn’t done with you. His work in you will take a lifetime, but as He shapes you, you will become a masterpiece (Ephesians 2:10). Paul’s confidence doesn’t rise from his own teaching or leadership. His confidence doesn’t rise from the Philippians’ ability or resources. His confidence is fully and only rooted in God’s faithfulness. Because God is faithful, Paul is confident that the good work will be completed in all of God’s children. As an aside, it’s good to remember that only God can determine when and how that work is done! We might think we know better, but He’ll do it His way, and it will be done right.

    7a. Indeed, it is right for me to think this way about all of you, because I have you in my heart, and you are all partners with me…

    Here again, Paul uses the word “partners,” which is a reminder that we are called to live and work in community with one another. When we think of our relationships with other Christians, if the word “partner” doesn’t spring to mind, we might need to think about doing something differently.

    7b. …you are partners with me in grace, both for my imprisonment…

    Previously, Paul said the Philippians partnered in the gospel (what Jesus did for them), and now he says they are partners in grace (what God gave them because of Jesus’ work). Amazingly, Paul connects God’s grace to his imprisonment. He is reminding the Philippians that no matter how bad they might think something is, it could always be worse. It’s better to be imprisoned in this life than to be separated from God for eternity. But for God’s grace, we would all be separated from Him!

    7c …and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel

    Their partnership now extends to how they respond to Jesus’ work and God’s gift. Defending the gospel together is their words as they tell people the good news and argue on behalf of Jesus. Confirming the gospel together is their actions as they demonstrate a changed life because of Jesus. Both defending and confirming the gospel will ultimately lead to more people receiving the gospel.

    8. For God is my witness, how deeply I miss all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus.

    There can be no doubt about how Paul felt about the Philippians. Later in the letter, he is going to offer them some challenges, but he wants to make sure they know his motives are pure and for their good. It is interesting to think about “missing someone” with the affection of Christ Jesus. Another way to say this is to say that Paul longs to be with them, in the same way that Jesus longs to be with us. How comforting it is to know that Jesus is more eager to be with us in eternity than we are to be with Him!

    9. And I pray this: that you love will keep on growing in knowledge and every kind of discernment.

    Paul wants the Philippians to be discerning in what they love. It is easy to be distracted by all the world offers, and to fall in love with the desires of the flesh, the desires of the eyes, and the pride of life; but the more we know Jesus, the more we can discern how to love as He does.

    10a. So that you may approve the things that are superior… 

    When we see the words “so that,” we know that we are probably about to read an outcome of some sort. Paul’s desired outcome for the Philippians is first that they choose what is best. Not every choice we make in life is best for us, but there are some things that are “superior”. The more we grow in love and knowledge of Christ, the more superior our choices will be.

    10b. …and may be pure and blameless in the day of Christ,

    The day of Christ culminates in His return. Paul’s desire is that the Philippians continuously grow and mature until they meet Jesus. The measuring stick of that growth is purity and blamelessness. Both words represent victory over sin. Here is where we remember that we are not alone in this struggle. As we saw in verse 6, God is working with us and in us to bring our purity and blamelessness to completion. Our job is allow His work, to avoid fighting Him, quenching the Spirit, or seizing control ourselves.

    11. Filled with the righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ to the glory and praise of God.

    When we gain victory over sin, God gets the credit. Of course, it’s Jesus who did the work to make all of this possible. So when we grow in the love and knowledge of Jesus, His work cleanses us, and God is glorified!

  • The Mysterious Case of the Missing Body (4.05.26)

    1 CORINTHIANS 15:3-20

    3For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, 4that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, 5and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. 6Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep. 7Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. 8Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me. 9For I am the least of the apostles, unworthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. 10But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them, though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me. 11Whether then it was I or they, so we preach and so you believed.

    12Now if Christ is proclaimed as raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? 13But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. 14And if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain. 15We are even found to be misrepresenting God, because we testified about God that he raised Christ, whom he did not raise if it is true that the dead are not raised. 16For if the dead are not raised, not even Christ has been raised. 17And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins. 18Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. 19If in Christ we have hopeb in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied.

    20But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.

    10 POINTS TO PONDER

    Paul begins by laying out the facts: Jesus was a real person who was put to death and buried. These facts are confirmed by a myriad of non-biblical historical sources, including the highly regarded Roman Tacitus and the most well-read Jewish historian, Josephus.

    Paul defends his belief that Jesus rose from the dead by citing many witnesses, including those who had nothing to gain from Jesus’ resurrection. Most impressively, he claims that 500 people (who were still alive) saw the resurrected Jesus at one time.

    From a non-biblical perspective, the evidence is overwhelming that thousands of people who were contemporaries of Jesus believed that Jesus had risen from the dead. Their motive and message must be evaluated by anyone who seeks to truly examine the question of Jesus’ resurrection.

    Disciples had the most to lose from Jesus’ resurrection. If he remained dead, they could have simply gone back to life as they knew it before. Because of the resurrection, their life purpose changed, and all but one of them were killed because they believed Jesus was alive. They had every reason to deny the resurrection, but not one of them did.

    If Jesus did not rise again, there is no point to Christianity, but if Jesus did rise again, we can be certain that there is life after death, and must be certain we know our own destination on the other side of the grave.

    Other than Jesus, no one in the history of the world has predicted their own death and resurrection and then fulfilled their prediction. Because of this, the words and teachings of Jesus must be given more and closer attention than the words of anyone else in the history of the world.

    Jesus also claimed that He was the only one who can promise eternal life and who can make abundant life possible. If we want the abundant life now and the eternal life later, that can only happen by connecting our life to Jesus.

    Eternal life is the result of believing Jesus can save us from our sins.

    Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life. (John 5:24)

    Abundant life is the result of abiding in Jesus (staying connected to Him).

    “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’” (John 7:37-38)

    The resurrection is the promise of eternal life. No matter how bad or how good this life is, it pales in comparison to eternity to God. Whether your life is easy, difficult, exciting, boring, filled with success or a struggle; you will one day stand before God. In that moment, your relationship with Jesus is the only hope you have of spending eternity with Him.

    EASTER IS MORE THAN EGGS AND PEEPS

    Easter has more significance than eggs, new clothes and sugar animals. Because of Jesus’ resurrection, our lives don’t have to remain the same. We can plug into His power and embrace the new life He offers. Consider these 10 reasons Easter should matter to you:

    1. Jesus’ resurrection means He is the champion of new life.
    2. Jesus’ resurrection means a power exists that is stronger than death.
    3. Death need not be feared, because it is not the end.
    4. If death is not the end, then there is more to life than just this life.
    5. Eternity matters.
    6. Jesus’ resurrection means we can leave our past in the grave and embrace a bright future.
    7. Jesus’ resurrection means that today’s defeat doesn’t have to destroy tomorrow’s victory.
    8. Jesus’ resurrection means this thing in your life is not the end of the story.
    9. Jesus’ resurrection means we never need to despair.
    10. Jesus’ resurrection means we always have hope.

    Click on the image to download the DiscipleQuest PDF

    The DiscipleQuest PDF includes 7 days of verse study prompts. You can use these seven studies to dig deeper into what the Bible teaches about new life:

    • Romans 6:4-5
    • Galatians 2:20
    • Colossians 3:1
    • Ephesians 2:4-7
    • John 11:25-26
    • 1 Peter 1:3
    • Philippians 1:21

    Use these questions as journal prompts or as conversation starters with a group of friends or a Bible study group:

    What was the primary mission of Jesus’ life? Which was more important: his life, his death, or his resurrection? Why?

    Which impacts you more? Why?

    Read 1 Corinthians 15:12-19. How does the resurrection shape or impact some of the Christianity’s most crucial beliefs? 

    How would Christianity be different if there was no resurrection? How would you be different without the resurrection?

    Read 1 Corinthians 15:50-58. What are some specific ways that the resurrection gives us hope?

    If you had been a friend of Jesus when he was on earth, how would the resurrection have impacted your life? 

    How do you think his followers were affected by the resurrection?

    Read 1 Corinthians 15:58. How do you think Paul expected people to respond to the resurrection?

    What do you think it means to “give yourself fully to the work of the Lord?” How did Jesus give Himself fully to you?

    How can you give yourself fully to the work of the Lord?

    How would your life look different if you were completely sold out to living exactly like Jesus?

    What is one thing you can do this week to give yourself more fully to the work of the Lord? Who can help you do this?

  • How to Pray in the Middle of Stress (3.29.26)

    MARK 14:32-36

    32And they went to a place called Gethsemane. And he said to his disciples, “Sit here while I pray.” 33 And he took with him Peter and James and John, and began to be greatly distressed and troubled. 34 And he said to them, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death. Remain here and watch.” 35 And going a little farther, he fell on the ground and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him. 36 And he said, “Abba, Father, all things are possible for you. Remove this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.”

    10 POINTS TO PONDER

    Gethsemane means “oil press”. This is the place where Jesus would suffer the most intense pressure of His life. And just as olives are pressed and crushed to yield new oil, this was the beginning of Jesus’ pressing and crushing that would lead to new life.

    Jesus was experiencing difficult emotions and He wasn’t embarrassed to share that with His friends. Even though He knew they weren’t perfect, and He knew they would let them down, He was still willing to share His life with them. This reminds us that in relationships, we cannot always control what we receive, but we can always control what we give.

    Before everything happened, Jesus chose to pray. A pattern emerges in the Bible (if you’ll look for it), that before nearly every great work of God, the people of God are praying.

    Jesus was 100% human, and Hebrews tells us that He suffered (was tempted) in every way as we are. So in this moment, the dread we have of death was felt by Jesus. The fear we have of endings was felt by Jesus (he loved his friends, he wanted to continue doing life with them). The aversion we have to suffering was felt by Jesus. The desire for life, for comfort, for ease was felt by Jesus. He knows us.

    Jesus asked His disciples to remain and pray. They didn’t. How often, when someone asks you to pray for them, do you continue praying as often or as much as you should?

    Jesus’ use of the words “Abba, Father” reveal a closeness He experienced with God. Through Him, we also can experience that closeness with God.

    The picture of God as a Father is not always easy for some people because of their own experiences with their father. It is helpful to remember that God as father is better than even the greatest human father, and whatever type of father you may have longed for or searched for, God is that and more.

    Jesus was not afraid or embarrassed to tell God exactly what He wanted. God does not mind when we are honest with Him.

    Jesus also recognized that God’s plan might be different than His own. So he offered up His request with the understanding that He may never receive what He asked for… and that was okay with Him.

    Much of what Jesus was about to experience was out of His control. What was in His control was how He responded and whether He turned to God. His example here is to work at what we can control and pray about what we cannot.

    How to Pray Like Jesus

    Prayer is less about the words we say and more about how we grow connected to God in the process. When Jesus prayed, He didn’t approach God with uncertainty, hesitation, or performance. He prayed with confidence and clarity, relying on His relationship with the Father. If we want to pray like Jesus, we need to see God the way Jesus saw Him: not distant, not disinterested, but as a good Father who invites us close.

    RELY ON YOUR HEAVENLY FATHER’S GOODNESS

    Jesus said, “Abba, Father”. If you imagine the most perfectly good Father possible—one who loves you more than anyone ever has, who wants nothing but your ultimate good, and who would lay down His life to provide exactly what you need. If God knows what is good for you and wants what is good for you, you can trust Him with your prayer.

    REMEMBER YOUR HEAVENLY FATHER’S POWER

    Jesus said, “All things are possible for you.” There is nothing that is outside of God’s control. This isn’t a promise that He will do whatever we want, but it should provide confidence that He can do whatever is needed. Prayer should not be my effort to convince God to do what I want, but rather an opportunity to be reminded that He will do whatever I need.

    REQUEST YOUR HEAVENLY FATHER’S PROVISION

    Jesus said, “Remove this cup from me.” This request is the flip side of, “Give us this day our daily bread,” which Jesus taught His disciples to pray. Because He’s a good Father, God wants us to bring our requests to Him. The key to remember is that when we ask, it should be from a place of deference rather than demanding.

    RECOGNIZE YOUR HEAVENLY FATHER’S WISDOM

    Jesus finished his prayer by saying, “Not what I will, but what you will.” God does not operate on our timeline, for our convenience, or in light of our demands. He works from His own wisdom. He sees what we cannot see, knows what we do not know, and understands what we are not yet ready to handle. His agenda is often better than ours and is always best for us.

    When Jesus was overwhelmed, He went to the Father in prayer. When we are overwhelmed, the best thing we can do is follow the example Jesus and go to our Heavenly Father in prayer.

    Click on the image to download the DiscipleQuest PDF

    The DiscipleQuest PDF includes 7 days of verse study prompts. You can use these seven studies to dig deeper into what the Bible teaches about praying during tough times:

    • Psalm 6:9
    • Matthew 11:28
    • Psalm 18:6
    • Philippians 4:6-7
    • 1 Peter 5:7
    • Psalm 42:11
    • Hebrews 4:16

    Use these questions as journal prompts or as conversation starters with a group of friends or a Bible study group:

    How do you respond when life doesn’t go as you hoped or when you don’t get something you wanted?

    What types of situations are likely to make you feel overwhelmed?

    In Mark 14:34, Jesus said that His soul was overwhelmed (NIV). What was happening around Him and to Him that might have been overwhelming?

    When everything in His life seemed to be flying out of control, Jesus chose to pray. Why do you think He made that choice? Do you find it easy or difficult to pray when life is overwhelming? Why?

    In His prayer, Jesus said, “Father, all things are possible for you.” Why is this phrase important in prayer?

    Jesus didn’t want to drink from the cup in front of Him, but He knew that great good would be the result if He did. How have you experienced great good resulting in your life when you drink life’s undesrable cups? What good might result from the hard time you are experiencing right now?

    When presenting prayer requests, what is the difference between deferring and demanding? What do you do in your prayer life to keep from being demanding?

    Did Jesus get what He asked for in this prayer? What does this teach you about your own prayer?

    In His prayer, Jesus chose to let go of His own agenda so that He could embrace God’s agenda. What do you need to let go of right now? What does it look like for you to embrace God’s agenda in your life?

  • At The End Of All Things (3.22.26)

    MARK 13:1-37

    1And as he came out of the temple, one of his disciples said to him, “Look, Teacher, what wonderful stones and what wonderful buildings!” 2And Jesus said to him, “Do you see these great buildings? There will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down.”

    Signs of the End of the Age

    3And as he sat on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter and James and John and Andrew asked him privately, 4“Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign when all these things are about to be accomplished?” 5And Jesus began to say to them, “See that no one leads you astray. 6Many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he!’ and they will lead many astray. 7And when you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed. This must take place, but the end is not yet. 8For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places; there will be famines. These are but the beginning of the birth pains.

    9“But be on your guard. For they will deliver you over to councils, and you will be beaten in synagogues, and you will stand before governors and kings for my sake, to bear witness before them. 10And the gospel must first be proclaimed to all nations. 11And when they bring you to trial and deliver you over, do not be anxious beforehand what you are to say, but say whatever is given you in that hour, for it is not you who speak, but the Holy Spirit. 12And brother will deliver brother over to death, and the father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death. 13And you will be hated by all for my name’s sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.

    The Abomination of Desolation

    14“But when you see the abomination of desolation standing where he ought not to be (let the reader understand), then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. 15Let the one who is on the housetop not go down, nor enter his house, to take anything out, 16and let the one who is in the field not turn back to take his cloak. 17And alas for women who are pregnant and for those who are nursing infants in those days! 18Pray that it may not happen in winter. 19For in those days there will be such tribulation as has not been from the beginning of the creation that God created until now, and never will be. 20And if the Lord had not cut short the days, no human being would be saved. But for the sake of the elect, whom he chose, he shortened the days. 21And then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘Look, there he is!’ do not believe it. 22For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform signs and wonders, to lead astray, if possible, the elect. 23But be on guard; I have told you all things beforehand.

    The Coming of the Son of Man

    24“But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, 25and the stars will be falling from heaven, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken. 26And then they will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory. 27And then he will send out the angels and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of heaven.

    The Lesson of the Fig Tree

    28“From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts out its leaves, you know that summer is near. 29So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that he is near, at the very gates. 30Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place. 31Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.

    No One Knows That Day or Hour

    32“But concerning that day or that hour, no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. 33Be on guard, keep awake.a For you do not know when the time will come. 34It is like a man going on a journey, when he leaves home and puts his servantsb in charge, each with his work, and commands the doorkeeper to stay awake. 35Therefore stay awake—for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows,c or in the morning— 36lest he come suddenly and find you asleep. 37And what I say to you I say to all: Stay awake.”

    10 POINTS TO PONDER

    When studying difficult portions of the Bible, don’t be too obsessed or concerned by the complex ideas you read. Allow the plain things to interpret the not so plain things. Look for the main ideas and let them be the foundation to understand the secondary ideas.

    We can use observation and logic to learn because God has created an orderly universe. If creation were the result of chance and chaos, we could never trust our observations because we would have no guarantee that what we noticed would be the same next time.

    Jesus wanted His disciples to understand that the end times would be recognizable even though they wouldn’t know the actual days or times.

    Jesus was not sharing this information so they could grow in knowledge. He was clear about the action He expected:

    • Don’t be led astray
    • Don’t be alarmed
    • Be on your guard
    • Do not be anxious
    • Endure to the end

    Birthpains are “something difficult that precedes something wonderful.” The end of the world will be difficult, but it will precede the most wonderful thing to ever happen (eternity with God).

    The birthpains of Christ’s second coming were inaugurated by His first coming. We are living in the times of the birthpains.

    Often in biblical prophecy, the author can see events in the distant future and events in the near future. However, they cannot always clearly distinguish between the two, and they cannot always see everything that will transpire (or the amount of time it will take) between the two.

    Everything Jesus predicted would happen to the disciples in their lifetime came to pass. Most of it is recorded in the book of Acts.

    Because heaven and earth will pass away, and because Christ will return and make all things new; it is illogical for the Christ-follower to be defeated by the worries or the wealth of this world.

    Because Jesus’ words will never pass away, they should be the source of our stability, confidence, joy, and peace in life. If we look anywhere else, what we find will not last.

    Parallel Passages to Jesus’ End-Times Teaching in Mark 13

    The abomination that causes desolation.

    • Daniel 9:24-27 — 24“Seventy weeks are decreed about your people and your holy city, to finish the transgression, to put an end to sin, and to atone for iniquity, to bring in everlasting righteousness, to seal both vision and prophet, and to anoint a most holy place. 25Know therefore and understand that from the going out of the word to restore and build Jerusalem to the coming of an anointed one, a prince, there shall be seven weeks. Then for sixty-two weeks it shall be built again with squares and moat, but in a troubled time. 26And after the sixty-two weeks, an anointed one shall be cut off and shall have nothing. And the people of the prince who is to come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary. Its end shall come with a flood, and to the end there shall be war. Desolations are decreed. 27And he shall make a strong covenant with many for one week, and for half of the week he shall put an end to sacrifice and offering. And on the wing of abominations shall come one who makes desolate, until the decreed end is poured out on the desolator.”
    • Revelation 13:14-15 — and by the signs that it is allowed to work in the presence of the beast it deceives those who dwell on earth, telling them to make an image for the beast that was wounded by the sword and yet lived. 15And it was allowed to give breath to the image of the beast, so that the image of the beast might even speak and might cause those who would not worship the image of the beast to be slain.

    Natural Disasters

    • Isaiah 13:10 — Behold, the Day of the LORD is coming— cruel, with fury and burning anger— to make the earth a desolation and to destroy the sinners within it. 10For the stars of heaven and their constellations will not give their light. The rising sun will be darkened and the moon will not give its light.
    • Revelation 6:12-13 — When he opened the sixth seal, I looked, and behold, there was a great earthquake, and the sun became black as sackcloth, the full moon became like blood, 13and the stars of the sky fell to the earth as the fig tree sheds its winter fruit when shaken by a gale.

    The coming of the Son of Man

    • Daniel 7:13-14 — In my vision in the night I continued to watch, and I saw One like the Son of Man coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into His presence. 14And He was given dominion, glory, and kingship, that the people of every nation and language should serve Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and His kingdom is one that will never be destroyed.
    • Revelation 19:11-16 — Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! The one sitting on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war. 12His eyes are like a flame of fire, and on his head are many diadems, and he has a name written that no one knows but himself. 13He is clothed in a robe dipped in blood, and the name by which he is called is The Word of God. 14And the armies of heaven, arrayed in fine linen, white and pure, were following him on white horses. 15From his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron. He will tread the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty. 16On his robe and on his thigh he has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords.

    7 VERSES ABOUT MAKING GOD YOUR FIRST PRIORITY

    Do you MAKE TIME for God, or do you only serve God when you HAVE TIME? This is the difference between a PRIORITY and an OPTION.

    For too many Christians, God is a great option, but He is not a priority. Check out these seven verses (with commentary) to help you think through what it means to make God your first and central priority.

    Mark 12:30 — “And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.”

    If you love God, you’ll give Him every corner of your life.

    Matthew 6:33 — “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”

    Your first decision should always be building God’s Kingdom. Everything else will take care of itself.

    Romans 12:2 — Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

    If you always think the way you’ve always thought, you’ll always live the way you’ve always lived. Discipline your mind to think differently.

    Luke 12:34 — “For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”

    Your desires will chase your treasures. If you want to prioritize the things of God, invest your treasures in the things of God.

    2 Timothy 2:22 — So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.

    Put physical distance between yourself and anything that tempts you to drift from God.

    Ecclesiastes 12:1 — Remember also your Creator in the days of your youth, before the evil days come and the years draw near when you will say, “I have no delight in them”;

    Build lifelong habits that will help you keep your eyes, mind, and heart on God.

    Psalm 37:4 — Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.

    The more you focus on God, the more He will change your desires so that your heart aligns with His. 

    Click on the image to download the DiscipleQuest PDF

    The DiscipleQuest PDF includes 7 days of verse study prompts. You can use these seven studies to dig deeper into what the Bible teaches about enduring to the end:

    • James 1:12
    • Romans 5:3-4
    • Hebrews 12:1-2
    • Revelation 2:10
    • Isaiah 40:31
    • 1 Peter 5:8-10
    • 1 Corinthians 9:24

    Use these questions as journal prompts or as conversation starters with a group of friends or a Bible study group:

    What is something in your life right now that takes up a lot of your time, energy, or attention? Why does it matter so much to you?

    Have you ever invested heavily in something that didn’t last (a job, possession, relationship, opportunity)? What did that experience teach you?

    According to Mark 13:30–31, what does Jesus say will pass away—and what will not?

    Read 1 John 2:17. What connection do you see between this verse and what Jesus says in Mark 13?

    Why do you think it is so easy for people to live as if this world is permanent, even though Scripture clearly says it is not?

    Read Matthew 6:19–21. What does this passage reveal about how your priorities and your heart are connected?

    If Jesus’ words are the only thing that will never pass away, how seriously should you take them? How much impact should His words have on your life?

    What are some of Jesus’ Words that are difficult to take literally or seriously? Why?

    What is one area of your life where you may be over-investing in something temporary (time, money, energy, emotion)? What would it look like to realign that toward something eternal?

    What is one specific action you can take this week to invest more intentionally in something that will last (your relationship with God, people, or eternal impact)?

  • The Most Important Thing (3.15.26)

    MARK 12:28-34

    28And one of the scribes came up and heard them disputing with one another, and seeing that he answered them well, asked him, “Which commandment is the most important of all?” 29 Jesus answered, “The most important is, ​‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. 30 And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ 31 The second is this: ​‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” 32 And the scribe said to him, “You are right, Teacher. You have truly said that he is one, and there is no other besides him. 33 And to love him with all the heart and with all the understanding and with all the strength, and to love one’s neighbor as oneself, is much more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.” 34 And when Jesus saw that he answered wisely, he said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” And after that no one dared to ask him any more questions.

    EXODUS 20:1-17

    1And God spoke all these words, saying,
    2 “I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery.
    3 “You shall have no other gods before me.
    4 “You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. 5 You shall not bow down to them or serve them, for I the LORD your God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and the fourth generation of those who hate me, 6 but showing steadfast love to thousands of those who love me and keep my commandments.
    7 “You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain, for the LORD will not hold him guiltless who takes his name in vain.
    8 “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. 9 Six days you shall labor, and do all your work, 10 but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God. On it you shall not do any work, you, or your son, or your daughter, your male servant, or your female servant, or your livestock, or the sojourner who is within your gates. 11 For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested on the seventh day. Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.
    12 “Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the LORD your God is giving you.
    13 “You shall not murder.
    14 “You shall not commit adultery.
    15 “You shall not steal.
    16 “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.
    17 “You shall not covet your neighbor’s house; you shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his male servant, or his female servant, or his ox, or his donkey, or anything that is your neighbor’s.”

    10 POINTS TO PONDER

    Self-control is a fruit of the Spirit, but self-esteem is not. Self-acualization is at the top of Mazlow’s hierarchy, but self-sacrifice is at the top of Jesus’ pyramid of priorities.

    Satan’s lie to Eve and Adam was that if they could just free themselves from God’s “burdensome commands” then they could become just like Him.

    You are made in the image of God and you are loved and valued by Him so much that He sent His Son to die for you. But on your own, you are not enough.

    Prioritizing God means I fit my life around His expectations, not that I fit Him around my expectations.

    Loving God with my heart means controlling my desires so that I feed the desires which align with God’s heart and I starve the desires that don’t.

    Loving God with my soul means choosing an attitude that is the same as the attitude of Jesus. I don’t allow my attitude to be controlled by circumstances, but rather I control my attitude regardless of circumstancs.

    Loving God with my mind means my own understanding takes backseat to God’s understanding. My experience doesnt’ determine my path, God’s wisdom determines my path My opinion doesn’t determine truth, God’s Word determines truth.

    Loving God with my strength means I give God my first and best in everything I do.

    Loving my neighbor as myself means I might love other people as much or more than I love myself, but I absolutely may not love other people less than I love myself.

    Focusing on others means I pay attention to the opportunities God gives me to make the lives of others better.

    WHAT YOU GIVE AWAY IS A DEMONSTRATION OF WHAT YOU LOVE

    The statement in the title is a very loose paraphrase of Jesus’ words:

    This morning I was thinking about some other ways I might say the same thing to help me focus a little bit on what this truth means for me today.  Some of the thoughts I had were:

    – If you want to know what you love, look at what you accumulate
    – The words “I love you” only go as far as the action “I sacrifice for you”
    – Jesus said the greatest love is that of giving one’s life away. Then He did just that.
    – If you don’t keep track of it, you don’t love it.
    – Your calendar, your checkbook, and your GPS history are the best record of what you love.

    Of course, the greatest challenge is learning to love God more than all things.  Jesus said to love Him with all our HEART, SOUL, MIND, and STRENGTH.  So, my question for myself today is this:

    In each of these areas, what can I give up as a demonstration of my love for God?

    • Heart –> Do I let relationships with other people hamper my spritual growth?
    • Soul –> Do my emotions keep me from living a God-honoring life?
    • Mind –> Am I reading (surfing websites) that are detrimental to my relationship with God?
    • Strength –> Do I have health habits that prevent me from living as God desires?

    Remember: What you give away is a demonstration of what you love.

    Who do you love? What are you giving away?

    Click on the image to download the DiscipleQuest PDF

    The DiscipleQuest PDF includes 7 days of verse study prompts. You can use these seven studies to dig deeper into what the Bible teaches making God your top priority:

    • Matthew 6:33
    • Romans 12:2
    • Luke 12:34
    • 2 Timothy 2:22
    • Ecclesiastes 12:1
    • Psalm 37:4
    • Proverbs 3:5-6

    Use these questions as journal prompts or as conversation starters with a group of friends or a Bible study group:

    1. When you hear Jesus say the greatest command is to love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength, which part feels easiest for you right now? Which part feels hardest? Why?
    2. Think about your relationships this past week. When was it easy to love someone? When was it difficult?
    3. Jesus connects loving God and loving your neighbor (v.31). Why do you think He treats these two commands as inseparable?
    4. Why do you think Jesus places love for God as a higher value than love for others?
    5. Read Deuteronomy 6:4–5 and Leviticus 19:18 (the passages Jesus is quoting). What does this tell us about what God has always wanted from His people?
    6. If someone looked at your priorities—your time, conversations, and decisions—what evidence would they see that you truly love God?
    7. Who is one “neighbor” in your life right now who is difficult to love? What makes loving them challenging?
    8. Jesus says loving others should reflect the same kind of concern we naturally have for ourselves. In what ways do you tend to prioritize yourself over others?
    9. What is one practical way you can intentionally express your love for God this week? (Examples: prayer, obedience, worship, generosity, sharing your faith.)
    10. What is one specific action you can take this week to show love to a particular person God has placed in your life?

  • When Jesus Cleans House (3.08.26)

    Mark 11:12-17

    12On the following day, when they came from Bethany, he was hungry. 13 And seeing in the distance a fig tree in leaf, he went to see if he could find anything on it. When he came to it, he found nothing but leaves, for it was not the season for figs. 14 And he said to it, “May no one ever eat fruit from you again.” And his disciples heard it.
    15 And they came to Jerusalem. And he entered the temple and began to drive out those who sold and those who bought in the temple, and he overturned the tables of the money-changers and the seats of those who sold pigeons. 16 And he would not allow anyone to carry anything through the temple. 17 And he was teaching them and saying to them, “Is it not written, ​‘My house shall be called a house of prayer for all the nations’? But you have made it a den of robbers.”

    Exodus 19:4-6

    4You yourselves have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself. 5 Now therefore, if you will indeed obey my voice and keep my covenant, you shall be my treasured possession among all peoples, for all the earth is mine; 6 and you shall be to me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’

    Isaiah 56:3-8

    3Let not the foreigner who has joined himself to the LORD say,
    “The LORD will surely separate me from his people”;
    and let not the eunuch say,
    “Behold, I am a dry tree.”
    4 For thus says the LORD:
    “To the eunuchs who keep my Sabbaths,
    who choose the things that please me
    and hold fast my covenant,
    5 I will give in my house and within my walls
    a monument and a name
    better than sons and daughters;
    I will give them an everlasting name
    that shall not be cut off.
    6 “And the foreigners who join themselves to the LORD,
    to minister to him, to love the name of the LORD,
    and to be his servants,
    everyone who keeps the Sabbath and does not profane it,
    and holds fast my covenant—
    7 these I will bring to my holy mountain,
    and make them joyful in my house of prayer;
    their burnt offerings and their sacrifices
    will be accepted on my altar;
    for my house shall be called a house of prayer
    for all peoples.”
    8 The Lord GOD,
    who gathers the outcasts of Israel, declares,
    “I will gather yet others to him
    besides those already gathered.”

    10 POINTS TO PONDER

    God wants His people to enjoy a responsive and reflective relationship with Him.

    God has been incredibly kind, generous, gracious, and good to us. Our response to Him should be faithfulness, loyalty, submission, and servanthood.

    Our lives should be a reflection of God’s goodness to us. When other people watch us and spend time with us, they should see and experience the heart of God through us.

    God includes the excluded. His intent was always that people from all nations would be in relationship with Him.

    The real point of this story is not to show that Jesus was angry, but to clarify how His anger revealed His heart. This is a good principle to remember, that our anger also reveals our heart.

    Part of Jesus’ anger was directed toward those who were carrying things through the temple. Those people were elevating their own convenience above the needs of those who were seeking to worship God through prayer. If our convenience ever becomes a hindrance keeping others from worshipping, we need Jesus to clean our house!

    In the temple, Jesus quoted Isaiah 56, saying “My house is to be a house of prayer for all people.” The main point of Isaiah 56 is that God’s house is for everyone; for the Jewish people, for foreigners, for outcasts, and for eunichs (the unclean). No one is excluded.

    When Jesus died, the curtain in the temple was torn in two. No longer was there a barrier between men and God. From that time forward, the house of God was not a building, but a group of people (the church).

    God’s people should be focused on prayer. When the busyness of life or conflicting priorities cause us to forget or skip our times of prayer, we need Jesus to clean our house.

    If we are focused on prayer and we are focused on other people, we will also be focused on praying for other people. Don’t forget what Jesus said in Matthew 5:44, “Love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you.”

    YOUR ANGER REVEALS SOMETHING ABOUT YOU

    Have you ever been so angry that you…?

    People do strange things when they’re mad. They throw things. They hit things. They say things they regret five minutes later. I’ve known more than a few “tough” guys who ended up with broken hands because they punched a wall in anger.

    Jesus once made a whip and drove people out of the temple.

    So… does that mean it’s okay to get angry?

    In Ephesians, Paul warns us to be careful: “In your anger, do not sin.” Anger must never control us. In human hands, anger is often destructive. But Jesus’ anger teaches us something important about the heart of God.

    Anger is often connected to love.

    If our dog eats Liam’s dinner while he’s not looking, he may or may not get upset.

    If dinner was my world-famous spinach, hummus, and okra casserole, he’s not going to care. He doesn’t love that meal.

    But if dinner is bacon and tater tots, the dog better run.

    Why? Because Liam loves bacon. He loves tater tots.

    His anger reveals what he values.

    And that can be a warning to us: sometimes our anger exposes that we love the wrong things. anger flares when something we value feels threatened. Sometimes that love is healthy. Often, it exposes what’s broken in us.

    Anger can reveal self-centeredness. When my comfort, reputation, or preferences matter most, even small inconveniences feel like personal attacks. I’m not defending what’s right — I’m defending me.

    Anger can reveal a need for control. When life refuses to cooperate, frustration boils over because I can’t manage outcomes or people the way I want.

    Anger can also uncover fear. We lash out when we feel powerless, exposed, or insecure. Anger becomes a shield to hide anxiety and protect fragile hearts.

    The good news is that anger doesn’t have to master us — it can mentor us. As Jesus works on our hearts, our anger can move from reckless reaction to righteous compassion.

    We begin to love what He loves, protect what He values, and respond with grace instead of impulse. That kind of transformed heart doesn’t just change our emotions — it changes our relationships, our witness, and our peace.

    Click on the image to download the DiscipleQuest PDF

    The DiscipleQuest PDF includes 7 days of verse study prompts. You can use these seven studies to dig deeper into what the Bible teaches about anger:

    • Proverbs 14:29
    • James 1:19-20
    • Ecclesiastes 7:9
    • Ephesians 4:26-27
    • Proverbs 15:1
    • Jonah 4:2
    • Psalm 37:8

    Use these questions as journal prompts or as conversation starters with a group of friends or a Bible study group:

    Describe a time when you saw someone being unfairly excluded or overlooked. How did it make you feel, and how did you respond?

    When you think of “righteous anger,” what situations seem appropriate for it? When might anger reveal more about your personal frustrations than God’s priorities?

    In Mark 11:15–17, what specific actions does Jesus take in the temple courts, and what do those actions communicate about His emotional state?

    Jesus quotes, “My house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations.” How do you think He would say that same phrase in 2026?

    Was Jesus more angry about the actions of people in the temple or about what was motivating their actions? Why?

    What does this passage teach you about the difference between selfish anger and anger rooted in love for others?

    Jesus’ anger was not about personal insult but about barriers that kept people from God. What does that reveal about God’s heart for outsiders and seekers?

    Where might you be tempted to protect comfort, tradition, or preference in ways that make it harder for others to approach God?

    Who in your community, church, or relationships might feel like they are standing on the “outside” spiritually? What is one practical way you could help remove barriers for them?

    If Jesus evaluated your life, your priorities, or your church gatherings, what might He say is helping people draw near to God—and what might He say is getting in the way?

  • Jesus Loves Rich People (3.01.26)

    Mark 10:17-27

    17And as he was setting out on his journey, a man ran up and knelt before him and asked him, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” 18 And Jesus said to him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone. 19 You know the commandments: ​‘Do not murder, Do not commit adultery, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Do not defraud, Honor your father and mother.’” 20 And he said to him, “Teacher, all these I have kept from my youth.” 21 And Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, “You lack one thing: go, sell all that you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” 22 Disheartened by the saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.
    23 And Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How difficult it will be for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God!” 24 And the disciples were amazed at his words. But Jesus said to them again, “Children, how difficult it is to enter the kingdom of God! 25 It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.” 26 And they were exceedingly astonished, and said to him, “Then who can be saved?” 27 Jesus looked at them and said, “With man it is impossible, but not with God. For all things are possible with God.”

    10 POINTS TO PONDER

    Although the wealthy man’s initial question was honest and appropriate, the rest of his interaction with Jesus reveals that he may have been simply seeking affirmation for his own self-righteousness.

    “Why do you call me good?” was Jesus’ way of challenging the man’s opinion of who Jesus was. He was (is) more than a good teacher, He is God. If He was only a good teacher, his opinion was important but not authoritative. If He was God, his opinion was the only true answer.

    Jesus’ answer to the man was a difficult pill to swallow. He was teaching that no one can receive eternal life if they are relying on their own abilities or accomplishments. Total reliance on God is required.

    Even though the man ultimately rejected Him, Jesus still loved Him. Jesus’ love is not dependent who you are, where you’re from, or what you’ve done.

    But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8)

    The prosperity gospel teaches that if you do the right things, God will bless you with material wealth and physical health. Jesus’ teaching here flies in the face of that false gospel. Worldly success is not an indication of spiritual growth.

    It is impossible for the rich to save themselves. It is impossible for anyone to save themselves. Everyone is a sinner and everyone has earned eternal death.

    No matter how tightly you hold on, nothing you accumulate or accomplish in this life will help you in eternal life. Only Jesus can do that.

    Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. (Matthew 6:19-20)

    If all things are possible with God, that means it is possible that anyone can get saved. Because of Jesus, no one is beyond salvation.

    The first implication of this truth is that we can continue to pray with hope and expectation for our friends and family members who haven’t yet come to God.

    The second implication of this truth is that we should never consider too far from God to be saved, and therefore we should never but barriers in the way of those who might come to God.

    OBEDIENCE > WEALTH

    I rejoice in following your statutes as one rejoices in great riches. (Psalm 119:14 NIV)

    At first glance, this verse seems fairly normal for Psalm 119. Much of this chapter is dedicated to extolling the virtues of God’s Word, and this verse is no exception.

    Most of us would not quibble with the sentiment of this verse: God’s Word is valuable.  Don’t we all believe that?

    But do you really value obedience to God’s Word as much as you value wealth? Do you rejoice in opportunities to follow God’s Word the same way you would rejoice in great riches?

    How would you respond if you won the lottery? How did you respond the last time you had an opportunity to obey Scripture? Were the two responses comparable?

    Do you rejoice when you get the opportunity to obey passages like James 1:2-4?

    Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. (James 1:2-4 NIV) 

    Why would anyone choose trials and suffering over wealth? If I am honest with myself, I know that I would rather be rich than in pain. Is that okay? How am I to understand Psalm 119:14?

    Quite simply, I think it should look like this: Our response to all circumstances should be the same. We should always rejoice, because we are confident that whether we are becoming rich or whether we are heading into a trial, God is in control.

    The situation that is happening to us is far less important than who we are becoming through the situation. Are we becoming anxious, embittered, or apathetic? Or are we learning to rejoice?

    Click on the image to download the DiscipleQuest PDF

    The DiscipleQuest PDF includes 7 days of verse study prompts. You can use these seven studies to dig deeper into what the Bible teaches about wealth:

    • Proverbs 10:22
    • Ecclesiastes 5:10
    • Proverbs 11:4
    • Jeremiah 9:23-24
    • Matthew 6:24
    • Proverbs 23:4-5
    • 1 Timothy 6:6-10

    Use these questions as journal prompts or as conversation starters with a group of friends or a Bible study group:

    When you think about someone in your life who feels “far from God,” what makes them seem unlikely to ever follow Christ?

    What accomplishments, possessions, or strengths in your own life are you most tempted to rely on for security or identity?

    In verses 17–20, what stands out about the rich man’s character and behavior? What does this tell us about how close someone can appear to the kingdom and still lack something?

    In verse 21, Mark says, “Jesus, looking at him, loved him.” Why is that detail important before Jesus confronts him?

    In verses 23–27, what is the disciples’ reaction to Jesus’ teaching about wealth? What does Jesus ultimately say is the only hope for salvation?

    Jesus says, “You lack one thing.” If Jesus lovingly said that to you, what might He be pointing to?

    Why do you think wealth (or success, education, morality, influence) can make it harder for someone to come to Christ?

    Jesus says, “With man it is impossible, but not with God.” What does this teach us about how salvation actually happens?

    Who is one person you have quietly labeled as “probably unreachable” or “unlikely to change”? What would it look like to start praying for them with renewed hope?

    How can you actively live this week in a way that shows you believe God can save anyone — including the wealthy, the skeptical, the successful, or the resistant?

  • Letting Go To Hold Tight (2.22.26)

    MARK 1:16-20

    Passing alongside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew the brother of Simon casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. And Jesus said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you become fishers of men.” And immediately they left their nets and followed him. And going on a little farther, he saw James the son of Zebedee and John his brother, who were in their boat mending the nets. And immediately he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired servants and followed him.

    10 POINTS TO PONDER

    Jesus didn’t preach at them, He didn’t lay out a list of rules, He didn’t demand they clean themselves up. He simply invited them to follow.

    Whomever or whatever we follow will determine our life’s direction. Following Jesus means allowing Him to dictate the direction of my life. I do this by staying close to Him and by imitating Him.

    We stay close to Jesus by consistently being in His Word and in prayer.

    We imitate Jesus by paying attention to what we say, what we do, how we think, and how we respond.

    Jesus’ invitation is two-fold. First, it is an invitation to a new way of living. Second, it is an invitation to a new mission in life (fishing for men).

    Fishing is a “bringing in” activity, not a “pushing away” activity. Therefore, fishing for men means intentionally seeking to bring people into a relationship with Jesus.

    Jesus is able to use what we already have in order to bring more people to Himself through us.

    Peter, Andrew, James, and John had no idea where following Jesus would lead, but they went anyway. We have no idea where following Jesus will take us, but we know it will ultimately be good.

    Peter and Andrew left their nets. James and John left their work and their father. Following Jesus means letting go of one thing so that we can hold tightly to a better thing.

    …put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness. (Ephesians 4:22-24)

    If you follow Jesus with your whole heart you will often find yourself in situations where you can point other people to Him.

    FOLLOWING JESUS

    Following Jesus is simple to understand, but not always easy to live. At its core, following Jesus means allowing Him to set the direction for our lives. We don’t just ask Him to bless our plans — we trust Him enough to lead us into His. That requires humility. It means admitting that He sees more clearly than we do and knows what we truly need.

    Following Jesus also means change. Over time, we begin to look more and more like Him. Our attitudes shift. Our priorities mature. We learn to love what He loves and let go of what pulls us away from Him. This transformation doesn’t happen overnight. It happens slowly, through daily choices to trust, obey, and stay close to Him. The goal of following Jesus isn’t simply believing the right things; it’s becoming the kind of person shaped by His character.

    Sometimes following Jesus leads us into uncertainty. We may not always know where the road is going or why He is leading us a certain way. But we can be confident of this: Jesus never leads aimlessly. He always takes us where we need to be — closer to God, stronger in faith, and more prepared for the life He has called us to live.

    THE THREE “NOTS”

    You can invite a person to join you for dinner, do a project for you, allow you to pray with or for them, to church, or into a relationship with Christ. The best time to invite someone is when you hear one of the “NOT” statements:

    1. I am NOT from around here.
    2. Things are NOT going well.
    3. I do NOT know what to do.

    Click on the image to download the DiscipleQuest PDF

    The DiscipleQuest PDF includes 7 days of verse study prompts. You can use these seven studies to dig deeper into the following verses about following Jesus:

    • Luke 9:23
    • John 10:27
    • Luke 14:33
    • 2 Corinthians 5:17
    • 1 John 2:6
    • Matthew 28:19-20
    • Acts 1:8

    Use these questions as journal prompts or as conversation starters with a group of friends or a Bible study group:

    Read Mark 1:16-20. Summarize these verses in one sentence. What are the five most important words in these verses?

    Why do so many Christians find it intimidating to be a fisher of men?

    What gifts has God given you that you could use to help others find their way to Him?

    Following Jesus is a matter of proximity, direction, and imitation. What do you do to stay close to Him?

    What do you think it means to let Jesus set the direction for your life? How would you describe the direction He wants you to go?

    Do you think it was easy or difficult for Peter, Andrew, James, and John to leave their nets, families, and boats behind? Why?

    What have you had to give up in the past in order to follow Jesus more closely?

    Is it possible to fully follow Jesus and not be a fisher of men? Why or why not?

    To whom will you offer a spiritual invitation this week?

  • We Are Not Gatekeepers (2.22.26)

    MARK 10:13-16

    13 And they were bringing children to him that he might touch them, and the disciples rebuked them. 14 But when Jesus saw it, he was indignant and said to them, “Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. 15 Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.” 16 And he took them in his arms and blessed them, laying his hands on them.

    10 POINTS TO PONDER

    Mark 10:14 is the only verse in the Bible that records Jesus being “indignant.” ἀγανακτέω [aganakteō] is the Greek word for indignant, and it represents a level of displeasure that might be described as “very, very, very angry.”

    The parents in this story were desperate for their children to meet Jesus. Who is the person in your life that you want to introduce to Jesus? Are you praying for them now? Do you have a plan to invite them to Easter Sunday?

    Jesus was angry with His friends, even though He loved them. This reminds us that it is not always bad to have a friend who gets upset with us. Sometimes, our friends’ anger leads to our growth.

    “Faithful are the wounds of a friend; profuse are the kisses of an enemy.” (Proverbs 27:6)

    Jesus’ anger and Jesus’ blessings were not directed at people because of WHO they were (identity), but rather because of WHAT they were doing (activity).

    It is possible that the disciples hindered the children because children were not considered important. The disciples were trying to make sure the important people in their world had full access to Jesus. The truth is that it is not our job to decide who can and cannot have access to Jesus.

    “Letting” the children come means choosing NOT to try to control them. When we try to control other people, we almost always drive them away from ourselves and away from God.

    “Do not hinder them” means don’t create rules that make it harder for people to get to Jesus. Legalism gets in the way of many people’s faith.

    Sometimes we hinder people by creating distractions that keep them from simply coming to Jesus. The Gospel is simple. We shouldn’t over-complicate it.

    “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you travel across sea and land to make a single proselyte, and when he becomes a proselyte, you make him twice as much a child of hell as yourselves.” (Matthew 23:15)

    Child-like faith is different than childish faith. We are called to grow to maturity in our relationship with God, but we should never lose our sense of wonder and trust in Him.

    Children usually know their limits. They are aware of what they can and cannot do, and as a result, they know that they need help. Child-like faith recognizes that we are not capable of earning righteousness on our own and that we are in desperate need of saving, which only Jesus can provide.

    DON’T PLAY FAVORITES

    “My brothers and sisters, believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism.”
    — James 2:1

    Have you ever noticed that some people are easier targets for grace than others?

    We don’t like to admit it, but it’s true. We would rather show grace to certain people—and we would rather withhold it from others. Sometimes it’s because of who they are. Sometimes it’s what they’ve done. Sometimes it’s where they’re from… or even what they smell like.

    If I’m honest, I often feel the pull to extend grace unevenly—to give more to one person and less to another.

    But James is clear. We are commanded not to show partiality.
    Not occasionally. Not situationally. Not when it’s convenient.

    We cannot claim obedience to Scripture while treating some people more graciously than others.

    Put On Your “Jesus Goggles”

    We need to look at people through what I like to call “Jesus Goggles.”

    We must learn to see people the way Jesus sees them—not the way they immediately appear to us.

    Jesus didn’t categorize people the way we do:

    • Rich or poor
    • Attractive or unattractive
    • Fun or boring
    • Loud or quiet
    • Outgoing or withdrawn

    (You get the point.)

    Jesus saw something deeper.

    He saw people who needed grace.

    What Changes When You See Like Jesus

    When you put on Jesus Goggles, everything shifts:

    • You no longer see people who have offended you—you see people who need to be offered grace.
    • You no longer see people who are irritating—you see people who need to be shown grace.
    • You no longer see people who drain your energy and resources—you see people who are desperate for grace.

    Grace stops being selective.
    It becomes reflective—reflecting the heart of Christ.

    Today’s Challenge

    Every time you interact with someone today, pause and ask:

    How would Jesus see this person?

    Then respond accordingly.

    Because believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism.

    And when we see people through His eyes, grace becomes our default setting.

    Click on the image to download the DiscipleQuest PDF

    The DiscipleQuest PDF includes 7 days of verse study prompts. You can use these seven studies to dig deeper into the following verses about being welcoming and inviting:

    • Matthew 18:5
    • Acts 10:34-35
    • Romans 15:7
    • 1 Corinthians 9:22
    • James 2:8-9
    • Ephesians 2:13-14
    • Matthew 25:40

    Use these questions as journal prompts or as conversation starters with a group of friends or a Bible study group:

    When have you felt unwelcome, dismissed, or subtly pushed away in a spiritual setting? How did that affect your willingness to engage? What emotions surface when you think about that experience?)

    Think of someone in your life who seems far from Jesus right now. What assumptions do you tend to make about them? Are those assumptions hopeful… or limiting?

    Read Mark 10:13–16 slowly. What exactly were the disciples doing that caused Jesus to rebuke them? What does “hinder” mean in this context? Is it passive (slowing down) or active (blocking access)?

    Verse 14 says Jesus was indignant. This is the only time in the Gospels that word is used to describe Him. Why do you think this particular situation made Jesus angry? What does that tell you about what matters most to Him?

    Jesus says the kingdom must be “received like a child.” From the passage and surrounding context, what qualities of a child might He be highlighting? Why do those qualities matter for entering the kingdom?

    In what subtle ways might someone today “hinder” another person’s faith journey? Consider:

    • Attitudes
    • Tone
    • Control
    • Legalism
    • Social favoritism
    • Unrealistic expectation

    Where have you seen this exhibited? How are you tempted in this way?

    When do you feel tempted to control someone else’s spiritual journey? Trying to manage outcomes? Why is control so appealing to us?

    Jesus was angry at barriers, not brokenness. Do you ever get more frustrated at someone’s immaturity than you do at barriers to grace? What does your anger reveal about your priorities?

    If you removed the word “disciples” and inserted your name into this story, in what part of your life might Jesus say to you: “Hands off. Let them come.” Who specifically might you be unintentionally discouraging, filtering, or limiting?

    What is one action step you need to take this week to stop hindering and start helping?
    Examples might include:

    • Initiating a welcoming conversation
    • Apologizing for a harsh attitude
    • Releasing control over someone’s timeline
    • Speaking encouragement instead of critique
    • Creating space instead of managing behavior

    Write down your step. Tell someone in this group. Pray about it before you leave.

  • Cut It Out (2/15/26)

    MARK 9:43-48

    And if your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life crippled than with two hands to go to hell, to the unquenchable fire. 45 And if your foot causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life lame than with two feet to be thrown into hell. 47 And if your eye causes you to sin, tear it out. It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than with two eyes to be thrown into hell, 48 ‘where their worm does not die and the fire is not quenched.’

    10 POINTS TO PONDER

    Sin is anything contrary to the nature of God. It may be actions, attitudes, thoughts, or more. If it falls short of God’s character, it’s harmful for creation and it’s bad for us.

    Jesus believed that hell was a real place, and He wanted as few people to end up there as possible.

    Sin is not to be minimized (“it’s just a small thing”), excused (“I couldn’t help myself”), or rationalized (“everybody is doing it”). It is to be avoided, detested, and hated

    In verse 48, Jesus quoted the final verse of Isaiah. This was his way of tying his teaching to the same themes as Isaiah. In doing so, He made it clear that He was talking about the end times and what happens at the final judgment.

    You need to know yourself. If the things you do, the places you go, or what you watch lead you closer to sin… Jesus says cut them out of your life.

    If you don’t destroy the sin in your life, then the sin in your life will destroy you.

    Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. (1 Peter 5:8)

    Jesus wants what is better for you. It’s better to lose something now and enter life than to keep everything now and lose everything later.

    To follow Jesus closely, you must regularly ask yourself, “What do I need to get rid of, and what do I need to hold tightly?”

    For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel’s will save it. (Mark 8:35)

    Faith in Jesus is forward-focused. The sin of your past doesn’t need to rule your future.

    When Christians look at their past, they should never see guilt or shame. They should only see Jesus cross.

    CUT IT OUT!

    Sin rarely leaves on its own. It lingers. It spreads. It promises comfort but quietly steals life. That’s why Jesus speaks so strongly in Mark 9. He loves us too much to let sin slowly destroy what He created and what He redeemed.

    The good news is this: you are not powerless. In Christ, you are not stuck. You can make sin difficult. You can weaken its grip. You can choose what is “better.”

    Start by removing access. If something consistently leads you toward temptation, create distance. Delete it. Block it. Avoid it. Distance is not weakness—it’s wisdom.

    Then change patterns. Sin often hides in routines. Shift your schedule. Replace unhealthy habits with life-giving ones. New rhythms create new outcomes.

    Next, establish guardrails. Decide in advance what you will and won’t do. Guardrails keep you from drifting where you never meant to go.

    Finally, invite accountability. Isolation feeds sin. Honest community starves it. Bring someone trustworthy into the fight.

    You don’t cut things out to earn God’s love. You cut things out because you already have it. So ask yourself: What is one thing you need to remove today? Then take one step. Start now.

    Click on the image to download the DiscipleQuest PDF

    The DiscipleQuest PDF includes 7 days of verse study prompts. You can use these seven studies to dig deeper into the following verses about decisively dealing with sin:

    • 2 Timothy 2:22
    • Colossians 3:5-6
    • 1 Peter 2:11
    • 1 Corinthians 10:12-13
    • James 4:7
    • Hebrews 12:1
    • 2 Corinthians 7:1

    Use these questions as journal prompts or as conversation starters with a group of friends or a Bible study group:

    1. When you hear Jesus say it is “better” to lose something now in order to enter life, what comes to mind that feels hard to surrender?
    2. In this season, are you more focused on avoiding sin or actively pursuing Christ? What does your daily routine reveal?
    3. What does the repeated word “better” (vv. 43, 45, 47) teach us about choice and consequences?
    4. Jesus names the hand, foot, and eye. What areas of life do those represent (actions, direction, desires)? Which of these is the greatest struggle for you? Why?
    5. What contrast does Jesus create between “entering life” and “being thrown into hell”? How does that shape how we view temporary sacrifices and eternal consequences?
    6. Why do you think Jesus uses such radical language? What does that reveal about His desire for your holiness and joy?
    7. What patterns in your life make sin easier? What patterns make holiness easier?
    8. How does actively building your faith (prayer, Scripture, worship, community) strengthen you to fight temptation rather than just react to it?
    9. What is one intentional step you can take this week to remove access to temptation, and replace it with a Christ-centered habit?
    10. Who can you invite into your growth so that your pursuit of Christlikeness is not isolated but strengthened by accountability?