Big Idea: Despite our history of misplaced love and envy, there’s hope for those who trust and grow in Lord Jesus, who is full of mercy.
1. Jacob’s misplaced love has dangerous consequences
2. Judah’s growth from an envious boy to a responsible man
3. Joseph’s mercy foreshadows Jesus’ overflowing mercy
Happy Mother’s Day!
It’s great to see so many mothers and their families with us this morning!
The Place to Begin Mark 1:1-8
Brothers and sisters, today we're going to ask a very important and also very practical question: If faith is to begin, where should it start? In fact, the Gospel of Mark gives us the answer right at the very start of the book: Mark 1:1 "The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God."
The Gospel of Mark is the most translated book in the world. It is also the shortest gospel. The author, Mark, seems to be very fascinated by 3 combinations:
1. Jesus of Nazareth, the human Jesus vs the Son of God, the Divine One.
2. The Ruler who manifests his ability to serve vs the Servant who knows how to rule.
3. The King vs The Cross
The Dawn Life in the Risen Christ
Mark 16:1-8
In the risen Christ, we see the death of death and the dawn of life
1. Living in the shadow of death
Good Friday and the Cross — Love Shining in the Darkness
(Mark 15:33-34)
A few days ago, I read an essay by a Japanese author titled The Way to the End of Life. The article says: "The way some people end their lives is like gently closing a drawer; others are like pulling an already open drawer even harder, until the whole drawer falls to the ground; and some even forget that they have opened the drawer, leaving it unclosed as they embark on a new journey." The author observed that even though many people might imagine an ideal way to die, when death actually comes, it still arrives so suddenly, catching people entirely off guard.
I think we all know that we must inevitably face death, yet no one knows exactly when their time will come. Facing this final stretch of our journey in this world, some may experience a…