Mark 8-10

10/12/2015

Loving the lost (vv. 42–50).
This is our Lord’s longest and most awesome warning about future punishment. If we are not serving others (v. 35), we may cause others to stumble (“offend,” v. 42); and this might lead to their eternal condemnation. We must deal drastically with sin in our lives, both for our sake and the sake of others, for the fires of hell are real and everlasting. Jesus compared hell to a furnace (Matt. 13:42) and an unquenchable fire. The image here is of the garbage dump in the Valley of Hinnom outside Jerusalem (2 Kings 23:10; Isa. 66:24), where the waste was burned by fire and eaten by worms. The Gk. word for hell (“Gehenna”) comes from the Heb. “ge Hinnom”—the valley of Hinnom. Hell is a real place, and lost souls will suffer there forever. Do we have a love for the lost, or are we only concerned with being “the greatest”? God’s people would indeed be “salted with fire” (suffer persecution—v. 49), and it is important that we “have salt in ourselves”. The believers who read Mark’s Gospel during the “fiery trial” under Nero must have been encouraged by what Jesus said here.

8 Comments

Bruce

10/12/2015 11:23:10 pm

Do you mean by " serving others " that we are to try to bring them to God? This is something that has been on my thoughts a lot lately, as well as in my prayers. I have been giving out some Christian books to people, with the understanding that when they are done with them that are to pass them on to someone else. As some people have done this for me. I am planning on giving a great study bible to my family members as Christmas gifts. But, I still feel like I'm not doing enough. I think this may be what God is calling me to do, as my way of serving others. I know I need to do more though.

After reading just how much Jesus served others and gave of himself, I realize that I am so far away from what I need to be....

Jeff

10/13/2015 07:16:45 am

Yes, one big way to serve others is lead them to the cross. Your right Bruce and we all, myself included, have much room to grow in this area of our lives with Jesus. Just take it one opportunity at a time and let God work through your actions and words.

Bruce

10/13/2015 11:53:26 am

I like idea of "taking it one opportunity at a time". Makes think of my son. He and i have had some good talks on the word of God.

Thanks i needed to hear those words.

Tammy

10/13/2015 06:59:24 pm

I like the idea of one opportunity at a time too. It makes it seem less stressful if we only focus on who is with us at a particular moment. I come in contact with lots of people each day and serving each one at a time....taking the opportunity God has placed in front of me at that moment is what I believe you are talking about. When people know you are a Christian they watch you intently....waiting for you to mess up and realize you aren't perfect. I feel it's in those moments they realize we aren't perfect that our witness may get a little stronger and we can set a better example. When others see we mess up too it makes them see that they can have Jesus too.....even if they don't have it all together. Serving and loving go together. Thats what Jesus did for us.....then we can too.

Tracey link

10/13/2015 07:27:41 pm

Something that stands out to me is the seriousness of our responsibility to our children as Christian parents. It is our job to protect them from ungodly influences and to train them how to be in the world and not of it. We need to point them to Christ by our teaching and by how we live our lives. We are to be salty, making Christ appealing (tastey) and creating a thirst for Him. We are to influence those around us in this way too...not turn them off or put them down. I often think about how the closer we are to Christ the better we see the ways to serve others around us. We start to see with the eyes of Christ. It kinda hurts sometimes and can almost be overwhelming because we live in such a needy, hurting world. We must ask for HIS love, guidance, and strength to know what to act on. Sharing Christian books and resources is a great way to serve others and help point them to The Trinity. Serving others is SO broad, we just need to be open to the leading of the Spirit and think of others above ourselves. Maybe pay for an item at the grocery store for an elderly person counting out change or giving an encouraging word to someone when they didn't expect it. My best friend in NJ adopted a little boy from a terrible situation. Her husband really thought he wanted a sailboat, but when he learned of this case, God totally changed his heart. He said that boat and his pleasure paled so much in comparison to his opportunity to change and improve the life of this boy. SO many people grew closer to Christ in this and some have even been prevented from stumbling in some ways and it will continue on for years to come with the ripple effect of who will be touched through this. Imagine the lives that this boy will touch as a redeemed child of God instead of a cast away by our society. He always has had great value in God's eyes, but might not have found that out here on earth. Now, he has learned it and is living in a family that hopes and prays he feels it and will really believe it.
I love the song by Brandon Heath "Give Me Your Eyes"!
Bruce, keep those conversations going with family and friends .... and all you hope will grow thirsty for Christ, the Living Water! Praying God leads you and you find great contentment in serving Him as you serve others this week, no matter how small or how big. As you know, with Him, it's always a matter of heart!

Bruce

10/14/2015 02:22:05 am

Glad you joined in the conversation Tracey. I value your input and I have seen how you have helped my wife grow in her faith. Tammy has helped me so much with talking to me on this blog and I appreciate all the help I can get. So Thank you to all for taking the time to serve me.

As for the conversations... I find that they help me as well, and I really look forward to them. I was talking with one my friends about Gods word when we were out to eat and he keeps a bible in his car, so we were able to look up some verses. I thought that was a great idea and thought I would do that for my family. My wife even took it a step further and said, we should get them for all the family members, even for the ones that we have limited contact with. She is taking our serving even further.

Praying for your continued support as I walk closer with God.

Tammy

10/14/2015 03:04:32 am

We are always to support and encourage each other in our walk with Christ. The more support we have the stronger we become. Our church family is a great place to learn and grow together. Thanks to Tracey for adding your comments. The more the merrier....right Bruce? :)

Bruce

10/14/2015 05:31:34 am

The more the merrier is right for sure

Mark 8-10

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