Harvest Bible Chapel Ashburn

In the Transfiguration account of Mark we learn how to set our minds on the things of God (xref: Mark 8:33) and how to follow Jesus (xref: Mark 8:34).

Do we understand that Jesus is the Christ? But do we understand the purpose of the Christ? And with that, do we understand that he wants us to join him in his purpose? Like the blind man's friends in this passage, let's bring people to Jesus and beg for Jesus to touch them.

In this passage we see simple faith in the crowd who are following Jesus for days into the wilderness. They get to see and experience Jesus and his power. They are contrasted with the Pharisees and the disciples who miss what is right in front of them. Is there something in your life that is keeping you from seeing and experiencing Jesus?

Am I desperate for Jesus and what he freely offers? Or am I living with entitled expectations for what I think Jesus should be giving me?

God sets the standard of righteousness and it begins and ends with our heart.

Jesus does some amazing things in this passage. But more amazing than the miracles themselves is how he weaves giant themes from the entire Bible together to prove his identity. Will we harden our hearts and resist? Or will we believe and find the satisfaction that only he can give?

John the Baptist prepared the way for Jesus, he made straight the path of the Lord. He showed the way that Jesus would go, from message to even his death. We show those around us too. Our life is a trail marker and often it is in the toughest parts where we show Jesus the most.

Why should we not fear and only believe? Because Jesus is not in any way limited by anything. Nothing is impossible with him. And because he loves us more than we can fathom.

It doesn't matter who you are or where you are. It doesn't matter what you've done or what has happened to you. It is the power of Jesus that frees us, restores us, and is our testimony.

I cultivate a fear of God by… 1) Feeding my mind with the truth of God. 2) Feeding my soul with the majesty of God. 3) Feeding my heart with the love of God.

Why does Jesus teach clearly to some but with such great mystery to others? This next passage of Mark gives us the answer and helps us to better understand why we should respond to Jesus in our own lives.

I am focusing on Jesus' explanation of the parable of the four soils. What conditions are needed for fruitfulness in the life of a Christian? There are two key factors: 1) What do I fear most, and 2) What do I desire most?

Who is Jesus' family? Who's testimony and witness does he want? Answer to both questions: People who follow him.

Jesus has the authority to forgive sin. But we have to agree with him that we need forgiveness.

Jesus has incredible authority, everything obeys him. With one exception: People. The kingdom of God is wherever Jesus is king. It is wherever his commands are obeyed. It is as simple and as hard as that. Will we obey him? Or will we obey the god of this world?

Is Jesus King of your life? Then you will follow him. We immediately leave what we are doing and go in the direction he wants us to go.

There is great power in confession of sin to one another and prayer for one another.

So much of the context in this part of James is confronting our perspective. Do we see God as Lord or myself? Do we value what God values or what the world values? This video highlights three areas from James 5:7-12 that who whether we are living with God's perspective on life. But there is actually one other proof from the passage that I didn't cover in the video. Can you find it?

Are you laying up treasure in heaven? Or are you "living in luxury and self-indulgence?" As a resident of Loudoun county Virginia this passage should make you very nervous. Spend some time meditating on this passage and let the Holy Spirit speak to you through it. How should you respond?

This week we are digging into James 4:13-17. James is forcing us to ask, "Are you building your little kingdom or are you building God's?" We subtly do this whenever we make our plans without including God. James calls this boasting in your arrogance and evil. I asked myself, "is that really that bad?" Seems a little harsh doesn't it? It is a question for the heart. Have you submitted your plans to God? Is he the Lord of your future?