The Gospel of Mark The Gospel of Mark isn't a collection of curated stories about Jesus, but rather a purposeful narrative that paints a picture of the person and work of Jesus: A Messiah who came to rescue, confront evil, and invite people to live under God's reign. A kind and compassionate Savior who advanced the Kingdom of God by casting out demons and healing the sick...

When we think of God, what first comes to mind? Do we envision an angry judge, watching our every move, waiting to punish us the momentwe get out of line? Maybe we imagine a distant deity, detached from the cares of the world and devoid of emotion. Or we might see God as asympathetic friend, always deferring to us and supporting us, no matter what. There are a number of wa...

Paul knew his time was drawing to an end. Shackled by chains in a Roman dungeon, he sensed death was close at hand. He had devoted nearly30 years of his life to ministry, but now all that was over. Soon he would be beheaded for the faith he once persecuted. But still, there was workto be done. The Church was continually under assault from within and without. Someone would ...

What is the church supposed to be in our world today? Many rightly feel a tragic disconnect between what the church is and what it should be.We read the words and actions of Jesus, and rarely see those reflected in those who should represent him. But often, our ideas of how thechurch should function and what it should do differ from person to person. True transformation se...

And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory o...

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. His 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. He is clothed in a robe dipped in blood, and the name by which he is called is The Word of God. And...

And Mary said to the angel, "How will this be, since I am a virgin?" And the angel answered her, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born[e] will be called holythe Son of God. And behold, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month with her who w...

Inasmuch as many have undertaken to compile a narrative of the things that have been accomplished among us, just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word have delivered them to us, it seemed good to me also, having followed all things closely for some time past, to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, that you may ...

And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory o...

But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days. Therefore he shall give them up until the time when she who is in labor has given birth; then the rest of his brothers shall return to the people of Israel. And he shall s...