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What Do You Want Me To Do For You?

In our passage for today, we have three specific events all of which are very similar to things that have already happened in Mark.  I mean, yes, they are new and distinct events in the history of Jesus’ ministry, but what’s going on and the general lessons that are being taught are some of the very same specific points that have just been taught in the last few chapters.  And so our temptation today might be to zone out.  We could say, yes, yes, I’ve heard these lessons before.  And yet the fact that Jesus is reteaching even the disciples here some of the same lessons, shows that we sometimes need these lessons repeated.  And so let’s look at what this passage has to say about Jesus’ mission of suffering, and even how we relate to that mission.

Passage: Mark 10:32-52
Author: Rev. W. Reid Hankins, M.Div.
Sermon originally preached during the Morning Service at Trinity Presbyterian Church (OPC) on 10/12/2008 in Novato, CA.

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With God All Things Are Possible

The peril of riches.  Often that is the topic introduced when looking at this well loved passage about the rich young ruler.  Commentators sometimes point to the tenth commandment, or even the first, as the specific sin of this man.  Others see this passage about two alternative ways to heaven – one hypothetical one through law-keeping, and another superior one by following Jesus.  These different interpretations do possess some valid insight.  And yet they fall short, if they do not understand the message in this passage in relationship to the kingdom.  It is the kingdom which is under discussion in this passage.  We must look to see what Jesus is teaching us about the kingdom today, and what he says about our relationship to it.

Passage: Mark 10:17-31
Author: Rev. W. Reid Hankins, M.Div.
Sermon originally preached during the Morning Service at Trinity Presbyterian Church (OPC) on 10/05/2008 in Novato, CA.

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For of Such Is the Kingdom of God

Two weeks ago, we saw how the disciples misunderstood the scope of Christ’s kingdom.  They tried to stop a man who was casting out demons in Christ’s name, because he wasn’t formally following along with the other disciples of Christ.  They tried to forbid the man from serving Christ.  But Christ challenged the disciples to see that that man was a part of Christ’s kingdom.  In today’s passage, the disciples are again confused about the scope of Christ’s kingdom.  Here they try to forbid children from being brought to Jesus.  Jesus again corrects the disciples.

You see, you don’t have to be an adult to be a part of Christ’s kingdom.  You don’t need to be grown up to be a Christian.  Jesus in this short passage gives us good news for our children and he gives good news for all of us.  He tells us that the kingdom of God belongs to children and to all who receive the kingdom as a child.  This calls us to examine our own attitude toward Children.  Do we bring our children to Jesus?  It also calls us to examine how we relate to the kingdom of God.  Are we receiving the kingdom of God as a child?  We’ll consider these questions as we study this passage.

Passage: Mark 10:13-16
Author: Rev. W. Reid Hankins, M.Div.
Sermon originally preached during the Morning Service at Trinity Presbyterian Church (OPC) on 09/28/2008 in Novato, CA.

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What God Has Joined Together, Let Not Man Separate

Divorce is a very real issue today.  This was also a very real issue back during Jesus’ earthly ministry as well.  Just like today, many people were looking for easy and convenient divorces.  And so let’s look at Jesus’ teaching concerning marriage and divorce and understand marriage according to God’s original design.

Passage: Mark 10:1-12
Author: Rev. W. Reid Hankins, M.Div.
Sermon originally preached during the Morning Service at Trinity Presbyterian Church (OPC) on 09/21/2008 in Novato, CA.

Click here for the manuscript.

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