Mark 4: Unlock the Secret of the Kingdom of God

In the gospel of Mark 4, 

Jesus illustrates 4 parables: 

1. The parable of the Sower (v1-9)

2. A Lamp Under a Basket (v21-25)

3. The parable of the growing seed (v26-28)

4. The parable of the mustard seed (v30-34)

Parables

• a simple story used to illustrate a moral or spiritual lesson, as told by Jesus in the Gospels.

Jesus allowed everyone to hear His words. He speaks openly of these parables in public

Mark 4:9

Then Jesus said, “Whoever has ears to hear, let them hear.”

Jesus intended how the parables might be received. 

1. To those outside Jesus’ Circle, 

• Jesus called them outsiders - they’re the crowd gathered around Him.

• They claim as believers and followers of Christ but lack repentance and intimacy with the Lord

• They heard the parables but after that they went back to their own ways - own worldly cares

• Jesus taught them the parables to hide the kingdom of God 

Mark 4:12 But to those on the outside everything is said in parables

so that

“‘they may indeed see but not perceive,

    and may indeed hear but not understand,

lest they should turn and be forgiven.’”

• The kingdom of God will remain a secret to them unless they repent and turn to Him

• This is Jesus’ way and purpose: to invite them to His Kingdom - He is the way, the truth, and the life

2. To those inside Jesus’ Circle, 

• Jesus called them insiders - they’re the ones left from the large crowd after His teaching

• The Remnants - the true believers and followers of Christ who remain in the Lord and who conform to God’s word (even when they don’t understand - they stayed to inquire)

• Jesus taught them the parables to reveal the kingdom of God to them

Mark 4:10-11

10 When he was alone, the Twelve and the others around him asked him about the parables. 11 He told them, “The secret of the kingdom of God has been given to you….

Mark 4:33-34

The Lord openly/publicly speaks His word to everyone, but only those who remain in the Lord and stay with Him will be given the revelations of His words…

Let’s remember: secrets are only said in private… 

33 With many such parables he spoke the word to them, as they were able to hear it. 34 He did not speak to them without a parable, but privately to his own disciples he explained everything.

Reflections: 

• Am I one of those who remain in the Lord and not going along with those who went back to their own ways after hearing the teaching of Christ?

• Am I in the inner circle of the Lord?

• Do I extend my time even after my service to Him to inquire more of His words and to hear Him louder and nearer?

• Am I spending time with the Lord hearing Him in the secret place - behind the curtains?

JAMES 3: LIVING FAITH

 

LIVING FAITH

The book of James has been guiding us how to truly live in faith.

In chapter 1 — James exhorted us to stay faithful and humble and rejoice in trials.

Chapter 2 - talks about our having a genuine faith and treating everyone with no partiality

For today's chapter 3 - we are guided how to tame our tongue and live in the wisdom of God.

v1-2 - gives us warning especially the teachers who are teaching the flock to take the responsibility of teaching seriously because whatever we say and teach we will be accountable to the Lord. For we all stumble in so many different ways. 

we must strive to be spiritually mature so as not to stumble anymore in words.

v3-6 - explained how powerful are tongues are — it can make or break people or even ourselves. 

(Luke 6:45) For out of the abundance of the heart our mouth speaks. 

let us all be very careful in what we put in our hearts and thoughts because it will always come out. 

We may quote verses or say beautiful words but when we are unaware our tongue will always say things from our heart. it will always show our true heart. 

our tongue has also the power to restore the heart and the peace of others. 

v9-12 - says that we use our tongue to bless the Lord let us not use it to curse people. 

v13 - encouraged us that in order to tame our tongue we must LIVE IN THE WISDOM OF GOD. 

how do we know we are living in the wisdom — it is always evident in 

our meekness manner, how gentle we are to others. 

we know we don't have God's wisdom if we have BITTERNESS, we are BOASTFUL, LIAR and SELF-SEEKING (we always want to be a leader and to be seen)

v17-18 BUT God's wisdom is always PURE, PEACEABLE, GENTLE AND MERCIFUL. If what comes out of our mouth is only blessings then we live in God's wisdom.

Let us reflect: 

- How are my words? do I still use secular words or words that can bless in and outside the church?

- Do I always want to be recognized, and do I always lie about everything in my life?

- What are the things I feed my heart and my thoughts? Do I read the scripture daily or do I soak in social media?

- Is my heart abundant with love and God's words?

No one can tame our tongue except the Lord, but we must desire to keep taming it with His wisdom. Amen

JAMES 2 : WHAT FAITH DO YOU HAVE?

 

WHAT FAITH DO YOU HAVE?

What faith do I have? is it a living or a dead faith? 

In our Scripture for today from the book of James chapter 2, it was explained to us how to have a living faith.

v1 - showed that a living faith is a genuine faith with no partiality, for Jesus himself was never associated with partiality. His love and all His works were for ALL. His gospel is for ALL. Salvation is for ALL. 

v2-4 - gave us an example of partiality. James specifically talked about the partiality in the assembly/church when we show favor to the rich over the poor. 

This is the reason why JCRC never agreed to have uniform or require people to come in formal clothing in the church on Sunday service. As a church we must come to the Lord and worship as we are as long as it is modest we all can freely come together.

v8-9 - warned us that partiality, discrimination or favoritism will be judged for it is a sin. We may not be aware that favoritism can cause us to sin, we must treat everyone equally.

v14 - emphasized that true faith must be accompanied with action.  Jesus Himself said in John 10:37 - "do not believe me if I do not work the works of my father."

How can we claim we are Christians if we do not do the works of Christ? Sitting in the church and refusing to serve and to be equipped is a dead faith. 

Yes, when we accept Christ, we are saved, but salvation is shown when we do the works of Christ. The saving grace that we received must cause us to fall in love with the Word and the word must convict us to move and obey the word of God. because only those who keep the commandments truly love the Lord (John 14:15)

v15-17 - explained what dead faith is — it is when we do not do anything for others, we ignore those who are not saved yet - the lost, the needy, the hungry.  I is not enough to say " I will pray for you" we have to do something. 

v18-19 - said that  A LIVING FAITH CANNOT BE SEPARATED FROM WORKS. 

Let us reflect:

- I have accepted Christ as my Lord and savior, I go to the church every Sunday/Friday. Have I submitted myself to equipping so I may learn more about my God?

- Have I volunteered to serve the church and my churchmates?

- Have I preached the gospel in my workplace or anywhere I go to? 

- Have I tried laying my hands for the sick and the oppressed?

- am I TRULY A CHRISTIAN WHO HAVE A LIVING FAITH?

Let us always pray daily that may the Lord give us always opportunity to show our love for Him through His works. AMEN.

hebrews 13 - PLEASING THE LORD

 

As we start our week, let us meditate the scripture of God in Hebrews 13.

We ask ourselves how can we please God. Praise God for the last chapter of Hebrews for giving us the list of sacrifices that please the Lord

In v1 we are told to show brotherly love - specifically the love for our brothers (church mates and families)

V2 is about being helpful and hospitable to strangers for we don't know - we may be helping the angels of the Lord already.

V3 urged us to have human compassion or sympathy to those who are suffering and in prison. 

V4 reminded all the married Christians to honor their marital love by not committing adultery and immorality.

V5 said that we should be free from love of money, therefore we must be contented for whatever we have and whatever God has given us because He will never leave us nor forsake us.

V7 Honor your leader by obeying them (v17) and praying for them (v18)

V9 explained the importance of equipping for us to have a stable doctrine. Learning and studying the Word of God can make our faith stronger and we get to know our only God more and more. Having a solid doctrine about who our God is will anchor our faith and we wont be easily persuaded by false doctrine.

These instructions might be hard for us to do but the Lord said that we can do all these things with continues praise and worship and repentance (v15)

He promised (v6) that He is our helper and whatever God asks us to do, He always equip us (v21)

Let us reflect: 

- in the list above, what do we need to improve on or which one do we need to do or we have not done yet?

- in my daily life, have I pleased the Lord?

Let us continue pleasing the Lord brethren by making ourselves a living sacrifice for Him. Amen

HEBREWS 7: OUR CALLING : TO BE ROYAL PRIESTS

 

As we meditate His words for us in Hebrews 7, it was revealed that we are all called to become priests- for God's desire is to establish His Kingdom of Priests. 

The writer of the book of Hebrews began the discussion with Abraham meeting Melchizedek (v1). Emphasizing that Melchizedek who is the king of righteousness and peace is superior to Abraham (v7) and that even Levi has given the tithes to him thru Abraham. (v9)

It was necessary to explain to the Jewish Christians about the life of Melchizedek for they have intellectual hang-ups about Jesus being their High Priest. According to their law - only those from the tribe of Levi can become priests and Jesus is from the tribe of Judah. (v14)

Hebrews 7 explained that it happened before thru the life of Melchizedek who has no lineage and no beginning and end but became a king and priest. 

because of this, they annulled the law for the reason that it is weak and it only produces priests who die but with Jesus as the High Priest, we can be sure of A BETTER COVENANT. (V22)

Glory to God for opening the door everyone to become priests. Now all Christians, including us gentiles can now become priests  —- for God's desire is for all of us to become priests in His kingdom.. 

1 Peter 2:9  says, “You are a royal priesthood,” 

 All believers will one day participate in God’s kingdom that will one day come to earth and that we are all serving as priests in the sense that we are proclaiming God’s excellencies. In that sense, we can say that we are a kind of royal priesthood and, if not that exactly, then certainly a kingdom of priests—priests now, citizens of a kingdom that will one day come to earth ( Colossians 3:1–4).

Let us reflect:

 - we are all called to be priests, but are we working on becoming a perfect priest for Jesus — separated from the sinners, holy , harmless and undefiled? (v26)

Thank you Lord for opening the door for all of us to receive your calling to become your priests - who's one day will join your angels to worship and praise you in heaven. AMEN.

HEBREWS 6: THE DANGER OF FALLING AWAY

 

As we meditate our scripture today from Hebrews 6 - we have read a warning to all Christians — not just Christians but to those who have served, enlightened, tasted the heavenly gift and experienced the power of God and have worked with the Holy Spirit — these are the Christians who have impressive experience working with the Lord — but fell away from the Lord.

It says it is impossible to go back to the Lord and be saved — this is BIG! 

(v4-5)  4 For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted the heavenly gift, and have become partakers of the Holy Spirit, 5 and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come,

We may have received gifts and used by the Lord in His works, we may have done things for the Lord like :

 Energetically evangelized (Matthew 23:15).

· Impressively prayed (Matthew 23:14).

· Made rigorous religious commitments (Matthew 23:16).

· Strictly and carefully tithed (Matthew 23:23).

· Practiced fasting regularly (Luke 18:12).

· Yet Jesus called them sons of Hell (Matthew 23:15).

Let us take a look at the example of Demas:

· Demas is called a fellow worker with Paul (Philemon 24).

· Yet Paul condemned Demas, at least hinting at apostasy (2 Timothy 4:10).

Judas is also a perfect example.

WHY IT IS IMPOSSIBLE FOR US TO GO BACK? 

as explained in v6 it is now our choice to crucify Him again and to put Him to an open shame. So it will be hard for us to seek TRUE REPENTANCE.

(v6) 6 if they fall away, to renew them again to repentance, since they crucify again for themselves the Son of God, and put Him to an open shame.

How do we know we are falling away?

V7-8 showed that we receive the same rain from heaven (same blessings/teachings) but what do we bear? do we bear WHEAT OR WEEDS?

7 For the earth which drinks in the rain that often comes upon it, and bears herbs useful for those by whom it is cultivated, receives blessing from God; 8 but if it bears thorns and briars, it is rejected and near to being cursed, whose end is to be burned.

Let us reflect...

- God may have used us mightily, spoke to us and allowed us to experience is might and power — but where are we now? do we bear wheat or weeds now?

BUT GOD IS TRUE TO HIS PROMISE. He is a just God who will not forget all our works —  we only need to hold on to our faith and diligently continue on with Jesus — 

10 For God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister. 11 And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope until the end, 

*** FOR HOW MANY TIMES I whined and told God I am tired and I want to stop serving Him —BUT I STILL KEEP ON SHOWING UP!

We are allowed to get tired and complain to the Lord but we need to keep on showing up and diligently obey with TRUE REPENTANCE. 

Let us keep on holding on to our faith remnants!

Amen.

HEBREWS 5: SPIRITUAL MATURITY

 

In our reading today - we are warned of the danger of spiritual immaturity.  We are all have a tendency to become spiritually immature especially when we come to the point that we feel we don’t need to read the scripture anymore or we don’t need to learn anymore because we know everything already. 

In verses 13-14 it showed us the difference between the immature and the mature. 

“For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.”

Hebrews 5:13-14

Paul in 1 corinthian 3 called the corinthian church babes because of their behaviour. 

They are gifted, they know the scriptures and always in the church but Paul called them immature because they stir up envy and strife and division to the church. 

We may be gifted but if we use it to glorify ourselves we are still immature. 

We may memorize the scripture but if we do not practice them we are immature. 

We may always be present in the church but if no one can rebuke or you don’t listen to corrections or if u do listen you dont change nor obey, still you are immature. 

Let us reflect: 

- what do I bring to my brethren and to the church? Is it peace or division? 

- i know the words but do i follow them? 

- do i allow my leaders to correct me and am i willing to learn?

- i have been in the ministry for a long time, am I a good example to my brethren or i still honor myself and what i want. 

Let us always be aware of how behave and how we obey the words of God. We cannot be judged by our heart but we can always be judged by our words and actions. Because out of the abundance of the heart our mouth speaks and our body acts.

Let us all strive to be spiritually mature. Help us o Holy spirit daily. 

Amen

HEBREWS 2: THE GREAT SALVATION

 

As we reflect and meditate our daily scripture today, in Hebrews 2, we read a warning for the believers not to neglect the salvation that we have received from the Lord. 

This chapter was written for the believers / Christians who accepted Jesus as their Lord and savior. 

1 “Therefore we must give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away.”

 Verse 1 exhorted us to earnestly heed the things that we heard - we must truly understand the words of God and do it. Hearing and doing means earnestly heeding the word. Because if we don’t do what we have heard we might drift away from our faith. 

In Verse 2, the warning was given that we will be judge according to our transgression and disobedience. 

2 “For if the word spoken through angels proved steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just reward,”

If we consider our salvation as God’s way of rescuing us from hell, we will hold on unto it and treat it as the greatest gift of God for us. Anything that of great value is taken cared of and valued for life.

Therefore, if we neglect something, we probably do not consider it great. Yet our salvation is great, because:

· We are saved by a great Savior.

· We are saved at a great cost.

· We are saved from a great penalty.

The reason many neglect their salvation is because they never see it as salvation. They see it merely as receiving something, not as being rescued from something.

Verse 4 mentioned that God confirms our great salvation through signs and wonders and gifts of the Holy Spirit. 

“God also bearing witness both with signs and wonders, with various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit, according to His own will?”

Hebrews 2:4 

Let us reflect: 

- How do we value our salvation given to us by Jesus?

- how do we earnestly heed His Words and His Commandments? 

May the Holy Spirit lead us always to be grateful for our salvation not neglecting His words but doing it. 

Amen.

HEBREWS 3: OVERCOMING UNBELIEF

 

As we meditate His Words today in Hebrews 3 — 

It is very clear that the book of Hebrews is written for us - believers. So let' us take heed. 

On the first part v1-6 shows the supremacy of Jesus over Moses - it made it clear that we only have one Jesus who dwells in Us and that there is no reason for unbelief. 

On the Last verses we were warned of the danger of unbelief — because it:

1. HARDENS our hearts (v12) — we tend not to listen to the voice of the Holy Spirt — God's commands and His instructions. 

2. HINDERS God's blessings (10-19) - we have no peace and we can never enter God's rest just like the Israelites who stayed in the wilderness for 40 years.

3. HALTS God's power (Mat 13:57-58) - unbelief stops us in doing God's works, therefore it stops us from witnessing miracles and wonders of the Lord. 

BUT we can always ask Jesus to HELP US WITH OUR UNBELIEF just like what the Father of the sick child did in Mark 9:24.

Also in this chapter we were given HELP  TO OVERCOME UNBELIEF:

1. Do not harden your heart (v8) LISTEN to the voice of the Holy SPirit and obey.

2. Know His ways (v10) MEDITATE HIS WORDS DAY AND NIGHT. Only in His words that we get to know Him well. 

3. Be partakers of Christ (V13-14) KEEP HIS WORKS - we must exhort each other daily and find the lost. 

LET US REFLECT:

- Do you experience the signs of unbelief? ( missed church activity, missed reading the words and missed fellowship)

- Is your heart not in the right place? is it in the world (flesh-family and work) or with Jesus?

*** It's not about how we start our faith  it's about enduring the battle.. finishing the task ... we will be judged according to HOW WE FINISH NOT HOW WE START. 

So kneel down and ask Jesus to help us with our unbelief just like the father of the sick child.

Amen.

‘Philippians 4 - ’LET IT BE KNOWN TO GOD’’

 

We are to REJOICE (Paul said it twice) and be GENTLE. The presence of these two is the absence of worry and vice versa. 

If we know that God is real and alive, why are we still worrying?

We are living in a world full of worries and anxiousness.

We are not exempted to this. Christians are the target of Satan

because they are not his. He is always giving reasons and lies

or deceitful words to have clouded minds and unstable hearts.

But the WORDS of the LORD said,

4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. 5 Let your reasonableness [gentleness in other versions]

be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand;

When the spirit of worry attacks, what should we do?

Let it be known to God 

A second of worry should be lifted up to God right away. 

Pray, pray, pray but with thanksgiving. The word of God says,

6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

The moment that worry attacks for any reason, we should respond in the name of Jesus. 

Absolutely, we do pray but is it with thanksgiving? When we

finish praying, why do we still worry? Do we pray with thanksgiving?

A prayer of thanksgiving removes all the worries away. It is

replacing worries and anxiousness with the joy of knowing that

God is working. It is recognizing His power. 

What happens when we pray with thanksgiving?

7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding,

will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

The worries will be replaced with peace, that inner peace in God

which even ourselves couldn’t explain. The peace that worries

couldn't penetrate because it guards our hearts and minds through

the power of the name of Jesus. 

Let us reflect:

4 WH's

• What are your worries right now?

• What does God mean when He said, not to worry?

• What do you do in times of worries?

• What will happen if we pray with thanksgiving?

THE TRUE INTERCESSORS

 

THE TRUE INTERCESSORS

TRUE CHRISTIANS pray for one another. It is our unwritten covenant with the Lord to intercede for all who needs intercession. One way of sharing in Jesus’ works is to intercede for the lost, for the churches, leaders etc.

WE ARE ALL INTERCESSORS. WE INTERCEDE IN SILENCE.

Love covers a multitude of sins (1 Peter 4:8), and it is the highest calling for our lives. This is how the world knows we follow Jesus, if we love one another (John 13:25). What a special and specific way to love one another: by remembering each other in our prayers, and lifting one another up to Jesus. 

True intercessors intercede in their secret place – without letting the world know they are interceding. When we intercede, WE DO NOT ANNOUNCE IT!

WHY?

There are a few reasons not to —

-        This can come across as condescending, that you have a special connection with God and they are so blessed that you will be praying for them.

 

-        It’s also wrong if you’re using it to distinguish yourself from, and to diminish, someone whom you know is not a believer.

 

-        When you tell someone ‘I AM YOUR INTERCESSOR” it may not be intentional but you may be sending a message that every answered prayer you have or all your victories are all because of you.

We usually, as a church ask for intercession when we have to do something or the church is asked to intercede for someone. This kind of intercession glorifies the Lord not an individual person.

Abraham changed the mind of the Lord when he interceded for Sodom (Genesis 18:22)

Moses’ intercession for Israel (Exodus 32:9-14)

Sodom and Israel didn’t know that Abraham and Moses interceded for them.

 “Intercession is important for the church because we're called to love each other. And loving each other is laying down our lives., Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends.’ (John 15:13 NIV). We lay our lives down in different ways, as we serve God and we serve people. One way we serve is in prayer. 

The most important parts of our bodies are hidden on the inside, such as: our brain, heart, lungs, liver, gut, blood, blood cells, etc. Everything that keeps our body alive and functioning is unseen—beneath the surface.

This is a parallel to the ministry of prayer and intercession. MOST WILL NOT SEE THE PRAYER AND INTERCESSION, yet it is the very thing holding together a healthy body and allowing the body to work and function how it should.

PRAYER WORKS BEHIND THE SCENES, giving life to the members who most need it; calling the lost sheep home, bringing wisdom and understanding, sustaining the weary from giving up, and keeping us connected to the head, which is Christ. Prayer is very important. It is the avenue for God’s blessing and power in the lives of his people. 

BE A TRUE INTERCESSOR WHO WORKS BEHIND THE SCENE.

Man will not see you because you will be out of his sight, beyond the second veil; but in the Kingdom of God your life will count for time and for eternity. 

 

Acts 2 - “WORTH THE WAIT”

 

“WORTH THE WAIT”

As we meditate Acts 2 today, God is teaching us that, 

“It takes a great vessel to receive a great blessing”

“And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.”

Acts 2:4

How great was it they were waiting?

- The Holy Spirit that came from heaven (verses 2-3)

- The Holy spirit who manifest in power through tongues (of different languages)

- The holy spirit who empowered them and gave them boldness to preach the gospel to people from different nations (verses 5-12)

“And they were amazed and astonished, saying, “Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? And how is it that we hear, each of us in his own native language?”

Acts 2:7-8 ESV

Truly, the greatest Gift of the Lord for us❤️

- Are we worthy to receive this gift?

We are NOT - but HE made us worthy. For whom should this GIFT be given but to man who needs the Holy Spirit. 

How great were the vessels then?

- They, who bore Christ in their hearts

- They who not only believe but love Christ

- They who keep the promise of God and never abandoned their faith in Christ as they wait for the promise.

- They who were not only able to wait but showed the right attitude and posture of waiting. 

- They, who were not but made worthy to receive the greatest gift because of their faith in Christ. 

“When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting.”

Acts 2:1-2 ESV

Let us reflect: 

- Do we also have the faith and love for Jesus through serving Him?

- Do we keep His promises through being diligent in reading His words?

- Do we have the right attitude of waiting through earnest prayers or we complain as we wait?

For if God was able to give us the greatest gift - The Holy spirit. Then what else He cannot give? 

So whatever we ask in prayer, 

WAIT. . . . . . WAIT. . . . . . WAIT. . . . . 

“Great things are worth the wait”

and sometimes . . .

God is not making us wait. . . .

Instead, He is waiting for us to receive it with the proper posture and standing of the heart - Humility, so Him only we will praise. 

“It takes a great vessel to carry a great blessing🎁”