Focal Passage: I John 5:1-13  I love Chick-fil-A. Their food is delicious, the restaurants are clean, their service is friendly and efficient. I would like to nominate whoever designed their drive-thru system for the next president (I’m only half kidding). In my opinion Chick-fil-A stands out as the model for excellence among every other fast-food option.  What makes this franchise so different than all the others?  I believe it goes

Focal Passage: Mark 11:15-25   What does the text say? Mark 11:15-25 narrates a powerful incident in Jesus’ ministry when He enters the temple in Jerusalem. He observes that the temple had become a marketplace, with merchants and moneychangers exploiting worshipers. In response, Jesus overturns the tables, driving out those who had turned His Father’s house into a den of thieves. Following this dramatic act, Jesus begins to teach about

Focal Passage: Mark 10:32-45   What Does the Text Say? In Mark 10:32-45, we find a profound teaching moment in Jesus’ ministry. Jesus and His disciples were on their way to Jerusalem when Jesus took His disciples aside and shared a remarkable message.  He told them that He would be betrayed, condemned to death, mocked, and ultimately crucified. Despite this impending suffering, Jesus emphasized that He had come not to

Focal Passage: Mark 9:17-29  What Does the Text Say? In Mark 9:17-29, we find a powerful account of a desperate father seeking Jesus’ help for his demon-possessed son. The father’s plea reveals the depths of his distress, as he describes how the demon has tormented his son since childhood. Even the disciples of Jesus had attempted to cast out the demon but failed. In this context, Jesus arrives, and the

Focal Passage: Mark 8:31-9:1  What does the text say: In Mark 8:31-9:1, we find a pivotal moment in the ministry of Jesus, where He begins to teach His disciples about the path of faithful discipleship. Jesus tells them plainly, “The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and the chief priests and the scribes and be killed, and after three days rise again” (Mark

Focal Passage: Mark 7:24-37  What does the text say: In Mark 7:24-37, we encounter two powerful stories that reveal the boundless mercy of Jesus, emphasizing His inclusive ministry to all people.  The first account features a Syrophoenician woman, a Gentile, who comes to Jesus seeking help for her demon-possessed daughter. Initially, Jesus responds by saying, “Let the children be satisfied first, for it is not right to take the children’s

Focal Passage: Mark 6:30-44  What does the text say: Mark 6:30-44 narrates a remarkable event where Jesus, after His disciples’ return from their ministry, sees a vast crowd and is moved with compassion.  As the day wanes, the disciples suggest sending the people away to find food. However, Jesus instructs them to give the crowd something to eat. With just five loaves and two fish, Jesus blesses the food, and

Focal Passage: Mark 3:20-30  What does the text say: In Mark 3:20-22, we find a scene where Jesus enters a house, and a crowd gathers, making it impossible for Him to even eat. His family, hearing about this, comes to take charge of Him, as they think He might be out of His mind.  The scribes, who were experts in the law, also come into the picture, accusing Jesus of

Focal Passage: Mark 1:35-45  In this session, we will explore Mark 1:35-45, focusing on what the Word says, what it means, and how it applies to our lives. What does the Word say? Mark 1:35-45 reveals a powerful moment in Jesus’ ministry. After healing a leper, Jesus withdraws to a solitary place to pray. Despite His desire for solitude, the news about His healing power spreads, drawing crowds seeking His

Focal Passage: Mark 1:1-13  Introduction: Today, we will dive into the opening verses of the gospel of Mark, specifically Mark 1:1-13. The gospel according to Mark makes an excellent first book of the Bible for a new believer to read because it is straight into the action of Jesus’ life. Let us explore what the Word says, what it means, and how it applies to our lives. What does the