MARK 6, PT 1 | JESUS AS CARPENTER AND LORD

MARK 6, PT 1 | JESUS AS CARPENTER AND LORD

This is part 5 of a multi-part series on the book of Mark. Today, we’re in Mark 6:1-6. Rejection & the Hypostatic Union Jesus knew rejection and disdain. He knew the pain of not being accepted in his hometown. He went to Nazareth and was teaching in the...
MARK 4, PT 2 | SOLVING PROBLEMS FROM THE TOP DOWN

MARK 4, PT 2 | SOLVING PROBLEMS FROM THE TOP DOWN

This is part 4 of a multi-part series on the book of Mark. Today, we’re in Mark 4:35-41 Jesus was often tired. He ran a sprint-marathon. He ran until he was out of gas, but then retreated to rest. He always initiated rest when he needed it. So after an...
MARK 4, PT 2 | SOLVING PROBLEMS FROM THE TOP DOWN

MARK 4, PT 1 | SOWING IN WORKSHIP

This is part 3 of a multi-part series on the book of Mark. Today, we’re in Mark 4:26-29. Now the Kingdom of God is compared to a man scattering seeds on the ground (4:26). The man is clearly not God in this parable because he sleeps and rises and lives out his...
IT’S TIME TO GO

IT’S TIME TO GO

The LORD is moving. In OPEN USA, we are seeing people who are seeing good reason to do things differently, and want to join our network overseas to learn and contribute to the movement. Planting In Mark 4:26-29, the Kingdom of God is compared to a man scattering seeds...
SACRED AND SECULAR—WHAT THIS MEANS FOR US

SACRED AND SECULAR—WHAT THIS MEANS FOR US

This is part seven of a 7-part series on the sacred/secular divide. Paul says to the Colossians: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord...
SACRED AND SECULAR IN THE NEW CREATION

SACRED AND SECULAR IN THE NEW CREATION

This is part six of a 7-part series on the sacred/secular divide. By sacred we usually mean something pertaining to the church; by secular we mean something not pertaining to the church. The word secular often has a negative connotation—not just not pertaining to the...