Topic:RECOGNIZE THE REAL ENEMY – May 30 Mark 8:33, “But when he had turned about and looked on his disciples, he rebuked Peter, saying, Get thee behind me, Satan: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but the things that be of men.” MARK 8:30-33 Jesus was not implying that Peter and Satan were one-and-the-same, but was …
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Topic:GOD’S WILL ABOVE OURS – May 29 Luke 9:23, “And he said to them all, if any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.” MATTHEW 16:16-26; MARK 8:30-37; LUKE 9:21-27 Self-denial is an important part of the Christian life. Jesus sacrificed His life for us and He demands that …
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Topic:JESUS, THE CHIEF CORNERSTONE – May 28 Matthew 16:18, “And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” MATTHEW 16:13-19 Some people have mistakenly interpreted this passage to say that Peter was the foundation on which Christ would build His …
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Topic:PETITION NOT REPETITION – May 27 Mark 8:24-25, “And he looked up, and said, I see men as trees, walking. After that he put his hands again upon his eyes, and made him look up: and he was restored, and saw every man clearly.” MATTHEW 7:7-11; MARK 8:22-25 It was unusual for Jesus to inquire about the results of His …
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Topic:SYMPTOMS OF A HARD HEART – May 26 Mark 8:17, “And when Jesus knew it, he saith unto them, Why reason ye, because ye have no bread? perceive ye not yet, neither understand? have ye your heart yet hardened?” MATTHEW 16:1-12; MARK 8:11-21 Just a few days before this instance, hardened hearts caused Jesus’ disciples to be amazed when they …
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Topic:JESUS CHALLENGES THE SADDUCEES – May 25 Matthew 16:1, “The Pharisees also with the Sadducees came, and tempting desired him that he would show them a sign from heaven.” MATTHEW 16:1-4 The Sadducees were a Jewish sect (Acts 5:17), of both a political and religious nature, that was best known for its opposition to the more popular party (the Pharisees), …
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Topic:THE MINISTRY OF THE HOLY SPIRIT – May 24 Mark 8:12, “And he sighed deeply in his spirit, and saith, Why doth this generation seek after a sign? verily I say unto you, There shall no sign be given unto this generation.” MARK 8:11-13 The Greek word used here for “sighed deeply” means an intense grieving, inaudible prayer, or groan. …
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Topic:JESUS TRIED HER FAITH – May 23 Matthew 15:27, “But Jesus said unto her, Let the children first be filled: for it is not meet to take the children’s bread and cast it unto the dogs.” MATTHEW 15:21-39; MARK 7:24-37; 8:1-10 It is very clear in scripture that Jesus was sent to fulfill God’s covenant to the Jews. However, it …
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Topic:OUR HEARTS CONTROL OUR BODIES – May 21 Mark 7:15, “There is nothing from without a man, that entering into him can defile him: but the things which come out of him, those are they that defile the man.” MATTHEW 15:1-20; MARK 7:1-23 All of the Old Testament dietary laws were shadows (or pictures) of spiritual truths which would become …
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Topic:CHANGE YOUR MIND – May 22 Mark 7:21, “For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders.” MARK 7:17-23 These verses (21-23) further establish the fact that our heart includes more than just our spirit. Even Christians still struggle with things like pride and foolishness, which Jesus said comes out of our heart. It’s …
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