Show Notes:

"Mark: Just the Facts"

Host: Jim Hughes, Christian Life Coach

We live in a time of exectutive summaries, watching movies instead of reading books, and PowerPoint bullets. That's the way the Gospel of Mark is: brief and straight to the point. In fact, you can probably read Mark in an hour and a half -- maybe even less.

Mark makes two main points:

1. Jesus has authority. He does this in Chapters 1-8 by highlighting the teaching of Jesus and the miracles of Jesus. This section culminates in Mark 8:29 when Jesus asked Peter: "Who do you say I am?" Peter replied, "You are the Messiah." The authority of Jesus had been established.

2. To follow Jesus means to serve. In Mark 8:34, Jesus begins to explain to his followers what it means to be a disciple: "If you want to be my follower, you must put aside your selfish ambition, shoulder your cross, and follow me." (NLT) The rest of the book focuses on how Jesus demonstrated and taught about being a servant.

My challenge to you today is to read the Gospel of Mark in one sitting and to focus on the two themes: Jesus has authority and to follow Jesus means to serve. Doing so cannot help but draw you closer to Jesus.

Show Notes:

Host: Jim Hughes, Christian Life Coach

How can anyone handle death without God?

Show Notes:

Host: Jim Hughes, Christian Life Coach

For a transcript of this podcast, click here.

Show Notes:

Host: Jim Hughes, Christian Life Coach

Link to The Jesus Creed below.

Three ways to open our hearts to God's love:

1. Sitting in His presence until we are inwardly still, clearing our minds, focusing on Him, and opening our hearts to His love.
2. Throughout the day repeating a short prayer: "Father, thank you for loving me."
3. At least once a day tell ourselves that God loves us -- no matter what.

Isn't it interesting that God allows us to choose whether to open our heats to his love?

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Show Notes:

Host: Jim Hughes, Christian Life Coach

John 3:16: "For God so loved the world that he gave his only son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish, but have eternal life."

What does it mean to "believe in Jesus?"

Recent survey results indicate that a large majority of Americans say they believe in Jesus -- but a much smaller number exhibit actions that suggest they are followers of Jesus. Is this the believing of John 3:16?

The phrase in John 3:16 is "believing in him." Maybe this is different that a belief about him.

It's helpful to notice that the verses following verse 16 talk about "trust." This helps us understand that the belief in verse 16 is a belief that results in trust.

Do you believe in Jesus? Do you trust in Jesus?

Maybe today is a good time for a gut check. How does your life show that you trust Jesus? If your belief is not strong enough to produce trust, maybe it's a good time to draw nearer to Jesus. He's earned our trust.

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