WeakEnd Assignment – Mark 13 – The Last End

 Click on the image or the link or

Copy and paste the link into your browser

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p-vVS0lJYTM

Or search Youtube for The ‘End of the World’

Bible Study | Mark 13:1-37 by Spoken Gospel

 

[Jesus teaching] “’Be on guard and stay constantly alert and pray; for you do not know when the appointed time will come.  It is like a man away on a journey, who when he left home put his servants in charge, each with his particular task, and also ordered the doorkeeper to be continually alert –

 

“’for you do not know when the master of the house is coming, whether in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or in the morning – stay alert, in case he should come suddenly and unexpectantly and find you asleep and unprepared.  What I say to you I say to everyone, ‘Be on the alert – stay awake and be continually cautious!’” Mark 13:33-37

 

This WeakEnd Assignment is about cross references.  Cross references are simply verses you are reading that may be based on verses in other parts of the Bible.  

For example, you could be reading the story of Jesus birth and remember or find that there are verses you remember from the Old Testament that predicted the place, time and circumstances before He was born.  When you study the Bible searching for cross references to bring new life to a passage is an exciting adventure. 

 

Find an hour and place where you will not be disturbed, have your Bible and notebook, something to write with and a refreshment.  Settle in and pray the Lord shows you new insights through this new assignment.  Date the page in your notebook before you begin, then:

 

1.    Read Mark 13 and take notes of the highlights for you in the 37 verses.

2.    Read Matthew 24 and take notes of the highlights for you in the verses.

3.    Search the two chapters to discover where one passage or verse in Matthew is similar or brings new insight to what you have read in Mark 13.

4.    Write out the key take away learnings about the last ending that are important for you and take time to pray about them and ask the Lord to inspire you anew for His work on this earth.

 

Take care with love, especially His, Darlene (who still prays for you each day)

 

PS:  Find my statement of faith:  https://especiallyhislove.blogspot.com (where you will also find a series of beginner Bible studies to share). You can easily find the WeakDay Devotion online by doing a Google search for ‘WeakDay Devotion’.  (Also, there is an android ‘Google Blogger’ app you can download to read them on your phone.  Not sure about Apple.)

 

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS (any updates?)

·      Family of Eric – Eric at 52 died suddenly leaving his 47-year-old wife and three girls (ages 16, 19 and 23).  Pray the Lord comforts the family through this time of mourning.  Pray for their wisdom and that God will send trustworthy, honourable, Bible-based councilors for the many decisions that now must be made.

·      UPDATE - Peyton - eldest granddaughter of Jeff and Rachael – is entering her second year of college.  Please continue to pray for her that she does well, makes good decisions and continues having a good relationship with the Lord. 

·      Adam – please pray for his strength and peace as he pursues a new job and that the Lord will guide him clearly in his decisions and that his wife will be the loving supporter he badly needs.

·      Barb – my brother’s faithful and kind wife.  Thank you for praying for her.  She needs prayers to sustain her and protect her health and energy during this time of additional stress and challenge.

·      UPDATE - Sophie – three-year old daughter of a friend who is chronically unwell and frail.  Please pray for her, her parents and health carers to find ways to manage the symptoms and heal her.

·      Hans – a dear friend in Germany, the immunotherapy for his lung cancer seems to be working for now.  Pray for his ongoing strength through the pain, patience and God’s mercy.  Pray for his healthcare providers and that he is surrounded by faithful and compassionate Christian friends who will support him through this journey.  Pray for his Mom (age 84) who is also unwell -- that their time together is filled with extraordinary good memories and lots of love.

·      Callilah - a lost child.  Pray the Lord will capture her heart.

 

Pray for those in full-time service

Pray to uphold our Christian leaders – that they never compromise God’s Word, are bold and courageous in the face of evil.  Pray for their wisdom, safety, ingenuity, strength and for their families.

Pray for those with ongoing health concerns

Many of us have family, friends and loved ones with fragile health.  Pray God takes special care with them and protects them in practical ways and that the Lord will have mercy on them during this challenging time.

 

·      Tim – my brother – is seeing benefits from his new bi-pap machine and is sleeping better.  Pray for his continued wisdom and patience in managing his COPD (chronic-obstructive pulmonary disease) and arthritis.  Pray his new doctor is attentive, wise and compassionate.  Pray for Barb, his wife for her strength and compassion.  Continue to grow their faith as give them wisdom as they share Christ with others.  Pray for his strength and wisdom as he awaits an important insurance refund.

·      David – as his health waxes and wanes during this challenging time.  Pray for Heidi who cares for him and his little companion dog, Sparky.  Pray God watches over him and steadies his steps, clears his sight and strengthens his heart.

·      Patti – improving but still needs prayer for balance, patience and full recovery.

·      Cathy – as she journeys through the challenges of stage-4 pancreatic cancer.  She is Barb (my sister-in-law’s) sister-in-law.  Thank the Lord He has provided Cathy with a supportive family.  Please pray for them and their health carers as they travel through this journey.

·      Ray Sr. – now in respite care.  Pray the Lord opens His heart to the Truth of salvation and through this time, relationships with family are strengthened and Ray Jr and Kathy may know of his decision.

·      Grant’s brother - still has quite severe headaches.  Had a shunt put in his skull to drain fluid from around the brain, as the fluid was putting pressure on the brain and affecting balance. Pray for his health carers as they work to adjust the flow rate and help minimise the pressure.

·      Sergio – has a job but at subsistence wages.  He is thankful for anything as Mexico is in dire economic condition.  The work is wearing him out physically.  His diabetes is presently under control and he has found a place to live. 

·      Tracey’s Mom – Her dementia is hampering her ability to think clearly and care for herself.  She now has good home health care.  Pray her loved ones make time for her through this and support Tracey’s efforts. 

·      Len Carbone – (59 years old).  Pray he wakes to the message of the Cross and the compassionate love of Jesus.  Had brain tumour surgery in 2002 and on disability since.  His loneliness has overwhelmed him as he fights with his disability and those around him.  Pray for a godly and patient friend to show him God’s love.

·      Aunt Donna – with dementia.  Please pray for her daughters so they know how best to care for her.

·      Penne –widowed after 43 years, the last ten of which she was her husband’s full-time caregiver.  She suffers mental problems from a childhood experience and has reached out to Patti (who asks for wisdom and patience).  Penne has ‘disowned’ all her family, and although a believer, does not attend fellowship for support.  Please pray for her peace of mind and God’s guidance.

 

Pray for the World

What to do?

 

Click the image or the link or

Copy and paste the link into your browser

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OtooOQYvffo

or search YouTube for ‘How Do I Know If I’m Saved?’

by Real Truth. Real Quick.

 

“Then one of the scribes (expert in Mosaic Law) came up and listened to them arguing with one another, and noticing that Jesus answered them well, asked Him, ‘Which commandment is first and most important of all?’ 

 

“Jesus answered, ‘The first and most important one is:  ‘Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God is one Lord; and you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul/ life, and with all your mind (thought, understanding), and with all your strength.’ 

 

“’This is the second: ‘You shall unselfishly love your neighbour as yourself.’  There is no other commandment greater than these.’” Mark 12:28-31

 

Once you give your life to Christ, you typically find you want to do something from your grateful heart, so what are ways to live your new life in Christ?  Here are seven basics:

 

1.    Be ye holy; for I am holy.

2.    Pray without ceasing.

3.    Search the Scriptures

4.    Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together for worship.

5.    Ye shall be witnesses unto me.

6.    Give, and it shall be given unto you.

7.    Share your personal experience of becoming a follower of Christ

 

Take care with love, especially His, Darlene (who still prays for you each day)

 

PS:  Find my statement of faith:  https://especiallyhislove.blogspot.com (where you will also find a series of beginner Bible studies to share). You can easily find the WeakDay Devotion online by doing a Google search for ‘WeakDay Devotion’.  (Also, there is an android ‘Google Blogger’ app you can download to read them on your phone.  Not sure about Apple.)

 

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS (any updates?)

·      Family of Eric – Eric at 52 died suddenly leaving his 47-year-old wife and three girls (ages 16, 19 and 23).  Pray the Lord comforts the family through this time of mourning.  Pray for their wisdom and that God will send trustworthy, honourable, Bible-based councilors for the many decisions that now must be made.

·      UPDATE - Peyton - eldest granddaughter of Jeff and Rachael – is entering her second year of college.  Please continue to pray for her that she does well, makes good decisions and continues having a good relationship with the Lord. 

·      Adam – please pray for his strength and peace as he pursues a new job and that the Lord will guide him clearly in his decisions and that his wife will be the loving supporter he badly needs.

·      Barb – my brother’s faithful and kind wife.  Thank you for praying for her.  She needs prayers to sustain her and protect her health and energy during this time of additional stress and challenge.

·      UPDATE - Sophie – three-year old daughter of a friend who is chronically unwell and frail.  Please pray for her, her parents and health carers to find ways to manage the symptoms and heal her.

·      Hans – a dear friend in Germany, the immunotherapy for his lung cancer seems to be working for now.  Pray for his ongoing strength through the pain, patience and God’s mercy.  Pray for his healthcare providers and that he is surrounded by faithful and compassionate Christian friends who will support him through this journey.  Pray for his Mom (age 84) who is also unwell -- that their time together is filled with extraordinary good memories and lots of love.

·      Callilah - a lost child.  Pray the Lord will capture her heart.

 

Pray for those in full-time service

Pray to uphold our Christian leaders – that they never compromise God’s Word, are bold and courageous in the face of evil.  Pray for their wisdom, safety, ingenuity, strength and for their families.

Pray for those with ongoing health concerns

Many of us have family, friends and loved ones with fragile health.  Pray God takes special care with them and protects them in practical ways and that the Lord will have mercy on them during this challenging time.

Pray for the World

Love, Honour and OBEY

 

Click the image or the link or

Copy and paste the link into your browser

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V6LhbNTsDgo

or search YouTube for The Power of the Cross

by Casting Crowns

 

 

“Jesus came up and said to them, ‘All authority, all power of absolute rule in heaven and on earth has been given to Me.  Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations – help the people to learn of Me, believe in Me, and obey My words – baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always – remaining with you perpetually – regardless of circumstances, and on every occasion, even to the end of the age.’” Matthew 28:18-20

 

“And this is how we know daily by experience that we have come to know Him – to understand Him and be more deeply acquainted with Him; if we habitually keep focused on His precents and obey His commandments/ teachings.  Whoever says, ‘I have come to know Him,’ but does not habitually keep focused on His precepts and obey His commandments/ teachings, is a liar, and the truth of the divine Word is not in him.” I John 2:3-4

 

“So many people are doing religious acts, saying many prayers, but do not really know what God’s commands are for a Christian.[1]”

 

The word obey is pretty old-fashioned nowadays.  Most parents are reluctant to set clear guidelines and rules for their children as they are growing up, because some worldly expert has said it might damage their spirit. 

 

These children grow up to cause disruption in the schools and then enter the business environment and ‘real’ life with a sense of entitlement and license to do what is right in their own eyes.  They learn from this freedom a warped view of creativity and freedom. 

 

This results in the disruption of the peace of our world on many levels.  Sadly, it is no surprise when these parents grow old to realise the world around them has turned heartless and cold. 

 

God has called His children to be obedient on the earth -- child to parent, wife to husband/ husband to wife, to government leaders, to the leaders in our church bodies, to God’s commands in His precious Word. 

 

By this obedience, others -- who do not yet know Him -- will see us as His children.  As the world continues to grow increasingly chaotic and lost, in their fear and pain, we will be the ones sought out because we choose to follow the One who promises peace beyond understanding.

 

Take care with love, especially His, Darlene (who still prays for you each day)

 

PS:  Find my statement of faith:  https://especiallyhislove.blogspot.com (where you will also find a series of beginner Bible studies to share). You can easily find the WeakDay Devotion online by doing a Google search for ‘WeakDay Devotion’.  (Also, there is an android ‘Google Blogger’ app you can download to read them on your phone.  Not sure about Apple.)

 

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS (any updates?)

·      Family of Eric – Eric at 52 died suddenly leaving his 47-year-old wife and three girls (ages 16, 19 and 23).  Pray the Lord comforts the family through this time of mourning.  Pray for their wisdom and that God will send trustworthy, honourable, Bible-based councilors for the many decisions that now must be made.

·      UPDATE - Peyton - eldest granddaughter of Jeff and Rachael – is entering her second year of college.  Please continue to pray for her that she does well, makes good decisions and continues having a good relationship with the Lord. 

·      Adam – please pray for his strength and peace as he pursues a new job and that the Lord will guide him clearly in his decisions and that his wife will be the loving supporter he badly needs.

·      Barb – my brother’s faithful and kind wife.  Thank you for praying for her.  She needs prayers to sustain her and protect her health and energy during this time of additional stress and challenge.

·      UPDATE - Sophie – three-year old daughter of a friend who is chronically unwell and frail.  Please pray for her, her parents and health carers to find ways to manage the symptoms and heal her.

·      Hans – a dear friend in Germany, the immunotherapy for his lung cancer seems to be working for now.  Pray for his ongoing strength through the pain, patience and God’s mercy.  Pray for his healthcare providers and that he is surrounded by faithful and compassionate Christian friends who will support him through this journey.  Pray for his Mom (age 84) who is also unwell -- that their time together is filled with extraordinary good memories and lots of love.

·      Callilah - a lost child.  Pray the Lord will capture her heart.

 

Pray for those in full-time service

Pray to uphold our Christian leaders – that they never compromise God’s Word, are bold and courageous in the face of evil.  Pray for their wisdom, safety, ingenuity, strength and for their families.

Pray for those with ongoing health concerns

Many of us have family, friends and loved ones with fragile health.  Pray God takes special care with them and protects them in practical ways and that the Lord will have mercy on them during this challenging time.

Pray for the World

---

[1] © 1958, Moody Bible Institute of Chicago, God’s Word Made Plain, by Mrs. Paul Friederichsen, p. 129.

Giving to Get

 

“But the Lord said to Samuel, ‘Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have rejected him.  For the Lord sees not as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.’” I Samuel 16:7

 

[Jesus teaching] “’For whoever gives you a cup of water to drink because of your name as followers of Christ, I assure you and most solemnly say to you, he will not lose his reward.’” Mark 9:41

 

[Jesus teaching] “’So whenever you give to the poor and do acts of kindness, do not blow a trumpet before you to advertise it, as the hypocrites do, like actors acting out a role in the synagogues and in the streets, so that they may be honoured and recognised and praised by men.  I assure you and most solemnly say to you, they already have their reward in full.’” Matthew 6:2

 

“All that is done in the name of Christ and for His glory is good works in the sight of God, and brings eternal reward. – The motive for our deeds determines the reward.  Even the saying of prayers with the wrong motive brings only the admiration of men, not the approval of God. – That which we do because we love God and in order that others may know Him brings an eternal reward.[1]”

 

Throughout the Bible, it is the heart/ motive of an individual that God cares about.  So many of Jesus’ teachings focused on this.  It is the ‘reason’ we do something that is as important as our actions. 

 

Living today, when so much is about acquiring and keeping stuff and being admired, this attitude can seep into our lives, too.  We must never forget that when we give something or take action, even actions that result in something good – and our motive is to ‘reap rewards in heaven - that is completely wrong thinking.

 

Take care with love, especially His, Darlene (who still prays for you each day)

 

PS:  Find my statement of faith:  https://especiallyhislove.blogspot.com (where you will also find a series of beginner Bible studies to share). You can easily find the WeakDay Devotion online by doing a Google search for ‘WeakDay Devotion’.  (Also, there is an android ‘Google Blogger’ app you can download to read them on your phone.  Not sure about Apple.)

 

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS (any updates?)

·      Family of Eric – Eric at 52 died suddenly leaving his 47-year-old wife and three girls (ages 16, 19 and 23).  Pray the Lord comforts the family through this time of mourning.  Pray for their wisdom and that God will send trustworthy, honourable, Bible-based councilors for the many decisions that now must be made.

·      UPDATE - Peyton - eldest granddaughter of Jeff and Rachael – is entering her second year of college.  Please continue to pray for her that she does well, makes good decisions and continues having a good relationship with the Lord. 

·      Adam – please pray for his strength and peace as he pursues a new job and that the Lord will guide him clearly in his decisions and that his wife will be the loving supporter he badly needs.

·      Barb – my brother’s faithful and kind wife.  Thank you for praying for her.  She needs prayers to sustain her and protect her health and energy during this time of additional stress and challenge.

·      UPDATE - Sophie – three-year old daughter of a friend who is chronically unwell and frail.  Please pray for her, her parents and health carers to find ways to manage the symptoms and heal her.

·      Hans – a dear friend in Germany, the immunotherapy for his lung cancer seems to be working for now.  Pray for his ongoing strength through the pain, patience and God’s mercy.  Pray for his healthcare providers and that he is surrounded by faithful and compassionate Christian friends who will support him through this journey.  Pray for his Mom (age 84) who is also unwell -- that their time together is filled with extraordinary good memories and lots of love.

·      Callilah - a lost child.  Pray the Lord will capture her heart.

 

Pray for those in full-time service

Pray to uphold our Christian leaders – that they never compromise God’s Word, are bold and courageous in the face of evil.  Pray for their wisdom, safety, ingenuity, strength and for their families.

Pray for those with ongoing health concerns

Many of us have family, friends and loved ones with fragile health.  Pray God takes special care with them and protects them in practical ways and that the Lord will have mercy on them during this challenging time.

Pray for the World

---

[1] © 1958, Moody Bible Institute of Chicago, God’s Word Made Plain, by Mrs. Paul Friederichsen, pp. 127-8. 

The Mystery of Works

 

  [Jesus teaching] 

“Therefore, by their fruit you will recognise them.” 

Matthew 7:20

 

[Jesus last message to His disciples – and us] “’Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations – help the people to learn of Me, believe in Me, and obey My words, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always – remaining with you perpetually – regardless of circumstance, and on every occasion – even to the end of the age.’” Matthew 28:19-20

 

“Our passport to Heaven is having Christ as our Saviour, but our reward in Heaven is for how we live for Him.  Saving faith always produces good works.  – We are justified before God by faith in Christ; we are justified before man by how we live.  Saving faith must produce fruit.  Good works are an outward sign to others that we are in Christ.[1]”

 

All that happens in our lives before and after we accept Jesus Christ’s gift of salvation, is part of His plan for our good and His glory.  

Being saved to do good works is not about being the first one at church each week or serving tea and cookies after the service, it is not about giving stuff or money to His works or helping ‘little old ladies’ across the street or giving all you have away and heading out to some remote and primitive mission field dodging lions, tigers and alligators (or bears). 

 

It is being willing to obey His Word and follow Him into a personal lifetime of adventures designed just for you that is meant to bear fruit in His orchard.  We must be willing and ready to serve.  Because it is important (I Corinthians 3:9-15).

 

Take care with love, especially His, Darlene (who still prays for you each day)

 

PS:  Find my statement of faith:  https://especiallyhislove.blogspot.com (where you will also find a series of beginner Bible studies to share). You can easily find the WeakDay Devotion online by doing a Google search for ‘WeakDay Devotion’.  (Also, there is an android ‘Google Blogger’ app you can download to read them on your phone.  Not sure about Apple.)

 

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS (any updates?)

·      Family of Eric – Eric at 52 died suddenly leaving his 47-year-old wife and three girls (ages 16, 19 and 23).  Pray the Lord comforts the family through this time of mourning.  Pray for their wisdom and that God will send trustworthy, honourable, Bible-based councilors for the many decisions that now must be made.

·      UPDATE - Peyton - eldest granddaughter of Jeff and Rachael – is entering her second year of college.  Please continue to pray for her that she does well, makes good decisions and continues having a good relationship with the Lord. 

·      Adam – please pray for his strength and peace as he pursues a new job and that the Lord will guide him clearly in his decisions and that his wife will be the loving supporter he badly needs.

·      Barb – my brother’s faithful and kind wife.  Thank you for praying for her.  She needs prayers to sustain her and protect her health and energy during this time of additional stress and challenge.

·      UPDATE - Sophie – three-year old daughter of a friend who is chronically unwell and frail.  Please pray for her, her parents and health carers to find ways to manage the symptoms and heal her.

·      Hans – a dear friend in Germany, the immunotherapy for his lung cancer seems to be working for now.  Pray for his ongoing strength through the pain, patience and God’s mercy.  Pray for his healthcare providers and that he is surrounded by faithful and compassionate Christian friends who will support him through this journey.  Pray for his Mom (age 84) who is also unwell -- that their time together is filled with extraordinary good memories and lots of love.

·      Callilah - a lost child.  Pray the Lord will capture her heart.

 

Pray for those in full-time service

Pray to uphold our Christian leaders – that they never compromise God’s Word, are bold and courageous in the face of evil.  Pray for their wisdom, safety, ingenuity, strength and for their families.

Pray for those with ongoing health concerns

Many of us have family, friends and loved ones with fragile health.  Pray God takes special care with them and protects them in practical ways and that the Lord will have mercy on them during this challenging time.

Pray for the World

---

[1] © 1958, Moody Bible Institute of Chicago, God’s Word Made Plain, by Mrs. Paul Friederichsen, pp. 126-7.

WeakEnd Assignment – Have you fallen?

 

[Jesus teaching] “’Whoever believes and has decided to trust in Him as personal Saviour and Lord is not judged – for this one, there is no judgment, no rejection, no condemnation; but the one who dies not believe and has decided to reject Him as personal Saviour and Lord is judged already – that one has been convicted and sentenced, because he has not believed and trusted in the name of the One and only begotten Son of God, the One who is truly unique, the only One of His kind, the One who alone can save him.” John 3:18

 

“Wretched and miserable man that I am!  Who will rescue me and set me free from this body of death – this corrupt, mortal existence?  Thanks be to God for my deliverance through Jesus Christ our Lord~!  So then, on the one hand I myself with my mind serve the law of God, but on the other, with my flesh, my human nature, my worldliness, my sinful capacity – I serve the law of sin. 

 

“Therefore there is now no condemnation – no guilty verdict, no punishment – for those who are in Christ Jesus who believe in Him as personal Lord and Saviour.” Romans 7:24-8:1

 

We’ve spent a good many days looking at the various aspects of salvation and assurance.  This WeakEnd Assignment will be a review of those important concepts, a resource for you, and for you to share with others. 

 

A.  Find an hour and a place where you will not be interrupted.

B.   Have a way to watch the video, your Bible, notebook, something to write with and a refreshment. 

C.   Settle your heart and pray the Lord will show you some new ideas and facts. 

D.  Then date a page in your notebook and begin the video.  As you listen and watch, answer these questions (they are in order of how they are presented by the speaker.

 

 Click the image or the link or

Copy and paste the link into your browser

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=llt0q5vY8II

or search YouTube for Just Fall Upon Jesus

Paul Washer Sermon Clip

by To Live Is Christ

 

Questions

1.    What is the promise of redemption?

2.    What really troubles Heaven?

3.    What is the ‘Problem of the Ages’?

4.    Why is the ‘Problem of the Ages’ so often mentioned by people resisting God’s Truth today?

5.    What popular Bible characters ‘should have died’?

6.    Why didn’t they

7.    What is ‘The Divine Dilemma’?

8.    What did you learn from this video about God’s justice, His grace?

9.    What did you learn about Satan?

10.          Why is the Cross so important?

11.          What are the TWO problems of humanity?

12.          Key question:  How are we saved by works?

13.          Have you fallen for John 3:16? 

 

Take care with love, especially His, Darlene (who still prays for you each day)

 

PS:  Find my statement of faith:  https://especiallyhislove.blogspot.com (where you will also find a series of beginner Bible studies to share). You can easily find the WeakDay Devotion online by doing a Google search for ‘WeakDay Devotion’.  (Also, there is an android ‘Google Blogger’ app you can download to read them on your phone.  Not sure about Apple.)