The New Testament warns of a future apostasy caused by deceivers that will precede the day of the Lord.
The New Testament warns repeatedly and consistently that before Jesus arrives at the end of the age the church will find itself under assault from within by deceivers. And before the “day of the Lord” comes, his disciples will be confronted by the “man of lawlessness,” a figure linked inextricably to the coming “apostasy.”
Continue readingHis disciples are called to lives of self-sacrificial service for others, just as Jesus gave his life a ransom for many – Mark 10:35-45.
After predicting his trial and execution, the disciples jockeyed for position in Christ’s reign over his kingdom. In words and deeds, he taught them previously that kingdom citizenship means a life of self-sacrificial service to others. But as he approached Jerusalem, even his closest followers demonstrated a very different vision of what it meant to “rule” over others in his domain.
Continue readingWhen disciples are persecuted for their faith, they are to rejoice for being accounted “worthy” to suffer for Jesus.
In the experience of the church, the outbreak of persecution is always a possibility, and believers often face hostility from employers, neighbors, and even family members. So, how should they react when the possibility becomes a sudden reality? Fortunately, both Jesus and his apostles left us with clear instructions and examples.
Continue readingDisciples of Jesus will escape God’s “wrath” but are appointed for “tribulation” in this life for the gospel‘s sake.
The terms “tribulation” and “wrath” are NOT synonymous in the New Testament. The former is what disciples endure for the gospel, but the latter is the horrific fate that awaits those men and women who reject the good news of the kingdom. Rather than life, they along with apostates will undergo the “second death.”
Continue readingIn Mark, only at his death did the Roman centurion who was present at his execution recognize who Jesus was.
In Mark, all men prove incapable of recognizing who Jesus is, even his disciples. The only exceptions are John the Baptist and the Roman centurion at Golgotha, the very man in charge of his execution. Mark has threaded this theme throughout his gospel to make the point – The Messiah cannot be understood apart from his death on Calvary.
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