In talk #5 in the Mark series, we go to chapter 5, to the region of the Gadarenes. The Decapolis (area of ten cities), as it was common called, was known for being an area of “trouble” in the ancient world. It was known for its problems.

Aside from being a place of pure unrest...

Readers are inveterate and unapologetic list makers.  Indeed, according to Umberto Eco, “Lists are the most necessary literary accessories of all.” 

• There are lists of books that must be read. 
• There are lists of books that must be reread. 
• There are lists of...

This talk takes us to chapter 2 of Mark and one of the most famous stories of all, the story in which Jesus heals that’s lowered through a roof by his four friends.

Now, before we go there, we talk about the geography of the area for a bit. You see, Jesus’ home based became...

“And thus was he called Ichabod, for the glory of the Lord had departed.”  1 Samuel 4:21

The rising tide of heresy in the latter half of the fourth century very nearly engulfed the entire church.  Most of the Nicean fathers had either passed into glory or were constrained...

So we begin our third discussion in the book of Mark with a ramble about George’s library. That leads us to one of the first books Andy notices, a book about the libido.

“Can we say that word on the podcast?” he asks.

George affirms we can. Then, as he’s prone to...

It is God who has established, sanctified, and ordained Covenant Marriage (Genesis 2:18-25). Therefore, all things governing its definition, initiation, nature, purpose, sanctity, recognition, and perpetuation must be determined by His Word and by His Word alone (Deuteronomy 4:2, 12:32).

Jesus...

In talk #2 from the Gospel of Mark we move straight into chapter 1. We find out immediately (immediately being a work Mark uses a lot), that there are a few important themes emerging.

First, Mark writes about “the beginning of the Gospel of Jesus.”

Dr. Grant reminds us that...

There is nothing quite as effective in ministry as fellowship around the table.

In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, nurturing genuine covenant community is no easy task.  Missional and relational rootedness requires deliberateness and intentionality.  It can be hard and messy...

In the ancient world, authors often wrote themselves into stories. They didn’t necessarily tell you they were making a cameo, but they were there. “Insiders” who knew the author well would see the tell-tale signs and realize what was happening.

Turns out, Mark came from a...

The race really does go to the tortoise and not the hare.  It is perseverance that ultimately will win the prize, not knowledge, not talent, and not connections.  It is that undying tenacity that sets itself on the end, that finishes the race, that completes the task, and that fulfills...