Biblical Literacy Podcast

Mark interviewed Sharon Dirckx, PhD in Brain Imaging, University of Cambridge, speaker, author, and adjunct lecturer at The Oxford Centre for Christian Apologetics. Mark first posed questions to Dr. Dirckx regarding her personal and professional background. She became a Christian while attention Bristol University. Dr. Dirckx shared her testimony and how her studies of brain activity and a doctorate in brain imaging increased her faith. She has also studied theology at Oxford. Her focus last night at the Lanier Theological Library Lecture and again in today’s class interview discussed the questions: Are we just our brains? What is the difference between our brain and our mind or consciousness? Where does God fit? Listen to Dr. Dirckx present hope for all believers as she continues her studies on the brain, the mind, and the work of God in our lives. Dr. Dirckx maintains evil forces and the Holy Spirit have different impacts on the mind noting that the Holy Spirit will never take us beyond what we are willing to go.

Mark Lanier continued with the study of The Minor Prophets - Part II of Amos. Mark shared extensive historical context and background. Amos was from Judah in the eighth century. His occupation was a breeder of cattle/sheep, a traveling consultant and dresser of figs. Mark also identified passages in Amos which speak of God’s judgment on Israel the northern kingdom. Finally in Points for Home: 1) You and I live on a timeline. 2) Do we hear the word of the Lord? 3) How do we know we are listening to God’s word? Listen to Mark explain the historical and cultural difference between Judah and Israel and how God intends for us to live today.

Dr. David Capes taught today in the continuing study of the Minor Prophets with an introduction to Amos. The prophet Amos was a shepherd and a man of means in the 8th century BC. He prophesied the future of the northern kingdom Israel by speaking to the people what God revealed. He spoke of judgment coming against Israel and other neighboring countries and why. Although Amos’ words highlighted doom and gloom, Dr. Capes teaches, through the words of the prophet Amos, there is wisdom in obedience to God. Points for home: 1) The Bible contains judgment and promise. 2) God is God over all people. 3) Obedience brings blessings.

10-16-22 Biblical-Literacy Mark returned to teaching on the minor prophets with the study of Obadiah. Listen to Mark explore Obadiah with insights into Israel’s culture at the time as he reveals powerful truths from the one chapter book: God is the present tense. He not a territorial God. God is 100 percent reliable. We enjoy a musical treat from Phil Keaggy based on Mark’s lyrics concerning Obadiah. Points for home include: 1) We all have a long way to go to find the holiness of God. 2) We aren’t fooling God. 3) Let’s get serious about our faith.

During this class Pastor David Fleming and Pastor Jarrett Stephens interviewed Mark Lanier. Questions and discussion evolved around Mark’s spiritual and personal life. Listen to Mark respond to habits, family, personal tastes, what he does for fun, his method of writing, his many projects and nonfiction books that express his passion for Christ.

10-2-22 Biblical-Literacy Mark continued with the study of the Minor Prophets and week 3 of Jonah. Mark showed us in today’s lesson that characters drive a good story. In the 47 verses of Jonah, we not only see Jonah in action but the sailors, the Ninevites, and Jesus. Sailors: each cried out to their own god for deliverance from the storm. Ninevites: they were receptive due to the Holy Spirit’s call to repent due to plagues, revolts, and an eclipse of the sun. Jesus: shows us humility. Jonah personifies disobedient Israel, and Jesus represents obedient Israel. Mark wraps up with these Points for Home: 1. Why do the Jews read Jonah during Yom Kippur? 2. Where does your fear drive you? The importance of growing.

Mark continued with the study of the Minor Prophets: Part II of Jonah. Mark shares examples how “stories” have always been an important means of communication. In this lesson we learn what the story of Jonah says— Of God: God speaks! God cares about all people. God plans. God saves. Of Jonah: Disobedient. Uncaring. Out of sync with God. Miserable. Of me: Importance of growing. What are my priorities? Crisis reveals character. Listen to Mark teach of how Jonah’s struggles and challenges are similar to ours and how we can grow closer to God.

Mark continued his series on the minor prophets with study of Jonah. Mark provided critical insight into Jonah’s life and the historical context. Jonah’s job was a prophet counselor to King Jeroboam II c793 BC before God directed him to Nineveh and call the people to repentance. Instead, of obeying God’s new job, Jonah flees via boat in the opposite direction to Tarshish. Mark taught that we are to live life as a job: life is work. God has work for us to do, and we can’t run from God. We are to seek God’s presence in thankfulness and praise, even when our life's job is not what we want. Psalm 95:2 and Psalm 100:2

Mark continued teaching the series on Minor Prophets with Joel - Part II. He divided the lesson into three parts. Before the hinge: Joel 1:1-2-11 Joel is one of God’s speakers for His message. The hinge: Joel 2-12-17 Return to Me wholeheartedly, repent, and rend your heart. After the hinge: Joel 2:19-27 God’s blessings for repentant people. God's spirit will fall on believers. Pentecost: Acts 2:16-21 Mark concludes with Points for Home as he recaps the words of God through Joel and the application for today.

Mark started a new series on The Minor Prophets beginning with the prophet Joel. Good indications suggest Joel is the earliest of the minor prophets. Historical context: Joel was likely written in 8th B.C. after Israel was divided. Biblical context: The Jews were entrusted the Word of God. The prophets are God’s speakers. We learn that Joel means Jehovah is God. God has a message for us. Listen to Mark discuss the history of the world during Joel’s time, Israel’s importance to the Egyptian and Assyrian empires, and the word of God as spoken by the prophet Joel to the people of Israel.

Pastor Brent Johnson taught the final lesson of Snapshots of Jesus. He posed the question: How should we take action from what we’ve learned from Snapshots of Jesus? Pastor Brent encouraged us to live the Christian life as Jesus modeled during his short time on earth. We are to hear the Word of God and do it by taking action. Pastor Brent shares through scripture how we each have a responsibility to inform our world with compassion and inspiration recognizing the importance God places on relationships.

Dr. David Fleming was the guest lecturer continuing with the Snapshots of Jesus series. Dr. Fleming’s focus was the three “lost” parables from the Gospel of Luke and how Jesus’ was making an overall single point from the three stories. Dr. Fleming used three questions to teach from the parables: 1. What did the parable mean then to them? 2. How does the parable fit in the context? 3. What is the point of the parable? Listen to Dr. Fleming conclude with points of application for today: 1. When you’re out, come in; 2. If you are in, join in, celebrate Good News 3. If you can’t . . . Good News . . . see #1 Hanging around the Father’s house doesn’t mean you have the Father’s heart.

Dr. David Capes guest taught a lesson in Snapshots of Jesus from the Gospel of Luke. Dr. Capes addressed the question of eschatology. 1. What is eschatology? Derived from two Greek words that mean final things. A branch of theology that deals with end times. It has individual and cosmic meanings. 2. A review of: Luke 11:20; Luke 12:13-21; Luke 19:11, and Luke 17:34-37 3. Conclusions drawn: this world is the realm of redemption; life is not about all the stuff, and the kingdom is already, but not yet. Listen to Dr. Capes discuss eschatology with passages from Luke; what end times means for the Jew and the Christian, and the danger of allowing our possessions to possess us.

Guest teacher Pastor Jarrett Stephens taught Snapshots of Jesus today from Luke 9 - The Transfiguration. The Transfiguration: God is revealing the glory of His Son Jesus to us who is 100 Percent God and 100 percent man. Pastor Jarrett compares this mountain top experience to other mountain top experiences described in scripture. 1. The Transfiguration takes place following a time of prayer 2. Only Jesus 3. We don’t see the glory of God without being changed Listen to Pastor Jarrett show us through the Scripture who Jesus is, the priority of prayer, and a changed life through the Transfiguration.

Mark continued his teachings on Snapshots of Jesus from the Gospel of John 4 that features the woman of Samaria. After reviewing the story, Mark offered insights into the passage including: Jesus didn’t have to pass through Samaria; He chose to be on mission for God. Jesus offered living water which is fresh. Jesus revealed He was the Christ. Listen to Mark teach the meaning of living/running water is a metaphor for the Holy Spirit and how we are to worship God in spirit and truth. Mark concluded the lesson by encouraging us to 1) Hear God, 2) Focus on God and 3) Be touched by God.

Mark continued the series Snapshots of Jesus in the Gospel of Luke. Mark teaches God’s great concern for the outsiders by using parables to teach His principles. 1. What are parables? A narrative or story that is told to convey an underlying message. During the time of Jesus, parables were used as a teaching tool. 2. Parables only in Luke. --The Good Samaritan Luke 10:25-37 --The Parable of the Rich Fool Luke 12:13-21 --The Rich Man and Lazarus Luke 16:19-31 3. Points for home. --Look for Jesus’ vision --Serving love in action --Make this real in our lives today Listen to Mark explain the value of each parable in today’s lesson and how the context of the day and the context of the Bible help us understand Jesus’ meaning to his listeners then and today.

Mark continued Snapshots of Jesus from the Gospel of Luke. This week he continued with Part II of how Jesus interacted with women. Listen to Mark expound on the passages in Luke that shows how Jesus valued women and all outsiders. God is about making life better. God is setting about reversing the world. 1. Look at Women’s passages Luke 10:38-42 Mary and Martha. Luke 11:27-28 a woman blesses Jesus because of what He says. Luke 13:10-16 Jesus heals the woman with a disabling spirit on the Sabbath. Luke 23:31 Jesus’ tells the mourning women to weep for themselves. 2. The challenge for today A word on worry…. Matthew 11:28-30 John 14:27 1 Peter 5:7 Philippians 4:6-7 Matthew 5:34 Jeremiah 17:7-8 3. Points for Home Don’t blame Jesus Replace worry with trust Walk in the uprightness of Jesus. Join us Sundays at 9:30am CST! Links below: YouTube: youtube.com/channel/UCfocCxLc8BFCta-NO4JkTcA?view_as=subscriber CFBC Website: championforest.org/worship/watch/biblit.php Facebook: facebook.com/Biblical-Literacy-195629981890/

Snapshots of Jesus from the Gospel of Luke. Mark taught today’s lesson about some of the women Luke records in His Gospel as cultural outsiders who became insiders. 1. Mark referenced several women passages and then focused on a first story where Jesus raises a widow’s son from the dead. 1) The Lord had compassion on the widow. 2) He said "Do not weep". 3) He touches the plank holding the dead man. 4) He speaks to the dead man to rise. A second story was when a woman anointed Jesus with Alabaster ointment. 2. The challenge for today - We see the world and its people one way, but God sees it as it really is. God wants us to find the outsiders and make them insiders. 3. Points for home See the compassion of Jesus See the compassion of Jesus on others See the compassion of Jesus on me

Dr. David Capes taught Snapshots of Jesus from the Gospel of Luke. This week, his focus was from Luke 10 with the lawyer’s question to Jesus: What is the goal of life? He expanded on: 1. Some possible answers to that question: 1) meaningless, 2) get all you can, and/or life, 3) liberty and the pursuit of happiness. 2. Famous story: a lawyer asked Jesus what should he do to inherit eternal life? Jesus first responded with the story commonly known as the Good Samaritan. The lawyer then asked for clarification regarding Who is my neighbor and love your neighbor as yourself. 3. Some takeaways: Love God, Love your neighbor, and Compassion is costly. Listen to Dr. Capes expound on the deeper meaning of Jesus’ response to—What is the goal of life? — and how that response applies to our lives today. Join us Sundays at 9:30am CST! Links below: YouTube: youtube.com/channel/UCfocCxLc8BFCta-NO4JkTcA?view_as=subscriber CFBC Website: championforest.org/worship/watch/biblit.php Facebook: facebook.com/Biblical-Literacy-195629981890/

6-26-22 Biblical Literacy Mark continued sharing Snapshots of Jesus from the Gospel of Luke. This week’s theme focused on U-turns. Luke shows how the world is off course, but God is reversing the world. Good news: Elizabeth becomes pregnant in her old age with John the Baptist who will turn many of the children of Israel to God. Mary learns she is pregnant with Jesus who will sacrifice his life for the world. Bad news: God has scattered the proud and mighty. Good news for the needy. Bad news for the self sufficient. Mark compares Matthew’s 9 Blessings with Luke’s 4 Blessings & 4 Woes Our faith needs to change our mission, vision, and values. Mark concludes with his Snapshot Points for

6-19-2022 Biblical Literacy Mark continued with Snapshots of Jesus transitioning to the Gospel of Luke. Mark explained Luke’s background, the author of Luke and Acts. Luke uses the pronoun “they” when the events were told to him, and “he” when he was not an eyewitness. Luke puts the sources by name into his accountings, showing his attention to detail. Luke, the physician and historian traveled with Paul during a voyage. For some New Testament passages, both writers appeared to share the same notes. Some Luke takeaways: 1. God does speak to us. 2. God gives us choices. 3. We are to listen and learn.

Biblical Literacy - June 12, 2022 Scott Riley taught the Biblical Literacy class today on Snapshots of Jesus in the Gospel of Luke. He had three areas of focus: 1) The kindness of God A supernatural reliance on the kindness of God. Love and do good—friends and enemies—without anything in return. Walk in the power of God with love and mercy. 2) The strength of God What is impossible with man is possible with God. Total dependence and reliability on God. 3) The loyalty of God God is for us. Jesus is constantly interceding for us. Listen to Scott share biblical insight into our sovereign God. Looking to His example we need to be

hey began by discussing the Queen’s Jubilee, a celebration of her 70 years on the throne. They also discussed Tom’s service as Lord Bishop of Durham and what those duties entailed within the Church of England. He also discussed his responsibilities as a member of the House of Lords. They further discuss the Queen of England’s Christian beliefs and their impact on her Reign as Queen and on her personally. Mark and N. T. moved to Paul’s teachings in Psalms 8. Mark displayed a graphic depicting the relationship between, Heaven and Earth, and discussed how the image of God was to be reflected by Individuals in that intersection between Heaven and Earth. Discussion continued by discussing small working models of the aforementioned intersection, such as Israel, Tabernacle and The Temple. They concluded the discussion by addressing the tasks of Humans to praise God because he was the Creator. Mark and N.T. broke down the passages of Psalms 8 and other reference verses that communicated Paul’s thoughts and direction on how to be a Christian in a Pagan environment.

Synopsis Biblical Literacy Class Chapter 16 05/29/22 Mark continues the Snapshots of Jesus, as found in the Gospel of Matthew Today’s lesson focuses on interpreting and clarifying problem passages submitted by class members, Matthew 27: 51-53 Mt. 27:51 “ And behold , the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom.” He discussed the meaning of this and what the separation of the curtain meant 1. All people have access to God through Jesus Christ 2. Jews and Gentiles and included in the Kingdom of God 3. The temple being Destroyed 4. God has broken forth from his Temple, Mt; 3:16 Baptism of Jesus, the heavens were open to Jesus 5. God is angry over the death of Jesus Mt. 27:52-53 1. Death and resurrection were referred to by Paul as the Gospel 2. Put us all on notice of the power of the Gospel 3. God speaking to the power of the Gospel Mt. 18:5 Question was asked; Is there a special hidden meaning in the word “welcome”, in this passage: Mark answered this, in detail, with a reference to Luke18:17 Mt. 5:21 ….. “You shall not murder; and whoever murders will be liable to judgement.” Mark discusses how humanity is recognized in God’s eyes and the Bible’s clarity about how we should care about human life.

Synopsis Biblical Literacy Class Chapter 16 05/22/22 Mark continues the Snapshots of Jesus, as found in the Gospel of Matthew Today’s lesson focuses on what is in a ”Name”, and how to interpret the many “Names “ Jesus was called throughout the scriptures of Matthew. We had the privilege of having Dr. Simon Gathercole from Cambridge University and a translator of the NIV version of the Bible and Dr. David Capes, the Senior Research Fellow at the Lanier Theological Library Mark explained, as a precursor to the scriptures, that a Name can refer to Reputation, Character and Accomplishments. The specific Gospels discussed in detail were; Matthew 1:21 The Name of Jesus or in Hebrew, Joshua “Through Jesus God will save his people” Matthew 1:23 An Angel told Joseph, ”The Virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel “which means “God with us” Matthew 2:23 In this passage they discuss the significance and origin throughout the Scriptures the reference to Jesus as a Nazarene. In closing they discuss Matthew 20:30, specifically the phrase, “Lord Son of David, have mercy on us, wat is the Meaning and use of “Lord”

5-15-22 Biblical-literacy Mark continued his series of Snapshots of Jesus returning to the Gospel of Matthew and addressing a few odd passages. Friends. Matthew 11:16-19 - Jesus was a friend of sinners and to me. Wisdom bears fruit. Vegetables Matthew 13:31-32 - Big things can grow from little starts. Moving Matthew 8:1-3 - Although we are all unclean lepers, Jesus will never turn you away when you come to Him for help. Bonus Passage. Matthew 20:20-22 - James and John’s mother’s request. God knows best. Listen to Mark explain how Jesus is our friend, our faith may start small, but it grows. Mark encourages us to approach Jesus for all things.

5-8-22 Biblical-Literacy Mark taught Mother’s Day: Lessons and instructions from the Sermon on the Mount - Matthew 6 as he continued Snapshots of Jesus. Manners of righteousness, the how and why. The Instruction - Matthew 6:1-4 Danger is always present. Beware of practicing righteousness in front of people. We don’t do it to be seen by them. Instead allow our reward to be from God and in heaven. The Applications - Matthew 6:5-6 Give in secret. Don’t let your right hand know what your left hand is doing. Pray in secret. Practice humility. Your Father who is not seen will see and reward you. Pray with a sincere heart., not with many words. Fast in secret. May it not be seen by others. Listen to Mark summarize Jesus’ instructions for the righteous life that pleases God

Mark introduces today’s class with a reminder of the context of the writers of Mark and Matthew with a focus on Snapshots of Jesus from the Gospel of Matthew. Mark’s Gospel was written on behalf of Peter for a largely Gentile audience, and Matthew’s Gospel was written for the Jewish people. Today Mark taught three important points about the context of Matthew: 1. Matthew as a Gospel 2. The various passages in Matthew in relation to the Jewish audience context. 3. Points for home: God loves me; God loves you; and watch God at work. Listen to Mark share how God wove His divine purpose in Matthew’s Gospel and throughout the Bible.

Synopsis Biblical Literacy Snapshots of Jesus 04/24/2022 Mark Interviews Bill Mounce and Dan Wallace Bill and Dan were childhood friends and lived and took very different paths In their careers, as Greek Scholars, and both were joined together as members of the NIV Translation Committee. They discussed that journey in some detail, which included how each of them were led to the Lord. Bill and Dan discussed why they wanted to learn Greek. Both have PHD’s and are very well versed and very well known for their work in translating original manuscripts from Greek to English. Both discussed their reason for pursuing Greek translation as a life long career. Bill has written a book titled “Basics of Biblical Greek” which has sold over a half a million copies. They discussed in a very specific way how verses of the bible are translated and the difficulty of deciphering the meaning of Greek translations into English Bible Versions, NIV, ESV, and KJV for example. They discussed this with respect to John 1:1, Luke 2:14, Matthew 6:13 and others. The lesson was enlightening and motivated us to study the Bible and do our best to understand the meaning of the message therein.

4-10-22 Biblical-Literacy Mark taught today on Holy Week, giving us snapshots of Jesus from the days leading to the crucifixion and Resurrection Sunday/Easter Palm Sunday-The Triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem. The people went out to meet Him, just as we are to meet Jesus every day. Holy Monday-Jesus came as a man of peace, fulfilling Old Testament prophecy. Holy Tuesday-The puzzle of God or Word of God? Jesus was pierced for our transgressions. God is a just God. Holy Wednesday-Mary anoints the feet of Jesus with expensive oil. Are we giving our best to the Lord? Maundy Thursday-The instruction of Jesus. Jesus washed the feet of His disciples. He washes us clean Good Friday-The day of Jesus’ crucifixion

4-3-22 Biblical Literacy Snapshots of Jesus from Matthew. Today’s lesson focused on Matthew 15. Mark uses a boxing match to illustrate the lesson. Round 1. Pharisees and the scribes vs the disciples not washing their hands before eating Jesus comments on what God says vs what the elders say and called them hypocrites. Round 2. The Canaanite woman who demonstrated great faith in asking Jesus to heal her daughter. Listen to Mark discuss how the cross of Christ is a stumbling block for unbelievers and questions to ponder: Why do I come to Jesus? How am I doing on hypocrisy? What is coming out of my heart and mind? How am I handling God’s tests?

Mark continued with Snapshots of Jesus from the Gospel of Matthew. Mark showed the similarities and distinctions between Moses the prophet and Jesus; both were commissioned to bring God’s people out of slavery. Moses was a man who communicated God’s message to His chosen people. Jesus is the Son of God who authored the message. Jesus is a willing prophet but Moses had to be convinced. Mark elaborates how the two were similar, distinct and the reasons why. Listen to Mark expound Jesus in the Gospel of Matthew, the meaning of the word blessed, and how we can listen to Jesus, choose wisely, and why we should let Him work on us on the inside to be more like Him.

Dr. David B. Capes taught for Mark this week providing an overview of the Gospel of Matthew as part of the Snapshots of Jesus series. Dr. Capes posed the question: If we knew the Old Testament well, how might it impact how we read Matthew? In Matthew 1:1, we see Jesus as: 1. Messiah - God with us, Son of Man, LORD. One who is anointed. God’s chosen anointed agent whose task is to liberate the world from disease, death, spiritual power, sin, and oppression (including religion and political). 2. Son of David - David’s kingdom will continue through the Messiah. David’s son would be on the throne of David forever. 3. Son of Abraham - Jesus is true Israel. God’s covenant with Abraham and His promise to be a blessing to all nations. We discover Matthew purposely mentions five women in the lineage of Jesus: Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, wife of Uriah (Bathsheba), and Mary mother of Jesus. Jesus’ teachings demonstrate women have a new role in the kingdom of God. Outsiders have become insiders. Listen to Dr. Capes explain an overview of Jesus from the Gospel of Matthew. Jesus is the fulfiller of prophecy. God with us.

Mark completes Snapshots of Jesus from the Book of Mark lesson series by reflecting on the spread of Christianity after the Crucifixion of Christ. The journey starts with a pictorial view of the spread of Christianity across continents and Oceans bringing us to 2021 and beyond. Mark identifies the top four countries that,to this day, continue persecution of Christians in many forms. He shows statistics that hundreds of millions of people are still in 2021 being persecuted for their religious beliefs. Mark also showed that tens of thousands of Christians are still being persecuted in various other ways including death, illegal detention, imprisonment and more. Mark then introduced two prominent historical figures who were staunch believers, willing to give their lives to have a better life in God’s Kingdom. Tertullian 155- 220 and Polycarp 69 -156. Mark discussed in detail Mark 8: 34 and 9: 1 These verses address thought of self, verses denying one’s self and following God. Mark closes by answering the question should you lose yourself in the pursuit of God.

Mark interviewed William Lane Graig, who delighted the class with a very heartwarming and deeply spiritual review of his life growing up and his achievements throughout his life in search of the truths about being a Believer in the power of God, since accepting Christ at the age of sixteen. He recounted his acceptance of Christ as his Savior and his pursuit of higher education in the fields of Philosophy of Religion, Christian History of Thought, and Historical Evidence of the Resurrection of Jesus In this pursuit he achieved two Masters Degrees, PhD in England and D, Theology in Germany. He also lived with his wife and family in Brussels where he did research at the University of Louvain. He displayed an incredibly positive and joyous attitude about being a Christian. He shared his life, accomplishments and precious family with us that made your heart beat faster and brought a big smile to your face. He is currently a Professor of Philosophy at Houston Baptist University.

Mark continued teaching Snapshots of Jesus from the Gospel of Mark. Today’s lesson was titled How Do You Walk Through Life? Mark 4:35-41 presents a crescendo of Jesus’ four miracles— 1. Defeats Nature: Jesus calmed the sea. We see the humanity of the weary Jesus and His divine power. 2. Defeats Demons: Jesus casts out a legion of demons and sent them into pigs and drowns them. 3. Defeats Sickness: The healing of Jairus’s twelve-year-old daughter and the woman with a discharge of blood for twelve years. 4. Defeats Death: Jesus raises a twelve-year-old girl from the dead. Listen to Mark share insights of these four miracles. No power can withstand the Kingdom of God or the Lord

In this chapter of Snapshots of Jesus, Pastor Brent Johnson discusses the idea of Biblical Worldview. He provides a definition for “World View, as “an understanding of the world, which informs one’s fundamental beliefs and assumptions, which builds a framework of ideas & attitudes about the world and how it works.” It is informed by your upbringing, your culture, your religion. Brent in his discussion addresses topics and questions that are reflected in our World View: 1. What is the prime reality? 2. Origin 3. Destiny 4. Purpose 5. Morality He continues by referring to several World Views, but his focus is the World View of “Theism,” which is what Christianity is associated with. Brent also addresses the difference between Christian World View and the Biblical World View, and specifically discusses the Biblical view of the Kingdom of God, Evangelism, Communing with God and revealing the laws. Biblical references: Luke17:20-21, Luke4:42-44, Mark1:14-15, John3:3-8

Biblical-Literacy 2-13-22 Dr DavId Capes continued as guest teacher in the Snapshots of Jesus series from the Gospel of Mark. Today’s focus was How do you see Jesus? In the Gospel of Mark ,we see Jesus locked in conflict. In chapters 5 and 6, we see three accusations and Jesus’ response to each. 1. Friend of sinners. Those who are well have no need of a physician. 2 Lord of the Sabbath - the sabbath was made for man. 3. Has all authority in heaven and earth. Listen to Dr. Capes share how culture and age affect how Jesus was praised, criticized, and condemned because the people didn’t understand His mission.

Mark continued Snapshots of Jesus from the Gospel of Mark asking the question: Where are you headed in life? Mark began the lesson with the definition of the Greek word hodos, which has three meanings that are used throughout the Bible: 1) a way for traveling or moving from one place to another, way, road, or highway 2) the act of traveling, way, trip, journey 3) a way of behavior or the course of life. The Gospel of Mark used hodos, translated this way 16 times. Life is a unique journey that we make when we choose to follow Jesus. The way: 1. Path or road - the physical road we walk 2. Way of life - the Christian way is one of practical, everyday trust and faith. 3. Christ is the way of salvation. Listen to Mark teach how the Greek word Hodos or the way applies to followers of Christ today. 2-6-22 Biblical-Literacy

Mark continued with Snapshots of Jesus from the Gospel of Mark. Today’s topic: What is the Significance of the references to "Son of Man” throughout the Bible? The Gospel of Mark mentions Jesus as the Son of Man fourteen times. During biblical times, culture used the term to show a man was known as son of man (Name of man, son of Name-of-the-father). In the Old Testament, son of man was reference 107 times, meaning me or people themselves. In Daniel 7:13, the term takes on apocalyptic meaning or prophecy of Jesus. In the Gospel of Mark, son of man can be categorized as either: Present activity of Jesus Sufferings of Jesus Future Vindication Listen to Mark explain the significance of Jesus as the Son of Man. We want to see Jesus, so we can praise Him, and follow Him.

Mark continued with the series, Snapshots of Jesus from the Gospel of Mark. This week’s topic was “How Do You See Jesus?” Mark had three lenses for us to grasp: 1. Who is Jesus? He is the Son of God. 2. Jesus in the midst of spiritual warfare. Jesus came to destroy evil. 3. Don’t miss Him. Have faith and trust in The Son of God. Listen to Mark teach on how to see Jesus beyond His role as our Lord and Savior. He is the holy One of God, the One who makes us clean.

Mark joined with Dr. Michael Lloyd, the Principal of Wycliffe Hall at the University of Oxford in England, who is a specialist in all things evil and suffering. Mark and Dr. Lloyd discussed the three most historically prominent views from a Christian philosophical perspective on suffering and evil. 1. Instrumental in that God allows things to happen to bring good 2. Inevitable in our world where satan dwells 3. God is inimical. He hates suffering and evil. This is what Dr Lloyd believes. Listen to Mark and Dr. Lloyd review various Scripture passages about the issue of suffering and evil, God’s character, the various degrees of suffering, and how we are personally affected.

Mark began a new series titled Snapshots of Jesus as seen throughout the Gospels. Today focused on the Gospel of Mark. This New Testament synoptic Gospel is not written in chronological order. Rather the stories of Jesus are repeated themes for the reader to contrast and compare. The first thirteen verses of the Gospel of Mark are written from God’s perspective followed by verses that reflect man’s bewilderment at Jesus’ teachings. Today’s lesson reviews three aspects: the writer's Perspective, Greek/Roman influence, and the Biblical concept.

Mark drew the curtain back on Advent lesson 4, unveiling a lesson on “Adventus” which is Latin for Arrival. ( Advent is the 4 weeks of celebration on the Christian calendar before Christmas, the birth of Christ.) He broke down the arrival onto 3 life events. 1. Arrival in Bethlehem 2. Arrival in Life 3. Arrival to come, the “second coming” Mark gives us a brain teaser…which Christmas carol is about the second coming? Do you know? Mark addresses the 3 life events by discussing in detail: 1. Life’s curveballs 2. Our testimony 3. Our Lord “God” He references many passages in Luke 1:39-53 to address life’s struggles and solutions, what our testimony should entail, the power it gives us and our promise in our belief that our Lord will come again. Mark closes with profoundly knowing and in deep belief that life throws us curveballs, but we are servants of God and we can tell the world about our God. Joy to the world, the Lord has come and that is who we are.

Mark taught lesson 3 in the study of Advent. This week’s emphasis: When Jesus Comes Again. Mark focused on a taste and feast Advent buffet as written in Luke 1. Mark used Scripture to show us life is full of ups and downs, life is full of contrasts, God does incredible things, is always reliable, but not predictable. Listen to Mark explain the social norms/culture of the day through Luke’s accounting of the events leading up to Jesus’ birth. In conclusion, we re loved, favored, and we can trust the Lord is with us through all of life’s ups and downs.

Brent Johnson continued teaching the Advent series with lesson 2. Today is the second Sunday in Advent, Adventus in Latin which means arrival. After sharing in responsive liturgical reading, Brent expounded on the emphasis of week 2: Peace of God. We are promised God's peace as the angels' proclaimed to the shepherds of Jesus' birth, "Fear not." Brent focused on three points of being pleasing to God: 1. Trust / Faith God - Matt 8:23-27. Romans 8:5-8 2. Bring Peace to Others - Matt 5:9. Matthew 28:19-20. Ezra 17:10 3. Pray - Talk and Listen to God - Philippians 4:6-8 God is at work in all things. He will give us peace. Listen as Brent details the meaning of the Second Sunday in Advent.

Today was the first Sunday in Advent, and Mark taught the first of four lessons before Christmas. Mark first explained the histories of marking time around the world and how it affected the church regarding holy day observances. He then transitioned to 3 focus areas for Advent that infuse joy and faith: Arrival in Bethlehem: God has plans. Arrival of Christ in our life. The arrival of Jesus again. God has perfect timing, and believers are to rely only on God as we 1) live with purpose, 2) serve and pray, and 3) demonstrate faith over fear. Listen to Mark explore the beginning of the Advent season and God’s purpose for us since the beginning of time.

Dr. Peter Williams joined Mark this morning to dig deep and reveal numerous levels of meaning from the three lost and found parables found in Luke 15: The lost sheep The lost coin The lost or prodigal son The main focus was the prodigal son relating several examples of similar real events in Genesis. Jesus spoke to a mixed audience in easy to understand language. Listen to Mark and Peter discuss how Jesus used the power of story to reveal and hide, to bypass our natural defenses, and show truth in a non-threatening environment.

Mark brought the study of Philippians to a close with a focus on Philippians 4:14-23. He shared three points from Paul: 1. Finding a Deeper Fellowship: We learn that by doing good for others and sharing in their suffering and trouble, we will be stronger Christians. 2. An Uncomfortable Truth. Paul was familiar with the Greco-Roman culture and their sign of friendship in giving and receiving gifts. He encouraged giving to others with a right heart motive. God is glorified and richly blesses. 3. The Larger World. We should remove our blinders and greet all the saints in Christ Jesus knowing God is at work doing great things all over the world. Listen to Mark provide Scriptural insight that demonstrates Paul’s love and encouragement for the Philippians and all believers.

Sunday’s Biblical Literacy Class was a breakfast celebration with lots of fun and food. Mark interviewed his mother who thrilled us with her delightful answers. Listen to Mrs. Lanier’s wisdom and especially her sweet potato story.