Relationships are the greatest source of both joy and pain in our lives. But before we can begin to improve our relationships, we have to start in the right place—the love of God that makes possible our love for others. Our ability to love begins with the recognition that God first loved us.
What is perhaps most unexpected in the Gospel of Mark is the ending. In the oldest manuscripts, the Gospel ends with three women finding Jesus’ tomb empty, encountering an angel, and fleeing; “and they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid.” Their encounter shows us the consequences of fear in our own lives. Learn what Jesus teaches about fear so that we can live unafraid.
We don't always get what we ask for, and it can be painful when we receive an answer we didn't expect. Sometimes, Jesus says no when we expect him to say yes. But his "Yes" and his "No" are always for our good.
We often see what we expect to see. But Jesus walks into situations and does the unexpected. Experience the unexpected Jesus, who creates new possibilities greater than we could have ever expected.
Bible Text: Luke 2:1-7 | Teacher: Dr. Mark Foster | Series: Surviving Christmas | The birth of Jesus is good news of great joy for all people.
