The Transfiguration, Excerpts from Mark Chapter 9

“”Six days later Jesus took Peter, James, and John, and led them up a high mountains to be alone. As the men watched Jesus’ appearance was transformed, and His clothes became dazzling white, far whiter than any earthly bleach could ever make them. Then Elijah and Moses appeared and began talking with Jesus.

Peter exclaimed, ” Rabbi, it is wonderful for us to be here! Let’s make three shelters as memorials – one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” He said this because he didn’t really know what else to say, for they were al terrified.

Then a cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my dearly beloved Son. Listen to Him.” Suddenly, when they looked around, Moses and Elijah were gone, and they saw only Jesus with them.

As they went back down the mountain, He told them not to tell anyone what they had seen until the son of Man had risen from the dead. So they kept it to themselves, but often asked each other what he meant by “rising from the dead.”” (Mark 9, vv. 2-10, NLT)

God’s Judgment of Sin, Excerpts from Romans Chapter 2

“You may think you can condemn such people, but you are just as bad, and you have no excuse! When you say they are wicked and should be punished, you are condemning yourself, for you who judge others do these very same things. And we know that God, in His justice will punish anyone who does such things. Since you judge others for doing these things, why do you think you can avoid God’s judgment when you do the same things? Don’t you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant and patient God is with you? Does this mean nothing to you? Can’t you see that His kingdom is intended to turn you from sin?” (Romans 23: vv. 1-4, NLT)

“When the Gentiles sin, they will be destroyed, even though they never had God’s written law. And the Jews, who do have God’s law, will be judged by that law when they fail to obey it. For merely listening to the law doesn’t make us right with God. It is obeying the law that makes us right in His sight. Even Gentiles, who do not have God’s written law, show that they know His law when they instinctively obey it, even without having heard it. They demonstrate that God’s law is written in their hearts, for their own conscience and thoughts either accuse them or tell them they are doing right. And, this is the message that I proclaim- that the day is coming with God, through Christ Jesus, will judge everyone’s secret life.” (Romans 2: vv. 12-16, NLT)

God’s Anger at Sin, Excerpts from Romans Chapter 1

“But God shows His anger from heaven against all sinful, wicked people who suppress the truth by their wickedness. They know the truth about God because He has made it obvious to them. Through everything God made, they can clearly see His invisible qualities – His eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God.” (Romans 1: vv. 18-20, NLT)

“Since they thought it foolish to acknowledge God, He abandoned them to their foolish thinking and let them do things that should never be done. Their lives became full of every kind of wickedness, sin, greed, hate, envy, murder, quarreling, dissection, malicious behavior, and gossip. They are backstabbers, haters of God, insolent, proud, and boastful. They invent new ways of sinning, and they disobey their parents. They refuse to understand, break their promises, are heartless, and have no mercy. They know God’s justice requires that those who do these tings deserve to die, yet they do them anyway. Worse yet, they encourage others do to them, too.” (Romans 1: vv. 28- 32, NLT)

Shine Brightly for Christ

“Dear friends, you always followed my instructions when I was with you. And now that I am away, it is even more important. Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases Him.

Do everything without complaining and arguing, so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shine like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people. Hold firmly to the word of life; then, on the day of Christ’s return, I will be proud that I did not run the race in vain and that my work was not useless. But I will rejoice even if I lose my life, pouring it out like a liquid offering to God, just like your faithful service is an offering to God., And I want all of you to share that joy. Yes, you should rejoice, and I will share your joy.” (Philippians 2: vv. 12-18, NLT)

Excepts from Psalm 49

“Why should I fear when trouble comes, when enemies surround me? They trust in their wealth and boast of great riches. Yet they cannot redeem themselves from death by paying a ransom to God. Redemption does not come so easily, for no one can ever pay enough to live forever and never see the grave.

Those who are wise must finally die, just like the foolish and senseless, leaving all their wealth behind. The grave is their eternal home, where they will stay forever. They may name their estates after themselves, but their fame will not last. They will die just like animals. This is the fate of fools, though they were remembered as being wise.

Like sheep, they are led to the grave, where death will be their shepherd. In the morning the godly will rule over them. Their bodies will rot in the grave, far from their grand estates. But as for me, God will redeem my life. He will snatch me from the power of the grave.

So don’t be dismayed when the wicked grow rich and their homes become ever more splendid. For then they die, they take nothing with them. Their wealth will not follow them into the grave. In this life they consider themselves fortunate and are applauded for their success. But they will die like all before them and never again see the light of day. People who boast of their wealth don’t understand; they will die, just like animals.” (Psalm 49, vv. 5-20, NLT)

Jesus Rejected at Nazareth

“”Jesus left that part of the country and returned with His disciples to Nazareth, His hometown. The next Sabbath he began teaching in the synagogue, and many who heard him were amazed. They asked, “Where did Hie get all this wisdom and power to perform such miracles?” Then they scoffed, “He’s just a carpenter, son of Mary and the brother of James, Joseph, Judas, and Simon. And HIs sisters live right here among us.” They were deeply offended and refused to believe Him.

Then Jesus told them, “A prophet is honored everywhere except in His own hometown and among His relatives and His own family.” And because of their unbelief, He couldn’t do any miracles among them except place His hands on a few sick people and heal them. He was amazed at their unbelief.”” (Mark 6: vv 1-6, NLT)

Jesus and the Prince of Demons

“”One time Jesus entered a house, and the crowds began to gather again. Soon He and His disciples couldn’t even find time to eat. When His family heard what was happening, they tried to take Him away, “He’s out of His mind,” they said.

But the teachers of religious law who had arrived from Jerusalem said, “He’s possessed by Satan, the prince of demons. That’s where He gets the power to cast out demons.”

Jesus called them over and responded with an illustration,” How can Satan cast out Satan?” He asked. “A kingdom divided by civil war will collapse. Similarly, a family slandered by feuding will fall apart. And if Satan is divided and fights agains himself, how can he stand? He would never survive. Let Me illustrate further. Who is powerful enough to enter the house of a strong man like Satan and plunder his goods? Only someone even stronger- someone who could tie him up and then plunder his house. “

“I tell you the truth, all sin and blasphemy can be forgiven, but anyone who blasphemes the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven. This is a sin with eternal consequences.” He told them this because they were saying, “He’s possessed by an evil spirit.” ” (Mark 3: vv 20-30, NLT)

Excerpts from Proverbs Chapter 12

“To learn, you must love discipline; it is stupid to hate correction.

The Lord approves of those who are good, but He condemns those who plan wickedness.

Wickedness never brings stability, but the godly have deep roots.

A worthy wife is a crown for her husband, but a disgraceful woman is like cancer in his bones.

The plans of the godly are just; the advise of the wicket is treacherous.

The words of the wicked are like a murderous ambush, but the words of the godly stands firm.

A sensible person wins admiration, but a warped mind is despised. “
(vv. 1-8, NLT)

“The wicked are trapped by their own words, but the godly escape such trouble.”

Wise words bring many benefits, and hard work brings rewards.

Fools think their own way is right, but the wise listen to others.

A fool is quick-tempered, but a wise person stays calm when insulted.

An honest witness tells the truth; a false witness tell lies.

Some people make cutting remarks, but the words of the wise bring healing.

Truthful words stand the test of time, but lies are soon exposed.

Deceit fills hearts that are plotting evil; joy fills hearts that are planning peace!

No harm comes to the godly, but the wicked have their fill of trouble.

The Lord detests lying lips, but He delights in those who tell the truth.

The wise don’t make a show of their knowledge, but fools broadcast their foolishness.

Work hard and become a leader; be lazy and become a slave.

Worry weighs a person down; an encouraging word cheers a person up.

The godly give good advise to their friends; the wicked lead them astray .”
(vv. 13-26,NLT)

“The way of the godly leads to life; that path does not lead to death.”
(vv. 28, NLT)

Jesus Calms the Storm

“”As evening came, Jesus said to His disciples, “Let’s cross to the other side of the lake.” So they took Jesus in the boat and started out, leaving the crowds behind (although other boats followed). But soon fierce storm came up. High waves were leaking into the boat, and it began to fill with water.

Jesus was sleeping at the back of the boat with His head on a cushion. The disciples woke Him up, shouting, “Teacher, don’t you care that we’re going to drown?”

When Jesus woke up, He rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Silence! Be still!” Suddenly the wind stopped, and there was a great calm. Then the He asked them, “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?”

The disciples were absolutely terrified. “Who is this man?” they asked each other, “Even the wind and waves obey Him!”” (Mark 4: vv35-38 NLT)

The Whole Armor of God

“A final word: Be strong in the Lord and His mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against might powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.

Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for believers everywhere.

And pray for me, too. (Apostle Paul speaking). Ask God to give me the right words so I can boldly explain God’s mysterious plan that the Good news is for Jews and Gentiles alike. I am in chains now, and still preaching this message as God’s ambassador. so pray that I would keep on speaking boldly for Him, as I should. ” (Ephesians 6: vv. 10-20, NLT)

“Peace be with you, dear brothers and sisters, and my God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you love and faithfulness. May God’s grace be eternally upon all who love our lord Jesus Christ.” (Ephesians 6: 23, NLT)