Mark 1:29-39 dives deep into the cosmic, relational, and prophetic aspects of Jesus’ ministry: Jesus’ Ministry as a Declaration of Cosmic War: When Jesus casts out demons and heals diseases in Mark 1:34, He’s not just dealing with isolated problems. Instead, He is waging war against the forces of evil that have plagued creation since…
DetailsFirst-century Jewish views on demon possession were deeply rooted in cultural and religious practices. Historical records, such as those from the historian Josephus, describe detailed accounts of exorcisms, revealing that the Jewish people of this time believed demons were real and could inhabit individuals. One striking account from Josephus involves a Jewish exorcist named Eleazar,…
DetailsMark 1: 21-28 – Key Points When teaching Mark 1:21-28, several significant insights emerge from both biblical and secular commentaries. The Authority of Jesus’ Teaching: One of the key features emphasized in this passage is the astonishment of the synagogue audience at Jesus’ teaching, which was unlike that of the scribes. Jesus spoke with…
DetailsSappy, but true. I’ve been asked dozens of times why I am doing the VF. I have several reasons, but the answer I usually give first is, “My daughter will be doing a gap summer program in Italy this summer. She will finish on July 31. I will meet her in Rome to bring her…
DetailsSERENDIPITY: We’ve met some wonderful people along the way. Where we are now is the best yet. When we decided to veer off the VF proper, the one everyone takes, we didn’t think it through. We just went. I am funny that way. You know. “the road less traveled.” We went from Vercelli to Genoa…
DetailsI faced a conundrum. I took a road for abt 2 5 miles. It came to a dead end. I saw the international sign for Do Not Enter. There was wire stretched on 3 sides that said in French. Electric. Danger. Death. I dreaded walking back. Then walking around the forest for a wasted 5…
DetailsA Gifted Companion: The Unforgettable Journey with Jake Everyone needs a Jake. I confess. I quietly hoped or leaned towards wishing he wouldn’t come. Now, I’m beyond thrilled that he did. A mutual friend introduced us about 6 months ago. We talked a few times on WhatsApp. We met face to face for the first…
DetailsTo introduce a “wow factor” that will captivate your listeners and cause them to gasp with newfound awe for Jesus, you could present the following profound insight: “Jesus’ Announcement Was a Declaration of War.” This phrase alone will grab attention and shift their understanding of what Jesus was doing in Mark 1:14-15. Here’s how you…
DetailsHalfway to the Goal: The Ascent of the Alps Beckons The Alps are 2 days away. Tomorrow we will stay in an Abby. The day after in a small church parish. After that we start climbing. The first day is 12.2 miles and 800 (2600 feet) meters of climbing. The second day is 7 miles…
DetailsSometimes I get bored. We left at 6 am. Stopped at a patisserie along the way. Visited with an old man who let us into an old church – not sure which was older. Covered 27km. (17+ miles) Arrived at our destination at 1. Had a great lunch with our host. Sausage. Pasta. Cheese. Bread.…
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