FBC E-Blast - April 13, 2015
FBC E-Blast
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April 13, 2015
Basing Expectations on Truth - Mark 9
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Forming expectations on the basis of preconceived ideas is a rather common practice - even the disciples missed important truth in this way. Christ told them repeatedly that He was going to be crucified and raised to life after three days. Their physical ears heard His words, but the message wasn't able to penetrate their hearts and minds.
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Although they were convinced that He was the Messiah, their assumptions about how and when His kingdom would come kept them from hearing Christ's "alternate plan." They were looking for a Savior who would overthrow Rome and set up His kingdom on earth during their lifetime; then they would rule with Him. Jesus' words of death and resurrection were so contrary to what they anticipated that they just couldn't accept them. Since they hadn't understood the promise of the resurrection, when their Messiah died, their dreams were dashed. They quickly descended into the despair of hopelessness and unbelief (Luke 24:10-11).
From our present perspective of knowing the outcome and purpose of Jesus' first visit to earth, we might wonder, How could they be so dense? But before we judge them too harshly, let's remember that we, too, often have predetermined ideas about how God should work in our lives and in the world.
God's ways won't always match our mindset because He works from an eternal perspective and we often see only the immediate. We must remember that His ways are best. Just think, if He had followed the disciples' plans, there would be no forgiveness of sins. Let's drop our expectations and trust Him.
Used with permission from In Touch Ministries, Inc.
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Current Sermon Series
In this four-week series, we are going to take a different approach to how we look at Jesus. Rather than being the one with all the answers, Jesus is sometimes the one who asks us questions - questions that force us to decide what we really believe. In The Counselor, Jesus asks "Why do you doubt?," "Why are you so afraid," "Do you believe I can do this," and "Do you want to get well."
Last Week:
As the disciples were in the boat with Jesus and the storms came, they forgot Who was in the boat with them. As storms come into our lives we need to remember that we are in the storm with His presence and for His purpose.
Sunday's message is available for streaming or for download on our website, just under the calendar, or by visiting us on iTunes.
Next Week:
We continue our series as we hear Jesus ask the question, "Do you Believe I Can Do This?"
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Upcoming Events
April 14 - Trustee's Meeting at 7 PM.
April 26 - Lord's Supper & Deacon's Fund Offering Following AM Worship Service.
May 3 - Carry-in Fellowship Dinner Following AM Worship Service.
June 14-18 - Vacation Bible School from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM.
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