Mark 5-4

 How have you processed the fact that there are so many denominations and traditions within the global church?  Why do some of these denominations or independent groups not cooperate with each other?  Is used to have stronger opinions about who is right and who is missing the point. But today’s study points at the attitude of Jesus. We need to be patient and kind toward one another, thankful that we are in sees cooperating with each other. We can and should enjoy the fellowship of other traditions and backgrounds from around the globe as we will one day fall on our knees before our King. 

“Imagine our amazement, our utter shock, when we finally understood that Jesus actually loves us and never leaves us! That our sin does not stand between Jesus and us. That Jesus, who is the centerpiece of this realm of grace, actually walks around our sin, stands with His arm around us, with our sin in front of us, and gives us His perspective on our sin. He never leaves. Well, this changes everything!”

“Humility is not codependency. But humility spawns an interdependency where those in the community routinely say, “I need others to get healthy. Without others I cannot get well, I cannot mature. ” - Excerpt, The Kingdom Life by Dallas Willard

“The ego-centric, constructed self lives out of a competitive spirit, fueled by us–them, tribal thinking. This competitive spirit is seen in John’s treatment of one “casting out demons in your name” (Mark 9:38). John attempted to stop the man even though he was doing kingdom work—casting out demons. The man “was not following us” (Mark 9:38). Because he was not “one of us,” he was viewed as a competitor.

Jesus’s response reflected a servant spirit. “Do not stop him” (Mark 9:39). In other words, don’t view him as a competitor.” He is one of us even though he “was not following us.” Discipleship is a journey in which one moves from no knowledge or awareness of God toward a life open to God and shaped by the ways of God. That journey has many stages. Jesus accepted this man where he was on that journey, knowing he was moving forward on it.” - Excerpt, Following Jesus: Discipleship in the Gospel of Mark by Steve Langford