“Osama Bin Laden’s dyed beard is blown half-off his skull. His body is submerged somewhere in the sea. And he is awaiting his turn at the Judgment Seat of the One he never expected to see. Most of us, thank God, will never approach the wickedness he unleashed on the world. But all of us will wrestle with the same root pathology. That’s because, left to ourselves, we all share the same religion as Osama Bin Laden. It isn’t Islam; it’s self-worship.

“For those who are in Christ, there’s a more excellent way. As we worship God instead of self, we will find that the love of Christ is “not easily angered” but instead “keeps no record of wrongs” (1 Cor. 13:5). As the Spirit wrenches us away from our temple of self, and builds us into a living stone in the Temple of Christ, we will find a new way of life, a way that calls us out of our petty offenses, away from our dime-store jihads.”

Let me introduce you to the most important rule when talking to your kids about the sermon: They retain more than you think they do. The second most important rule is like it: They understand more than you think they do.

Take a few moments to read this very insightful post in its entirety… by clicking HERE.

There are at least three characteristics in the first two chapters of the gospel of Mark that reveal Jesus pattern for propagating the gospel of the Kingdom. These are imperative to all who not only follow Jesus but in obedience, proclaim His message. These are imperative when it comes to Speaking of Christ.

First, Jesus lived according to the purpose of the Father in the power of the Spirit, 1:35-38.

When we find Jesus in prayer we are reminded of His heavenly connection. His calling to earthly ministry was not a calling out of man’s need for a Savior. How greatly discouraging it would have been had His coming been chiefly for man’s need. After all, He came unto his own, and his own received him not, John 1:11. Rather, His was a calling from the Father who has purposed, before the foundation of the world the redemption of His people (Ephesians 1:3-14; Romans 8:28-30), and His life was daily lived with this end in mind.

Second, Jesus lived intentionally to teach the people and to touch them where they were, 1:14, 21-22, 38-39, 45: 2:2, 13.

Jesus’ association with sinners was not with the intent of making them feel good about themselves. His purpose was to declare to them new life brought about by His coming (e.g. Mark 2:21-22). Therefore, His association with sinners always centered on His teaching, or rather, His Word (Note Mark 1:22). Throughout the first two chapters of Mark’s gospel (we have yet to study the remaining fourteen), the common practice of Jesus was to teach the people where they were, whether in the Synagogues, by the seaside, or in private homes. Three different Greek words are used in reference to Jesus’ speaking that reflect this pattern, (1) preaching, (2) teaching, and (3) conversation. Upon every opportunity in every venue Jesus lived intentionally to teach God’s Word.

Third, Jesus lived with grace in His heart toward sinners calling them to follow Him, 2:15-17.

Unlike the orthodoxy Jesus’ message was sourced with the understanding that sinful men could not fulfill of the Law of God in the flesh. This is why His calling sinners to repentance was so refreshing. Publicans and sinners had no question concerning their ability to satisfy the Law. They had already blown it and they knew it. Jesus was their only hope and that hope would not be long to be realized. God’s grace is man’s only hope and when Jesus calls sinners to follow Him, He is calling them to a life of faith in the faithful One. He calls men to believe that what God has provided in and through His Son is sufficient and is complete for his redemption and the forgiveness of sins.

If you are in the Hot Springs, come and join us as we continue our study in the Gospel of Mark. Wherever you live be sure to make the effort to connect with a local Bible teaching church. God has given to us local assemblies through which we continue stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers (Acts 2:42).

His preaching, teaching and writings continue to impact many for the glory of Christ. The below is a rare video of an interview he did in 1970 and is worth watching. Of particular interest are his comments about authority and expository preaching. If you are an old fan of Lloyd-Jones, I am sure you will appreciate the clip. If this is your first introduction to him, may it be the first of many meetings you have with him through his preaching and writing. Enjoy!

For more information about Dr. Lloyd-Jones take a look at the Martyn Lloyd-Jones Recordings Trust where you will find many free recordings and writings.

Read their updates and take some time to pray all those in our missionary family; it will do you good. You might also consider, if they offer it, getting on their mailing list, following their blog for occassional updates (normally stuff not included in the prayer letters), or even connecting with them on Facebook. Take advantage of the today’s technology so you can keep in closer touch. Remember, we are in a partnership in the ministry of the gospel. What better way to do so than to pray for and to be an encouragement.

The clip below is the testimony of Zac’s wife, Mandy, following his call home to be with the Lord. Without question it will pull your emotional strings but I trust that you will hear the true message of both Zac and Mandy, that in the midst of the realities of life in this fallen world God is still God, and God is still good. To God be the glory.

These videos were produced by Zac & Mandy’s home church, NewSpring Church.

I’m thankful for… from Calvary Baptist Church on Vimeo.

Haven’t heard from or of him for many, many years. I roomed with his brother in college and always admired their family… a family of missionaries. He and his wife served in Quito, Ecuador for as long as I can remember and is currently serving missions in the states. His name is Jim Smith and his name came up in a blog I follow. It was actually a blog about his son, Zack. Alright, I don’t actually know Zack and chances are, Jim would probably at best vaguely remember a room mate of his kid brother some 30 years ago. The video speaks powerfully about the God we serve. If you’ve not yet seen it take a moment now to do so; it’s powerful.

On May 16, Zac went home to be with the Lord. His church family was gracious enough to post a portion of his memorial service on their website. This is a wonderful testimony of God’s grace. May Jesus Christ be praised!

New Spring Church Memorial Service for Zac Smith