It was not Mark’s style to overlook Jesus’ interest in Samaria because Samaria became a major mission outreach field for the Kingdom of God, after Pentecost and the first major persecution. Philip, one of the seven deacons, ended up in Samaria, and many Samaritans became followers of Jesus, including an Ethiopian official (Acts 8). Samaria, … Continue reading Partners with the Holy Spirit: Part #67 →

To become a reality in the world, the Kingdom of God requires many people, who will partner with the Holy Spirit. Jesus knew from the start, that the one Jew, that He had chosen to sow the Gospel, would end up betraying Him, and that Judas’ people would coerce Pilate to crucify Him. Regarding the … Continue reading Partners with the Holy Spirit: Part #66 →

Mark gave the followers of Christ a realistic view of Jesus' life and task. Jesus' life was in danger of being shut down from the very beginning. It was not just the loose tongue of the leper that hindered Jesus’ mission, but the Pharisees and Herodians were set on destroying Jesus (Mark 3:6). A larger … Continue reading Partners with the Holy Spirit: Part #65 →

The Commandment to cease all labor on the Sabbath was not a commandment to heal, to starve, or even to fast. I lived among people to whom the Sabbath (Sunday) was very important; and therefore, no work, or any kind of pleasure was allowed. I was twelve when I joined some friends at pond for … Continue reading Partners with the Holy Spirit: Part #64 →