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Jan 22, 2012

Losing My Religion (Part 12)

Passage: Mark 6:53-7:30

Preacher: Tim Badal

Series:Man at Work

Summary:

Mark is fascinated with two qualities of Jesus that he gives to us in the first words of this gospel: "The beginning of the gospel about Jesus Christ, the Son of God" (Mark 1:1). Jesus of Nazareth, a carpenter, the human Jesus—but also the Son of God, the divine one. Mark seems to be fascinated by that combination: the Ruler who manifests His ability to serve, and the Servant who knows how to rule.

Detail:

1.  The problem with man-made religion is seen through a proper:

      •  Definition

            •  Man-made religion involves observing outwardly without obeying  
                inwardly.
            •  Relationship involves observing outwardly and obeying inwardly.

      •  Declaration

            •  Religion says, "I am righteous, therefore I am accepted."
            •  Relationship says, "I am accepted, therefore I am righteous." 

      •  Disclaimer

      •  Diagnosis


2.  The pathway to mercy is in relationship with Christ.

      A true relationship involves:

            •  Having a clean heart, not just clean hands.
            •  Adopting God's kingdom agenda.

                This means we:

                  •  Serve the Savior, not our selfishness.
                  •  Reach out to other races.
                  •  Love the lowly.
                  •  Are content with crumbs.