5-Minute Fever

If we can't be united through our past, then let's be united with our future. Paul is on a mission to create unity in every way he possibly can. If not through the past, then he will by moving them towards the future.

Paul is so inspired to bring together the people of Ephesians he prays for them. Prays a prayer of unity in the love of Christ which is more than we can know or understand. Through God, we are united from creation, and through love, we are united as a church.

Paul is addressing the Gentiles specifically. It is because of them he is in prison, but he wants them to know this is okay because he was sent and given the grace through God to preach to them in the first place. He stands confident because he wants them to be confident. His chains do not deter him from the mission God has called him to.

In a community where Gentiles are treated as less than others, Paul makes a great effort to break the misconception and let everyone know they belong. They are also in Christ Jesus.

Paul is on a path to reconcile two people groups, the Jews and the Gentiles. First, he reminds them they are predestined, then he reminds them they are sinners, and now he addresses how the Gentiles have been treated as less then. He gives them a new understanding of who they are in Christ.

Paul is trying to create unity in Ephesus, and to do this; Paul brings the community back to their previous life. Reminding them they all used to be unbelievers who gratified the nature of their flesh, and they are now all people who live in the grace of God.

Paul has talked to the church of Ephesus about how they are all predestined, and now because of their faith, he was led to pray over his congregation. He gives them identity and pushes them further to have understanding and hope.

We carry on in our pursuit of Ephesians, where Paul points out once again we are chosen, we are predestined by the will of the Father that it may be to the praise of His glory. Join me as we talk once again about adoption and the seal of the Spirit.

Start of a new season! Traveling to Ephesus, we're going to spend some time looking at what Paul said to bring unity between the culturally and ethically different Jews and Gentiles. Join me as we start this journey in Ephesians 1:1-10.

Normally an end is final, but that's not the case for Jesus. He's risen, and it's time for the disciples to know so he sends not one but two groups of messengers before finally dropping in on the disciples himself.

Jesus is gone. Hung on a cross and died, so now what? Do they bury him? Do they host a funeral? Do they leave him there? Join me as we talk about what went into Jesus' burial from Mark 15:42-47 and John 19:38-42.

Let's take a look at Jesus' final moments. The moment he breathes his last breath.

Jesus is taken away from Pilate by a group of soldiers who lead Jesus to a room where the whole company can have their turns abusing him before his crucifixion. Join me as take a look from Jesus' perspective at what it might have been like in Mark 15:16-20.

Very early on Friday morning, Jesus is brought before Pilate. The Sanhedrin had finally got their story together, and it was time to accuse Jesus formally. Treason is their go to which is punishable by death, and death is what is ultimately sentenced.

Jesus' words come true... Peter denies Jesus not once, not twice, but three times all before the rooster crowed twice. Join me as we talk about Mark 14:66-72 with a cross-reference to Luke 22:56-61.

Jesus is brought before the High Priest in his private home. The trial is riddled with corruption as the leading priests throw out all law and ethical principles in their pursuit to kill Jesus. A threat to their temple structure.

Jesus is finally arrested. Judas' betrayal is fully realized at this moment when he kisses Jesus signaling the guard to capture and arrest him. This moment is documented in each of the four gospels, so join me as we take a look at Mark's account of what happened. Additional Reading: Matthew 26:47-56 Luke 22:47-53 John 18:3-11

It's almost time for Jesus to be handed over, but he gets one last moment to pray. He takes Peter, James, and John into the garden of Gethsemane, where he prays for what is about to happen. Here we get a glimpse into Jesus' humanity as he prays through his grief and sorrow. Join me as we talk about Mark 14:32-42.

On the road to Gethsemane, Jesus throws over his shoulder, "You all will fall away." Of course, the disciples disagree, and Peter becomes the most verbal. They might, but I won't. Oh yes, Peter, you will, says Jesus. Join me as we talk about expectations in Mark 14:27-31.

Jesus wants to spend one more moment with the disciples and enjoy Passover with them. He knows he's going to be betrayed, but he doesn't let that stop him from enjoying one last moment of fellowship. Join me as we talk about Mark 14:12-26.

A woman does the most beautiful thing and honors Jesus with her most expensive offering. This causes others to be furious. Why would she waste what could be given to the poor? Jesus corrects his disciples to know the poor with always be among them, but he will not. Join me as we look at Mark 14:1-11 and see how this beautiful moment led to the start of betrayal. Additional Reading: John 12:4-6 Luk...

The disciples are in awe when they look around the temple, but Jesus tells them not to get distracted; it won't last. Join me as we read Mark 13 and hear the signs of the end times as told by Jesus.

Let's talk about money. Does it matter how much we give to the church? Join me as we look at the story of the Widow's Offering in Mark 12:41-44 and see what truly matters when we give.

Jesus is going after the religious elite again. Beware their pride; beware their hypocrisy! Join me as we go over Mark 12:38-40.

Now it's Jesus' turn to ask a question, but it's one they don't know how to respond to. Whose son is the Messiah? David's? God's? Join me as we unpack Mark 12:35-37.