THE GOSPEL OF MARK 4:30-32 The Mustard by Michael Reed (Cick Here to Listen)

HARDENED BY DECEIT By Michael Reed (Click Here to Listen)

"The Growing Seed" Mark 4:26-29 by Michael Reed (Click Here To Listen)

"How To Live In Troubled Times" 2 Timothy 3:1-10 by Andrew Green (Click Here to Listen)

Andrew Green is one of the many youth of the Deer Park Church of Christ. Andrew is 16 years old and attended a preachers training camp this summer. Andrew was assigned the topic "How to Live in Troubled Times" and shared it with us during a Youth only lead Worship service Sunday night. We at the Deer Park Church of Christ are very proud of all the youth and look forward to future services lead by them.

"Take Heed What You Hear" Mark 4:21-25 By Michael Reed (Click Here to Listen)

When we have opportunities to hear or read the Word of God are we aware that we will be judged by how we listen? That the blessings we receive are proportionate to how we hear?  During His ministry, Jesus began teaching in parables to the public He would tell the parables - Mk 4:1-2. In private He would explain them to His disciples - Mk 4:10-12, 33-34.  In "The Parable Of The Four Soils" Jesus illustrated how not all receive the Word as they should ended with the cry, "He who has ears to hear, let him hear!" - Mk 4:9. After explaining the parable, Jesus exhorted His disciples to "Take Heed What You Hear" (Mk 4:21-25).

"Choosing The Right Way" by Michael Reed (Click Here to Listen)

Life is full of choices.  The most important ones are those of a spiritual nature.  We can choose the narrow way or the broad way.  We can choose to be like the wise man who built his house on the rock or like the foolish man who built his house on the sand. Daily choices have an accumulated effect. One choice is added to another, and another to another, until eventually an established way of life is formed and an eternal destiny is set.

"The Parable of The Four Soils" Mark 4:1-20 by Michael Reed (Click Here to Listen)

As Jesus proclaimed the gospel of the kingdom He did not always find a receptive audience.  Some listened only to find reasons to accuse Him - Mk 3:2.  Jesus therefore began to teach publicly in parables - Mk 4:1-2. In private, He would explain the parables to His disciples - Mk 4:10,33-34. The main reason: many had become "hard of hearing" - Mk 4:11-12; cf. Mt 13:10-15.  One of the most well-known parables illustrates the problem Jesus faced. Commonly known as "The Parable Of The Sower".  But probably more accurately described as "The Parable Of The Four Soils" told by Jesus to illustrate different reactions to the gospel message. Mark's account of the parable is given in Mk 4:1-20 (please read). 

"The True Family of Jesus" Mark 3:31-35 by Michael Reed (Click Here to Listen)

A wonderful blessing in life is to have a loving, supportive family,  Where husband and wife truly love one another where parents and children truly support one another. Such families are becoming increasingly rare. Complicated by cohabitation before marriage, divorce after marriage, eventually death. Children suffering from parents who don't love each other, who don't care for them. But there is a Family, where love and support is available to everyone where the relationships need never end. We are reminded of this wonderful Family in our text (Mk 3:31-35), in which Jesus uses the occasion of His earthly family seeking to talk with Him to make the point about His "true family".

"The Unforgivable Sin" Mark 3:22-30 by Michael Reed (Click Here To Listen)

On this occasion Jesus mentioned an "unforgivable sin..." Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit for which there is no forgiveness. These words are troubling to many, who wonder if they have committed this "eternal sin" that "never has forgiveness". What is that sin, and can it be committed today? Jesus said there are at least three things we need to keep in mind in regards to this sin, which are the topic of today's lesson. Just a hint, I believe all sins are "unforgivable" unless we repent and therefore all sin are forgivable if we repent.

"REFLECTION ON JOY" Romans 14:17 by Michael Reed (Click Here To Listen)

A virtue worthy of reflection is that of joy. Many Christians appear to fall short in experiencing such joy. It is often apparent as they go about their daily living and it frequently carries over into our worship. In this lesson I want to help us to understand two things; What is Joy? How can Christians be filled with it?

"THE FAMILY OF JESUS" Mark 3:20-21 by Michael Reed (Click Here To Listen)

The ministry of Jesus in Galilee certainly drew the attention of many, it also drew the attention of His physical family. Who were concerned about what they had been hearing. They sought to take custody of Him, for they questioned His sanity (Mark 3:21).  The reaction of His family is interesting however somewhat understandable.

"LOVE" Mark 12:30 by Michael Reed (Click Here To Listen)

Three things certainly worthy of reflection are faith, hope, and love. Virtues joined together in several passages - 1Co 13:13; 1Th 1:3. Virtues worthy of praise and careful reflection. Previously, we reflected on faith and hope. Now let us focus our attention on the greatest: love... Greeks had four words for Love.

1.     eros - carnal, sexual love, properly reserved for marriage - cf. He 13:4
2.     philia - the love of close friendship, such as brotherly love - cf. Jn 11:3
3.     storge - the love of family relationships 
4.     agape - that love which seeks the highest good of others

It is unfortunate that the English word "love" is not as clearly defined

"THE APOSTLES OF CHRIST" Mark 3:13-19 by Michael Reed (Click Here To Listen)

Important to the ministry of Jesus was the appointment and training of His apostles. Men who would follow Him and continue His work after His death. Men who themselves would experience great suffering and martyrdom. In our text (Mk 3:13-19), we read of their appointment. To be with Him and later sent out to preach, heal, and cast out demons.  Luke tells us that the selection was proceeded by a night of Prayer (Luke 6:12-13). In this lesson, I wish to focus on their overall ministry for Christ and the world. 

"Hope" 1 Corinthians 13:13 by Michael Reed (Click Here to Listen)

HOPE

THE GREEK WORD (elpis ) "favorable and confident expectation" – Vines
"desire of some good with some expectation of obtaining it"
It has to do with the unseen and the future - Romans 8:24-25
"For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he already has? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently."

A simple definition:  desire plus expectation of the unseen

"Three Responses to Jesus" Mark 3:7-12 by Michael Reed (Click Here to Listen)

Reflecting on this passage, I observed three distinct classes of individuals.

The disciples of Jesus - Mk 3:7,9

The great multitude - Mk 3:7-10

The unclean spirits - Mk 3:11-12

Upon further reflection, it occurred to me that these three distinct classes illustrate "Three Responses To Jesus", and that everyone responds to Jesus in one of three ways. 

"Reflections on Faith" 1 Corinthians 13:13 by Michael Reed (Click Here to Listen)

We continue our "Reflections" on things that are; true, noble, just, pure, lovely, and of good report  - Php 4:8,  Virtuous and worthy of praise - ibid.  Three such things are faith, hope, and love. Virtues joined together in several passages - 1Co 13:13; 1Th 1:3

In this study, let us reflect on the first of these three: faith.

Faith is in general the persuasion of the mind that a certain statement is true". 
"Its primary idea is trust" (Easton's Bible Dictionary)  According to He 11:1   "...the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen." (ESV) or   "...being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." (NIV) 
Faith is therefore conviction and trust in someone or some thing

"Hard Hearts and Hard Thoughts" Mark 3:1-6 by Michael Reed (Click Here to Listen)

We have seen the criticism that Jesus endured from religious leaders;  When He claimed to forgive sins - Mk 2:6-7,  When He dined with sinners - Mk 2:16, and  when His disciples plucked grain on the Sabbath - Mk 2:23-24.  The conflict between Jesus and the religious leaders escalated, from criticism to conniving; When the Pharisees sought opportunity to accuse Him - Mk 3:1-2, When Jesus healed a man with a withered hand on the Sabbath – Mk 3:3-5, and when the Pharisees began conspiring with the Herodians to destroy Jesus - Mk 3:6.  I am struck by hardness of the Pharisees' hearts which moved Jesus to grief and anger - "He looked around at them in anger and, deeply distressed at their stubborn hearts, said to the man, "Stretch out your hand." He stretched it out, and his hand was completely restored." (Mark 3:5). Which clearly led to their hardness of plotting to kill Jesus - "Then the Pharisees went out and began to plot with the Herodians how they might kill Jesus." (Mark 3:6). Apparently unable to appreciate the healing of a suffering man.  It is easy to be critical of the Pharisees' "Hard Hearts And Hard Thoughts". Yet if we are not careful, we can be guilty of the same.

"Good Works" Ephesians 2:10 by Michael Reed (Click Here to Listen)

We are not save by good works. Good works cannot be done to buy or earn our way into heaven. God saves us by His grace and mercy, not our works - Ep 2:8-9; Tit 3:4-7. We should be clear on this point. We are saved TO DO Good Works!

"Lord of The Sabbath" Mark 2:23-28 by Michael Reed (Click Here to Listen)

The ministry of Jesus prompted close scrutiny by religious leaders. As when the scribes took issue with His claim to forgive sins – Mk 2:6-7.  As when the scribes and Pharisees took issue with His dining with sinners - Mk 2:16. One issue in particular produced a strong reaction: the Sabbath and its observance.  At first, it involved Jesus' disciples plucking grain on the Sabbath - Mk 2:23-24.  Later, Jesus will be criticized for healing on the Sabbath - cf. Mk 3:1-2   On the occasion involving Jesus' disciples plucking grain, The Pharisees said it was unlawful - Mk 2:24.  Actually, it was contrary to rabbinical tradition, but not the Law per se. In answering the Pharisees, Jesus stated two notable things;  (1)  "The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath." – Mk 2:27. (2)   "Therefore the Son of man is Lord even of the Sabbath." - Mk 2:28. These statements will serve as the basis for this lesson.

"Wine and Wineskins" Mark 2:22 by Michael Reed (Click Here To Litsen)

When Jesus was questioned about fasting, He replied with three illustrations;  Bridegroom and friends - Mk 2:19-20,   Patches and garments - Mk 2:21, and Wine and Wineskins - Mk 2:22.  The illustration most remembered is that of wine and wineskins. Jesus used it to show the incongruity of mixing His gospel with the Judaistic system.  Others have taken the illustration much farther, often to teach things Jesus did not. One might make a broader use of the illustration of wine and wineskins, but the end result should not contradict Jesus' own use of it.

"Jesus Questioned About Fasting" Mark 2:18-22 by Michael Reed (Click Here to Listen)

The nature of Jesus' ministry caught the attention of many. He healed the sick, cast out demons - Mk 1:34. He traveled from city to city, preaching in the synagogues – Mk 1:39. The attention of religious leaders led to close scrutiny, as when the scribes took issue with His claim to forgive sins - Mk 2:6-7.    As when the scribes and Pharisees took issue with His dining with sinners - Mk 2:16.  Not just Jesus, but also His disciples were scrutinized. 
When His disciples were not fasting like other men's disciples, Jesus was asked why?

"JESUS AND THE TAX COLLECTOR: Mark 2:13-17 by Michael Reed (Click Here to Listen)

As Jesus went about preaching and healing, He called people to follow Him such as Simon and Andrew - Mk 1:16-18,  Also James and John - Mk 1:19-20.  Today, Jesus wants us to call people to follow Him, to become His disciples - cf. Mt 28:19-20, to enjoy His salvation - cf. Mk 16:15-16. Who are suitable prospect for discipleship and salvation?  We might think those who are religiously inclined. But our text for this study (Mk 2:13-17d ) should caution us not to limit our prospects.

Reflections on Baptism By Michael Reed (CLick Here To Listen)

In a previous reflection on the Gospel of Christ, we observed that it contains commands to obey. One of the commands of the gospel involves baptism. Baptism is often neglected in much of the gospel preaching today, thus it is certainly worthy of careful reflection. 
For if when you are baptized into Christ...

a.     You receive remission of sins - Ac 2:38

b.     Your sins are washed away by the blood of Christ - Ac 22:16; Ep 1:7

c.      You are united with Christ in His death and resurrection - Ro 6:3-6

d.     You put on Christ - Ga 3:27

e.      You are made alive together with Christ - Col 2:12-13

f.       You experience the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit - Tit 3:5; Jn 3:5

g.     You are made free from the bondage of sin - Ro 6:7,11-14

h.     You make an appeal for a good conscience - 1Pe 3:21

 

So I ask you, what is ones condition without baptism?

"Jesus Heals The Paralytic" Mark 2:1-12 by Michael Reed (Click Here To Listen)

Among the miracles of Jesus, one of the better known is the healing of a paralytic. It is found in all three synoptic gospels - Mt 9:1-8; Mk 2:1-12; Lk 5:7-26 in which a man was let down through a roof by his friends to be healed by Jesus.  The occasion produced a range of emotions,  Jesus is charged with blasphemy by some and God glorified with amazement by others. 

The healing of the paralytic  reveals a man who was in need, who was blessed with good friends and who was forgiven of his sins by Jesus Christ.

   













 

"Jesus Cleanses A Leper" Mark 1:40-45 by Michael Reed (Click Here To Listen)

One of the more moving accounts of Jesus' miracles is that of cleansing a leper. There is much that can be gleaned from this miracle about the compassion and power of our Lord Jesus Christ. Not only toward the leper himself, but toward us as well!  In this study, we shall note some similarities between the leper's condition and cleansing, and that of our own condition and need for cleansing.

Reflections On Repentence by Michael Reed (Click Here To Listen)

Whether alien sinner or erring Christian, Jesus wants us to repent!

"At The Home Of Simon and Andrew" Mark 1:29-30 by Michael Reed (Click Here to Listen)

In the short time He was at Simon and Andrew's home, Jesus revealed Himself to be a man of compassion, service, prayer and purpose. As disciples of Jesus, may we too be people of compassion toward those who are sick, willing to serve others as we have the ability, taking time and finding a place to pray alone with God. Being people of purpose, especially in regards to fulfilling the Great Commission. (Matthew 28:19-20)

Love One Another by Michael Reed John 13:34-35 (Click Here To Listen)

It is important, of course, that we love God, that we love ourselves and that we love our neighbors. But we must never forget how important it is also that we love each other. As we read in John 13:14-35, Jesus said this is a new command. Our relationship with each other is what defines who we are to the world.

Refelctions on Sin By Michael Reed (Click Here To Listen)

Sin is more than a simple violation of human relationships.  It affects one's relationship with God, with their fellowman and even with one's own self! 

Trials and Tribulations by Billy O'Bannon June 9 2013 (Click Here to Listen)

Billy O'Bannon, Deacon of the Deer Park Church of Christ speaks about the Trials and Tribulations of life. Billy speaks from the heart about his experience with the trials and tribulations he has gone through and how that has strengthened his faith and encouraged him in his walk with Christ.

The I's Have It By Josh Vires (Click Here To Listen)

Sermon By Josh Vires Youth Minister entitled "The I's Have It".

Accept Jesus in Your Heart By Jim Thomason (Click Here To Listen)

What the Bible says about how to accept Jesus into your heart.

Reflections On "The Holy Spirit" by Michael Reed (Click Here To Listen)

There is no subject more important in religion than that of the Holy Spirit.  Unless this be properly understood, a large portion of the Bible, and especially the NT, would remain unintelligible. On the other hand, a just view of it will do more than any other particular topic to give; harmony, clearness and consistency to what may be learned to all other matters presented in the Word of God."

A Teacher With Authority Mark 1:21-28 by Michael Reed (Click Here to Listen)

 Up to this point in Mark's gospel, everything has been preliminary; the ministry of John the Baptist, sent to prepare the way of the Lord. The baptism of Jesus, introducing Jesus to Israel as the Lamb of God .  The temptations of Jesus, preparing Him to face the difficult tasks ahead. The theme of His preaching, concerning the coming kingdom of God and the calling of His disciples, who would eventually carry on His work. 
But now we begin to read of Jesus' actual ministry. The things He did and the things He taught. When people saw and heard Jesus, they immediately noticed something different. Especially in regards to His teaching, for He was  "A Teacher With Authority."

THE GOSPEL OF MARK 1:16-20 "The Call of Four Fishermen" by Michael Reed (Click Here To Listen)

 Jesus began His public ministry by preaching, proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom of God - (Mark 1:14).  That the time was fulfilled, the kingdom of God was at hand - (Mark 1:15a.)  That people needed to repent and believe the gospel -(Mark 1:15b).  As He did so, He also called people to become His disciples. Calling them to follow Him, Offering to make them "fishers of men".  

THE GOSPEL OF MARK 1:14-15 "The Preaching Ministry of Jesus" Part II by Micahel Reed (Click Here To Read)

Previously, we observed that "The Preaching Ministry Of Jesus" involved;   Proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom of God, that kingdom foretold by Daniel -Dan 2:44, 7:13-14,  The Good News that was "at hand", for "the time is fulfilled"!
 In examining the nature of the kingdom, we noted that it involves... the rule or reign of God through the person of Jesus Christ, it is spiritual in nature, it is manifested visibly today in the form of the Lord's church, and has both present and future elements.
Indeed, this kingdom is now available to all who freely submit to the authority of Jesus.  But Jesus did more than just announce the coming of the kingdom of God. He called on people to repent. He called on people to believe.