Esther 7, 8 (HCSB)1 The king and Haman came to feast with Esther the queen. 2 Once again, on the second day while drinking wine, the king asked Esther, "Queen Esther, whatever you ask will be given to you. Whatever you seek, even to half the kingdom, will be done." 3 Queen Esther answered, "If I have obtained your approval, my king, and if the king is pleased, spare my life-[this is] my request; a...  Read More

Esther 3, 4  (HCSB)1After all this took place, King Ahasuerus honored Haman, son of Hammedatha the Agagite. He promoted him in rank and gave him a higher position than all the other officials. 2 The entire royal staff at the King's Gate bowed down and paid homage to Haman, because the king had commanded this to be done for him. But Mordecai would not bow down or pay homage. 3 The members of the ro...  Read More

Esther 1, 2 (HCSB)1 These events took place during the days of Ahasuerus,who ruled 127 provinces from India to Cush. 2 In those days King Ahasuerus reigned from his royal throne in the fortress at Susa. 3 He held a feast in the third year of his reign for all his officials and staff, the army of Persia and Media, the nobles, and the officials from the provinces. 4 He displayed the glorious wealth ...  Read More

From Death To LifeMark wrote his account of the life of Christ in the AD 50s based on the eyewitness testimony of Peter. The events of these chapters took place in AD 33.Study The Word: We see the pain. We see the humiliation and injustice. But at the cross of Jesus, if we do not also see the great love of a great Savior, we have missed the point.Key Truth: Jesus was mocked, beaten, crucified, and...  Read More

We know how Peter, James, and John reacted when the mob came for Jesus –they froze, they fought, and they fled. Yet, in Mark 13:3-13, Jesus clearly told those Disciples specifically they would be arrested and beaten for their faith.  Why would they run BEFORE the resurrection but remain faithful AFTER? What was missing in them before? What changed in them after? In Mark 13:14-27 we see two picture...  Read More

Mark 13:32-37 (HCSB)32 "Now concerning that day or hour no one knows-neither the angels in heaven nor the Son-except the Father.  33 Watch! Be alert! For you don't know when the time is [coming].  34 It is like a man on a journey, who left his house, gave authority to his slaves, gave each one his work, and commanded the doorkeeper to be alert. 35 Therefore be alert, since you don't know when the ...  Read More

Mark 13:28-31 (HCSB)28 "Learn this parable from the fig tree: As soon as its branch becomes tender and sprouts leaves, you know that summer is near. 29 In the same way, when you see these things happening, know that He is near-at the door! 30 I assure you: This generation will certainly not pass away until all these things take place. 31 Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will never pas...  Read More

Mark 13:14-27 (HCSB)14 "When you see the abomination that causes desolation standing where it should not" (let the reader understand), "then those in Judea must flee to the mountains! 15 A man on the housetop must not come down or go in to get anything out of his house. 16 And a man in the field must not go back to get his clothes. 17 Woe to pregnant women and nursing mothers in those days! 18 Pra...  Read More

Mark 13:9-13  (HCSB)9 "But you, be on your guard! They will hand you over to sanhedrins, and you will be flogged in the synagogues. You will stand before governors and kings because of Me, as a witness to them. 10 And the good news must first be proclaimed to all nations. 11 So when they arrest you and hand you over, don't worry beforehand what you will say. On the contrary, whatever is given to y...  Read More

Mark 13:1-8  (HCSB)1 As He was going out of the temple complex, one of His disciples said to Him, "Teacher, look! What massive stones! What impressive buildings!" 2 Jesus said to him, "Do you see these great buildings? Not one stone will be left here on another that will not be thrown down!"  3 While He was sitting on the Mount of Olives across from the temple complex, Peter, James, John, and Andr...  Read More

When God Suffered For UsMark wrote his account of the life of Christ in the AD 50s based on the eyewitness testimony of Peter.  The events of this chapter took place in AD 33.Study The Word: Yes, the price was high, but Christ was willing to suffer the rejection of His followers, the injustice of His fellow citizens, the physical pain of death, and even the abandonment of His Father to purchase ou...  Read More

In Mark 15, vss. 23 and 36, Jesus is offered wine while on the Cross. The first wine was likely meant to dull the pain. The second was different, possibly something like Apple Cider Vinegar. Why would Jesus deny the first but accept the second? Why did He want to be clear of mind while suffering? Why did He want to prolong His suffering with something to drink? In Luke 23:50-56 we see Joseph, “a g...  Read More