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Scripture quoted out of context can become a pretext for whatever you’d like it to say. That’s why context is so important. Reading what is before and after can really help us understand scripture better.
Context was especially helpful in our study this past Sunday as we encountered several scenes that may have left us scratching our heads if considered one-by-one. But when read and studied together, we have a clearer understanding of what is going on and what God is saying. Watch or listen to our study of Mark 11:12-12:12 as we consider the context of the words and actions of Jesus to bring clarity, meaning, application, and most importantly fellowship with our Father. Join us Sunday at 10am as we worship the Lord and continue our study in the Gospel of Mark. We gather in-person at 912 W. St. Germain Street, St. Cloud, MN; online at https://live.refuge.mn; and on the radio at http://refuge.fm or 96.1 FM (in the St. Cloud area).  This is the day that the Lord had made—we will rejoice and be glad in it!
God is just as concerned about today as He was the day His Son rode into Jerusalem on a lowly donkey as the Suffering Servant. We have no idea how many holy crossroads we pass through over the course of a day. He has prepared good works for us to walk in from before the very foundations of the world. And these good works could be just as consequential as Jesus riding in on that young donkey. For God saw this day and He knew this day was coming. He longs to show himself strong on your behalf—this day and every day that He graciously gives you! So let us walk through our day with eyes open and a soul excited for what God has prepared, planned, and prophesied for us, and our families, and our fellowship. This is the day that the Lord had made—we will rejoice and be glad in it!  “This is the day that the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it.”
This is something we say and sing to ourselves and each other to remind us that God is still on His throne. He made this day, He saw this day, and He prepared for this day from before the foundations of the world. But where does this quote come from? It’s more than a verse from a song—it’s scripture! This declaration of providence is from Psalm 118 and describes the coming of the Messiah. There was a day that was very special. It was a that God planned and prepare from before the foundations of the world. Watch or listen to our study of Mark 11:1-11 as we considered what made that specific day so special. Join us Sunday at 10am (central) as we worship the Lord and continue our study in the Gospel of Mark. We gather in-person at 912 W. St. Germain Street, St. Cloud, MN; online at https://live.refuge.mn; and on the radio at http://refuge.fm or 96.1 FM (in the St. Cloud area).
Each and every one of us will stand before the Lord and give an account for every single deed every single word and every single thought.
For unbelievers, that Day should be something to fear—and should be motivation to turn to Jesus for salvation. For believers, that Day shouldn’t be something to fear, but something to factor in every choice we make. It will be an accounting—not for punishment or sin, but for authentically motivated service for Jesus. This should influence our decisions every day. While life on earth is short, what we do in here and now affects the life to come. Watch or listen to our study of Mark 10:24-31 as we considered the importance of living in the light of eternity. |
From Pastor Dom...When I first gave my life to Jesus, there were friends in my life who helped me to grow in my understanding of God, through His word, and for those friends Archives
August 2024
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