Pastor Rich's Blog

Encounter #44 : “ Are You a Good Tenant?” Read: Mark 12:1-12 Jesus spoke a parable, which is a story or illustration that conveys a specific meaning. This portion of Scripture is often called “The Parable of the Vineyard.” The owner of the vineyard is God. He rents it out to caretakers,tenants or stewarts. The vineyard represents Israel and the tenants are the Jewish religious leaders. The tenants are responisble for the fruitfulness of the vineyard. The religious leaders are responsible for teaching the truth. The owner of the vineyard required payment from the tenants. In this case, some of the fruit was given as rental payment to  someone the owner sent to receive it. The owner (God) sent representatives (Prophets) to the vineyard (Israel) to check on the vineyard to receive rent (Fruitfulness). But the caretakers (Religious Leaders) beat some of the representatives and killed some. Therefore, the owner (God) sent His only beloved Son (Jesus). But They killed

Encounter #43: “ Let Jesus In” Read: Mark 11:1-33 Jesus wants to send someone to you so you can witness to that person about Jesus. The Lord has need of you! As Jesus came into Jerusalem on the colt, the people shouted “Hosanna.” That means, “Save us, Lord.” They wanted to be saved from the Roman oppression that ruled over them. But Jesus came to save them from their sins. Jesus came into the outer court of the Temple. He did a spot check. It was late evening and everything was quiet on the surface. He will return later. Jesus does a “spot check” on us as we read His Word. Let Him check your heart. Later Jesus spots a fig tree. He was hungry. It wasn't the season for leaves or figs. Figs usually grow first, then the leaves come out. There were leaves on the tree, which meant there should have been figs. Not! The fig tree was deceptive. It looked good on the outside. But where were the figs? It was barren and unproductive. Jesus looks at our hearts. Not the outw

Encounter # 42: “ Faith--->Wholeness” Read: Mark 10:46-52 Great multitudes continued to follow Jesus. Bartimaeus was a blind man who was begging along the side of the road. He heard that Jesus of Nazareth was passing by. Bartimaeus knew where Jesus was from, but he also knew Who Jesus was. He called Jesus the Son of David. He knew Jesus was the Messiah. Many people know Jesus was born in Bethlehem and grew up in Nazareth. But do they know Him as the Messiah, the Son of David? Blind Bartimaeus cried out to Jesus for mercy. He wasn't seeking money, but he was looking for mercy. Many people around Bartimaeus told him to be quiet. “Don't bother Jesus.” But he cried louder. He wanted to get Jesus' attention. Never stop crying out to Jesus. Don't let anyone or anything hinder you from calling out to Jesus. What did Jesus do? He stood still. The Son stood still! The blind man got His attention. Jesus commanded Bartimaeus to be called. Now Jesus is c

Encounter #41: “ Servanthood” Read: Mark 10:32-45 As Jesus was leading His disciples, again He predicted that He would be condemned, the Gentiles will kill Him and on the third day He would rise from the dead. They again did not understand this and even James and John went as far as requesting a notable position for themselves when Jesus went to heaven. The mother of James and John also supported their request. They wanted to sit next to Jesus on His throne. Jesus questioned them as to whether they would be willing to suffer and die for Him. Would they be willing to “drink”and be “baptized” with suffering. They said they were willing to do it. Jesus said that they would indeed go through suffering and death for Him. But as far as making the seating arrangements for them in Heaven, it was His Father's job to do that. The other apostles were indignant about James' and John's request. Jesus used this incident as a teaching lesson on authority