Who is the creator? Why did they make this creation? What is the relationship between the creator and the creation?

How we approach scripture matters. What premise are we bringing to the table. Genesis 1-3 starts a lot of arguments. It also flavors the way a Christ follower moves through life. What if we asked the wrong question to begin with? What if it isn't about creation but more importantly about the creator?

I think it may be time to re-examine what the point is. What is the question actually? What do we want?

Here are a few thoughts of mine of why I needed a relaunch

After finishing the entire book of Mark, I sat down with a friend to discuss. I hope this conversation is helpful!

Here is the end of the book of Mark. Depending on your translation, there may be a large footnote in your bible about this chapter. It originally had a very abrupt ending. While that may not have been satisfying to us, it posed a challenge to the reader. As the reader, what would you do next?

I also asked you to take note of a couple questions as you reflect back on your time in the book of Mark:

1. Would other people describe you as a servant? yes or no
   1. How do you feel about that?
   2. Do you want to change that?
2. Do you think of Jesus Christ as a servant? why or why not
   1. How do you describe Jesus?
3. What does it mean to be a disciple of Jesus?

Resources:

Ending of Mark commentaries:

https://www.biblicalarchaeology.org/daily/biblical-topics/new-testament/the-strange-ending-of-the-gospel-of-mark-and-why-it-makes-all-the-difference/

https://ca.thegospelcoalition.org/columns/ad-fontes/what-do-you-do-with-the-end-of-marks-gospel/

https://youtu.be/HGHqu9-DtXk?si=abk2BecFKqLxQlFj

my website: https://www.deborahjmckenzie.com/

Mark chapter 15- The death of Jesus Christ. It has been quite a journey to get here. You may notice that this episode is formatted a little differently. It ends rather abruptly for instance. It is in an effort to highlight the spiritual practice that I get from a Good Friday Service and indeed most of Holy Week (the week prior to Easter). Easter is amazing, don't get me wrong but we really need the week that comes before it. The meaning and weight of Easter comes from the severity of sin and the enormity of the sacrificed that was required. It would certainly do us well to slow down, meditate on the meaning of the events in this chapter.

Resources:

the Bible ReCap (chronological reading resource and podcast): https://www.thebiblerecap.com/

My God My God Why Have You Forsaken Me - Psalm 22

https://www.blueletterbible.org/esv/psa/22/1/s_500001

My Website: https://www.deborahjmckenzie.com/

Jesus gets arrested and endures the trials of the religious leaders. Peter denies Jesus 3 times in a courtyard to strangers. The perfect humanity in Jesus shows one reaction to fear and the imperfect humanity in Peter shows another. We have this opportunity to hold the mirror to ourselves. What is our reaction in the day to day?

My website: https://www.deborahjmckenzie.com/

Chapter 14 is immense! I am breaking it into 2 episodes. Even as we read through these chapters at such a high view, there is just way too much going on for one week. Make sure you are reading through the chapter before you get to the podcast. If you have the time, I highly suggest listening to the chapter in 3 different versions. I typically use NIV, ESV, and NASB. Pick whatever translations are best for you. We are getting into Holy Week. Try not to get bogged down in logistics and timing. That can seriously draw your attention away from the miraculous events that are happening. In case you need a little visual aid though, here are some links to Easter Timelines:

https://understandingfaith.edu.au/the-events-of-easter-part-one/

https://www.christianity.com/wiki/holidays/a-time-line-of-the-passion-week.html

My Website:

https://www.deborahjmckenzie.com/