Ray Bentley Ray Bentley

Is Jesus some ivory towers savior who rules from on high but doesn't know the plight of the common man? No. He came to Earth as a common man and experienced real pain like we do. Even to the point of being brutally beaten and crucified today. What encouragement and reassurance that offers.

Mark 15:21

We refer to Jesus as Lord. It's as if it's a second name or a term of endearment. Actually, if Jesus is Lord, He's in charge. Calling Jesus, Lord means we acquiesce. We yield to His leadership and direction. And today, Pastor Ray points out Jesus invited that devotion.

Mark 15:21-32

Suffering and injustice is painful. Plotting revenge or retribution somehow pacifies our flesh. We want to settle the score. But was that Jesus approach? Pastor races. It was just the opposite. Jesus taught us to forgive our enemies, to bless them. We'll see the benefits of that approach today. Mark Chapter 15:1-20

Many of us can think of certain court cases that were highly irregular. Certain facets of the proceeding called into question whether the outcome was just inappropriate. Today, Pastor Ray points out those same kinds of concerns hung over the trial of Jesus like dark thunderclouds.

Mark 14

When Jesus faced serious accusations after he was betrayed in the garden, he became a life and death matter. He had the opportunity to defend himself. Yet he didn't. Why? Why hand his accusers an uncontested victory? We'll find out today as pastor leads our study of the final hours of The Lord's life.

Mark 14

Today, it's a dramatic moment when Jesus was in the garden of good, summoning God incarnate faced a tremendous sacrifice. His disciples pledged their devotion even unto death, then couldn't even stay awake long enough to pray with Jesus. Today, a lesson on perseverance in the midst of spiritual battle. Mark 14:27