What do I know with Isaac Carroll

Isaac Carroll
  • 5.0 (9)
  • EDUCATION

searching for truth and meaning in scripture.

  1. SEP 26

    mark 14, Breaking Vials and Breaking Hearts: The Cost of Devotion

    Send us a text What does genuine devotion to Jesus look like? Mark 14 presents a striking contrast between a woman who gives her most precious possession and disciples who can't stay awake for one hour of prayer. The chapter opens with an extraordinary act of devotion. A woman (identified elsewhere as Mary) breaks an alabaster vial of pure nard—likely her dowry and most valuable possession—and pours it over Jesus' head. When criticized for this "waste," Jesus defends her actions, declaring she has prepared his body for burial and that her sacrificial gift will be remembered wherever the gospel is preached. Her story challenges us to examine what we're willing to give up to honor Christ. The narrative shifts to the Last Supper, where Jesus transforms a traditional Passover meal into something revolutionary. Breaking bread and sharing wine, he establishes a new covenant with profound marriage symbolism. In Jewish custom, offering a cup was similar to a marriage proposal—those who drank accepted the proposal. Jesus then predicts his betrayal, and despite their protests of undying loyalty, foretells that all his disciples will abandon him. This tension between intended devotion and actual behavior reaches its climax in Gethsemane, where the disciples sleep while Jesus prays in anguish, "Not my will, but yours be done." The betrayal, arrest, and mock trial reveal human injustice at its worst. Judas betrays Jesus with a kiss; false witnesses can't coordinate their stories; religious leaders condemn him for acknowledging his identity. Meanwhile, Peter—who vowed to die with Jesus—denies knowing him three times before the rooster crows. His bitter tears of regret mirror our own experiences of failing Christ despite our best intentions. Through these events, Mark 14 speaks to our struggles with commitment, fear, and faithfulness. Listen as we explore how Jesus faced betrayal and suffering with dignity and purpose, offering us a path of redemption even when we fail him most deeply. Have you ever considered what your alabaster jar might be—and whether you're willing to break it for Jesus? Support the show May God bless you and lead you always.

    21 min

  2. SEP 23

    Stay Alert: Jesus Warns About the Coming Days in Mark 13

    Send us a text From the ominous "abomination of desolation" to the watchful eye of the fig tree, Mark 13 unfolds like a prophetic roadmap that spans centuries. Jesus sits with his disciples on the Mount of Olives, directly facing the temple, and delivers one of Scripture's most profound prophecies about what lies ahead. The mysterious "abomination of desolation" stands at the heart of this discourse, creating two theological streams that flow through Christian interpretation. Did this prophecy find fulfillment when Roman forces desecrated the temple in 70 AD, prompting early believers to flee Jerusalem for safety? Or does it point to a future third temple where the Antichrist will establish himself? Both views offer compelling perspectives, reminding us that faith thrives in the tension between what we know and what remains veiled. As cosmic signs darken the sun and moon, as stars fall from heaven, Jesus paints a vivid portrait of his triumphant return. He'll gather his elect "from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of heaven." Yet amid these grand apocalyptic images, he offers the simple, grounding parable of the fig tree – when its branches become tender and leaves sprout, summer approaches. Similarly, when these signs appear, his return stands "right at the door." The generation witnessing these harbingers will see everything fulfilled, though "no one knows the day or hour." This tension between knowing the season yet not the moment compels us toward spiritual vigilance. Four times Jesus commands us to "stay alert," likening himself to a master returning home unexpectedly. Will he find us asleep or watchful? The question hangs in the air, as relevant today as when first spoken. Listen closely as we unpack these prophecies, acknowledging both their mystery and their message. Subscribe now for our continuing journey through Mark's Gospel as we move next into chapter 14. Support the show May God bless you and lead you always.

    13 min

  3. SEP 13

    Mark 13, Stones of Jerusalem: Jesus Predicts the Temple's Fall

    Send us a text Jesus' prophecy about the temple's destruction opens a window into both historical fulfillment and future warnings. Standing before Jerusalem's magnificent structures—buildings that impressed even Rome—Jesus makes an unthinkable claim: not one stone would remain upon another. This prophecy, literally fulfilled when Romans destroyed Jerusalem in 70 AD, launches us into Mark 13's profound examination of what believers should expect as history unfolds. When asked about timing and signs, Jesus expands beyond the temple's fate to broader end-time events. Wars, earthquakes, and famines become "birth pains"—intensifying signals of something greater approaching. Yet the most striking warnings concern persecution: believers standing before councils, enduring beatings, facing governors and kings. These trials serve dual purposes—testing faith while creating opportunities for powerful witness. The passage contains one of Scripture's most challenging statements: "The one who perseveres to the end will be saved." This isn't about earning salvation through endurance but about genuine faith demonstrating itself through consistent practice. Just as doctors practice medicine with intentional daily effort, true believers practice God's love as an ongoing commitment. Galatians contrasts the acts of the flesh with the fruit of the Spirit, showing how authentic faith manifests in character transformation. Today's world, with its division and hatred, makes Jesus' warning that "the love of most will grow cold" disturbingly relevant. Constant exposure to negativity builds protective calluses around our hearts. Yet Christ calls us to maintain vulnerable, loving hearts even when that vulnerability invites pain. This may be our greatest end-times challenge—not just enduring persecution but resisting the numbing effect of widespread hatred to continue loving authentically. Join us next time as we continue exploring Mark 13, starting at verse 14. Support the show May God bless you and lead you always.

    16 min

  4. SEP 1

    Breaking Down Mark 12: Parables, Taxes, and Unwavering Faith

    Send us a text The seemingly simple stories Jesus told often carried profound spiritual truths that still challenge us today. In this thoughtful exploration of Mark 12, we journey through several confrontations between Jesus and the religious authorities who sought to trap him with clever questions. Jesus begins with the Parable of the Tenants, a story that pointedly condemns the religious leaders while affirming God's faithfulness to His covenants. When challenged about paying taxes to Caesar, Jesus offers the brilliant response that has guided Christians through political complexities for centuries: "Render unto Caesar what is Caesar's, and unto God what is God's." This wasn't just clever wordplay—it was a profound reminder that while coins bear Caesar's image, we bear God's image and owe Him our very lives. The Sadducees attempt to discredit the resurrection with a convoluted marriage scenario, but Jesus silences them by revealing their fundamental misunderstanding of both scripture and heaven's reality. He delivers the knockout argument from Exodus where God calls Himself "the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob," proving these patriarchs must still be alive in some form. The chapter concludes with the widow's offering—two copper coins given in complete faith—demonstrating that God values sacrifice over abundance. Her willingness to give everything challenges us to examine what true faith costs in our own lives. How might your perspective change if you approached giving, not from what you can afford to lose, but from total dependence on God's provision? Join us as we unpack these timeless teachings that continue to transform hearts two thousand years later. Support the show May God bless you and lead you always.

    16 min

  5. AUG 27

    The Fig Tree Without Fruit Teaches Us About Our Spiritual Lives, walking thru Mark 11

    Send us a text The spiritual journey from blindness to sight forms the heart of today's powerful exploration of Mark 10-11. We unpack the profound symbolism behind blind Bartimaeus—whose very name means "son of the highly esteemed"—and discover how his story mirrors our own spiritual condition. Like Bartimaeus, we're all blind children crying out for restoration, seeking the sight that only Jesus can provide. When Jesus enters Jerusalem to shouts of "Hosanna" (save us now!), we witness prophecy fulfilled before our eyes. But the most striking lesson comes through Jesus' encounter with a leafy yet fruitless fig tree. This seemingly simple moment unveils a profound truth: appearances can deceive. Many Christians try to manufacture spiritual fruit through sheer willpower, but Jesus teaches us that genuine fruit only comes through connection to Him as the true vine. Without this vital connection, we remain beautiful yet barren trees. The cleansing of the temple reminds us of God's jealousy for pure worship. His house should be a place of prayer for all nations, not a marketplace for religious exploitation. This episode, alongside Jesus' teachings on prayer and authority, calls us to approach God with both confidence and reverence. As we reflect on these passages, we're challenged to examine our own spiritual condition. Are we crying out for healing like Bartimaeus? Are we connected to the vine and bearing fruit? Are we approaching God with proper reverence? Join us as we continue our journey through Mark's Gospel, discovering timeless truths that transform our relationship with the divine. Subscribe now and share your thoughts on how these teachings are reshaping your spiritual walk! Support the show May God bless you and lead you always.

    17 min

  6. AUG 20

    The Radical Call: Jesus on Marriage, Wealth, and Humility in Mark 10

    Send us a text Ever felt torn between what God's Word clearly says and what feels right in your heart? In this raw and deeply personal exploration of Mark chapter 10, we confront some of Jesus' most challenging teachings head-on. The journey begins with Jesus' uncompromising stance on divorce and remarriage—words that once tore at my own heart as a man who has experienced multiple marriages. I share my painful struggle with these passages and how I found resolution without compromising Scripture's authority. This honest testimony reveals a profound truth many modern believers miss: God prioritizes our holiness over our happiness. We then explore Jesus' surprising emphasis on childlike faith. When the disciples tried to prevent children from approaching Jesus, He became indignant. But what exactly does it mean to "receive the kingdom like a child"? The answer isn't childish innocence but radical dependence—a complete reliance on God that modern self-sufficiency resists. The rich young ruler's encounter with Jesus further illustrates how our attachments—whether to wealth, status, or comfort—can become obstacles to true discipleship. While this man kept all the commandments, his wealth had become his identity and security. Jesus loved him enough to challenge him directly, revealing how cultural assumptions about prosperity as divine blessing can distort our spiritual perspective. Finally, we witness James and John's audacious request for positions of honor, exposing how deeply human nature craves significance. Jesus responds by completely inverting worldly values: "Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant." This upside-down kingdom—where the first become last and the last become first—challenges everything our achievement-oriented culture celebrates. Whether you're wrestling with difficult scriptural teachings, struggling to surrender cherished possessions, or seeking true significance, this study invites you to embrace the radical, counter-cultural heart of Jesus' message. Join us as we discover that authentic discipleship isn't about enhancing our current lifestyle but about complete reorientation toward God's priorities. Support the show May God bless you and lead you always.

    21 min

  7. AUG 15

    Mark 9, Help My Unbelief: Finding God When Doubt Creeps In

    Send us a text Have you ever found yourself praying, "I believe, but help my unbelief"? This raw, honest confession from a desperate father in Mark 9 creates one of scripture's most relatable moments and serves as our entry point into exploring faith's complex terrain. Mark's ninth chapter takes us from mountain heights to valley struggles. We journey alongside Peter, James, and John as they witness Jesus transfigured in blinding glory, conversing with Moses and Elijah, and confirmed by the Father's voice from heaven. This spectacular vision fulfills Jesus' promise that some would see "the kingdom of God come with power" before tasting death. Yet these same disciples quickly stumble from this spiritual high into failure, unable to heal a boy tormented by an evil spirit. The chapter challenges our understanding of spiritual authority, greatness, and sin. Jesus redefines greatness by placing a child—the lowest-status person in ancient society—at the center of his teaching. "Whoever wants to be first must be last of all and servant of all," he declares, overturning conventional wisdom. His graphic language about cutting off hands and gouging out eyes that cause us to sin isn't a call for self-mutilation but rather a vivid demand for radical commitment. We must approach sin with surgical seriousness, aggressively removing whatever threatens our spiritual health. Where do you see yourself in this narrative? Are you standing in awe on the mountaintop, struggling with doubt in the valley, arguing about status, or wrestling with persistent sin? Wherever you find yourself, Jesus meets you there with both compassion and challenge. Listen to his words afresh today and consider how they might transform your understanding of discipleship. Support the show May God bless you and lead you always.

    15 min

  8. AUG 4

    Mark 8, Bread of Compassion

    Send us a text The bread of compassion fills both stomachs and souls in our exploration of Mark chapter 8 - where Jesus feeds 4,000 hungry followers and challenges us to examine what truly satisfies our deepest hunger. Jesus demonstrates extraordinary compassion by refusing to send away crowds who had followed him for three days without food. The miracle that follows is more than just an impressive display of divine power - it's rich with symbolic meaning. Seven loaves of bread, seven baskets of leftovers, all connected to biblical completeness and God's provision for both Jews and Gentiles alike. This numerical significance reveals how Jesus fulfills God's promises to all peoples. When Jesus warns his disciples about the "leaven of the Pharisees," they completely miss his point, thinking he's concerned about physical bread. How often do we similarly miss spiritual truths because we're focused on material concerns? The healing of a blind man using saliva presents another fascinating miracle with layers of meaning - perhaps echoing God's creation of humanity from dust, now being recreated through Christ's touch. The chapter reaches its climax when Peter correctly identifies Jesus as "the Christ" but then immediately rebukes him for predicting his suffering and death. Jesus's shocking response - "Get behind me, Satan" - highlights how easily our human thinking can oppose God's purposes. His subsequent teaching delivers one of scripture's most profound paradoxes: "Whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and the gospel will save it." This challenge to surrender our ambitions, comfort, and control strikes at the heart of discipleship. What profit is there in gaining everything this world offers while forfeiting your soul? Join us in this deep dive into Mark 8 and consider what you might need to lose in order to truly live. Support the show May God bless you and lead you always.

    16 min
See All (181)

5
out of 5
9 Ratings

About

searching for truth and meaning in scripture.

Information