“Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken to him: “Before the rooster crows twice you will disown me three times.” And he broke down and wept.” Mark 14:72
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Mark’s gospel is straight and to the point. In just a few words we get a glimpse of what must have been a terrible agony

“He does great things past finding out,
Yes, wonders without number.” Job 9:10
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What an incredible truth!

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God.” Romans 12:2
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It would be tough (impossible maybe?) to discern the will of God while conformed to this world. It’s a good Monday thought

What Advice Would You Give To An 18 Year Old You? (EP235)
#GrangerSmithPodcast

“There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus” Romans 8:1
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But there is condemnation for everyone outside of Christ.

“For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts” Mark 7:21
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The problem in the world is always the heart of man. We must look outside of us to the One who creates new hearts.

“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 6:23
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We have a debt too big to pay. God provided one Way to clear the record. Jesus.

What Does It Mean To Be A Man? (ep234)
#GrangerSmithPodcast

“For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.” Romans 5:6
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I’m so glad Jesus forgave me after I finally got my act together!

Wait. Hang on. I don’t think that’s what the verse means.

“(Abraham) did not waver at the promise of God” Romans 4:20
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And that faith was “accounted to him for righteousness.” (verse 22) In other words- it wasn’t his model citizen law keeping that made him right in God’s eyes. It was faith alone.

“There is no difference; for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus” Romans 3:23-24
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Fellow sinners, let this take root in your heart.

“How is it that (Jesus) eats and drinks with tax collectors and sinners?” Mark 2:16
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Interesting how this verse is used to defend a kind of universal acceptance by Jesus. Verse 17 clarifies that he did this to call them to repentance. He desires transformation not stagnation.

“For in (the gospel) the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith” Romans 1:17
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Or basically—beginning and ending in faith.

Meditating on this verse awakened Martin Luther sparking the reformation.

“Go quickly and tell His disciples that He is risen from the dead” Matthew 28:7
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Two women first carried the greatest news on earth. If the story was made up, it would have used men to make it more believable in the 1st century. But that’s not the case here.

“Pilate said to them, “What then shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?”
They all said to him, “Let Him be crucified!” Mat 27:22
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Not for one second should we believe we wouldn’t have been cheering right along with that crowd—kill him!

“Peter said to Him, “Even if I have to die with You, I will not deny You!” Matthew 26:35
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A few hours later…
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“Then he began to curse and swear, saying, “I do not know the Man!” Matthew 26:74
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The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak.

“Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.” Mat 25:40
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To love Jesus is to love people.

“Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away.” Matthew 24:35
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Jesus makes two things clear here— things as we know it will end. His word transcends that.

“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs which indeed appear beautiful outwardly, but inside are full of dead men’s bones and all uncleanness.” Mat 23:27
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Yeah! You hypocrites! Thank God I’m not like…wait…uh oh.