Author: Jim Cantelon

Read Mark 15

Key Verse: Mark 15:39 “…Truly this man was the Son of God.” So why are you a Christian? Because you were raised that way? Perhaps it’s because of Sunday School, or the witness of a friend. Maybe reading the Bible did it. Whatever. But why a Christian, rather than a Buddhist or Muslim? Why not an atheist? There’s only one answer to that: “Jesus”. Never in the history of this planet has there ever been such a man. For those who’ve been confronted by His presence, or who’ve taken the time to study His ministry and personal claims, there’s...

Read Mark 14

Key Verse: Mark 14:31 & 50 “…’If I have to die with You, I will not deny You!’ And they all said likewise…then they all forsook Him and fled.” I can identify with the disciples. they were keen, energetic fellows, with more than their fair share of courage–it takes a brave man to parry the ardent questions and objections of friends, relatives, and a wife concerning a three year stint of irresponsible wandering with a zealot from Galilee. I can just hear Peter’s wife asking, “But how do you expect to pay this year’s taxes if you...

Read Mark 13

Key Verse: Mark 13:10 “And the gospel must first be preached to all the nations.” Prophecy is a hot subject these days. Especially as we’ve just entered the 1990”s, the last decade of this millenium. There are all kinds of self-made prophets out there, ready and more than willing to predict the future. Then there are the Bible prophecy experts, all preaching their interpretations, so various that the sum total is decidedly uncertain at best and confusing at least. What really complicates the picture, though, is that these prophets and their followers tend to take it personally...

Read Mark 12

Key Verse: Mark 12:30 “…Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength…” I think we need to establish something right off the top–it’s possible to love someone you don’t like. Why? Because love is an act of the will, whereas “like” is the product of the emotions. To like someone means to feel good about him, to love someone means to seek his highest good. And you can seek the highest good of the most dislikeable person on earth, if you choose to. In this chapter, Jesus responds...

October 21, 2020

Matthew 5 Divorce vv.31 & 32 – Part 2 Remember that it was a man’s world. The liberal view of Hillel, the convenience divorce of Greece and Rome, and the syntheses of these cultural norms all led to a man-sided approach. Shamai, although accused of legalism, sided with the woman. He did not want to see women with no rights, especially when it came to the protection and nurture she deserved as a mother and homemaker. Her rights must be recognized and defended. Moses and Jesus agreed. A woman was not a “throw-away”. Indeed, the whole point of Moses providing a “certificate...

Read Mark 11

Key Verse: Mark 11:9 “…Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!” Have you ever thought you’d like to be famous? A household name? You know, someone whom people recognize on the street, write articles about and adulate? And, as you fantasize, you undoubtedly see yourself accepting all this adoration rather quietly and modestly. “I don’t know what all the fuss is about. I’m just an average person–your everyday nice guy.” Pretty heady stuff, nonetheless. But there’s something headier still. Being adored is one thing; being...

Read Mark 10

Key Verse: Mark 10:15 “…Whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it.” I think we’ve all heard it said of some happy senior citizen that he or she is having a “second childhood”. Whereas in their early adulthood and middle age they may have been cautious and thoughtful, now they’re reckless and irresponsible. For years they were serious and committed to their work; now, all they want to do is have fun. Suddenly they’re easily moved emotionally and seemingly over-generous with their monty. It’s enough...

Read Mark 9

Key Verse: Mark 9:7 “…This is My beloved Son. Hear Him!” Today’s reading includes the story of the transfiguration of Jesus as well as a healing of a boy with an evil spirit. It also includes a discussion of who is the greatest among the disciples, and a comment from Jesus on who’s with Him and who’s against Him. It concludes with a look at the importance of consistent living, especially as it relates to one’s example to children. But it’s the story of the transfiguration that captures my interest. Jesus takes Peter, James, and John with Him onto...

October 19, 2020

This “second wave” of Covid is no surprise but it is troubling. It’s a bit much to hear we may be under protocols for another year, barring a vaccine breakthrough. Even those whose tendencies to depression have been minimal are sounding a touch gloomy. Little wonder. We’re made for fellowship. In the book of Acts we read that the early church “devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer” (Acts 2:42). Doctrinal input, communion (table fellowship?), and prayer were all catalyzed by social interaction. The sustainability...

Read Mark 8

Key Verse: Mark 8:18 “Having eyes, do you not see? And having ears, do you not hear? And do you not remember?” This chapter gives us a fascinating insight into the frailty of human nature. Beginning in verse 14 we have a story of the disciples forgetting to bring bread on a boat trip. All they had was one loaf, and they were obviously concerned. Jesus saw their concern and made the most unusual comment. He says, “Beware of the leaven (yeast) of the Pharisees and the leaven of Herod.” The disciples were somewhat flummoxed by this and tried to figure out why Jesus was scolding...

Read Mark 7

Key Verse: Mark 7:8 “…Laying aside the commandment of God, you hold the tradition of men…” If ever you’re tempted to reduce God’s work in your life to a system or formula, read this chapter. In the first half we read about Jesus’ revulsion for human systems and traditions. Specifically, He attacks formulas for righteousness. The issue was what is, and what isn’t, “kosher” (or “clean”). The Pharisees were upset because Jesus’ disciples were eating food without washing their hands beforehand. Jesus reacts by quoting...

Read Mark 6

Key Verse: Mark 6:50 “Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.” If there’s anything for which Jesus is most remembered by the secular world (apart from the Christmas story), it’s something recorded in this chapter: Jesus walking on the water. He and the disciples had just finished a very labour-intensive (to say nothing of people-intensive) task, the feeding of the five thousand. He insisted His disciples take a break, in fact we read, “He made His disciples get into the boat…” while He, himself, went “to the mountain to pray.” Later...