“Truly, I say to you, all sins will be forgiven the children of man, and whatever blasphemies they utter, but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is guilty of an eternal sin”— for they were saying, “He has an unclean spirit.”

Mark 3:22-30

“Truly, I say to you, all sins will be forgiven the children of man, and whatever blasphemies they utter, but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is guilty of an eternal sin”—  for they were saying, “He has an unclean spirit.” Mark 3:28-30

I continue my study of Mark, leaning on the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for Mark.  Today, I focus on an unassisted review of Mark 3:22-30, which is the text for the next chapter of the commentary. Observations of the text based on the Sword Bible Study Method: 

• What do we learn from the passage about God?: God is Holy and His Name is worthy of worship; He does not tolerate any blasphemy. 
• What do we learn from the passage about people?: People are so concerned about themselves and what they have that they are willing to do anything that get in the way of what they perceive as a threat - including evidence to the contrary.  The scribes were clearly concerned about the threat Jesus posed to their positions and status as arbiters of the law.  Be aware of people who stand between what is Truth and question their motives - what are they protecting?  
• Is there anything from the passage God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey)?:  We should NEVER blaspheme God's name.  God promises to eternally punish those who do blaspheme His name. We should be unified as a church globally and avoid divisions that are meaningless - even in the face of disagreement, we should strive to be peaceful about resolving conflict.  Scripture lays out how to deal with disagreement in the church.  

While Jesus' words in the text focuses on division among Satan's minions and how Jesus is not Satan because this would mean Satan's house is "divided" and "cannot stand," for similar reasons, the church must be unified.  This post from about a year and a half ago on church unity is apt, as it emphasizes unity in diversity based on 1 Corinthians 12:11-31.  Here is another post worth a read on this topic based on Ephesians 4:1-3, 15-16. 

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My Prayer: Father God, thank You so much for my brothers and sisters in Christ and how You knit us together as a global church.  It is incredible to see and experience and of course a blessing in my own journey with You.  I am not deserving of my salvation, nor any of the blessings such as these that You pour out for me.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.