My Walk With Him: And Jesus began to say to them, “See that no one leads you astray. Many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he!’ and they will lead many astray. And when you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed. This must take place, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places; there will be famines. These are but the beginning of the birth pains.

Monday, December 22, 2025

And Jesus began to say to them, “See that no one leads you astray. Many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he!’ and they will lead many astray. And when you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed. This must take place, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places; there will be famines. These are but the beginning of the birth pains.

And Jesus began to say to them, “See that no one leads you astray. Many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he!’ and they will lead many astray. And when you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed. This must take place, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places; there will be famines. These are but the beginning of the birth pains. Mark 13:5-8

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 13:1-23, 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 cares for us - He does not want us to trust in things of this world - such as a wonderful temple (vv1-2). He seeks for as many as possible to be saved - despite how all of us are broken and sinful. He seeks for us to avoid falling prey to false prophets (v5). God will pronounce judgement and He wants us to know in advance what will happen - see vv7-8, 19, 23. He seeks for us to bear witness before others - v9 - and to proclaim the gospel to all nations v10. When we are persecuted in His name, He will guide us in what to say - v11. He will save those who endure - v13.
What do we learn from the passage about people?: Many are manipulative and deceptive - seeking glory for themselves - wrongfully and sinfully. Even family and loved ones will betray us - see v12.
Is there anything from the passage God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid,Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): Avoid putting to much trust in the world and in other people - above God. God will save those who endure. Trust in Him above all to help You during times of trouble - He will guide You, hold You, protect You and give You words to say. Take comfort in knowing what will happen now and during end times - be prepared, stay close and abide in Him.

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My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves and who protects, guides, and saves! Thank You Jesus! I am not deserving of such love and blessings. My sin is great and it continues...daily. Please forgive me Jesus 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.