Following Jesus through Turbulent Times

A Chapter a Day

• Sunday, January 10, Mark 1
• Monday, January 11, Mark 2           
• Tuesday, January 12, Mark 3
• Wednesday, January 13, Mark 4
• Thursday, January 14, Mark 5
• Friday, January 15, Mark 6
• Saturday, January 16, Mark 7

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Why are these such turbulent, unsettling times?

• – disease and disruptions.
• Political .
• Tribal tendencies exacerbated by new technology/media.
• Loss of shared (worldview).
• fragmentation.
• decline.

“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33, ESV) 

“I’ve told you all this so that trusting me, you will be unshakable and assured, deeply at peace. In this godless world you will continue to experience difficulties. But take heart! I’ve conquered the world.” (John 16:33, MSG)

During these turbulent times, it’s more important than ever for followers of Jesus to:

1. in the .

³¹ So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, ³² and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:31-32, ESV)

Jesus prayed: “Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth” (John 17:17, ESV)

2. Stay to other faithful followers of Jesus.

And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. (Acts 2:42, ESV)

 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, ²⁵ not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. (Hebrews 10:24-25, ESV)

Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. (1 Peter 5:8, ESV)

3. Invest in building up our and .

“But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” (Joshua 24:15, ESV)

4. Be verbal for Jesus and the gospel.

but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect (1 Peter 3:15, ESV)

5. Let our light shine through our in our community.

In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. (Matthew 6:16, ESV).

6. Be engaged in the guided by the principles of God’s word. 

• Vote our foundational biblical values – life, marriage, religious liberty, and the rule of law.

Be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, ¹⁴ or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good. (1 Peter 2:13-14, ESV)

• Treat those who are elected with honor and respect.

⁵ Therefore one must be in subjection, not only to avoid God’s wrath but also for the sake of conscience. ⁶ For because of this you also pay taxes, for the authorities are ministers of God, attending to this very thing. ⁷ Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed, respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed. (Romans 13:5-7, ESV)

• for those who are elected.

First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, ² for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. (1 Timothy 2:1-2, ESV)

• • Pray for their physical health and spiritual condition.
  • Pray that they would acknowledge God’s sovereignty and seek God’s guidance.
  • Pray that they would lead with wisdom and integrity.
  • Pray that they would ensure a peaceful and just social order.
  • Pray that they would treat followers of Jesus equitably.

• Remember that while matters related to politics and civil government do matter and are important, they are not .

¹⁷ Tell us, then, what you think. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?” ¹⁸ But Jesus, aware of their malice, said, “Why put me to the test, you hypocrites? ¹⁹ Show me the coin for the tax.” And they brought him a denarius. ²⁰ And Jesus said to them, “Whose likeness and inscription is this?” ²¹ They said, “Caesar’s.” Then he said to them, “Therefore render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” (Matthew 22:15-21, ESV) 

But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, (Philippians 3:20, ESV)

7. Renew our commitment to following Jesus with confidence and joy, even if we must for it,  because we know that in Christ the best is yet to come!

And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. (Philippians 1:6, ESV)