Mark’s Gospel – In Mark’s time, Graeco-Roman “biographies” tended to focus on the death of a person. That is one reason Mark’s Gospel spends so much time on the death of Jesus. Roman people wanted to know how a person died, not simply how they lived. That is why Mark tells the story of the Roman centurion who stood facing Jesus at the cross. When he saw how Jesus died, he confessed that Jesus was a Son of God. But Mark does something that Graeco-Roman biographers didn’t do: he tells the story of Jesus’ glorious life after hideous death. This week Bo will preach on the resurrection of Jesus (Mark 15:42-16:8).
Brackets – What do you do when you are reading Mark 16 and come across this phrase: [Some of the earliest manuscripts do not include 16:9–20.]? Ignore it, and keep reading? Freak out, and close the Bible? Research it, and trust Jesus? We need to be aware of the issues behind the “bracketed text” in Mark 16. We will tackle those issues in the Adult Bible Class for the next two sessions.
Deacons – This Sunday the following men will be ordained as deacons at New Hope Church: Aaron Ellis, Brandon Musgrove, and Jason Toombs. The ordination service will take place at the end of worship. Praise God for his good and faithful servants!
“Table Talk” will resume at Marq and Shannon’s house this Sunday @ 6 PM. Read over John 21 before you come. Refreshments provided. All are invited.
Toys and Supplies – Recently our church was blessed through another church with lots of preschool toys and supplies. Our plan is: First, to incorporate what we can into our classrooms. (If any Moms would like to help organize and re-arrange, we will meet at the church this coming Saturday the 28th at 9:00 am.) Second, after we place what we need into our classrooms, then New Hope parents will be invited to get items they would like to have for a small donation. That will take place after worship on February 5th. Finally, the rest of the items will be sold and all the proceeds (and donations) will be used to help a family at New Hope. Please contact Shannon if you have any questions.
