Conservative Friends Bible Study of Mark #14 Chapter 09 Verse 01 - 08

In this episode, Henry introduces Mark 9:1-8 by reviewing the importance to early Friends of Mark 8:34 that if one wishes to become a true follower of Christ, the Messiah, one “must deny himself (i.e., renounce one's ego) and take up one's (inward) cross and (then come) follow Christ.” Early Friends believed that a continual inward crucifixion/execution/putting to death of all thoughts, words, desires and deeds not in conformity with God’s will must happen in the believer in order for one to be in alignment with God’s will.   Mark 9:1, according to early Friends the first coming of Christ in oneself (the first appearance of Christ) is the awareness within the individual of his/her sinfulness before God. The Light of Christ shows this state to the individual. The second phase of this is a complete transformation of one’s mindset, one’s way of thinking (Greek: “metanoia”) in the believer, resulting in a total humble submission to God through a complete crucifixion/putting to death of “self" (ego) for Him. This transformation (“metanoia”) is the focus of the believer’s energies, with God’s help.In discussing scripture, Henry says that Robert Barclay wrote that the same Spirit of God who spoke to and through the various writers of the New Testament was and has continued to be active among humans . . . so much so that it is conceivable for us too today to speak with the same depth of authority as the writers of the New Testament, if and when we are in complete conformity with God’s will.  It is essential for us to continue to submit ourselves in obedience to the Holy Spirit. The words given to us in meeting for worship must be from Him and not from our human selves. Do we always hear perfectly? No.  But we need to continually be sensitive to His leading and to be willing to share only what He is speaking to us.Mark 9:2-8. The Greek word for the Latin/English “transfiguration" is “metamorphōsis”, a complete change in the form and shape of Jesus. “This is my beloved Son” is a special denotation given in reference to Jesus. A “son” is greater than a “prophet”. v. Hebrews 1:2. The "only begotten" [Son] is a translation of the Greek word “monogenēs” which means “unique" or "one of a kind".Notes by the hostMetanoia = meta-no-ia = a transformation of one’smindset, repentanceGreek roots: -gno- = mindset, mind;meta- = changeMetanoeō v. – repentWilliam Penn ~ metanoia:Convincement = state of being convicted, state of being found guilty. Convinced = convictedConversion - turning to GodAmendment of lifeMetamorphōsis = meta-morph-ōsis;Greek root: morph = shape, form; Latin: transfiguratioMetamorpheō v. to change formIn biblical language “clouds” indicate an theophany (a manifestation of God) in biblical language.Voice from heaven points to the God given authority of a teacherHuios – sonMonogenēs adj.– only begotten, unique, one of a kindReferences:Robert Barclay: An Apology for the True Christian DivinityThe words to the music are from Isaac Penington in 1861. The music was composed and sung by Paulette Meier. Interested in discovering first hand some of the distinctives of Christ-centered, Conservative Friends, waiting, Quaker worship? Consider some of Ohio Yearly Meeting's online meetings for worship (linked here). We warmly invite everyone to attend our meetings for worship to get to know us (and our worship) better! A complete list of our podcasts,  organized into topics, is available on our website.We will be publishing video interviews with Conservative Friends on YouTube.  See our YouTube channel.  The first interview is with Susan Smith. To learn more about Ohio Yearly Meeting (Conservative) of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers), please visit  ohioyearlymeeting.org. Those interested in exploring the distinctives of Conservative Friends waiting worship should consider checking out our many Zoom Online Worship opportunities during the week here. All are welcome! We also have several Zoom study groups.  Check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website.   Advices read in these podcasts can be found on page 29 in our Book Of Discipline.We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes.   Contact us through our website.