Hope for Today (English)

Jesus told the rich young ruler, “Go your way, sell whatever you have and give to the poor.” Does Jesus require that of us if we want to receive eternal life? In this episode, J. Mark explores Mark 10:17–31, the account of the rich young ruler who came to Jesus seeking eternal life. As Jesus challenged the young man to sell his possessions and give to the poor, He exposed the true condition of his heart. In this lesson, we follow the directions Jesus gave the rich young ruler, learning to look upward to Christ, inward at our priorities, outward beyond self-reliance, and onward to the hope of eternal life.

Children are an important part of God's kingdom. In this episode, J. Mark explores Mark 10:13–16, where Jesus demonstrates the high value He places on children. While the disciples and religious leaders did not regard children as important, Jesus showed them that their perspective was flawed. He highlighted both the value and the virtues of children, teaching that we must become like little children to enter His kingdom. Join us for "Children of the Kingdom" as we discover what it means to have childlike faith and learn the importance of valuing the children God has placed in our lives. Chapters (00:00:00) - Jesus on the Children of the Kingdom(00:06:04) - The Virtues of Children of the Kingdom(00:10:58) - Jesus' Love for Children(00:13:12) - Hope for Today

In this episode, J. Mark concludes his study of Jesus’ teaching on divorce and remarriage in Mark 10:6-12. In Part 1 of “Maybe I Do,” we explored the confrontation and the concession. In this episode, we return to Genesis with Jesus as He clarifies God’s original design for marriage. Jesus teaches that marriage is intended to be a lifelong covenant that reflects the relationship between Christ and His Church. We examine the seriousness of divorce, the impact of broken families on society, and the Church’s responsibility to uphold and model biblical marriage.

What does Jesus teach about divorce? In part 1 of “Maybe, I Do,” we see the Pharisees challenge Jesus with questions on divorce in Mark 10:1-12.  J. Mark explores the cultural and religious views of divorce that the Pharisees had, and Jesus’ response to these views. Jesus takes us back to the beginning, in the Garden of Eden, where God created marriage, and clarifies God’s original plan and purpose for marriage. Chapters (00:00:00) - Hope for Today(00:01:05) - What is Radical Discipleship? (Mark 9, 42,(00:09:21) - Radical Discipleship

As followers of Jesus, we are to learn from him and grow more like him. This is discipleship. In this episode, J. Mark takes us through Mark 9:42-50, where we see Jesus lay out the qualities of radical discipleship. We see how when we embrace radical love, radical purity, and radical obedience, we can make a difference in our lives and in the world around us.

In this episode, Bible teacher J. Mark explores the values Jesus taught His disciples in Mark 9:30-41. As Jesus continues preparing the disciples for His coming death and resurrection, He challenges them by emphasizing three values of His kingdom: anonymity, humility, and inclusivity. J. Mark shows how Jesus modeled servant-hearted living as the suffering servant, welcomed the overlooked, and called His followers to work together in unity. This episode encourages believers to seek first the kingdom of God by embracing these values.   Chapters (00:00:00) - Hope for Today(00:00:56) - Kingdom Values(00:04:01) - Kingdom Values(00:13:19) - What is His Kingdom?

In this episode, J. Mark discusses the four kinds of faith revealed in Mark 9:14-29. Through this account of the demon-possessed boy, we see examples of different kinds of faith coupled with the power of God. Jesus invites us to place our faith in Him, but sometimes our faith is weak. The father of the demon-possessed boy in Mark 9:24 pleads, “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!” This illustrates how our imperfect faith can be brought to Jesus and we can grow in our faith. Will we continue to have weak or misplaced faith, or will we pursue a seeking and healing faith that reveals our dependence on God?

In this episode, J. Mark continues our study by looking at Mark 9:9-13. Jesus and His disciples descend from the mountain after the Transfiguration, but what began as a glorious mountaintop experience gives way to the reality of suffering, rejection, and the shadow of the cross. In “Shadows of Suffering,” we explore Jesus’ mysterious command to remain silent, and the disciples’ confusion about His coming death and resurrection. J. Mark explores the significance of Elijah and John the Baptist in this account and reminds us that soon the shadows of this life will dispel with Jesus’ return. 

How was Christ unveiled in Mark 9:1-8? In this episode, J. Mark explores the transfiguration—where Jesus’ glory is revealed to the apostles. For a moment, the curtain is pulled back, giving a glimpse of heaven and revealing Christ as He truly is. This powerful encounter left a lasting mark on the disciples and speaks to us today. Join us as we examine three details that deepen our understanding of this pivotal event. 

In this episode, we continue our study in Mark 8:34-38, exploring “The Cost of Discipleship” and what it means to follow Jesus. Building on our previous discussion, J. Mark unpacks the second and third essential actions of discipleship: taking up your cross and following through on your commitment. Jesus calls us to a life of daily surrender: denying self, choosing obedience over comfort, and valuing eternal gain over temporary approval. This episode challenges listeners to examine their walk with Christ and find the joy of a life fully surrendered to Him.

In Mark 8:34–38, Jesus Christ calls those who desire to follow Him to a life of true surrender, not a comfortable or convenient faith. J. Mark challenges listeners to move beyond the idea of “cheap grace” and embrace the reality that discipleship requires denying self, laying down personal identity, and choosing God’s will above all else. Through honest reflection and practical examples, he urges each person to examine where they may still be holding on to a self-centered life and invites them to begin taking up their cross, trusting that true life is found only in fully following Christ. Transcript It […]

This episode explores the personal question that Jesus asked: “Who do you say I am?” Walking through Mark 8:27-33, J. Mark examines three responses people had to this question: confusion, bold confession, and Jesus’ disapproval. As people throughout history have shaped Jesus into what they want Him to be, this passage calls us back to the truth of who He truly is. How do we answer the question, “Who do you say I am?”

In Mark 8:11-26, Jesus heals a blind man, but not all at once. Why does Jesus heal this man in stages? In this episode, J. Mark explores how this miracle mirrors the journey of our spiritual sight. From blindness to partial blindness to perfect sight, this passage reflects the different responses people have to Jesus and the clear vision He desires to give us all. 

Jesus has compassion on His people. Our Bible teacher, J. Mark, considers Jesus’ feeding of the 4,000 in Mark 8:1-10.  In response to the crowd’s obedience and the disciples’ cooperation, Jesus performed this notable miracle, proving that He could be trusted and that they could put their faith in Him. In this episode, we look at Jesus’ actions and see His care and love for others that reveal Him as “The Benevolent Provider.”

In this episode, J. Mark studies Mark 7:31-37 where Jesus heals a man who was deaf. The crowd responded to this miracle by saying, “He does all things well.” In this passage, we see the many ways that Jesus does do all things well—by responding in faith, understanding and respecting our feelings, and not doing good only for the glory. Join us to learn how “He Does All Things Well.” 

In this episode, J. Mark explores the remarkable faith of the Syro-Phoenician mother in Mark 7:24-30. The whole of Mark 7 challenges the Jews’ view of purity, and this story highlights this theme as well. Though Jesus initially seems to reject her plea for her demon-possessed daughter, she persists in faith. Jesus honors her faith by healing her daughter. Join us as we explore how to have persistent faith in the One who provides. 

How do we become impure? Jesus answers this question in Mark 7:14-23, the passage explored in today’s episode. Earlier in Mark 7, the Pharisees accuse Jesus and his disciples of being defiled because they did not properly wash their hands according to tradition. In this passage, Jesus responds to that accusation by revealing that we are not defiled by outward things, but by what comes from within. True defilement comes from the heart, from which sinful thoughts and actions flow out. Listen to this episode as we explore how Jesus reveals the real source of impurity and what it means for us today.

In today’s episode, we examine Mark 7:1-13, where the Pharisees confront Jesus and his followers for not washing their hands. Rather than focusing on outward rituals, Jesus urges the Pharisees to examine their own hearts. In this episode, J. Mark examines the dangers and downfall that come when tradition is elevated above true worship and a heart of obedience. 

If Jesus cares, why does He allow storms in our lives? In today’s episode, J. Mark explores that question through Mark 6:45-56, where Jesus walks on the water and reveals His divine identity with the words, “I AM.” Looking at three moments of aloneness within the passage, J. Mark shows how God uses life’s storms not to abandon us, but to reveal His power and His person in deeper ways and to remind us that in the storm, He is near.  Chapters (00:00:00) - Hope for Today(00:00:27) - Sent Into the Storm(00:02:20) - Sent Into the Storm(00:07:18) - The Aloneness of The disciples(00:14:05) - Another Storm Jesus Calmed

Does Jesus care? It’s a question we often ask when we’re walking through difficult times. In today’s episode, J. Mark turns to Mark 6:30-44 to reveal the answer. Through the account of the feeding of the 5,000, we see Jesus’ deep compassion as He recognizes and meets the needs of those around Him. This passage reminds us that the same Savior who cared for the crowd still cares for us today.

In this episode, J. Mark studies Mark 6:14-29, which is the account of John the Baptist’s death. This text highlights the essential qualities that all Lord’s messengers must develop to reflect Christ’s character and to deliver His message effectively. 

In Mark 6:7-13, Jesus sends His disciples out two by two. In part two of “The Disciples’ Commission,” J. Mark explores Jesus’ command for His disciples to live with simplicity and highlights how that same principle applies to us today. He also examines the responsibility Christ gave His disciples and the responsibility we carry as His followers now.  Chapters (00:00:00) - The Disciples' Commission(00:03:21) - Jesus' Principle of Deconstructed Simplicity(00:08:55) - Jesus' Contribution to the 12(00:11:13) - A Disciples' Commission

Jesus sent out His disciples to preach the gospel of the kingdom. In this episode, J. Mark explores Mark 6:7-13, examining how Jesus commissioned the disciples to carry out His work. In this first part of “A Disciple’s Commission,” we see Jesus give specific instructions to the disciples, which highlight the core principles that still apply to our lives today. Transcript Thanks for joining us for this look into God’s Word. The incredible book that never changes and is relevant generation after generation. It was suitable for your grandparents, and it will be just what your grandchildren need. Today, we […]

In this episode, J. Mark teaches from Mark 6:1-6, where Jesus returns to His hometown and is met with rejection. In this example of unbelief, we see the effects of unbelief on those who reject Jesus as Messiah. This episode highlights three effects of unbelief and reveals the danger of an unbelieving heart. It reminds us that when doubt arises, we are not called to reject Jesus, but to bring our doubts to Him so He can bring clarity and truth.  Chapters (00:00:00) - 3 Effects of Unbelief on the Life of Jesus(00:06:42) - The Reasons Why the People of Nazareth Rejected Jesus(00:12:57) - Mark 6: Unbelief

Our lesson today comes from Mark 5:21-43, where Jesus heals two very different people: a woman who had suffered from bleeding for twelve years, and the daughter of a religious leader whom He raised back to life. This passage illustrates the relationship between fear and faith. We see it in the devoted father, whose faith is tested when fear begins to take hold, and in the desperate woman, who pushes past her fear to trust in the power of Jesus.

In this episode, J. Mark teaches on Mark 5:1-20, concluding the lesson on Jesus “going to the dark side.” Jesus’ interaction with a demon-possessed man shows us several steps on what we should do when we are called to dark places. This passage shows how Jesus has given us the power through His Holy Spirit to confront evil. He has commissioned us as His witnesses to call people to choose which side they will be on.  Chapters (00:00:04) - Going to the Dark Side(00:03:45) - Going to the Dark Side(00:10:03) - Jesus Came Over to the Dark Side

In this episode, J Mark looks at where Jesus casts out the man’s demons in Mark 5:1-20. In the Gospels, we see Jesus going into dark situations and bringing light and redemption. In this passage, Jesus shows his power over Satan. He took several different steps that we must be willing to take when we face difficult situations and serve in difficult places.  Chapters (00:00:00) - Hope for Today(00:01:27) - Mark 5: The Dispelling of the Demon from a Demon(00:06:29) - Jesus Crossed the Sea of Galilee(00:10:45) - Jesus Christ(00:13:59) - Jesus Going to the Dark Side

Today, we examine the account of Jesus calming the storm in Mark 4:35-41. In this account, the disciples feared the storm, and Jesus demonstrates his authority over it by calming it with his powerful words: “Peace, be still!” We face storms in our lives, and Jesus has the power to calm those. Consider the question “Is Jesus in your boat?” as we look at the disciples’ fear and anxiety and the Savior’s humanity and authority.

If you were to sum up all of Jesus’ teaching in one word or theme, what would it be? Jesus’ teaching centers on His Kingdom, and in Mark 4:21-34, he reveals aspects of the kingdom of God through parables. In today’s lesson, J. Mark walks through this passage and highlights three steps that reveal “The Mystery of the Kingdom”—proclamation, progression, and potential. Chapters (00:00:00) - Jesus Teaching The Mystery of the Kingdom(00:05:44) - The mystery of the kingdom(00:08:26) - The Mystery of the Kingdom of God(00:11:58) - Hope for Today(00:13:58) - Daniel 2: The Kingdom of Heaven

Today, we are finishing the second part of A Fruitful Life, taken from the familiar “Parable of the Sower” in Mark 4:11-20. In the previous episode, we examined the skill of the sower, the quality of the seed, and the first type of soil—the soil of the footpath. Today, we’ll look at three more types of soil—rocky, thorny, and good. When we understand the condition of our soil, we can make it our goal to allow the Word of God, in the hands of the Spirit of God, to plow deeply in our hearts and help us bear fruit that […]

In our study of Mark’s Gospel, we come to Jesus’ teaching, often called “The Parable of the Sower.” In this parable, Jesus concentrates on the response of each type of soil to the sowing of the Word of God. These soils, which represent people, determine whether they will understand the mysteries of the Kingdom and experience the fruitful life that results. Jesus’ teaching speaks to us in the daily decisions of living. In this two-part lesson, J. Mark examines Mark 4:1-20 and demonstrates how Jesus teaches us how to have “A Fruitful Life.” It is so good to be with […]

When God created us, He made us in His image and designed us for fellowship with Him. But when sin entered the world, death and division entered the human family, creating “A House Divided”. In Mark 3:20-35, we see evidence of this division in both Jesus’ biological family and His religious family. We see the consequences of that division in the scribes’ response to the miracles of Jesus. Transcript Thank you for joining us as we look into the Word of God together. Last time in Mark 3, we looked at what it means to lead well. In today’s lesson, […]

In our area, there are many resources for leaders, books that describe leadership, and how to improve your leadership. People who offer personal coaching and teaching so that you can improve and become a better leader. This is because leaders matter and they make a big difference in our lives. The lesson today is from Mark 3:7-19, and J. Mark will examine the best leader—Jesus. We see several actions that Jesus took as a leader that we can take as well to help us all be better leaders. Join us for “A Model for Leaders.” Transcript It is excellent to […]

How does Jesus show that he is Lord over the Sabbath? Jesus supports His claim to the lordship of the Sabbath by posing two arguments. In our previous episode, we examined His argument from scriptural precedent. In this second part of “Lord of the Sabbath” studying Mark 2:23-28, we will discover his second argument—the human predicament. Jesus shows the Pharisees that the Sabbath is not for God, but rather for his creation. Transcript We are honored and glad to be with you today. Thank you for being there as we continue to examine Jesus’ teachings regarding the Sabbath. Last time […]

In this first part of studying Mark 2:23-3:6, we will delve into Jesus’ teaching on the Sabbath. Ordinary people flocked to hear Jesus’ teachings, but the Pharisees had begun to openly oppose Him. Jesus confronts them with the statement that HE is the One qualified to decide what constitutes keeping the Sabbath, not them! Several words from His statement became the title for our study: “Lord of the Sabbath.” Transcript It’s great to be with you. Thank you for joining us as we study God’s Word. The Bible is full of practical truth we can put into daily practice. It […]

One of the things that validates God’s work on the earth is the lives that he changes. The Gospel can change people dramatically. This change is not normal, but when we see it, it reminds us of God’s amazing grace. No one, no matter how evil and brutal, is beyond God’s grace. The characteristic of joy is central to the portion of Scripture we are studying this time. The text we study today is Mark 2:18-22, and I’ve titled our study “The Gospel Pattern.” Transcript Thank you for joining us as we study God’s Word together. One of the things […] Chapters (00:00:00) - The Gospel Pattern(00:07:20) - The New Covenant: The New Row of Wounds(00:13:12) - Jesus Came to the Jews

When you put a candle in the flame, it goes from hard to soft, but if you put a piece of bread in the same flame, it becomes stiff and rigid. This illustrates today’s lesson: the same flame has an opposite effect depending on the material it burns. Jesus’ grace had a different impact on two groups: sinners and religious people. In this episode, “The Offense of Grace,” we look at Mark 2:13-17 and follow the actions and reactions to the grace of Jesus and see how it can both be restorative and offensive. Transcript It’s great to be with […]

The forgiveness we experience from Jesus is unique and powerful. Today, we reflect on the story of the paralytic being forgiven and healed in Mark 2:1-12. Jesus uses the healing of a paralyzed man to illustrate how our decisions affect our lives and our relationship with Him. In this episode, “Jesus Forgives and Heals,” we learn about how Jesus redeems and restores broken things. Transcript We are glad and honored to be with you today. Thank you so much for being there. We trust that this lesson will be a blessing for you. Before we go to the lesson with […]

Last time, we discussed the authority of the servant, and today we will examine a few practical areas of Jesus’ ministry that are worth considering and applying to our lives. Jesus was here on earth and lived among us. In this episode, “The Ministry of the Servant,” we’ll be looking at Mark 1:35-45, where Mark’s record of Jesus’ early ministry provides a template for us to follow in our service for Christ. Transcript It’s great to be with you. Thank you for joining us as we study God’s Word. The Bible is filled with truth that we can pattern our […]

Authority has often been abused. The problem is not authority, but rather our own sinfulness. In Mark 1:21-34, Jesus demonstrates his authority in both the physical and spiritual realms—over definition, over demons, and over disease. Join us as we look at “The Authority of the Servant.” Transcript Thank you for joining us as we study God’s Word together. This book is so much more than just a book; it pulses with life and has a profound effect on those who delve into it. I was recently impressed with this truth while studying 1 Peter 3. The more I learned, the […]

Today, we explore the account of Jesus calling several of His disciples. In Mark 1:16-20, Jesus outlines a series of steps the disciples took to follow Him—the call, the commission, and the commitment. Jesus invites them to follow Him, so they immediately drop what they are doing and go with Jesus. This invitation wasn’t just for those disciples—each one of us is called to follow Him in the same way. Listen to this episode entitled, “Following Jesus,” to hear about how we can follow Jesus. Transcript Welcome to another lesson from the Gospel of Mark. Today’s story is a powerful […]

Our episode this week is a continuation of last week’s episode “Preparing the Son of Man.” Last week, we examined how Jesus received approval and praise before His ministry. We will continue to look at the other two processes that Jesus went through—authentication and proclamation. J Mark teaches from Mark 1:9-15 which shows us a closer look at these processes. Transcript Thank you so much for being here. We are honored to be here and consider it a privilege to look into the Word of God together. Our lesson today is a continuation of what we started last time, and […]

Our episode today examines Jesus and what He experienced to confirm His life here. This lesson, which is divided into two parts, is titled “Preparing the Son of Man,” and it highlights the different processes—approbation (approval), authentication, and proclamation—that Jesus went through to prepare for his ministry. These processes are essential in our preparation for sharing the Good News. Join us as we study Mark 1:9-15. Transcript We are delighted to be with you again today. We have just started our study in Mark, and last week we looked at John the Baptist preparing the way. The takeaway was: How are […]

In this episode entitled “Preparing the Way,” J. Mark highlights three key aspects of this preparation: the mandate, the messenger, and the message. Are you ready to be a messenger and share the message of Jesus?

On this episode of Hope for Today, we’re beginning a study of the Gospel of Mark. That’s why I’ve titled today’s teaching, “On Your Mark.” This episode will explore some of the background material that helps enhance our understanding of Mark’s Gospel.

Colossians 4:7-18 Thank you so much for being there; we are honored to be with you today. Looking into the Word of God and allowing it to mold and shape us is a benefit for every human who is willing to do this. We trust today’s teaching will be a blessing for you.   Today is our last lesson in the book of Colossians. I appreciate Paul’s emphasis on the supremacy of Christ in the first part of the book, and then how this belief will influence our daily lives in the second part. As we examined the final part of […]

Colossians 4:2-6 It’s good to be with you today as we take another look at God’s Word together. This program is produced by Heralds of Hope, where our goal is to use media to make disciples of Jesus. This program is the media. We are studying in Colossians, and Lord willing, all of us are becoming like Jesus; we are being His disciples.   As I’m sure you’ve noticed, we are nearing the end of the book of Colossians. After this lesson, we have one more, and that will complete our teaching from Paul’s fantastic book. As you may recall from last week, our title is “Getting the Word Heard,” and last week we explored how vital communion with God is in spreading the Word. Today marks the second part of this teaching, and the main points will be clarity, conduct, and conversation, each an essential element in allowing the Word to be heard.   If you can turn with us to Colossians 4:2-6.  2 Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving;  3 meanwhile praying also for us, that God would open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in chains,  4 that I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.  5 Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time.   6 Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each one.  This text contains several ELEMENTS we must consider if we want to be effective in “Getting the Word Heard.”   The Next ELEMENT (in getting the Word heard) is,  Clarity  If people can listen to our words but don’t understand them, the Word isn’t being truly heard. Genuine hearing involves the intellect and the heart. I recall my mentor, Dr. J. Otis Yoder, speaking about the importance of clarity in teaching and preaching. He said, “If you’re going to feed the sheep, you have to put the food where they can reach it.” To do that, you need to know your audience. Paul asked the Colossian Believers to pray that he would be able to proclaim the Word clearly, to put the food where the sheep could reach it.  Sometimes we Christ-followers use language that is familiar to us but foreign to non-believers. Several decades ago, people understood what it meant to be “born-again.” Today, many people are like Nicodemus. When Jesus talked with him about being born again, he couldn’t see how that was possible. Many people today have little or no exposure to God’s Word and biblical truth. So, the Word must be conveyed in language they can understand and relate to.     Paul emphasizes the importance of clarity in 1 Corinthians 14. The context is his teaching about speaking in tongues, but his conclusion applies just as well to this essential element of clarity. In verse 8, he says, “If the trumpet does not sound a clear call, who will get ready for battle? So, it is with you. Unless you speak intelligible words with your tongue, how will anyone know what you are saying? You will just be speaking into the air.”   Here again, prayer is part of the process because we can ask God, through His Holy Spirit, to help us share His truth in ways that people can understand, and to enable them, by His Spirit, to understand what we’re saying. That’s what Paul was asking the Colossian Believers to pray for him. He knew his effectiveness in getting the Word heard depended, at least in part, on his clarity. The same is true for you and me today.   The Next ELEMENT (in getting the Word heard) is,  Conduct  In the English language, we have a saying: “What you...

Colossians 4:2-6 Thank you for joining us as we study God’s Word together. No matter who you are or what you have experienced, we are confident the Bible has something for you right where you are. It is our prayer that as we look into God’s Word together, each of us will become like Jesus, and he will be glorified.   Today, we are looking at the first section of Colossians 4. As you can see, we are nearing the end of this short, powerful book, which emphasizes the supremacy of Christ. We will examine verses 2-6, and our title is […]

Colossians 3:18-4:1 Again, we have the privilege of looking into God’s Word to hear what He is saying to us. The time we spend with the Bible is an investment, and we thank you for joining us for this study in Colossians. As we examine some practical guidelines for our relationships, let’s not forget that the theme of Colossians is the supremacy of Christ. Remember verses 15-20 in chapter 1? Our majestic Messiah is over all creation and everything, and I mean everything, is subject to Him. This is our starting point, so when He tells us how to live, […]

Colossians 3:18-4:1 Thank you very much for joining us. God’s Word is so very instructive, and why wouldn’t it be? Since God is our creator, He knows best what is good for us and what we need. Think about an engine, the one who designed and built it will know the most about it. This is precisely how we should view God’s Word for humans. He designed and built us, so He knows what’s best for us.   This is exactly what our next lesson is about. At the end of Colossians 3, Paul gives instructions regarding a few common relationships. […]