Capitol Commission Georgia www.capitolcom.org / www.pray1Tim2.org Ron J. Bigalke, Ph.D. P.O. Box 244, Rincon, GA 31326-0244 (912) 659-4212 [email protected] A A t t t t e e n n t t i i v v e e L L i i s s t t e e n n i i n n g g Tuesday, 2 nd of July 2019 Capitol Commission (interim) Bible Study Tuesday (2 nd of July) from 12 Noon – 12:45pm, 123 CAP this month’s ministry outreach sponsored by First Baptist Douglas Capitol Commission (interim) Bible Studies are held the first Tuesday of each month at 12 Noon, in accord with the Public Service Commission devotional at 9:55am. The monthly Bible study is nonpartisan and non-denominational . The current Bible study is the continuation of an exposition in the Gospel of Mark. For archives of past Bible studies (dating from 2010), please visit http://www.capitolcom.org/georgia/studies. I pray that this study will be a blessing to you. The sole intent of the ministry of Capitol Commission is to serve you, as a resource for pastoral attention, counsel, and prayer. The present Bible study is just one aspect of that desire to serve. – Dr. Ron J. Bigalke, Georgia State Minister, Capitol Commission Capitol Commission Bible Study is Tuesday, 2 July 2019 Mark 4 – “Attentive Listening” El Cristo de los Andes (“Christ of the Andes”) is a statue commemorating a series of boundary and peace treaties between Argentina and Chile. Standing in the Uspallata Pass, 14,000 feet above sea level in the Andes, on the Argentine- Chilean boundary, the statue was dedicated on 13 March 1904. In 1937, a tablet was added bearing the Spanish inscription: “Sooner shall these mountains crumble into dust than Argentines and Chileans break the peace sworn at the feet of Christ the Redeemer.” Ironically, the statue that was erected as a pledge between Argentina and Chile soon resulted in bitterness and controversy because the statue of Christ faced Argentina and its back was directed toward Chile. What was supposed to be a symbol of mutual peace resulted in tension, which was resolved by a Chilean journalist who humorously concluded that it was appropriate for the statue to face the way in which it was erected because “the people of Argentina need more watching over than the Chileans.” Conflicts are often the result of wrong assumptions and failure to communicate, and the majority of misunderstandings can be resolved by attentive listening. Sometimes the solution to conflict is learning to perceive something from a different perspective. How many of us have requested someone who has something important to share to tell us quickly what they want. The polite response is not even to make a request for such information to be declared unhurriedly for we must also be willing to listen in an unhurried manner. Listening involves more than the ears; it also necessitates an act of the will. Attentive listening necessitates action. In Mark 4, Jesus instructed his disciples with regard to his kingdom. Jesus wanted his followers to listen attentively (and thereby understand his words) yet also to take action when necessary. PARABLE OF THE SOILS (Mark 4:1-25) Once again, Jesus taught “by the sea” (v. 1), which was beneficial because crowds could sit on the sloping hillside in a natural amphitheater. On this occasion, Jesus found it necessary to use “a boat” because the crowds were so considerable. As is the customary practice of Jewish teachers, He “sat down” and spoke to the crowd on the shore. Jesus acclimated himself to whatever circumstances allowed Him to accomplish his purposes. Jesus taught “in parables,” which is a spiritual truth communicated in a story format. Parables are written to bring attention to everyday life situations for the purpose of illustrating a doctrine or application of biblical truth. Mark 4 begins with Jesus’ parable of the sower. Following the story (vv. 2-9), the disciples asked Jesus to explain the meaning, and the Lord gave a detailed analysis of it (vv. 10-20). Jesus used the parable to explain four different responses to the Word of God. First , there are those who hear that Word, yet “immediately Satan comes and takes away the word which has been sown in them” (v. 15). Second , others “hear the word” and “immediately receive it with joy” (v. 16) until some other pleasure ensues, which then hinders the regeneration and transformation that can arise from God’s Word. The point of the illustration is that feelings alone are not enough to cause a person to endure in difficult times. Third , some hear the Word of God yet quickly forget what it says and do not allow it to affect their lives (cf. Jas 1:22-25). CAPITOL BIBLE STUDY CAPITOL BIBLE STUDY monthly (interim) schedule monthly (interim) schedule first first Tuesday of the month Tuesday of the month TUESDAY, 2JULY 2019 12 NOON in 123 CAP
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CapitolCommissionGeorgiawww.capitolcom.org/www.pray1Tim2.org
RonJ.Bigalke,Ph.D.P.O.Box244,Rincon,GA31326-0244(912)[email protected]
AAAtttttteeennntttiiivvveeeLLLiiisssttteeennniiinnnggg
Tuesday,2ndofJuly2019
CapitolCommission(interim)BibleStudyTuesday(2ndofJuly)from12Noon–12:45pm,123CAP
thismonth’sministryoutreachsponsoredbyFirstBaptistDouglas
Capitol Commission (interim) Bible Studies are held the first Tuesday of each month at 12 Noon, in accord with the Public Service Commission devotional at 9:55am. The month ly Bible study is nonpart i san and non-denominat iona l . The current Bible study is the continuation of an exposition in the Gospel of Mark. For archives of past Bible studies (dating from 2010), please visit http://www.capitolcom.org/georgia/studies.
I pray that this study will be a blessing to you. The sole intent of the ministry of Capitol Commission is to serve you, as a resource for pastoral attention, counsel, and prayer. The present Bible study is just one aspect of that desire to serve.
– Dr. Ron J . Biga lke , Georg ia State Minis t er , Capi to l Commiss ion
Capitol Commission Bible Study i s
Tuesday, 2 July 2019
Mark 4 – “Attentive Listening”
El Cris to de lo s Andes (“Christ of the Andes”) is a statue commemorating a series of boundary and peace treaties between Argentina and Chile. Standing in the Uspallata Pass, 14,000 feet above sea level in the Andes, on the Argentine-Chilean boundary, the statue was dedicated on 13 March 1904. In 1937, a tablet was added bearing the Spanish inscription: “Sooner shall these mountains crumble into dust than Argentines and Chileans break the peace sworn at the feet of Christ the Redeemer.”
Ironically, the statue that was erected as a pledge between Argentina and Chile soon resulted in bitterness and controversy because the statue of Christ faced Argentina and its back was directed toward Chile. What was supposed to be a symbol of mutual peace resulted in tension, which was resolved by a Chilean journalist who humorously concluded
that it was appropriate for the statue to face the way in which it was erected because “the people of Argentina need more watching over than the Chileans.” Conflicts are often the result of wrong assumptions and failure to communicate, and the majority of misunderstandings can be resolved by attentive listening. Sometimes the solution to conflict is learning to perceive something from a different perspective.
How many of us have requested someone who has something important to share to tell us quickly what they want. The polite response is not even to make a request for such information to be declared unhurriedly for we must also be willing to listen in an unhurried manner. Listening involves more than the ears; it also necessitates an act of the will. Attentive listening necessitates action. In Mark 4, Jesus instructed his disciples with regard to his kingdom. Jesus wanted his followers to listen attentively (and thereby understand his words) yet also to take action when necessary.
PARABLE OF THE SOILS (Mark 4:1-25) Once again, Jesus taught “by the sea” (v. 1), which was beneficial because crowds could sit on the sloping hillside in a natural amphitheater. On this occasion, Jesus found it necessary to use “a boat” because the crowds were so considerable. As is the customary practice of Jewish teachers, He “sat down” and spoke to the crowd on the shore. Jesus acclimated himself to whatever circumstances allowed Him to accomplish his purposes.
Jesus taught “in parables,” which is a spiritual truth communicated in a story format. Parables are written to bring attention to everyday life situations for the purpose of illustrating a doctrine or application of biblical truth. Mark 4 begins with Jesus’ parable of the sower. Following the story (vv. 2-9), the disciples asked Jesus to explain the meaning, and the Lord gave a detailed analysis of it (vv. 10-20).
Jesus used the parable to explain four different responses to the Word of God. Firs t , there are those who hear that Word, yet “immediately Satan comes and takes away the word which has been sown in them” (v. 15). Second , others “hear the word” and “immediately receive it with joy” (v. 16) until some other pleasure ensues, which then hinders the regeneration and transformation that can arise from God’s Word. The point of the illustration is that feelings alone are not enough to cause a person to endure in difficult times.
Third , some hear the Word of God yet quickly forget what it says and do not allow it to affect their lives (cf. Jas 1:22-25).
CAPITOLBIBLESTUDYCAPITOLBIBLESTUDY
monthly(interim)schedulemonthly(interim)schedule
f irstfirst TuesdayofthemonthTuesdayofthemonth
TUESDAY,2JULY2019
12NOONin123CAP
Tuesday,2July2019
NEXT CAPITOL COMMISSION BIBLE STUDY: Tuesday, 6th of August @ 12 Noon in 123 CAP
thismonth’sministryoutreachsponsoredby:
Some become entangled in the cares of life associated with material success. When personal interests overcome eternal pursuits, there is no time for God’s Word and “the desires for other things enter in and choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful” (v. 19). Following Jesus means having an eternal perspective with regard to this world, and thereby hearing and heeding God’s Word far beyond temporal activities, cares, and interests.
Fourth , some “seed” (i.e. the Word of God) hits the target. The “good soil” welcomes the seed, encourages its germination, keeps the seed for future times, and perseveres through the complexities, temptations, and trials associated with the present life. Jesus’ parable indicates that if one hears God’s Word and will “accept it” (v. 20), the result is “good soil” in which that Word multiplies and bears fruit with abundance. There is great need to be “good soil.”
Of course, the notion that one can “fall away” from God’s Word (v. 17; Heb 2:1-4; 6:1-8; 10:1-10) provokes questions with regard to such apostasy. In other words, could one “believe” in God, and yet not be a disciple? Is belief and discipleship mutually inclusive? Discipleship is a call to faith/trust in Jesus Christ as Lord God and Savior, and such a call is evident in devotion to the Word of God far beyond all other priorities. Maturity is not immediate, that is, it does not occur in days or weeks. Mature disciples are devoted to a lifetime of listening to God’s Word, retaining that Word to live by it, and continuing to listen to the Bible throughout life so that it progressively becomes more and more the primary component of one’s life.
Those who are enthusiastic for a time and then “fall away” into the world’s occupations and pleasures demonstrate a lack of discipleship. Moments of enthusiasm and good feelings dominate until something “better” arises. Following what is seemingly better reveals one’s true nature: they were never devoted to God’s Word nor were they disciples, and were merely testing God (cf. Deut 6:16).
The one who believes — by grace through faith — in Jesus Christ is a disciple. Discipleship is not one good feeling or one event in the past in which you felt positive toward Jesus and desired salvation. The impact of Christ’s words in Mark 4 is not to become secure in one’s salvation too quickly. Salvation is a life-changing experience that remains for a lifetime. There fore , believers are those who seek maturity in discipleship for life, as opposed to good feelings for a brief time. God’s Word brings change! Do you have ears to hear? Only one type of soil that is attuned to God (as He reveals Himself in the Holy Bible) produces maturity in salvation.
Jesus used parables to warn his disciples that people are responsible for what truth they receive (Mark 4:21-25). One does not take a lamp and hide it, which is to say that a person does not deliberately obscure truth. Especially with regard to God, everything hidden will be revealed. Jesus is the light that is hidden from eyes, but He will be revealed in glory to all people. Therefore, He said, “‘Take care what you listen to” (v. 24), which means give diligence to what is heard and one’s actions taken as a result.
PARABLE OF THE SEEDS (Mark 4:26-41) The parables of seeds (vv. 26-34) expand that of the sower while also functioning as illustrations themselves. They
expand the parable of the sower by describing what is good soil and what it will be in the last days. The kingdom of God is when the Lord reigns over the earth (cf. Matt 6:10). The parable is an encouragement to those who sow God’s Word for even with good seed sown in good soil, growth and production are not immediate. Patience is needed because God produces the growth. Certainly, the application of this parable to the Capitol community should be evident as reaping the harvest of work done unto the Lord (i.e. based upon biblical principles) should be given time to grow.
PATIENCEISNEEDEDBECAUSEGODPRODUCESTHEGROWTH.
Jesus said the kingdom of God is like a grain of mustard seed (v. 31). Though the church had small beginnings with a band of fishermen, it has spread throughout the world. The parable emphasizes what God can do with small beginnings; it is an assurance of harvest. Jesus told “many such parables” and explained them to his disciples (vv. 33-34). While they were willing to listen and give due attention, others sadly refused to hear and understand. For his followers, God provides all things necessary for life and godliness (cf. 2 Pet 1:3), yet as illustrated by the parable of the lamp, spiritual ears (sensitivity) are need to “hear” (understand) Bible truths.
In order to validate the truths He had just spoken, Jesus calmed a storm to demonstrate his sovereign authority (Mark 4:35-41). When a storm arose, the Creator told the wind to cease and it did (v. 39). Jesus then rebuked his disciples because their faith was lacking (v. 40). God’s people need not fear that their Lord will ever abandon them. Whatever occurs in this world, be comforted by the fact that all is under God’s sovereign control. If He can calm the raging seas, the Lord God is also able to bring calm to your soul.
Thank you for the pr iv i l ege in prov id ing you wi th the Capi to l Commiss ion Bib le s tudy . I f we can serve you in any manner ,
p l ease ta lk wi th us , or contac t by emai l or phone .
AboutCapitolCommission
Capitol Commission state ministers are pastors-missionaries who teach ongoing verse-by-verse Bible studies for legislators, staff members, and the entire Capitol community. Capitol Commission is a ministry of the local church, and is committed to making disciples of Jesus Christ in the Capitol communities of the world, in addition to heeding the biblical mandate to pray for elected officials nationwide. In the Bible, we see God’s love for the world, especially those who have been placed in authority. This is the foundation for our ministry to you.
Capitol Commission is a charitable and religious nonprofit corporation under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Capitol Commission is supported by the generous gifts of businesses, churches, and individuals. Capitol Commission is not state funded; rather, those with a heart for the Capitol community fund it.
As the Lord Jesus said, “look on the fields, that they are white for harvest” (John 4:35). If you would like to partner with Capitol Commission, Georgia with your talents, time, or treasure, please contact us by email, mail, or phone; or, visit online at http://capitolcom.org/ georgia/donate. P lease jo in us in th i s minis t ry !
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