For the first year Jesus did all the ministry. He preached, healed the sick and cast out the demons. He faced all contrary people and reasoned with them in open debate. Then in the second year he turned to the disciples and said to them, "Now, you do it." I'm sure they were shocked and afraid at the prospect of attempting such a thing, but Jesus gave them his healing power and told them what sermon to preach and sent them to do it--and the results multiplied. Now they could be in six villages each day instead of one. Their impact was so great that even King Herod heard about them. That's what happens when ministry is multiplied versus just adding converts. Jesus will make you competent to do His ministry. This Thread deals with entering Christ's ministry.

Bible study for grown ups. Ever been around a person of tenacious faith? They are contagious in their optimism and their confidence that in the end, God will make it all work out well. These people are the life-changers for others fortunate enough to live around them. They are the world-changers. In a world of doubters and God haters, people of faith encourage God. I want to be that person, don't you? Listen to this episode from Mark 5 and see how faith grows and works in every day life.

Once you move from me-centered to mission-focused living, a whole new exciting world opens up to you. God begins to use you in the lives of others to help them find their place in Christ and in the family of God. In this Thread we see the dynamics of this personal ministry--the spiritual forces at war, the dramatic changes that take place inside of others when God sets them free and the impact that their lives have on others who have known them in their former state. Join the mission! God is calling you into it and you will find your purpose in life as you obey.

Every life knows stress and anxiety. We all encounter setbacks and times when everything seems to be working against us. These events are the defining moments in our lives. Some people allow themselves to habitually slip into powerlessness and self-pity, questioning God and blaming others for their problems. They choose to see personal challenges as tragedies and cry out, "Why me!?" In these same circumstances, however, champions arise, controlling their emotions and choosing to think and speak thoughts of faith and trust in God. They expect that ultimately all things will turn and work together for them because they are the children of God. Summoning up their energy, they confront their problems with authority and emerge victorious on higher ground. Need a lesson on this? Check out this week's Thread and learn from Jesus, the Master of Storms.

Have you ever considered planting a church or starting a new ministry or home/office cell group? This Thread has lots of guidance for you. Mark chapter 4:21-34 also explains how healthy ministries are planted and how they take root and grow. If you want to receive truth from God and want to pass it on to others, then this Thread is for you. Here's the ITunes Link to the Show. Listen to it there and make comments please. It will help the podcast grow in popularity. Thanks!!!

Are you interested in having God talk to you and reveal his will and his ways? He longs to do this, but there are some preconditions for you to follow if you would like to receive from him. In this lesson Jesus explains how two people can hear the same message, yet one takes it to heart and get so much benefit while the other finds it boring or even offensive. Find out why on today's Thread.

Someone once wrote "The closer I walk with the Lord, the fewer of my friends want to walk with me." I think this is an issue that has affected everyone who has gotten serious about the path of discipleship with Jesus as Lord. Even in the church we may be judged and our loved ones may become concerned about our "obsession" with worship and radical steps of obedience. Jesus walked this road before us. Join him and find companionship on the Journey into the Kingdom of God.

It seems that in many places Christianity is simply the "talking religion." We go to church and hear an eloquent man talk about God, then maybe to the internet to listen to more talking about God, then read a book of words, then talk to God in prayer.... (you get the point). Jesus' ministry was one of action. He had a real power over sickness and dark spiritual forces that allowed him to set people free and truly transform their lives. He had both Power and Authority to use it. In this Thread we discuss the fact that Christ has given us, as his followers, this same power He used and has also given to us the authority to use it. Let's reclaim a Christianity of action and see His Kingdom come into our communities.

Do you have a hyperactive conscience? Sometimes in seeking to follow God with all our heart we develop a bondage to legalism regarding the laws of God. On the other hand, some believers live as though there are no laws regarding our conduct. What did Jesus believe and teach about these things? Listen to this thread and hear it for yourself.

In even the best of circumstances there is a painful and awkward dance between those pioneers who built an institution or a social fabric and the new wave that has fresh ideas and a drive to lead the group in new directions. Jesus discusses old and new wineskins in our lesson today.