Tag: Thru the Bible

Dr. J. Vernon McGee: Mark 9-11

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The audio on this video is the property of Thru the Bible. It is offered free of charge. If you wish to make a donation, do not send it to us. Visit http://www.ttb.org for information. The audio is attributed to Dr. J. Vernon McGee and Thru the Bible. Intellectual property rights are those of Thru the Bible. Please contact us if you feel our understanding of the terms of use are in error. Copyright information obtained from https://ttb.org/about/copyright-policy

In his sermon on Mark chapters 9 through 11, Dr. McGee begins by examining the Transfiguration in Mark 9, highlighting Mark’s detailed account and suggesting it reveals Christ’s perfect humanity rather than primarily his deity, which is John’s focus. He connects this event to Peter’s later testimony as an eyewitness of Christ’s power and coming. Dr. McGee explains Jesus taking Peter, James, and John to the mountain, not as favoritism, but perhaps due to their spiritual immaturity. The appearance of Moses and Elijah signifies the law and the prophets testifying to Jesus. Despite this glory, the disciples fail to cast out a demon at the foot of the mountain, illustrating the contrast between heavenly glory and earthly struggles. Dr. McGee emphasizes that the Transfiguration itself doesn’t save; it points towards the necessity of Christ’s death and resurrection.

Continuing in Mark 9, Dr. McGee interprets the disciples’ failure as a reflection of the church’s present-day ineffectiveness in a world he describes as troubled and even “demon possessed”. He criticizes the church for engaging in various activities while neglecting the primary task of bringing people to Jesus. Jesus’ rebuke of a “faithless generation” and his statement “bring him unto me” are central to this point. The disciples’ subsequent inability to cast out the demon is attributed to a lack of prayer. Dr. McGee also touches upon Jesus’ second announcement of his death and resurrection, the disciples’ misunderstanding and argument about greatness, and Jesus’ teaching against a sectarian spirit after John forbids an outsider from casting out demons in Jesus’ name. He notes Jesus’ stern warning against offending little ones and his direct teaching about hell.

Moving into Mark 10, Dr. McGee discusses marriage and divorce, noting the Pharisees’ attempt to entrap Jesus. Jesus shifts the focus from divorce back to God’s original design for marriage as a union of one flesh created at the beginning. He explains that divorce was permitted due to the “hardness of your heart” but was not God’s ideal. Dr. McGee addresses adultery in the context of remarriage and clarifies why Mark’s account of divorce differs slightly from Matthew’s, considering Mark’s Roman audience. He then examines the blessing of the little children, highlighting their importance and suggesting adults should embrace a childlike faith. The encounter with the Rich Young Ruler is analyzed as an example of someone relying on outward obedience to the law while lacking a true relationship with God, hindered by his wealth. Jesus’ teaching on the difficulty for the rich to enter the kingdom is explained, emphasizing that salvation comes through God, not human effort or riches.

Finally, in Mark 10 and 11, Dr. McGee addresses Jesus’ final journey to Jerusalem, including his repeated predictions of his death and resurrection. He interprets James and John’s request for positions of power and Jesus’ response about those places being prepared by God. The core of Jesus’ mission is emphasized: to minister and give his life as a ransom for many. Dr. McGee briefly mentions the healing of blind Bartimaeus. Transitioning to Mark 11, he describes Jesus’ public entry into Jerusalem as a presentation of himself as the Messiah, which ultimately led to rejection. He suggests this entry occurred over three days and was not a triumphal procession in the worldly sense. The cursing of the fig tree is interpreted as a symbol of Israel’s fruitless religious outward appearance. The cleansing of the temple is depicted as Jesus purging a corrupt religious system. This event leads to a discourse on the power of prayer through faith in God, clarifying that this power is for spiritual strength rather than literal miracles, and emphasizing the importance of forgiveness. The sermon concludes with Jesus’ skillful handling of the chief priests and elders who question his authority, using a counter-question about John the Baptist to silence them.

Dr. J. Vernon McGee: Mark 5-8

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The audio on this video is the property of Thru the Bible. It is offered free of charge. If you wish to make a donation, do not send it to us. Visit http://www.ttb.org for information. The audio is attributed to Dr. J. Vernon McGee and Thru the Bible. Intellectual property rights are those of Thru the Bible. Please contact us if you feel our understanding of the terms of use are in error. Copyright information obtained from https://ttb.org/about/copyright-policy

Dr. J. Vernon McGee begins his sermon by highlighting the importance of the Gospel of Mark, which he describes as a gospel of action filled with miracles. He notes that Chapter 5 is particularly significant, featuring three outstanding miracles demonstrating the power of omnipotence: the casting out of demons from the man in Gadara, the healing of the woman with an issue of blood, and the raising of Jairus’s daughter. McGee delves into the account of the demon-possessed man, emphasizing his desperate condition of living among the tombs and possessing superhuman strength. He clarifies that the man, not the demons, worshiped Jesus, illustrating a struggle within the man’s being. The demons, upon being commanded by Jesus to leave, requested to be sent into a herd of swine, which then perished in the sea. McGee defends Jesus’s action, pointing out the Gadarines’ disregard for God’s law by engaging in pig farming. He further discusses several facts about demons, emphasizing their reality, their prevalence during Jesus’s ministry, their desire to indwell mankind, and Christ’s ultimate power over them.

Moving on, Dr. McGee discusses the healing of the woman with the issue of blood and the raising of Jairus’s daughter, both found in Mark 5. He points out the woman’s 12 years of suffering and her faith in touching Jesus’s garment to be healed, coinciding with the 12 years of Jairus’s daughter’s life. McGee underscores Jesus’s deliberate action in healing the woman before going to Jairus’s house, where he then raised the daughter from the dead with the Aramaic words “Talitha koum,” which McGee interprets as “Little lamb, wake up”. He emphasizes the practical nature of Jesus’s command to feed the girl after she was raised. McGee sees these miracles as demonstrations of Jesus’s power and his role as God’s servant who came to minister and give his life as a ransom.

Transitioning to Mark 6, McGee discusses Jesus’s return to Nazareth, where he was met with astonishment and offense by his own people who questioned his origins and were familiar with his family. McGee clarifies that this was likely Jesus’s second visit to Nazareth, contrasting it with the account in Luke 4 where no miracles were performed initially. He explains that the unbelief of the people in Nazareth limited Jesus’s ability to perform mighty works there, illustrating that faith is necessary to release God’s power. McGee then describes Jesus sending out the twelve disciples two by two, giving them power over unclean spirits and instructing them to travel lightly, focusing on their urgent mission to preach repentance. He also touches on Herod’s reaction to the spreading fame of Jesus, linking it to his guilt over the beheading of John the Baptist. The disciples later returned and reported their experiences, leading Jesus to take them to a deserted place to rest before the account of the feeding of the 5,000.

Finally, Dr. McGee addresses the confrontation between Jesus and the Pharisees and scribes who questioned his disciples’ traditions of washing hands before eating in Mark 7. Jesus rebukes their hypocrisy, quoting Isaiah and stating that their worship is in vain because they substitute the commandments of God with the traditions of men. He uses the example of the tradition of “Corban” to illustrate how they circumvented the commandment to honor one’s parents. McGee emphasizes that true defilement comes from within the heart of man, listing various evil thoughts and actions. He then discusses the healing of the deaf and dumb man in the Decapolis, noting Jesus’s unique method as aids to faith. McGee briefly touches on the feeding of the 4,000 in Mark 8, distinguishing it from the feeding of the 5,000 by several factors. He concludes with the healing of a blind man at Bethsaida in stages, using this as an analogy for spiritual sight, and Peter’s confession of faith in Jesus as the Christ. McGee underscores the importance of acknowledging and following Christ, urging listeners to examine their own faith and relationship with Him.

Dr. J. Vernon McGee: Mark 2-4

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The audio on this video is the property of Thru the Bible. It is offered free of charge. If you wish to make a donation, do not send it to us. Visit http://www.ttb.org for information. The audio is attributed to Dr. J. Vernon McGee and Thru the Bible. Intellectual property rights are those of Thru the Bible.
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Dr. McGee begins his exposition of Mark chapter 2 by highlighting its connection to chapter 1, emphasizing the connective word “and” that binds the narrative. He notes Jesus’ return to Capernaum after some days, reiterating that Capernaum became the central location for the Lord’s three-year earthly ministry. The reason for Jesus’ prior withdrawal was the disobedience of the healed leper, who spread news of his healing against Jesus’ wishes, leading to overwhelming crowds that hindered Jesus’ spiritual work. Dr. McGee expresses his concern about the modern overemphasis on miracles like healing and tongues, arguing that the primary focus should be on preaching the gospel of salvation through Christ’s death on the cross. Upon his return, it was noised that Jesus was in “the house,” which Dr. McGee identifies as likely Simon Peter’s house mentioned at the end of chapter 1.

The narrative then shifts to the arrival of a paralytic carried by four men, who, unable to enter the crowded house, uncovered the roof and lowered him before Jesus. Seeing their faith, Jesus declared to the sick man, “Son, thy sins be forgiven thee”. Dr. McGee clarifies that while salvation comes through individual faith, it was the faith of these stretcher bearers that brought the paralytic to a place where he could encounter Jesus and hear these words. This act of forgiveness provoked criticism from certain scribes who reasoned in their hearts that only God could forgive sins. Jesus, perceiving their thoughts, challenged their reasoning and then, to demonstrate his authority to forgive sins, commanded the paralytic to arise, take up his bed, and walk, which he immediately did, astonishing the onlookers.

Following this, Dr. McGee recounts Jesus’ calling of Levi (Matthew), a publican, to be a disciple. He notes the subsequent dinner hosted by Levi, attended by many publicans and sinners, which drew criticism from the scribes and Pharisees. Jesus responded to their criticism by stating that healthy people do not need a physician, but the sick do, clarifying that he came to call sinners to repentance, not those who considered themselves righteous. The topic of fasting also arises, as John’s disciples and the Pharisees were fasting while Jesus’ disciples were not. Jesus used the analogy of the bridegroom’s presence and the metaphors of old and new garments and wine skins to illustrate that his ministry represented something new, a break from the old system, rather than a mere continuation or improvement of it.

Dr. McGee then addresses two Sabbath controversies: the disciples plucking grain in the fields and Jesus healing a man with a withered hand in the synagogue. The Pharisees accused the disciples of breaking the Sabbath by harvesting grain, but Dr. McGee explains that their actions were within the bounds of the law, which permitted plucking grain by hand. Jesus defended his disciples by referencing David’s actions and declaring that “the Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath” and that the Son of Man is Lord also of the Sabbath. In the synagogue, Jesus healed a man with a withered hand, knowing that the religious leaders were watching to accuse him. He challenged them on whether it was lawful to do good or evil on the Sabbath, and despite their silence, he healed the man, leading to the religious rulers plotting his destruction. Subsequently, Jesus withdrew with his disciples, and the crowds followed him from various regions. He then chose the twelve apostles, emphasizing his sovereign choice in this matter.

In the latter part of the sermon, Dr. McGee discusses the unpardonable sin, which occurred when the scribes accused Jesus of casting out demons by the power of Beelzebub, attributing the work of the Holy Spirit to Satan. He clarifies that this specific act of rejecting the direct testimony of both the Son and the Holy Spirit cannot be committed today in the same way. Jesus’ interaction with his physical family is also mentioned, where he emphasized that those who do the will of God are his true mother, brother, and sister. Finally, Dr. McGee introduces chapter 4 and the parables, noting that even Mark’s presentation of parables emphasizes action. He touches on the parable of the sower, the candle, the unique parable of the growing seed, and the mustard seed, explaining their significance in understanding the kingdom of God and the reception of the word. The sermon concludes with the miracle of Jesus stilling the storm, highlighting his power over nature and the disciples’ awe and fear in response.

Dr. J. Vernon McGee: Mark 1

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The audio on this video is the property of Thru the Bible. It is offered free of charge. If you wish to make a donation, do not send it to us. Visit http://www.ttb.org for information. The audio is attributed to Dr. J. Vernon McGee and Thru the Bible. Intellectual property rights are those of Thru the Bible.
Please contact us if you feel our understanding of the terms of use are in error.
Copyright information obtained from https://ttb.org/about/copyright-policy

Dr. J. Vernon McGee introduces the Gospel of Mark as chronologically the first Gospel written and emphasizes that its author, John Mark, was not an apostle but had close associations with key figures like Paul, Barnabas (his uncle), and Peter (his spiritual son). Mark’s Jewish name was John, and Mark was his Latin surname. His mother, Mary, was a prominent Christian in Jerusalem whose home served as a meeting place for the church. Mark initially accompanied Paul and Barnabas on their first missionary journey but turned back, causing a disagreement between Paul and Barnabas, with Barnabas later taking Mark to Cyprus. However, Mark eventually redeemed himself, becoming profitable for the ministry later in Paul’s life. Dr. McGee also notes the early church tradition, supported by figures like Papias, that Mark’s Gospel is essentially Peter’s account.

Dr. McGee explains that the Gospel of Mark was specifically written for the Romans, catering to the Roman mind which valued strength and action. He contrasts this with Matthew, written for the nation of Israel and the religious man; Luke, for the thinking man; and John, for the wretched man. The Romans, while bringing peace, justice, and order, did so through force, representing active human power and a tendency towards dictatorship. Mark presents Jesus not as the king (like in Matthew) but as God’s servant, a man of action, with “Flaming headlines” like “Jesus came” and “He is risen”. The style of Mark is described as brief, blunt, pertinent, pithy, and action-oriented, evident in the frequent use of the connective “and”. Unlike Matthew, Mark does not include a genealogy because Romans were more concerned with a servant’s ability to do the job than their lineage.

Moving into Mark chapter 1, Dr. McGee highlights the beginning of the Gospel, which focuses on Jesus’ coming into the world, his public ministry, death, and resurrection. He discusses John the Baptist as the messenger preparing the way for the Lord, baptizing not for the remission of sins but “unto the remission of sins,” preparing people for Jesus’ arrival. Jesus’ baptism by John in the Jordan River marked his identification with mankind, accompanied by the Trinity appearing with the Spirit descending like a dove and the Father’s voice declaring, “Thou art my beloved Son”. Immediately after, the Spirit drove Jesus into the wilderness for 40 days where he was tempted by Satan, alongside wild beasts, while angels ministered to him. Following John’s imprisonment, Jesus began his ministry in Galilee, preaching the gospel of God, calling his first disciples (Simon, Andrew, James, and John) to become “fishers of men”.

Dr. McGee describes a typical busy day in Jesus’ ministry in Capernaum, starting on the Sabbath where he taught with authority, astonishing the people. The first recorded miracle in Mark is the casting out of an unclean spirit in the synagogue, demonstrating Jesus’ power in the spiritual realm. This was followed by the healing of Simon’s mother-in-law who had a fever. That evening, the entire city gathered, and Jesus healed many who were sick and cast out demons, who recognized him. Despite his busy schedule, Jesus made time to pray early in the morning and then decided to move on to other towns to preach. The chapter concludes with the healing of a leper, emphasizing Jesus’ compassion as he touched and cleansed him. Jesus instructed the man to remain silent but to show himself to the priest according to Mosaic law; however, the man disobeyed and publicized his healing widely.

Thru the Bible: Matthew 25-28

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Matthew 25-28 – The audio on this video is the property of Thru the Bible. It is offered free of charge. If you wish to make a donation, do not send it to us. Visit http://www.ttb.org for information. The audio is attributed to Dr. J. Vernon McGee and Thru the Bible. Intellectual property rights are those of Thru the Bible. Please contact us if you feel our understanding of the terms of use are in error. Copyright information obtained from https://ttb.org/about/copyright-policy

Dr. McGee’s sermon covers Matthew chapters 25 through 28, focusing on his interpretations of the parables, the events leading to the crucifixion, the crucifixion itself, and the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

In chapter 25, Dr. McGee discusses the parable of the ten virgins. He refutes the idea of a partial Rapture based on this parable, stating that he believes every believer will be taken in the Rapture by God’s grace, not merit. He argues that the ten virgins refer to the nation of Israel, not the church. He also touches upon the parable of the talents, emphasizing the principle of using whatever gifts God has given until Christ’s return. Dr. McGee then interprets the Judgment of the Nations in Matthew 25 as occurring during the Great Tribulation, where nations will be judged based on their treatment of Christ’s brethren (the 144,000 sealed messengers). He believes the terms “sheep” and “goats” refer to ethnic groups or nations, not individual lost or saved people.

Moving into chapter 26, Dr. McGee narrates the events leading up to Jesus’s crucifixion. He highlights Jesus’s repeated predictions of his death during the Passover. He describes the anointing of Jesus at Bethany by a woman (identified as Mary in John’s Gospel), emphasizing the significance of her act as an anticipation of his burial. He recounts Judas’s betrayal for 30 pieces of silver and the institution of the Lord’s Supper during the Passover meal. Dr. McGee also discusses Jesus’s prediction of Peter’s denial and the events in the Garden of Gethsemane, where he believes Jesus won the victory over the horror of bearing the sins of the world. He continues with the betrayal by Judas, the arrest of Jesus, and his trial before Caiaphas and the Sanhedrin, including Peter’s denial.

Chapter 27 details the crucifixion of Jesus. Dr. McGee mentions Judas’s remorse and suicide after Jesus’s condemnation. He recounts Jesus’s trial before Pontius Pilate, the crowd’s choice of Barabbas over Jesus, and Pilate’s reluctant decision to have Jesus crucified. He describes the mockery and suffering Jesus endured at the hands of the Roman soldiers before his crucifixion. Dr. McGee notes that the Gospel writers do not give graphic details of the crucifixion itself, suggesting a divine reverence for this event. He highlights the supernatural events that occurred at Jesus’s death, including the tearing of the temple veil from top to bottom (symbolizing open access to God) and the earthquake. He also mentions the burial of Jesus by Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus. The chapter concludes with the sealing of the tomb and the setting of a guard by the chief priests and Pharisees who remembered Jesus’s prediction of his resurrection.

Finally, chapter 28 focuses on the resurrection of Jesus and the Great Commission. Dr. McGee emphasizes that the death and resurrection of Christ are the two great pillars of the Gospel. He describes the women coming to the tomb, the earthquake, the angel rolling back the stone, and the angel’s announcement that Jesus had risen. He recounts Jesus’s appearances to the women and later to the eleven disciples in Galilee. Dr. McGee then discusses the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20, seeing it as having an application for today, as well as a future fulfillment during the Great Tribulation and the Millennium. He notes the omission of the Ascension in Matthew’s Gospel, suggesting it is because Matthew focuses on the kingdom being upon the Earth and the King remaining. Dr. McGee concludes by affirming that Jesus was born a king, lived as a king, died a king, rose again a king, and will return as the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.