*This weekly newsletter will share about the Bible Breakdown podcast, things about RLC, and my favorite things from around the web. My prayer is it will help you know God better.
Hello friends. Happy Saturday!
As summer’s SLOWLY pretends to fade and we pause to return to Scripture, let us meet the Savior who transforms both body and soul. In Mark 2, we see Christ’s power to forgive and heal—and the faith of a community that won’t let obstacles stand in the way of hope. This week, we lean into that faith, celebrating how Jesus meets us where we are, and provides the wholeness we need. May this message draw you ever nearer to the Redeemer who restores.
🎧 My Favorite BibleBreakdown Episode This Week>>>
📚 Scripture. 💪
(Mark 2:1–12 NLT) “When Jesus returned to Capernaum several days later, the news spread quickly that he was back home. Soon the house where he was staying was so packed with visitors that there was no more room, even outside the door. While he was preaching God’s word to them, four men arrived carrying a paralyzed man on a mat. They couldn’t bring him to Jesus because of the crowd, so they dug a hole through the roof above his head. Then they lowered the man on his mat, right down in front of Jesus. Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the paralyzed man, ‘My child, your sins are forgiven.’ But some of the teachers of religious law who were sitting there thought to themselves, ‘What is he saying? This is blasphemy! Only God can forgive sins!’ Jesus knew immediately what they were thinking, so he asked them, ‘Why do you question this in your hearts? Is it easier to say to the paralyzed man “Your sins are forgiven,” or “Stand up, pick up your mat, and walk”? So I will prove to you that the Son of Man has the authority on earth to forgive sins.’ Then Jesus turned to the paralyzed man and said, ‘Stand up, pick up your mat, and go home!’ And the man jumped up, grabbed his mat, and walked out through the stunned onlookers. They were all amazed and praised God, exclaiming, ‘We’ve never seen anything like this before!’”
Observation: The room was packed so tightly that no one else could squeeze through the door. Four friends carried a paralyzed man, desperate to get him to Jesus, but the crowd blocked every path. Refusing to give up, they climbed onto the roof, tore through the clay and branches, and lowered their friend right in front of the Savior. Imagine the silence as Jesus looked down, saw their faith, and said, “Your sins are forgiven.” Shock rippled through the crowd as the religious leaders whispered accusations, questioning His authority. But Jesus knew their hearts and proved His power by speaking life: “Get up, take your mat, and walk.” In that moment, everyone witnessed what only God could do—He healed the body to reveal He alone has the authority to heal the soul.
Application: This week, identify one area of your life where you need God’s healing—whether physical, emotional, or spiritual. Bring it to Jesus in prayer daily, and also commit to praying for someone else who needs His healing touch.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for having the power to forgive my sins and heal my heart. Help me to trust You with my needs and to lift others to You in faith, believing that nothing is impossible with You.
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🤔 Question of the Week.
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🖤 My Favorite Links This Week.
📣 Sermon/Testimony. In Defense of Hope (Perry)
Jackie Hill Perry invites us into a powerful reflection on hope as the forward-looking side of faith, rooted in God’s promises and our future with Him. Drawing from Psalm 42, she encourages listeners to cling to hope even when the present feels dry and dark. Her message blends poetic clarity, raw honesty, and deep reassurance that hope sustains faith through adversity.
🤔 Apologetics. The Basis and Basics of Christian Apologetics (link)
Francisco roots apologetics in the historic call of 1 Peter 3:15—to be ready to explain the hope within us—and frames it as a reasoned, persuasive defense rather than an admission of guilt. The article walks through the historical origins of Christian apologetics, from Justin Martyr onward, and emphasizes that it’s not just for scholars—it’s for every believer. It helps Christians see apologetics as deeply rooted in Scripture, essential for both witness and personal faith. This piece serves as a gentle yet substantive introduction to the topic for those new to it.
🤓 CS Lewis. The Problem of Evil (link)
This article provides a thoughtful introduction to Lewis’s approach to the problem of evil, drawing on his work The Problem of Pain. It explains how Lewis frames evil as a clue to the deeper realities of the cosmos while acknowledging the limits of intellectual explanations.
✍️ Going Deeper. A Practical Guide on How to Study the Bible (link)
This guide offers beginner-friendly and practical strategies, reminding readers they don’t have to start with the entire Bible but can begin in familiar territory like the Gospel of Mark. It emphasizes letting curiosity drive your study—choosing topics or books that resonate, and engaging how the Holy Spirit leads. The author also suggests establishing a consistent Bible study routine, including setting a dedicated time and creating a peaceful, distraction-free environment. Overall, it's encouragement-filled and accessible, perfect for those feeling overwhelmed at the thought of serious studying.
✍️ Biblical Archeology. Why We Dig: The Importance of Biblical Archaeology (link)
This article offers a rich introduction to how archaeology brings the Bible’s physical settings—like Bethsaida’s fishermen’s homes—to life, grounding Scripture in tangible reality. It emphasizes archaeology’s role in confirming the historical aspects of biblical events, thereby strengthening faith anchored in history rather than abstraction.
🎧 Song of the Week. Oceans (Where Feet May Fail) (link)
This powerful worship anthem has resonated deeply with global audiences, breaking records with its longevity—spending a staggering 61 non-consecutive weeks at No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot Christian Songs chart.
✍️ Quote of the Week That Makes You Think
“One who claims to be a skeptic of one set of beliefs is actually a true believer in another set of beliefs." —Norman L. Geisler
🤪 Dad Joke of the week
Why did the scarecrow become a successful preacher?
Because he was outstanding in his field! 🌾
Remember that Jesus cares about both your heart and your hurts. He has the power to forgive your sins and bring healing in ways you may never expect. Just like the friends who lowered the paralyzed man through the roof, we’re called to bring one another before the Savior in faith. Walk confidently this week knowing there is no barrier too great for Jesus to overcome in your life.
🤪 Meme of the week
