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The woman who fell at Jesus’ feet in Tyre possessed none of the conventional credentials to be counted worthy of divine help. In faith, she appealed to Jesus, trusting in Him to help.

It is startlingly easy to mistake religious routine for genuine devotion. In Mark 7:1-23, the Pharisees and scribes travel from Jerusalem not to listen to Jesus, but to inspect Him. They immediately find fault because His disciples eat with "unwashed hands" — violating not God's Law, but the human traditions passed down by the elders.

Jesus sent out the 12 to call upon all to repent and believe the Gospel. He taught them to go out in faith that God would provide for their support and to shake the dust from their feet where the Gospel was not received.

In an instant, Jairus' worst nightmare was confirmed. Humanly speaking, it was too late. The sickness had won, death had claimed his child, and the window of opportunity had closed while Jesus was busy helping someone else. The sheer weight of hopeless grief must have threatened to consume him. It was in that exact moment — when all earthly hope vanished — that Jesus turned to Jairus and spoke words that shattered the silence of despair and gave hope: “Do not be afraid, only believe.” — Mark 5:36

Are you bringing your "If thou wilt" to God today? Take a moment to step into a solitary place, trust in His ability, and surrender to His perfect will.

We, too, need to repent if we hope to be justified and acceptable in God's sight when we stand before the judgment seat of Jesus, the Son of God. Simply going through the rites and rituals of a religion is not enough.

Easter Worship at Merciful Savior on April 5, 2026. Scripture is from Mark 16:1-16

This should be the desire of all ministers of the Gospel — for open doors and opportunities to speak the truth and tell others about Jesus and His life, death, and resurrection.

The book of Colossians centers on the "preeminence of Christ." Paul argues that because Jesus is the Lord of creation and the head of the Church, His redemption should permeate every corner of our lives. When we are brought to faith in His cross, we aren't just given a ticket to heaven; we are integrated into a new Kingdom with a new, God-pleasing way of relating to one another.

In our baptism, a profound exchange took place. By the working of the Holy Spirit, we were joined to Jesus Christ in both His death and His resurrection. Our old, sinful nature — that “Adam” within us that rebels against God — was crucified and put to death on the cross with Jesus. But the story did not end at the grave. Just as Christ was raised by the glory of the Father, we have been raised to a brand-new life.

“What about you?” You have heard of His birth and even know of His sufferings and death for your sins and of His glorious resurrection. Do you reject Jesus and try to silence those who would speak to you of Him because Jesus is a threat to you and your way of life? Do you know all the facts about Jesus, but still fail to come and bow before Him and give Him your praise and worship? Or, like the wise men of old, do you follow the star (seeking the guidance of Holy Scripture) to find Messiah Jesus and worship your God and Savior, presenting Him with the costliest of gifts — your very lives?

These historical events hold great significance for each of us today. God’s own Son was born in Bethlehem on that historic day. His birth brings "good tidings of great joy" to us as well, for He is the long-promised Messiah, the Lord God Himself. He went to the cross for the sins of the world — for the sins of each of us — and rose again in victory. Through faith in Him, we have forgiveness for all our sins and the promise of eternal life.

Life often feels like a series of unrelated struggles — wilderness wanderings, dark valleys, stormy seas, and dry deserts. Yet, Psalm 107 weaves these disparate experiences into a single tapestry of grace. It is a song for the weary traveler, but, more importantly, an instruction manual in gratitude for those who have been rescued.

Believers in Christ are not to let anyone judge them in regard to their food or drink, in regard to observing certain holy days or religious festivals, or in regard to observing the sabbath day. Why? Because believers in Jesus Christ are complete in Him.

Why would anyone want to insist that it is necessary for a Christian to be circumcised and follow all the ceremonial laws of the Old Testament to be saved when believers are complete in Jesus and are blessed with all they need through their baptism into Christ Jesus?