Understanding Authority Roles in the Kingdom: Even when Jesus clearly explained his role as Messiah, the disciples still did not get it. They saw authority in terms of dominance of people. Jesus shows them a better way.

Becoming Children in the Kingdom:Jesus reminds his disciples of what it takes to join his Kingom. He reminds them they must trust their Father in heaven like children trust their parents. We are then shown a story of a rich young ruler who did not live up to this ideal, and was unable to enter into the Kingdom. This message will help you see where you are in the Kingdom, and give you a path for entering it more fully.

Honoring Marriage in the Kingdom: Although Jesus doesn't present a comprehensive teaching on divorce and remarriage in these verses, he does share enough to help us understand how those in the Kingdom should view marriage, and how they should honor it.

Working Toward a Peaceful Kingdom: The primary reason that Christians still struggle with competition and divisiveness is that they have not truly embraced the message of the cross. Jesus takes the time to help his disciples understand this important truth, and how it applies to all our lives.

Believing for Kingdom Power: When Jesus confronted the unbelief of his disciples, he cried out in disappointment. Their failure highlighted just how alone the Son of Man was. However, a bride is being prepared for the Son of Man who will believe.

Changing the Shape of the Kingdom: Just as Jesus "changed into a different form" at the Transfiguration, so we must change into a different form to truly manifest and understand the Kingdom. The Kingdom requires a radical shift in our understanding.

Seeing the Kingdom Clearly: The progressive restoration of a blind man's vision provides the starting point for a simple message—We all start our lives spiritually blind, and only when Jesus touches us, can we begin to see. The longer we are with Jesus, the clearer our sight becomes.

Drawing Kingdom Conclusions:When God moves, people must draw correct conclusions. Jesus highlights this fact by refusing to answer those who refused to be honest about their conclusions about his miracles, and by encouraging his disciples to draw better conclusions about what they had already seen.

When the Kingdom Invades Gentile Territory: While Jesus was called first to his own people, he did not ignore those outside of Israel. In the same way, our Kingdom compassion is not just for those in the church, but for all who live around us.

Developing a Kingdom Heart: One of the banes of Christianity is a loveless legalism that focuses on minutia rather than people. Jesus confronts that type of legalism in this study, and helps us understand the true nature of a Kingdom heart.

Kingdom Testing & Divine Response: The disciples were having an awful, torturous day. Rather than intervening in it, Jesus demonstrates that he will allow us to negotiate such days so that we learn to step into the Kingdom.

The Generous Provision of the Kingdom: The Kingdom is not about a poverty spirit. Jesus sets a standard of generous use of time on behalf of others, and reminds us that God's provision is always abundantly more than enough.

Kingdom Strength vs. Moral Weakness: If John was the Elijah who was to come, then Herod and Herodias are Ahab and Jezebel redux. This study explains the classic pattern of weak moral leadership controlled by wicked intent, and how to be a John, rather than someone else's Herod.

Kingdom Hospitality: Receiving Those Who Are Sent — Mark connects two stories about receiving those whom God has sent in order to teach us important truths about this theme. When God sends messengers, we have responsibility. Randy explains those responsibilities as he teaches on this passage.

The Promise of the Kingdom: Overcoming Death — As Jesus returns to the western shore of the Sea of Galilee, we see the Kingdom's advance against sickness and death. This is the promise of the Kingdom. It will overcome every manifestation of death.

When Gentiles Experienced the Kingdom: When Jesus landed on the shore of the southeastern Sea of Galilee, he was entering the Greek culture of the Decapolis. Though he was sent to the lost sheep of Israel, he stopped by to free a man from torment, and commission a missionary to the Gentiles.

When the Kingdom Doesn't Hide: In this passage, Jesus demonstrates the Kingdom of God so that we might understand the authority of the Kingdom and its potential. The story of Jesus stilling the storm is not intended to demonstrate that Jesus is the Son of God, instead, it demonstrates what a Son of Man, filled with the Spirit, is able to accomplish.

Parables of the Kingdom 2: In these three parable, Jesus explains that the Kingdom will not always be hidden, especially to those who are truly listening, and he also explains how the Kingdom continues to grow, and its ultimate purpose.

Parables of the Kingdom: Jesus taught parables about the Kingdom, not about the Church. In this message Randal explains the difference, and warns that members in good standing in the Church can be hardened paths, rocky soil, or thorn choked plants.

Understanding the Spirit of the Kingdom: When the Holy Spirit is moving, people have many different reactions. Jesus' relatives heard of the Holy Spirit's work and concluded that Jesus was out of control. The religious leaders, however, concluded that Satan was at work. What do you conclude when the Holy Spirit is moving? This study will help you make the right call.