We are so excited that you’re starting your journey through the book of Mark with us! You may be joining us in this digital guide because living in the Word daily is difficult for you. Or, maybe this discipline comes naturally for you, but you simply want to take a different approach in your study
of scripture. Regardless of where you may fall in this aspect of your walk with God, our prayer is that you would see scripture in an entirely new way in the next few weeks.
The goal of this digital guide is simple: we want it to be a tool for you. Each weekday, there will be a short reading out of the book of Mark. We recommend that you start your time with prayer, then slowly read through that day’s passage. You may even want to read it multiple times; something new could stand out with each read! Write down what stands out to you in the lines. After completing the reading, finish out with that day’s reflection questions and pray about what you took away from your time in the Word.
Weekends look a little different here on the digital guide. On Saturdays, you will find a short devotional and guided prayer that covers a takeaway from what you read that week. On Sundays, a pastor from New Life Church will speak on a section from the weeks reading. We hope your time in the book of Mark is reflective, fruitful, and eye-opening for you!
Saul was born in Tarsus, in the Roman province of Cilicia (in modern day Turkey), around 5 AD. He was a Jew of the tribe of Benjamin and a Pharisee, trained as a tentmaker. Saul spent much of his early life persecuting Christians, but had a radical conversion when the resurrected Jesus appeared to him on the road to Damascus (see Acts 9). From that point on, he dedicated his life to spreading the Gospel, beginning in Antioch with his mentor, Barnabas, then continuing further into the regions of the Eastern Mediterranean, Asia Minor, and parts of Europe. Here, he helped establish Christian communities and wrote letters of encouragement and correction to them. Known as the Epistles, these letters account for over twenty percent of the New Testament.
Later in the Book of Acts, Luke writes that Saul was also known as Paul (see Acts 13). He also singly refers to himself as “Paul” in his letters to the church, so why the change? Perhaps the name “Paul” was more familiar to the people in the Greco-Roman world that he was reaching with the Gospel than his given Jewish name, “Saul.” Throughout his missionary journeys, Paul experienced numerous challenges, including persecution, imprisonment, and opposition from both Jewish and Gentile communities. In fact, many of his letters were written while he was in prison.
The early church fathers concur that Paul, faithful to the end, was executed as a martyr for Christ during the reign of Emperor Nero.
During Paul’s second missionary journey (Acts 16:11-40), he established a church in Philippi, which became a significant partner in his ministry. Years later, while in prison, Paul penned what many call the “Epistle of Joy” as a letter of thanksgiving to the church.
This letter focuses on humility, the unity of believers, and the value of knowing and imitating Christ in godly living. Paul encourages the Philippians to stand firm in their faith and focus on what is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, and commendable.
Paul gives insight into his personal experiences, including his ability to be content in both abundance and lack. Throughout this letter, you can see his heart for people and his example of selflessness as he appeals for the church to remain in unity in Christ. His appeal rings true and is relevant for the church today.
Thanksgiving and Encouragement
Philippians 1
Christlikeness
Philippians 2
Practical Instructions
Philippians 3 & 4
Philippi, situated in modern-day Greece near the Aegean Sea, was a significant Roman colony. Named after Philip II of Macedon, the father of Alexander the Great, Philippi held strategic importance within the Roman Empire. It grew rapidly due to nearby gold and silver mines, then it evolved into a bustling commercial center, even after the mines were depleted. Positioned at the sole mountain pass linking Europe and Asia, Philippi emerged as a pivotal city for trade routes. Notably, it became the site of a decisive battle where Antony defeated Brutus and Cassius, altering the course of the Roman Empire.