Mark 9:24 & 29

V24 – “The attitude of trust and confidence that the Bible calls belief or faith is not something we can obtain without help. Faith is a gift from God. No matter how much faith we have, we never reach the point of being self-sufficient. Faith is not stored away like money in the banks. Growing in faith is a constant process of daily renewing our trust in Jesus” (NLT LASB).

V29 – “The disciples would often face difficult situations that could be resolved only through prayer. Prayer is the key that unlocks faith in our life. Effective prayer needs both the attitude of complete dependence and the actions of asking. Prayer demonstrates our reliance on God as we humbly invite him to fill us with faith and power. There is no substitute for prayer, especially in circumstances that seem impossible” (NLT LASB).

What are some thoughts you have from these two verses and their study notes?

Are the verses and study notes parallel to each other?

How can you apply Faith and Prayer to your lives?

Mark 8:34-38 are interesting verses. It is even more interesting when compared to a different bible translation. Compare and Contrast the two bible translations and comment on its similarities and differences.

New International Version

34Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. 35For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it. 36What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? 37Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul? 38If anyone is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when he comes in his Father’s glory with the holy angels.”

Easy to Read Version

34Then Jesus called the crowd and his followers to him. He said, “Any of you who want to be my follower must stop thinking about yourself and what you want. You must be willing to carry the cross that is given to you for following me. 35Any of you who try to save the life you have will lose it. But you who give up your life for me and for the Good News will save it. 36It is worth nothing for you to have the whole world if you yourself are lost. 37You could never pay enough to buy back your life. 38People today are so sinful. They have not been faithful to God. As you live among them, don’t be ashamed of me and my teaching. If that happens, I will be ashamed of you when I come with the glory of my Father and the holy angels.”

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