Resources on Mark D Roberts

Mark D Roberts | Theology of Work

Discussion Questions, Prayer, Article about Scripture

Mark D. Roberts says that Jesus' call to forgive 77 times (Matthew 18:21) did not mean to count, but to "forgive, and keep on forgiving, and don't stop."

Matthew 18:21

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Cross, Forgiveness, Generosity, Hatred

Stunted Shrubs or Towering Trees?

Mark D Roberts | Theology of Work

Discussion Questions, Prayer, Article about Scripture

Reflecting on Jeremiah 17:5-8, Mark D. Roberts suggests that the people of Judah were characterized as "stunted shrubs" because they trusted in themselves rather than in God.

Jeremiah 17:5-8

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Jeremiah, Revelation, Shame, Spiritual Growth

Better Than a Flannel Board

Mark D Roberts | Theology of Work

Discussion Questions, Prayer, Article about Scripture

Mark D. Roberts reflects on Ezekiel's (4:1-3) object lesson to warn of the coming siege of Jerusalem. He also points out that the incarnation was a powerful demonstration of God's love for humanity.

Ezekiel 4:1-3

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Incarnation, Siege, Jerusalem, God's Love

The Fruit of a New Life

Mark D Roberts | Theology of Work

Discussion Questions, Prayer, Article about Scripture

Mark D. Roberts reflects on the call of John the Baptist (Luke 3:8) to show fruits of repentance, saying that "transformed life" is a more literal meaning of repentance.

Luke 3:8

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Repentance, New Life, Conversion, John The Baptist

Preaching Through Prayer

Mark D Roberts | Theology of Work

Scripture Meditation or Sermon, Discussion Questions, Prayer

Mark D. Roberts reflects on Ephesians 1:19-23 and discusses how Paul uses his intercessory prayer to preach about God’s power.

Ephesians 1:19-23

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Preaching, Prayer, Power, Christ

Love Is Patient

Mark D Roberts | Theology of Work

Discussion Questions, Prayer, Article about Scripture

Mark D. Roberts contrasts the modern "need for speed" with the scriptural teaching that "love is patient" (1 Corinthians 13:4). Empathy toward others helps us be patient with them.

1 Corinthians 13:4

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Empathy, Love, Patience, Prayer

The Gracious Landowner

Mark D Roberts | Theology of Work

Discussion Questions, Prayer, Article about Scripture

Mark D. Roberts says Jesus' parable of the generous landowner (Matthew 20:1-16) illustrates God's generosity in contrast to people's selfishness. It is not intended to say how much workers should be paid.

Matthew 20:1-16

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Parable, Equity (fairness), Generosity, Grace Of God

Woven Into God's Story of Darkness and Light, Part 1

Mark D Roberts | Theology of Work

Article

Mark D. Roberts reflects on Ephesians 5:8, surveying the theme of darkness and light throughout the Old Testament.

Ephesians 5:8

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Hope, Light, Darkness, Old Testament

Order and Meaning in Life

Mark D Roberts | Theology of Work

Scripture Meditation or Sermon, Discussion Questions, Prayer

Mark D. Roberts reflects on Leviticus 23:1-2, encouraging us to consider how our experience of time can be enriched by the liturgical year—intentional, regular, biblically focused celebrations of God's grace—much like it did for the Israelites.

Leviticus 23:1-2

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Festivals, Religious, Christian Calendar, Rhythm, Congregational Flourishing

Balancing "God's Work" with Family Commitments

Mark D Roberts | Theology of Work

Scripture Meditation or Sermon, Discussion Questions, Prayer

Mark D. Roberts uses 1 Corinthians 7:32-34 to discuss balancing one’s time between work responsibilities and family responsibilities and notes that both qualify as doing God’s work.

1 Corinthians 7:32-34

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Work, Ministry, Family, Single Life

Did Jesus Come to Bring Peace or Division?

Mark D Roberts | Theology of Work

Scripture Meditation or Sermon, Discussion Questions, Prayer

Mark D. Roberts reflects on Luke 12:51 and the paradoxical reality that Jesus and his gospel brings both peace and conflict.

Luke 12:51

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Peace, Jesus, Gospel, Conflict

The Promise of Healing

Mark D Roberts | Theology of Work

Scripture Meditation or Sermon, Discussion Questions, Prayer

Mark D. Roberts reflects on Isaiah 35:5-6 and God's promise of healing, which isn't just a sign of compassion, but a sign of the Kingdom of God that is dawning already, its fullness yet to come.

Isaiah 35:5-6

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Advent, Healing, Compassion, Kingdom Of God

Building Altars

Mark D Roberts | Theology of Work

Scripture Meditation or Sermon, Discussion Questions, Prayer

Mark D. Roberts looks at how Abraham worshiped God and set up an altar in the land as described in Genesis 12:8 and reflects on how one can put reminders of God’s presence around one’s workplace.

Genesis 12:8

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Altar, Abraham, (biblical Patriarch), God's Presence

The Ministry of John the Baptist

Mark D Roberts | Theology of Work

Scripture Meditation or Sermon, Discussion Questions, Prayer

Mark D. Roberts reflects on John the Baptist's call in Matthew 3:2, and reminds us what true repentance looks like and why it is so important.

Matthew 3:2

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Advent, John The Baptist, Repentance, God's Sovereignty

The Tender Power of God

Mark D Roberts | Theology of Work

Discussion Questions, Prayer, Article about Scripture

Mark D. Roberts reflects on the powerful and tender image of God as a shepherd carrying lambs close to the heart (Isaiah 40:10-11). Jesus used a similar picture of God as seeking shepherd (Luke 15:3-5).

Isaiah 40:10-11; Luke 15:3-5

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Shepherd, Gentleness, Power, Protection

Your Place in the Story

Mark D Roberts | Theology of Work

Scripture Meditation or Sermon, Discussion Questions, Prayer

A devotional reflection by Mark D. Roberts on Ephesians 1:8-10. Roberts reviews God's grand story presented in Ephesians: God raises us from death into life and calls us to participate in unifying all things under him.

Ephesians 1:8-10

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Adoption, Ephesians, History Of Redemption, Redemption

Joseph of Arimathea

Mark D Roberts | Theology of Work

Scripture Meditation or Sermon, Discussion Questions, Prayer

Mark D. Roberts reflects on Mark 15:43 and how Joseph of Arimathea shows us the error of seeing Jews as being against Jesus, and challenges us with his willingness to risk his life and reputation.

Mark 15:43

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Joseph Of Arimathea, Jews, Anti-semitism, Sacrifice

The Good News of Jesus

Mark D Roberts | Theology of Work

Scripture Meditation or Sermon, Discussion Questions, Prayer

Mark D. Roberts looks at Jesus’ message about the coming of the kingdom of heaven in Matthew 4:17 and explains that the kingdom was about God reigning on earth.

Matthew 4:17

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Kingdom Of God, Gospel, Kingdom Of Heaven, Repentance

The Cup of Wrath

Mark D Roberts | Theology of Work

Scripture Meditation or Sermon, Discussion Questions, Prayer

Mark D. Roberts explores God’s anger against Israel and the nations described in Jeremiah 25:15 as a way to reflect on Jesus taking the punishment for sin and offering forgiveness in the new covenant.

Jeremiah 25:15

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Wrath Of God, Atonement, Justice Of God, Sin

Burden and Burdens

Mark D Roberts | Theology of Work

Scripture Meditation or Sermon, Discussion Questions, Prayer

Mark D. Roberts’ reflection on Jeremiah 23:36 explains the Hebrew word play around “prophecy” and warns against attributing one’s own desires as the will of God.

Jeremiah 23:36

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Prophecy, God's Will