Too Good To Miss, Part 2: Jesus // Andy Stanley

Matthew 14 recounts key events in the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. It begins with Herod's execution of John the Baptist, highlighting the political tensions and moral conflicts of the time. Jesus then feeds a multitude of five thousand people with only five loaves of bread and two fish, demonstrating His miraculous power and compassion. Later, Jesus walks on water during a storm, an event that tests the faith of His disciples. Peter attempts to walk on water as well but begins to sink when he loses faith, prompting Jesus to save him. The chapter concludes with Jesus healing the sick in Gennesaret, further establishing His divine authority and healing ministry.

The Book of 1 John is a pastoral and polemical letter aimed at combating the heresy of Gnosticism, which was emerging in the early Christian church. John writes to reassure believers of their faith in Jesus Christ and to provide clear guidelines on what it means to be a true follower of Christ. The letter emphasizes the importance of fellowship with God and with other believers, the necessity of confessing sins, and the assurance of salvation through faith in Jesus. It also warns against false teachers and antichrists, and it underscores the principles of love, holiness, and security in the Christian life.

This commentary provides a detailed analysis of the Gospel of Mark, exploring its structure, themes, and theological implications. It is designed for pastors and Bible teachers, offering insights into the text's meaning and application.

In 'Irresistible,' Adam Alter delves into the world of behavioral addiction, tracing the historical understanding of addiction and its expansion beyond substance abuse to include behaviors such as gaming, social media, and smartphone use. Alter explains how technology companies deliberately design products to be irresistible, using techniques like 'Ludic Loops' and 'gamification' to keep users engaged. The book also discusses the potential for these addictive technologies to have both positive and negative effects on our well-being and provides insights into how we can mitigate their damaging impacts.