November 30, 2015

Title: Life Group Greek: Vocabulary: PUNS
Topic: Greek

Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)

Part 1

Mark Lanier is a funny guy, generally. If you have been listening to him or attending his Life Group class for any length of time, you already know that Mark loves puns. His current lessons on Greek always include a comic strip he makes up, usually a pun or a riddle of some sort which goes along with the lesson. Believe it or not, the Greek language is full of puns! Some are funny. Some are thought provoking. All puns are just a play on words, though. This week should be really fun!

Mark begins in Mark 6 today with the Lord’s Prayer. Prayer. Fasting. Forgiveness. It’s all in this short passage from the Bible.

First, Mark talks about fasting. Jesus said, basically, not to be fake when you’re fasting. Don’t boast about the pain you are enduring from fasting. Hide your face. Do it quietly in private. Jesus actually uses the word “disfigure” to describe some people’s faces when they’re fasting!

GREEK for “Seen” or Disfigure”: phaino – φαίνω

Tune in tomorrow as Mark explains how these two words are tied together in the Greek by looking at Luke 4:16-30 and Isaiah 60:1-2.

For this lesson's handouts, PowerPoint slides, unedited audio, or video click [here].

Mark is leading his 800+ member class into a deeper understanding of God’s Word. Join him next Sunday at Champion Forest Baptist Church in NW Houston.

For more information about Mark’s Class, click [here].

November 24, 2015

Title: Life Group Greek: Vocabulary - PUNS (Part 2)
Topic: Greek

Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)

Part 1

The lesson this week is on “puns”. Yes, there are puns in the Bible and even in Greek! We are going to play the rest of the four lessons today instead of one each day due to the Thanksgiving holiday. Please enjoy your time with family and friends. Remember, above all else, to give thanks to God.

Mark Lanier is a funny guy, generally. If you have been listening to him or attending his Life Group class for any length of time, you already know that Mark loves puns. His current lessons on Greek always include a comic strip he makes up, usually a pun or a riddle of some sort which goes along with the lesson. Believe it or not, the Greek language is full of puns! Some are funny. Some are thought provoking. All puns are just a play on words, though. This week should be really fun!

Mark begins in Mark 6 today with the Lord’s Prayer. Prayer. Fasting. Forgiveness. It’s all in this short passage from the Bible.

First, Mark talks about fasting. Jesus said, basically, not to be fake when you’re fasting. Don’t boast about the pain you are enduring from fasting. Hide your face. Do it quietly in private. Jesus actually uses the word “disfigure” to describe some people’s faces when they’re fasting!

GREEK for “Seen” or Disfigure”: phaino – φαίνω

Tune in tomorrow as Mark explains how these two words are tied together in the Greek by looking at Luke 4:16-30 and Isaiah 60:1-2.

For this lesson's handouts, PowerPoint slides, unedited audio, or video click [here].

Mark is leading his 800+ member class into a deeper understanding of God’s Word. Join him next Sunday at Champion Forest Baptist Church in NW Houston.

For more information about Mark’s Class, click [here].

Title: Life Group Greek: Vocabulary - PUNS (Part 2)
Topic: Greek

Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)

Part 2

In this segment, Mark takes a look at Luke 4:16-30 and Isaiah 61:1-2 to explain the word “seen” or “disfigure” in more detail. First, in Isaiah 61, it is written: “The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, ²to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn.”

We all realize that “good news” means “gospel”. From the Hebrew word for “anointed”, we get the English word “Messiah”. Also, the word “favor” only appears in the New Testament five times – in this verse, twice! Listen as Mark explains what other word is a pun for “favor”. I think this passage is pretty important, don’t you?

Mark discusses the importance of this passage in further details, explaining the people’s reaction, what they do, what they should have done, and the result of their actions.

Another great verse Mark uses in this lesson is John 3:1-8, which is about Nicodemus. Mark calls John “The Master Punster”! Listen in to the next segment to find out why!

Title: Life Group Greek: Vocabulary - PUNS (Part 2)
Topic: Greek

Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)

Part 3

The Greek pun for this lesson is pneuma (πνεῦμα), meaning wind or Spirit or spirit – even ghost. There is a difference between the “Spirit” and a “spirit”. Listen in as Mark explains the difference.

Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not marvel that I said to you, “You must be born again.” The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.

Nicodemus was very confused by the words Jesus spoke to him. He had no clue. In fact, Jesus had to repeat himself three times before Nicodemus began to understand, but it still didn’t click right away. Mark said it might have taken months for Nicodemus to fully understand what Jesus was meant.

Title: Life Group Greek: Vocabulary - PUNS (Part 2)
Topic: Greek

Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)

Part 4

Another pun that Mark reveals comes from John 1:5. Prior to this verse, John had been attempting to explain how “In the Word was Life and life was the light of all men.” The poor people were confused enough; John had to throw a pun in, too!

The pun in John 1:5 “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it” is: “overcome” (katalambanō - καταλαμβάνω). It also means “to take” or “grasp”. Through modern technology, we know that darkness is just the absence of light and Mark uses a flashlight in the dark to illustrate this.

We have a choice: the light or the dark. It is up to you whether you’re going to walk with Jesus or the devil. “Darkness could not defeat light, nor could it understand it,” Mark reminds us. He uses Philemon, which is a letter from Paul to Philemon over his slave, Onesimus, as another example of puns. First, Onesimus ((Ὀνήσιμος) is a pun in itself and comes from the Greek verb (ὄνησις) meaning “to use, profit, or advantage”. So, in essence, Onesimus’s name literally means “useful”.

Actually… Mark accidentally used Philippians in the PowerPoint demonstration, so listen in as he explains Philippians. (He starts with Philemon, though, and the information IS listed in the handout, so click on the link to print it out.)

Title: Life Group Greek: Vocabulary - Verbal Aspect (Part 2)
Topic: Greek

Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)

Part 5

In this final lesson, Mark continues to explain the issue with two women, Euodia and Syntyche, which led Paul to write the letter to the Philippians. The Greek pun he focuses on during this last segment is “all” (pas – πᾶς). Paul didn’t want his letter to just be to these two women, although they were the focus. Paul wanted everyone (all) to remember and know the truth. Paul wanted to ensure the people knew he meant business so he used the word “all” nearly twenty-five times in his letter.

Greek for Home:
1) Live happily. Do not seek to please the world; be mindful that you are to live for the Lord only.
 2) Shine, Jesus, Shine! Let His light shine through you. “This little light of mine, I wanna let it shine….”
3) ALL – You are NOT alone. We are not alone. We are family. Learn to live in peace and harmony with all believers.

Listen in next week as Mark looks at where the Bible says “Y’all”!!!

For this lesson's handouts, PowerPoint slides, unedited audio, or video click [here].

Mark is leading his 800+ member class into a deeper understanding of God’s Word. Join him next Sunday at Champion Forest Baptist Church in NW Houston.

For more information about Mark’s Class, click [here].

November 23, 2015

Title: Life Group Greek: Vocabulary: PUNS
Topic: Greek

Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)

Part 1

Mark Lanier is a funny guy, generally. If you have been listening to him or attending his Life Group class for any length of time, you already know that Mark loves puns. His current lessons on Greek always include a comic strip he makes up, usually a pun or a riddle of some sort which goes along with the lesson. Believe it or not, the Greek language is full of puns! Some are funny. Some are thought provoking. All puns are just a play on words, though. This week should be really fun!

Mark begins in Mark 6 today with the Lord’s Prayer. Prayer. Fasting. Forgiveness. It’s all in this short passage from the Bible.

First, Mark talks about fasting. Jesus said, basically, not to be fake when you’re fasting. Don’t boast about the pain you are enduring from fasting. Hide your face. Do it quietly in private. Jesus actually uses the word “disfigure” to describe some people’s faces when they’re fasting!

GREEK for “Seen” or Disfigure”: phaino – φαίνω

Tune in tomorrow as Mark explains how these two words are tied together in the Greek by looking at Luke 4:16-30 and Isaiah 60:1-2.

For this lesson's handouts, PowerPoint slides, unedited audio, or video click [here].

Mark is leading his 800+ member class into a deeper understanding of God’s Word. Join him next Sunday at Champion Forest Baptist Church in NW Houston.

For more information about Mark’s Class, click [here].

November 20, 2015

Title: Life Group Greek: Vocabulary - Verbal Aspect (Part 2)
Topic: Greek

Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)

Part 5

God created us. God has called us out of our sin. He made us alive in Christ. He raised us up. He saved us.

In Ephesians, Paul revealed what the people knew along, but had simply lost sight of:
God blessed us
God chose us
God predestined us
God lavished us
God made known
God set forth
God unites us
God raises us
God has made us alive

We didn’t do that. We can’t do that. No man has even done that. It’s all God. And aren’t you glad that it is??

Next week Mark will be looking at Greek puns. It’ll be puntastic, I promise!

Greek for Home: The big picture is that God is never far away; in fact, he is in our hearts. We always have access to God, the Creator of the Universe through Jesus Christ. We don’t deserve His love and affection, but He willingly offers it to us.

For this lesson's handouts, PowerPoint slides, unedited audio, or video click [here].

Mark is leading his 800+ member class into a deeper understanding of God’s Word. Join him next Sunday at Champion Forest Baptist Church in NW Houston.

For more information about Mark’s Class, click [here].

November 19, 2015

Title: Life Group Greek: Vocabulary - Verbal Aspect (Part 2)
Topic: Greek

Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)

Part 4

Mark really hits us hard today. Yes, we’re still looking at verbs and verb tenses and aspects of verbs. He puts all of that together and reveals the truth behind the passage in Ephesians: The devil wants you. The devil is doing all he can to take control of us and he does not give up easily. He loves to bring up our past and throw it in our faces time and time again. We know the truth, though, that God unites all things together in the end. Why is it so hard for us to trust Him? Because we’re human! Christians need to wake up and face the fact that we are in a real spiritual battle.

Famous Mark Quote: “We are the original Walking Dead!” If you are familiar with the TV show, this is a reference to zombies. Yes, we were all once zombies! Listen in as Mark explains….

For this lesson's handouts, PowerPoint slides, unedited audio, or video click [here].

Mark is leading his 800+ member class into a deeper understanding of God’s Word. Join him next Sunday at Champion Forest Baptist Church in NW Houston.

For more information about Mark’s Class, click [here].

November 18, 2015

Title: Life Group Greek: Vocabulary - Verbal Aspect (Part 2)
Topic: Greek

Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)

Part 3

Mark is still studying Ephesians 1:3-10 today. Paul, the writer of Ephesians, used verbs and verb tenses when talking about Jesus, then changed them into nouns when talking about God! That is a really cool fact when you think about it; it’s very hard to do, even today. Paul was such a gifted writer. Mark really makes a point to emphasize the fact that God has adopted us as sons and daughters into His Kingdom through Jesus. Listen in as Mark dives into this passage in Ephesians in more detail, breaking down each verbal aspect.

For this lesson's handouts, PowerPoint slides, unedited audio, or video click [here].

Mark is leading his 800+ member class into a deeper understanding of God’s Word. Join him next Sunday at Champion Forest Baptist Church in NW Houston.

For more information about Mark’s Class, click [here].

November 17, 2015

Title: Life Group Greek: Vocabulary - Verbal Aspect (Part 2)
Topic: Greek

Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)

Part 2

Ephesians 1:3-10 “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. ⁴For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love ⁵he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— ⁶to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. ⁷ In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace ⁸ that he lavished on us. With all wisdom and understanding, ⁹ he[d]made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, ¹⁰ to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment—to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ.”

As a review, the verb tenses used in Greek are: aorist (bird’s eye view), imperfect and present (being in the moment), and perfect (condition). Mark uses visual aspects to explain his points throughout this lesson. You can click on the link below to view them or print them out. He does a fabulous job of emphasizing his points for people listening on the radio and internet, though, so listen in as he explains this passage with each verb tense.

For this lesson's handouts, PowerPoint slides, unedited audio, or video click [here].

Mark is leading his 800+ member class into a deeper understanding of God’s Word. Join him next Sunday at Champion Forest Baptist Church in NW Houston.

For more information about Mark’s Class, click [here].

November 16, 2015

Title: Life Group Greek: Vocabulary - Verbal Aspect (Part 2)
Topic: Greek

Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)

Part 1    

Mark Lanier explained the various verb tenses, or verbal aspects, last week: aorist tense, present tense, imperfect and prefect tenses, and imperative tenses. He felt that more explanation was needed so he is continuing with the same subject this week.

In the English language, we use verb tenses to express “time”. The Greek language uses verb tenses for a specific reason: to express the perspective of what they are trying to convey. Listen in as Mark gives a fabulous viewpoint that a class member, Carolyn Bailey, suggested to him to help explain verb tenses.

For this lesson's handouts, PowerPoint slides, unedited audio, or video click [here].

Mark is leading his 800+ member class into a deeper understanding of God’s Word. Join him next Sunday at Champion Forest Baptist Church in NW Houston.

For more information about Mark’s Class, click[here].

November 13, 2015

Title: Life Group Greek: Vocabulary: Verbal Aspect
Topic: Greek

Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)

Part 5

Suffering produces endurance. Endurance produces character. Character produces hope. We can learn many life lessons from the Bible, which tells us we have obtained grace through our faith. Those hard times we encounter are too make us stronger, not lose our faith.

“God’s love has been poured into your heart. It wasn’t dripped in. It wasn’t forced in. It was lavishly poured in by the Holy Spirit,” Mark says. What makes you different from everyone else? Are you really emitting all of the love of God that you possibly can?

Greek for Home:
1) Cling to the realization that you are God’s beloved.
2) Remember that God’s forgiveness is endless, but that doesn’t mean you can keep sinning. Strive to be like Jesus.
3) When you are caught in the act of sin, acknowledge it and repent.

For this lesson's handouts, PowerPoint slides, unedited audio, or video click [here].

Mark is leading his 800+ member class into a deeper understanding of God’s Word. Join him next Sunday at Champion Forest Baptist Church in NW Houston.

For more information about Mark’s Class, click [here].

November 12, 2015

Title: Life Group Greek: Vocabulary: Verbal Aspect
Topic: Greek

Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)

Part 4

“Moment by moment, the reality of the present is a constant reminder that Jesus Christ is living for God. So you, at the same present moment, are alive to God. You are no longer enslaved to sin,” Mark says.

As a review, Mark has explained several of the verbal aspects of the Greek language as it relates to the Bible by using a parade as an example. The verbal aspects we have studied so far are: aorist tense, present tense, and imperfect and prefect tenses.

Today, he will be focusing on the present and imperative tenses. He uses the analogy of being on the “street corner” watching the parade go by. Right now, you are living out your faith in Christ. Right now, you are recognizing the fact that you are a Christian. Right now, you know that Christ is everything. Right now, Christ lives in you.

What does all this mean to us today? Mark explains that, just as we have been united with Christ through life, we will still be united with him in death. You have been set free. Mark calls this “the state of affairs”. It is who we are and who we will always be. Mark uses Romans 5:1-5 as a Scripture reference for this. Listen in!

For this lesson's handouts, PowerPoint slides, unedited audio, or video click [here].

Mark is leading his 800+ member class into a deeper understanding of God’s Word. Join him next Sunday at Champion Forest Baptist Church in NW Houston.

For more information about Mark’s Class, click [here].

November 11, 2015

Title: Life Group Greek: Vocabulary: Verbal Aspect
Topic: Greek

Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)

Part 3

This week, Mark is discussing the importance of “verb tenses” in the Greek and the Bible. We’ve already reviewed the aorist tense, which is the “bird’s eye viewpoint”, and some of the present tense (no fancy word for that one!) Today, Mark explains more about the “imperfect tense”. He still uses Acts 28 as the Scripture passage and continues to share the emphasis points with the tone of his voice so those listening on the radio and on the internet can “see” (hear) the bigger picture. Isn’t Mark great?

One other verb tense in the Greek is the “perfect tense”, which describes the state of affairs. Example: If you’re tired, you’re tired. If you’re hungry, you’re hungry. Pretty simple, right? Mark looks at Romans 6 to explain the perfect tense in the Greek, which is slightly more complicated than that…Listen in tomorrow as Mark discusses more on the “street view” version – or present tense – of this passage.

For this lesson's handouts, PowerPoint slides, unedited audio, or video click [here].

Mark is leading his 800+ member class into a deeper understanding of God’s Word. Join him next Sunday at Champion Forest Baptist Church in NW Houston.

For more information about Mark’s Class, click [here].

November 10, 2015

Title: Life Group Greek: Vocabulary: Verbal Aspect
Topic: Greek

Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)

Part 2

This week, Mark is discussing the importance of “verb tenses” in the Greek and the Bible. (Refer to Monday’s overview to refresh your memory of what a verb is!) “Greek verbs are driven by 'viewpoint' rather than the actual tense of the word,” he says. The goal this week is to open up our eyes to a whole new way of reading the Bible in Greek. “You just don’t get the same effect from reading the English language Bible,” Mark believes.

First, the “aorist Greek tense” is far different than anything we’ve ever learned or even remotely heard of in the English language. Aorist tense is like a “bird’s eye viewpoint”. In Acts 28, Paul tells of the time when the people thought he was god because a snake did not kill him. While reading the passage, Mark emphasizes all the aorist Greek tenses so those listening on the radio or internet can understand better. Thanks Mark!!

There are two other Greek tenses: present tense (that sounds familiar!) and imperfect tense (what’s that?). However, the present tense in the Greek is not always “present” tense. Remember, verb tense in Greek is more concerned with viewpoint than with time. Mark will expand with present and imperfect tense tomorrow, so tune in!

For this lesson's handouts, PowerPoint slides, unedited audio, or video click [here].

Mark is leading his 800+ member class into a deeper understanding of God’s Word. Join him next Sunday at Champion Forest Baptist Church in NW Houston.

For more information about Mark’s Class, click [here].

November 9, 2015

Title: Life Group Greek: Vocabulary: Verbal Aspect
Topic: Greek

Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)

Part 1

Mark Lanier is back this week! Thank you to Peter Williams from England for helping out last week. Today, Mark begins the lesson by reminiscing about his junior high English teacher and also driving his daughters back and forth to elementary school back in the day. Two very different stories, yet they are both connected to the lesson this week by one common denominator: Verbs! Do you remember what a verb is? It is an “action” word – walk, climb, jump, drive, talk, run, write, swim…But, wait! Mark throws in something a little extra: verb tenses! Jumping, jumped, will jump...walking, walked, will walk…writing, wrote, will write…talked, will talk, talking… You get the picture.

So, how do verbs and tenses and arrangement of words correlate to this week’s lesson? Mark uses the story of Jesus walking in water and then inviting Peter to do the same as an example. He tells it in past tense and then as if it were present tense to prove that verb tense makes a difference! It is especially true in the Greek, which Mark will get into staring tomorrow.

For this lesson's handouts, PowerPoint slides, unedited audio, or video click [here].

Mark is leading his 800+ member class into a deeper understanding of God’s Word. Join him next Sunday at Champion Forest Baptist Church in NW Houston.

For more information about Mark’s Class, click [here].

October 23, 2015

Title: Life Group Greek: Vocabulary: Theological Language
Topic: Greek

Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)

Day Five: Charis (Grace) – χάρις

Vocabulary: Theological Language

Here are the different variations of John 1:16 (NSV): “For from his fullness we have all received grace upon grace.”

NIV 2011: “grace in place of grace already given.” ASV (1901) and KJV: “grace for grace.” The Message: “gift after gift after gift.” New Jerusalem Bible: “one gift replacing another.” RSV: “grace upon grace.”

But what does all this mean? What grace instead of what grace? What gift? Mark says, “The death of Jesus as our righteousness is a gift we have from God that took the place of what gift? The Law.” The Law was given through Moses; grace and truth came from Jesus Christ. The Law was a gift to Israel from God. Through the death of Jesus, we receive the gift of grace and eternal life for those who believe in Him.

Greek for Home Wisdom:

1. Mark 10:45 “For even the Son of Man came not to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” The “for” in “for many” is another example of “in place of”. Aren’t you glad that Jesus lived his life for us? We should be forever grateful!

2. The gift of Jesus Christ is good news indeed! It is the only gospel. Paul wrote to the Galatians in 1:6 “I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel.” Do not substitute Christ with anything. Ever.

3. So, are we to continue to sin so our grace can be even bigger? (Romans 6:1) NO! NO! NO! That is definitely not how it works! Listen as Mark gives a great example of this illogical way of thinking.

Mark is leading his 800+ member class into a deeper understanding of God’s Word. Join him next Sunday at Champion Forest Baptist Church in NW Houston.

For this lesson's handouts, PowerPoint slides, unedited audio, or video click [here].

For more information about Mark’s Class, click [here].

October 22, 2015

Title: Life Group Greek: Vocabulary: Theological Language
Topic: Greek

Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)

Day Four: Charis (Grace) – χάρις

Vocabulary: Theological Language

In case you are new to this or haven’t gotten the hint yet, Mark is very passionate when it comes to knowing the right and wrong way to use a specific word, especially when it comes to translating Greek into English. In today’s part of this week’s lesson on Charis (grace), Mark breaks out the big gun: the Greek dictionary. It’s about to get real serious today.

So far, we have learned that Charis can be translated as: favorable, beneficial, grateful, thanks, gracious, and gift. Mark introduced the verse John 1:16 yesterday: “For from his fullness we have all received grace upon grace.” (This is the New Standard Version.) Here are the different variations of this verse:

NIV 2011: “grace in place of grace already given.” ASV (1901) and KJV: “grace for grace.” The Message: “gift after gift after gift.” New Jerusalem Bible: “one gift replacing another.” RSV: “grace upon grace.”

If you use the NSV, “upon” in the Greek actually is translated to “anti”. What??? Grace anti grace? What is that supposed to mean?? There are three ways to use the word anti while reading John 1:16: 1) the equivalent of; 2) in return for; 3) instead of.

I strongly urge you to click on the link below to view the lesson plan for this week so you can see the differences on paper. It really makes a lot more sense. Tune in tomorrow as Mark concludes his review of the different translations of the word Charis and offers his wonderful points for home wisdom.

Mark is leading his 800+ member class into a deeper understanding of God’s Word. Join him next Sunday at Champion Forest Baptist Church in NW Houston.

For this lesson's handouts, PowerPoint slides, unedited audio, or video click [here].

For more information about Mark’s Class, click [here].

October 21, 2015

Title: Life Group Greek: Vocabulary: Theological Language
Topic: Greek

Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)

Day Three: Charis (Grace) – χάρις

Vocabulary: Theological Language

The five definitions of Charis (grace) are:
1) A quality or attractiveness that invites a favorable reaction.
2) A beneficent disposition toward someone – to show someone grace or favor.
3) A practical application of goodwill.
4) The effect produced by generosity or favor.
5) “Thank you”.

Mark has been reviewing the various ways that God uses this magnificent word in Scripture and will continue today.

1 Peter 2:19-20 “For this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly. ²⁰For what credit is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God.” Obviously the word here that Mark wants to emphasize is “gracious”.

Mark also reviews two passages in Romans. These two are a little trickier. First Romans 4:4. “Now to the one who works, his wages are not counted as a gift but as his due.” And Romans 12:3-6, with a focus on verse 6: “Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith.” Gift is the chosen word in both passages here. This is important because the word “gift” is used frequently in Scripture. For example, the English word “charismatic” is derived from these verses! How cool is that?

So far we have learned that Charis can be translated as: favorable, beneficial, grateful, thanks, gracious, and gift.  Mark has one more powerful passage he wants to share: John 1:16 “For from his fullness we have all received grace upon grace.” Mark uses different translations of the Bible to point out the various ways this verse can be interpreted. They are all so vastly different that it can get confusing! Tune in tomorrow as he expands on this even more by bringing in the actual Greek!

Mark is leading his 800+ member class into a deeper understanding of God’s Word. Join him next Sunday at Champion Forest Baptist Church in NW Houston.

For this lesson's handouts, PowerPoint slides, unedited audio, or video click [here].

For more information about Mark’s Class, click [here].

October 20, 2015

Title: Life Group Greek: Vocabulary: Theological Language
Topic: Greek

Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)

Day Two: Charis (Grace) – χάρις

Vocabulary: Theological Language

Mark reviews the five definitions of Charis (grace) today.
1) A quality or attractiveness that invites a favorable reaction.
2) A beneficent disposition toward someone – to show someone grace or favor.
3) A practical application of goodwill.
4) The effect produced by generosity or favor.
5) “Thank you”.

This week, Mark challenges us to find how different Scriptures use the word Charis. For example, Luke 1:30 states: “But the angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary! You have found favor with God.’” Okay, so that was an easy one. Look at Acts 24:27 “When two years had passed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus, but because Felix wanted to grant a favor to the Jews, he left Paul in prison.” Alright, so that was easy, too. However, while both verses use the same word “favor” they have two different meanings.

Here is one that is a little harder. Luke 6:32-33 “If you love those who love you, what benefit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them. ³³And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners do that.” Can you spot it? Look again! Benefit!

Romans 6:15-17. In verse 17, Paul says, “But thanks be to God, that you who were once slaves of sin have become obedient from the heart to the standard of teaching to which you were committed.” Thanks! But in the previous two verses, it was translated grace! Listen in as Mark reads this passage and explains.

And finally, Hebrews 12:28: “Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe.” Grateful! You guys are good!

Notice how every verse uses a variation of the word “grace”, yet they all mean something vastly different. Were the translators wrong in their interpretation or is there a real purpose? Tune in tomorrow to hear more from Mark on Charis.

Mark is leading his 800+ member class into a deeper understanding of God’s Word. Join him next Sunday at Champion Forest Baptist Church in NW Houston.

For this lesson's handouts, PowerPoint slides, unedited audio, or video click [here].

For more information about Mark’s Class, click [here].

October 19, 2015

Title: Life Group Greek: Vocabulary: Theological Language
Topic: Greek

Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)

Day One: Charis (Grace) – χάρις

Vocabulary: Theological Language

I love it when Mark Lanier tells stories from his childhood. This week’s lesson begins with a story from English class in the 6th or 7th grade at Burger Junior High outside of Rochester, NY. His English teacher introduced them to the words “synonym” and “antonym”. If you recall from your own middle school days, synonyms are words which have similar meanings. Antonyms have opposite meanings. Then his teacher threw a curveball: homonyms! Listen in for the rest of the story.

Mark brings us back into reality with a brief look into the lesson. He talked about Charis, or Grace, last week but didn’t get through all that he wanted to. So, he decided to do an entire lesson on the word.

Mark is leading his 800+ member class into a deeper understanding of God’s Word. Join him next Sunday at Champion Forest Baptist Church in NW Houston.

For this lesson's handouts, PowerPoint slides, unedited audio, or video click [here].

For more information about Mark’s Class, click [here].

October 16, 2015

Title: Life Group Greek: Vocabulary: Theological Language
Topic: Greek

Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)

Day Five: Charis (Grace) – χάρις

Vocabulary: Theological Language

Mark concludes this week with a final look at the Greek word Charis (Grace) – χάρις and the points for home. Yesterday he revealed three theological meanings to this word: 1) a quality or attractiveness that invites a favorable reaction; 2) a beneficent disposition toward someone – to show someone grace or favor; and 3) a practical application of goodwill.

Today, Mark expands on the third meaning – the practical application of goodwill – a good work or good deed. He begins by looking at Acts 23:27. This verse comes after Paul had been in prison for two years. A new leader came into power – Felix – and decided to do the Jews a “favor” and leave him in prison.

The fourth definition of Charis, or grace, could be translated as: The effect produced by generosity or favor. Mark uses Ephesians 1:6-7 here. Paul has been imprisoned, but he’s not bitter, nor does he hate the Jews. In fact, this is what the passage states: “To the praise of His glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved. In Him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace.” The “effect” of His generosity upon us is grace.

The fifth and final description for Grace can be a simple “thank you”. This is probably the most commonly used phrase in the English language. I wonder if atheists use these words…and if they did, do they realize they are using a phrase straight from God? That’s just my two-cents.

Points for Home:
1) Remember that God is in control. He can handle anything – even the apparent collapse of the world!
2) Focus on the message from the Lord. If you listen to his Word, you’ll find all your answers.
3) Christ gave us a gift. When he died on the cross, he gave us purpose, meaning, direction, peace, and joy! Proclaim the truth to others until the end of your days.

Mark is leading his 800+ member class into a deeper understanding of God’s Word. Join him next Sunday at Champion Forest Baptist Church in NW Houston.

For this lesson's handouts, PowerPoint slides, unedited audio, or video click [here].

For more information about Mark’s Class, click [here].

October 15, 2015

Title: Life Group Greek: Vocabulary: Theological Language
Topic: Greek

Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)

Day Four: Apostolos - ἀπόστολος AND Charis (Grace) - χάρις

Vocabulary: Theological Language

Today we continue to look at the Greek word: Apostolos or Apostle - ἀπόστολος and Mark will also introduce another one Charis (Grace) – χάρις. That makes three new Greek words so far this week! Wow!

First, to continue with Apostolos… Depending on the translation, different people were referred to as Apostles other than the twelve who were devoted to Jesus. Why? Because Apostolos was a normal Greek word back then. It wasn’t reserved for only the special few. What is means is a “messenger” or an “envoy”. It is a representative of the Christian faith. 2 Corinthians 8:23 uses the word Apostolos in reference to others. Philippians 2:25 does the same.

Then, in Mark 3:13-14, Jesus went to the mountain and called to twelve men to be Apostles. This is why there is some confusion among the denominations, especially the Mormons. Listen in as Mark elaborates on this and how Jesus himself, later in life, talked about every Christian being an Apostle.

Third Greek word for the week: Charis (Grace) – χάρις. Like the other Greek words Mark has introduced over the past several months, Grace has several different meanings. However, Mark wants to focus on the theological meanings. First, grace means a quality or attractiveness that invites a favorable reaction. In Luke 2:52 “Jesus was increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man.” In this instance, “favor” is referring to grace.

The second theological definition for Charis, or grace, is: a beneficent disposition toward someone – to show someone grace or favor. Mark uses Acts 6:8 and Stephen’s gracious disposition toward others as a perfect example here.

There are several other examples Mark uses in the class notes, so be sure to check them out at the link below!

The third definition for Charis is: a practical application of goodwill. Tune in tomorrow to hear the rest of this explanation and for the conclusion of this week’s lesson, including the points for home.

Mark is leading his 800+ member class into a deeper understanding of God’s Word. Join him next Sunday at Champion Forest Baptist Church in NW Houston.

For this lesson's handouts, PowerPoint slides, unedited audio, or video click [here].

For more information about Mark’s Class, click [here].

October 14, 2015

Title: Life Group Greek: Vocabulary: Theological Language
Topic: Greek

Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)

Day 3: Ekklesia – ἐκκλησία AND Apostolos - ἀπόστολος

Vocabulary: Theological Language

Yesterday, we learned the meaning behind the Greek word diabolos – a slanderer or accuser. It is no wonder this word is used to describe the devil!

If you missed yesterday’s lesson, Mark gave a breakdown of the word Ekklesia – ἐκκλησίa. Many people think Ekklesia means “church” but that’s only half true. It really means “an assembly or gathering”. It’s more about the people, though, rather than the building itself. Today, Mark continues to explain more about this word and why it is important to know the meaning behind it. “Jesus did not live his life thinking it would end with his death,” Mark laments. Jesus knew the story; he knew what would happen. Jesus lived his life for the people. In Acts 19, Paul is in Ephesus shaking things up with his preaching about Jesus, condemning the people and their idol worshipping. Therefore, the leaders wanted him killed. In verse 32, the assembly or Ekklesia comes into play, trying to save Paul from certain death. Listen in as Mark tells the whole story.

Bonus Fact: Paul was the only disciple who referred to the church as “The Body of Christ”.

All of this ties into the church, the people, the gathering, the assembly – Ekklesia and another Greek word: Apostle - ἀπόστολος. He also brings up the Mormon Church to explain this word and how they differ than Evangelicals.

Mark is leading his 800+ member class into a deeper understanding of God’s Word. Join him next Sunday at Champion Forest Baptist Church in NW Houston.

For this lesson's handouts, PowerPoint slides, unedited audio, or video click [here].

For more information about Mark’s Class, click [here].

October 13, 2015

Title: Life Group Greek: Vocabulary: Theological Language
Topic: Greek

Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)

Day 2: Ekklesia – ἐκκλησία

Vocabulary: Theological Language

Yesterday, we learned the meaning behind the Greek word diabolos – a slanderer or accuser. It is no wonder this word is used to describe the devil!

Today, Mark gives us another Greek word: Ekklesia – ἐκκλησίa. “Ek” means “out of” and we get the word “exit” in English. And kaleō – καλέω, “meaning “to call, summon, or invite”. Many mistakenly believe that Ekklesia means “those who are called out of” something because of these two words. It really just means “church”, but not the church you’re thinking of! I know. I know it’s confusing.

When buying books about the Bible, you should always make certain that the author is sincere in his/her writings and isn’t just writing fluff. In the same way, Mark encourages believers to know the real meaning of Greek words; sometimes the translators rush through and don’t get it right. This is especially true for the word Ekklesia, which, when translated correctly, means “an assembly or gathering”.

Mark is leading his 800+ member class into a deeper understanding of God’s Word. Join him next Sunday at Champion Forest Baptist Church in NW Houston.

For this lesson's handouts, PowerPoint slides, unedited audio, or video click [here].

For more information about Mark’s Class, click [here].

October 12, 2015

Title: Life Group Greek: Vocabulary - Theological Language
Topic: Greek

Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)

Day 1: Diabolos διάβολος – to slander or accuse

Vocabulary: Theological Language

Mark likes things in his life to be in order. He likes balance. He likes symmetry. He begins the lesson this week with a little sneak peek into his childhood and when he realized he had a little bit of an obsessive compulsive disorder.

The Greek language, while beautiful, drives Mark nuts! Not every Greek word has a replacement word for English. Sometimes the word in Greek is a phrase in English and vice versa. This shouldn’t be! It should be even, not odd!!! (Note the tremendous amount of sarcasm here….)

This week, Mark will be looking at words in the Greek that have a deep theological meaning but, at the same time, mean something simple when used in every day conversation. For example, diabolos (διάβολος) in Greek usage conveys the ideas of “slanderer” or “accuser,” but in the New Testament, it can mean something (or someone) altogether different.

To explain this, Mark recounts the familiar story of Daniel in the Den of  Lions. He also looks at 1 Timothy 3:11 “Their wives likewise must be dignified, not slandered.” But then, throughout Matthew 4 and 5, however, diabolos is translated “devil”! Even in the Old Testament, the Greeks used the word diabolos to describe the devil. What does that tell you? The devil really is the bad guy!

Mark is leading his 800+ member class into a deeper understanding of God’s Word. Join him next Sunday at Champion Forest Baptist Church in NW Houston.

For this lesson's handouts, PowerPoint slides, unedited audio, or video click [here].

For more information about Mark’s Class, click [here].

October 9, 2015

Title: Life Group Greek: Balancing
Topic: Greek

Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)

Day 5

Balancing the Decisions we Make: Men (μέν) and de (δέ)

Hebrews 8:4-7 and Hebrews 10:11-12 are other men/de examples. In chapter 8, the priests bring up the fact that Jesus should not even be teaching or preaching because he was from the tribe of Judah. Priests were supposed to be from the tribe of Levi!

Listen in as Mark explains this and also how it ties into Hebrews 10 and even Acts 12. It’s amazing how God can use different men from different eras and even different backgrounds to make the same point!

Points for Home:

1. Those who do not believe in the cross are foolish and will perish. To those who follow God, however, the cross is power.

2. When things are rough, pray. Just pray. Prayer is a must.

3. We are the servants in God’s house and Christ is over God’s house. He is our goal. He is the reason we live.

Mark is leading his 800+ member class into a deeper understanding of God’s Word. Join him next Sunday at Champion Forest Baptist Church in NW Houston.

For this lesson's handouts, PowerPoint slides, unedited audio, or video click [here].

For more information about Mark’s Class, click [here].

October 8, 2015

Title: Life Group Greek: Balancing
Topic: Greek

Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)

Day 4

Balancing the Decisions we Make: Men (μέν) and de (δέ)

Today, Mark is in the book of Hebrews, which was written to a group of people who had been Jews and then became Christians. However, they had some second thoughts about being Christians. Then came the letter in Hebrews explaining the difference between the two religions. Mark sums it up by saying, “Judaism is a shadow and Christianity is a reality.”

There is a difference between “men” and “Jesus” and it’s important! Hebrews 3:5-6 “Moses was faithful in all God’s house as a servant to testify to the things that were to be spoken later.” This is the “men” part. On the other hand “Christ is faithful over God’s house as a Son.” Moses was “in” God’s house, while Jesus is “over” God’s house.

Mark also discusses Hebrews 7:23-24. Abraham Lincoln and JFK come into play with this explanation – you don’t want to miss it! Tune in tomorrow to hear the conclusion of this week’s lesson, including which is better: Judaism or Christianity.

Mark is leading his 800+ member class into a deeper understanding of God’s Word. Join him next Sunday at Champion Forest Baptist Church in NW Houston.

For this lesson's handouts, PowerPoint slides, unedited audio, or video click [here].

For more information about Mark’s Class, click [here].

October 7, 2015

Title: Life Group Greek: Balancing
Topic: Greek

Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)

Day 3

Balancing the Decisions we Make: Men (μέν) and de (δέ)

Balancing words, the order in which they appear, and deciphering what the words means are all vital to the Greek language. Men (μέν) and de (δέ) is the art of balancing.

1 Corinthians 1:18: “The word of the cross is (on the one hand) to those who are perishing is folly. (On the other hand) to those saved, it is the power of God!”

Then, in verse 23, Paul says, “We preach Christ crucified, (on one hand) a stumbling block to Jews and (on the other hand) folly to Gentiles.

Some people will accept this; some people will not. Mark reminds us that it doesn’t matter if we know what the outcome will be; we still must preach the Gospel to all the world and spread the love of Christ.



Another verse Mark looks at is Philippians 3:13. In this chapter, Paul was basically recounting all the things that had happened which made him “great”. He wasn’t bragging, though; quite the opposite, actually. Listen in as Mark explains the verse and its context.

Quit looking backward!! Jesus doesn’t care what our past looks like. He only cares about our future. “Shame has no role in the life of a Christian. It’s a tool of the devil,” Mark says.

Mark is leading his 800+ member class into a deeper understanding of God’s Word. Join him next Sunday at Champion Forest Baptist Church in NW Houston.

For this lesson's handouts, PowerPoint slides, unedited audio, or video click [here].

For more information about Mark’s Class, click [here].

October 6, 2015

Title: Life Group Greek: Balancing
Topic: Greek

Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)

Day 2

Balancing the Decisions we Make

Matthew 9:37: On one hand – the harvest is plenty; on the other hand – there aren’t enough laborers. Other great examples of this contrast are: Matthew 10:5-13, where Jesus sends out his 12 apostles, and Matthew 21:35 “The Parable of the Tenants”.

Bonus confession from Mark: One of his favorite movies is Fiddler on the Roof. Listen in to find out what another favorite is – you might be surprised!

Mark also discusses 1 Corinthians 1:18 and 23. He points out that the specific word order used in verse 18 is extremely important. “The word of the cross is (on the one hand) to those who are perishing is folly.”

To some people, believing that Jesus Christ died and was resurrected is just dumb. Being born again through the blood of Jesus Christ is just dumb. Moronic, even! On the other hand….tune in tomorrow to hear more!

Mark is leading his 800+ member class into a deeper understanding of God’s Word. Join him next Sunday at Champion Forest Baptist Church in NW Houston.

For more information about Mark’s Class, click [here].

October 5, 2015

Title: Life Group Greek: Balancing
Topic: Greek

Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)

Day 1

Balancing the Decisions we Make

We make decisions every day of our lives: what to wear, what to eat, which project at work gets priority over the others. The list goes on and on. Mark says, “One of the things in a decision-making process (that) we do is we contrast the ‘yes’ and ‘no’… This process is expressed in our language.”

Listen in as Mark compares the Greek “on the one hand” to the Greek “on the other hand”. Sometimes the message is very clear; the translators do an excellent job of explaining what the writer meant. For example, in Hebrews 7:18-19 “The former regulation is set aside because it was weak and useless 19 (for the law made nothing perfect), and a better hope is introduced, by which we draw near to God.”

Throughout the rest of the week, Mark will be looking at several passages which compare and contrast this idea. Unlike the above verse, which is obvious, sometimes the translators are very vague. Today, he starts with Matthew 9:37. Tune in tomorrow for the rest of the explanation!

Mark is leading his 800+ member class into a deeper understanding of God’s Word. Join him next Sunday at Champion Forest Baptist Church in NW Houston.

For more information about Mark’s Class, click [here].

October 2, 2015

Title: Greek Lesson 5: Emphasis Part 2
Topic: Greek

Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)

Day 5

The Importance of Emphasis in Greek Writing - Part 2

Yesterday’s segment with Mark Lanier included a brief explanation of Romands9:20 - “Oh person, who are you, to answer back to God?” Today, Mark elaborates with more on the emphasis of “you” in this passage.

Also, in Colossians 1:17 “And He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.” Paul emphasizes the “He” and “Him” in this passage because He is the most important being. If we think we can do all this on our own, we will always be lost. But when we learn that everything is held together because of Him and Him alone, it’s an amazing revelation. Some of us just take longer to get to that realization…

Points for Home: Read the handouts found at the link below for the “real” points for home. In class, Mark challenged everyone to really see the Lord for who He is. Remember who you are in Christ. Look around you and find ways that God reminds you who He is. And share this with others! Don’t keep it to yourself.

Mark is leading his 800+ member class into a deeper understanding of God’s Word. Join him next Sunday at Champion Forest Baptist Church in NW Houston.

For this lesson's handouts, PowerPoint slides, unedited audio, or video click [here].

For more information about Mark’s Class, click [here].

October 1, 2015

Title: Greek Lesson 5: Emphasis Part 2
Topic: Greek

Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)

Day 4

The Importance of Emphasis in Greek Writing - Part 2

We are still in Matthew 8:28-32 with Mark Lanier today. He compares the Greek signal words to the English signal words and why they are different, yet the same. If you add or change specific words, it can totally change the meaning of the passage.

One word that Mark focuses on today is the Greek word “ego – ἐγὼ” which means “I”. We obviously get the English word “ego” from the Greek, which is pronounced “eggo” like the breakfast waffle. John 6:35 is a perfect example to explain the word order the Greeks used for this.

Romans 9:20 is another passage that Mark looks at today. “Oh person, who are you, to answer back to God?” Paul emphasized the word “you” twice in this verse. Listen in as Mark explains. Make sure you tune in tomorrow as he finishes this explanation and also gives his points for home.

Mark is leading his 800+ member class into a deeper understanding of God’s Word. Join him next Sunday at Champion Forest Baptist Church in NW Houston.

For this lesson's handouts, PowerPoint slides, unedited audio, or video click [here].

For more information about Mark’s Class, click [here].

September 30, 2015

Title: Greek Lesson 5: Emphasis Part 2
Topic: Greek

Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)

Day 3

The Importance of Emphasis in Greek Writing - Part 2

We can choose to live our lives for our own desires and priorities. Or we can live our lives for Jesus. So why is it so hard to choose the right one? Simply put: focus on what God has done in you and through you. When you focus on Him and Him alone, the circumstances in our lives will just match up.

Matthew 8:28-32 has more examples of signal words. First in verse 29, “behold” the people cried out. Then in verse 32, it was “BAM!” it happened! There is a significant difference in the signal words. Listen in as Mark explains the end of the passage. The people begged Jesus to leave, but why?

Mark is leading his 800+ member class into a deeper understanding of God’s Word. Join him next Sunday at Champion Forest Baptist Church in NW Houston.

For this lesson's handouts, PowerPoint slides, unedited audio, or video click [here].

For more information about Mark’s Class, click [here].

September 29, 2015

Title: Greek Lesson 5: Emphasis - Part 2
Topic: Greek

Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)

Day 2

The Importance of Emphasis in Greek Writing - Part 2

The Greek language is a beautiful work of art. It is also very confusing at times. Mark explains how you read Greek left-to-right, the same as in English, but for a different purpose: it’s to understand the point of a sentence or phrase, not necessarily for it to make sense.

Mark continues with a review of last week’s lesson because he didn’t include a very important passage: Ephesians 2:8-10. Paul used very specific words and phrases to emphasize his message to the people; some of that emphasize has, unfortunately, been lost in some translations of the Bible. Mark compares the Greek to English and shows the difference. BAM!! Some things should be underlined in the Bible.

Mark uses a great illustration to explain this particular passage, so check out the video at the link below!

Mark is leading his 800+ member class into a deeper understanding of God’s Word. Join him next Sunday at Champion Forest Baptist Church in NW Houston.

For this lesson's handouts, PowerPoint slides, unedited audio, or video click [here].

For more information about Mark’s Class, click [here].

September 28, 2015

Title: Greek Lesson 5: Emphasis Part 2
Topic: Greek

Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)

Day 1

The Importance of Emphasis in Greek Writing - Part 2

Mark Lanier just couldn’t finish his lesson on “emphasis” last week. Today, he begins by telling a story about a case he will be trying soon. When he questions witnesses, he makes sure he puts someone on the stand first who is strong and bold and articulate. He always wants to start with the good stuff. The same goes for Greek writing. Remember, the Greeks used word order and signal words to make their point. This week, he will focus on “double subjects”. But first, he reviews the first two in this segment today.

Mark is leading his 800+ member class into a deeper understanding of God’s Word. Join him next Sunday at Champion Forest Baptist Church in NW Houston.

For this lesson's handouts, PowerPoint slides, unedited audio, or video click [here].

For more information about Mark’s Class, click [here].

September 25, 2015

Title: Greek Lesson 4
Topic: Greek

Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)

Day 5

The Importance of Emphasis in Greek Writing

“What is underlined in the Bible needs to be underlined in your life,” Mark Lanier says. BAM!! Yes! Exactly! Now, he knows nothing is actually “underlined” in the Bible; he is referring to those words of emphasis we’ve talked about all week.

We never know when our time will be up. Live your life like you really are a Christian – not just for you, but for others.

Points for Home for this week:

1. Don’t judge people. Yes, this is very hard, but you just can’t do it. Love them. Pray for them. Leave the judgment to God. Fix yourself. That’s all you need to worry about.

2. Remember that God is above all and He is bigger than anything you can fathom. He knows what you need, but you need to tell Him. He always listens.

3. God will never leave us. He is alive and with us and we are with Him until the end of time.

Mark is leading his 800+ member class into a deeper understanding of God’s Word. Join him next Sunday at Champion Forest Baptist Church in NW Houston.

For more information about Mark’s Class, click [here].

September 24, 2015

Title: Greek Lesson 4
Topic: Greek

Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)

Day 4

The Importance of Emphasis in Greek Writing

Today, Mark continues to discuss the “signal words” the Greeks used to emphasize their point. For example, “Eido” (idoo) in Greek is often translated into “see” or “behold” but what it actually means is “pay attention to this!!” BAM! Look at this! This is important!

Matthew 1:20 is a perfect example of this. “BAM!!! after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, ‘Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.’”

Matthew 2:13: “When they had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. BAM!!! “Get up,” he said, “take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.”

Mark gives other perfect examples that show “eido” in the Scripture. BAM!!!

Mark is leading his 800+ member class into a deeper understanding of God’s Word. Join him next Sunday at Champion Forest Baptist Church in NW Houston.

For more information about Mark’s Class, click [here].

September 23, 2015

Title: Greek Lesson 4
Topic: Greek

Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)

Day 3

The Importance of Emphasis in Greek Writing

The Corinthians were very “cliquish”. In 1 Corinthians 3:5-9, Paul called them out on their snobbish behavior. He told them “we are God’s fellow worker.” We are His co-workers. Paul also says we are the laborers of His field. We are important, but the most important person is God, so stop being so high and mighty!

BONUS: Greek word for the day: Theou means God.

Greeks also used “signal words” to emphasize their point in writing. What does a “signal word” mean? I’m glad you asked! We use “signal words or symbols” in English: hashtag (#) for example. Listen in as Mark explains some of their signal words. He will continue this thought tomorrow, so tune in!

Mark is leading his 800+ member class into a deeper understanding of God’s Word. Join him next Sunday at Champion Forest Baptist Church in NW Houston.

For more information about Mark’s Class, click [here].

September 22, 2015

Title: Greek Lesson 4
Topic: Greek

Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)

Day 2

The Importance of Emphasis in Greek Writing

The three most common ways the Greeks emphasized important aspects in their writings were: Word Order, Signal Words, and Double Subjects. Today, Mark continues with the word order aspect, using people on stage moving around to show how the Greek’s would emphasize certain words and phrases. Word order in English is only important to help us understand a sentence better. In Greek, however, word order was used to simply emphasize the important words. They really didn’t care what order it was in as long as their point got across the way they intended.

Mark looks at The Lord’s Prayer to better explain word order in the Greek language. What began in Hebrew, was translated into Greek. Not many of the words changed when it was translated. What changed was the emphasis the Greeks used. Listen in as Mark breaks down the passage. He also discusses 1 Corinthians 1:9, where Paul is talking to the Corinthians about faithfulness. The emphasis made on the word faithful is important for a reason!

Mark is leading his 800+ member class into a deeper understanding of God’s Word. Join him next Sunday at Champion Forest Baptist Church in NW Houston.

For more information about Mark’s Class, click [here].

September 21, 2015

Title: Greek Lesson 4
Topic: Greek

Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)

Day 1

The Importance of Emphasis in Greek Writing

This week’s lesson is all about “emphasis”. The Greeks loved to emphasize specific words and phrases when they were writing. They obviously didn’t have different colored ink or emoticons to use to make a point. They didn’t even use proper punctuation! So how did they do it?

Mark discusses three of the most common ways the Greeks emphasized important aspects in their writings: Word Order, Signal Words, and Double Subjects. Today, he uses people to illustrate an English sentence and how that would appear in Greek. Actual, real, live people moving around the stage. He continues the Greek explanation tomorrow so tune back in!

Mark is leading his 800+ member class into a deeper understanding of God’s Word. Join him next Sunday at Champion Forest Baptist Church in NW Houston.

For more information about Mark’s Class, click [here].

September 18, 2015

Title: Greek Lesson 3 – dikaios (δίκαιος)
Topic: Greek

Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)

Day 5

Justification - dikaios (δίκαιος)

This week, we’ve been studying the word “justification” with Mark. The words righteous, just, pure, and holy are other variations of justification. There is one more word that Mark wants to teach you concerning justification: Faith – Belief – “Pistis” - πίστις/Pisteuō – πιστεύω. Without faith in God, you cannot be justified. In Matthew 18:6 and 21-22, we are told that we not only have a knowledge of God but also a conviction and a trust in God. Having a belief in something is different than trusting in something – or someone, aka God.

Mark also reads from Luke 16:11 “If then you have not been faithful in the unrighteous wealth, who will entrust (pisteuō – πιστεύω) to you the true riches?” In other words, if you cannot be trusted with a lot, you cannot be trusted with a little. Mark also reads from several other passages to show Pistis. Listen in!

Points for Home:

1. Dikaios – Revelation 22:11 Those who belong to Jesus need to live like they mean it! Are you?

3. Hagios – same verse – different point! The opposite of holy is filthy. Don’t be filthy. Period.

3. Pistis – Paul wrote to the Galatians that the promise of faith by Jesus Christ is given to those who trust in God. Do you trust in Him or just believe?

Mark is leading his 800+ member class into a deeper understanding of God’s Word. Join him next Sunday at Champion Forest Baptist Church in NW Houston.

For more information about Mark’s Class, click [here].

For this lesson's handouts, PowerPoint slides, unedited audio, or video click [here].

September 17, 2015

Title: Greek Lesson 3 – dikaios (δίκαιος)
Topic: Greek

Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)

Day 4

Justification - dikaios (δίκαιος)

The word “Holy” is another word which has a very deep meaning in Greek: Hagios or “ἅγιο”. Other words for Holy are: hallowed, consecrate, sacred, sanctify, and saint. It can also mean pure, worthy, dedicated to God, and ultimately God himself.

Mark uses 1 Corinthians 1:2 to relay the lesson today. We are called to be pure before God. When we are saved, we become saints and worthy servants dedicated to serving God! Do you see a pattern of how all this works together?

Another passage Mark references is 1 Thessalonians 4:3-8. Our salvation is the Will of God, that we would become tied to God. If we allow our bodies and our sinful desires (not just sexually) to control us, we cannot be Holy before the Lord. Listen in as Mark reads more from Paul’s letter and uses more Scripture to explain Paul’s position on this matter.

Mark is leading his 800+ member class into a deeper understanding of God’s Word. Join him next Sunday at Champion Forest Baptist Church in NW Houston.

For more information about Mark’s Class, click [here].

For this lesson's handouts, PowerPoint slides, unedited audio, or video click [here].

September 16, 2015

Title: Greek Lesson 3 – dikaios (δίκαιος)
Topic: Greek

Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)

Day 2

Justification - dikaios (δίκαιος)

Today, we hit the halfway mark of our Greek lesson on the word “Justification”. Mark continues to explain the purpose of Paul’s letter to the Romans in chapter 3, verses 21-31. The Christians in Rome were basically being jerks to the Jews. They did not want to relinquish their power over the big wigs in the city. Paul warned the Christians to stop being so righteous toward everyone. Paul even told them they were going to hell!

Paul also reminded them that, although we have a duty to live out a godly life and be better than others, this is only possible through the redemption of Jesus Christ. We cannot act all Christ-like and expect God to be okay with that. We must ask God for redemption before we can show that same behavior to others.

We often think of God as a forgiving machine. In other words, many people are under the illusion that we can just keep sinning and sinning with no consequences. We all realize that we never can be perfect, but that doesn’t mean we can still do whatever we want because we have Jesus in our heart. Sorry, that just isn’t how it works.

Christ’s death wasn’t for himself. He died to justify us so that we can be righteous. Mark goes into much more detail on this issue in the lesson handouts. Be sure to check them out! Also discussed in this segment is another English word that has a very deep meaning in Greek: Hagios or Holy “ἅγιο”.

Mark is leading his 800+ member class into a deeper understanding of God’s Word. Join him next Sunday at Champion Forest Baptist Church in NW Houston.

For more information about Mark’s Class, click [here].

For this lesson's handouts, PowerPoint slides, unedited audio, or video click [here].

September 15, 2015

Title: Greek Lesson 3 – dikaios (δίκαιος)
Topic: Greek

Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)

Day 2

Justification- dikaios (δίκαιος)

Yesterday, Mark explained how the English language derived mostly from French (close to Latin) and German. Oftentimes, an English word will have a double meaning in these other languages and other times they will mean the exact same thing. Sometimes, the English word is a combination of both languages put together. I know…It’s confusing. But Mark makes it easy to understand! For example, in Greek, justification is “dikaios” or “δίκαιος”. Listen in as Mark breaks down the Greek word “dikaios” and shows how we get our words “justification” and “righteousness” from both the Greek AND Latin words.

Mark turns to the Scriptures – Romans 3:21-31 – to explain this in further detail. A little background on this passage: Paul had been speaking to the Romans. The Roman church was in a disarray because Caesar had kicked the Jews out of Rome. Only Gentile Christians were left in Rome to run the church. When the Jews were allowed back into the city several years later, tensions rose quickly. Everyone wanted to be in charge!

That’s where Paul’s letter in this passage comes in. Listen in as Mark reads how Paul told them they were going to hell! But wait – there was more good stuff and a happy message!

Mark is leading his 800+ member class into a deeper understanding of God’s Word. Join him next Sunday at Champion Forest Baptist Church in NW Houston.

For more information about Mark’s Class, click [here].

For this lesson's handouts, PowerPoint slides, unedited audio, or video click [here].

September 14, 2015

Title: Greek Lesson 3
Topic: Greek

Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)

Day 1

Justification

Mark Lanier begins the lesson this week with giving a little background about himself and the many places he has lived and traveled to. He ties it into the lesson by reminding us how important history is, not only to the world, but more specifically for our families. The pictures we take and the items we collect along the way give meaning to our lives and to our children. One day, those things may be gone but the memory of them will never be forgotten.

Mark also gives an in-depth lesson on the history of the English language. No, it didn’t start with Adam and Eve. The English language was morphed from several others over the course of history, German and French, which is very closely tied to Latin. The English Bible uses a combination of both German and French/Latin words, which can cause some confusion.

The focus of this week’s lesson is the word “Justification”. Mark compares the German word “righteous” to the Latin word “just”, while “justification” is Greek.

Mark is leading his 800+ member class into a deeper understanding of God’s Word. Join him next Sunday at Champion Forest Baptist Church in NW Houston.

For more information about Mark’s Class, click [here].

For this lesson's handouts, PowerPoint slides, unedited audio, or video click [here].

September 11, 2015

Title: Greek Lesson
Topic: Greek

Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)

Day 4

Hope in the New Testament - elpis (ἐλπίς)

Christians have the hope of the Lord. But what if you aren’t a Christian? What do others have hope in? This is where we, as Christians, need to step up to the plate. We must remember to love and support those who do not believe just as we offer love and support who do – maybe even more.

Mark also discusses the third and final group of Scriptures that talk about hope: hope in personal failure. This might be the hardest aspect of life to have hope in. We are always harder on ourselves than we are on others. We are our own worst critic. Scriptures for hope in personal failure are: Galatians 5:5, Ephesians 1:18; 1 John 3:3, and many verses in Romans.

Points for Home: Rejoice in hope with a confident expectation. Trust God in all things. The Scriptures give us hope. Always.

Mark is leading his 800+ member class into a deeper understanding of God’s Word. Join him next Sunday at Champion Forest Baptist Church in NW Houston.

For more information about Mark’s Class, click [here].

For this lesson's handouts, PowerPoint slides, unedited audio, or video click [here].