Books – John Markum

Markum’s Bible Studies

Posted on October 16, 2023October 16, 2023 by johnmarkum

I’m super excited to share my first self-published bible study though the book of Philippians, Developing Joy. I originally wrote this Bible study for our church small groups, and decided more people could benefit from this resource.

Along those lines, I thought, Why stop there? So I started looking over recent sermon series I’ve taught that would make sense in a small group or personal devotional context. I recently preached an 8-week series through Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) and thought, Well that makes sense too. I’m now over halfway done with converting that entire series into a second Bible study as well. So with humility and sincere gratitude for all the opportunities I’ve been given to speak, teach, and share God’s Word over the years, I’m pleased to be offering Markum’s Bible Studies. I have much more in my heart to offer, and I look forward to sharing my perspective and insights of the Word of God with everyone willing to grow and learn with me.

Future studies you can anticipate will include each of the Gospels, Genesis, the Old Testament history of Israel, Ephesians, 1 John, various Psalms, and much more.

I don’t take for granted the thought that anyone would care to listen to anything I have to say or write. Honestly, I’m still blown away that I get to preach, and write to anyone. So I’m grateful to share a little more of what’s in my heart through these studies. God’s Word continues to shape my life and reveals more and more to me over the years I’ve committed studying it. I hope you’ll allow it to shape you also.

Blessings,
Pastor John

Book Review: Four Portraits, One Jesus

Posted on August 21, 2023August 21, 2023 by johnmarkum

Few books have impacted my appreciation for the Scriptures like Four Portraits, One Jesus. In this book, Dr. Strauss deeply embraces the rich uniqueness of each Gospel account, while underscoring the complex intertwining of the accounts. Special attention is given to textual criticism in the early chapters, making way into the historical context leading up to the life of Jesus.

Each chapter on respective Gospel accounts also highlights the writers motive, approach, writing style, intended audience, and key themes. I particularly loved the attention to each writer-s literary style, and what that reveals about their purpose for writing. Previously, I would have found preciously little nuance between the Synoptic Gospels, but now I recognize each as extremely distinct, and yet corroborating with one another. John of course, stands out. The book addresses the theories behind these stark differences, and yet weaves it into the larger story of Jesus’ earthly ministry.

If you get and read this book, I believe you’ll fall deeper in love with the story of Jesus, and the Person Himself. Buy the book here on Amazon.

Blessings,
Pastor John

Book Review: “It”

Posted on August 21, 2012 by johnmarkum

No, not the one by Stephen King! This It is by pastor and church leader, Craig Groeschel about the quality that some churches (and organizations) have that makes them succeed, grow, expand, thrive and have obvious momentum. It’s as if God blesses everything some churches do and they can’t ever mess it up. We don’t know what it is. But we know it when we see it, and we want it too. We also know when we don’t see it. We say things like, “This place just doesn’t have it.”

It’s God’s hand of favor and blessing that, aside from the Holy Spirit, we don’t know how to quantify it. But we want to understand it, because we want it! It talks about “it“, literally. I was most pleased with how much time in the book Groeschel takes to stand upon Biblical principles. He does not take the time to try explaining something that we’re all familiar with, yet cannot articulate. Rather, he talks about where God seems to give it the most, and how we can stand upon solid principle and find ourselves in a position to receive it, use it for the Kingdom, and keep receiving it.

I wanted to pick a favorite page or chapter, but the truth is, this book is full of it! That was a compliment, I swear… Anyone in ministry, or considering going into ministry, should get It, read It, and practice It. I loved It…

Blessings,

John