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The Bible Study – Our Bible texts for Tuesday, March 12 are Genesis 43:1-28 & Mark 12:13-27. Joseph’s brothers, who sold him into slavery, now bow down to him and fulfill the prophetic dream. He’s tested them to see if they will abandon Benjamin as they abandoned him. Joseph prepares a banquet offering unmerited generosity to his brothers. God prepares a heavenly banquet for repentant sinners who’ve accepted the grace and mercy found only in Christ, our Saviour. Our Gospel passage sees another treacherous test of Jesus by a teacher of the law. A Sadducee, a member of a religious party that didn’t believe in existence after death, asks a cynical question about marriage after the resurrection. Christ replies that the questioner knows neither Scripture nor the power of God. The Bible teaches the bond of marriage ends at death (Deut. 25:5-10, compare also Romans 7:1-3 & 1 Cor. 7:39). The Old Testament clearly mentions three instances of bodily resurrection through the power of God in 1st Kings 17:17-24; 2nd Kings 4:32-37; and 2nd Kings 13:21. There was further clear evidence in the miracles of Jesus, who raised people from the dead. Today our secular society also dismisses Jesus, and often berates Christians. Yet Christ keeps His promises. He remains a powerful and Holy God who will raise the dead – non-believers to eternal judgment, and repentant believers to eternal life in Heaven. He is also a merciful and loving God, who sent His only Son to die for us so we could be reconciled and reunited with Him. Pastor Tom Steers Christ the Saviour Lutheran Church, Toronto http://christlutherantoronto.org/beliefs