St. Mark Houston: Recent Episodes
St. Mark Houston
Everyone is tired. Everyone is anxious. Everyone is distracted. And the instinct is to just power through, but this new series asks a different question: what if we powered down instead? We dig into the story of Mary and Martha in Luke 10, where Jesus gently confronts Martha not because she is doing bad things, but because she is drowning in good ones. The real problem, Jesus suggests, is not a calendar problem or a technology problem. It is a soul problem, a deep human tendency to believe that our worth comes from what we do, what we have, or what others think of us. Mary understood something Martha missed: the one thing we actually need is not another task completed but unhurried time with Jesus himself. This week we begin exploring what it looks like, practically and daily, to choose connection over consumption and dwelling over doing.
We close out our Summer Shorts series with two of the Bible's shortest books, Second John and Third John, and they share one surprising theme: hospitality. John writes to a church navigating a world full of false teachers, people who denied that Jesus came in the flesh, and his message is both urgent and practical. Christians are called to be unreasonably inhospitable to lies and unreasonably hospitable to the truth. We dig into what that looks like today, when the front door knocking at our hearts is less often a traveling preacher and more often a screen, a feed, or a worldview quietly asking to move in. The call is not to fear or to build a Christian bubble, but to stand guard, pay attention, and be intentional about what we welcome into our homes and hearts. And at the center of it all is the greatest irony: Jesus himself endured the ultimate inhospitality from the world so that we could be fully and completely welcomed into his home.
This week in Summer Shorts, we dig into the book of Jude, one of the Bible's shortest letters and one of its most urgent. Jude had planned to write about salvation, but something came up: false teachers had quietly slipped into the church, twisting God's grace into permission to live however they wanted. His message to the church then is just as relevant now. Contend for the faith, hold fast to the truth, and don't let anyone reshape the word of God to fit a worldly mold. We also explore a fascinating question: was Jude actually the half-brother of Jesus? And if so, what does it mean that he introduces himself not as Jesus's brother, but as his servant? That single choice might be one of the strongest arguments we have for who Jesus really is. The same God who freed his people from slavery in Egypt came to free us from slavery to sin, and that truth, Jude says, is worth fighting for.
What are the greatest feuds of all time? From the Hatfields and McCoys to Hamilton and Burr, history is full of rivalries, but none with longer-lasting consequences than the feud between two brothers: Jacob and Esau. This week in Summer Shorts, we dig into the book of Obadiah, the shortest book in the Old Testament, written at the moment when Edom stood back and watched, even celebrated, as their brother Israel was ransacked by Babylon. At the heart of their betrayal, God names one thing: pride. And through Obadiah, God makes clear that the same pride fueling that ancient feud is alive in all of us, in every relationship where hurt has curdled into superiority, and where someone else's suffering quietly satisfies us. But Obadiah doesn't end in judgment. He ends with a promise: a day is coming when all feuds cease, and a kingdom bound together by mercy reigns over the whole earth. We believe that day arrived in Jesus Christ, and the church is where that kingdom is already taking shape.
This week in our Summer Shorts series, we dig into the entire book of Philemon, one of the shortest letters in the New Testament and one of the most personal. Paul writes from prison to his friend Philemon on behalf of Onesimus, a runaway slave, asking Philemon to receive him back not as property but as a beloved brother in Christ. Along the way, Paul models something remarkable: rather than pulling rank, he appeals to relationship, to love, and to the kind of generosity that flows naturally from genuine faith. The story of Onesimus, slave turned free, debt paid by another, is a picture of the gospel itself, mirroring exactly what Jesus did for every one of us. And the story of Paul, once a persecutor of Christians and now their greatest champion, reminds us that no one is beyond the reach of God's transforming grace.Whatever you feel enslaved to today, the debt has already been paid.
This week we kick off our new summer series, Summer Shorts, big truths from some of the Bible's smallest books, starting with the book of Titus. Paul's letter to Titus covers a lot of ground fast: what it looks like to lead a church with integrity, why sound doctrine matters and must be defended, and how older believers are called to pour into younger generations in real, relational ways. We also dig into one of the most important distinctions in all of scripture: the difference between being saved by works and being saved for works. Because of Christ's death and resurrection, salvation is a gift we could never earn, and that's exactly the point. Freed from the burden of earning God's favor, we get to ask a different question: what good works has God already prepared for me to walk in? That's the life Paul is calling Titus, and all of us, into.
What does it really mean to be a good dad? In this Father's Day message, we look at Exodus 34, where God reveals his own heart as a father: merciful, patient, steadfast, and forgiving, and explore what it looks like to reflect those qualities in our families. We dig into what it means to have a tender heart toward those in our care, to protect our families from our own anger, to pursue our loved ones with relentless curiosity and engagement, and to offer grace when judgment seems more deserved. The truth is, we can't give what we haven't experienced and the good news is that everything God calls us to as parents is found fully in Jesus Christ. Whether you're a dad, a mentor, an uncle, or simply someone who wants to love the people around you better, this message is for you. Come as you are, grow where you can, and let your faith in Jesus be the source of everything you pour out.
What happens when the very place meant to bring healing becomes the source of pain? In this final message of The Tough Stuff series, we explore one of the most uncomfortable topics in the church: church hurt. Drawing from Ezekiel 34 and the Gospel of John, Vicar Alex unpacks the image of the shepherd and what it reveals about leadership, accountability, and the danger of entitlement in the pews. The sobering truth is that church hurt doesn't only come from the top, it can come from any one of us. Whether you've been wounded by the church or wonder if you've ever been the one doing the wounding, this message invites honest reflection. And for those carrying that pain, there is a word of hope: the church at its best is a place where the wounded are are welcomed. Jesus is the Good Shepherd, and he is still in charge.
What do you do with the mistakes you can't take back? In this sermon, we get honest about one of the most universal human experiences: regret. But scripture doesn't shy away from this topic. In fact, one of the most surprising verses in the entire Bible reveals that even God himself is described as experiencing regret over creating humanity. Rather than explaining that away with a comfortable interpretation, this message digs into what that passage actually means and what it has to teach us. Through the stories of the Apostle Paul, the shocking Genesis 6 text, and the fascinating real-life account of Alfred Nobel (the man who invented dynamite and later founded the Nobel Prize) we discover that we serve a God who doesn't just sympathize with our regret, he empathizes with it. No matter how dark or deep your regret may be, this message points to a God whose grace will always dwarf it.
What should you look for in a spouse, and what happens when you and your spouse don't share the same faith? In this message, we tackle one of the most tender topics in relationships: navigating a mixed-faith marriage. Drawing from 1 Corinthians 7, we explore what God's Word says about staying committed, finding peace, and understanding that your marriage, even an imperfect one, is valued and seen by God.If you're in a spiritually unequal relationship, this message is for you. Discover how your faith, your example, and your prayers can become a powerful witness right inside your own home. Your job isn't to bring your spouse to Jesus; it's to bring Jesus to your spouse.
Have you ever been angry at God and didn't know what to do with it? In this message, Pastor Ben Griffin tackles one of the most honest but overlooked emotions in the Christian life: anger toward God. Drawing from Psalm 22 and Ephesians 4:26, we explore what the Bible actually says about anger, why unmet expectations and life's hardships drive us to frustration, and how God invites us, not to suppress those feelings, but to bring them to him through lament. You'll learn a practical four-step model for lamenting: remembering who God is, pouring out your honest emotions, asking for help, and declaring your trust in him. Whether you're wrestling quietly beneath the surface or have been carrying anger for years, this message is for you.
We all have a battle with sin, and part of that battle happens in secret. In this message, we open a brand new series called, The Tough Stuff, by taking an honest look at the hidden, shameful, and often habitual sin that none of us want to talk about.Drawing from Romans 7 and Ephesians 5, we explore what it means to wake up to the reality of our sin, drag it out of the darkness and into the light through confession, both to Jesus and to trusted people in our lives, and then fight it not from a place of fear, but from a foundation of deep gratitude for the grace we already have in Christ.What's done in the dark always comes to the light. The question is whether you bring it there yourself.
Moms spend so much of their time trying to understand and meet the needs of everyone around them, and yet so rarely does anyone stop to ask what's going on inside their hearts.This Mother's Day message is for every parent who's locked themselves in a bathroom just to cry, gripped the steering wheel after school drop-off, or laid awake wondering if they're getting it all wrong. That voice is real. But it's not the only voice.From Lamentations 3, we find a promise that cuts through all of it: that God's mercies are new every single morning, that He sees what no one else notices, forgives what you're most ashamed of, and that your identity is not your responsibility. You are not what you do. You are whose you are.
What do a wandering sheep, a missing coin, and a rebellious son have in common? They were all pursued. In this message, we explore the two parables Jesus told before the Prodigal Son, a prequel that reveals one of the most powerful truths in Scripture: no matter how lost we are, God relentlessly pursues us. Drawing from Luke 15, we unpack what it means to be found by a God who doesn't wait for us to come back but runs to meet us right where we are.
Most people assume there's only one way to be lost: through rebellion and running away from God. But in the parable of the prodigal son, Jesus reveals a second, subtler way: getting so caught up in rule-keeping and score-keeping that you drift far from the Father's heart. If you've ever felt entitled to God's blessings, quietly judged someone else's grace, or confused obedience with intimacy, this message is for you. The Father isn't laughing at you; he's pleading with you to come to the party.
In the parable of the prodigal son, we discover that God doesn't wait passively for us to find our way back. He actively pursues his lost children. When a wandering son finally comes home, his father doesn't just forgive him; he elevates him, clothes him in honor, and throws the party of a lifetime. This is the heart of God on full display: a love that restores, celebrates, and recreates everyone who comes home. If you've ever felt far from God, distant from your faith, or weighed down by your past, this message is for you.
, and what it means for us today. From Martin Luther's two kingdoms theology to one seminarian's courageous stand against racism in 1960s Mississippi, discover how faith and politics intersect, and why the Gospel is the one thing that can unite a deeply divided world.
Ever pulled a Bible verse out of context and wondered if you're reading it right? In this message, we dive deep into Jeremiah 29, including the famous verse 11, to uncover what God was actually saying to his people in exile, and what that means for us today. Context is king, and every verse has a home. So do we.
Why does the Bible feel confusing, or even irrelevant to real life? In this message, we explore how Scripture interprets Scripture, uncovering the surprising depth found in Luke 13. From the reality of suffering and sin, to God's patient grace, to the promise of salvation, discover how God's Word doesn't just make sense of the Bible, but makes sense of your life. Whether you're in a season of doubt, pain, or searching, this message is for you.
The real hero of the story might surprise you. Join us as we learn to ask better questions of Scripture and uncover the deeper truth about a God who loves us at great cost to himself.
words deliver the grace we desperately need. Whether you're married, single, or somewhere in between, this teaching will transform how you read Scripture and understand God's love. Learn the daily practice of examine, confess, and receive that will grow your grasp of grace and help you love others better. Because when we understand what Christ has done for us, it changes how we live for others.
Discover how to read the Bible with the end in sight. In this message, we explore Jesus' rejection at Nazareth and uncover how prophecy works throughout Scripture. Learn why the people of Nazareth misunderstood their Messiah, how biblical prophecies can be fulfilled multiple times, and why God's promises always come true.Plus, get practical tips on studying unfamiliar biblical terms and places. Whether you're reading through Luke or tackling Revelation, this teaching will transform how you approach God's Word.
Ever felt lost reading the Bible? You're not alone. In this message, we explore Luke 1 and discover the lens that brings Scripture to life: Jesus. Learn how to read God's Word with Christ at the center of everything.
series with a powerful message about the centrality of God's Word in our lives. Using the metaphor of driving in the dark without headlights, we explore three characteristics of a church that loves God's Word: being deeply rooted in the promises of Jesus, regularly encountering the person of Christ, and being transformed by His power. Learn why the life of faith is a lifetime of leaning upon God's Word and how engaging with Scripture is not just gathering information, but having an encounter with the living Christ.
this message challenges us to increase our availability and vulnerability to experience the soul-satisfying connection God designed us for.
Who gets excited about Sundays? If you're honest, getting to church can feel like a battle, especially with kids. When we gather for worship, four incredible things happen: (1) Christ is actively working among us, (2) the outside world is welcomed and honored, (3) our faith comes alive, getting out of our heads and into the real world, and (4) we are being reformed by God's counter-algorithm, reshaping what the world has deformed in us Monday through Saturday. Want to love your church in worship more? Keep tabs on your struggles during the week so you come hungry, prepare on Saturday night, make friends, and erase the equation; just commit to consistency. Most importantly, shift your focus from the trappings of worship back to what's at the center: Jesus, who sees you, forgives you, and loves you completely.
, to be a church in action through mercy (relieving pain), justice (righting wrongs), and beauty (displaying God's glory). When we do this, we offer a compelling witness to a watching world, bring a glimpse of heaven to earth, and give people the purpose they're desperately searching for. May we always be a Jesus place and never, on our watch, become just a pizza place.
What was Jesus like as a 12-year-old? We don't know for sure, but Luke 2:40-52 gives us a rare glimpse into Jesus' childhood that reveals profound truths about who He is and who we are. We see Jesus listening to religious leaders in the temple, not because they had perfect theology but because He shows up for sinners like us out of love. We also see Jesus submitting to His parents, demonstrating that submission isn't something to fear but a good gift designed by God for our relationships. Most importantly, this passage reveals the difference between humanity and Christ: we have no spiritual power but crave control, while Jesus has all power but yielded control, submitting to the Father's will so He could go to the cross and restore our relationship with God. A lot has changed since Jesus was 12, but one thing remains constant: His unchanging, undeserved, unconditional, unending love for you.
The harsh reality of life in a broken world is that nothing lasts. Loved ones pass away, faith feels dry, and the magic fades. But Isaiah 9 announces a different reality: a kingdom that will never end, ruled by a child born to us. This eternal kingdom gives us gifts, both mountaintop experiences and spiritual ruts, that point us to the Giver. It gives us hope when we're exhausted by loss and change. And here's the best news: God isn't done. Just as His kingdom is still growing, He's not done with you. Whether you're stuck in addiction, buried in sin, or wondering if your best days are behind you, God is still working. When Jesus returns and brings us home, the good old days will be our forever reality.
What's on your Christmas list this year? We all drop hints hoping the people who love us will get us what we really need. For millennia, humanity has been sending up prayers, asking God to notice our needs and do something about the brokenness, sin, and darkness we can't escape on our own. Isaiah 49 promises that God has heard our cries and answered with the perfect gift: Jesus. He is an incredibly practical gift who addresses our daily struggles, defeats our deepest fears, and transforms our lives right now. Whether you feel overlooked this Christmas season or you're celebrating surrounded by loved ones, discover how God sees you, knows you, and sent His Son specifically for you.
Family at the holidays is a blessing, but let's be honest, it also comes with baggage. Broken relationships, unresolved hurt, empty chairs, and painful memories can make gathering together feel more fraught than joyful. But Isaiah 66 promises that Jesus will one day return and make all things right. He will bring justice for the wounds we've carried, reconciliation for the relationships that seem too far gone, and joyful unity that lasts forever. This Christmas, as you step into family gatherings that carry both blessing and burden, discover how to hold onto the promise that God is building a family that cannot fracture, a home untouched by sin or sorrow.
really mean? In this Advent message, we explore the profound reality that we're living in exile, separated from God since the Garden of Eden. Through Isaiah's prophecy of a shoot rising from Jesse's stump, we discover that God sent a Savior who entered our exile, walked through our brokenness, and died on a cross to lead us home. While we wait for Christ's return, we can give others a preview of that home through patience, forgiveness, and grace.
Are you chasing the good life for yourself, or are you planting seeds for others? In this message, we explore the critical difference between living as a consumer (focused only on immediate gain) and living as a cultivator (investing in harvests that will bless generations to come). Drawing from Jesus's parable of the talents, discover how stewardship, generosity, and legacy are the path to true fulfillment. If you belong to Jesus, everything you have has been entrusted to you for a purpose larger than yourself. It's time to decide: will you plant strawberries or oak trees?
How do you grow deeper in Jesus and become rich in the things that truly last? One key habit: sacrificial giving to your local church. In this message, we have an honest conversation about the connection between generosity and spiritual growth, featuring insights on personal giving journeys, church finances, and practical habits for those growing in God's riches. Learn why holding earthly things loosely helps you share generously and root yourself more deeply in Christ.
(overflowing in what matters eternally to God). Learn why the harvest principle, you grow what you sow, means our daily choices are shaping our future satisfaction. And find hope in the gospel truth that while we chase earthly treasures, God chose to invest His greatest treasure in us.
Whether you're struggling with your words, your temper, or just feeling the weight of trying to control yourself, this message offers hope: we're not doing this alone. The Holy Spirit is at work, helping us grow one choice at a time.
which is the opposite of what our world celebrates. But gentleness isn't weakness. It's power under control, gracious restraint, having the ability to crush but choosing to care instead.In this sermon, discover what biblical gentleness means: refusing to retaliate, dominate, or manipulate. See how Jesus demonstrates this toward us and calls us to embody it for others. Learn why gentleness surprises people, wins them over, dignifies them, and gives them an encounter with Christ.
Whether you're wrestling with feeling too busy, struggling with fear, or wondering if God still loves you despite your failures, this message offers hope and encouragement rooted in God's unchanging faithfulness.
This message breaks down the biblical concept of goodness as a fruit of the Spirit, sharing personal stories (including a hilarious gas station mishap) and practical wisdom. The good news? Even when we fall short, Jesus gives us His goodness. Through faith in Him, we can reflect that goodness to a world that desperately needs it.
Featuring the powerful story of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, the German Lutheran pastor who fled to safety in America in 1939 but immediately returned to Nazi Germany to serve persecuted Christians, this message challenges comfortable Christianity and calls believers to show kindness to those who have nothing to offer in return, not because it benefits us, but simply because of who we are and whose we are in Christ Jesus.
We can't wait 20 seconds for an elevator without getting impatient, so how are we supposed to understand God's patience that spans lifetimes and generations? This message explores God's patience; not surface-level niceness, but the transformative patience that leads to repentance and redeems broken people.The sermon covers the difference between mercy and grace, explains why God works through flawed people like Abraham and Jonah, addresses forgiveness without reconciliation, and unpacks why Christ hasn't returned yet. It includes practical teaching on identity in Christ and living faithfully while waiting for His return.
In a world filled with GPS navigation and instant directions, we've forgotten what it means to plan our journey. But when it comes to finding peace, do we really know where we're headed?This message addresses real-life struggles like busyness, comparison culture, relational pain, and the search for meaning. Whether you're dealing with anxiety, grief, or simply the chaos of modern life, you'll find biblical wisdom and hope for your journey toward true peace.
Explore Jesus's incredible promise that His followers will be known for their full, overflowing joy - a promise no other religious leader or spiritual guru has ever made.But this isn't the fleeting happiness our culture chases. Biblical joy is defined as a deep, resilient confidence in the goodness of God - a spiritual buoyancy that keeps us afloat no matter what tries to pull us under.Drawing from John 15 and John 16, this message reveals how Jesus's joy, rooted in His death and resurrection , creates an "unsinkable" people who can face evil, tragedy, and heartbreak while proclaiming they belong to someone stronger.Whether you're struggling through grief, chasing after things that don't satisfy, or simply wanting to understand what true joy looks like, this message offers hope and practical wisdom for finding the joy that no one can steal.
Ever notice how the music you listen to while running changes your pace, endurance, and even the path you take? In this powerful message, we explore how the Holy Spirit works like a divine soundtrack in our lives, one we can choose to turn up or tune out.Drawing from Galatians and the example of Christ's sacrificial love on the cross, this message challenges us to move beyond convenient, conditional love to the kind of selfless, others-oriented love that changes hearts.
What if the "peace" you're chasing is actually keeping you from real peace?This message challenges our modern understanding of what it means to have peace in chaos. Whether you're seeking escape through products, experiences, or substances, discover why the peace Jesus offers is fundamentally different from the tranquility the world sells.
We've all heard the advice: "Just forgive yourself." But what if that well-meaning counsel is actually keeping you trapped in cycles of guilt and shame?Drawing from the story of Jesus and the woman caught in adultery (John 8), this message unpacks the profound difference between trying to heal ourselves from within versus receiving true healing from the outside.Whether you're carrying deep regret from past mistakes or struggling with daily feelings of unworthiness, this message offers hope rooted not in your ability to fix yourself, but in Christ's finished work on your behalf.
The question that haunts us all: "Am I enough?" In our social media age, we're bombarded with conflicting messages about self-worth and identity. This sermon cuts through the cultural noise to reveal what God's Word actually says about who you are.Discover the profound truth that you're valuable enough for God to die for, yet broken enough to need saving - and why that's the best news you'll ever hear.
Ask Anything - Questions Answered: How do we know the Bible is true?What is the new heaven and new earth and how does it differ from the current heaven?Where should Christians draw the line when drinking?How should Christians engage with politics without idolizing a party or politician?Can unbaptized children go to heaven?In your view, what’s the most important distinction between LCMS theology and other Lutheran bodies, and why does it matter?How can I repair a broken relationship with my wife?Why would the God of love allow awful things to happen to people while using his name as a reason to do so?
Ask Anything - Questions Answered:How do we know the Bible is true?What exactly is blasphemy of the Holy Spirit? Saying that Jesus had an evil spirit?How can Jesus be God if he says that his Father knows things that he doesn't, such as when He will return?Are Mormons Christians?How do we know what’s in God’s will for us?When Jesus descended into hell, were people saved because of seeing Him? Is there a “right” worship style? Why do some say there is?What’s the deal with the age of earth (young vs billions) and dinosaursHow can we best justify God’s goodness when suffering is so prevalent across the world?
Popular culture tells us to "put yourself first" and "follow your heart," but what does Scripture say?In this thought-provoking message, we explore how these seemingly positive phrases can lead us astray when taken to extremes.Discover Jesus's radical teaching about true greatness - that to be first, you must be last. Learn why our hearts can't always be trusted and how Christ gives us new hearts to guide our decisions. This isn't about self-neglect; it's about finding the biblical balance between caring for yourself and serving others.
What if endurance isn't about powering through, but about sitting under life's weight while looking to Jesus?This powerful sermon from Hebrews 12 challenges everything we think we know about endurance and reveals the life-changing difference between glancing at Jesus versus truly looking to Him.
A sermon about discovering God's presence and purpose in life's uncomfortable "middle places." Through the story of Jonah, we explore how God's grace meets us in our seasons of waiting, struggle, and uncertainty.
The Bible: Inerrant, Authoritative, and Our Foundation - Matt Popovits by St. Mark Houston
At the heart of Christmas is a God who chose to be “at home” with others at tremendous cost to himself. In this series we’ll explore the idea that celebrating Christmas is about something far more than nestling into the nostalgic and known, but about choosing to be fully present with others, especially those we might otherwise avoid.
At the heart of Christmas is a God who chose to be “at home” with others at tremendous cost to himself. In this series we’ll explore the idea that celebrating Christmas is about something far more than nestling into the nostalgic and known, but about choosing to be fully present with others, especially those we might otherwise avoid.
Being thankful is a good thing. But, if we are honest, it’s not an easy thing. Being satisfied with our stuff and content with our lives can seem impossible. And yet, in the Bible and beyond, we are told by very wise people that gratitude is an essential element to a life well-lived. In this very short series we’ll examine the common habits of truly grateful people, and see how we can start nurturing a bit more thanksgiving and joy in our lives.
Being thankful is a good thing. But, if we are honest, it’s not an easy thing. Being satisfied with our stuff and content with our lives can seem impossible. And yet, in the Bible and beyond, we are told by very wise people that gratitude is an essential element to a life well-lived. In this very short series we’ll examine the common habits of truly grateful people, and see how we can start nurturing a bit more thanksgiving and joy in our lives.
The sermon from 8-19-18 as preached by Pastor Andy Roettjer at St. Mark Lutheran Church in Houston, TX.
The sermon from 8-12-18 as preached by Pastor Andrew Roettjer at St. Mark Lutheran Church in Houston, TX.
The sermon from 8-5-18 as preached by Pastor Andy Roettjer at St. Mark Lutheran Church in Houston, TX. The first in a series on the book of Ephesians.
The sermon from April 29th, 2018 as preached by Pastor Scott Heitshusen of St. Mark Lutheran Church in Houston, TX.