St Marcus MKE Sermons: Recent Episodes
St Marcus
This week, we will be studying Genesis 15:1-21 under the theme “God’s Promise, Protection, and Coming Possession.” We find here that Abraham, the Father of Faith himself, wrestled with fear and doubt. However, God comforted him through both a verbal promise and a stunning covenant ceremony. God can handle all our doubts and encourages us to come to him for comfort.
Series Summary: Our fall worship series will lead us through the Book of Genesis, arguably the most profound, insightful text in human history. Over this series, we’ll uncover how the narratives of Genesis reveal God’s design for creation, humanity, relationships, and purpose. We’ll explore truths that continue to shape our lives today, from the Garden of Eden to the promise of redemption.
Add St. Marcus as your church on the Church Center App!
Fill out our online connection card
How can we pray for you?
If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here.
This week, we’ll be studying Genesis 13:1-18 under the theme “The Pursuit of Goods, Good, and God.” Lot chased what looked like paradise, but ended up near ruin. Abram chose God over goods and found blessing beyond measure.
Series Summary: Our fall worship series will lead us through the Book of Genesis, arguably the most profound, insightful text in human history. Over this series, we’ll uncover how the narratives of Genesis reveal God’s design for creation, humanity, relationships, and purpose. We’ll explore truths that continue to shape our lives today, from the Garden of Eden to the promise of redemption.
Add St. Marcus as your church on the Church Center App!
Fill out our online connection card
How can we pray for you?
If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here.
This week we will be studying Genesis 11:1-9 under the theme “To Make a Name for Ourselves.” Whereas God’s people were commanded to fill the earth, they instead chased recognition, security, and identity apart from God. The Tower of Babel warns us against proud self-reliance and points us to the one name worth exalting — Jesus Christ.
Series Summary: Our fall worship series will lead us through the Book of Genesis, arguably the most profound, insightful text in human history. Over this series, we’ll uncover how the narratives of Genesis reveal God’s design for creation, humanity, relationships, and purpose. We’ll explore truths that continue to shape our lives today, from the Garden of Eden to the promise of redemption.
Add St. Marcus as your church on the Church Center App!
Fill out our online connection card
How can we pray for you?
If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here.
This week, we will be studying Genesis 3:1-24 under the theme “Temptation, Brokenness, and Hope.” We will see the roots of our struggle with sin, the deep brokenness it brings, and the surprising hope of God’s redeeming promise.
Series Summary: Our fall worship series will lead us through the Book of Genesis, arguably the most profound, insightful text in human history. Over this series, we’ll uncover how the narratives of Genesis reveal God’s design for creation, humanity, relationships, and purpose. We’ll explore truths that continue to shape our lives today, from the Garden of Eden to the promise of redemption.
Add St. Marcus as your church on the Church Center App!
Fill out our online connection card
How can we pray for you?
If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here.
This week, we’ll study Genesis 2:4-7, 15-25 under the theme “Humans Cannot Be Alone” in order to uncover God’s original design for humanity — our work, relationships, and purpose before sin entered the world. We’ll see how human marriage models God’s love and points us toward our ultimate union with Christ, shaping every relationship we have.
SERIES SUMMARY: Our fall worship series will lead us through the Book of Genesis, arguably the most profound, insightful text in human history. Over this series, we’ll uncover how the narratives of Genesis reveal God’s design for creation, humanity, relationships, and purpose. We’ll explore truths that continue to shape our lives today, from the Garden of Eden to the promise of redemption.
How can we pray for you? tinyurl.com/stmarcusprayers
Fill out our online connection card: tinyurl.com/stmarcusconnectcard
If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive
Malachi is the last Prophet we hear from in the Old Testament. He comes at a time when the people were falling further and further away from being the “Salt and Light” God called them to be. Malachi ("My Messenger") challenges the people to honor God properly in their worship and in their dealings with one another. The people could then come to know the Lord as their great king. God reminds us that he forgives, shows compassion, and remembers.
How can we pray for you? tinyurl.com/stmarcusprayers
Fill out our online connection card: tinyurl.com/stmarcusconnectcard
If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive
This week, we will be studying Titus 3:1-11 under the theme “He Saved Us. We Respond Appropriately.” God’s people need reminders to do good. Our flesh doesn’t want to do good, and frankly, sometimes we do the "right things" but for very unhealthy reasons. Paul reminds Timothy to teach people to do good for the right reason.
Series Summary: Titus is Paul’s no-nonsense blueprint for planting gospel-centered churches in hard places—starting with strong leadership and sound doctrine. Written to a young pastor on the wild island of Crete, this letter shows how truth and character shape a church’s credibility in a corrupt culture. In this series, we’ll dive into why healthy doctrine isn’t just for theologians, and why godly leaders are essential for a church that wants to make a lasting impact.
How can we pray for you? tinyurl.com/stmarcusprayers
Fill out our online connection card: tinyurl.com/stmarcusconnectcard
If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive
This week, we’ll be studying Titus 2:1-15 under the theme “Doing Good for the Sake of the Gospel.” In this chapter, the Apostle Paul charges believers to live in a way that makes “the teaching about God our Savior attractive”—showing that when the gospel transforms our hearts, it also shapes our lives in a way that makes Christ beautiful to the world. Paul’s instructions to older and younger men and women—even slaves—show that godly living isn’t about mere morality, but mission. Our daily conduct testifies to the grace of Jesus, turning good works into a compelling witness for the gospel.
Series Summary: Titus is Paul’s no-nonsense blueprint for planting gospel-centered churches in hard places—starting with strong leadership and sound doctrine. Written to a young pastor on the wild island of Crete, this letter shows how truth and character shape a church’s credibility in a corrupt culture. In this series, we’ll dive into why healthy doctrine isn’t just for theologians, and why godly leaders are essential for a church that wants to make a lasting impact.
How can we pray for you? tinyurl.com/stmarcusprayers
Fill out our online connection card: tinyurl.com/stmarcusconnectcard
If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive
This week’s message is based on Titus 1:5-9, The Qualifications of the Called. The Apostle Paul knew that the fledgling house churches in first-century Crete would never get off the ground without qualified leaders. But qualified church leaders don't grow on trees; they are forged in the fire of God's Spirit and formed by the power of God's Word. This week, we consider what God says qualifies a person to lead in his church.
Series Summary: Titus is Paul’s no-nonsense blueprint for planting gospel-centered churches in hard places—starting with strong leadership and sound doctrine. Written to a young pastor on the wild island of Crete, this letter shows how truth and character shape a church’s credibility in a corrupt culture. In this series, we’ll dive into why healthy doctrine isn’t just for theologians, and why godly leaders are essential for a church that wants to make a lasting impact.
How can we pray for you? tinyurl.com/stmarcusprayers
Fill out our online connection card: tinyurl.com/stmarcusconnectcard
If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive
Our Scripture study this week comes from Titus 1:10-16. The Apostle Paul sent young Titus to shape up or ship out the nonsense going on in Crete. False teachers were twisting God’s Word for personal gain. Paul calls for such voices to be silenced. These false teachers may claim to know God, but their actions show otherwise. They are corrupt and unfit for doing good. As the church, we are called to remain grounded in the pure gospel.
Series Summary: Titus is Paul’s no-nonsense blueprint for planting gospel-centered churches in hard places—starting with strong leadership and sound doctrine. Written to a young pastor on the wild island of Crete, this letter shows how truth and character shape a church’s credibility in a corrupt culture. In this series, we’ll dive into why healthy doctrine isn’t just for theologians, and why godly leaders are essential for a church that wants to make a lasting impact.
How can we pray for you? tinyurl.com/stmarcusprayers
Fill out our online connection card: tinyurl.com/stmarcusconnectcard
If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive
This week we’ll study Luke 9:21-27 under the theme “Take Up Your Cross.” Jesus’ call to discipleship is startlingly clear: following Him requires daily self-denial and cross-bearing. We’ll explore what this means (and doesn’t mean), why the cost of refusing Him is far greater than the cost of obedience, and how this difficult path paradoxically leads to true freedom and joy.
SERIES SUMMARY: This series is based on the best-selling Christian book, Practicing the Way, by John Mark Comer. This work guides Christians toward spiritual formation by following the lifestyle of Jesus — through intentional practices like silence, sabbath, simplicity, and community. It emphasizes becoming like Jesus by doing what he did, integrating faith into everyday life through rhythm, discipline, and deep apprenticeship.
How can we pray for you? tinyurl.com/stmarcusprayers
Fill out our online connection card: tinyurl.com/stmarcusconnectcard
If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive
This week, we will be studying Romans 12:1-5, where the Apostle Paul urges believers to offer themselves to God, to be transformed by the renewing of their minds, and to live humbly as interdependent members of Christ’s Body. John Mark Comer’s Practicing the Way, in the chapter titled “How? A Rule of Life,” builds on this vision by offering a practical framework. This “Rule of Life” is not rigid legalism, but intentional patterns and everyday rhythms that foster freedom in the believer’s life. Just as the body thrives when every part fulfills its purpose, so too does the soul flourish when ordered around abiding, becoming, and doing like Jesus.
SERIES SUMMARY: This series is based on the best-selling Christian book, Practicing the Way, by John Mark Comer. This work guides Christians toward spiritual formation by following the lifestyle of Jesus — through intentional practices like silence, sabbath, simplicity, and community. It emphasizes becoming like Jesus by doing what he did, integrating faith into everyday life through rhythm, discipline, and deep apprenticeship.
How can we pray for you? tinyurl.com/stmarcusprayers
Fill out our online connection card: tinyurl.com/stmarcusconnectcard
If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive
This week we will be studying Ephesians 4:1-6 under the theme “Do As Jesus Did.” The Apostle Paul calls believers to live a life worthy of the divine calling they've received—a life marked by humility, patience, love, and unity. True spiritual maturity comes not by age but through intentional discipleship, learning to “do as He did” in every area of life.
SERIES SUMMARY: This series is based on the best-selling Christian book, Practicing the Way, by John Mark Comer. This work guides Christians toward spiritual formation by following the lifestyle of Jesus — through intentional practices like silence, sabbath, simplicity, and community. It emphasizes becoming like Jesus by doing what he did, integrating faith into everyday life through rhythm, discipline, and deep apprenticeship.
How can we pray for you? tinyurl.com/stmarcusprayers
Fill out our online connection card: tinyurl.com/stmarcusconnectcard
If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive
This week, we will be studying 2 Peter 1:3-8 under the theme “Become Like Him.” As John Mark Comer writes, “You will never work harder for anything in your life than Christlike character, and nothing else will ever feel like such an unearned gift. This is a paradox you simply have to experience for yourself.” (Practicing The Way, pg. 111) Or, as Peter writes, "His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.” (2 Pet. 1:3)
SERIES SUMMARY: This series is based on the best-selling Christian book, Practicing the Way, by John Mark Comer. This work guides Christians toward spiritual formation by following the lifestyle of Jesus — through intentional practices like silence, sabbath, simplicity, and community. It emphasizes becoming like Jesus by doing what he did, integrating faith into everyday life through rhythm, discipline, and deep apprenticeship.
How can we pray for you? tinyurl.com/stmarcusprayers
Fill out our online connection card: tinyurl.com/stmarcusconnectcard
If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive
This week we’re studying Colossians 3:1-10 and letting it inform our reading of John Mark Comer’s Practicing the Way, in which he encourages Christians to “apprentice" Jesus. As Paul said, “Since you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is.” Since our status before God is secure, we are to be aware of his presence, attentive to his voice, and refuse to allow anything to keep us from him. We are to live a life that is conducive to knowing and growing in him. Our focus this weekend is on the first goal of apprenticeship to Jesus: to be with him.
SERIES SUMMARY: This series is based on the best-selling Christian book, Practicing the Way, by John Mark Comer. This work guides Christians toward spiritual formation by following the lifestyle of Jesus — through intentional practices like silence, sabbath, simplicity, and community. It emphasizes becoming like Jesus by doing what he did, integrating faith into everyday life through rhythm, discipline, and deep apprenticeship.
How can we pray for you? tinyurl.com/stmarcusprayers
Fill out our online connection card: tinyurl.com/stmarcusconnectcard
If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive
THIS WEEK: This week, we will be studying 2 Timothy 2:1-9 under the theme “Apprentice to Jesus.” While the term “disciple” gets used frequently in Christianity, what exactly does it mean? Is there a distinction to be made between having faith in Jesus and being a disciple of Jesus? We’ll see how the term apprentice is a helpful illustration to consider as we think about how Jesus trains us to carry out his work in the world.
SERIES SUMMARY: This series is based on the best-selling Christian book, Practicing the Way, by John Mark Comer. This work guides Christians toward spiritual formation by following the lifestyle of Jesus — through intentional practices like silence, sabbath, simplicity, and community. It emphasizes becoming like Jesus by doing what he did, integrating faith into everyday life through rhythm, discipline, and deep apprenticeship.
How can we pray for you? tinyurl.com/stmarcusprayers
Fill out our online connection card: tinyurl.com/stmarcusconnectcard
If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive
On this Juneteenth celebration weekend, we reflect on Micah 6:6-8 and its call for justice, mercy, and humility before God. We examine the persistent issue of social injustice and the delusion of self-righteousness, emphasizing the need for repentance and reliance on God's grace. Through the lens of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s teachings, we are reminded of the transformative power of love and the Christian duty to uplift the marginalized of society.
How can we pray for you? tinyurl.com/stmarcusprayers
Fill out our online connection card: tinyurl.com/stmarcusconnectcard
If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive
This weekend we conclude our O Church Arise series with a celebration of the Day of Pentecost. The Pentecost account in Acts 2 is a thrilling story of how Jesus sent the Holy Spirit as he promised, and the Christian Church was born in an awesomely powerful way. Two thousand years later, Christians may wonder where all that power is today. Come and worship with us this weekend to consider just how powerfully the Spirit still acts today by filling us up with his Word and sending us out with his blessing.
SERIES SUMMARY: The Book of Acts is the story of the early Christian Church. For centuries after the first Easter, the Christian Church has studied Acts. The logic is that, after we celebrated Jesus’ rising from the grave and subsequent ascent into heaven, perhaps we should try to do what the early church did, contextualized to our time and place. Throughout this series, we will look at snapshots of Acts, from supernatural healing to strategic planning, cultural diversity to Christian celebrity. This is the story of what Jesus continued to do even after he ascended into heaven and sent his Spirit to form the Church.
How can we pray for you? tinyurl.com/stmarcusprayers
Fill out our online connection card: tinyurl.com/stmarcusconnectcard
If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive
This week, we will study Acts 1:1-11 under the theme “Ascension: Handing Over the Keys of Ministry to the Church.” Why did Jesus ascend into heaven? Wouldn’t it have been more beneficial for God’s Son to stay, work miracles, and convert everyone? Well….not according to him. This is for many reasons we’ll discuss, all related to the believer’s life purpose.
SERIES SUMMARY: The Book of Acts is the story of the early Christian Church. For centuries after the first Easter, the Christian Church has studied Acts. The logic is that, after we celebrated Jesus’ rising from the grave and subsequent ascent into heaven, perhaps we should try to do what the early church did, contextualized to our time and place. Throughout this series, we will look at snapshots of Acts, from supernatural healing to strategic planning, cultural diversity to Christian celebrity. This is the story of what Jesus continued to do even after he ascended into heaven and sent his Spirit to form the Church.
How can we pray for you? tinyurl.com/stmarcusprayers
Fill out our online connection card: tinyurl.com/stmarcusconnectcard
If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive
This week, we will be studying Acts 14:8-20 under the theme “Platforming the Right Person.” Americans have a fascination with celebrity and an intoxication with talent. It destroys our relationship with God….and others. Paul and Barnabas would have none of it. Jesus is the only god who came down to earth in human form. No one else can hold a place of ultimate value in our lives.
SERIES SUMMARY: The Book of Acts is the story of the early Christian Church. For centuries after the first Easter, the Christian Church has studied Acts. The logic is that, after we celebrated Jesus’ rising from the grave and subsequent ascent into heaven, perhaps we should try to do what the early church did, contextualized to our time and place. Throughout this series, we will look at snapshots of Acts, from supernatural healing to strategic planning, cultural diversity to Christian celebrity. This is the story of what Jesus continued to do even after he ascended into heaven and sent his Spirit to form the Church.
How can we pray for you? tinyurl.com/stmarcusprayers
Fill out our online connection card: tinyurl.com/stmarcusconnectcard
If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive
This weekend, we’re studying Acts 11:1–18 under the theme “Religious Discrimination.” In this pivotal moment, Peter defends his mission to the Gentiles after God reveals that the Gospel breaks through ethnic and religious barriers—proving salvation is not by cultural conformity but by grace alone. We’ll see how God confronts human prejudice, expands our understanding of His grace, and calls us to reject man-made divisions in favor of His unifying Gospel.
SERIES SUMMARY: The Book of Acts is the story of the early Christian Church. For centuries after the first Easter, the Christian Church has studied Acts. The logic is that, after we celebrated Jesus’ rising from the grave and subsequent ascent into heaven, perhaps we should try to do what the early church did, contextualized to our time and place. Throughout this series, we will look at snapshots of Acts, from supernatural healing to strategic planning, cultural diversity to Christian celebrity. This is the story of what Jesus continued to do even after he ascended into heaven and sent his Spirit to form the Church.
How can we pray for you? tinyurl.com/stmarcusprayers
Fill out our online connection card: tinyurl.com/stmarcusconnectcard
If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive
This week we will be studying Acts 6:1-7 under the theme “Strategic Ministry.” All of God’s people are called to service in his Body (the Church), but we’re not called to serve in the same ways. Each of God’s children is gifted for a role. When we don’t use our gifts to fill our role or we use our gifts in the wrong role, the Body suffers. Looking to Jesus as our Head, we find a way to troubleshoot problems in the Church by compassionately getting God’s people to serve in the right positions.
SERIES SUMMARY: The Book of Acts is the story of the early Christian Church. For centuries after the first Easter, the Christian Church has studied Acts. The logic is that, after we celebrated Jesus’ rising from the grave and subsequent ascent into heaven, perhaps we should try to do what the early church did, contextualized to our time and place. Throughout this series, we will look at snapshots of Acts, from supernatural healing to strategic planning, cultural diversity to Christian celebrity. This is the story of what Jesus continued to do even after he ascended into heaven and sent his Spirit to form the Church.
How can we pray for you? tinyurl.com/stmarcusprayers
Fill out our online connection card: tinyurl.com/stmarcusconnectcard
If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive
This week, we will be studying Acts 5:12-16 under the theme “Healing in the Church’s Shadow.” Undeniably, God worked miracles through the Apostles and the early Christian Church. Does he do the same today? This requires us to meditate on the nature of a miracle and see what role we play as a member of Jesus’ Body (i.e. the Church) today.
Series Summary: The Book of Acts is the story of the early Christian Church. For centuries after the first Easter, the Christian Church has studied Acts. The logic is that, after we celebrated Jesus’ rising from the grave and subsequent ascent into heaven, perhaps we should try to do what the early church did, contextualized to our time and place. Throughout this series, we will look at snapshots of Acts, from supernatural healing to strategic planning, cultural diversity to Christian celebrity. This is the story of what Jesus continued to do even after he ascended into heaven and sent his Spirit to form the Church.
How can we pray for you? tinyurl.com/stmarcusprayers
Fill out our online connection card: tinyurl.com/stmarcusconnectcard
If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive
In studying Philippians 2:5-11, we examine Jesus' path of humility and ultimate exaltation, contrasting earthly leaders with His servant leadership. Discover how adopting Christ's mindset can transform relationships and lead us to serve others selflessly, reflecting His glory and majesty.
Speaker: Seminarian Zach Thiel
How can we pray for you? tinyurl.com/stmarcusprayers
Fill out our online connection card: tinyurl.com/stmarcusconnectcard
If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive
This Easter message from John 21:18 explores the profound encounter between Mary Magdalene and the risen Jesus. Discover why Mary, a woman with a broken past, was the first to witness the resurrection and how her story reveals the transformative power of grace. As we delve into themes of sin, reconciliation, and spiritual blindness, learn how Jesus calls each of us by name, inviting us to see Him clearly and share His love with the world. Uncover the hope and redemption found in the resurrection of Christ.
How can we pray for you? tinyurl.com/stmarcusprayers
Fill out our online connection card: tinyurl.com/stmarcusconnectcard
If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive
In Luke 18:9-18, Jesus told a parable about two men who went to the temple to pray: a virtue-signaling Pharisee and a miserable tax collector who couldn’t even lift his face because of his shame. Jesus’ startling judgment was that it was only the tax collector who went home justified. The assumption of many religious people is that, on some level, God’s approval is based on our personal obedience and good deeds. We’ll see that humble prayer begins where our self-righteousness ends - not with declarations of how good we are, but with desperate hands empty enough to receive what Christ has done.
How can we pray for you? tinyurl.com/stmarcusprayers
Fill out our online connection card: tinyurl.com/stmarcusconnectcard
If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive
This week's Lenten reflection delves into the profound abandonment Jesus experienced on the cross, highlighting His cry of forsakenness. We examine how this ultimate sacrifice ensures that believers are never truly alone, as Jesus endured separation from God to guarantee our eternal companionship with Him. Through His love and sacrifice, Jesus dismantles the power of sin and death, offering us everlasting comfort and presence.
How can we pray for you? tinyurl.com/stmarcusprayers
Fill out our online connection card: tinyurl.com/stmarcusconnectcard
If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive
This week, we're studying Luke 16 and exploring the parable of the rich man and Lazarus, focusing on the theme of "An Unnamed Rich Man." We'll uncover the reality of hell, the sufficiency of God's Word, and the profound love of Jesus Christ, who endured suffering to save us. We'll explain the spiritual implications of self-centeredness and the eternal trajectory of our choices. Take heart in the gospel truth that, through Christ's sacrifice, we're invited to turn from self-centeredness and embrace the everlasting joy and love found in God's presence.
How can we pray for you? tinyurl.com/stmarcusprayers
Fill out our online connection card: tinyurl.com/stmarcusconnectcard
If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive
This week's Lenten meditation explores the mockery and suffering Jesus endured before His crucifixion. We reflect on how human rebellion and rejection of authority mirror the actions of those who mocked Christ. Despite the shame He bore, Jesus's sacrifice offers us redemption, transforming our shame into honor and securing our place in His eternal kingdom.
How can we pray for you? tinyurl.com/stmarcusprayers
Fill out our online connection card: tinyurl.com/stmarcusconnectcard
If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive
This week we will be studying Luke 15:11-32 under the theme “A Parable of Two Sons.” This will be our third straight week hearing Jesus teach on The Banquet. We’ve heard about a Narrow Door. We’ve heard about Making Excuses. And now he’s teaching about the difference between repentant sinners and self-righteous religious practitioners. We’ll explain why the traditional title “The Parable of the Prodigal Son,” which dates back to 16th century English translations and even the Latin Vulgate, is tremendously misleading. This text is as much, or more, about an obedient older brother and how he still stands outside the banquet.
How can we pray for you? tinyurl.com/stmarcusprayers
Fill out our online connection card: tinyurl.com/stmarcusconnectcard
If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive
In this week's Lenten meditation, we examine Peter's denial of Jesus and the fear-driven weakness that led to it. We reflect on how our actions can mirror Peter's, revealing our tendency to deny Christ in moments of self-preservation. Despite our failures, Jesus's grace remains sufficient, offering us the strength to repent and the assurance of His enduring love.
How can we pray for you? tinyurl.com/stmarcusprayers
Fill out our online connection card: tinyurl.com/stmarcusconnectcard
If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive
This week we will be studying Luke 14:15-24 under the theme “A Generous Invitation.” Last week, Jesus talked about the timeliness of response to his gracious invitation. This week, we see that humans, particularly those who are greatly blessed, are often inclined to make excuses for not coming when they realize how disruptive this impending feast could be to their present life. But if the animal has been slaughtered and the food prepared, the feast will continue for all who are hungry and willing to drop everything.
The goal of Dr. Luke’s Gospel is to present the universal reach of Jesus’ gift of salvation. As a man of science, Luke was not particularly interested in mere spiritual opinions, feelings, rumors, or legends. Educated and orderly, Luke sifted through the garbage of misinformation and bad ideas to bring substantiated eyewitness verification of the truth—a gracious reality of mercy and justice for all.
How can we pray for you? tinyurl.com/stmarcusprayers
Fill out our online connection card: tinyurl.com/stmarcusconnectcard
If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive
In this Lenten reflection, we examine Jesus's prayerful struggle in Gethsemane, where he faces overwhelming sorrow. We explore the significance of the cup of suffering, representing God's wrath, which Jesus willingly accepts for humanity's sins. Despite the disciples' apathy, Jesus's love and sacrifice offer profound forgiveness and redemption.
How can we pray for you? tinyurl.com/stmarcusprayers
Fill out our online connection card: tinyurl.com/stmarcusconnectcard
If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive
This week we will be studying Luke 13:22-30 under the theme “The Kingdom’s Narrow Door.” Jesus regularly needed to teach the people of his day that they would not be saved by their pedigree or moral performance. Rather, we can only be saved by grace through faith in him. Everyone is invited to pass through that door, but the door itself is narrow and you cannot bring a bunch of things with you. Letting go of the things of this world requires humility, trust, and urgency.
The goal of Dr. Luke’s Gospel is to present the universal reach of Jesus’ gift of salvation. As a man of science, Luke was not particularly interested in mere spiritual opinions, feelings, rumors, or legends. Educated and orderly, Luke sifted through the garbage of misinformation and bad ideas to bring substantiated eyewitness verification of the truth—a gracious reality of mercy and justice for all.
How can we pray for you? tinyurl.com/stmarcusprayers
Fill out our online connection card: tinyurl.com/stmarcusconnectcard
If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive
In this Lenten meditation, we explore the moment at the Last Supper when Jesus reveals that one of his disciples will betray him, causing deep sadness among them. We delve into how Judas's deliberate betrayal underscores the depth of human sinfulness and the potential for betrayal within us all. Despite this, we find hope in Jesus's unwavering love and sacrifice, which offer forgiveness and redemption.
How can we pray for you? tinyurl.com/stmarcusprayers
Fill out our online connection card: tinyurl.com/stmarcusconnectcard
If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive
This week we will be studying Luke 11:1-13 under the theme “Jesus on Prayer.” The most common response most Christians give when asked about their prayer life is “I probably should be doing it more.” Why is it so difficult? We’ll discuss what stands in the way and what is available to us.
The goal of Dr. Luke’s Gospel is to present the universal reach of Jesus’ gift of salvation. As a man of science, Luke was not particularly interested in mere spiritual opinions, feelings, rumors, or legends. Educated and orderly, Luke sifted through the garbage of misinformation and bad ideas to bring substantiated eyewitness verification of the truth—a gracious reality of mercy and justice for all.
How can we pray for you? tinyurl.com/stmarcusprayers
Fill out our online connection card: tinyurl.com/stmarcusconnectcard
If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive
This Lenten season, yield to the message of repentance and renewal from Joel 2:12-19 and embrace the timeless call to rend our hearts and welcome our wounded Savior. Return to God with sincerity. Experience His gracious mercy and compassion. Prepare for the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
How can we pray for you? tinyurl.com/stmarcusprayers
Fill out our online connection card: tinyurl.com/stmarcusconnectcard
If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive
This week we will be studying Luke 9:28-36 under the theme “The Transfiguration.” One of the more misunderstood and underappreciated moments in the Gospels, this account teaches us about the universal human quest for glory and Jesus’ counterintuitive approach.
The goal of Dr. Luke’s Gospel is to present the universal reach of Jesus’ gift of salvation. As a man of science, Luke was not particularly interested in mere spiritual opinions, feelings, rumors, or legends. Educated and orderly, Luke sifted through the garbage of misinformation and bad ideas to bring substantiated eyewitness verification of the truth—a gracious reality of mercy and justice for all.
How can we pray for you? tinyurl.com/stmarcusprayers
Fill out our online connection card: tinyurl.com/stmarcusconnectcard
If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive
This week’s message will focus on the account of “Martha and Mary” from Luke 10:38-42. Αfter a series of spectacular miracles by Jesus and profound experiences and teachings for his disciples, Jesus stops at the home of Martha. Martha immediately goes to work preparing an elaborate meal while her sister Mary drops everything to sit at Jesus’ feet. Martha, “worried and upset,” becomes critical of Mary and even Jesus. Christians today still struggle with fear and spiritual unrest when it feels like their work is for nothing. Jesus offers a gentle but urgent call to choose the one thing needed: to place ourselves at his feet, because it’s only there that we can hear his word and be ready for service.
The goal of Dr. Luke’s Gospel is to present the universal reach of Jesus’ gift of salvation. As a man of science, Luke was not particularly interested in mere spiritual opinions, feelings, rumors, or legends. Educated and orderly, Luke sifted through the garbage of misinformation and bad ideas to bring substantiated eyewitness verification of the truth—a gracious reality of mercy and justice for all.
How can we pray for you? tinyurl.com/stmarcusprayers
Fill out our online connection card: tinyurl.com/stmarcusconnectcard
If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive
Guest Preacher Jonathan Hein of WELS Congregational Services and Director of the WELS Commission on Congregational Counseling delivers a special message on Psalm 150 for St. Marcus' 150th Church Anniversary.
Click here to view the full service.
How can we pray for you? tinyurl.com/stmarcusprayers
Fill out our online connection card: tinyurl.com/stmarcusconnectcard
If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive
In studying Luke 9, we explore Jesus' commissioning of the 12 disciples and the balance between sweet service and strong statements in Christian ministry. We will delve into how believers can live modestly and aim strategically to spread the Gospel, embracing their role as Christ's ambassadors.
The goal of Dr. Luke’s Gospel is to present the universal reach of Jesus’ gift of salvation. As a man of science, Luke was not particularly interested in mere spiritual opinions, feelings, rumors, or legends. Educated and orderly, Luke sifted through the garbage of misinformation and bad ideas to bring substantiated eyewitness verification of the truth—a gracious reality of mercy and justice for all.
How can we pray for you? tinyurl.com/stmarcusprayers
Fill out our online connection card: tinyurl.com/stmarcusconnectcard
If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive
This week we will be studying Luke 8:22-25 under the theme “Power Over Storms.” After a period of teaching his disciples, Jesus offers them a period of testing. Jesus’ disciples indeed have faith, but the question is whether or not they will use their faith in life’s most trying times. Similarly, for many Christians, it’s not a matter of not having faith, but a matter of not opportunistically expressing faith to help navigate life’s difficult storms.
The goal of Dr. Luke’s Gospel is to present the universal reach of Jesus’ gift of salvation. As a man of science, Luke was not particularly interested in mere spiritual opinions, feelings, rumors, or legends. Educated and orderly, Luke sifted through the garbage of misinformation and bad ideas to bring substantiated eyewitness verification of the truth—a gracious reality of mercy and justice for all.
How can we pray for you? tinyurl.com/stmarcusprayers
Fill out our online connection card: tinyurl.com/stmarcusconnectcard
If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive
This week, we will be studying Luke 5:17-26 under the theme “Forgiving a Paralyzed Man.” Luke’s Gospel repeatedly shows the theme of Jesus’ healing for a hurting world. Jesus lets us know He is Lord and he has the power to forgive sins. Through our faith in Jesus, we are forgiven. He encourages us to bring people to him through our faith.
The goal of Dr. Luke’s Gospel is to present the universal reach of Jesus’ gift of salvation. As a man of science, Luke was not particularly interested in mere spiritual opinions, feelings, rumors, or legends. Educated and orderly, Luke sifted through the garbage of misinformation and bad ideas to bring substantiated eyewitness verification of the truth—a gracious reality of mercy and justice for all.
How can we pray for you? tinyurl.com/stmarcusprayers
Fill out our online connection card: tinyurl.com/stmarcusconnectcard
If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive
This week, we will be studying Luke 4:38-44 under the theme “A Messiah Who Heals Many Kinds of Problems.” Luke’s Gospel repeatedly shows the theme of Jesus’ healing for a hurting world. That hurt sometimes takes the form of physical ailments, social alienation, or demonic attack. As Lord over all, Jesus knows and has exactly what we need, no matter what is hurting us. With his Spirit upon us, we can offer the same to the world.
SERIES SUMMARY: The goal of Dr. Luke’s Gospel is to present the universal reach of Jesus’ gift of salvation. As a man of science, Luke was not particularly interested in mere spiritual opinions, feelings, rumors, or legends. Educated and orderly, Luke sifted through the garbage of misinformation and bad ideas to bring substantiated eyewitness verification of the truth—a gracious reality of mercy and justice for all.
How can we pray for you? tinyurl.com/stmarcusprayers
Fill out our online connection card: tinyurl.com/stmarcusconnectcard
If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive
This week we study Luke 4:14-20 under the theme “Rejecting a Familiar Savior.” The Jews wanted a Messiah. They just didn’t want the REAL Messiah. A relationship with the real Messiah requires humility and repentance. It leads to a life spent favoring the hurting of the world. And it empowers you to walk through and away from the rejections you may face.
SERIES SUMMARY: The goal of Dr. Luke’s Gospel is to present the universal reach of Jesus’ gift of salvation. As a man of science, Luke was not particularly interested in mere spiritual opinions, feelings, rumors, or legends. Educated and orderly, Luke sifted through the garbage of misinformation and bad ideas to bring substantiated eyewitness verification of the truth—a gracious reality of mercy and justice for all.
How can we pray for you? tinyurl.com/stmarcusprayers
Fill out our online connection card: tinyurl.com/stmarcusconnectcard
If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive
This week, we’ll focus on Jesus’ baptism from Luke 3:15-17 and 21-22, where we see His dependence on the Father and His absolute commitment to God’s will. The Trinity’s presence highlights and affirms Jesus as the one chosen to carry out God’s rescue mission. Despite humanity's natural tendency to rebel against God’s authority, Jesus identified with us. We now receive the benefit of Jesus’ saving work through our own baptisms, including the Father’s approval and the Spirit’s presence, empowering and transforming us to live for Him and trust in His grace.
SERIES SUMMARY: The goal of Dr. Luke’s Gospel is to present the universal reach of Jesus’ gift of salvation. As a man of science, Luke was not particularly interested in mere spiritual opinions, feelings, rumors, or legends. Educated and orderly, Luke sifted through the garbage of misinformation and bad ideas to bring substantiated eyewitness verification of the truth—a gracious reality of mercy and justice for all.
How can we pray for you? tinyurl.com/stmarcusprayers
Fill out our online connection card: tinyurl.com/stmarcusconnectcard
If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive
This week we will be studying Luke 3:1-14 under the theme “A Cultural Contrarian.” We are introduced to John the Baptist who prepared the way for the beginning of Jesus’ public ministry. John was unabashed with the truth, countercultural in lifestyle, and compelling to all. He had a mission from God and simply did not care who hated him for it. As we start a new year and new teaching series we can learn from John about the courage to live missionally.
SERIES SUMMARY: The goal of Dr. Luke’s Gospel is to present the universal reach of Jesus’ gift of salvation. As a man of science, Luke was not particularly interested in mere spiritual opinions, feelings, rumors, or legends. Educated and orderly, Luke sifted through the garbage of misinformation and bad ideas to bring substantiated eyewitness verification of the truth—a gracious reality of mercy and justice for all.
How can we pray for you? tinyurl.com/stmarcusprayers
Fill out our online connection card: tinyurl.com/stmarcusconnectcard
If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive
We explore the profound comfort found in Romans 8, emphasizing that if God is for us, no one can stand against us. Through the lens of the Apostle Paul's teachings, we are reminded of Christ's inseparable love and the impregnable defense He provides against the accusations of sin and the grave. As we face life's challenges, we are encouraged to trust in the unchanging love of Jesus, which remains steadfast regardless of our circumstances.
How can we pray for you? tinyurl.com/stmarcusprayers
Fill out our online connection card: tinyurl.com/stmarcusconnectcard
If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive
This Christmas Day message explores the transformative power of knowing Jesus, the eternal Word made flesh. Discover how His incarnation brings light to our darkness and hope to our world. Delve into the true meaning of Christmas and the depth of God's love. Celebrate the season and be inspired to live as redeemed children of God.
How can we pray for you? tinyurl.com/stmarcusprayers
Fill out our online connection card: tinyurl.com/stmarcusconnectcard
If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive
This week we will conclude our study of Revelation with Revelation 22:1-14 under the theme “The Evolution of Paradise.”
SERIES SUMMARY: The book of Revelation has fascinated Christians for two millennia. As apocalyptic literature, it’s unique in the New Testament for numerous reasons, not the least of which is that it is the book that speaks of things yet to come. Revelation is a message to Christians to remain faithful to Christ and to resist evil. It includes visions and images that point to Jesus' return as the ultimate King, Warrior, and Savior, and the restoration of his people.
How can we pray for you? tinyurl.com/stmarcusprayers
Fill out our online connection card: tinyurl.com/stmarcusconnectcard
If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive
This week we will be studying Revelation 21:1-6 under the theme “A New Heaven and a New Earth.” Whereas Christians often get lost in the many strange and spectacular details of the Book of Revelation, they forget that its primary purpose God intended is Living Hope for his people to face anything in the present.
SERIES SUMMARY: The book of Revelation has fascinated Christians for two millennia. As apocalyptic literature, it’s unique in the New Testament for numerous reasons, not the least of which is that it is the book that speaks of things yet to come. Revelation is a message to Christians to remain faithful to Christ and to resist evil. It includes visions and images that point to Jesus' return as the ultimate King, Warrior, and Savior, and the restoration of his people.
How can we pray for you? tinyurl.com/stmarcusprayers
Fill out our online connection card: tinyurl.com/stmarcusconnectcard
If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive
This week we will be studying Revelation 19:1-10 under the theme “The Wedding Supper and the Lamb.” Our praise of God in the present gets derailed when we forget the temporal nature of enticing beauty, overprioritize otherwise good things, or lose track of all the Lord has done and has promised. Our “Hallelujah” today is possible and powerful only to the degree we anticipate the Wedding Supper of the Lamb.
SERIES SUMMARY: The book of Revelation has fascinated Christians for two millennia. As apocalyptic literature, it’s unique in the New Testament for numerous reasons, not the least of which is that it is the book that speaks of things yet to come. Revelation is a message to Christians to remain faithful to Christ and to resist evil. It includes visions and images that point to Jesus' return as the ultimate King, Warrior, and Savior, and the restoration of his people.
How can we pray for you? tinyurl.com/stmarcusprayers
Fill out our online connection card: tinyurl.com/stmarcusconnectcard
If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive
Leading up to Chapter 14, we hear of the dangers that are to come to us in this world. Even in our troubles, fears, hardships, and pain, we learn that this is not a time to worry. Rather "This calls for patient endurance and faithfulness on the part of God’s people." "This calls for wisdom." The end of times is no different from the beginning of time — God always delivers!
SERIES SUMMARY: The book of Revelation has fascinated Christians for two millennia. As apocalyptic literature, it’s unique in the New Testament for numerous reasons, not the least of which is that it is the book that speaks of things yet to come. Revelation is a message to Christians to remain faithful to Christ and to resist evil. It includes visions and images that point to Jesus' return as the ultimate King, Warrior, and Savior, and the restoration of his people.
How can we pray for you? tinyurl.com/stmarcusprayers
Fill out our online connection card: tinyurl.com/stmarcusconnectcard
If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive
Our next step in Revelation takes us to the heavenly throne room in Chapter 5, where John’s heart breaks over the sealed scroll—until everything changes when the Lamb steps forward. The new song of heaven bursts out, celebrating what Jesus has done. He has made us a kingdom and priests through His sacrifice. Here we see that unrestrained, joy-filled worship is what we were made for and we join in the chorus sung in heaven as we discover the infinite worth of the Lamb.
SERIES SUMMARY: The book of Revelation has fascinated Christians for two millennia. As apocalyptic literature, it’s unique in the New Testament for numerous reasons, not the least of which is that it is the book that speaks of things yet to come. Revelation is a message to Christians to remain faithful to Christ and to resist evil. It includes visions and images that point to Jesus' return as the ultimate King, Warrior, and Savior, and the restoration of his people.
How can we pray for you? tinyurl.com/stmarcusprayers
Fill out our online connection card: tinyurl.com/stmarcusconnectcard
If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive
This week we will be studying Revelation 3:14-22 under the theme “A Letter to the Church in Laodicea.” It is in these verses that we learn how Jesus notoriously deemed Laodicea “lukewarm,” saying that if they did not repent, he would spit them out. Prosperity has a way of deceiving God’s people into believing in their own self-sufficiency. Christ calls us to repent and see not only our need for God’s grace but the King’s generous provision of it.
SERIES SUMMARY: The book of Revelation has fascinated Christians for two millennia. As apocalyptic literature, it’s unique in the New Testament for numerous reasons, not the least of which is that it is the book that speaks of things yet to come. Revelation is a message to Christians to remain faithful to Christ and to resist evil. It includes visions and images that point to Jesus' return as the ultimate King, Warrior, and Savior, and the restoration of his people.
How can we pray for you? tinyurl.com/stmarcusprayers
Fill out our online connection card: tinyurl.com/stmarcusconnectcard
If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive
This week we will be studying Revelation 2:1-7 under the theme “A Letter to the Church in Ephesus.” Ephesus had been a pivotal congregation in the Early Church, but they’d lost their original love. It’s entirely possible for a Christian congregation (or individual) to check major boxes of doctrine and religious practice, but lose internal vitality. We’ll see how that fall happens and needs to be done to reignite vibrancy.
SERIES SUMMARY: The book of Revelation has fascinated Christians for two millennia. As apocalyptic literature, it’s unique in the New Testament for numerous reasons, not the least of which is that it is the book that speaks of things yet to come. Revelation is a message to Christians to remain faithful to Christ and to resist evil. It includes visions and images that point to Jesus' return as the ultimate King, Warrior, and Savior, and the restoration of his people.
How can we pray for you? tinyurl.com/stmarcusprayers
Fill out our online connection card: tinyurl.com/stmarcusconnectcard
If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive
This week we will be studying Revelation 2:1-7 under the theme “A Letter to the Church in Ephesus.” Ephesus had been a pivotal congregation in the Early Church, but they’d lost their original love. It’s entirely possible for a Christian congregation (or individual) to check major boxes of doctrine and religious practice, but lose internal vitality. We’ll see how that fall happens and needs to be done to reignite vibrancy.
SERIES SUMMARY: The book of Revelation has fascinated Christians for two millennia. As apocalyptic literature, it’s unique in the New Testament for numerous reasons, not the least of which is that it is the book that speaks of things yet to come. Revelation is a message to Christians to remain faithful to Christ and to resist evil. It includes visions and images that point to Jesus' return as the ultimate King, Warrior, and Savior, and the restoration of his people.
How can we pray for you?
Fill out our online connection card!
If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here.
This week we will be studying Revelation 1:8-18 under the theme “Introducing the Alpha and the Omega.” This week we read the Apostle John’s introductory image of Jesus in heaven. John is overwhelmed. But the Lord tells him, “Do not be afraid,” because this all-powerful King holds the keys to our future.
SERIES SUMMARY: The book of Revelation has fascinated Christians for two millennia. As apocalyptic literature, it’s unique in the New Testament for numerous reasons, not the least of which is that it is the book that speaks of things yet to come. Revelation is a message to Christians to remain faithful to Christ and to resist evil. It includes visions and images that point to Jesus' return as the ultimate King, Warrior, and Savior, and the restoration of his people.
How can we pray for you?
Fill out our online connection card!
If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here.
This week we will be celebrating the Reformation, as well as concluding our series on David, studying 2 Samuel 12:1-25 under the theme “The Repentant Will Be Reconciled.” The first of Martin Luther’s famous 95 Theses states: “When our Lord and Master Jesus Christ said, ‘Repent’ (Mt 4:17), he willed the entire life of believers to be one of repentance.” Contrary to what this world thinks about progress or self-image, by God’s design, the path forward for humanity is always in humbling ourselves before a holy, gracious Lord. This week we’ll see how David experiences new life in repentance, but also how the prophet Nathan skillfully addresses sin in the life of a man he loved.
SERIES SUMMARY: The life of David is the single longest narrative in all of ancient literature of a single human life. Dramatically packed with scandal, betrayal, murder, and redemption, it may or may not surprise readers that David is one of Scripture’s most relatable characters. Much like our lives; however, David’s narrative is less about David and more about the one to whom David points.
How can we pray for you?
We want to know more about you! Fill out our online connection card!
If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here.
This week we will be studying 2 Samuel 11:1-27 under the theme “The Proud Will Fall.” Here, we encounter perhaps the most notorious series of sins in the Bible. Amongst other things, we learn the power of sin to grow from a cell in our hearts to a monster that can ruin our lives. But we also learn that no murderer or adulterer is beyond God’s saving grace.
SERIES SUMMARY: The life of David is the single longest narrative in all of ancient literature of a single human life. Dramatically packed with scandal, betrayal, murder, and redemption, it may or may not surprise readers that David is one of Scripture’s most relatable characters. Much like our lives; however, David’s narrative is less about David and more about the one to whom David points.
How can we pray for you?
We want to know more about you! Fill out our online connection card!
If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here.
This week we will be studying 2 Samuel 9:1-13 under the theme “Kindness to Friends & Those in Need.” David had experienced the goodness of God, and he’d also made a vow reflecting that goodness to his friend Jonathan. So, when David had opportunity to do good to Jonathan’s family after Jonathan had passed away, he seized the moment. David’s kindness is a picture of what Jesus (the GREATER David) came to do for us, but also an inspiration to proactively seek out opportunities to extend God’s undeserved goodness to others.
SERIES SUMMARY: The life of David is the single longest narrative in all of ancient literature of a single human life. Dramatically packed with scandal, betrayal, murder, and redemption, it may or may not surprise readers that David is one of Scripture’s most relatable characters. Much like our lives; however, David’s narrative is less about David and more about the one to whom David points.
How can we pray for you?
We want to know more about you! Fill out our online connection card!
If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here.
This week we will be studying 2 Samuel 6:12-23 under the theme “When Your Family Won’t Support You.” As David matured as a believer, he sometimes found discouragement from those who should have been encouragers – like his wife, Michal. We’ll learn how to find joy and dancing in God even when the world is dragging us down.
SERIES SUMMARY: The life of David is the single longest narrative in all of ancient literature of a single human life. Dramatically packed with scandal, betrayal, murder, and redemption, it may or may not surprise readers that David is one of Scripture’s most relatable characters. Much like our lives; however, David’s narrative is less about David and more about the one to whom David points.
How can we pray for you?
We want to know more about you! Fill out our online connection card!
If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here.
This week we will be studying 1 Samuel 24:1-22 under the theme “Doing Life HIS Way.” King Saul wanted to kill David. David’s friends wanted David to kill Saul. It was easy to rationalize. But David said, “I will not lay my hand on my lord, because he is the Lord’s anointed.” David was committed to the will and grace of God more than justifiable human reason. By God’s grace, we don’t get what we reasonably deserve, but we receive grace through a greater David.
SERIES SUMMARY: The life of David is the single longest narrative in all of ancient literature of a single human life. Dramatically packed with scandal, betrayal, murder, and redemption, it may or may not surprise readers that David is one of Scripture’s most relatable characters. Much like our lives; however, David’s narrative is less about David and more about the one to whom David points.
How can we pray for you?
We want to know more about you! Fill out our online connection card!
If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here.
This week we will be studying 1 Samuel 17:32-54 under the theme “Slaying Giants.” “David and Goliath” has become a proverbial term for underdog stories. But it’s actually less about our personal empowerment and more about the courage instilled in us when we recognize that a Greater David’s victory has become our own.
SERIES SUMMARY: The life of David is the single longest narrative in all of ancient literature of a single human life. Dramatically packed with scandal, betrayal, murder, and redemption, it may or may not surprise readers that David is one of Scripture’s most relatable characters. Much like our lives; however, David’s narrative is less about David and more about the one to whom David points.
How can we pray for you?
We want to know more about you! Fill out our online connection card!
If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here.
This week we’ll be studying 1 Samuel 16:1-13 under the theme “God’s Decision Process.” When it is time for God to choose a new king in Israel, he doesn’t just make an unusual choice, but a selection that wasn’t even standing amongst the reasonable considerations. This tells us something about how God operates, how we are to revise our decision-making processes, and even more, something about God’s plan of salvation.
SERIES SUMMARY: The life of David is the single longest narrative in all of ancient literature of a single human life. Dramatically packed with scandal, betrayal, murder, and redemption, it may or may not surprise readers that David is one of Scripture’s most relatable characters. Much like our lives; however, David’s narrative is less about David and more about the one to whom David points.
How can we pray for you?
We want to know more about you! Fill out our online connection card!
If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here.
This week we will be studying Galatians 6:1-10 under the theme “Doing Gospel Good”. God works through each of us in a different way, and we are to examine ourselves and take responsibility for what He asks us to do. God also calls each of us to sow good, spiritual seeds in this life, so that the harvest may be reaped in our next, eternal life.
SERIES SUMMARY: Galatians is written to believers who were allowing the gospel to become distorted in their lives. Influential teachers were causing them to focus more on themselves and their obedience than on Christ’s deliverance. In this series, we’ll learn that everything in a fallen world is fighting to drive us further into self-focus. But the beauty of Christ pulls our eyes to him, healing our self-inflicted wounds, and liberating us to love and serve others.
How can we pray for you? We want to know more about our listeners! Fill out our online connection card!
If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here.
This week we will be studying Galatians 5:13-26 under the theme “Freedom to Fight Against Your Flesh." We are in a daily struggle against temptation and sin, and sometimes we feel like we are losing the struggle more than we are winning. Christ has claimed victory over these daily battles, freeing us from the desires of our flesh, and over the enemy of death.
SERIES SUMMARY: Galatians is written to believers who were allowing the gospel to become distorted in their lives. Influential teachers were causing them to focus more on themselves and their obedience than on Christ’s deliverance. In this series, we’ll learn that everything in a fallen world is fighting to drive us further into self-focus. But the beauty of Christ pulls our eyes to him, healing our self-inflicted wounds, and liberating us to love and serve others.
If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive
This week we will be studying Galatians 4:8-20 under the theme “Haunted by Idols.” The Galatians had been influenced by false teachers (Judaizers) who were leading them into a work-righteousness that was actually quite similar to their old paganism. Paul persuades them away from this error of religion through a combination of truth and love – personalized gospel ministry.
SERIES SUMMARY: Galatians is written to believers who were allowing the gospel to become distorted in their lives. Influential teachers were causing them to focus more on themselves and their obedience than on Christ’s deliverance. In this series, we’ll learn that everything in a fallen world is fighting to drive us further into self-focus. But the beauty of Christ pulls our eyes to him, healing our self-inflicted wounds, and liberating us to love and serve others.
If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive
This week we will be studying Galatians 3:1-14 under the theme “The Appeal and Failure of the Law.” We see here how proud humans are always tempted to plagiarize from God, attempting to give ourselves some level of credit for our salvation, righteousness, and blessings. But self-merit in God’s Kingdom will only cause spiritual sickness.
SERIES SUMMARY: Galatians is written to believers who were allowing the gospel to become distorted in their lives. Influential teachers were causing them to focus more on themselves and their obedience than on Christ’s deliverance. In this series, we’ll learn that everything in a fallen world is fighting to drive us further into self-focus. But the beauty of Christ pulls our eyes to him, healing our self-inflicted wounds, and liberating us to love and serve others.
If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive
This week we will be studying Galatians 2:11-21 under the theme “The Damage of Believers Forgetting the Gospel.” Paul illustrates this theme to the Galatians by telling a story of even the Apostle Peter acting out of line with the gospel and causing great pain. There is great transformation in not scolding ourselves, or others, but explaining how a behavior might be “out of line with the gospel.”
SERIES SUMMARY: Galatians is written to believers who were allowing the gospel to become distorted in their lives. Influential teachers were causing them to focus more on themselves and their obedience than on Christ’s deliverance. In this series, we’ll learn that everything in a fallen world is fighting to drive us further into self-focus. But the beauty of Christ pulls our eyes to him, healing our self-inflicted wounds, and liberating us to love and serve others.
If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive
This week we will be studying Galatians 1:3-12 under the theme “No Other Gospel.” Reversing the gospel is a primary mechanism by which Satan tries to steal confidence, hope, joy, and even salvation away from Christians. This lesson teaches the right order of the gospel. We’ll learn how to fight against an upside-down, perverted ordering of the gospel in our thinking and relationships.
SERIES SUMMARY: Galatians is written to believers who were allowing the gospel to become distorted in their lives. Influential teachers were causing them to focus more on themselves and their obedience than on Christ’s deliverance. In this series, we’ll learn that everything in a fallen world is fighting to drive us further into self-focus. But the beauty of Christ pulls our eyes to him, healing our self-inflicted wounds, and liberating us to love and serve others.
If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive
This week we will be studying John 15:9-17 under the theme “Dangerous Friendship.” As God has called us “friends,” and treated us as his greatest friend by laying his life down for us, we are also to go and do likewise – not as friends of the world, but as the best friends in the world.
SERIES SUMMARY: "Dangerous Jesus" is based on a book by Kevin "KB" Burgess. Today, we see a surge of people walking away from the Christian faith. But what's repelling people isn't Jesus - it's that what is often widely spread as mainstream Christianity is simply not worthy of His name. Jesus invaded the world with love for the forgotten, hope for the hopeless, and freedom for the bound. "Dangerous Jesus" reintroduces us to the true Jesus, the one who poses a threat to the status quo, to our division, and to our rebellion. We need to reconnect with this Jesus. We need to become a threat to the threats. We need to be dangerous for good.
If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive
This week we will be studying Acts 2:42-47 under the theme “Dangerous Spirit.” After Pentecost, the Spirit of God worked mightily in the Early Church to produce a countercultural lifestyle amongst God’s people as they graciously did life together.
SERIES SUMMARY: "Dangerous Jesus" is based on a book by Kevin "KB" Burgess. Today, we see a surge of people walking away from the Christian faith. But what's repelling people isn't Jesus - it's that what is often widely spread as mainstream Christianity is simply not worthy of His name. Jesus invaded the world with love for the forgotten, hope for the hopeless, and freedom for the bound. "Dangerous Jesus" reintroduces us to the true Jesus, the one who poses a threat to the status quo, to our division, and to our rebellion. We need to reconnect with this Jesus. We need to become a threat to the threats. We need to be dangerous for good.
If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive
This week we’ll be studying Philippians 3:17-21 under the theme “Dangerous Citizen.” When Christians in this world forget that their citizenship is truly in heaven, they tend to have an unhealthy relationship with political power. Christian Nationalism has become an unhealthy development. This week we’ll learn the confidence that comes from knowing Jesus on his throne, and how he primarily wants us to influence society.
"Dangerous Jesus" is based on a book by Kevin "KB" Burgess. Today, we see a surge of people walking away from the Christian faith. But what's repelling people isn't Jesus - it's that what is often widely spread as mainstream Christianity is simply not worthy of His name. Jesus invaded the world with love for the forgotten, hope for the hopeless, and freedom for the bound. "Dangerous Jesus" reintroduces us to the true Jesus, the one who poses a threat to the status quo, to our division, and to our rebellion. We need to reconnect with this Jesus. We need to become a threat to the threats. We need to be dangerous for good.
If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive
This week, we will be studying Luke 9:18-20 under the theme, "Dangerous Jesus." Jesus asked the question to his disciples and to us all, "But what about you? Who do you say I am? "Find out why the only thing more risky than getting Jesus right is getting Jesus wrong.
SERIES SUMMARY: "Dangerous Jesus" is based on a book by Kevin "KB" Burgess. Today, we see a surge of people walking away from the Christian faith. But what's repelling people isn't Jesus - it's that what is often widely spread as mainstream Christianity is simply not worthy of His name. Jesus invaded the world with love for the forgotten, hope for the hopeless, and freedom for the bound. "Dangerous Jesus" reintroduces us to the true Jesus, the one who poses a threat to the status quo, to our division, and to our rebellion. We need to reconnect with this Jesus. We need to become a threat to the threats. We need to be dangerous for good.
If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive
This week we will be studying Revelation 7:9-14 under the theme “Christianity Is Necessarily Diverse.” As we close out our series on Urban Apologetics, we will look back at the doctrines we’ve covered, their implications, and applications for individuals and our church. We will also look ahead to the gathering of saints for worship in heaven, noticing how, by God’s design, they’ve come from every nation, tribe, people, and language.
This series is loosely structured on a book by Dr. Eric Mason. "Apologetics" is the study of the reasonable defense of the Christian faith; being prepared to give the world a reason for the hope that we have. While the world takes offense at the Gospel, those in urban settings face unique challenges that are particular to a diverse context. This series will help members find greater confidence in speaking about distinct issues that our local church faces.
If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive
This week we will be studying James 2:1-5 under the theme “Does God Favor Some People Groups?” Why is it that the poor of the world have historically been more receptive to the gospel of Jesus than the wealthy? What exactly is favoritism and what does it look like to rid our lives of a “ME FIRST” approach to human relationships? This passage from James teaches us another upside-down principle of the Kingdom.
This series is loosely structured on a book by Dr. Eric Mason. "Apologetics" is the study of the reasonable defense of the Christian faith; being prepared to give the world a reason for the hope that we have. While the world takes offense at the Gospel, those in urban settings face unique challenges that are particular to a diverse context. This series will help members find greater confidence in speaking about distinct issues that our local church faces.
If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive
This week we will be studying Deuteronomy 10:12-22 under the theme “Christians Fight For Human Dignity.” In our annual Juneteenth celebration, we will acknowledge our country’s struggles with human dignity, study God’s approach to viewing one another based on how he views us, and seek steps toward preserving the dignity of all.
This series is loosely structured on a book by Dr. Eric Mason. "Apologetics" is the study of the reasonable defense of the Christian faith; being prepared to give the world a reason for the hope that we have. While the world takes offense at the Gospel, those in urban settings face unique challenges that are particular to a diverse context. This series will help members find greater confidence in speaking about distinct issues that our local church faces.
If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive
This week we will be studying Galatians 3:26-29 under the theme “Christianity…a Whitewashed Religion?” Regardless of earthly categories, all who believe in Jesus maintain the status as fully justified children of God. Unfortunately, Christians don’t always communicate that equality in the way we conduct our lives. We begin our new series by seeing how this is problematic and where we can start doing something about it.
This series is loosely structured on a book by Dr. Eric Mason. "Apologetics" is the study of the reasonable defense of the Christian faith; being prepared to give the world a reason for the hope that we have. While the world takes offense at the Gospel, those in urban settings face unique challenges that are particular to a diverse context. This series will help members find greater confidence in speaking about distinct issues that our local church faces.
If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive
This week we will be studying 2 Corinthians 9:6-15 under the theme “Give.” Regular, generous giving is a tangible way for us to express gratitude for all that God has already accomplished for us and confidence in all that God promises for our present and future.
As we are renewed by the grace of Jesus, he calls us to a new life of following him called discipleship. At St Marcus, we focus on 4 spiritual habits we call "Vital Signs" that help us grow in healthy ways along our Journey of Discipleship. As we add Vital Signs to our lifestyle, we grow in our ability to lead and disciple others. In this, we strive to walk alongside people with loving compassion through a radical withness that continually points to our dependence on Jesus.
If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive
This week we will be studying 1 Peter 4:7-11 under the theme “Serve.” Regular, sacrificial serving reminds us that our life has already been taken care of by Jesus and that our time on earth is best spent imitating His walk by laying down our lives for others.
As we are renewed by the grace of Jesus, he calls us to a new life of following him called discipleship. At St Marcus, we focus on 4 spiritual habits we call "Vital Signs" that help us grow in healthy ways along our Journey of Discipleship. As we add Vital Signs to our lifestyle, we grow in our ability to lead and disciple others. In this, we strive to walk alongside people with loving compassion through a radical withness that continually points to our dependence on Jesus.
This week we will be studying Deuteronomy 6:1-12 under the theme “Study.” As encouraged by God, we know that regular, relational Bible study deepens the intimacy we have with God through a better understanding of his Word and a better understanding of the people he dwells in.
As we are renewed by the grace of Jesus, he calls us to a new life of following him called discipleship. At St Marcus, we focus on 4 spiritual habits we call "Vital Signs" that help us grow in healthy ways along our Journey of Discipleship. As we add Vital Signs to our lifestyle, we grow in our ability to lead and disciple others. In this, we strive to walk alongside people with loving compassion through a radical withness that continually points to our dependence on Jesus.
This week we’ll be studying Psalm 95:1-11 to better understand the first of our four Vital Signs – “Worship.” All humans are designed for the purpose of worship, but the variance between us simply lies in whom/what we choose to worship. We need to see how God is above all other gods, worthy alone of our worship, and we’ll learn insights into the hows and whys of our corporate worship.
SERIES SUMMARY: As we are renewed by the grace of Jesus, he calls us to a new life of following him called discipleship. At St Marcus, we focus on 4 spiritual habits we call "Vital Signs" that help us grow in healthy ways along our Journey of Discipleship. As we add Vital Signs to our lifestyle, we grow in our ability to lead and disciple others. In this, we strive to walk alongside people with loving compassion through a radical withness that continually points to our dependence on Jesus.
This week we’ll be studying Colossians 4:2-6 under the theme “The Mystery of Jesus.” The concept of God’s grace to ALL is truly an upside-down, otherworldly mystery to this fallen world. This week, we’ll learn how we should direct our prayers and lifestyle accordingly, for the purpose of evangelism.
The Church in Colossae was a product of Paul’s 3-year ministry in Ephesus. The Apostle Paul wrote the letter to combat a specific type of heresy—a combination of Eastern and Greek philosophy and Jewish legalism with elements of Gnosticism. The danger was not in denying Christianity altogether but in altering genuine Christianity with mysticism, legalism, Eastern religions, asceticism, and man-made philosophy—making it quite relevant to our contemporary pluralistic culture.
This week we will be studying Colossians 3:1-14 under the theme “The Clothing of Jesus.” A major part of Christianity is a new identity in Christ. When someone becomes a Christian, they don’t stop being their gender, race, age, political affiliation, or personality. All of those things are demoted below a more important identification factor – REDEEMED by the blood of Jesus. This child of God, recognizing they’ve now been redeemed by the love of God, commits themselves to a life of love toward others.
The Church in Colossae was a product of Paul’s 3-year ministry in Ephesus. The Apostle Paul wrote the letter to combat a specific type of heresy—a combination of Eastern and Greek philosophy and Jewish legalism with elements of Gnosticism. The danger was not in denying Christianity altogether but in altering genuine Christianity with mysticism, legalism, Eastern religions, asceticism, and man-made philosophy—making it quite relevant to our contemporary pluralistic culture.
This week we’ll be studying Colossians 2:16-23 under the theme “The Freedom of Jesus.” A major component to the Colossian heresy, and much false religion today (including in Christian churches) is the unnecessary burdening of manmade laws. The Apostle Paul refused to allow the Colossians’ sincere faith to be squeezed out by the self-righteousness of false teachers who presumed to be close to God.
The Church in Colossae was a product of Paul’s 3-year ministry in Ephesus. The Apostle Paul wrote the letter to combat a specific type of heresy—a combination of Eastern and Greek philosophy and Jewish legalism with elements of Gnosticism. The danger was not in denying Christianity altogether but in altering genuine Christianity with mysticism, legalism, Eastern religions, asceticism, and man-made philosophy—making it quite relevant to our contemporary pluralistic culture.
This week we’ll be studying Colossians 2:6-15 under the theme “The Fullness of Jesus.” Here we receive one of Scripture’s clearest statements that Jesus is fully God and that his work on earth was to remove our sins by nailing them to his cross. We are working together to remove any deceptive philosophy, human tradition, or spirituality that would deter us from these truths.
The Church in Colossae was a product of Paul’s 3-year ministry in Ephesus. The Apostle Paul wrote the letter to combat a specific type of heresy—a combination of Eastern and Greek philosophy and Jewish legalism with elements of Gnosticism. The danger was not in denying Christianity altogether but in altering genuine Christianity with mysticism, legalism, Eastern religions, asceticism, and man-made philosophy—making it quite relevant to our contemporary pluralistic culture.
SERIES SUMMARY: The Church in Colossae was a product of Paul’s 3-year ministry in Ephesus. The Apostle Paul wrote the letter to combat a specific type of heresy—a combination of Eastern and Greek philosophy and Jewish legalism with elements of Gnosticism. The danger was not in denying Christianity altogether but in altering genuine Christianity with mysticism, legalism, Eastern religions, asceticism, and man-made philosophy—making it quite relevant to our contemporary pluralistic culture.
This Easter we're looking at Isaiah 25:6-9 where Isaiah prophesies about the eternal Feast on Mount Zion, when we will meet the Lord face to face. On that day, there will be no more hunger and no more tears; the only crying that will be heard are the cries of praise to Our God. The Resurrection means every sin and every problem of this world will be undone, and for that, we rejoice!
God has seen our most shameful moments, and instead of rejecting us, He loves us. He covers us and makes us beautiful; the only way for Him to do that was to make Himself ugly. He became sin to make us righteous. He was stripped naked to clothe us. He became an object of scorn to make us glorious. Based on John 19:17-30.
"For the joy set before Him, He endured the cross, scorning its shame." - Hebrews 12:2
We celebrate the Lord's Supper not just to honor Jesus, but to receive from Him. He wanted to have this meal with His disciples, and He wants to have it with us. This Holy Thursday, we feel His sorrow, feel His love, and feel His hope. Based on Luke 22:15-16.
This week we’ll be studying John 12:12-29 under the theme “The King.” Jesus entered Jerusalem on Palm Sunday providing a unique picture of a humble, otherworldly King. This teaches us a great deal about the humble, otherworldly living of God’s people in the Kingdom.
The Gospel of John, written a couple decades after the other Gospel records, focuses less on the facts of Jesus’ ministry and more on the meaning of those facts. John frequently refers to Jesus’ miracles as “signs” – i.e. signals that point us to something even more significant than the miracle itself. John teaches us that Jesus is the “Word Incarnate” who dwelt among us, loved us dearly, and gave our lives eternal meaning.
Based on Isaiah 53:8.
God promised Adam and Eve that he would one day send one who would crush the serpent and free his people from sin and its penalty. Isaiah announced that this person is the Lord's Suffering Servant. The fourth and final "Servant Song" in the book of Isaiah expresses the unheard of declaration that the suffering of a single man would release all of us from the consequences of sin. In this season of Lent we will focus on our suffering Savior and the Fourth Servant Song of Isaiah. Written about 700 years before Christ, it depicts his life from the cradle to the grave, from his birth to his resurrection, portraying his suffering and his glory in a particularly vivid and graphic manner. Jesus fulfilled the Lord's will, accomplished our salvation, and was given the victor's reward, which he graciously shares with us.
This week we’ll be studying John 14:1-4 under the theme “Your Room in His House.” Jesus didn’t tell his disciples that they wouldn’t have troubles, but he did tell them to not let their hearts be troubled. He provided them with a resource that would let them face any opposition in life with courage.
The Gospel of John, written a couple decades after the other Gospel records, focuses less on the facts of Jesus’ ministry and more on the meaning of those facts. John frequently refers to Jesus’ miracles as “signs” – i.e. signals that point us to something even more significant than the miracle itself. John teaches us that Jesus is the “Word Incarnate” who dwelt among us, loved us dearly, and gave our lives eternal meaning.
Based on Isaiah 53:7.
God promised Adam and Eve that he would one day send one who would crush the serpent and free his people from sin and its penalty. Isaiah announced that this person is the Lord's Suffering Servant. The fourth and final "Servant Song" in the book of Isaiah expresses the unheard of declaration that the suffering of a single man would release all of us from the consequences of sin. In this season of Lent we will focus on our suffering Savior and the Fourth Servant Song of Isaiah. Written about 700 years before Christ, it depicts his life from the cradle to the grave, from his birth to his resurrection, portraying his suffering and his glory in a particularly vivid and graphic manner. Jesus fulfilled the Lord's will, accomplished our salvation, and was given the victor's reward, which he graciously shares with us.
If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive
This week we will be studying John 13:31-36 under the theme “Loving One Another.” Prior to dying for their sins on the cross, Jesus gets down and washes his disciples’ feet. While both, in a sense, are what God’s people do for one another, the latter provides the more accessible daily option and the apologetic of humbly showing love.
The Gospel of John, written a couple decades after the other Gospel records, focuses less on the facts of Jesus’ ministry and more on the meaning of those facts. John frequently refers to Jesus’ miracles as “signs” – i.e. signals that point us to something even more significant than the miracle itself. John teaches us that Jesus is the “Word Incarnate” who dwelt among us, loved us dearly, and gave our lives eternal meaning.
If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive
Based on Isaiah 53:6.
God promised Adam and Eve that he would one day send one who would crush the serpent and free his people from sin and its penalty. Isaiah announced that this person is the Lord's Suffering Servant. The fourth and final "Servant Song" in the book of Isaiah expresses the unheard of declaration that the suffering of a single man would release all of us from the consequences of sin. In this season of Lent we will focus on our suffering Savior and the Fourth Servant Song of Isaiah. Written about 700 years before Christ, it depicts his life from the cradle to the grave, from his birth to his resurrection, portraying his suffering and his glory in a particularly vivid and graphic manner. Jesus fulfilled the Lord's will, accomplished our salvation, and was given the victor's reward, which he graciously shares with us.
If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive
Mary's gift and example of sacrifice and unconditional commitment to Jesus calls us to do the same. When will you "break the jar" and freely live in the comfort of His promises? Based on John 12:1-11.
The Gospel of John, written a couple decades after the other Gospel records, focuses less on the facts of Jesus’ ministry and more on the meaning of those facts. John frequently refers to Jesus’ miracles as “signs” – i.e. signals that point us to something even more significant than the miracle itself. John teaches us that Jesus is the “Word Incarnate” who dwelt among us, loved us dearly, and gave our lives eternal meaning.
If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive
Based on Isaiah 53:4-5.
God promised Adam and Eve that he would one day send one who would crush the serpent and free his people from sin and its penalty. Isaiah announced that this person is the Lord's Suffering Servant. The fourth and final "Servant Song" in the book of Isaiah expresses the unheard of declaration that the suffering of a single man would release all of us from the consequences of sin. In this season of Lent we will focus on our suffering Savior and the Fourth Servant Song of Isaiah. Written about 700 years before Christ, it depicts his life from the cradle to the grave, from his birth to his resurrection, portraying his suffering and his glory in a particularly vivid and graphic manner. Jesus fulfilled the Lord's will, accomplished our salvation, and was given the victor's reward, which he graciously shares with us.
If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive
This week we will be studying John 11:36-44 under the theme “Lazarus.” While Jesus performed many miracles, resurrection was his most important and most impactful sign. We’ll see his humanity, his power, and his intention to undo the results of sin in this world.
The Gospel of John, written a couple decades after the other Gospel records, focuses less on the facts of Jesus’ ministry and more on the meaning of those facts. John frequently refers to Jesus’ miracles as “signs” – i.e. signals that point us to something even more significant than the miracle itself. John teaches us that Jesus is the “Word Incarnate” who dwelt among us, loved us dearly, and gave our lives eternal meaning.
If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive
Based on Isaiah 52:14 and Isaiah 53:2-3.
God promised Adam and Eve that he would one day send one who would crush the serpent and free his people from sin and its penalty. Isaiah announced that this person is the Lord's Suffering Servant. The fourth and final "Servant Song" in the book of Isaiah expresses the unheard of declaration that the suffering of a single man would release all of us from the consequences of sin. In this season of Lent we will focus on our suffering Savior and the Fourth Servant Song of Isaiah. Written about 700 years before Christ, it depicts his life from the cradle to the grave, from his birth to his resurrection, portraying his suffering and his glory in a particularly vivid and graphic manner. Jesus fulfilled the Lord's will, accomplished our salvation, and was given the victor's reward, which he graciously shares with us.
If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive
This week we’ll be studying John 10:1-29 under the theme “The Good Shepherd.” The image of Jesus as a Good Shepherd and we as his sheep is humbling, helpful, and hopeful. It provides perspective on what we’re capable of, what Christ is capable of, and how valued we are.
The Gospel of John, written a couple decades after the other Gospel records, focuses less on the facts of Jesus’ ministry and more on the meaning of those facts. John frequently refers to Jesus’ miracles as “signs” – i.e. signals that point us to something even more significant than the miracle itself. John teaches us that Jesus is the “Word Incarnate” who dwelt among us, loved us dearly, and gave our lives eternal meaning.
If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive
God promised Adam and Eve that he would one day send one who would crush the serpent and free his people from sin and its penalty. Isaiah announced that this person is the Lord's Suffering Servant. The fourth and final "Servant Song" in the book of Isaiah expresses the unheard of declaration that the suffering of a single man would release all of us from the consequences of sin. In this season of Lent we will focus on our suffering Savior and the Fourth Servant Song of Isaiah. Written about 700 years before Christ, it depicts his life from the cradle to the grave, from his birth to his resurrection, portraying his suffering and his glory in a particularly vivid and graphic manner. Jesus fulfilled the Lord's will, accomplished our salvation, and was given the victor's reward, which he graciously shares with us.
If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive
This week we’ll be studying John 9:1-12 under the theme “Born Blind.” Jesus’ interaction with a man born blind teaches us something about inherent human spiritual blindness, the cause of suffering, the self-righteousness of religious people, and what it truly means to see life clearly.
The Gospel of John, written a couple decades after the other Gospel records, focuses less on the facts of Jesus’ ministry and more on the meaning of those facts. John frequently refers to Jesus’ miracles as “signs” – i.e. signals that point us to something even more significant than the miracle itself. John teaches us that Jesus is the “Word Incarnate” who dwelt among us, loved us dearly, and gave our lives eternal meaning.
If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive
This week, we will be studying John 6:22-40 under the theme “The Bread of Life.” This famous teaching provides insight on the energy Christ gives us, how we consume the bread of life, and how to humbly receive this bread from heaven.
The Gospel of John, written a couple decades after the other Gospel records, focuses less on the facts of Jesus’ ministry and more on the meaning of those facts. John frequently refers to Jesus’ miracles as “signs” – i.e. signals that point us to something even more significant than the miracle itself. John teaches us that Jesus is the “Word Incarnate” who dwelt among us, loved us dearly, and gave our lives eternal meaning.
If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive
This week, we’ll be studying John 5:1-15, the account of “The Pool of Bethesda.” We see Jesus cure a man who has been an invalid for 38 years. Why didn’t Jesus come to him sooner? Why did he come now? Why doesn’t he always come in similar ways today? In this text, we’ll see the compassion of Jesus, but also the priorities of Jesus, as he’s even more concerned about the man’s spiritual welfare than his temporal circumstances.
The Gospel of John, written a couple decades after the other Gospel records, focuses less on the facts of Jesus’ ministry and more on the meaning of those facts. John frequently refers to Jesus’ miracles as “signs” – i.e. signals that point us to something even more significant than the miracle itself. John teaches us that Jesus is the “Word Incarnate” who dwelt among us, loved us dearly, and gave our lives eternal meaning.
If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive
This week we will be studying John 4:1-41 under the theme “Living Water.” Jesus’ insistence on ministering to a woman in Samaria with a scandalous moral lifestyle stands in stark contrast to his previous conversation with Nicodemus in John 3. Jesus teaches us here that not only does his gospel work for everyone, but that it’s necessary and life-changing. To the degree you understand this good news, you too will go and tell about this Messiah.
The Gospel of John, written a couple decades after the other Gospel records, focuses less on the facts of Jesus’ ministry and more on the meaning of those facts. John frequently refers to Jesus’ miracles as “signs” – i.e. signals that point us to something even more significant than the miracle itself. John teaches us that Jesus is the “Word Incarnate” who dwelt among us, loved us dearly, and gave our lives eternal meaning.
If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive
This week we’ll be studying John 3:1-21 under the theme “Born Again.” Jesus has begun his ministry, gathered disciples, and performed signs which prove he is the Chosen One of God. Surprisingly, his toughest task will be to convince the Jewish religious leaders of this. We see in the story of Nicodemus the difficulty of moral, religious people hearing they need to be born again.
The Gospel of John, written a couple decades after the other Gospel records, focuses less on the facts of Jesus’ ministry and more on the meaning of those facts. John frequently refers to Jesus’ miracles as “signs” – i.e. signals that point us to something even more significant than the miracle itself. John teaches us that Jesus is the “Word Incarnate” who dwelt among us, loved us dearly, and gave our lives eternal meaning.
If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive
We’ll be studying John 2:1-12 under the theme “Water Into Wine.” Jesus’ first miracle is a bit of shock. He keeps a party going and prevents a groom from enduring public embarrassment. But this miracle signals something greater for us — a God who works miracles to ensure that our party will never end.
The Gospel of John, written a couple decades after the other Gospel records, focuses less on the facts of Jesus’ ministry and more on the meaning of those facts. John frequently refers to Jesus’ miracles as “signs” – i.e. signals that point us to something even more significant than the miracle itself. John teaches us that Jesus is the “Word Incarnate” who dwelt among us, loved us dearly, and gave our lives eternal meaning.
If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive
We are reminded to make and keep God a part of our plans, not just as we enter into a new year, but for the rest of our lives. Based on Luke 12:13-21.
If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive
Based on John 1:1-14.
Message from the Nine Lessons & Carols Christmas Day service. The full service can be viewed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tnH6PlEWjfo
If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive
Based on Luke 2:1-20.
Message from Christmas Eve. The full service can be viewed here: https://youtube.com/live/RyaynW1AzKg
If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive
Chapter 10 of the Book of Daniel shifts from historical narrative to apocalyptic dream literature, similar to what is told in the Book of Revelation. Whether we are aware of it or not, there is a constant spiritual battle being fought around us and within us. Daniel's visions reveal that there is something we can do about these spirits and that there is One Great, Glorious Man who comes exactly when and how we need.
SERIES SUMMARY: The Book of Daniel chronicles a time in the history of God’s people when the Israelites found themselves in exile in a society that didn’t understand or tolerate the truth of the one true God. As such, it is arguably the most relevant book in the Bible for 21st century Christians navigating a pluralistic society that encourages them to privatize their faith. The courage of Daniel and his friends, emboldened by God’s promises, provides us with a pathway forward.
If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive
This week we’ll be studying Daniel 6:1-10, 16-28 under the theme “Identity in Babylon.” Daniel’s name literally meant “God is my Judge.” When he lived out of that identity, he wasn’t afraid of taking judgment from this world, even when it resulted in facing roaring lions. When we recognize that Jesus, the greater Daniel, shut the mouth of the one lion who could truly hurt us, we develop the courage to then face the smaller lions in life.
SERIES SUMMARY: The Book of Daniel chronicles a time in the history of God’s people when the Israelites found themselves in exile in a society that didn’t understand or tolerate the truth of the one true God. As such, it is arguably the most relevant book in the Bible for 21st century Christians navigating a pluralistic society that encourages them to privatize their faith. The courage of Daniel and his friends, emboldened by God’s promises, provides us with a pathway forward.
If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive
This week, we’ll be studying Daniel 5:1-6, 17-30 under the theme “The Judgment of Babylon.” Our account here is where the phrase “handwriting on the wall” comes from. Babylon has been weighed by God, and he is left wanting. Therefore, exactly as prophesied, he’s bringing judgment. Here, we learn a great deal about God’s inevitable judgment on this fallen world and our responsibility as believers up until that point.
SERIES SUMMARY: The Book of Daniel chronicles a time in the history of God’s people when the Israelites found themselves in exile in a society that didn’t understand or tolerate the truth of the one true God. As such, it is arguably the most relevant book in the Bible for 21st century Christians navigating a pluralistic society that encourages them to privatize their faith. The courage of Daniel and his friends, emboldened by God’s promises, provides us with a pathway forward.
If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive
Daniel's vision in chapter 7 teaches us that God raises up earthly kingdoms and just as easily knocks them down. It is the Heavenly King who will win the day.
SERIES SUMMARY: The Book of Daniel chronicles a time in the history of God’s people when the Israelites found themselves in exile in a society that didn’t understand or tolerate the truth of the one true God. As such, it is arguably the most relevant book in the Bible for 21st century Christians navigating a pluralistic society that encourages them to privatize their faith. The courage of Daniel and his friends, emboldened by God’s promises, provides us with a pathway forward.
If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive
This week we’ll be studying Daniel 3:1-30 under the theme “Confidence in Babylon.” Daniel’s friends are confident that God will deliver them from King Nebuchadnezzar’s oppression, but also humble enough to not presume to know exactly how God will do it. Their resolve, faith, and faithfulness are all compelling to believers living in a post-Christian culture. Their strength comes from a fourth man who gets into the furnace with them.
SERIES SUMMARY: The Book of Daniel chronicles a time in the history of God’s people when the Israelites found themselves in exile in a society that didn’t understand or tolerate the truth of the one true God. As such, it is arguably the most relevant book in the Bible for 21st century Christians navigating a pluralistic society that encourages them to privatize their faith. The courage of Daniel and his friends, emboldened by God’s promises, provides us with a pathway forward.
If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive
One definition of tact is “the keen sense of what to do in difficult or delicate situations.” In Daniel 2, we’ll see how two men, Daniel and King Nebuchadnezzar, each reacted to seemingly impossible situations. Nebuchadnezzar was irrational, rash, and cruel, while Daniel was able to be diplomatic and gracious without compromising the truth. In a world that is generally disinterested in Christian truth, what do we need to know and believe about God in order to do the same?
SERIES SUMMARY: The Book of Daniel chronicles a time in the history of God’s people when the Israelites found themselves in exile in a society that didn’t understand or tolerate the truth of the one true God. As such, it is arguably the most relevant book in the Bible for 21st century Christians navigating a pluralistic society that encourages them to privatize their faith. The courage of Daniel and his friends, emboldened by God’s promises, provides us with a pathway forward.
If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive
This week, we’ll be studying Daniel 1:1-21 under the theme “Education in Babylon.” Daniel and his friends are worshipers of the one true God, defiant of false gods, but respectful and self-sacrificial of people with differing beliefs. This provides insight into navigating public institutions in America in a post-Christian climate.
SERIES SUMMARY: The Book of Daniel chronicles a time in the history of God’s people when the Israelites found themselves in exile in a society that didn’t understand or tolerate the truth of the one true God. As such, it is arguably the most relevant book in the Bible for 21st century Christians navigating a pluralistic society that encourages them to privatize their faith. The courage of Daniel and his friends, emboldened by God’s promises, provides us with a pathway forward.
If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive
This week we will be celebrating the Reformation and studying Ephesians 6:10-20 under the theme “The Sword of the Spirit, Which Is The Word of Truth.” We’re concluding our “Testimony of Demons” series by recognizing the danger of demonizing anything but demons and the power of the clear, coherent Word of God over the spirit realm.
SERIES SUMMARY: While all Christians have heard the stories of the demonic in Scripture, very few of us walk around with a daily awareness that we are battling evil spiritual forces. This is, in part, because we live in a deeply secularized, post-Christian America. Satan has learned how much damage he can cause when he makes himself invisible. But if you don’t acknowledge demonic forces in the world, you will always demonize the wrong things. We must be aware of the spirit realm, how it influences us, and how Jesus is Lord over it all.
If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive
This week we will study Matthew 8:28-34 under the theme “The Lucidity of Demons.” As we examine this encounter between Jesus and two demon-possessed men, what grabs our attention is the utter irrationality and wickedness of demons. Yet when Jesus shows up, they snap to attention, speak with clarity, and demonstrate a recognition and fear of his power and authority. As people who bear the name of Christ, we rejoice that he has revealed to us not just his power and authority, but also his heart.
SERIES SUMMARY: While all Christians have heard the stories of the demonic in Scripture, very few of us walk around with a daily awareness that we are battling evil spiritual forces. This is, in part, because we live in a deeply secularized, post-Christian America. Satan has learned how much damage he can cause when he makes himself invisible. But if you don’t acknowledge demonic forces in the world, you will always demonize the wrong things. We must be aware of the spirit realm, how it influences us, and how Jesus is Lord over it all.
If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive
This week we will be studying James 2:18-26 under the theme “The Unsaving Belief of Satan.” The devil not only has knowledge of the true God, but emotion regarding the true God. But knowledge and emotional reaction are not the sum total of true faith. Saving faith also requires trust.
SERIES SUMMARY: While all Christians have heard the stories of the demonic in Scripture, very few of us walk around with a daily awareness that we are battling evil spiritual forces. This is, in part, because we live in a deeply secularized, post-Christian America. Satan has learned how much damage he can cause when he makes himself invisible. But if you don’t acknowledge demonic forces in the world, you will always demonize the wrong things. We must be aware of the spirit realm, how it influences us, and how Jesus is Lord over it all.
If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive
We’ll be studying 1 Samuel 28:3-25 and “The Witch of Endor.” One of the more bizarre spirit realm stories of the Old Testament tells the story of how far Israel’s King Saul had fallen. This is the fate of anyone who refuses to fully listen to God’s Word. Saul is a cautionary tale of the importance of listening to God’s Word carefully, trusting God thoroughly, and, therefore, not needing to know every detail of life.
SERIES SUMMARY: While all Christians have heard the stories of the demonic in Scripture, very few of us walk around with a daily awareness that we are battling evil spiritual forces. This is, in part, because we live in a deeply secularized, post-Christian America. Satan has learned how much damage he can cause when he makes himself invisible. But if you don’t acknowledge demonic forces in the world, you will always demonize the wrong things. We must be aware of the spirit realm, how it influences us, and how Jesus is Lord over it all.
If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive
This week we’ll be studying 2 Timothy 3:10-17 under the theme “The Conscientious Christian Life.” Through one of the most famous passages in these letters, Paul explains how Spirit-inspired Scripture is forever useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training.
If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive
This week we’ll be studying 2 Timothy 2:14-26 under the theme “Majoring in What Matters.” Christian witness can be negatively impacted by debating about things that don’t matter much, combining genuine Christian teaching with worldly philosophy, or simply by a lifestyle that doesn’t support our beliefs. In 2 Timothy, Paul provides practical advice for anyone who desires to lead others in faith.
If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive
This weekend we’re celebrating the gift of Christian education and studying 2 Timothy 1:1-14 with the theme “Generational Faith Transmission.” All through our study of 1 Timothy, we have seen Paul’s pragmatic instructions for overseeing the church. In this first chapter of Paul’s second letter to Timothy, he shifts his focus to Timothy’s own faith, prompting us to consider how we will carry out God’s command to pass the faith on to the next generation.
If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive
This week we’ll be studying 1 Timothy 6:6-19 under the theme “Managing Finite Resources.” America has long practiced the belief that happiness can come through consumption. But Paul teaches that how we manage the blessings of this life, and with what attitude, says everything about what we believe is coming in the future.
If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive
We will be studying 1 Timothy 5:1-15 under the theme “Caring for the Elderly.” In the ancient world, long before Medicare and Social Security, it was assumed that family members would provide for aging parents. But sometimes there were no family members to care for the elderly. The Church became the first social organization to assist with the needs of the aging population. Here, Paul gives some practical instructions to his ministry pupil, Timothy, about how the church in Ephesus should handle this.
If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive
We will be studying 1 Timothy 5:1-15 under the theme “Caring for the Elderly.” In the ancient world, long before Medicare and Social Security, it was assumed that family members would provide for aging parents. But sometimes there were no family members to care for the elderly. The Church became the first social organization to assist with the needs of the aging population. Here, Paul gives some practical instructions to his ministry pupil, Timothy, about how the church in Ephesus should handle this.
If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive
We’ll be studying 1 Timothy 4:1-16 under the theme “Youth & Maturity.” This section is where we get the famous encouragement to “not let anyone look down on you because you are young” but perhaps it doesn’t mean what you initially think. This section gets into the power of deceiving spirits, the benefit of personal spiritual training, and Paul’s expectation of spiritual maturation.
If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive
This week we’ll be studying 1 Timothy 3:1-13 under the theme “Spiritual Leaders.” The grace of God expressed in Christ Jesus is the predominant theme of Christianity and the one thing that qualifies us for salvation. No human is more equipped than another. That said, God does establish qualifications for those who will serve as Christian leaders. These are traits desirable for all Christians, both in official and non-official leadership capacities.
If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive
This week we’ll be studying 1 Timothy 2:1-15 under the theme “The Who and What of Worship.” While this text contains some fairly difficult statements, we can’t get deterred from the clear, primary point. Paul encourages all believers to regularly gather for prayer and encouragement, worshipping the Mediator who made them right with God — their Lord & Savior Jesus.
THIS EPISODE: We’ll be studying 1 Timothy 1:12-19 under the theme “The Worst of Sinners.” Is it hyperbole that Paul, the greatest Christian missionary in history, was the worst of sinners? Is this false modesty? Is it self-effacing religious guilt? Or is there something true here that actually has become advantageous for proclaiming God’s grace?
SERIES SUMMARY: Believers in their 20’s and 30’s represent the biggest demographic group at St. Marcus by a decent margin. As such, the Apostle Paul’s encouragements to a younger ministry companion in Timothy are perhaps uniquely beneficial for our congregation. Over the next couple of months, St. Marcus will be worshipping under the theme “1 & 2 Timothy: Pragmatism for Young Ministers.” We will see how God desires for all of his people to carry out ministry, and that youth is no excuse for inaction or immaturity. Rather, Paul says that all who know Jesus as Lord and Savior should seek to “set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.” (1 Timothy 4:12)
If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive
This week in worship we will study Matthew 13:47-52 under the theme “The Comfort of God’s Judgment.” In the last of the “Kingdom Parables” of Matthew 13, Jesus tells us what will happen at the end — the righteous and the wicked will be separated. The idea of judgment rightly evokes feelings of fear and dread, but Jesus reveals to us several things. First, there is nothing to fear for those who are found in him. Next, the kingdom of heaven is unlike any other kingdom on earth. Finally, we have assurance that all things will be made right in the final judgment. We’ll also look at the example of King Solomon in 1 Kings 3 to illustrate that, in Jesus, we have a king who is greater in every way — in his judgment, in his wisdom, and in his love.
If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive
This week we’ll conclude our Making Sense of God series by studying Romans 11:33-36 under the theme “Christianity as Reasonable.” In a world where “faith” has largely been insinuated to be the antithesis of reason, it’s important to see that the God of all thought is not against logic but uses wisdom that far supersedes what finite creatures can comprehend. This makes him deserving of our praise.
If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive
This week we’ll be studying Matthew 11:20-30 under the theme “Justice.” Biblical justice is a tricky issue. We should value life the way Our God values it and we are all subject to His perfect and beautiful laws. It is not our role to judge those who are under these laws, only He can do that.
If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive
Our early summer series will be based on Tim Keller’s Making Sense of God: Finding God in the Modern World. As human beings, we cannot live without meaning, satisfaction, freedom, identity, justice, and hope. Christianity provides us with unsurpassed resources to meet these needs. Using the structure of Keller’s book, we’ll examine biblical texts that provide practical life resources for navigating a post-Christian society.
If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive
This week we will be studying 1 Corinthians 4:3-4 and Philippians 3:7-9 under the theme “Identity.” The gifts of Christ’s righteousness and adoption into God’s family through baptism give us our identity. We are eternal family members of the one true God. No one can take this from us and, to the degree we understand this, we will be freed from the stress of a performance-based identity and the need for human approval that this world cultivates.
If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive
This week we will be studying Romans 2:14-15 under the theme “Morality.” Morality is something that only religion can give answers for. Science can tell you the way things are but it cannot say anything when it comes to the way things “ought to be.” Every human believes things “ought” to be a certain way. Paul makes this argument very clearly and persuasively in Romans 2.
If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive
We celebrate our freedom in Christ and the end of slavery in the United States. Juneteenth commemorates when Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas on June 19, 1865 to announce and ensure that the last of slavery in the Confederacy was abolished. Based on Matthew 9:35-10:8.
If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive
This week we will be studying Ecclesiastes 2:1-11 under the theme “Meaning.” Satan’s primary lie to humanity is that something or someone other than God can give us what only the true God can actually give. So, we search for meaning in life in otherwise good things – work, relationships, pleasure, etc. King Solomon, who had it all, teaches us that when these meaningful things are pursued ahead of Christ, everything becomes meaningless.
If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive
Our early summer series will be based on Tim Keller’s Making Sense of God: Finding God in the Modern World. As human beings, we cannot live without meaning, satisfaction, freedom, identity, justice, and hope. Christianity provides us with unsurpassed resources to meet these needs. Using the structure of Keller’s book, we’ll examine biblical texts that provide practical life resources for navigating a post-Christian society.
This week, we'll be studying 1 Corinthians 15:1-11 under the theme “Faith & Proof." All belief systems, religious and secular, require faith. Christianity is unique for a variety of reasons. It is rooted in eyewitness testimonies of historical facts and supernatural events that the early believers were willing to die for, proving it to be far different from both other world religions and modern secularism.
If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive
This week we’ll be studying John 15:26-27 under the theme “Be Filled With the Holy Spirit!” Pentecost is the celebration of the dawn of an era by which God primarily works in the world by the power of his Spirit through his Body, the Church.
If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive
This week we’ll be studying Acts 5:1-12 under the theme “Unceasing Testimony.” The Apostle Paul was not just a professional missionary. He was a Christian who could not stop speaking about the good news of God’s grace in Christ Jesus. This proclamation did not always make him popular in his world, but God used it mightily. Along the way, we learn some fascinating ways in which a Christian humbly, firmly, respectfully, and effectively defends their faith in a non-receptive environment.
If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive
This week we will be studying Acts 20:17-38 under the theme “Paul’s Farewell to Ephesian Friends.” In the process, we’ll see how Paul follows the Spirit’s prompting even when he doesn’t always know how it’s going to work out. The Spirit is making him more like his Savior. He’s using Paul powerfully and Paul knows he couldn’t have done it without deep Christian friendships along the way.
If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive
This week we’ll be studying Acts 16:25-40 under the theme “Three Unique Conversions.” Not only does the gospel work in every nation and language, but it works at different life stages and with different personalities. In Acts 16, we see the conversion of a businesswoman named Lydia, a demon-possessed slave girl, and a blue-collar jailer. The gospel is amazingly both non-negotiable and culturally flexible.
If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive
This week, we'll be studying Acts 12:1-19 under the theme “Peter’s Miraculous Escape From Prison." God had a mission for Peter and no mere prison was going to deter that mission, even the chains of a prison cell. God broke Peter's chains through a praying church, an angelic visitor, and Peter’s willing spirit. Through this, the one who broke the chains of our sin teaches us how we may help those who are imprisoned by life’s chains.
If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive
This week, we'll be studying Acts 10:24-48 under the theme "Cornelius, the Roman Centurion." The second quarter of the book of Acts undeniably demonstrates God’s desire for multiethnic, multicultural congregations. God has reconciled a world to himself through the grace of the God-Man Jesus, and now we’re to demonstrate that otherworldly reconciliation in our unity to people with whom we only have Jesus in common. Even the Apostle Peter was shocked that God shows no favoritism.
The book of Acts is the story of the early Christian Church. It is the ministry Jesus CONTINUED to do by his Spirit and through his Church even after he ascended into heaven. By studying this book, believers not only learn the important history of the Church but also receive focus for what our mission as a congregation and individual disciples should still be today.
If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive
The first Easter didn't start out with the pomp and joy that we associate with Easter celebrations today. On the evening of that first Easter Sunday, there was tentative joy, but also confusion, fear, and doubt. Jesus' first words as He appeared to his disciples were "Peace be with you," and it was exactly what they needed to hear. He gave them more than assuring words, He gave them tangible proof of His resurrection, which melted away all of their doubts and fears. Jesus also shows up in our midst and brings us the same peace he brought to his disciples. It happens so often and in such ordinary ways that we might skip right past it without recognizing it.
Based on John 20: 19-31.
If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive
With our faith in our Risen Savior, we can find peace amongst our daily struggles. He is risen! Alleluia!
View the full service here: https://www.youtube.com/live/z6QVn4BohOM?feature=share
If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive
There is a real and mysterious presence of Christ in the elements of Holy Communion. Partaking in the Lord's Supper provides a connection to the past and future, remembering what God has done for us and comfort and hope for whatever may come. Communing with fellow believers also gives us the opportunity to self-examine, unite with those who have wronged us, and open our hearts to invite those different from us to sit at our "tables."
If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive
We’re studying Matthew 21:12-17 under the theme “The Triumphal Entry.” Palm Sunday is a unique occasion in which Jesus rides into Jerusalem as a king, but as a very humble king. He possesses the authority to ride an unbroken colt. He evokes praises from the people. And he overturns the broken, corrupt religious system of his day. As we enter Holy Week, we look for how to better honor a king who is not of this world.
If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive
The theme for the 2023 Lenten season is “His Final Steps.” We'll be exploring Jesus’ final days before, during, and after his crucifixion. Different locations will serve as the theme for each Lenten service.
This week, we are led to Jesus' enemies. The Parable of the Tenants reflects that although the Jewish leaders reject Jesus, He is the cornerstone of the Church. Based on Luke 20:9-19.
If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive
We’re studying Matthew 18:21-35 under the theme “Forgive.” Perhaps the worst prison humans self-inflict comes from the failure to forgive. Jesus’ teaching here suggests there is something in our fallen condition that is delusional and unmerciful, which leads to vengeance, bitterness, and torment. On the contrary, this week we see that the most natural expression of a heart that understands redemption by grace is to forgive the debts of those who wrong us.
If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive
The theme for the 2023 Lenten season is “His Final Steps.” We'll be exploring Jesus’ final days before, during, and after his crucifixion. Different locations will serve as the theme for each Lenten service.
This week, we are led to some Greeks. The fact that a group of Greeks would show an interest in a Jewish Rabbi from Nazareth is noteworthy. The Messiah wasn't sent just for the people of Israel, but for the entire world. His message wasn't one based on superiority or dominance, but one of unity. Based on John 12:20-33.
If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive
We’re studying Matthew 18:1-14 under the theme “Greatness in the Kingdom.” All people, including Jesus’ Disciples, struggle with establishing a positive sense of self, an identity. But in God’s Kingdom, the pathway to greatness for us is not in achieving or never making mistakes, but in repenting. True repentance can only come from humble hearts who know they’re saved by grace.
If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive
The theme for the 2023 Lenten season is “His Final Steps.” We'll be exploring Jesus’ final days before, during, and after his crucifixion. Different locations will serve as the theme for each Lenten service.
This week, we are led to a fig tree. Jesus used a barren fig tree as an object lesson on what Our Father thinks about unfruitfulness. Based on Mark 11:12-14, 20-25.
If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive
We’re studying Matthew 13:44-46 this weekend under the theme of “The Parables of Hidden Treasure.” Here, Jesus teaches us something about treasure in the ordinary, the sacrifices that are inevitably attached to treasure, and how God has treasured us above all.
If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive
The theme for the 2023 Lenten season is “His Final Steps.” We'll be exploring Jesus’ final days before, during, and after his crucifixion. Different locations will serve as the theme for each Lenten service.
This week, we are led to the temple in Jerusalem. Jesus went to His Father's house and was disappointed to find it full of money changers who turned a place of prayer and praise into marketplace and "a den of robbers." By overturning the tables in the temple, Jesus showed the people and chief priests that it is of utmost importance to honor and protect our Father's name and to give Him the respect the reverence He deserves.
If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive
We’re studying Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43 under the theme of “The Parable of the Weeds.” This lesson teaches us something valuable about patience – why God’s timelines are necessarily different, and better than hours. It explains how spiritual growth is organic. It also helps explain a believer’s love of Jesus but frequent disappointment with Christians and churches.
If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive
The theme for the 2023 Lenten season is “His Final Steps.” We'll be exploring Jesus’ final days before, during, and after his crucifixion. Different locations will serve as the theme for each Lenten service.
This week, we are led to a dinner celebration. Mary of Bethany shows her love and thankfulness of Jesus by anointing Him with expensive perfume. How do you say "thank you" to God for the ultimate sacrifice of His one and only Son?
If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive
We’re studying Matthew 11:16-24 this weekend under the theme of “Perfectly Fair Judgment.” We often feel certain things about what we perceive to be fair or not but these feelings often come from a place of unbelief about God’s goodness. Jesus offers two unique teachings that help explain why God alone is fair and even better than fair.
If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive
The theme for the 2023 Lenten season is “His Final Steps.” We'll be exploring Jesus’ final days before, during, and after his crucifixion. Different locations will serve as the theme for each Lenten service.
This week, we are led to the tomb of Lazarus. Jesus shows His power over Lazarus' tomb and further displays His power over our own tombs. If He has the power to overcome death, does He not also have the power to work in your life every single day?
If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive
We’re studying Matthew 17:1-9 under the theme “Listen to Him.” The Transfiguration is a moment when Jesus strengthens his inner circle of disciples by revealing an unusual measure of his divine nature to them, prior to descending on a journey to Calvary. This world includes many dark valleys but, for the believer, we survive by anticipating the glory of Mount Zion while listening to our Lord & Savior’s voice.
If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive
We’re studying Matthew 6:19-24 this weekend under the theme of “Tangibly Offering Your Heart.” Jesus teaches that there is freedom, wisdom, and joy for the eyes that perceive eternity, and aren’t blinded by the temporal materials of this fallen world. Our hearts follow wherever our treasures go. This principle also teaches us what Jesus truly treasured.
If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive
We’re studying Matthew 6:5-15 this weekend under the theme “A Model for Prayer and Life.” The Lord’s Prayer is perhaps one of the most used and abused gifts that has been given to the Christian Church. It is a template and pattern for not only how we pray, but also how we approach life. This lesson will give us a foundation for prayer, the substance of prayer, and the key to surrendering in prayer.
If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive
This week we'll be studying Matthew 4:21-24, 38-48 under the theme of "Loving Enemies." Almost every society in history has advocated for demonstrating kindness, love, and generosity toward family and friends. Christianity’s unique teaching, however, encourages us to take a smack in the face from an enemy, while not running, not hitting back, and not enabling the wrongdoer to do it again. The Savior who took hell in our place teaches us that grace neither repays sin, nor permits sin, but pays for sins.
If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive
Old Testament believers really weren't all that different from believers today. They lived and walked in darkness, they consulted with spiritists and mediums who "peep and mutter," and looked for signs on what to do next in this life. Relating that to today, humans often look to social media, influencers, or the news for advice instead of seeking out what God has already instructed in His Word. Listening to any voice other than God's leaves us distressed in the darkness. However, Jesus appears to us in the darkness and calls for us to "Repent, for the kingdom of Heaven is near." By His death on the cross, we have been released from our darkness and a new Light has dawned.
Based on Isaiah 8:19-9:4 and Matthew 4:12-23.
If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive
This week we'll be studying Matthew 2:13-23, under the theme of "The Escape to Egypt." Last week we saw how Jesus’ ministry got started as he publicly identified with our sins in his Baptism, and immediately moved to the wilderness to succeed where we would inevitably fail. This week, we back up a step and see how this mission was not only prophesied, but imaged in the Old Testament Scriptures. God orchestrated stars, angels, and dreams to carry out his plans. And he governs our lives with equal detail today.
If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive
This week we'll be studying Matthew 3:13-4:11, under the theme of "Baptized for Our Failures." The question of Jesus' Baptism is a peculiar one when we consider his sinlessness, evidenced by his resistance of testing from Satan. But he is baptized for OUR sins, with the goal of switching places with us.
SERIES SUMMARY:Matthew's Gospel is the first book of the New Testament, and tells how Israel's long-awaited Messiah final has arrived in the person of Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus fulfills all prophecy, but is nonetheless rejected by the hypocritical Jewish religious leaders and nation. Still, because he came graciously, he also dies graciously, forgives our sins, and rises to ensure our salvation.
If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive
So, what is Christmas really about? It's not about those "warm fuzzy" feelings that the songs, movies, commercials, and stores try to sell us during the Christmas season. Christmas is about fear; specifically the absence of fear that the gift of Christ brings every believer. Whether we experience lowliness, loneliness, losses, or lapses in this mortal life, the Gospel points us to the One who has already conquered all of our greatest fears for us. "Don't be afraid. Behold!"
Based on Luke 2:1-20.
If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive
This week we close out our Numbers series by studying Numbers 22:21-41, under the theme of "Balaam's Donkey." This week is less a look at Israel, more about how God directs forces outside of people to bless his people. If God must make a donkey talk to bring blessing into your life, that's exactly what he'll do. If God has to take a beating to save your life, he will.
If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive
Have you ever felt like there is a separation or ever-widening gap between you and God? What does it mean to be “in Christ?” God sent His Son to be our substitute. He offered up Himself as the final sacrifice so that we no longer need to fear the agony of death and the separation of our Father’s everlasting love.
Based on 2 Corinthians 5:14—6:2.
If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive
This week we'll be studying Numbers 21:4-9, under the theme of "The Bronze Snake." Almost 40 years into Israel's wilderness wandering, they're still struggling with the issue of grumbling. As a result, God allows a uniquely appropriate consequences, an experience that does physically what the Israelites have been doing spiritually in their grumbling. He also offers a unique and foreshadowing solution - looking to a snake lifted up on a pole.
If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive
Christmas movies and media often confuse a lack of sorrow with joy, as if they are on the opposite sides of a spectrum. What do we do with sorrow that persists? What do we do with sorrow even when we know joy? Christmas leads us to the cross: where joy and sorrow meet.
Based on Zephaniah 3:14-20.
If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive
This week we'll be studying Numbers 16:1-24, 31-35, 41-50, under the theme of "Korah's Rebellion." The Israelites had a grumbling problem. They complained about their conditions. They complained about their leaders. And it tried God's patience. In fact, they would need a mediator to come between them and God's wrath over their rebellion. Herein we learn wisdom about where we choose to set up our tents in life, why we should show respect to God-given leaders, and how our Heavenly Father shows grace and patience with us.
If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive
There is a big difference between preparing for Christmas and preparing for Jesus. It’s easy to prepare for a single day and then move onto the next, but Jesus doesn’t come for just a day. He comes to stay.
Based on Luke 3:1-20.
If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive
Many of us wrap up the Thanksgiving celebration with a viewing of a favorite holiday classic like It's a Wonderful Life, Home Alone, orElf. This is an unofficial acknowledgement that we are transitioning on to an important time of year. The historical church calendar has traditionally done something similar. There is a fall-time recognition of the End Times, before we turn the page back to the beginning, Advent, when we process the coming of the Promised Messiah. The bounce between 2nd Coming and 1st Coming is a believer's balance of the "Already...but not yet" experience of being God's people in the wilderness of life. This week we study Romans 13:11-14 under the theme of "Look What Time It Is!"
This week we'll be studying Numbers 12:1-16, under the theme of "Miriam & Aaron Oppose Moses." After slandering Moses' wife, Miriam and Aaron get a firm reminder to be content in their calling, submit to God's will, and honor God's choices, even as they experience God's grace.
SERIES SUMMARY: The Book of Numbers picks up at Mt Sinai, roughly where the Book of Exodus ended. The task before the nation is to take possession of the Promised Land. The Israelites are counted and resume march. But…they begin incessantly grumbling at the hardships of the wilderness and leadership of Moses & Aaron. In this series, we're going to see how discontentment with life, distrust of leaders, and disbelief in God’s promises complicates life unnecessarily; and, if left unrepented, could even prevent blessing of the Promised Land. We'll also see God's patient, undeserved, unfailing love for his people.
If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive
This week we'll be studying Hebrews 12:4-13, under the theme of "Enduring Discipline." Throughout this series, we've said the Hebrews were new Jewish converts to Christianity, who were reconsidering the faith due to present hardship. As the author of Hebrews has made logical points to persuade them to not give up, his final major argument is that the hardship a Sovereign God allows in our lives is akin to a loving Father's discipline. It comes from a place of love. And it aims towards a place of our betterment.
By holding on to the Truth of God's Holy Word, we experience the freedom of no longer being slaves to sin. Based on John 8:31-36.
This week we'll be studying Hebrews 11:1-3; 13-17, under the theme of "The Nature of Saving Faith." The author of Hebrews reminds us in this chapter of the "heroes" of Israelite history. These were heroes of faith more than heroes of faithfulness. None of them was saved by their own righteousness, but by a righteousness that came by/through faith. This confidence in God's promises of life eternal then led to them acting courageously in this life presenting a powerful pattern for us.
This week we'll be studying Hebrews 10:19-27, under the theme of "Keep Moving Forward Together." The modern western world champions the idea of individual autonomy. Its two most devastating lies then are 1) that we can save ourselves, and 2) that we can do a relationship with God by ourselves. But the writer to the Hebrews teaches the necessity of meeting together, the danger of deliberately sinning against this, and the identity that unites us in the Church.
This week we'll be studying Hebrews 9:11-22, under the theme of "The Shedding of Blood." Many people today like the idea of a loving God, but the moment you start talking about bloody sacrifices, they perceive it as an unnecessary and barbaric holdover from ancient, violent people. But what is blood? Why were blood sacrifices necessary for God's people? What is the role of Jesus' bloody sacrifice, and where does blood fit in regarding us as living sacrifices? This text takes us back to the necessity of blood sacrifices, the Great High Priest's blood sacrifices, and how allowing ourselves to be drained of some life can still mean life for others today.
This week we'll be studying Hebrews 4:1-13, under the theme of "Entering God's Rest." Despite our basic needs of life being met in historically unprecedented ways, the average person today reports being more anxious, more isolated, and less rested than at most moments in history. God offers a deep, powerful, soul rest for those who are interested. But it's on his terms, not ours.
This week we'll be studying Hebrews 2:5-18, under the theme of "Sharing Our Humanity." God did not hover above earth giving us advice on our problems. He came down in the person of Jesus, experienced life with us, and overcame death for us. He now compels us to similarly enjoin ourselves to the hurt of others in order to bring God's grace and power into their lives.
If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive
This week we'll be studying Luke 16:19-31, the story of The Rich Man and Poor Lazarus, under the theme of "God, Our Helper in Life and in Death."
If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here:
https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive
This week we'll be studying Luke 16:19-31, the story of The Rich Man and Poor Lazarus, under the theme of "God, Our Helper in Life and in Death."
If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here:
https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive
This week we'll be studying Jonah 4:1-11 under the theme of "God's Compassion to Jonah." Most people can tell you there's a fish that swallows a man in the Book of Jonah. Fewer can tell you Jonah goes to Nineveh in chapter 3. But very few can tell you how the book ends, why it's a cliffhanger, and what the major lessons of the book truly are. This week, in the final chapter, God disciples a self-righteously wayward spiritual child, reiterates his love for humanity, and creates in us a longing for a prophet who doesn't sit outside a city hoping for its destruction but goes outside the city to die for the city.
This week we'll be studying Jonah 3:1-10 under the theme of "Jonah Listens to God." God graciously recommissions Jonah. And Jonah reluctantly carries out his mission with a relatively simple message. But God's Word is effective in ways we can't understand. A nation turns from its violence. And God teaches us important things about the necessity of suffering for saving, the ministry strategy of city, and the ULTIMATE JONAH who entered a city not simply to prevent it from dying, but to die for it.
If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here:
https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive
This week we'll be studying a combination of Jonah 2:1-10 under the theme of "Jonah Prays to God." Having run away from God and God's will as central to his life...having endured a self-inflicted storm that threatened the existence of everyone in his boat...and having been thrown overboard to experience the chaotic rock bottom of the sea, Jonah is finally ready to pray to God. Sometimes it takes a lot for us to truly open up to God. Experiencing our failures and God's undeserved goodness certainly helps.
This week we'll be studying a combination of Jonah 1:1-17 under the theme of "Jonah Runs From God." Jonah, a prophet of God, had a simple message to give to the city of Nineveh. But he refused to give it. Why? It wasn't the fear you might suspect. Rather, Jonah had a pride, and an idol, of religious nationalism that prevented him from loving humans the way he should. What does it look like for modern people to run from God? And what does God do about it?
The Big Idea this week would be to recognize we don't DESERVE relationship with God, but nonetheless HAVE relationship with God by grace, and therefore we're learning to LIVE out of that relationship with God in anticipation of knowing we'll experience it fully in eternity.
This week we'll be studying James 1:12-18 & Exodus 20:17-21 under the theme of "The 9th & 10th Commandments - Controlling Desires." In a society that teaches children to "follow your heart" as a life-operating principle, it's not surprising that a word like "COVET" has nearly dropped out of our vernacular entirely. But it's impossible to understand why you do what you do unless you can get to the bottom of why you desire what you desire. Coveting, the last of the commands, is about controlling our desires.
This week we'll be studying 1 Timothy 5:9-15 & Exodus 20:16 under the theme of "The 8th Commandment: Constructive Speech." Words can be the most powerful weapons in the world. We must take care to use them in the way the God who spoke the universe into creation uses his words - i.e. constructively. And we're saved and motivated to do this by seeing the Word who became flesh take a verdict of condemnation in our place so that we can have an affirmation of grace.
This week we'll be studying Luke 12:13-21 & Exodus 20:15 under the theme of "The 7th Commandment: Stewarding God's Stuff."The counterintuitive wisdom of gaining by giving is completely foreign to fallen humans from birth. Jesus spends LOTS of time in the Gospels talking about money - what he does & doesn't want us to do with it. But it's all with the intention that giving fits our design, and brings unique and lasting blessings.
This week we'll be studying Matthew 5:27-30 & Exodus 20:14 under the theme of "The 6th Commandment: Navigating Sex & Marriage."By God's design, sex is like a nuclear power in its capacity for good or evil. It can literally create life or destroy life. Only when we submit to God's will do God's gifts ultimately serve as blessings.
This is Pastor Mark Jeske's final message at St. Marcus Lutheran Church after 42 years of faithful service. "So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." - 2 Corinthians 4:18
If you'd like to view this service in its entirety, click the link below.
YT: https://youtu.be/KVHe6wi-wlw
This week we'll be studying 1 John 3:11-18 & Exodus 20:13 under the theme of "The 5th Commandment: Protecting Our Neighbors." If we operate with the knowledge that relatively few have murdered, but the assumption that everyone has broken the 5th Commandment, it leads us to an understanding of the command that suggests the fallen human condition struggles with anger that leads us to poorly love our neighbors. Luther would go so far as to say that failing to help someone in need when we have resources to do so is tantamount to killing them. The only way to learn to love properly is to see clearly the Savior who was murdered in our place.
We live in a damaged and war-torn world and it will continue to be a broken place until the return of Christ our King. Revelation 19 contains fantastic imagery of our Heavenly Warrior leading angel armies, striking down the nations, and ultimately defeating death. This is the God we worship.
This week we'll be studying Romans 13:1-7 & Exodus 20:12 under the theme of "The 4th Commandment: Honoring Authority." The Bible makes it clear that God established 3 unique institutions for our physical and spiritual welfare - the Family, the State, and the Church. A spirit of individualism and sinful flesh makes it very difficult to honor the authority of each. But seeing Jesus above each of these authorities makes submitting to them a blessing, wisdom...SO THAT IT MAY GO WELL WITH YOU.
Does it drag your spirit down when you see the current state of America's politics? Look at it from God's perspective. America's greatest gift to the world is to present an ideal of the universal worth and dignity of ALL people -- equally endowed by their Creator with inalienable rights.
Pastor Jeske's Independence Day message is based on selections from Romans 12 & 13. Recorded on 7/3/2022.
This week we'll be studying Psalm 122:1-9 & Exodus 20:8-11 under the theme of "The 3rd Commandment: Resting in God's Promises With God's People." Modern people have a very interesting relationship with work/rest. This week, we'll dig into why God needed to command intentional rest. We'll see that though the Sabbath Day was technically part of the Old Testament ceremonial laws, we nonetheless maintain the lasting principles of 1) Togetherness, 2) Rest, and 3) Joyful Worship that was associated with the Sabbath.
This week we'll be studying 1 Peter 2:11-17 & Exodus 20:7 under the theme of "The 2nd Commandment: Upholding God's Reputation." Most Christians feel as though if they don't use the Lord's Name in vain, they've perfectly obeyed the 2nd Commandment, which would be a fairly low bar. In reality, as Name Bearers of our Lord & Savior, everything we do reflects upon Christ. We'll consider the deeper implications of the 2nd Commandment as we recognize the beauty of his Name.
The story of Juneteenth and the freedom of American slaves can be compared to the spiritual freedom that we have in Christ. We are all enslaved to sin but have been set free by Christ! What shall we do with this freedom? We are not free to simply do as we please and to continue to live as unbelievers, rather we are free so that we may serve others and serve our God!
This week we'll be studying 1 Corinthians 10:23-33 & Exodus 20:3-6 under the theme of "The 1st Commandment: Prioritizing God." The single most comprehensive way of understanding human pathological behavior is to grasp the biblical teaching of idolatry - making agood thinga god thing in our lives, where we ask created things to give us what only the Creator God can actually give us. We'll try to identify the nature of idolatry, our own personal idols, and what the true God did about our false gods.
The decision of the Father to love us despite our sinful nature is the most amazing mystery. He came to us first, as the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit so that we might be able to come to Him. Based on Titus 3:3-8.
Celebrate being chosen and loved by God the Father. Celebrate that your sins have been washed clean by the blood of Jesus, the Savior. Celebrate that the Holy Spirit lives within the mess of your mind and heart. Based on 1 Corinthians 12:1-3.
Message from Sunday Worship 6/5/2022.
This week, we'll be studying Acts 9:19-31 under the theme "Assimilation of the Persecutor." We can only imagine what it was like for the widows and fatherless in Jerusalem to have to look into the eyes of Saul of Tarsus, who'd taken lives from their families, upon his return to Jerusalem. It wasn't until an encouraging, grace-filled man named Barnabas put his arm around Saul that the church was willing to welcome him. This lesson teaches us all sorts of things about humbling ourselves, forgiving, and welcoming the repentant back into our lives.
Jesus encourages us to look forward to the perfect place He is preparing for His people at the end of time without any worry. God has something much better in store for you than anything and everything that this material world can offer.
This week, we'll be studying Acts 8:9-25 under the theme "Disciples > Sorcerers." In this text, we encounter a man named Simon the Sorcerer, who attempted to purchase the power of the Holy Spirit. While there are numerous takeaways from this text, the main idea is that humans naturally approach God with the mentality that we can bribe, manipulate, or use him for our own advancement. In reality, the only thing we can offer him is our needs. And this is what he wants most.
This week, we'll be studying Acts 5:17-32 under the theme "Reformation Opposition." The opening quarter of the Book of Acts narrates both the otherworldly success and the earthly opposition of the Early Church. Though the religious establishment hoped to silence the Apostles, they responded "We must obey God rather than men?" What are the implications of this conviction for us now in a post-Christian society?
King Jesus is the head over every power and authority. We often panic because our earthly agenda is not aligned with His heavenly schedule. He is the glue that holds the entire world together. When you feel stressed and overwhelmed over disasters or daily life in general, that is the best time to take inventory of all the blessings that God has placed into your hands.
"What's Jesus Doing Now?" We know that after Jesus ascended, He sent the Holy Spirit down to expand His kingdom on earth, but that's not all. He is mediating as our Great High Priest - He is holy, blameless, pure, set apart from sinners, and exalted above the heavens.
Pastor Jeske's message is based on Hebrews 7:23-25.
This week, we'll be studying Acts 4:23-31 under the theme "The Earthquake of the Church." When faced with persecution, the Early Church's first instinct was to pray...but not to ask God to take all their problems away. What did they pray for? How did this make them stronger, healthier, and more effective in ministry? And what would it mean for us to adjust our mindsets and prayer life in a similar way?
Mother’s Day is not only a beautiful day to celebrate our moms, but also a beautiful day to celebrate the incredible value of the gospel forgiveness that Christ has gifted to His children! This Mother's Day message is based on Psalm 131.
This week, we'll be studying Acts 3:1-10 under the theme "Peter & John Make Miracles." This text offers us the first miracle worked through the Disciples after Jesus' resurrection. Like all miracles, this instance of restoring a lame man to walk is a picture of salvation. But the man's initial request for money, the sacrifice made by the miracle workers, and the illustration of God working through his people all give us marvelous, relevant spiritual insights.
This week, we'll be studying Acts 1:12-26 under the theme "The Disciples Replace Judas." God didn't technically NEED a 12th Disciple to replace Judas. So why replace him? And what do we learn by studying the process by which the Early Church replaced him? The short answer is that we receive deep understanding about the method of godly decision-making.
Have you ever been proven wrong about something? We are comforted in the fact that our faith will never be one of those things. The strength to believe in God’s promises does not come from ourselves, it comes from God. That does not mean that life is going to be easy; pandemics, economic troubles, outbreaks of war, a guilty heart; all these things may be enough for us to want to give up. We have a God that understands our suffering and gifted us His Son who gave up his perfect life so we may live in an eternity of righteousness with Him.
Christ is risen! Christ’s crucifixion was epic, but His resurrection made it marvelous. Full forgiveness of our sins became guaranteed. We forever have the promise of His favor. He is risen indeed! Alleluia!
Recorded on 4/17/2022
This week we'll be studying Mark 15:33-41 under the theme of "The Gift of Light at the Cost of Darkness" for our Holy Saturday celebration. Most of us have likely not given much thought to the 36 hours between Jesus' burial on Friday and his resurrection on Sunday. The world had gone dark. Christ's body entered a dark tomb. The disciples hid behind locked doors in the darkness. It's the right time to meditate on darkness and light in this world as we anticipate the Light of the World coming back at dawn on Easter.
This week we'll be studying Mark 11:1-11 under the theme of "The Rich Man Who Dies for the Poor." On Palm Sunday, Jesus presents one of the most nuanced, carefully curated images of himself. Many then did not understand it, and many today still have false conceptions of Messiah. Who did our King come to be, and what does it mean to follow him?
Pilate's inquiry "What is Truth" is our fifth Question of the Passion that we reflect on this Lenten season. We should be able to hold up Jesus as the Truth at every turn and in every season of life. But that's easier said than done. We constantly bend the truth to fit our human wants and needs, but after bending comes breaking - we no longer have the real Truth. Keep Jesus as the Truth.
The final parable we study this Lenten season is the Parable of the Unforgiving Servant. By sending us a Savior, God has showered us in His unconditional love. As Christians, it is our responsibility to allow that same mercy to flow through us and to distribute love to our neighbors and to "those who have sinned against us." Mercy heals.
This week we'll be studying Mark 10:17-31 under the theme of "Faith and the End of Self-Sufficiency." We're reminded that we're called to die to self. Jesus died to save us from sinsand save us to eternal life. But he didn't die so that we wouldn't die at all. We physically die, of course. And we die to selves daily in a process called "Discipleship." It's impossible to become our best, most Christ-like selves unless we let go of our old selves. It's impossible to grasp eternal life without setting down this life.
Had Jesus' trial taken place in more modern times, it undoubtedly would have been labeled as "The Trial of Century." His trial was illegal, yet it fulfilled the prophecies of the Old Testament. Jesus testified of His divinity as the Son of God. The evidence was laid out before the Chief Priests and the Teachers of the Law, yet they judged Him faithlessly. How will you judge Jesus?
Recorded March 23, 2022.
Jesus' parable of the barren fig tree (Luke 13:1-9) reflects the repentance we need to show for our sins, the high expectations of the heavenly Father, and the patience He has for His people.
This week we'll be studying Mark 10:1-12 under the theme of "God & Intimacy." Challenged by the Pharisees, Jesus gives a very candid response to a question about divorce, going back to God's design at Creation. Asking what God designs as opposed to what God permits is a very different aim. So, we return to God's design for marriage & singleness to see what leads to human prospering.
After Jesus was struck by one of the Jewish leaders, he said, "If I said something wrong...testify as to what is wrong. But if I spoke the truth, why did you strike me?" By our inherent sinful nature, we are also guilty of striking Jesus in the face. We tearfully answer Jesus' question with a question of our own: "Jesus, why did you take it?" He willingly absorbed every offense that we bestowed upon him so that a world full of sinners could be saved.
RSVP: Your presence is requested! God has invited YOU to the Great Banquet. That's exciting news - but that's not all! He's tasked us with handing out more invitations. By leading with the Gospel, we can ensure that there is room at the table that awaits all believers. Check "yes" to God's grand invitation, and bring your friends too!
This week we'll be studying Mark 9:42-50 under the theme of "Sensitivity to Sin." You've perhaps noticed that "sin" is not exactly a word that gets much usage in modern society. That's largely because our culture no longer fully believes in the basic concept. But Jesus takes sin and hell very seriously. Furthermore, he's not only concerned about our personal purity, but the influence our lives have on impressionable "little ones" in our midst. The bigger caring for the smaller has always been the pattern of a God of grace.
We continue our Lenten Vespers series "Questions of the Passion." Every step of the way, Jesus showed Judas nothing but grace. What would lead Judas to this betrayal? Why would God pick such a weak and flawed character to be the catalyst of our Savior's demise?
We see our own sin in this story, and this is a beautiful time to repent of our own weaknesses and betrayals. Jesus suffered every injustice in our place. Stand in adoration of His surrender!
Today's study comes from Matthew 21: 28-32, The Parable of the Two Sons. As sinners, we are fighting a constant battle against Satan and his whisperings of denial. Customizing our own personal "gods" and ignoring the One God who matters is a trap that we fall prone to daily. As Christians, it is important to recognize these shortfalls and confess our need for a Savior. This Lenten season, we sorrowfully lay down our idols, pride, and guilt at the foot of the cross.
Let Jesus speak His words of healing and mercy to you. Serve Him joyfully in His vineyard, and do the work He has graciously designed for you - all for His glory.
This week we'll be studying Mark 9:14-29 under the theme of "Dependent on God." Last week, we mentioned the spiritually self-aware statement of a man who exclaimed,"I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” (Mark 9:24)This week we look at his larger story, including the disciples' failure to drive out his son's demon, because they weren't dependent enough on God. Self-sufficiency, a noble-sounding demonic lie, is the enemy of spiritual health.
"Questions of the Passion" is the series for our devotions during Lent. Before his arrest, Jesus asked his disciples "Could You Not Keep Watch for One Hour?" while he prayed to God the Father in Gethsemane. He needed the spiritual support of his closest friends as the crushing weight of his impending death drew near. We face the same enemy as Jesus, the one who wants to destroy us and enslave our souls for eternity. Jesus asked for another way out, yet He submitted to His Father's will. We too are strengthened by the Father's promises.
Look to Christ, our substitute. Stay anchored in His Word. Be confident in His forgiveness. Keep watch this Lenten season.
In fulfilling the Will of God, He followed the Word of God. Today's teaching comes from Luke 4:1-13, the account of Jesus being tempted by Satan in the wilderness. However, it wasn't just this one time that Satan tried to tempt Him - but every single day of His earthly life. Satan tempts us by making us think that he can make our lives easier and more pleasant, and once we dive into that belief, it only brings about destruction and misery. To live our best life means to go God's way. Wield the ultimate weapon that is the Word of God, to defend against that old evil foe.
This week we'll be studying Mark 8:22-33 under the theme of "Seeing Life Clearly." In our text we'll be looking at an absolutely unique miracle, one only recorded for us in Mark's Gospel, where Jesus cures a blind man in stages. This is not because his first attempt at a miracle didn't take, but because Jesus was teaching a visual parable. Did the disciples understand? Do you? Embedded in the story is a powerful teaching about ongoing conversion.
Throughout the Bible, God chose to unveil his glory to his people in different ways. He showed only a fraction of His glory to Moses and through the Law, which would eventually fade away. Jesus displayed his glory on the Mount of Transfiguration to three of His disciples. Just as Moses and Jesus were transfigured, we, His people, are also transformed by His Light and His Word and seek to reflect that light in our daily lives.
This week we'll be studying Mark 7:1-23 under the theme of "Jesus & Religion." Human nature has a sinful tendency toward self-righteousness. It's a subtle, deadly rejection of Christ alone as the righteousness necessary for salvation. We add little manmade commands, bind consciences by them, and assume that if we keep them, we're closer to God based on something other than the merits of Jesus. This is the sin of the Pharisees, manmade religion, and unfortunately can creep into Christian churches as well. For the self-righteous person, life becomes a constant "washing" trying to rid ourselves of our feelings of inadequacy rather than resting in the righteousness of Christ.
Pastor Jeske continues the series EPIPHANY SIGNS AND WONDERS with #4: Jesus' power over death. Today's study comes from the Gospel of Luke 8:49-56, where Jesus raises a dead girl back to life. Just like Jairus' daughter, we too, will one day fall "asleep," putting aside all earthly sorrows, pains, and strife. This sleep is only temporary. When we awake at Jesus' side, we shall live again in eternal gladness.
This week we'll be studying Mark 6:14-29 under the theme of "Beheading the Prophet." According to Jesus himself, John the Baptist was amongst the greatest humans ever born. So, why does he have to get imprisoned and executed...for doing the right thing? Jesus, of course, was perfect, but was crucified to pay for our sins. But does his cross not take our smaller crosses away? Why does following him even add a cross to our lives? This week's lesson gets to the heart of how the Christian life is not merely about bringing immediate results, but about glorifying the Father in discipleship by walking a path similar to that of the Son.
This week we'll be studying Mark 5:21-43 under the theme of "Expressing Faith." This text contains a fascinating story within a story, with wonderful parallels between them. Faith includes not only trust that God can help us, and loves to help us, but also that his timeline for helping us is better than ours. Here we are encouraged by several humble individuals who are rewarded for placing their faith in Jesus.
Pastor Jeske continues the series EPIPHANY SIGNS AND WONDERS with #3: Jesus' power over the animal world. The bible study highlights Jesus’ knowledge and power over creation. Jesus used the fishing miracle recorded in Luke 5:1–11 to illustrate a great spiritual truth. The devil is a fisher of people just like Jesus is a fisher of people. The devil has his hooks out and is trying to hook people, and he does. He hooks them on drugs. He hooks them on alcohol. He hooks them on lust. But Jesus is in a great fishing enterprise also. Jesus wants to use us as His partners in the fishing enterprise to catch people alive, to win men and women to salvation and to service.
This week we'll be studying Mark 4:21-34 under the theme of "3 More Parables." These parables all come on the heels of a more famous parable, "The Sower and the Seeds" (4:1-20). In these 3 subsequent parables, Jesus teaches powerful truths about the privatization of faith, the rationalization of faith, and the underestimation of faith. And in the final of the three, he brilliantly explains the gospel in terms of an unimpressive seed that reaches to the heavens.
Pastor Jeske continues his bible study series, “Epiphany Signs and Wonders”, with #2: “Jesus’s power over human disease”. Matthew 8:5-13 is an astounding account of Jesus healing a person from a distance. The centurion displays great faith in Jesus, recognizing Jesus to be the Messianic deliverer who can heal on the authority of his word alone.
This week we'll be studying Mark 3:7-19 under the theme of "Made Disciples by Jesus." Many were attracted to Jesus due to what he could offer. Far fewer were willing to follow him on a path to discipleship. This path requires intimacy with Christ, growing in Christian community, going where God sends you, fueled by a New Name you've been given.
Pastor Jeske launches a new message series on “Epiphany Signs and Wonders”. Today’s study “#1: Jesus' power over nature” dives into Joshua 10:1-14 and Mark 4:35-41 where accounts are given when God displays His power over nature. In Mark’s gospel, the disciples are on a journey toward faith. We, as Mark’s readers, not only are watching this journey but are also drawn into the same experience of moving toward faith in Jesus Christ. One of the questions here comes from the disciples: who is Jesus? Even the wind and the waves obey him. If the disciples truly knew who Jesus was and had faith in him, they would not have feared for their lives. The kind of faith Jesus requires is faith in him—properly understood—even in the face of death.
This week we'll be studying Mark 2:18-2 under the theme of "New Wineskins." Jesus continues to explain to the Pharisees why his gospel ministry CANNOT be patched onto their ministry of self-righteousness. And he uses some really helpful analogies about bridegrooms, clothing patches, and new wineskins in which he embeds some timeless wisdom. We'll learn how this affects the form and spirit of Christian ministry today.
Pastor Jeske’s bible study is on Exodus 1:6-22: “Fight Dehumanization!”. In the opening chapter of Exodus, the lack of humanity is displayed by the Egyptian Kings in their ruthless oppression over the Israelites. Some of the Israelites were put to work in the fields, while many others were assigned construction projects. As their numbers continued to grow, Pharaoh embarked on a path of ethnic cleansing and even infanticide. Despite their harsh treatment, the Israelites continue to increase numerically. The abundance of the people of Israel is only a small microcosm of the people whom God would call to himself across the span of the centuries. Pharaoh’s cruelty toward the Israelites was legendary. Paul wrote that God had raised up this brutal pharaoh so that He might demonstrate His divine power in defeating this earthly ruler.
This week we'll be studying Mark 2:13-17 under the theme of "Jesus is TOO GOOD for None and All." This text briefly covers the calling of Matthew, the tax collector, to become one of Jesus' disciples. The text also shares how the self-righteous Jewish religious leaders reacted to such a selection. Finally, Jesus explains that sin functions like a sickness that needs not only medicine but a loving Physician. Through it all, we learn a great deal about our personal ministerial callings.
Today's bible study looks at Jesus' Baptism and what God gives us through it. Diving into Titus 3:4-7, it shows the three persons of the Godhead in close collaboration for the sake of believers, with special emphasis on the work of the Holy Spirit. God our Savior sent Jesus Christ our Savior, who saved us and justified us by his grace. God, through Christ, then poured out his Spirit on believers to spiritually regenerate them, cleanse them, and renew them, making them heirs of eternal life.
This week we'll be studying Mark 1:21-28 under the theme of "Jesus' Medicinal Teaching." In this text, Jesus preaches in a synagogue, revealing his authority, and then demonstrates his authority over a man possessed by a demon. This reveals the truth that Jesus is the ULTIMATE Authority over the physical & spiritual realm. But it also raises interesting questions about what level of authority Jesus plays in our lives. For that matter, are demons active the same way today? Do they affect our health? Do they show up in churches as they did here, and if so, what does it look like? What type of health would we experience if we were willing to fully submit to the authority of Jesus?
Today, we continue to celebrate the Christmas season with Pastor Jeske's bible study, "Christmas Changed the World Invisibly". Diving into Luke 2:36-38, Luke continues the themes of expectation we've read so far. Anna the prophetess, was, like Simeon, a member of the faithful remnant of Israel who was waiting for the advent of the Messiah. Anna thanks God and speaks to all the faithful people of God about Jesus. Her teaching would have been heard by all who frequented the temple. Her hope, like Simeon's, looks to the completion of what God is starting.
This week we'll be studying Mark 1:1-8. In this text, we encounter John the Baptist, the prophet that was testified to at the end of the Old Testament. John the Baptist's ministry lays the foundation for Jesus, points to Jesus, and demonstrates how the true God is typically encountered in the wilderness of life. Consequently, those who currently find themselves in the wilderness, if they humble themselves and listen, will find God.
Based on Revelation 21:1-7.
I. A Yet Unquenched Thirst (vs.4-6)
II. A Gospel of Inheritance (vs.5-7)
III. The Transformation of the Earth (vs.1-3)
On the first Sunday of the Christmas season, our them for worship is "A Substitute for Christmas". Pastor Leyrer's bible study "Behold Your Bethlehem Brother!" dives into Hebrews 2:10-18 focusing on two points: I. His Cradle Led to the Cross II. His Cross Helps Us Overcome Our Crosses. Christ’s incarnation aimed at founding a new priesthood; as a priest of this priesthood, Jesus could forever make intercession between God and humanity and secure a perfect propitiation for sin.
Based on Luke 2: 8-20.
Everyone is afraid. For all the excitement that surrounds Christmas, we humans tend to use the time around the holiday as a distraction from our daily fears. The First Christmas was also surrounded in terror. However, take comfort because we are told to "not be afraid." We need to listen and trust what we have been told by God through His Word. On this Christmas Eve, we ponder the good news of the Word made Flesh, just as Mary did upon our Messiah's arrival.
Pastor Jeske concludes his Advent series "What Magnificent Advent Plan!" with his Bible study on Galatians 3:26 - 4:7 - "Perfect Timing". Paul gives his final contrast between God's people before Christ's coming and the position they enjoy now. Paul has been stressing the temporal nature of the change. At this point he dwells on their status, moving from being slaves to becoming sons and daughters of their heavenly Father. Although Israel prayed for the Messiah to come during its many terrible times of national crisis, God waited until the world was ready to receive His Son—when the message of the gospel could be carried to the ends of the earth.
This week we'll be studying Judges 16:23 - 31 under the theme "The Weakness of Samson."Samson is famous for his feats of strength, but is was actually spiritual weakness that characterized most of his life. Disobedience to God, breaking his vows, and serving other gods are what ultimately led to his death. But in that rock bottom moment, in repentance, he returned to the One who'd given him every good thing. Samson was constantly failing. But God's grace to him was relentlessly unfailing. In his death, Samson saved more than in his life. And in so many ways, he points us to someone even greater, who was strong in his weakness, and saved many in his death.
Pastor Leyrer concludes his Advent Series "To Us a Child Is Born!" reflecting on Isaiah 9:6 "He Will Be Called...Prince of Peace."
Pastor Jeske' continues his advent series "What a Magnificent Advent Plan!" discussing the "retroactive benefits" in Hebrews 11:8-19. These verses highlight the glorious outcome of a lifetime of faith. The author reminds his readers that people like Abraham did not, in this life, receive all that they had been promised. God promised Abraham a nation as numerous as the stars. But all that Abraham received, in this life, was Isaac. Abraham died not yet receiving his nation. This did not stop Abraham from pressing on in faith. His faith was not in the reward but the God of the reward.
This week we'll be studying Judges 11:29 - 40 under the theme "The Recklessness of Jephthah."Like all of us, Jephthah is a bit of a product of his environment. He was raised in a highly dysfunctional environment, became a violent gang leader, but was tremendously gifted in leadership and battle. Unfortunately, though he knew who the true God was, Jephthah approached the Lord God not similar to the way the pagans worshipped their gods. In other words, he couldn't conceive of a God of grace, and it led him into doing, and saying, some really dangerous things. In Jephthah, we're reminded that God can use anyone to accomplish his purposes, but also that God's people will not want to approach him like any God, but as the one true God of grace.
In week two of Pastor Leyrer's advent series, we look at Isaiah 9:6 with the focus on "He Will Be Called...Everlasting Father". The prophet gives four throne names for Jesus in this verse - one being "Everlasting Father". He will be an enduring, compassionate provider and protector.
This morning, pastor Jeske brings part 2 of his Advent Series: WHAT A MAGNIFICENT ADVENT PLAN! Diving into Jeremiah 30:4-10, we learn God will do far more than bring the Jewish exiles back to rebuild Jerusalem. He will give them the new covenant, enable them to live with him forever and without sin, and provide a new David—the Messiah—to be their king. This implies that the return from exile is only the first step in God’s much greater work.
This week we'll be studying Judges 7:1-25 - under the theme "The Unlikely Leadership of Gideon."Gideon didn't actually have a lot going for him...from a worldly perspective. He's relatively poor, timid, and has no real connections. But when God flexes his muscles, he often uses such individuals, so that the glory is obviously his. We're going to see how, despite Gideon's constant need for reassurance, God ushers in a Kingdom victory against the Midianites through this broken vessel.
Pastor Leyrer's 3 week Advent series "To Us a Child Is Born!" starts by looking at Isaiah 9:2-7. Focusing on verse 6 - He Will Be Called ... Wonderful. As Wonderful Counselor, the coming Son of David will carry out a royal program that will cause all the world to marvel.
Pastor Jeske's Advent series, "What a Magnificent Plan", kicks off with a study on the "Meticulous Genealogy" in Matthew 1:1-17 and Luke 3:23-37. Jews kept extensive genealogies as records of family descendants to establish a person’s heritage, inheritance, legitimacy, and rights. Matthew gives Jesus’ ancestry through Joseph’s line to demonstrate that Jesus is the legal heir to the covenant promises linked to David’s throne and the legal heir to the covenant promises linked to Abraham’s heirs and land. Comparing Jesus’ genealogy in Matthew (Mt 1:1–16) with the one found in Luke, Matthew begins with Abraham and works forward to David and then to Jesus, whereas Luke works back from Jesus beyond Abraham to Adam as the son of God. Each connection allows a point to be made about who Jesus is and whom he is qualified to serve. The connection to David establishes his rights as regal heir; Jesus can be king of Israel. “Son of God” in this sense involves the right to rule as the Promised One, the Son of David. It is important to appreciate the uniqueness of this list. We all have genealogies, but none of them qualifies us to be God’s chosen Son. We receive our role in God’s family through him. In a sense the only genealogy that counts for us is the one that connects us to Jesus, for his work makes our biological roots less relevant. He makes his children out of Jews and Gentiles, males and females.
We're taking a 1-week break from our Judges series, and this week we'll be meditating on our aim as grateful pilgrims in this world as we study from 1 Peter 1:3-8.
On this Thanksgiving Day worship, pastor Jeske's bible study, SAY YOUR THANKS NOT ONLY AT MEALTIMES, dives into the verses of Psalm 136. This psalm records a worship leader tracing God’s covenant love through the high points, verses that are devoted to the creation story, verses that retell the exodus, and a call to grateful worship.
Christ is Your King! Christ is Your Friend! This week's message is based on Colossians 1:15-23.
Christ is Your King! Christ is Your Friend! This week's message is based on Colossians 1:15-23.
This week we'll be studying Judges 4:1-24 - under the theme "The Bravery of Deborah."God, who designed humans as male and female, has always had a better way of perceiving gender and sexuality than the fallen world. Cultures tend to vacillate between overly restrictive traditionalist viewpoints to progressive viewpoints that contain no guidance or parameters. But everything that is created has design and intention. And God created us male and female. The narrative of Deborah, Barak, and Jael are something of a brilliant microcosm of Scripture's teaching about gender roles, spiritual gifts, and faithfulness.
Based on Daniel 12:1-3. REMEMBER YOUR RESURRECTION! I. When Trouble II. Gives Way to Triumph Saints Triumphant Sunday points us to believers in heaven. The older we get, the more we look forward to living in glory. We peek into heaven through God’s Word and see Christian loved ones who have already been transferred from the church militant to the church triumphant. As much as we might miss them now, our hearts leap at the reminder that one day we will join them because their Savior is our Savior too.
Today's theme focuses on the Last Judgment with Pastor Jeske's bible study on Revelation 6:9-17 - What Will You Be Doing on Judgment Day? At the end of the world, Jesus will come back in glory to judge both the living and the dead. Those who believe in him receive a verdict of “not-guilty.” Those who do not believe stand condemned to the eternal suffering of hell.
How wonderful it is to know our verdict ahead of time! “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1). “Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing” (2 Timothy 4:8).
SERIES SUMMARY: The Book of Judges bridges the period between the exodus of the Israelites in Egypt and wandering in the wilderness, to the time of the Kingdom of Israel. God's people have settled in Canaan, but they didn't drive out all the people's God commanded them to. As a result, they continually fell into worshipping foreign gods (i.e. idols). To chastise them, God would allow one of these neighboring nations to oppress them. The Israelites would cry to God for help. And God would then send them a deliverer, a savior, a "judge" to deliver them militarily. When peace were restored, things went well, Israel got spiritually lazy, and the cycle would repeat. In this book, we find a recurring metaphor for apathy in God's people, and yet, God's zealous love for his people seems to increase even as our failures remain.
This week we'll be studying Judges 3:12-20 - under the theme "The Dirty Work of Ehud."Ehud is an unlikely hero, an apparently disabled man, whom God uses to shame the proud King Eglon of Moab. The victory always belongs to the Lord. The question is whether we're willing to go the dirty places and do the messy work that God calls us to.
Today, we celebrate The Festival of the Lutheran Reformation looking at the question, "How Can I Be Sure about My Salvation?". Pastor Jeske's bible study dives into II Peter 1:12-21. The Festival of the Lutheran Reformation of the Church emphasizes the true Church’s unfailing reliance on the Word of God and unflinching testimony to it in the face of persecution. Jesus promised to pour out his Spirit on the Church that we might be God’s mouthpiece even before kings. Today the Church prays that the Lord gives us the strength to be faithful and the peace of knowing our lives are safe in his hands.
In this, our final week of the series, we'll be studying 1 Peter 5:5-7 - under the theme "HUMILITY (in Conversation) - RULE 9 -"Assume the person you're listening to might knowsomethingyoudon't." Jordan Peterson, as a clinical psychologist, knows that psychotherapy is more than just giving professional advice. It's engaged conversation, with an emphasis on listening. Humans need to be listened to in order to survive, but that requires humility on the part of the listener - a willingness to care about someone, and even reconsider your position based on their input. Listening is HARD. But it's a powerful expression of grace that can actually provide healing to the hurting.
This morning, Pastor Jeske finishes his bible study on "All You Need Is Love" by diving into the concept of "Love Your Church" as laid out in 1 Peter 2:17 - Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor.
This week we'll be studying Acts 5:1-11 - under the theme "HONESTY - RULE 8 -"Tell the truth - or, at least, don't lie." Honesty is the best policy...or so they say. "Best" in what regard? Honesty can certainly get us into trouble. It can certainly hurt feelings. Honesty can condemn. But it's also the only way forward. Whether we're talking about "telling lies" or "living lies" (i.e. denial), truth alone can set people free. Truth can create order, whereas deception breeds chaos. In our text this week, God establishes very early in the Church that he would not tolerate his people pretending to be something they were not.
Today's message follows the theme "Love Your Neighbor" continuing Pastor Jeske's series on "All you Need Is Love". The service includes a presentation on the Central Africa Medical Mission, a 60-year legacy of healthcare in Zambia and Malawi. The volunteers and national staff see many faces and have been a light of Jesus to many people.
This week we'll be studying Romans 12:1- under the theme "SACRIFICE - RULE 7 -"Pursue what is meaningful (not what is expedient)." Modern people often look at the ancients, and their practice of things like "sacrifices" as primitive and unscientific. Jordan Peterson, however, would argue that the concept of sacrificing something good in the present in order to bless the future in an even more substantial way is the single most important revelation in human history. The Bible, too, says a great deal about the sacrifice that Jesus made for us, and how we are to offer our lives as "living sacrifices" in response.
Today, seminarian Silas Dose shares a message on Numbers 11:16, 24-29 with the theme "All God's People Proclaim".
This week we'll be studying James 4:11-12 under the theme "CRITICISM - RULE 6 -"Set your house in perfect order before you criticize the world." While creating something meaningful is hard work, tearing something down takes very little effort. This is perhaps most evident in our words. And while there are many ways to cause destruction with our words, stander/criticism might be THE most difficult for many of us Christians to resist. This week, we'll find out how criticism from our mouths is directly related to forgetting the gospel in our heads and hearts.
Today's bible study is part 2 in the series, "All You Need is Love". Today, Pastor Jeske focuses on the theme "Love Yourself". Diving into I Corinthians 1:4-9, Paul expresses thanks to God for the Christians in Corinth. God had been very kind to them, and he had done wonderful things in their lives. Most Christians in Corinth were not wealthy (1:26), but they lacked nothing in their relationship with God. God had made them able to speak for him. God had given them the knowledge that they needed. God had given them his Holy Spirit, and there was evidence of that fact in their lives.
This week we'll be studying Hebrews 12:7-11 under the theme "PARENTING - RULE 5 -"Don't let kids do anything that makes you dislike them." The fact that God uses the term "Father" as a way for us to describe his relationship with us is fascinating and fairly unique to Christianity. As a loving father, however, the assumption of the writer to the Hebrews is that this means God will discipline us through hardship in life. Many Christians don't like to hear this, just like many parents don't like to hear the necessity of discipline for the development of their child. But God designed us. He loves us and knows what we need for human flourishing. This includes discipline.
Pastor Jeske launches a new series "All You Need is Love". Today's message focuses on loving God. God calls us to know and love him. Here’s the heart of what God wants from us. First: to understand who God is. Second: God wants our devotion, loyalty, and love. Develop habits that help you know and love so you don’t forget. To know and love God means that we take repeated action to integrate that knowledge and love into every part of our lives: private, family, and public.
This week we'll be studying 2 Corinthians 10:12-18 under the theme "COMPARISON - RULE 4 -"Compare yourself to who you were yesterday, not to who someone else is today." If you don't find your identity in the gift of Christ's righteousness, you're going to look for it comparing some aspect of your life against the lives of others, just the way the rest of the world establishes identity. This week, Paul teaches us something about self-image as he contrasts his ministry with that of a group who considered themselves "Super Apostles."
With the theme of teaching your children, Pastor Jeske's bible study today focuses on the first 8 verses of Psalm 78. The psalm was apparently written by Asaph, who was a Levite and a music leader in the service of King David. People who do not orient their lives on the testimony of God in Scripture cannot know what is good for them or for their children. They may have strong opinions about what is right or helpful, but those opinions will be based on what feels good or on some cultural pressure or on some human tradition or authority less than God.
But the Scripture says that God has established a testimony; he has appointed a law. And Jesus Christ has won our confidence and for his sake we believe the revelation of God in the law and the testimony. We have a God-given compass that keeps us from being lost in the forest of modern-day confusion, the compass of God’s law and his testimony in Scripture.
WHO IS EQUAL TO SUCH A TASK? I. You Are! You Have Words Blessed by Christ. II. You Are! You Are People Sent by God. Based on 2 Corinthians 2:14-17
Pastor Jeske completes his series on the songs and poems of the Divine Service with his study on the Agnus Dei. Turning again to the Revelation to St. John, at one point John sees a scroll in the right hand of the One who was sitting on the throne. A “strong angel” puts forth the challenge, “Who is worthy to open the scroll and break its seals?” Then, between the throne and the elders, the Lamb comes into view. Undoubtedly the most significant feature in John's description of this Lamb is that it is a lamb who appears to have been slain.
This week we'll be studying 1 Samuel 18:1-4 & 2 Samuel 1:26 under the theme "FRIENDSHIP - RULE 3 - Make friends with people who want the best for you." In the middle of paradise, God said that it was not good for man to be alone. If humans cannot survive Eden without friends, why would we think we can survive this place without believing friends? We'll take a look at the relationship between David and Jonathan to see what genuine friendship looks like, and how it is ultimately born out of friendship with Jesus.
Pastor Jeske continues his series on The Divine Service with a bible study on the Sanctus: Holy is the Lord God. If any part of the service has been recognized as providing a glimpse of heaven, it's the Sanctus: “Holy, holy, holy, Lord God of Sabaoth, heaven and earth are full of your glory.” This is the eternal song of the angels who hover over the throne of God in the vision of heaven that was given to Isaiah (Is. 6:1-4). Such was the splendor of their song that the very foundations of the threshold of the temple trembled at the sound.
This week we'll be studying Psalm 139:1-6, 13-16 under the theme "STEWARDSHIP OF SELF - RULE 2 - Treat yourself like someone you are responsible for helping." An apparent problem with modern western culture is the narcissistic obsession with self. With the rise of social media in the 2010s, every youth became a brand ambassador. It's killing self-image, community, expectations, and healthy relationships. There is an opposing danger that Christians might be less aware of though - poor self-care, i.e. a lack of stewarding self. This week, we'll look at the idea of treating ourselves the way God treats us.
When we pray, we’re often hesitant. Hesitant to believe that our small voices will be heard by the sovereign God reigning in heaven. Hesitant to think we even have the right words to say. But Jesus gave His disciples—and us—the Lord’s Prayer as a guide in our prayer life. This prayer contains words of confession, thanks, recognition, need, and praise; it’s the perfect prayer model from our perfect role model.
This week we'll be studying 2 Kings 6:8-23 under the theme "CONFIDENCE - RULE 1 "Stand up straight with your shoulders back." Humans, like animals, all fit into an invisible social structure called a dominance hierarchy that impacts our health, wealth, and and overall wellness. Much of this is based on confidence and aptitude. But is there a way to find healthy confidence without slipping into arrogance? Is there a way to be strong without dominating others? The promises of a gracious God offer exactly that.
SERIES SUMMARY: Once a year we build a worship series around my favorite book, Christian or secular, from the past year :) This year we're structuring that series around Jordan B. Peterson's "12 RULES FOR LIFE: An Antidote to Chaos." Peterson has been labeled by NY Times as "The most influential public intellectual in the Western world right now." Though not a Christian himself, he is a clinical psychologist who certainly challenges many of the secular assumptions of modern America. We'll deconstruct some of his points, find how many of them have Scriptural roots, and demonstrate how an even greater wisdom and beauty is offered in the person of Christ.
Pastor Jeske continues his series on the parts of the Divine Service with today's study on the Nicene Creed. We use two creeds in our worship services from week to week: The Apostles' Creed and The Nicene Creed. Because the wording of the Apostles’ Creed developed over several hundred years, its authorship is unknown. It is clear that the apostles did not write the creed. Rather, the creed expresses the biblical teachings of the apostles. The Apostles’ Creed offers a simple summary of the Christian faith. For that reason, it has a long history of being associated with Baptism and instruction in God’s word.
The Nicene Creed was the result of a church council that met in Nicea in 325 A.D. The Second Article of the Creed is much longer than that of the Apostles’ Creed because the council was addressing false doctrines about the person of Jesus Christ.
This week we'll be studying Luke 9:23 under the theme "Biblical Discipleship." Biblical Discipleship is the 3rd of our St. Marcus Core Values. We often talk about discipleship as allowing ourselves to be mentored by a Christian more seasoned than us and then helping mentor someone who is perhaps a step or two behind us. This is clearly God's design for the development of his Church. Furthermore, for the Church to grow in Christ-likeness, it requires believers to take up their own personal crosses to follow Jesus. In other words, the development of the Church requires personal sacrifice. But it works. And that's proven by the sacrifice Jesus made for us on his cross.
Settings of the Gloria in Excelsis find their origin in the song of the heavenly host to the shepherds near Bethlehem (Luke 2). Today's service focuses on the meaning and importance of the Gloria in Excelsis Christians across the world use in their liturgies. It is a heavenly song that the angels sing, one similar to the songs of heaven found throughout Revelation; for example: "Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing" (Revelation 5:12). That evening some two thousand years ago, heaven met earth as the Son of God was born of the Virgin Mary, sent forth from His Father's throne to do the work of salvation. What a blessing it is to join Christians around the world who have for centuries before us sung this song of praise to our God.
This week we'll be studying Ephesians 6:10-24 under the theme "Spiritual Warfare." As a deceiver and accuser, Satan's primary methodology is to trick us into think something that's not the real problem is the real problem. He convinces us to believe that our struggle in life is against flesh & blood - people, organizations, ideologies. In reality, the real struggle is spiritual. And if we don't demonize the actual demons, then we'll demonize others. Paul reminds us that Jesus won the cosmic war with an ultimate victory at the cross. This encourages to get up and fight the (right) battles daily.
Pastor Jeske's sermon series on the Divine Service begins with a message on 'Kyrie,' the ancient Greek contraction of the phrase "Lord, Have Mercy on Us." The focus of this morning's study is based on Luke 18:35-43.
This week we'll be studying Ephesians 6:1-9 under the theme "The Ministry of Authority." Americans have an interesting, sometimes unfortunate history with authority. We're a nation born out of revolution. While authorities do, in fact, need to be held accountable, they are nonetheless an establishment of God to bring peace and protection into our lives. Whether we're talking about parent/child relationships, or employer/employee relationships, or others, this lesson gives us unique resources to navigate admittedly flawed institutional authorities.
This week we'll be studying Ephesians 5:21-33 under the theme "The Ministry of Marriage." The first human relationship, and the most fundamental relationship for society, by God's design, is marriage. When it's ungodly, there's arguably nothing on earth closer to hell. When it's godly, there's perhaps nothing on earth closer to heaven. God ministers to us powerfully through marriage partners. And every believer, as the Bride of Christ (Church), will ultimately be married to Christ. This lesson therefore teaches each of us something important about our relationships.
Today's theme is "Rest in the Lord". Pastor' Leyrer's study "On Vacation with Jesus" dives into Mark 6:30-34.
I. When Physical Rest Disappoints II. His Rest Always Delivers.
This week we'll be studying Ephesians 5:3-20 under the theme "Guided by the Spirit." Paul is starting to get very specific in his applications of the gospel in the lives of believers. This week, he addresses two major issues for believers - sexual immorality and drunkenness. For instance"How far is too far?" in our dating relationships? What does it mean to be filled with the Spirit rather than being filled with alcohol? Where do we find the motivation to resist common pleasure outlets in a fallen world? Paul will tells us how the Spirit guides us.
This week we'll be studying Ephesians 4:17-5:2 under the theme "The Christian Lifestyle." After the Apostle Paul told us the basis of our salvation by God's grace in chapters 1-3, he's now giving us the details of what it looks like to apply that salvation to our daily lives. In this text, he tells us to "put off the old self" that consists of worldly values, and "put on the new self" by aiming for honesty, calm, hard work, positive talk, and forgiveness. These new behaviors do not contribute to a new status, but flow out of the new status that has been gifted to us, as "dearly loved children of God."
This week we'll be studying Ephesians 4:1-16 under the theme "A Gifted Body: Principles of the Christian Walk." This week, we shift into the second half of Ephesians, which gives us careful instruction for our walk with Christ in this life. Specifically, we'll be looking at God's desire for unity amongst Christians, the reality of the Church's giftedness, and our capacity to mature, transform, and develop as his body.
As a follower of Jesus, our citizenship first is in the Kingdom of Jesus Christ. Our allegiance lies with His values, with His family, with His heart for the world, and with His commands. Being a Christian in America means that we can gather with the church freely, that we can speak and work for justice and truth, and that we can share my faith with others. We celebrate today recognizing that there is beauty in America, and there is also deep brokenness to which we move towards with faith, believing the Lord can and will redeem this nation to Himself. Pastor Jeske's bible study focuses on the themeRespect Your Government as he digs into Nehemiah 2:1-8.
This week we'll be studying Ephesians 3:14-21 under the theme "The Experience of Christ." In this text, Paul offers his second lengthy prayer of the letter. He's asking here that the believers in Ephesus would experientially come to grips the dimensions of God's love. He's articulating the distinction between knowing about Jesus, and knowing Jesus personally. For some, this seems like an arbitrary distinction, but we'll discuss this week the importance as well as strategies to keeping the relationship.
Pastor Jeske's bible study walks through I Timothy 6:17-19. Paul encourages his readers to know that there is great gain in godliness when it is combined with contentment in the basic necessities of life (1 Tim. 6:6, 8). Our God is a God “who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment” (1 Tim. 6:17).
This week we'll be studying Ephesians 3:1-13 under the theme "The Mystery of the Church." Paul has taught us in this letter that our salvation was God's plan executed by Jesus (Ch 1), and it's based on grace, which forms the basis of the Church (Ch 2). In Ch 3 he explains implications of grace in our relationships. Grace causes the Jew to love the Gentile and vice versa. Grace is an absolute "mystery" to the world and therefore the defining characteristic of Christ and his Church.
Today is the annual Juneteenth worship celebration. Pastor Jeske and Darlene Grams have been leading the annual celebration at St. Marcus since the 1990s. St. Marcus' Juneteenth celebration is a time honored tradition, an opportunity to include people in the central city who may not know about our Savior and a way to learn more about the African-American community through their story of freedom. President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863. But it was not until June 19, 1865, that all of the slaves in the former confederacy recognized that they had been freed. It is our Christian joy to evangelize our communities and tell people who groan in the slavery of their sins that they have already been freed by Jesus Christ, their Savior.
This week we'll be studying Ephesians 2:11-2 under the theme "Christian Unity." This lesson will clear up for so many of us why we see the divisions we see in the world. Spiritually speaking, sinful pride leads us to naturally create "dividing walls" that we deem lesser than us, to try to establish our own identity. But those of us who are "in Christ" are given unique resources to break down dividing walls of society as Jesus has broken down hostility for us.
Today's bible study is on Genesis 3:8-15 - Promise Instead of Punishment. Pastor Leyrer focuses on two points in his message: 1) We Hide from God because of Our Guilt. 2) God Seeks Us out because of His Grace.
This week we'll be studying Ephesians 2:1-10 under the theme "The Work of God." I've said many times in the past that while John 3:16 might be still the most famous verse in the Bible, the reason I ended up theologically in the place I did is as much due to this section from Ephesians 2 as anything. Paul here counters anyone who wants to plagiarize credit from God by making their conversion, their salvation, or their life about anything other than God's undeserved goodness and love. Our old identity is dead. Our new identity rises, by grace, in Christ Jesus.
Today, Pastor Jeske's Bible Study dives into the theme Men & Women in God’s Image. The scripture reading of Genesis 1:26-31 from the story of creation describes God's perfect design of men and women: "So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them." The Bible study on II Samuel 13:1-20 shows us the destruction that occurs when sin and human self-interest is put over following God's perfect design.
This week we'll be studying Ephesians 1:15-23 as we worship under the theme"A Prayer for the Church."About half of Ephesians is simply Paul's prayer. Here, Paul is asking that God help the Ephesians personally know, i.e. experience, the hope they have in his promises, and that they be used by God to unite everything under the headship of Jesus.
This week we'll be studying Ephesians 1:1-14 as we worship under the theme "God's Divine Plan - A New Identity IN CHRIST." The Triune God had a plan for us before time even began. He knew us. He loved us. He chose us. And this was not because we were already holy, but to make us holy. This comes when we allow the Spirit to lead us to live, not for an identity, but from our new identity in Christ.
Pastor Jeske's bible study on Ephesians 5:15-20 reminds us to be filled with the Spirit - "speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ."
This week we'll be studying Acts 28:1-10 as we worship under the theme "It Doesn't Get Easier. You Get Stronger." We've arrived at the end of the Book of Acts. And Paul gets bit by a poisonous snake. Why is life so tough on this missionary? And why is life so tough for us? The answer appears to be that God is not simply trying to make us comfortable. He's trying to make us great, instruments of divine strength that are useful to building his Kingdom. It's an honor to be redemptive agents that cary the truth and love of Jesus our Savior.
On the final Sunday of Easter, today's service celebrates the Ascension of Jesus into Heaven. Pastor Jeske's bible study delves into The Great Commission recorded in Matthew 28:16-20. Jesus said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Koine's Brian Davison joins the Sunday Praise Band with music celebrating God's return to the throne in heaven and the call to Christians to spread the Gospel to all nations. Music includes Graham Kendrick's "Shine, Jesus, Shine", the seventh century text in "A Hymn of Glory Let Us Sing", and Leon Patillo's "Go". The Gospel Choir presents "God Wants a Yes" and "Gates of Zion".
This week we'll be studying Acts 27:1-44 as we worship under the theme "Paul Face Shipwreck." In one of the longest, most action-packed accounts of Paul's ministry, we learn the secret of finding calm in the middle of the storms of life. Paul's hopeful testimony is encouraging to everyone else in the boat. And we learn how Christians today can be a source of otherworldly optimism in a turbulent world.
Happy Mother's Day! Pastor brings us a bible study on God’s Love Through Mothers. The modern holiday of Mother's Day was first celebrated in 1907, when Anna Jarvis held a memorial for her mother at St Andrew's Methodist Church in Grafton, West Virginia. For those called to Motherhood and youth mentorship, may God bless you and keep you this Mother's Day and always. Thank you for your role in raising up the next generation of Christians, and for modeling what it means to fix our eyes on Jesus.
This week we'll be studying Acts 26:19-31 as we worship under the theme "Paul's Testimony to the Roman Leaders." In our 3rd and final week on Christian testimony, Paul teaches us the art of Christian persuasion. While the credit of conversion belongs entirely to the Spirit of God, he works through very human concepts like language, logic, and personal appeals to accomplish his work. Paul here gives us a great example of how we can improve those communication components of Christian witnessing.
This week we'll be studying Acts 23:1-1 as we worship under the theme"Paul Upsets the Establishment." As we continue on in our several-week journey studying Paul's legal defense of the Christian gospel, this week we see Paul before the Jewish Sanhedrin. We learn the necessity of sometimes standing up to our earthly authorities, holding them accountable to their calling from God.
This week we'll be studying John 10:11-18 as we worship under the theme "Jesus is the Good Shepherd."
This week we'll be studying Acts 22:1-22 as we worship under the theme "Paul's Testimony to the Jews." For 3 weeks, we're going to study Paul sharing his story of God's grace to him with 3 different people groups. This week, we're going to dig especially into finding out how Paul finds the courage, confidence, and composure to lovingly, truthfully, and respectfully address people who even want to hurt him.
We continue in our series: O Church, Arise. Tonight we'll be examining selections from Acts 20 and breaking down what we expect from our shepherds in the church and from The Shepherd.
Pastor Hein kicks off St. Marcus' examination of the early Christian church with a message based on Acts 20:7-12.
Pastor Hein delivers a message based on Mark 15:42-46 and Caravaggio's The Entombment of Christ for Easter Saturday.
This week we'll be studying Luke 12:35-46as we worship under the theme"Ready For Christ." Palm Sunday weekend is typically associated with the start of Holy Week, which it is. But as Jesus is wrapping up his 1st Coming, the topic of much of his teaching during Holy Week is often actually about his 2nd Coming. He encourages watchfulness, faithfulness, and urgency - i.e. READINESS. What does it mean to live this life ready for Jesus to return?
This week we'll be studying Luke 12:13-21 as we worship under the theme "The Parable of the Rich Fool." We always instinctively think money will make our problems go away. In minor issues, it can. But it cannot solve the difficult issues of life. And it can also blind us to spiritual reality. Jesus teaches us here how foolish it can be to invest too much in this life.
This week we'll be studying Luke 11:14-26 as we worship under the theme "Jesus, Lord Over Demons." While we understand certain supernatural elements to be requisite for Christianity - e.g. incarnation & resurrection - many of us operate without any substantial awareness of the spiritual forces of the world in our day-to-day lives. To what degree should we concern ourselves? This text addresses the necessity of spiritual awareness and the Spirit's occupancy in order to create lasting positive changes in life.
It is the Third Sunday of Lent and we are continuing our series "Lent in the Old Testament." Today we study "The Brass Snake" from Numbers 21:4-9.
This week we'll be studying Luke 10:25-37 as we worship under the theme "The Good Samaritan." Many of us have perhaps long perceived social compassion as an "optional" part of the Christian life, but this parable doesn't allow for that thought. It teaches that Gospel Neighboring is an essential complement to Gospel Messaging in Christian ministry. Furthermore, it doesn't merely teach us how we should love others, but, more importantly, how we've been loved by Jesus.
This week we'll be studying Luke 9:57-62 as we worship under the theme "The Cost of Discipleship." There are some texts that just honestly make us feel more uncomfortable than others. Watching Jesus seemingly reject 3 candidates for discipleship is definitely one those. What's he communicating to us? Where's the grace in this? We'll learn that in the flesh, technically none of us is worthy of discipleship. But with God all things are possible.
This week we'll be studying Luke 9:28-36 as we worship under the theme "The Transfiguration." This text is about glory - where it comes from, simplistic attempts at it, and how God's people are to approach the concept of glory in this lifetime. Additionally, we'll also use this opportunity to talk about the trans mindset of modern culture - i.e. the feeling of suppressing vs. embracing what exists inside our flesh. Jesus' approach to his temporal flesh is enlightening.
This week we'll be studying Luke 7:36-50 as we worship under the theme "Jesus Anointed by A Sinful Woman." This account teaches such an important point - i.e. from God's perspective, the amount or nature of our sins is not nearly as spiritually important as an awareness of our sinfulness and dependence on Jesus alone for salvation. The Pharisee has committed far fewer sins, but this has actually blinded him to his need for a Savior. On the other hand, the woman who has sinned greatly is grateful. This text offers tremendous insights on the definition of sin and the attitude of a regenerate Christian vs. a simply religious person.
We are continuing our message theme of "Jesus the Disruptor" and will be studying Luke 9:46-50: "Greatness from Service."
This week we'll be studying Luke 6:1-11 as we worship under the theme "Jesus, Lord of Work & Rest." Watching the Pharisees accuse Jesus of sins on the Sabbath lead us to two very important thoughts: 1) the need for supernatural rest from this world, which only Jesus can provide, and 2) the prevalence of sinful self-righteous, controlling tendencies in humans (both religious and secular). As "Lord of the Sabbath," Jesus gives us freedom both from the controlling powers of humans, and freedom to find deep rest.
Pastor Jeske's message "Jesus the Disruptor: Unity of Message, Diversity of Distribution" is based on Luke 5:33-39.
This week we'll be studying Luke 5:1-11 as we worship under the theme "A Miraculous Catch of Fish." This text offers a look into the calling of multiple fishermen to serve as Jesus' disciples. Their reaction isn't perhaps what we'd expect. Peter demands that Jesus get away from him. Why is Jesus calling these guys and what does it mean for our call into discipleship?
"Grace, not Rules," based on Luke 6:1-11, serves as the theme for our message this morning.
This week we'll be studying Luke 4:1-13 as we worship under the theme "Jesus Tested in the Wilderness." On the heels of his baptism, Jesus is immediately sent by the Spirit into the wilderness. Why? What can we learn about the nature of temptations and how to successfully battle them? And what can we learn here that's even more important than tips for defeating temptation? Ultimately, we find that Jesus is not primarily doing this for our example, but for our salvation.
Dr. Martin Luther King Remembrance Sunday. "The Gospel is Greater than Tribe." The focus for our readings and message comes from John chapter 4.
The word ‘epiphany’ comes from a Greek word meaning “to show forth,” referring to the appearance of Christ as the Savior (Titus 3:4). Christmas lights may be coming down, but the Light of the world still shines for all to see. We receive this Light as we celebrate the Epiphany of Our Lord. Today we hear how the mysterious Wise Men from the East are led by the Lord to follow the star of wonder to the everlasting eternal Light. Jesus shines the brightness of heaven into the darkness of their hearts, and they respond with gifts of honor and praise. Jesus does the same for you today as we receive His Word and share in His body and blood. Dispelling the darkness of sin, He covers you with the light of His presence and invites you, as He did the Wise Men, to respond to Him in honor and praise
This week we'll be studying Luke 2:41-52 as we worship under the theme "Boy Jesus at the Temple." This is the ONLY incident recorded in the Gospels of Jesus' adolescence. So WHY this one? The way Jesus confuses even his own parents, and how they handle it, teaches us something
This week we'll be studying Luke 1:1-4 as we worship under the theme "The Doctor's Gospel." As a man of science, Luke understood the necessity of careful, accurate research. In the opening verses of his Gospel, he provides information as to why his writing is not only reliable, but worthy of submitting your life to.
This week we'll be studying Exodus 33:12-34:8 as we worship under the theme "The Glory of the Lord." After the Israelites sin by worshipping the glory of this world in the form of a Golden Calf, God, via Moses, teaches what true glory is. True glory is known only by being in his holy & gracious presence.
Music and readings will paint the picture of that first Christmas Night - the Nativity. "Christmas for the Isolated" is tonight's message theme as we address the question "How we should we respond to the birth of Jesus Christ?"
This week we'll be studying Exodus 20:1-6 as we worship under the theme "The Ten Commandments." Specifically, we'll look at the overarching command, i.e. the First, which talks about having no other gods BEFORE God. We'll see how this is more a principle of God's Love and desire for human flourishing than a Law. And we'll also see what God does if/when we've broken this basic command.
Glory to God in the highest! Join us for our final Midweek Advent service of the season as we turn to Luke 2 and study The Angels' Song.
We're taking a 1-week hiatus from our Saturday evening Exodus series as we approach Christmas. This week we'll be studying Isaiah 61:1-3 under the theme "Ready for Christmas?"
Tonight we continue the preparation of our hearts for the Christmas season by studying the Song of Mary from Luke 1:46-55.
We continue our Sunday morning theme for Advent: Advent Fire. We'll be studying Exodus 25:31-40, which focuses on the Lampstand of the Tabernacle.
This week we'll be studying Exodus 14:10-31 as we worship under the theme "The Crossing of the Red Sea." This is undoubtedly the grandest "salvation event" of the Old Testament, and the Apostle Paul actually compares it to Baptism in the New Testament. We'll see why, as well as talk through few practical points on how to no longer serve our old slave masters
Tonight we begin the preparation of our hearts for the Christmas season by studying The Song of Zechariah from Luke 1:68-79.
Pastor Jeske's message "The Altar of Sacrifice" is based on Exodus 27:1-8 and Leviticus 4:27-31
This week we'll be studying Exodus 12:1-13, 21-23 as we worship under the theme "The Passover Lamb." The Ten Plagues culminated with a special meal, called the Passover. The Israelites slaughtered a young lamb without defect, consumed the meal in haste, and took the blood from the lamb and smeared it on the doorframes of their homes. Every movement that evening was symbolic and foreshadowing. The story of "The Lamb" is arguably the main image in all of Scripture. We'll explain that this week and see how the Christian faith applies the same principles still today.
This week we'll be studying Exodus 7:14-24 as we worship under the theme "Plagues Upon Egypt." The Ten Plagues, tend to invoke 2 common reactions: APPROVAL or ANGER. Both can be a bit knee jerk. In reality, God is doing something remarkably natural and redemptive in the plagues. And it's extraordinarily helpful in understanding how God continues to operate in the world today.
This week we'll be studying Exodus 4:1-17as we worship under the theme "The Sending of Moses." Exodus 3-4 is all part of a long dialogue between God and Moses at the burning bush. God is calling Moses in with the intention of sending him out to do God's work. But Moses doesn't want to go. Often our biggest spiritual struggles are not the nagging issues we repeatedly stumble over, but God's missions we refuse to go on. We'll see God's grace to Moses even in his stubbornness.
This week we'll be studying Exodus 3:1-15 as we worship under the theme "Moses and the Burning Bush (PART II)" Last week, we talked about the concept of the "burning bush" and "THE Angel of the Lord." This week, we'll be tackling some additional major life concepts regarding how we know God, how we approach God, and who God reveals himself to be.
This week we'll be studying Exodus 3:1-15 as we worship under the theme "Moses and the Burning Bush (PART I)" We're actually going to spend 2 weeks on this famous text from Exodus. The first week we'll place special emphasis on 1) what the "burning bush" means in our lives today, as well as 2) how the Angel of the Lord mediates for us even as he did for Moses.
In this week of our series we'll be studying Exodus 2:1-14 as we worship under the theme "The Birth of Moses." This survey of the first 40 years of Moses' life teaches us a great deal about the topics of civil disobedience, God's sovereignty, and how God generally operates to carry out his purposes.
Pastor Jeske takes us through the gifts of the Reformation and a bible study based on Luke 20:1-7.
Pastor Mark Jeske takes us through a bible study based on Luke 13:1-9 titled: OK, One More Year.
In this final week of our series we'll be studying Hebrews 6:13-20 as we worship under the theme "Disconnection from A HOPEFUL & SECURE FUTURE." What you believe is coming to you in the future absolutely impacts your perception of your present circumstances. Those who struggle with depression often have difficulty envisioning a positive future. But what if a sacrifice was made in the past that guarantees your future, no matter what may come in the present? How could/should that change your attitude? This week we'll learn that is precisely the story of Jesus, our Great High Priest.
This week we'll be studying Job 12:7-12 and 28:20-28as we worship under the theme "Disconnection from the NATURAL WORLD."God created humanity from the dust of the earth. We are natural creatures. What happens if we get so lost in digital, so immersed in screens, and disconnect from the natural world? Most research says it's not good. And, in fact, the Bible says there are theological reasons as well why it's good to stand in awe of the natural world. Job will help us see the connection between wisdom and nature this week, and how a right understanding helps manage anxiety and depression.
Pastor Jeske takes us through what God has to say about sharing the Christian Spirit with a World that desperately needs Good News.
This week we'll be studying Isaiah 58:6-11as we worship under the theme "Disconnection from STATUS & RESPECT." The God who created us in his image gave humanity special dignity and dominion within his creation. The more humans generate divisions amongst themselves though, i.e. gaps in status, the more disconnected we become from the honor God gave to us. Furthermore, repeatedly in Scripture God tells his people to fight for the dignity of the marginalized in society. So, how did God close the status gap for us? And what would God have us do in modern times for others?
Pastor Jeske takes us through a bible study based on Isaiah 50:4-10 titled "Listen to the Servant: Determined, Suffering, Trusting"
This week we'll be studying 2 Corinthians 12:2-10 as we worship under the theme "(Inability to) Disconnect from CHILDHOOD TRAUMA." In the text we're examining this week, the Apostle Paul gives us a remarkable insight into how he dealt with his famous "thorn in the flesh."
THE BEST WE CAN GIVE OUR CHILDREN I. Above All Earthly Possessions II. Is to Know the Lord in Faith Based on Jeremiah 9:23-24
This week we'll be studying Philippians 4:4-9 as we worship under the theme "Disconnection from MEANINGFUL VALUES." Americans, heavily marketed to since birth, become addicted quite early to the belief that greater money, more/better things, and more prominent status will make us happier. The research doesn't indicate that. And Jesus himself said that "life does not consist in an abundance of possessions." (Luke 12:15) But our actions suggest we don't believe that. We're constantly chasing things we think might fill our emptiness. And we're making ourselves miserable in the process. This week, we'll hear the Apostle Paul teach us how we can rejoice in any circumstance. Anxiety can almost never be cured by external circumstances, but it can be healed by reframing the internal mindset. The gospel gives us a basis to do exactly that.
Pastor Jeske will talk about Christ as our cornerstone, we will continue to build on the theme "Rechurch," with a focus on rededicating our lives on Him.
This week we'll be studying Ephesians 4:25-32 as we worship under the theme "Disconnection from OTHER PEOPLE." In an unapologetically individualistic society, it's important to note that not only is depression prevalent, but our impulses to overcome depression (which are inherently individualistic) only exacerbate the problem. To be cured, we need to stop being ourselves, and start immersing ourselves in the lives of others. Theologically speaking, this is the doctrine of "The Church." God designed us for one another, and here also teaches us how to live constructively with one another.
Mark Jeske will be doing a bible study on Psalm 66:1-12 explaining how to "Re-energize" with the power that God gives.
This week Pastor Hein will be studying Colossians 3:22-25 as we worship under the theme "Disconnection from MEANINGFUL WORK."On Labor Day weekend, it's worth taking a moment and reflecting on the theological purposes of labor. So many Christians struggle, as does the world, with finding meaning in daily efforts, beyond simply a paycheck. But from the Garden of Eden onward, God infused work with meaning when he told humanity, created in his image, to "subdue the earth." In this lesson we will see how daily work is meaningful, what the goal of work for a Christian should be, and how to find fulfillment in doing "whatever" to the glory of God.
A Sermon from Mark Jeske: This Sunday we'll be studying Luke 24:36-49as we worship under the theme Re-church: Rethink.
This week we'll be studying 1 Corinthians 15:1-11 as we worship under the theme "My Impending Resurrection".
A Sermon from Mark Jeske:This Sunday we'll be studying 1 Samuel 7:1-13as we worship under the theme: Re-church: Survive the Disruption.
A Sermon from James Hein:This week we'll be studying 1 Corinthians 13:1-13 as we worship under the theme "My Love". Most tend to forget that when Paul penned this text, which is read at virtually every wedding, Paul was never just asked "What is Love?" and then provided some sentimental musings. No, he's writing it after 12 other chapters addressing the spiritual pride of the Corinthian Church. This group believed their identity was wrapped up in their giftedness. And as Paul defines love, he's offering a critique of the way many religious people view Christianity, a critique of the way the modern world views love, and teaching us that love is actually much more a person than a concept.
A Sermon from Dan Leyrer: This Sunday we'll be studying Romans 8:26-27 as we worship under the theme: "Give it Over to God". We will be discussing the power of prayer and the Holy Spirit's intercession in our prayer life.
A Sermon from James Hein: This Saturday we'll be studying 1 Corinthians 12:12-31 as we worship under the theme "My Gifts".Many Christians have thought vary little about the purpose of their spiritual gifting. They know their StrengthsFinder assessment, their Enneagram profile, and certainly their personal preferences; but their spiritual gifting remains something more mysterious. EVERY believer is uniquely gifted. And the purpose of that gifting is to glorify God by loving and serving others ahead of self. But what is your gift? Where should you plug in? If only half a body works, it's generally considered "disabled." Christ gifts his entire body to accomplish his extraordinary purposes. The Apostle Paul teaches us how to think about that this week.
A Sermon by Mark Jeske: This Sunday we'll be studying Job 38:1-11 as we worship under the theme "Enjoy God's Amazing Creation".
A Sermon by James Hein: This Saturday we'll be studying 1 Corinthians 11:17-34 as we worship under the theme "*TheMeal of Fellowship".Much of the debate over the years surrounding the Lord's Supper, and this text in particular, pertains to what is or is not truly present in Holy Communion. Deservedly so. Significantly less time, however, has unfortunately been given to the context. The Corinthians are so worldly that Paul goes to the extent of saying they're not even celebrating the Lord's Supper, though they think they are. Their lifestyle and interactions with one another are so contradictory to what God designed them to be, that they're doing more harm than good. So...what lifestyle IS* the Lord's Supper designed to promote and celebrate? We'll get to the bottom of it.
This week we'll be studying 1 Corinthians 8:1-13 as we worship under the theme "My 'Rights'". Christians are blessed with many freedoms. It's an essential concept to faith, as Jesus died to set us free. That said, there is such a thing as an abuse of Christian freedom, and the Corinthians struggled with that too. Abusing freedom involves not only exercising freedoms excessively, but exercising them in ways that are unloving to "weaker" brothers & sisters. The Christian faith is as much or more about "we" than it is about "me." Paul has a great deal more to say as he helps reconcile the divisions in Corinth.
Based on Jeremiah 28: 5-9, Pastor Leyrer asks "When will I find peace?". No Jesus, no peace. Know Jesus, know peace.
This week we'll be studying 1 Corinthians 7:1-16 as we worship under the theme "Understanding Sex & Marriage." There is not a single more candid, practical section in the Bible for addressing human sexuality, temptation, romantic relationships, and what to do about all of it. While these conversations sometimes make me highly uncomfortable, they always tend to bear so much fruit. God's design for human sexuality, as well as the way he talks about intimacy with Him, its amazing!
As we observe Independence Day Pastor Jeske will take us through his message “You Don’t Have to Like the King to Support the King,” which is based on Daniel 1:1-7.
1 Corinthians 6:1-11 Christianity is nothing if it isn't forgiveness. So what would does it say to the world if two Christians cannot resolve their conflicts without taken it to a secular court? Christians are not necessarily the most talented, most beautiful, or most intelligent, but we should absolutely be leading the world in skills of conflict resolution - patience, forgiveness, and reconciliation.
This week we'll be studying 1 Corinthians 5:1-13 as we worship under the theme "Different From The World." Paul has talked about pride (self-righteousness, boasting, identity) for 4 chapters. Now he's going to teach on a manifestation of that pride: an incident of unrepentant sexual immorality in the church and the church's tolerance, even pride, of it. This chapter is one of Scripture's great teachings on self-discipline and church discipline.
Join us for our annual Juneteenth worship, celebrating our freedom in Christ, our diverse membership in a diverse neighborhood, and our compelling mission in the city. You will hear an original poem by Ron Kelly, traditional spirituals, gospel music by the Distinctively Different Quartet, and a Bible study on living our freedom from Galatians 5.
This week we'll be studying 1 Corinthians 3:16-4:7 as we worship under the theme "The End of Self." As Paul helps shepherd a messy church in Corinth from a distance, he's eventually going to give them practical guidance on issues like sexuality, marriage, abuse of freedoms, lawsuits, worship, spiritual gifts, etc. But he's addressing the underlying issue first - i.e. PRIDE manifesting itself in self-righteousness. The church in Corinth needs to empty themselves of pride. They need a new perception of self that comes from viewing themselves only through the lens of Jesus' cross. They need to find their identity only in Christ. In this section, Paul teaches the freedom of losing yourself in Christ.
Sermon: Matthew 7:21-29 WHAT KIND OF LIFE ARE YOU BUILDING? I. The Sand of Self Will Let You Down II. The Rock of Christ Will Hold You Up...Forever
This week we will be studying 1 Corinthians 1:18-31 as we worship under the theme "The Counterintuitive Kingdom." The divisions that existed in the Corinthian Church, and our world, are the result of a failure to look properly at the cross of Jesus. The cross of Jesus says that we are ALL sinners that can be saved only by the grace of God. Any differences in intelligence, wealth, beauty, past indiscretions, or otherwise, from the best to the worst of us, are all negligible in the realm of salvation. And either you believe that due to the cross, or the cross is offensive to you in its weakness and foolishness. That line is the only EITHER/OR that will exist for all eternity.
NEW SERIES: Messy Christianity
Summary: The Church in Corinth is considered by some to be Paul's "troubled child" of a church plant. They are saved by Jesus and gifted by the Spirit, just like any of the other churches he worked with, but they also seem to struggle to greater degrees with worldliness. They are great examples of being fully justified, but not yet fully sanctified. And it's MESSY. But Paul uses tremendous pastoral tact, clarity, & wisdom in guiding them. And particularly in a post-Christian culture, we should expect that our church will deal with messiness too.
This week we will be studying 1 Corinthians 1:10-17, and worshipping under the theme "The Culture of Celebrity." Whereas the Eastern World has long been considered a "collectivistic" society, the modern Western World is characterized by radical individualism. While it has brought important rights to the "individual" it has also left many feeling alone, failures in a performance-based, accomplishment-driven society. As a result, we hook our wagons to those who have "made it" to attain some feeling of significance. And this system has certainly found it's way into the modern Church. What does God, through the Apostle Paul, have to say about it? That's what we're hoping to learn.
Worship with us on this Pentecost Sunday! Pastor Jeske’s message “We Need The Spirit’s Control” is based on Romans 8:5-11.
This week we will be studying Acts 15:22-35, and worshipping under the theme "THE JERUSALEM COUNCIL: Pentecost Implications." This coming weekend is Pentecost - a week where we celebrate the fact that God the Holy Spirit does not elevate any one human culture above another, but his family boundaries stretch over all nations, languages, colors, and cultures. Based on the past week of social disharmony and tragedy, it's important for Christians to ask how we're currently doing at portraying a light to the world, i.e. a Spirit-given culture that supersedes any earthly culture. The Early Church struggled with cultural superiority too, repented of it, received the grace of Jesus Christ, and then became a more beautiful version. We're looking to be that light to the world too.
LOOK FOR YOUR KING I. He's in Heaven, Ruling All Things for Us II. He's on Earth, Doing All Things through Us Based on Ephesians 1:16-23
This week we will be studying Acts 19:23-41, and worshipping under the theme "THE RIOT IN EPHESUS:The Power and Weakness of Idols." In this account, we actually don't hear any Christians speaking. We only see the secular society in Ephesus responding to Paul's preaching of Jesus & the Resurrection, speaking about how this world's gods can't compare. Paul's message incites a city-wide rebellion. From this we learn how passionately the world defends its false gods and what to expect when we legitimately bring the culture-shaping truth and love of Jesus Christ into the world. We also find motivation to let go of our own idols to which we often clutch too dearly.
Join us for worship for the sixth Sunday of Easter! Pastor Jeske’s message “The Resurrection Changes Everything” is based on I Thessalonians 4:13-18.
This week Pastoral Assistant Ron Kelly will be lead us in a message from Ephesians 2:1-10. This text is essential in understanding the manner of salvation - by grace, not by works. That message runs counterintuitive to a flesh that encourages us to feel like we are the center of the universe. It runs counterintuitive to the spirit of a society that tells us we can do ("work") anything we put our minds to. The manner of the gospel is something this fallen world rages against. So we remind ourselves of a truth that is alien to this world.
Mother’s Day is our theme for this morning, please join us in worship! Today’s message is titled “Adoptive Mothers are God’s Heroes Too” and is based on 2 Chronicles 22:10-12.
This week we'll be studying Acts 17:16-34under the worship theme of "PAUL'S SERMON IN ATHENS II: Witnessing to a Post-Christian World." That's right we're bringing it back for a second straight week. I mentioned last week that Acts 17 may very well be the single most helpful text in the Bible for figuring out how to evangelize in 2020 America. If you care about witnessing as a Christian in 2020, you must wrestle with Acts 17. The highly educated, pluralistic, hedonistic philosophers that Paul meets in Athens are about as close a biblical equivalent to America's cultural moment as one can find. The Athenians need Law & Gospel, but they need it applied in a away that resonates to their worldview.
In particular, this week we're going to learn the art of convincing someone they're already worshipping an Unknown God. We're also going to see the importance of repeatedly pushing people back towards the Resurrection as the focal point of any evangelistic conversation.
We focus on Jesus as the Good Shepherd in our study this morning. Pastor Jeske’s message is based on John chapter 10 - “THE GOOD SHEPHERD REALLY DOES CARE FOR HIS SHEEP.”
This week we'll be studying Acts 17:16-34under the worship theme of "PAUL'S SERMON IN ATHENS I: Witnessing to a Post-Christian World." Acts 17 may very well be the single most helpful text in the Bible for figuring out how to evangelize in 2020 America. The highly educated, pluralistic, hedonistic philosophers that Paul meets in Athens are about as close a biblical equivalent to America's cultural moment as one can find. The Athenians need Law & Gospel, but they need it applied in a way that resonates to their worldview. So we're actually going to spend 2 weeks seeing how Paul teaches us to do that.
Join Pastor Leyrer on this Third Sunday of Easter as we worship under the theme “He Lives in Our Hearts by His Word.” Today’s message is titled “What a Difference God’s Word Makes,” and is based on Acts 2:36-47.
This week we'll be studying Acts 16:23-34 under the worship theme of "THE JAILER AT PHILIPPI: How a pragmatist gets converted." Acts 16 is a chapter of conversions that are all unique. Timothy, Lydia, The Slaver Girl, and the Jailer are all VERY different people. The gospel works for all of them. And yet God's ministry to them through Paul (and others) is different from one situation to the next. It tells us something about God's personal discipleship plan for us. In particular, we're going to zero in on the category of person that most modern people fall into - the Jailer, i.e. the pragmatist. The Jailer is spiritually apathetic. What can shake someone out of their indifference and lethargy about Jesus? ANSWER: crisis & the practical benefits of Christian faith. We'll see all of that in this lesson as Paul & Silas minister in prison.
For the past 3 years, after Easter, we've taken a look at the Book of Acts, which tells us what the Early Church did after Jesus ascended into heaven. This year we will do the same, moving from Acts 15 - Acts 19, covering incredibly valuable lessons from The Jerusalem Council, Paul's Mission Work in Macedonia, Paul's Sermon in Athens, and the Rioting in Ephesus.
This week we'll be studying Acts 15:1-21under the worship theme of "THE JERUSALEM COUNCIL: The Gospel is BOTH Non-Negotiable AND Extraordinarily Flexible." The Council at Jerusalem is the single most important event of the Early Christian Church that most Christians don't really know about. Yes, Jesus died for our sins and rose from the grave and the Spirit now compels us to believe this. But are there REALLY no further qualifications for salvation? Your flesh and world religions tell you there are. The gospel says otherwise.
Pastor James Hein leads us in worship on this Maundy Thursday under the theme “A Union of Things Coming Together” based on Hebrews 10:19:25.
Pastor Jeske leads us in worship this morning as we observe Palm Sunday. Today’s message is titled “I Must Keep Going” and is based on Luke 13:31-25.
This week we'll be studying John 12:20-33under the worship theme of "Jesus Offers LIFE THROUGH DEATH." Common sense would tell us the way to rise above the world would be to go up. But Jesus' Kingdom is upside-down to this world. In this lesson he'll provide an extraordinary analogy of a seed dying that gives us the secret to Kingdom expansion. The way to LIFE is actually through DEATH.
Pastor Hein explains why we and other churches keep baptismal fonts visible in their sanctuaries. We can take comfort not only in our own baptism but also the baptism of our Savior. Based on Romans 6:1-4.
Pastor Steinberg centers his message around the figure of Jesus that stands central not just in our sanctuary, but also in our lives.
This week we'll be studying John 12:1-1under the worship theme of "Jesus Offers THE ULTIMATE INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY." Sometimes "zealot" or "fanatic" is used as a dirty word for religious practitioners. The reality, however, is that EVERYBODY worships someone/something, and worship, by its very essence, is extreme. So what does extreme Christian worship look like? We find a perfect example this week in Mary of Bethany.
From now until Easter we are back into our GOSPEL OF JOHN: Believe and Live! series, in which we see how our own unbelief is the biggest obstacle we find to true life.
This week we'll be studying John 11:17-27under the worship theme of "Jesus Offers SYMPATHY & HOPE." Jesus loves all people, but he also had some earthly friends that were his closest. Mary, Martha, and Lazarus fell into that category. So, when Jesus hears that Lazarus has fallen ill, and waits to visit him, his patience in the face of panic doesn't feel like love to his friends. We can learn so much from Jesus' interaction with Martha - including how to process grief, how Jesus ministers to us personally, and what the resurrection really means beyond even any superficial level.
Pastor Kleist outlines the meaning of phrase INRI (Iēsus Nazarēnus, Rēx Iūdaeōrum)or, "Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews," which was fixed above Jesus' head during his crucifixion.
Recorded on March 11, 2020.
From now until Easter we are back into our GOSPEL OF JOHN: Believe and Live! series, in which we see how our own unbelief is the biggest obstacle we find to true life.
This week we'll be studying John 10:1-15under the worship theme of "Jesus Offers GOOD SHEPHERDING." The only Bible text that I’m aware that is built into EVERY funeral service is Psalm 23 – the Good Shepherd Psalm (i.e. “The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want... …” There MUST be something about it that so powerfully resonates with human longing that in our most vulnerable moments, the SHEPHERD metaphor, even in a non-shepherding society, is comforting. The safety, the satisfaction, the protection and provision, the tender loving care…it touches the heart in a profound way. Why? We all intuitively know we need some form of shepherding. And Jesus tells us he IS the GOOD SHEPHERD.
This year for Lent, we’re walking through the theme, "Silent Sermons from the Sanctuary" to find inspiration and depth of learning from within the walls of our church.
"The Zimbelstern"
Recorded 03/04/2020
From now until Easter we are back into our GOSPEL OF JOHN: Believe and Live! series, in which we see how our own unbelief is the biggest obstacle we find to true life.
This week we'll be studying John 8:12-20under the worship theme of "Jesus Offers LIGHT FROM ABOVE." One of the hallmarks of The Gospel of John is the 7 famous "I AM" statements. In this text we find Jesus' claim: "I AM the light of the world." And the obvious question is what does that even mean? What properties does LIGHT possess that are properly applied to Jesus Christ. We'll figure that out and find out what it means for us.
This year for Lent, we’re walking through the theme, "Silent Sermons from the Sanctuary" to find inspiration and depth of learning from within the walls of our church.
"The Communion Vessels of St. Marcus"
Ash Wednesday
Recorded 02/26/2020
From now until Easter we are back into our GOSPEL OF JOHN: Believe and Live! series, in which we see how our own unbelief is the biggest obstacle we find to true life.
This week we'll be studying John 8:2-11under the worship theme of "Jesus Offers GRACE & TRUTH." Here we find a woman who was caught in adultery. We learn something very important about the perception of sexual sins, the necessary order of grace & obedience, and the amazing relief that comes when we move closer to Jesus.
Our current series is called "ALL IN" and is a study of how Christ sacrificed EVERYTHING for us, and how the appropriate response is that every aspect of our lives would fully belong to him as well.
This week we'll be studying Deuteronomy 16:13-17under the worship theme of "Generosity Is Worship." As we do a brief view of God's major festivals in the Old Testament, with special emphasis on the Feast of Tabernacles, we see that bringing an offering to the Lord was an integral part of worship. We'll also pursue what it means that God now desires for us to offer our entire selves as "living sacrifices" (Rom. 12:1). Since Jesus' offering at the cross completed all sin/guilt offerings for us, what do our offerings signify?
Our current series is called "ALL IN" and is a study of how Christ sacrificed EVERYTHING for us, and how the appropriate response is that every aspect of our lives would fully belong to him as well.
This week we'll be studying Hebrews 12:1-3under the worship theme of "Grateful Generosity." The big idea is that this life is a battlefield, a race, a fight by which we build godly character. We receive God's Word, flex God's promises, fix our eyes on Jesus who completes us and our salvation, and in doing so ... become the people that we're made to be. There is great joy and gratitude in becoming more what God created us to be.
This week we'll be studying Luke 21:1-4under the worship theme of "Generosity is for Everybody." The concept of generosity is not about amounts, but about the heart. Consequently, every human is equally capable of and responsible for generosity. And every soul that has been graciously saved by Jesus has special reason to express generosity. We'll see one of my favorite examples of that this week when we look at the poor widow who offers to God her last two copper coins.
For the next 5 weeks we'll be hitting the pause button on our Gospel of John series so that we can do something for the first time in my experience at St. Marcus - we're worshipping under the same themes & lessons across all of our services. The series is called "ALL IN" and is a study of how Christ sacrificed EVERYTHING for us, and how the appropriate response is that every aspect of our lives would fully belong to him as well. This week we'll be studying Exodus 16:10-18under the worship theme of "Leaving a Legacy." There are some amazing concepts embedded in this account of God's miraculous provision to the Israelites. We're going to narrow down how the Israelites' story in the wilderness correlates to our story today. And we're going to see how God's rules for collecting that provision correlate to life principles for the management of blessings today. Tremendous wisdom in here about how God takes care of us and we take care of one another.
For the next 5 weeks we'll be hitting the pause button on our Gospel of John series so that we can do something for the first time in my experience at St. Marcus - we're worshipping under the same themes & lessons across all of our services. The series is called "ALL IN" and is a study of how Christ sacrificed EVERYTHING for us, and how the appropriate response is that every aspect of our lives would fully belong to him as well.
This week we'll be studying 2 Corinthians 9:6-11 under the theme of "Confident Generosity." This portion of 2 Corinthians is arguably the most extensive teaching in all the Bible on generosity and any Christian who presumes to be generous must do some wrestling with.
|
| In the opening weeks of our series, Jesus is clearly making the case of his Messiahship. This week something happens that is somewhat shocking and disappointing, but is nonetheless quite revealing - Jesus miraculously heals a man who doesn't appreciate him, doesn't worship him, and actually turns him in to the authorities. And the Apostle John, in his own way, is teaching us this is the basic way humanity reacts to the GRACE of Jesus Christ. The gospel is never what the flesh expects, often what the flesh isn't asking for, and we'll figure out what that means as we study "The Miracle at the Pool by an Unrecognized God" from John 5:1-30. |
|
|
| | |
|
In the opening weeks of our series, Jesus is clearly making the case of his Messiahship. He's made his case to his early disciples and the Jewish Leadership, and this week he's making his case to the Samaritans. Specifically, Jesus here encounters a woman who has been ostracized from her community due to her lifestyle choices. But Jesus refuses to avoid her. He travels directly to her and states that his gospel is for her as well. This week we seek a perfect template for evangelism as we study John 4:1-24.
In the opening weeks of our series, Jesus is clearly making the case of his Messiahship. Last week he made his case to and through John the Baptist and his early disciples/followers. This week, Jesus is making his case to Jewish leadership. Specifically, he has an encounter with a religious leader named Nicodemus, who he tells to be “born again.” This interaction offers us fascinating insights on the difference between religious moralism and the gospel life. This week we’ll look at “Nicodemus and Being Born Again” from John 3:1-15.
From Christmas till Easter, each year, we’ve been working our way through a Gospel. 2 years ago we did Mark. Last year we did Matthew. This year we’ll be taking a look at The Gospel of John. The Apostle John was in the inner circle of Jesus’ disciples. He was an eyewitness of Jesus’ ministry and resurrection and his Gospel is the last recorded of the four. The purpose of his book is to see the clear evidence that Jesus is the Son of God, God himself, and experience the abundant life that comes as a result.
For the first 5 weeks of this series, we’ll be looking at Jesus making his case of his Messiahship, to a variety of different groups. This week Jesus is making his case of Messiahship to his early followers.
We’ll open John’s Gospel with a brief study of John the Baptist (different guy from the author). John the Baptist gets the insane distinction of being the greatest human ever born (discounting Jesus himself). What made him so special? Well, of course it was God’s grace. But comparatively, John the Baptist saw something better than anyone else. What was it? And if we saw it to, what would happen? We’ll answer that question this week as we look at “John the Baptist’s Sense of Self” from John 1:19-34.
We are in our last week in Genesis. And we’re closing with one of my favorite stories of the Bible. It was not until I was an adult, and I comprehended God’s activity in the story of Joseph & his family, that I started to understand the power of God’s sovereignty in my life. This week’s lesson teaches us not merely THAT we should forgive others or THAT we should be content in all of life’s circumstances, but it explains WHY it’s so reasonable. This week we’ll be studying the infinitely deep and beautiful lesson of “Joseph Forgiving His Brothers” from Genesis 50:15-21.
For 2 weeks, we watched Jacob move from being a casual believer, to experience an encounter with God’s grace at rock bottom, to struggling with life, wrestling with God, and ultimately holding on to God until he experiences God’s blessing. But how would all of this affect Jacob’s family? The good and the bad travels with Jacob. And this week we move a bit from contemplating our faith in the dark, individual moments, to contemplating how it operates in the communal, relational moments. We’ll be studying “Joseph’s Dreams” from Genesis 37:2-11, 23-36.
Last week we saw Jacob experiencing his first encounter with God. We learned that it’s one thing to knowabout God, but another to know God. This week, 20 years later, we see that Jacob has only come to truly trust God after struggling him. And we learn that an essential part of developing a relationship with God can only come in wrestling with him. This week we’ll be studying “Jacob Wrestles With God” from Genesis 32:22-32.
Jacob is the perfect illustration of what happens when you don’t get loved the right way and you start self-medicating. You’re become both a victim and a criminal – i.e. you hurt from problems you didn’t create, but then you take matters into your own hands and try to solve things, only to end up making the situation worse. The real solution is that God’s grace drives him into our brokenness. That experience of grace is what leads to heart transformation. This week, we’ll see what that looked like in the life of Jacob, and what it can mean in ours as well as we study “Jacob’s Ladder” in Genesis 28:10-22.
The only way to truly measure love is to see what you’re willing to endure in order to bless someone. In other words, true love can only be measured by sacrifice. The Bible says this is how we know the extent to which God loves us (1 John 3:16). There is likely not a better image in the Old Testament that depicts the gospel than the story of “Abraham Offers Isaac to God,” from Genesis 22:1-18, which we’ll study this week. We learn here something about the necessity of sacrifice for meaning in life, for reciprocating God’s love, and, most importantly, God’s sacrifice for our salvation.
One of the most divisive stories in the Bible is that of “Sodom and Gomorrah Destroyed.” Often, the reason for the controversy stems from each of us looking at the account through our own narrow lens. In reality, the account is one of undeserved, gracious, miraculous deliverance. This week we’ll see what we can learn about the “Sin of Sodom”, the erosion of godliness, and the integrity of our Christian witness as we study Genesis 19:1-17.
One of the principle teachings of the Reformation was the Doctrine of Vocation – the idea that there aren’t spiritual classes, but rather, that God has called EVERY believer to meaningful work. Much seems mysterious about this “calling” thing, so we’ll clear up some confusion about God’s call, we’ll wrestle with the implications of what it actually means, and we’ll see the grace that exists in the Christian call. We’ll do this as we worship under the theme “The Call of Abram” and study Gen. 12:1-9.
This week, we’re hitting the pause button on our current worship series to hold an October Missions Festival. We will be praying for home missions, world missions, and the personal mission fields in each of our lives. We will be studying Colossians 3:1-2, 16 and applying what it means to let the message of Christ dwell deeply within us and within our congregation
In our 4th week of the series, we yet again hit another major turning point in human history – the story of Noah and the Flood. We’ll learn that the “Floods” of a fallen world are primarily caused by human selfishness. The only way to find shelter in the midst of the inevitable storms is still in the Ark. And the way to be confident that God has turned away his anger from humanity is by focusing on a sweet-smelling sacrifice from his Son. We’ll be studying a whole bunch of verses from Gen 6-9.
We’re in our 3rd week of the series, and this week we’ll be dissecting the story of Cain and Abel. Envy and bitterness result in a highly religious guy, a guy who knows God, killing his own brother, with painful consequences. Already in a fallen world, we discover how sin, God’s grace, and hope for salvation are present in every human story. We’ll be studying Genesis 4:1-16.
Outside of Jesus’ death and resurrection, the most classic, most famous story of the Bible is likely the Fall of Mankind. It is the quintessential story of INFINITE DEPTH. The exact same dynamics that happened with Adam and Eve in the Garden at the Tree has happened to humans billions of times since. And the solution is the same. What are those dynamics? We’ll dig into it as we examine Adam and Eve’s Fall from Genesis 3:1-9.
We all have a lot of stories that we perhaps studied as kids in Sunday School, but we’ve never really, fully reexamined them as adults. These stories do have superficial morals, which we probably learned when we were young, but we may not have understood how the stories fit in to the greater story of Jesus and salvation, nor how our daily struggles resonate with these ancient characters. They are INFINITELY deep. So, we revisit them, not because the stories are new, but because we are continuously being made new.
This week we’ll examine the Creation Account from Genesis 1:1-25.
In the final week of our series, we’ll be looking at our 4th St. Marcus CORE VALUE: Radical Expectations. We’ll be studying the story of Jesus, on Maundy Thursday, getting down on his hands and knees and washing his disciples’ feet. It was a disgusting task that demonstrated unthinkable humility. Further shocking to the system is the fact that Jesus then says, “You will be blessed if you do these things.” What does this mean? We’ll look to find out as we study together John 13:1-9, 17.
This week we come to the 3rd of our St. Marcus CORE VALUES: Biblical Discipleship. This concept means that your life agenda is not your own; it’s not driven by your wants and desires. Growth and development requires structure and discipline. It requires sitting at the feet of another as well as helping lead another. It requires confronting the truth, no matter how enjoyable or painful…because the truth of God sets people free. Jesus elaborates on this method to liberation as we study together John 8:31-42.
Last week, we had the opportunity to talk about what sacrificial love to one another looks like, including in our community. This week we’re hopping back to look at the first of our CORE VALUES, “Christ First.” It’s ultimately an issue of priorities. And the story of Mary & Martha is tremendously profound when it comes to learning to balance multiple important things in life. This week we’ll study Luke 10:38-42.
For the second straight year, we’re going to be spending a month at the beginning of our school year studying our St. Marcus CORE VALUES. This week we’re looking at the CORE VALUE of “Sacrificial Love” as we have the 3rd annual opportunity to be “in our community” for worship at our Outdoor Service.
Run the Race Marked Out For You
I. Christ is Your Strength
II. God Gives You Training
Based on Hebrews 12:1-11
This is the FINAL WEEK in our summer series on Romans. After explaining our justification (chapters 1-4), and our the initial natural reactions of our flesh to that justification (chapters 5-7), the Apostle Paul is now going to teach us about how to lead a “Life by the Spirit” (Rom. 8:5-17). This involves a radical redefining of WHO you are and WHAT you do in life.
We’re up to week 9 of 10 in our summer Romans series. In chapter 6, Paul addressed the attitude that if Jesus paid for our sins, our sins must not matter anymore. Now, in chapter 7, he’s moving into teaching us how to better fight temptation. All Christians struggle with sin. But all Christians are also given a supernatural power to overcome. And the long-term answer to winning more battles is not merely in asserting greater willpower. This week we’ll look at a lesson on “War With Self” as we study Romans 7:14-25.
In Romans 6, Paul is helping us work out the implications of “Justification” (i.e. God declares us “not guilty” of our sins because of Jesus’ work. That means eternal salvation! But what does it mean for my life RIGHT NOW?) If my sins don’t detract from my salvation, do they even matter? If good works don’t generate salvation, then why bother? Paul anticipates that logic and responds by giving us a lesson on what it means to be “Slaves to Righteousness” in Romans 6:19-23.
We are in the 2nd half of our summer series on Romans. The Apostle Paul has clearly established that salvation comes as the gift of Christ Jesus, not through pedigree (who you are) or performance (what you do). The natural response for some listeners was to say, “Well, I guess what I do in my life doesn’t make any difference then. Are you saying my sins don’t matter?” Paul is directly addressing that logic this week and it’s supremely practical.
Paul confronts everything you’ve ever been disgusted with in yourself or others in licentious, lukewarm, standardless Christianity. And he teaches us that if we are “United to Christ” we become instruments of righteousness. Join us this week as we examine Romans 6:5-14.
This week we begin our 2nd half of the series on Romans. The Apostle Paul is shifting from making the radical statement that we are saved by grace (NOT performance or pedigree) through faith in chapters 1-4 to now teaching about how that impacts our present lives in chapters 5-8. This week we’ll learn 4 distinct and amazing implications of the Christian gospel as we worship under the theme “What Justification Brings” and study Romans 5:1-11.
Every human wants acceptance, love, and appreciation. In this world, we’re convinced we’ll have to work for it. That’s how the world operates - meritocracy. So we work hard at something on which all our hope rests. The Apostle Paul would call that life pursuit our “boast.” And if we achieve what we’re working for, we become proud. If we fail at what we’re working for, we start self-loathing. Both of those are dangerous.
But what if there was a validation we could receive that would make us confident, but not arrogant? Humble in success but also content even after failure. The gospel offers exactly that. It’s what Abraham needed. It’s what David need. And Paul will teach us this week that we need it too as we study Romans 4:1-8.
At the center of all biblical doctrine is Paul’s Letter to the Romans. And at the center of Romans is the notion of gifted“RIGHTEOUSNESS,” perhaps the most under-comprehended, underappreciated teaching of the Bible. This week we’ll do our most thorough study of this concept of “The Righteousness of the Gospel” as we examine Romans 3:21-31.
In Romans, Paul teaches that the good news of Jesus is the only one-size-fits-all solution for humanity. Last week we established that the gospel is the thing that the pagan world desperately needs. The bad behaviors in society come when people suppress the truth of God and exchange it for a love of created things. This week, Paul teaches about another form of idolatry – a religious idolatry. Consequently, though they tend to be shocked by this revelation, religious people need the gospel just as much as the pagans. Paul will expound on this truth as we study Romans 2:17-29.
Humanity’s greatest need is reconciliation to the God we’ve rebelled against. Last week, the Apostle Paul told us that this reconciliation cannot come through man’s work, but only through Christ’s gift. This week, Paul adds the thought that the pagan world is not inherently interested in this “good news” of Jesus. This world inherently knows the truths of God, but suppresses those inconvenient truths, choosing to worship created things rather than a Creator God. And this idolatry drives all the bad behavior we see in the world, including our own. As we study Romans 1:18-25 this week, however, we’ll see what God does to solve the problem.
This summer we’re going to be working our way through the first half of Paul’s Letter to the Romans, which is considered by many scholars to be the most foundational of Christian writings. It is here that the Apostle Paul, who is the primary human agent that God uses to record the New Testament, lays out the essence of the gospel in the most comprehensive form. This week, as we hear Paul stating that he is not “ashamed” of the gospel, we’ll be looking at the natural offense the message of Jesus is to human flesh, which is further proof as to why we need that gospel. The start to our series will be a study of Romans 1:16-17.
This is our final week in the series and we’ll be worshipping under the theme “Merely Human Messengers.”This week we examine a fascinating account from Acts 14:8-21 in which the pagans in the city of Lystra don’t know what to make of Christian missionaries Paul and Barnabas. In fact, after witnessing a miracle, they start worshipping them as gods. This week we’ll examine what we can learn from this for our own witness.
Our theme for this week is “Paul’s Early Preaching.”When it comes to witnessing, an area where many Christians get stuck is in debating peripherals – aspects of the sanctified life God intends for his people. In reality, the most important point of discussion is “Did Jesus rise?” Our willingness to submit to his will all hinges on whether or not he’s God. The Apostle Paul is excellent about always staying on task and we too can learn how to stay focused in spiritual discussions as we study Acts 13:26-44.
Our theme for this week is “What the Church Did.”In Chapter 11, after hearing three stories of conversion, we start to understand that the gospel is moving full force out into the Gentile world. Perhaps the best example of that is the church in Antioch under the leadership of Barnabas. Studying that location and that guy will give us a fantastic insight in how the Holy Spirit seeks to work through his churches in the city today. This week’s message comes from Acts 11:19-30.
Our theme for this week is “The Conversion of Saul.”The Book of Acts tells us a great deal about conversion. Conversion is an essential part of Christianity. And while in one sense, our hearts are converted only once, in another sense, as our sinful unbelief it’s perpetually being fought by the Spirit, our hearts are continually converting. Saul of Tarsus, who turns from persecutor of Christians to famous missionary is perhaps the most famous conversion in history and there’s a ton to learn as we study Acts 9:10-19.
Our theme for this week is “Philip and a Foreigner.”The Book of Acts tells us the story of the Early Christian Church. By and large, what the Spirit of God moved the early Christians to believe and do would seemingly fully apply to us still today. This includes things like gospel proclamation, conversion, discipleship, communal love and healing, etc. In the second quarter of Acts, we see numerous stories of conversion that should shape the way we understand Christianity, and inspire us to deeper discipleship, particularly extending ourselves into the lives of those drastically different from us. This week, we find an early church leader (Philip) evangelizing a highly talented, but spiritual lost foreigner (an Ethiopian eunuch.) There’s much to learn as we study Acts 8:26-40.
Our theme for this week is “Jesus: Coming as King.”The Bible is filled with irony at its most crucial moments. When God becomes human at Christmas, he’s born in a barn, lower than most humans. When Jesus conquers Satan on Good Friday, it’s not the blood of enemies, but his own blood being poured out. When Jesus rises on Easter Sunday he appears first to women, who don’t legally qualify as witnesses. When God the Spirit evangelizes about Jesus at Pentecost, he does so through Peter, the guy who most famously had denied Jesus. Our salvation is thoroughly ironic, right down to the fact that we are saved by grace, not by works. All that said, I might argue that the event which most clearly teaches this irony, and the subsequent confusion of mankind, is that which takes place on the weekend prior to Holy Week – Jesus Coming as a King into the Holy City. We’ll learn what this teaches us and how to use it this Saturday as we study Matthew 21:1-11.
Our theme for this week is “Jesus: The Next Life.”Will we be married in heaven? It’s not a question to which a simple “YES” or “NO” is a sufficient answer. It’s complicated. But it’s also beautiful. And it’s practical. That’s what made it a great test question when the Sadducees presented it to Jesus. His answer is paradigm-shifting. And in the process, Jesus exposes the real issue with the Sadducees, which is one that we unwittingly struggle with just as much. We’ll find out how to leverage the promises of heaven in our daily lives this week as we examine Matthew 22:23-33.
Our theme for this week is “Jesus: Why Grace and Not Merit.” This week we’re taking a look at one of the most seemingly UNFAIR stories in the Bible. It’s a parable in which Jesus teaches us how His Kingdom works. And it totally exposes our flesh’s inherent dislike of grace. On Saturday we’ll be studying The Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard from Matthew 20:1-16.
Our theme for this week is “Jesus: How To Forgive.”When defining Christianity, the place you have to start is forgiveness. While this might seem obvious, it’s often forgotten. The fact that we’re bitter comes from holding grudges. This is a lack of forgiveness. The lack of self-esteem we have and the self-loathing that comes from regret. This is a lack of forgiveness. The inability to form and maintain meaningful relationships. Generally speaking, this is a lack of forgiveness. Christianity is nothing if it isn’t forgiveness. But Jesus’ forgiveness offers us life and teaches us how to do life. We’ll learn the practical steps of reconciliation as we study from Matthew 18:15-20.
Pastor Jeske's message from the Feast of St. Patrick service.
Acts 18:1-4
After this, Paul left Athens and went to Corinth. There he met a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, who had recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla, because Claudius had ordered all Jews to leave Rome. Paul went to see them,and because he was a tentmaker as they were, he stayed and worked with them.Every Sabbath he reasoned in the synagogue, trying to persuade Jews and Greeks.
Our theme for this week is “Jesus: Sufficient Evidence.”A major factor to our insecurities in life is not as much a lack of evidence/reason to be secure, but a lack of belief despite the evidence. This week, we’ll see Jesus teach the Pharisees about the sufficiency of the “Sign of Jonah.” The death & resurrection of Christ is the ultimate proof that we are loved by God and that God is in control of our lives. Come learn further what this means as we study Matthew 12:38-45.
Our theme for this week is “Jesus: The Necessity of Priority.”A fallen human heart struggles to ascribe value to the right things. We are, by nature, misprioritizers. Since the word “worship” comes from the Old English “worth-ship” (meaning, to ascribe value), we should assume that without the guidance of God’s Word, we’re continually struggling with worshipping the wrong things. We need Word & Sacraments to aim us back in the right direction. Jesus offers a profound teaching on the nature of priorities through two very short parables which we’ll study this week, from Matthew 13:44-46.
Our theme for this week is “Jesus: The Danger of Rejection and Joy of Reception.”Perhaps the single most common question I get about God as a pastor today is some variation of “How could a loving God send someone to hell?” Closely related to that is the question of if salvation comes through the good news of the gospel, how is it fair that some people seemingly have more access to the gospel than others? It’s an honest and logical question. But it’s also one God has already thought about. While God doesn’t answer every speculation we might have, he always provides reasonable evidence for us to see his wisdom and love. We’ll learn about the nature of God’s judgment this week as we study Matthew 11:20-30.
Our theme for this week is “Jesus: Sends Out The Weak.”Last week we said that if you’re a Christian, that means that you’re called. But God always calls people in for the purpose of sending them out. YOU will be his witnesses! What will we accomplish? How should we prepare? What can we expect? We learn all of that as we see Jesus send out his disciples for the first time in Matthew 10:5-22.
Our theme for this week is “Jesus: Calls Sinners.”Since Matthew is writing predominantly to Jewish leaders, he’s often pushing the angle of how the good news of Jesus and following Jesus is different from traditional religion. This week, that tension is highlighted by the phrase, “I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” (Matt. 9:13) When Jesus calls us, what is he calling us away from? And what is he calling us to? We’ll discuss all of that and more as we examine Matthew 9:9-17.
This week we get to look at a collection of Jesus’ miracles as we worship under the theme “Jesus: Healer of Wounds.” What is the goal of Jesus’ miracles? What is the environment in which they take place? What do they teach us about the character of Jesus and where we’re going? What do they tell us about how we should be spending our time on earth? We’ll discuss all of these as we do an overview of Jesus’ Miracles while studying Matthew 8:5-17.
We finish up our look at Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount this week by learning the difference between real & false Christianity. The Sermon on the Mount is less a tale of good vs. evil and more a tale of authentic vs. counterfeit Christianity. And Jesus, this week, teaches about the marks of genuine faith, as we study Matthew 7:15-23.
Our worship series in early 2019 is titled The Gospel of Matthew: The One You’ve Been Waiting For.
This week, we move into Jesus’ famous “Sermon on the Mount.” We live in a society that tells us we must never make judgments upon others and sometimes even says this is fully a biblical sentiment. What does Jesus really teach about making judgments? He offers a brilliant, somewhat controversial teaching on the spiritual discernment of others in Matthew 7:1-6.
Our worship series in early 2019 is titled The Gospel of Matthew: The One You’ve Been Waiting For.
This week, we encounter the famous story of Jesus’ Testing in the Wilderness. It’s the single best blueprint he gives us in the Gospels for overcoming temptation. But his endurance also helps us understand the depths of his love. This week we’ll be studying Matthew 4:1-11.
As we start a new year, we start a new worship series, titled The Gospel of Matthew: The One You’ve Been Waiting For.
As we begin Matthew’s Gospel, we’ll study a young Jesus’ flight from Bethlehem to Egypt and back to Nazareth. This story tells us something very interesting about the journey not only of Christ, but of our lives. We will face opposition at every stop, and glory will come from unexpected places. Our teaching will be based on Matthew 2:13-23.
The end of the year is a nice time not only to remember, but also to let go. The biblical concept of forgiveness is primarily letting go of holding things against others any longer. This doesn’t come naturally. And when it doesn’t come at all, this bitterness turns into what is called WRATH. It’s the same impulse that led to Esau desiring to kill his own brother. We need to learn how to forgive in order to find peace. And this week, we’ll learn how to do that by studying Hebrews 12:12-17.
Without question, perhaps especially this time of year, the world struggles with ENVY. And for many of us, it’s not nearly as simple as wanting more material things. Sometimes it’s the charm of a seemingly perfect family. Sometimes it’s the talents of someone who objectively just has more gifts than us. Or sometimes it’s simply the nostalgic longing for “the way things used to be.” But that yearning for MORE easily turns into a despising of what we currently have, and this eats away at our souls. It definitely happened with the Israelites. And this week we’ll see what to do about it as we study Numbers 11:4-6.
If the world has a definition of “sin” anymore, it’d probably be something like doing bad things. That’s partially true. In Catechism classes, we might call that “Sins of Commission.” But more subtle, and sometimes more offensive, are what we might call “Sins of Omission.” This is not so much doing the wrong thing, but failing to do the right thing. This hurts people just as much. And these are the sins that are the easiest to forget about. We’ll be discussing this concept of the deadly sin of LAZINESS/SLOTH as we tackle the case study of Jacob in Genesis 34:1-7.
The concept of the Seven Deadly Sins is not so much that we love bad things, but that we hyper-love and over desire good things. It’s an excessiveness and misguided prioritization of the heart. The sin of LUST is primarily a sin of craving the excitement and pleasure of human sexuality in a way outside of God’s beautiful design.
This week we’ll be looking at a case study on LUST in the story of Joseph & Potiphar’s Wife from Genesis 39:2-21.
The concept of the Seven Deadly Sins is not so much that we love bad things, but that we hyper-love and over desire good things. It’s an excessiveness and misguided prioritization of the heart. The sin of GLUTTONY is primarily a sin of the excessive craving of a good thing.
This week we’ll be looking at a case study on GLUTTONY in the person of Achan from Joshua 7:19-25
Our WLS senior pastoral assistant, Sam Jeske, preaches under the theme “Life In the Face of Death” – the story of Jesus raising his friend Lazarus back to life, from John 11:32-45.
The concept of the Seven Deadly Sins is not so much that we love bad things, but that we hyper-love and over desire good things. It’s an excessiveness and misguided prioritization of the heart. According to the Bible, the simplest thing to over love in the world is wealth. Why is giving ourselves (and our wealth) away an essential component to a Christian’s life? What does generosity accomplish? For that matter, why is the spread of the gospel an important thing to be generous about?
This week we’ll be looking at a case study on GREED in the person of THE RICH YOUNG RULER from Matthew 19:16-26.
For the rest of 2018, we’ll be working through a worship series on The Seven Deadly Sins.
SUMMARY: My first exposure to the Seven Deadly Sins came in 1996, when I sat mesmerized, watching a film based on the premise, starring Brad Pitt and Morgan Freeman. I came to find that even more fascinating than the movie itself was the concept of behavioural vices. Humans have a horrific capacity to excessively pursue their natural passions. We don’t just want what is bad – we hyperlove that which is good, distorting it in an ungodly fashion. Great writers throughout history, like Chaucer and Dante, have also understood this perversity, which is why the Seven Deadly Sins became a major theme of their most famous works. In 590AD, Pope Gregory revised the work of several earlier church fathers and, in his Summa Theologica listed “capital sins” that all others flow from, which is what gave us our modern list of 7. Many preachers throughout history have preached their way through the list. This is my first attempt.
This week we’ll be looking at a case study on PRIDE, in the person of King Nebuchadnezzar from Daniel 4:24-37.
2 Timothy 3:10-17
You, however, know all about my teaching, my way of life, my purpose, faith, patience, love, endurance, persecutions, sufferings—what kinds of thingsv happened to me in Antioch, Iconium and Lystra, the persecutions I endured. Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them. In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, while evildoers and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. (NIV)
Psalm 150
1 Praise the Lord.
Praise God in his sanctuary;
praise him in his mighty heavens.
2 Praise him for his acts of power;
praise him for his surpassing greatness.
3 Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet,
praise him with the harp and lyre,
4 praise him with timbrel and dancing,
praise him with the strings and pipe,
5 praise him with the clash of cymbals,
praise him with resounding cymbals.
6 Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.
Praise the Lord. (NIV)
1 Corinthians 2:1-5
And so it was with me, brothers and sisters. When I came to you, I did not come with eloquence or human wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God. For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. I came to you in weakness with great fear and trembling. My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, so that your faith might
not rest on human wisdom, but on God’s power. (NIV)
This is the final week in our St. Marcus CORE VALUES worship series. We’re looking at our 4th Core Value: Radical Expectations. And this week we’ll be noting how a lack of courage, a lack of expectation, is actually an offense to God as we study Joshua 1:6-11,16.
In our St. Marcus CORE VALUES worship series, we’re looking at our 4th Core Value: Radical Expectations. Many hard workers and organizations possess high expectations for themselves, but in what ways should a Christian Church’s expectation for itself differ from worldly expectations. This week we’ll take a look at Colossians 3:18-25 as we start the study of our final core value.
Jesus is probably the only religious leader you will ever find who actively and intentionally shrinks his congregation. Jesus is constantly pushing followers to calculate the cost of discipleship prior to entering the journey. We’ll take a look at what he says the qualifications are and how they apply to us when we study Luke 9:22-26.
In our St. Marcus CORE VALUES worship series, we’re looking at our 3rd Core Value: Biblical Discipleship. As we study Paul’s letter to a man he helped disciple, Titus, he offers to us 3 essential components to Biblical Discipleship. Find out what they are as we examine Titus 2:1-11.
This week we continue our theme of St. Marcus CORE VALUES. Last week we began our study of our 2nd Core Value: Sacrificial Love. This week we’re going to study Romans 5:1-8 to see those to whom we are naturally inclined to show sacrificial love and to those to whom God is calling us to show sacrificial love.
This week, we recount the time in Jesus' ministry where he exorcised a man possessed by countless demons. We tackle a few difficult questions that come up within this portion of the Gospel and relate it to some of the demons that every sinner faces every day.
This week we continue our theme of St. Marcus CORE VALUES. We’re moving on now to our 2nd Core Value: Sacrificial Love. We’ll take a look at the world’s definition of love, how that impacts us, and how a biblical definition of love has and will change us. We’ll be studying 1 John 3:11-20.
This week we continue our theme of St. Marcus CORE VALUES. Core Values are the durable identity that you take with you wherever you go. The first of our 4 Core Values is Christ First. Last week, we saw that if “seek first His kingdom and righteousness”,we find the solution to our worldly fears.This week, we want to take a deeper look at what it means to embody of this trait, living by Jesus’ Spirit. We’ll examine Romans 8:1-6.
For the next 8 weeks we’re finally doing a series I’ve been hoping to do for almost 2 years now – St. Marcus Core Values. Core Values function somewhat like your organizational identity – the durable, fundamental center that you carry with you everywhere you go. The first of our 4 Core Values is Christ First. This week we’ll be studying what it means to “seek first His kingdom and righteousness” as we study Matt. 6:25-34.
As many of us prepare for a day off on Labor Day, we take a look at what the Bible says about what our attitudes towards our daily labors should look like. Slavery was abundant in human history and is mentioned in the Old and New Testament numerous times. In Colossians, Paul has a message for slaves and masters (if written today, it would be more akin to addressing employees and bosses), in which he urges workers to obey the masters in authority and to work with sincerity and reverence for our God.
Colossians 3:22-4:1
Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to curry their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord. Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you willreceive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for their wrongs, and there is no favoritism. Masters, provide your slaves with what is right and fair, because you know that you also have a Master in heaven. (NIV)
Originally preached on March 17th, 2018 and part of the series: The Gospel of Mark, From Throne to Cross and Back. Based on Mark 12:35-44.
We look at what it means to be a friend of Jesus, how one becomes an enemy of Jesus, and what Jesus has already done FOR his enemies.
Our series is called SATAN’S SLEIGHT OF HAND: The mostly untrue things we really need to stop believing.
This week’s lie is “GOD JUST WANTS ME TO BE HAPPY.” Well…..yes, God certainly desires our long-term wellness. But the question remains as to what exactly that means for this life. This week we’ll learn lots from a remarkable description of Moses, from Hebrews 11:23-28, who voluntarily gave up everything Pharoah’s palace had to offer in order to suffer with his people in order to get them to the Promised Land.
Membership in social clubs have declined over recent years. More and more people are stepping away from these types of membership clubs and clinging to their own personal networks, online or otherwise. Hebrews 10:19-35 teaches us perseverance in a different kind of membership - that of our own congregation in the Church of Christ. Our membership into God's "club" was paid for by the sacrifice of his Holy Son, Jesus Christ. We are able to witness and encourage one another through the Sacraments and can be confident with our unlimited access to God.
Today, we dig into what it means to truly love our God. We turn to the end of the Paul's letter to the Ephesians, where we are taught how to live our lives as Christians to the fullest, and to base all our love in Him, and give our lives back to Him.
Ephesians 6:23-24
Peace to the brothers and sisters, and love with faith from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.
The lie for this week is “A LOVING GOD WOULD NEVER SEND ANYONE TO HELL.” Modern America is what philosophers might call a “soft closed religious society.” What that means is that it’s technically not illegal to discuss matters of faith in public, but it’s considered socially inappropriate. Particularly inappropriate would a discussion of Hell. But it’s actually impossible to be a Christian witness, without modifying the gospel of Jesus, if you never address Hell. So the end result is that most Christians today simply don’t witness their faith in any sort of true, vocal way. If we are called to be witnesses, we need to be confident, and biblical, and loving in our witness of Christ. This week we’re going to learn about how to talk about Hell in a true way, but one that resonates with contemporary culture. We’ll be studying Matthew 25:31-46.
Jesus is the Bread of Life and is the only "food" that can nourish the human soul. In John 6, we take a look at how Jesus is the Bread that came from heaven, and how he is the Bread that leads us to Heaven.
The lie for this week is “THAT SIN CAN’T BE FORGIVEN.” In a society that has almost tried to get the word “sin” out of circulation, it’s fascinating that self-loathing over unresolved guilt anger over unexpressed forgiveness is still one of the largest drivers of behavior. This week, we look at the most famous fail of processing guilt in history, the story of Judas Iscariot, to see the necessity of finding forgiveness, including self-forgiveness. We’ll look at Matthew 27:1-10.
The lie for this week is “RELIGION DOESN’T BELONG IN THE WORKPLACE.” Modern Americans are very familiar with the practice of the privatization of faith. But if good news is, in fact, good, then how private can you truly keep it before you insinuate it’s not all that life-changing? Daniel provides a courageous, humble example this week as we study Daniel 1:8-21.
The lie for this week is “I NEED TO MAKE SOMETHING OF MYSELF.” Hold onto this thought – if Jesus died for the sins of the world, the thing that now separates humans from God is not sin as much as it is the false-righteousness that we turn to in place of Jesus. One of the great Tim Keller revelations of my life is that even non-believers/other religious repent of “bad deeds,” but only Christians repent of finding their hope and identity in false, performance-based righteousness. Paul speaks about this brilliantly and candidly in Philippians 3:1-11, which we’ll study together this week.
The lie for this week is “YOU’VE EARNED EVERYTHING YOU HAVE.” The Bible’s clear teaching is that the sin beneath every other sin, the quintessential sin, is PRIDE. And yet, it’s so powerful, so blinding, that none of us even realizes we’re guilty of it. In fact, the most humble people you know are the only ones truly aware of pride.
This week we’re going to do a bit of a character study of arguably the guy in the Bible who most embodies the ugliness of PRIDE. His name is Haman, and we’ll meet him as we study Esther 3:1-6, 6:1-10.
The lie for this week is “YOUR FAITH IS JUST BETWEEN YOU AND GOD.” Researcher Robert Bellah wrote in Habits of the Heart that 81% of Americans believe that you should come to religious conclusions APART from any religious organization. In other words, the majority of people believe you don’t find God in community. They think you find God on your own. The reality is that Americans today, including many Christians, have never reported that they’ve been lonelier. Gen Z 18-22 year-olds are the loneliest, followed by Millennials. Why? Because we’re trying to do life and faith on our own terms, not cemented into Church community. We’ll see how the Apostle Paul teaches us something different as we look at Ephesians 2:19-22.
On this weekend ahead of the July Fourth Holiday, we reflect on the words in 1 Peter 2:13-17. While our country is far from a perfect and united nation, it is best to celebrate the platform which God has given us to be His leaders; leaders to create a fairer and more just world.
This week’s lie is “WOMEN AND MEN ARE BASICALLY THE SAME.” Whether you’re considering chromosomal pairs in a nucleus, sexual organs, or even brain chemistry, or behavior psychology, there are OBVIOUS differences between women and men and logical implications attached to those differences. The problem arises, however, when those differences are abused for selfish gain. In other words, the problem is not in God’s design, but in humanity’s poor execution. As a result, society has adopted more of an egalitarian approach to the sexes. So when we start to discuss things like gender roles in the home and the church, it seems social foreign, perhaps even oppressive.
This week we’re going to dig into some of the texts that a 2018 postmodern climate tends to find confusing, if not offensive and regressive. I’ll do my very best to clear up what I think are both misunderstandings in society and in some traditional churches. And hopefully we’ll take one step closer to the truth and beauty of God’s plan. Please join me as we examine 1 Corinthians 14:26-40.
Just as Jesus calmed the stormy wind and waves while on a boat with his frightened disciples, Jesus is able to still the storms that occur in our daily lives, as well as in our faith.
This week’s lie is “MORE MONEY, MORE HAPPINESS.” Most philosophers and religious leaders throughout history have suggested that contentment is the secret to happiness. And yet, modern research also seems to suggest that $34k/year income is a threshold, and $75k/year is another income threshold for happiness. So which is it? Can we be content without X amount of dollars? Should we be content where we’re at and never pursue more money? What can we do with the money we have that will bring greatest joy? The Apostle Paul has some great insights we’ll study this week from 1 Timothy 6:6-10.
E Pluribus Unum is printed on our money, inscribed on government buildings, and serves as the motto of the United States of America. The Latin phrase translates to "out of many, one." It was, and still stands for a goal - that despite the diversity of people, there will be a unity, to stand as one. E Pluribus Unum could also be a descriptor for the Christian Church as well. We look to Ephesians 4, where we stand in unity for our God, even amongst diversity.
This week’s lie is “IF YOU FEEL DEPRESSED, YOU’RE A BAD CHRISTIAN.” Of anything that I might be experientially qualified to speak on, this is probably it It’s an unfortunate thing to be able to call your wheelhouse. Nonetheless, it’s something I’ve certainly wrestled with over the years, and a topic on which I’ve continuously found God’s Word to be unbelievably insightful. This week we’ll examine depression and happiness through the lens of Psalm 143:1-12.
There are definite patterns in behavior that change from one generation to the next. Oftentimes, these behaviors and new norms can cause distress and resentment between age groups. In this lesson, we learn to enjoy the diversity of different ages. The day after Palm Sunday, children in the temple courts shouted “Hosanna to the Son of David,” to Jesus, which aggravated the Pharisees and teachers of the law. We know that worshipful praise has no generational bounds when it comes to Our God and King.
In the first week of a new series, "Satan's Sleight of Hand: The Mostly Untrue Things We Really Need to Stop Believing," we’re going to address one as volatile in relationships as any – divorce. This week’s lie is “IF YOUR MARRIAGE ISN’T HAPPY, YOU SHOULD LEAVE.” It’s much bigger than a right/wrong issue in most circumstances. It’s a “lies we believe” issue. We’ll look at what Jesus teaches in Matthew 19:1-12 and discuss what God permits, what God commands, and what Jesus vows to us about marriage.
The doctrine of the Trinity is a teaching that causes non-believers to perceive Christianity as non-sensical, but is a teaching that compels believers to appreciate a mysterious God who is infinitely greater than we are.
The account of the first Pentecost gives us an incredible example of the gathering of all of God's people and where they come from. We celebrate the diversity of place and acknowledge that God used this festival day to disperse his believers and the Message into different corners of the world.
This is our 6th and final week of O Church Arise: Modern Lessons from the Story of the Early Christian Church. Much of the talk in the series has been our Christian witness, in both our words and actions. This week we see the pinnacle of a Christian witness in Stephen, the first Christian martyr (the Greek word for “witness” is actually martyrion). Fascinatingly, we seek the example of what angry, scared religious people look like in our lesson, as well as how to turn into a gracious believer, like Stephen. This week, we’ll examine Acts 7:54-60.
Today, our cities are full of diverse people from different ethnic backgrounds. Cities in Biblical times, namely Rome, had more diversity than we might have originally expected. In Colossians 4, the apostle Paul encourages us to be wise in the way that we act towards people different from ourselves. Early Jewish Christians were able to form relationships with people not like them and they set an example for us to follow today.
Week 5 of O Church Arise: Modern Lessons from the Story of the Early Christian Church. In prior weeks, we’ve seen some of the hostility that the Early Church faced from outsiders. But Satan’s attack on Christianity also often comes from within the Church. This week we’ll look at the fascinating account of Ananias & Sapphira, an account in which at first glance, we might be inclined to wonder if the punishment fits the crime. The subtlety of it makes Ananias & Sapphira’s sins equally deadly to us.
Inspired by the power of the Holy Spirit, the apostle John tells us that we are believers by looking at what God has done for us. We know we are Christians by the love that is motivated by Christ and by faith that can be only be worked by the Holy Spirit.
Week 4 of O Church Arise: Modern Lessons from the Story of the Early Christian Church. Without question, Scripture makes it clear that one of the factors of the explosive growth of the Early Church was the beauty of early Christian Community. The early believers actually lived like all of their possessions belonged to God, and they were simply managers here on earth for a while. This led them to show radical generosity to one another. We’re going to take a look at how generosity like that becomes possible when we study Acts 4:31-37, “The New Community.”
The apostle John gives us two tests before we trust that a spiritual message is actually a Christian message. The first test is "What is the message?" and the second test is "Who is the audience?"
Week 3 of O Church Arise: Modern Lessons from the Story of the Early Christian Church. Last week, we saw a snapshot of what the Early Christian Church, filled with the Spirit, was doing. This week, we’re looking at the types of things the Early Christian Church was saying – what specifically was the message of their witnessing. We find that Peter and John were sharing their faith in a pluralistic world, much like Christians in the city today. What does it sound like to be a courageous witness? We’ll take a look at Acts 4:1-14 as we worship under the theme of “Peter Heals a Beggar and Defends His Faith.”
Week 2 of O Church Arise: Modern Lessons from the Story of the Early Christian Church. This week we’ll be looking at Acts 2:40-47, the implications of Pentecost. Dr. Luke, the author of the Book of Acts, gives us an amazing portrait of the Early Christian Church. It doesn’t look exactly like the American Church today. Should it? What fueled it to be so different? This week we’ll worship under the theme of “Pentecost and Its Meaning.”
We’re starting a new series this week called O Church Arise: Modern Lessons from the Story of the Early Christian Church. This week we’ll be looking at Acts 1:1-11, the story of The Ascension. The Ascension, along with Pentecost, are actually the events which give Christians (and the Church) their life’s purpose. Put differently, if you don’t understand Ascension and Pentecost, it’s going to be impossible for you, as a Christian, to ever understand the purpose and meaning of your life on earth. And that’s exactly what I find with A LOT of young adult Christians today – life goals nearly identical to that of a non-believing world. Submitting to the teaching of Ascension will completely refocus you.
This is our final week in the Gospel of Mark series. Our theme will be the Anointing of Jesus, as we watch Mary of Bethany worship Jesus in an extravagant, offensive (to the onlookers) way. Worship, by definition, is supposed to be inordinate. It’s supposed to be excessive from the world’s perspective. Mary has some amazing things to teach to an American Christianity that sometimes wants to worship in moderation. We’ll study Mark 14:1-11.
This week, in the Gospel of Mark, we’re looking at the theme of HUMILITY. The Greeks and Romans never saw humility as a virtue. I would argue America doesn’t either. In fact, I don’t even think we define it correctly. But Jesus says humble service is the road to glory in the Kingdom. We’ll investigate Mark 10:35-45.
This week as we look at Jesus’ “backwards” approach to glory. Not through thrones but through crosses. Received not by the wise and talented, but by the childlike. What does it mean that the Kingdom belongs to “such as these”? We’ll figure it out as we look through Mark 10:13-16.
This week in our series The Gospel of Mark: From Throne to Cross and Back, we’ll look at Jesus’ CROSS. That could be a little misleading though. Our focus this week is actually a bit more on figuring out what it means that to be Christ’s disciple, you must pick up YOUR CROSS to follow him? We’re going to discover that the cross is actually the foundation for the Christian’s identity as we look at Mark 8:34-38.
This week in our series The Gospel of Mark: From Throne to Cross and Back, we’ll look at Jesus’ SYMPATHY. The word “sympathy” literally means to “suffer with.” Jesus doesn’t promise to end all the storms of life, because a bunch of good stuff comes to us through them. But, he does promise he’ll 1) face the storms with us, 2) he’ll face the ultimate storm for us, and 3) one day these storms will come to an end. We’ll study another story of Jesus at Sea as we look at Mark 6:45-52.
This week in our series The Gospel of Mark: From Throne to Cross and Back, we’ll look at Jesus’ REJECTION. Familiarity sometimes breeds contempt. And it turns out Jesus’ hometown was really offended by him. Why? What could make Jesus so offensive? What could potentially make his followers so offensive? And what does Jesus rejection from this world do for us? We’ll get to the bottom of all of it Saturday evening as we dig into Mark 6:1-6.
We’re in our fourth week in the series The Gospel of Mark: From Throne to Cross and Back, working our way through the entire Gospel of Mark to do a character study of Jesus and his grace. This week, we gain insight into Jesus’ AUTHORITY. Wow. Occasionally God gives me a text to wrestle with in which his voice becomes so incredibly clear. Jesus demonstrating his authority over the storms of life couldn’t be more perfect for me right now. This week we’ll study Mark 4:35-41.
We’re in our third week in the series The Gospel of Mark: From Throne to Cross and Back, working our way through the entire Gospel of Mark to do a character study of Jesus and his grace. This week, we gain insight into Jesus’ PARABLES. This parable is the granddaddy of all parables, and I’ll explain why. It’s honestly one of the more fascinating insights for me on the nature of why someone does/does not receive the Word of God. Message based on Mark 4:1-20.
The Gospel of Mark: From Throne to Cross and Back. We’re working our way through the entire Gospel of Mark to do a character study of Jesus and his grace. This week, his grace is demonstrated in FAMILY. Jesus again says something incredibly provocative, that startles some people and deeply offends others. But if you submit to his teaching about family, it will make you tremendously optimistic about your family future, regardless of if you’re married or single, in a dysfunctional relationship or a healthy one. Messaged based on Mark 3:31-35.
We’re working our way through the entire Gospel of Mark to do a character study of Jesus and his grace. This week, his grace is demonstrated in healing – but not in the way you might think, not initially. Jesus, as he often does, says something provocative and offensive to modern and ancient people alike, but profoundly liberating, to a crippled man. Mark 2:1-12.
Week 6, our FINAL WEEK in our “FAITH BUILDERS” series, we’re going to be looking at Christian Living. Everything we’ve looked at up till this point has been about recognizing what God has done for us. This week we’re asking how God’s grace leads us to respond? The short answer is “LOVE,” but fallen humans can even get that distorted if they don’t let their love be guided by Jesus’ teaching. So, this week we’ll examine what Jesus thinks a life of Christian love looks like by studying Matthew 22:34-40.
Week 5 in our “FAITH BUILDERS” series, we’re going to be looking at The Sacraments. There is a significant level of division in the Christian Community regarding what Baptism and Holy Communion are, and what they accomplish. There is also some overlap and agreement of definitions. In our worship, we’ll start with that, and examine Scripture to guide us from there to determine whether Baptism and Communion are best considered “Sacraments” or “Sacrifices.”
Week 4 in our “FAITH BUILDERS” series, we’re going to be looking at The Revealed God. The way we best know God is how he revealed himself in the person of Jesus. Jesus, the God-Man, is IT. He’s the central character of the Bible. He’s the one who holds the universe together. He’s the one essential in your life. And meeting with his body is the axis of the believer’s week. I hope you don’t get tired of admiring Jesus, because that’s what we’ll be doing for all eternity. This week in worship, we’re going to briefly look at how the entire Old Testament prefigured Christ in the roles of Prophet, Priest, and King. Our message will be based on Acts 3:11-26.
Week 3 in our “FAITH BUILDERS” series, we’re going to be looking at The Mysterious God. Why would not being able to comprehend much about the working of God be an asset to our relationship with God, not a detriment? We’ll find out as we echo with the Apostle Paul some words of praise from Romans 11:33-36.
Week 2 in our “FAITH BUILDERS” series, we’re going to be looking at Biblical Interpretation. THIS, more than anything, is the explanation to why we have over 200 different denominations (and non-denominational churches) in the country today. We all use the same Bible, but it boils down to an issue of correct interpretation. If you’ve never wrestled with biblical interpretation, it’s an enlightening insight into why you believe what you believe. While our message will once again be a survey of biblical teaching, our root text will be found in 1 Cor. 2:6-14.
This week, Peter will teach us from 2 Peter 1:12-21 that the Bible really is God’s Word, not man’s words, and therefore we should be asking ourselves what it looks like to treat the Bible as the ultimate authority of our lives.
This week we're going to take advantage of the seasonal opportunity to share the Bible’s teaching on demonic activity. While the Bible says our primary struggle as Christians is against spiritual forces of evil, many Christians, patterning the secular world, seem to believe our biggest struggles are related to worldly circumstances. We’ll look to renew our hearts and minds by watching Jesus cure a demonized man, the account of Mark 5:1-20.
This week Pastor Leyrer will be leading worship with a message on Matthew 22:15-21, a lesson where Jesus avoids the Pharisees’ trap about paying taxes to Caesar. Jesus again teaches us how to navigate the tricky issue of imperfect earthly authority.
This Sunday we're looking at Matthew 21:28-32; the story of two sons who say one thing and do another.
This week James teaches us about Mature Priorities. A child cannot think beyond instant gratification. One of the evidences of maturity, then, is when someone begins to think consequentially, long-term, eternally even. This week, we’ll study James 4:13-5:6 and see what the gospel does to our life priorities.
This week James teaches us about Mature Desires. The modern person doesn’t tend to think our feelings are really ever wrong, but that feelings and desires are simply the product of who we are. But the Bible says that sin is so pervasive in the world that it’s even corrupted our desires. This week we’ll contrast our natural desires with our designed desires and see how the gospel helps us bridge the gap. We’ll study James 4:1-10.
This week James teaches us about Mature Speech. Sticks and stones can only break bones. Words are MUCH more powerful. They can shape – build up or destroy – your entire sense of self. Even more, they shape our opinion of God. This week we’ll study James 3:1-12.
The Book of James: For Maturing Audiences Only. This week James (Jesus’ brother and the 1st Bishop of the Christian Church in Jerusalem) is teaching us about not showing favoritism. The goal is that Christians would evaluate people on the basis of grace, not like the world, which judges people on the basis of what others can do for us. This week, under the theme “Mature Kindness,” we’ll study James 2:1-13.
The Book of James: For Maturing Audiences Only. James is a massively practical book of the Bible that teaches us what our lives would look like if we fully believed, i.e. took to heart and put into practice, the gospel of Jesus Christ. This week’s focus will be on James 1:19-27, as we look at what prevents us from “Mature Actions.”
The sinful nature kicks back against earthly authority, but God’s design for submission is a beautiful thing that channels many blessings. We’ll examine Romans 13:1-7.
FINAL WEEK in the series. We started the series with a summary of the gospel as it relates to the city and we’ll end the series with a concluding piece of wisdom on how if God’s people are doing what they’re supposed to be doing, the city will be blessed. Our worship this week will be anchored in Proverbs 11:10-11.
This week we’ll worship under the theme of “Social Healing: The gospel creates alleviates social brokenness.”and we’ll be studying Amos 5:7-15. Amos is the main prophet that God used to call his people to repentance on social injustice. This isn’t an ancient issue – it’s relevant today and important that we at St. Marcus be leaders on this.
This week we’ll worship under the theme of “Transformation: The gospel creates changed lives”and we’ll be studying Acts 10:27-35. The Apostle Peter struggled a bit with what could maybe best be considered “cultural elitism”, or worse, racism. But God converted him out of this through occasions like meeting Cornelius, a Roman centurion. This lesson teaches us not only how to transform out of any latent racism of our own, but also how to change in general.
This week we’ll worship under the theme of “Community: The gospel creates a new community”and we’ll be studying Ephesians 4:29-5:2. This is a natural extension of our discussion last week on “Other-Focus.” A bunch of people living together with other-focus creates the City of God that Jesus designed Christians to be.
Other Focused: The gospel makes us a people for others.” The natural inclination of the fallen human spirit is to be self-focused. And our world only stokes those me-first flames. But the gospel means that I’m taken care of by Jesus and can now turn my attention outward, boasting in our Lord along the way (1 Cor. 1:26-31).
This week, Pastor Dan Leyrer is preaching on the theme, “Lord, Give Me the Strength to Speak,” based on Jeremiah 20:7-13.
This week we’re taking a look at how the gospel changes our attitude toward the city. If you’re wondering why we’re doing a series on gospel work in the city, or why you’ve never heard a worship series focused on “the city” before, this will be the lesson that explains it. We’re doing this series not merely because St. Marcus is in heart of MKE, but because God wants his people to have a proper Theology of City. The often-cited Scripture passage for Theology of City is Jeremiah 29, which we’ll be digging into on Sunday.
This week we’ll be starting our summer worship series, “Renewed Church. Renewed City.” It’s essential that the members of St. Marcus, in the heart of MKE, possess a proper theology of City. What does that mean? For starters, it means we must be moved by the gospel, which tells us that Christ has done everything necessary to save us, so that we are now freed to serve others. So why are we still so obsessed with ourselves? We’re not yet resting in the righteousness of Christ. This sermon is based on Galatians 2:16-3:3.
Pastor Dan Leyrer will be sharing a message from 2 Cor. 13 about What an Extraordinary God We Have.
This week is Pentecost Sunday. That’s the anniversary of the Christian Church – when Jesus sends his Spirit down. And so we’ll be looking at the work of the Spirit. Jesus teaches us in John 16:5-11 that there are 3 life-altering things the Spirit exposes to us.
“I pray. It doesn’t always seem to help. What am I doing wrong?” This week we get to listen in on God speaking to himself and can learn some powerful truths from noting how Jesus prays to his Father. If you’d like to prep, we’re digging into John 17:1-5.
“Jesus died for my sins. So why am I still so sad?” Almost every careful thinking Christian I know has wondered this at some point. And the answer lies within something Jesus calls “Another Advocate.” We’ll find out more this week as we dig into John 14:15-21.
This Sunday we encounter the disciples on the Road to Emmaus. They have a very common, relatable problem – they don’t see the world through the lens of the Resurrection, and it’s making them terribly depressed. We’ll learn what gets them over that as we study Luke 24:13-35.
The Sunday after Easter is traditionally marked as a time to highlight “Doubting Thomas.” I’m not sure that name is super fair, but we certainly benefit from Thomas’ skepticism. But is our struggle of faith the same as that of Thomas. We’ll take a look this week (John 20:19-31) as we start up our new series, Jesus Always Shows up.
This weekend will be the first distinctly Palm Sunday sanctuary service LIVE IT has had in years. The message of Palm Sunday is very unique – the unorthodox kingship of Jesus. This week’s theme is “Rising Out of Earthly Glory” as we look at Matthew 21:1-11.
As we close in on Easter, we’re grasping what it means that God brings life out of death. This week we’ll take a look at John 11, where Jesus brings one of his best friends, Lazarus, back to life. But before he could do that, he allowed Lazarus, whom he loved to become sick. Much to learn about God’s allowance of pain and what he brings out of it.
I’ve been wrestling this week for many hours with our text. John 9 is a long, fascinating story about a blind man that Jesus gives sight to, and in the process it blows up his life. And I’m finding it’s a story that teaches us something about the inherent blindness of EVERY person, it teaches us about the way we falsely process the pain we face in life, it teaches us how naturally the world rejects Christ and how passionately Christ pursues us. This week, we’ll be worshiping under the theme Rising out of Blindness. John 9:1-7, 13-17, 35-39.
This week’s theme is “Rising Out of Arrogance.” If there’s one Christ-like attribute I’d like St. Marcus to be known for, it might be humility. Morality is good, but you can be moral and arrogant. There are lots of moral Mormons, Muslims, and non-religious people. But any performance-based religion will logically lead to a certain level of self-righteousness or self-loathing. On the other hand, the gospel leads to humility. And Christian humility also helps develop morality. This week we’ll see how the cross gives us humility of intellect, humility of power, and humble joy. Matthew 20:20-28.
As we enter the first week of Lent, we’ll be looking at the original temptation and the fallout, which was directly related to gender roles. The tension that exists in the world between men and women is the product of our designed wiring gone awry. But there’s still hope. An offspring of the woman comes to untangle the wires and empower us to carry out our design. We’ll look at Gen. 3:14-20.
This is our last week in Demonstrating the Divine. We’ll be looking at one of my personal favorite texts/Sundays of the year – Transfiguration. It’s arguably as essential to the Christian calendar as Christmas or Easter, but gets very little press. The story exposes our broken relationship with glory in this world and teaches us how to be healed. We’ll try to clear some of that up and explain its relevance when we look at Matt. 17:1-9.
This is our final week in Jesus’ “Sermon on the Mount.” Here he comes up with this crazy “turn the other cheek” principle. It’s uniquely and distinctly Christian, difficult and totally unnatural, but extraordinarily beautiful. We’ll take a look at what “turn the other cheek” really means on Sunday night, Matt. 5:38-48.
We’re looking again at Jesus’ “Sermon on the Mount” this week and Jesus’ statements on morality. The world believes moral obedience to God is what earns salvation. The gospel teaches that salvation is a gift from God’s grace through Jesus. So why be moral? We’ll take a look on Sunday night, Matt. 5:21-37.
We’re looking again at Jesus’ “Sermon on the Mount” this week and Jesus’ famous comparison to Christians as Salt & Light. The brilliant analogy provides many interesting points of application for the Christian life. Matthew 5:13-16.
One of the most famous texts of Scripture is Jesus “Sermon on the Mount.” It’s also one of the most commonly misunderstood, especially the opening “blessed” statements, called the Beatitudes. We’re going to clear a lot of that up this week and see how Jesus conditions our hearts to enter the kingdom. I guarantee it will be a new understanding for many of you. Matthew 5:1-12.
This Sunday we’ll be taking a fairly deep look at discipleship, a continuation from our study last week. If Jesus is good, it makes sense that we’d push our chips to the center of the table and go all in on him. But what does that look like in our personal lives? What did that look like for the first disciples? How does that shape the direction of our church? We’ll find out as we examine Matthew 4:18-23.
Week 2 of “Demonstrating the Divine”. Followers of Christ are called Disciples. This week and next we’ll be zeroing in on the concept of what discipleship looks like. We follow because Jesus was the Lamb who sacrificed himself for our salvation. Somewhat frighteningly, discipleship means we’re also willing to follow him anywhere, wherever he leads us. Discipleship is a rich thought, and I hope you can join us for the study of it and worship tomorrow evening.
In our 3rd week of Advent, we continue in our series Listen. Don’t Look. This week we’ll be listening again to the voice of John the Baptist. This is honestly one of the most helpful texts I’ve found in the Bible for processing the inevitable doubts about God that we experience in life. The lesson provides incredible insights for overcoming doubt. Matthew 11:2-6.
In our 2nd week of Advent, we continue in our series Listen. Don’t Look. This week we’ll be listening to the advice of John the Baptist, whose ministry could be summarized in one word – REPENT. Repentance seems completely counterintuitive to our natural condition, but our premise this week is that it’s actually the key to all progress in life. Looking at Matthew 3:1-10.
This week, we start Advent – the first season in the new Church Year. We’re starting a new series (Listen. Don’t Look.) that reminds us, as Christians, that we do not find our peace for life in the circumstances of a dying world, but in the promises of a living God. Jesus is going to teach us something about the certainty of life using the story of Noah’s Ark, Matthew 24:37-44.
This is the final week of the church year, called Christ the King Sunday. On it, we celebrate the fact that Jesus is the one who controls the entire cosmos for his glory and our benefit. One day the entire world will clearly see that. But Paul teaches in Colossians 1:13-20 that we can start benefiting from that information right now.
What is heaven really going to be like? We’d all like to know. This week, on Saints Triumphant Sunday, we’ll get a better look as we examine Revelation 22:1-5.
One of the more common objections to Christianity I get as a pastor today is the question: “How could a LOVING God send anyone to hell.” Even some leaders in large Christian churches have shied away from discussing hell or outright denied it. And sometimes from fellow Christians all we’ve received is “Well, the Bible says so, so I guess we have to believe it” which is accurate, but not particularly satisfying. This week, as we celebrate the Sunday called The Last Judgment in the church year, we’ll hopefully see The Beauty of Judgment Day as we examine 2 Thessalonians 1:5-10.
499 years ago, Martin Luther nailed 95 Theses to the front door of All Saints’ Church in Wittenberg, Germany. He couldn’t sit back and let the nonsense (e.g. the sale of indulgences to ‘earn’ the forgiveness of sins) being taught in churches at the time go on any longer. He had to stand up for the truth, a gospel truth he knew would truly liberate people from their sins and the darkness of unbelief. This week, as we celebrate Reformation Sunday, we celebrate the liberating power of the gospel as we examine John 8:31-36.
Jesus encourages us to be as innocent as doves but as shrewd as snakes (Matt. 10:16). We’ll see this week that this is certainly true when it comes to our wealth as well. The Bible commends us for using the brains God blesses with us as well as for investing in things that last. In our final JUST TO SEE week, we’ll look at the story of The Shrewd Manager (Luke 16:1-15).
Every world philosophy, including modern secularism, has agreed that the biggest key to happiness is gratitude. But what if you feel angered, frustrated, and struggle with thankfulness? You and I regularly need our thoughts recalibrated by gospel promises. We’re working through the middle of the Gospel of Luke and digging deeper into these stories than we’ve ever dug before. This week, we look at the story of The Ten Lepers (Luke 17:11-19).
We’re working through the middle of the Gospel of Luke and digging deeper into these stories than you’ve ever dug before. This week, we look at the story of Zacchaeus (Luke 19:1-10). This account tells us about natural obstacles to investigating Jesus, the relentless pursuit with which Christ seeks us, and the inevitable transformation of grace that happens when Jesus truly comes into your home.
We’ll be working through several chapters from the Gospel of Luke in the upcoming weeks and digging deeper into these stories than you’ve ever dug before. This week, we look at the story of The Rich Man and Poor Lazarus (Luke 16:19-31). This account gives us fascinating insights on the experience of hell, the illusion of control offered by wealth, and the delusion caused by self-centeredness.
In worship this week we’ll be discussing the importance of Christian Education both on an “important ministry of St. Marcus” level and on a “Christian faith is designed to be a lifelong pursuit” level. In other words, the person who knows very little about the gospel is the person who believes they fully have grasped the gospel. To “know Christ” is to be in constant study of his Word. Sermon based on Deuteronomy 6:1-9
This week we’ll be talking about A SABBATH REST. Humans are finite creatures that need rest. So what’s the spiritual reason why many of us are so driven to work ALL THE TIME and even feel guilty when we take a day off? We’ll talk about how to enter true recuperative rest and gain a healthy sense of work & rest as we meditate on Hebrews 4:1-11.
In our last week of this series, we’ll be talking about THE LOVE OF GOD. This generation of Christians has often been conditioned to think of God in loving terms. However, many Christians simply don’t know what to think when negative circumstances in life inevitable strike. They think, "How could a LOVING God _______________?” It feels like divine rejection. Romans 8:35-39 has some answers.
This week we’ll be talking THE JUSTICE OF GOD. One of the best/clearest explanations of the gospel in the Bible is 2 Cor. 5:21. It teaches us that the gospel of Jesus Christ involves BOTH the forgiveness of sins AND the gift of Christ’s righteousness. An understanding of God’s justice system can help relieve anxiety about past mistakes, reduce pressure for perfect performance, and offer a lens through which we view our fellow man positively.
This week, we’ll be talking GOD’S REMEDY TO OUR DEPRESSION. Many of us have heard Christians make somewhat insensitive comments about depression being merely a lack of faith. Then again, many of us have heard others make comments about depression being merely a chemical issue, when there clearly seems to be some lack of trust in God present. So what is it? The Bible’s take might surprise you.
This week we’ll be talking HOW THE GOSPEL OVERWHELMS ANXIETY. Many Christians can summarize the basics of the gospel, but are much less accustomed to working the gospel into the corners of their lives as a resource for navigating a big, scary, fallen world. The gospel is the perfect tool for reducing anxiety.
What were the prevalent views about sex in New Testament times? How do they relate to us today? What did God really invent sex for? What happens if we use sex other than the way He designed... or if we actually do use it the way He designed?
Why are many of your parents constantly badgering you about finding a spouse? Is singleness a worse or better state than being married? How did Christianity revolutionize the world’s view of being single (because it most definitely did)? What about dating (or marrying) a non-believer? God’s design will help with all of this.
This week we’re looking at the The MISSION of Marriage. Why does God give husbands and wives different commands? What happens if we don’t follow that design? What is God trying to accomplish in us through marriage?God’s design will help with all of this.
What’s at the heart of this "covenant relationship" thing? Do you really need a little “piece of paper” to love someone? How do you turn around a bad marriage? God’s design will help with all of this.
First and foremost if we are going to begin realigning our life to be sustainable we need to start with the one thing needed – time with Christ. We will be looking at one of the most well known stories of the Bible, Mary & Martha.
"Peace be with You" is a stand alone message, looking at Jesus' first interactions with his disciples following the resurrection. These men had all fled, doubted he was the Messiah, rejected the women's reports, and were in the midst of life crisis and faith crisis and Jesus' first words to them are, "Peace be with you!" He then commissions them! He not only forgives their doubt, but turns and immediately focuses them on looking towards sending the message that HE HAS RISEN! He speaks the same to us!
The message presupposes that one has recently seen the last 4 minutes of the movie, "The Road to Emmaus" www.theroadtoemmaus.com which was shown in worship as an intro to the message.
(C) image copyright www.TheRoadToEmmaus.com
One of the hand-picked “friends” sells him out for a pocketful of cash?! Jesus’ church treasurer?! Judas started the conversation himself?! Then Peter too?!
Scandal: an event which outcome offends your expectations
When we look at the events leading up to the death and resurrection of our Savior we are confronted with multiple scandals, things people wouldn't tolerate from their leaders. Yet, God had a Plot from before time began...
Come and See, as God brings kings or wisemen from the East to worship Jesus with gifts. As we see the first Christmas presents given we see the heart of giving is the love God has for us.
Come and See, as we gather with others who have journeyed back to Bethlehem to see the birth of our Savior, perhaps one of the reactions we talk about the least is the reactions of two individuals who spent their lives worshipping God in the Temple.
Many of us can recite this section from memory. We know it so well that we don’t pause to realize the magnitude of what is being spoken. The pivotal point in history, God becoming MAN and we gloss over it because we’ve heard it so frequently. There in the manger, in a feed box is the creator of the universe, helpless, hungry, cold, and HUMAN! God moved history, used public officials greed to line up so that his prophecies would be fulfilled in the birth of Jesus’ arrival. As we come to see the arrival of our Lord, as we prepare our hearts for Christmas, we are confronted with the simplicity. We are confronted with the complexity of the God becoming man, in such a humble and simple place. We also see the reactions of those who were first to meet Jesus, the shepherds. Once they saw him… they couldn’t contain themselves!
The first people we see Jesus interacting WITH beyond a quick conversations are his disciples. Particularly we are looking at how Philip and Nathanael are different. How one heard Jesus and believed and was overjoyed, and how the other, was skeptical. Nathanael couldn’t wrap his brain around how the Messiah could come from Nazareth. His head and his hart struggled. We first see, Philips wisdom in not trying to argue, or push the point only that he pauses and invites. Then Jesus takes over.
Jesus’ trip to the wedding with his mom and disciples wasn’t supposed to be the place for him to make his entrance as the Messiah! He was spending time WITH his family, and disciples, and in the process a miscalculation of party supplies, puts him on the spot and there he performs his first miraculous sign. For his disciples it was an initial glimpse into who he really was, and for us it is a glimpse, into the fact that Following Jesus, doesn’t stop on Sundays.
Jesus spends time WITH a religious leader who doesn't quite get it. The most well known Gospel passage, John 3.16, is spoken to a religious leader so that he understood Jesus' purpose in coming.
Jesus spends time WITH a family with special needs. So often in life we are looking for answers and sometimes God's answer is, "no one messed up, this happened that the work of God might be seen."
Pastor Kelly talks about how Mary the mother of Jesus displays great faith as Gabriel delivers the shocking news. And how the reality of her situation begins to sink in and she bolts for her cousins house who is also pregnant.
This Sunday, Pastor Kelly is going to bring to light the prophecies of the past that are all wrapped up in the one announcement that the savior of the world is to be born.
As we look at Jesus’ trial, he doesn’t look like the KING of KINGS and LORD of LORDS, but it is his death and resurrection that reveal he is our KING! Don’t be fooled by culture which says Jesus wasn’t a historical figure, or he was just a prophet or good teacher. Don’t be Fooled he is THE KING!
It is hard to wait. Culture wants us to be fooled that we can play, live up the good life and repent at the last moment because we’ll get one more chance. Reality is, we don’t know exactly when the end is coming. Each and every day needs to be lived as though we are prepared for the Kings return. We go to so many weddings, this picture of waiting for the bridegroom is a great picture for us to use .
We kick-off the series looking at Jesus’ teaching on the sheep and the goats and his separation of those who believe and know and those who go through the actions but they are all about the self-righteous acts. The foolishness we are confronting in this is two fold, first that there will be a judgment, Jesus will actually return and will actually Judge the world. The second is how are we judged. Many believe they will be in heaven because they lived a good life, but the only thing that saves is faith in Christ.