The Gospel of Mark - Pt. 1: Suddenly
We kicked off a new series this week exploring the life and ministry of Jesus. In Mark’s gospel Jesus shows up “suddenly” and changes people’s lives. He comes to cleanse and purify us through the power of the cross and the presence of the Holy Spirit. Let’s posture ourselves to respond to His presence and share His life with those around us.
The Gospel of Mark - Pt. 2: The Good News
In Part 2, we continue diving into Mark Chapter 1 as Jesus begins his public ministry. Jesus’ primary message is sharing the Good News that the Kingdom of God is available to us. Jesus’ primary method is to make disciples so that God’s Kingdom grows in us and is shared with the world through us. The question is, will we respond to the good news of God’s Kingdom by submitting to Jesus’ leadership in our lives? Let’s embrace living as His disciples, according to His definition, not our own.
The Gospel of Mark - Pt. 3: With Authority
This week, we finished chapter 1 of Mark’s gospel by discussing three miracles Jesus performed. Through these miracles, we can see and understand the authority and care with which Jesus handled different people and situations. While they are three very different situations, Jesus remains consistent. He deeply cares for the people in each scenario, but he also has unmistakable authority over the powers of darkness and disease. His authority is in each of us as believers, but it also serves as a refining fire for the dark places in our own hearts and lives. As we walk in His authority, consider if you are willing and able to accept the freedom He offers even when it feels difficult.
The Gospel of Mark - Pt. 4: Rise and walk
In week 4 of our study of Mark’s gospel, we discussed the story of the paralyzed man who was carried by his friends to see Jesus. The story of perseverance and courage displayed by his friends, as well as the clarity with which Jesus see’s the hearts of the people involved serves as a reminder that we follow a savior who recognizes the real eternal issues in our lives as well as having compassion for the temporary suffering that we endure. His forgiveness and grace gives each of us the opportunity to pick up the burdens we carried in the past and boldly walk with a testimony that only he can give.
The Gospel of Mark - Pt. 5: Follow Jesus
This week, Pastor Jonathan taught on the story of Jesus calling Levi to be a disciple and the resulting dinner with sinners. The good news is we can all come to Jesus as we are, but when He calls us it’s so we will grow and change, becoming like Him. It’s so important that we take Jesus as He is, not as we want Him to be. Let’s resist the urge to try and make Jesus into the image we want. Instead, may we learn to follow Him, allowing Him to mold us into His image.
The Gospel of Mark - Pt. 6: Tradition that Transforms
In today’s message, we look at the true purpose of the Law and Religious Tradition. In Mark's Gospel, we see that Jesus breaks from tradition and the “letter of the law” but never the heart of the law. In fact, he is restoring the true heart of the law. In our religious practices and traditions like fasting and practicing the Sabbath, let us consider the message of Jesus found in the scriptures we are exploring today - that the good thing that the Law anticipated and Tradition prepared us for is now here and present. Namely, God himself has come, bringing rest, freedom, healing, and new life!
