Passage: Mark 4:1-20 By the time of our passage, Jesus has been ministering in the region of Galilee for over a year with no better than a mixed reception. The Jewish religious leaders rejected him outright and sought to have him killed. The crowds flocked around him but appeared more interested in what he could […]
Passage: Mark 3:31-35 What is required to us to be considered part of God’s family? What did Jesus say was the defining characteristic of one of his brothers or sisters? We might think that it is faith, but that is not what Jesus said. Jesus, clearly and directly equates obedience to God as the defining […]
Passage: Mark 3:7-19 Returning to our study in the Gospel of Mark this morning, we come to a text that sets up an interesting contrast. Now 18 months into Jesus’ earthly ministry, he has alienated the Jewish religious leaders to the point that unthinkable alliances are created with the sole purpose of destroying him. At […]
Passage: Mark 1:14-20 In this morning’s passage, Mark introduces us to the first four of Jesus’ disciples. These men will accompany Jesus for the next 3½ years. They will have heard him preach the good news throughout Galilee and Judea. They will have seen him perform miracle after miracle, confirming his divinity. Later, they will […]
On this Village Missions Sunday, we focus on what must be the chief work of the local church – the making of disciples of Jesus Christ. Continuing from last week’s sermon on the State of the Church, we take time to look at discipleship generally and then as it is emphasized and practiced at Mayer […]