Eternal Joy In the Resurrection of Christ
We were made for joy in this life and in eternity, but it is only found in God and is secured for us in the resurrection of Christ.
Psalm 16
Concealed and Revealed
The parable of the sower, the seed, and the soils teaches the secret of the Kingdom of God – that it has broken into the world in the Person, teaching, and work of Jesus, that is rejected by many, but that the Word of Jesus will bear great fruit in the lives of those who hear and embrace it.
Mark 4:1-20
The Sower, the Seed, and the Soils
The parable of the sower, the seed, and the soils teaches the secret of the Kingdom of God – that it has broken into the world in the Person, teaching, and work of Jesus, that is rejected by many, but that the Word of Jesus will bear great fruit in the lives of those who hear and embrace it.
Mark 4:1-20
The Parables of Jesus
Jesus often taught in parables to uncover the surprising mystery of God’s Kingdom to those who would listen carefully and humbly respond, but the same parables hardened and judged those who refused to listen and receive His Word.
Mark 4:1-12
The Family of Jesus
The true family of Jesus and His followers is not defined by biological relation but rather by a common obedience to the will of God.
Mark 3: 31-35
The Crowds, the Demons, and the Disciples
Jesus had a distinct relationship and response to the crowds, demonic powers, and His disciples, who were called out of the crowd to be with Him and then go back to the crowd to proclaim the Gospel and confront Satan’s kingdom.
Mark 3:7-19
The Son of Man and the Sabbath (Part 2)
Legalism blinded the Pharisees to God’s gracious work through Jesus, so instead of praising God, they decided Jesus must be put to death.
Mark 3:1–6
The Son of Man and the Sabbath (Part 1)
As the Son of Man, Jesus is the Lord of the Sabbath and He cut through the extra-biblical burdens that had been added to the Sabbath to return it to its original purpose as a gift for humanity.
Mark 2:23-28
The Son of Man and the New Covenant
With the coming of Jesus, the old covenant promises, types, and shadows find fulfillment in the glorious realities of the new covenant.
Mark 2:18-22
The Son of Man and Sinners
Jesus did not come to shun those who were separate from God, but rather to seek them out so that they might return to God.
Mark 2:13-17
The Son of Man and Sin
Jesus has the authority not only to heal physical illness but also to forgive and heal sin, restoring people to God’s favor.
Mark 2:1-12
Faithfully Fulfilling Our Callings
Christians should strive by God’s grace to be faithful in their callings – the specific tasks and responsibilities given to us by God, through which God works to serve our neighbors and promote the common good, restraining the effects of the curse and bringing blessing to every realm of life and every corner of creation.
Colossians 3:23-24; 1 Peter 4:10-11
Series Outline for The (Un)expected King
In Zechariah 9:9 we learn that the prophesied King would be very unexpected in His manner of coming and ruling, for He would save His people through righteousness, gentleness, and humility.
Zechariah 9:9
Rejoice – The (Un)expected King Has Come!
The people of God should rejoice for the King who is so (Un)Expected in His manner of coming, His life, and His ministry has come – and has offered salvation to us.
Zechariah 9:9
The (Un)expected King and Kingdom
The long-expected King coming to save God’s people came and did His work in a manner totally unexpected and inaugurated an (Un)Expected Kingdom that is very different than the kingdom of this world.
Zechariah 9:9
The Righteous King
Jesus is the righteous King in His personal character, His rule to judge sin and establish justice, and in bearing our sin and giving righteousness to His people.
Zechariah 9:9
The Priorities and Practices of the King
Disciples must imitate the priorities and practices of Jesus – personal prayer, the study and proclamation of God’s Word, and gathering with God’s people for public worship. Any helpful ministry can only come by attending to these priorities and practices first.
Mark 1:35-45
The Sovereignty of the King
In a single day, Jesus displays His Sovereignty as He teaches with authority, exercises total control over demons, and heals sick people completely.
Mark 1:21-34
Disciples, Followers, Apprentices of the Master
Jesus is calling a community of disciples/followers/apprentices to learn from His teachings, be transformed to have His character, and imitate His practices and life rhythms.
Mark 1:16–20
The King Summons Followers
Jesus is calling disciples – those who sacrifice everything so they can follow and be apprenticed by Him to enable them to reach out to others and help them to follow Jesus.
Mark 1:16-20
The King Announces the Kingdom
The teaching of Jesus centered on the Gospel of the Kingdom – the Good News of God’s reign that had come with Jesus – and called for a response of repentance and faith.
Mark 1:14–15
The King In Battle
As Jesus begins His public ministry, the Spirit propels Him into the wilderness for a time of testing and temptation from which He emerges victorious where Adam and Israel had failed.
Mark 1:12-13
The King Is Here!
At His baptism Jesus was publicly announced as the King when the heavens were torn open, the Spirit descended to rest on Him, and the Father’s voice rang out to certify that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God.
Mark 1:9-11
The Messenger of the King
John the Baptist was a messenger calling the people to the wilderness to be baptized in repentance for their sins, preparing for the coming of the King Who would usher in the Kingdom of God.
Mark 1:1-8
The Beginning of the Gospel
The Gospel of Mark is a dynamic fast-paced book giving the story of Jesus the Messiah, God’s Son, the King Who came to suffer and die to save His people.
Mark 1:1