(Last few minutes of audio got a little mess up due to a faulty cable)
Conflict Paul & Barnabas – Acts 15:36-41 (9-13-20)
(Sorry for the poor audio quality. I’ll try to get it figured out for next week.)
The Jerusalem Council – Acts 15:1-35 (9-6-20)
Paul’s First Missionary Journey: The Return Home
– Acts 14:21-28 (8-30-20)
Paul’s First Missionary Journey: Iconium & Beyond – Acts 14:1-20 (8-24-20)
Paul’s First Missionary Journey: Pisidian Antioch – Acts 13:13-52 (8-16-20)
Paul’s First Missionary Journey; Cyprus – Acts 12:25-13:12 (8-9-20)
By Mike Gerhardt
The End? – Acts 12:18-24 (8-2-20)
By Mike Gerhardt
Dark Days (Again) – Acts 12:1-17 (7-26-20)
Providential Provision -Acts 11:27-30 (7-19-20)
It’s Starting to Come Together – Acts 11:19-26 (7-12-20)
Using Peter to Prepare Others – Acts 11: 1-18 (7-5-20)
Training Peter – Acts 10:9-48 (6-28-20)
Preparing Peter – Acts 9:32-10:8 (6-21-20)
Training Saul – Acts 9:23-31 (6-14-20)
Saul – A New Creation – Acts 9:10-22 (6-7-20)
The Shift Toward Paul – Acts 9:1-9 (5-31-20)
Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch – Acts 8:26-40 (5-24-20)
The Gospel in Samaria – Acts 8:4-25 (5-17-20)
A Dark Turn – Acts 7:30-8:3 (5-10-20)
Zoom in, Zoom out – Acts 7:1-29 (5-3-20)
Christian – Little Christ – Acts 6:8-15 (4-26-20)
Problem Solved! – Acts 6:1-7 (4-19-20)
He is Risen! – Matthew 27:32-28:10 (4-12-20)
Strange Days, Indeed – Acts 5:27-42 (4-5-20)
Wicked Priest or God of Wonders – Acts 5:17-26 (3-29-20)
Continued Marks of the Church – Acts 5:12-16 (3-22-20)
Not Christian Communism – Acts 4:32-5:11 (3-15-20)
Praise, Prayer, and Power – Acts 4:23-31 (3-8-20)
The Gospel Cannot be Silenced – Acts 4:13-22 (3-1-20)
By Mike Gerhardt
The Honeymoon Is Over – Acts 4:1-12 (2-23-20)
Peter’s Second Sermon – Acts 3:11-26 (2-16-20)
By Mike Gerhardt
Serving like Jesus – Peter & John – Acts 3:1-10 (2-9-20)
Portrait of the Early Church – Acts 2:42-47 (2-2-20)
Peter’s Sermon – Acts 2:14-41 (1-26-20)
Pentecost – Acts 2:1-13 (1-19-20)
Replacing Judas – Acts 1:12-26 (1-12-20)
Acts – Acts 1:1-11 (1-5-20)
Introduction to Acts- Acts (12-29-19)
Arrive – Luke 2:6-20 (12-22-19)
Travel – (12-15-19)
Announce – Luke 1:26-35 (12-8-19)
Prepare – John 1:6-23 (12-1-19)
Esther: Conclusion (11-24-19)
A Hope for the Future – Esther 10 (11-17-19)
Party! – Esther 9:18-32 (11-10-19)
Preached by Mike Gerhardt.
Soli Deo Gloria – (11-5-19)
Promise Fulfilled – Esther 9:1-17 (10-27-19)
The Doom of the Amalekites – Esther 6:12 – 7:10 (10-13-19)
The Joy of Mordecai – Esther 6:1-11 (10-6-19)
Sermon for 9-29-19 was lost due to technical difficulties.
The Table is Set – Esther 5:1-8 (9-22-19)
Fasting and Faith – Esther 4:12-17 (9-15-19)
Fear and Faith – Esther 4:1-11 (9-8-19)
Cursing and Casting – Esther 3 (9-1-19)
Bethrothal and Betrayal – Esther 2:12-23 (8-25-19)
Sermon for 8-18-19 was lost due to audio problems. š
Providence Parts King from Queen – Esther 1 (8-11-19)
Introduction to Esther – (8-4-19)
Guest Speaker Shaun DuFault
Godly Wisdom: From Generation to Generation Psalm 78: 1-8 – (7-28-19)
Way of Wisdom: Lessons from the Journey – (7-21-19)
Way of Wisdom: The Majesty of Theopany – Habakkuk 3 (7-14-19)
Way of Wisdom: God Answers Habakkuk – Habakkuk 2 (7-7-19)
Way of Wisdom: Faithful Patience on Display – Habakkuk 1 (6-30-19)
Way of Wisdom: Proverbs on Faithful patience – (6-23-19)
Stubborn Pride Part II – Jonah 4 (6-16-19)
God’s Mercy on Display: Jonah 2-3 (6-9-19)
The Way of Wisdom: Jonah 1 (6-2-19)
The Way of Wisdom: Stubborn Pride (5-26-19)
Greed on Display: Obadiah 10-21 (5-19-19)
Greed on Display: Obadiah – (5-12-19)
Over the course of the early summer, join us as we embark on a somewhat ambitious journey. This next sermon series seeks to address two key problems that face many Christians: we don’t properly understand or value wisdom, and we almost never read through the Minor Prophets. Our new sermon series seeks to help both.
The Way of Wisdom: a Path through the Minor Prophets
Greed – (5-5-19)
At the end of Mark lies a great controversy – are verses 9-20 part of the original text or not? Should they be considered Scripture? Is there anything in those verses that would alter basic Christian theology? Listen in as we try to graciously wrestle with a touchy subject.
The End – Mark 16:9-20 (4-28-19)
At last! He is risen; He is risen indeed! All of human history hinges on this most perfect day. Listen with us as we interact with the fear, awe, and wonder of it all.
Resurrection! – Mark 16:1-8 (4-21-19)
As we continue to yearn for the Good News of Resurrection, we delve into the actual death and burial of the Suffering Servant. Listen in as we examine three OT passages and their relationship to this, the beginning of the most pivotal event in human history.
The Death and Burial of the Servant – Mark 15:33-47 (4-14-19)
In this infamous and gut-wrenching passage, we explore the seven distinct ways in which the Suffering Servant begins to earn that title. It’s hard to contemplate, but once each year – with the light of Resurrection ahead – let us set ourselves to the challenge.
The Suffering Servant – Mark 15:16-32 (4-7-19)
Jesus is now before a Roman authority – Pilate – who has a load of responsibility on his shoulders. After questioning Jesus, it’s clear that there are two paths in front of Pilate, but which will he choose? Perhaps more importantly, what can we learn about the God we serve from his choice and our response? Listen in.
Pilate and Barabbas – Mark 15:1-15 (3-31-19)
Join us as we witness a truly heartbreaking moment in Peter’s personal story of faith. The Scriptures record for us one of his darkest, worst moments, but for what cause? Listen in as we consider the response of the skeptic, the curious, and the saved.
Peter’s Denials – Mark 14:66-72 (3-24-19)
Jesus has been arrested, but by who exactly? Who is this group called the Sanhedrin? And why are they seeking so passionately for a reason to condemn Jesus? Perhaps most importantly, why is Jewish leadership so thoroughly confused about the nature of the Messiah? Listen in as we seek to unravel this passage.
The Servant before the Sanhedrin – Mark 14:53-65 (3-17-19)
After spending time in prayer in Gethsemane, Jesus now sees His betrayer coming. Will there be violence? Will His followers respond well? Does the Bible actually refer to a man’s ear being cut off – what’s that all about? And why is there a naked man fleeing the scene? All this and more will be addressed – please listen in.
The Servant is Arrested – Mark 14:43-52 (3-10-19)
For far too long, Christians have acted as if “depression” is “just in your head”. We’ve avoided the topic of mental health in general, and – sadly – encouraged people to just fake it. In our difficult and moving passage today, we find Jesus deep in the pains of depression. When the Bible promises us that Jesus can relate to our sorrows, it’s passages like this that prove most meaningful. Listen in as we reflect upon Jesus as the weight of sin creeps closer to Him who knew no sin.
The Servant at Gethsemane – Mark 14:32-42 (3-3-19)
This week we actually seek to accomplish two goals in the sermon: explaining the text (as usual) and wrestling with the difference between illustration and exegesis. Far too often we are asked “What does this passage of the Bible mean to you?” – but this is the wrong question. Alongside this important truth, we’ll investigate overly-emotional Peter and how we too often behave just like him.
Predicting Peter’s Denial – Mark 14:27-31 (2-24-19)
Most of us remembering hearing at some point that the Lord’s Supper was actually a Passover ceremony, but we don’t often think about the implications of that fact. Listen in as we exploring the original Passover traditions and how Christ turned a few of them to make a powerful point about the nature of sacrifice, love, and forgiveness.
The Lord’s Supper – Mark 14:22-26 (2-17-19)
As the Passover approached, all of the people in and around Jerusalem were preparing. But all their preparations were not the same. Some were preparing to arrest Jesus. Another was preparing to betray Him. And Mary of Bethany was preparing to honor Him with a costly gift. Listen in as we walk through these people who were remembered for the Passover.
Remembered for the Passover – Mark 14:1-21 (2-10-19)
While we can’t know exactly when Jesus will return, the Bible does give us some signs to look for. More importantly, the Bible teaches us that we should keep looking. There are some good and some better ways to keep watching, and as with so many other things, we do much better when we work together.
(Sorry for the poor audio quality.)
Keep Looking! – Mark 13:28-37 (2-3-19)
The Bible is plain that Jesus is coming back, but when? Can we get a sense of the timing? What about Jesus’ reference of Jerusalem – is that reference about the ancient Roman times or not? Listen in as we tackle all of this. But above and beyond it all, there’s a beautiful thread of hope woven through this topic.
In Those Days… – Mark 13:19-27 (1-27-19)
As we begin the New Year, we return to the text of Mark’s Gospel. Our journey through this telling of the life of Jesus now finds us listening to the Servant as He begins to explain terrible things that will happen in the future. Are these events all in the future still? What is this “abomination of desolation”? Listen in as we seek to respond to these questions and more.
The Abomination of Desolation – Mark 13:14-18 (1-6-19)
In the afterglow of this Christmas season, we’ll marvel together at the story of Simeon and the Christ-child. Simeon has a Providential appointment that nothing could interrupt. But not only is this a wonderful blessing in his own life, it also reveals to us more of the details of a promise made all the way back in the Garden of Eden.
Simeon Sees the Christ Child – Luke 2:22-35 (12-30-18)
Merry Christmas to you! Listen in as we take a well-known tale and seek to dispel some of the myths and misconceptions surrounding it. Along the way we’ll hope to point out a few things you may not have noticed in a casual reading of the text. Finally, we’ll ponder the impact of such awe-inspiring humility.
The Annunciation – Luke 1:26-38 (12-23-18)
Difficult as it is to think about, the Bible is clear that life is often filled with pain. The Bible is equally clear that all those who seek to live Godly lives will – not might – suffer persecution. Listen in as we think about the purpose of the many hardships that great Christians of the past have endured and focus our attention on our great need of redemption during this Advent season.
The Pain of Life – Mark 13:9-13 (12-16-18)
As we continue through the Advent season, our text today reminds us of the brokenness of our world and our great need for redemption. Jesus describes the hardships and difficulties of life using the analogy of childbirth, and in the case of the Temple’s destruction it’s a perfect fit. How do we respond to stern warnings, especially as we contemplate Advent?
The Pain of Birth – Mark 13:1-8 (12-9-18)
As Jesus continues to do the job the religious leaders were supposed to be doing, He makes a critical point about success. How do we measure success? How does God measure success? What about failure? This text compares two different ways of measuring success against what the standard ought to be. Listen in as we think about Jewish leadership and a poor widow.
Two Examples – Mark 12:38-44 (12-2-18)
Now that the would-be spiritual leaders of the Jewish people are done peppering Christ with questions, He turns His attention to doing what they had failed to do for generations: teach the people the Scriptures. In the midst of this teaching, He draws out one very important whisper about His own ministry and nature. Citing the most quoted Psalm in all the New Testament, Jesus challenges his audience to recognize that the Messiah son of David is no ordinary son.
A Question of His Own – Mark 12:35-37 (11-25-18)
For several weeks now we’ve observed the opponents of Jesus attempt to trap Him in thorny questions and matters of politics and faith. One of these men has taken it all in and now has a final question of his own. Whatever his motivation is for asking this profound question, the response the Christ gives him leads this man to a place much better than his peers. The Scriptures point to three simple but powerful principles in response to Christ’s answer: read and obey the Word, pray without ceasing, and seek wise counsel.
A Scribe Tries – Mark 12:28-34 (11-18-18)
Having listened as others sought to trick Jesus, the Sadducees now want a turn. Their question is loaded to the gills with trickery and falsehood. In the midst of it, they’ll challenge some very basic truths of the Scriptures and demonstrate a profound ability to miss the point. In His answer to them, Jesus will actually address both their direct and indirect challenges. All of this is part of Mark’s ongoing picture of a group of religious leaders and shepherds that had woefully failed the very people they were to be caring for.
Another Loaded Question – Mark 12:18-27 (11-11-18)
Once again Christ’s opponents seek to discredit Him. This time it’s based on a question about taxes. But just as such questions are often connected to politics today, so they were back then. In Christ’s famous response we find a subtle but critically important truth: imago Dei. Listen in to find out how it all fits together.
Render Unto Ceaser – Mark 12:13-17 (11-4-18)
Having begun the process of cleansing the Temple, Jesus now uses a parable to illustrate a critical point. For generations the Jewish people had been left in the care of a host of leaders – Pharisees, scribes, Sadducees, rabbis, and others – that should have been the spiritual gate-keepers of the faith. But they had failed, and Jesus isn’t afraid to point it out.
The Parable of the Tenants – Mark 12:1-12 (10-28-18)
Since Jesus has asserted His authority, His opponents demand to know from where He claims this authority. In His answer, Christ turns their very question around upon them. Just as importantly, we learn important lessons about how we should best interact with the culture around us. What was an Acts 2 America seems much more an Acts 17 America now. Listen in as we seek to explain.
Seeking to Snare the Servant- Mark 11:27-33 (10-21-18)
The story of Jesus cursing a fig tree is often overlooked, misunderstood, or just downright confusing to people. It’s also very strangely split in half by a story about Jesus cleansing the Temple. Listen in as we seek to make sense of the confusion, demonstrating that the fig story is not split in half at all! Along the way we’ll also hear the Scripture’s compelling challenge to abide in Christ.
Of Figs and Faith – Mark 11:12-25 (10-14-18)
It’s not the usual time of year that we hear about the Triumphal entry of Christ into Jerusalem. But that shouldn’t stop us from appreciating both the beauty and the sadness of the text. Perhaps one of the climactic moments of confusion in all of Mark’s gospel, the people seem to have created a vision of the Messiah out of thin air – an idol, for sure. Surely we don’t do such things today, right? Listen in as we explore this portion of God’s revelation of Himself.
The Servant’s Triumphal Entry – Mark 11:1-11 (10-7-18)
Preached by Elder Rick Spear.
Healing Bartimaeus- Mark 10:46-52 (9-30-18)
Sermon recordings for September 16th and 21st are not available due to microphone problems. š
In this famous passage, Jesus uses a striking visual image to make a key point – a camel passing through the eye of a needle. Listen in as we dispel some common myths and misunderstandings, both trivial and serious. And in the midst of it all, we’ll get a glimpse of the very heart of the Gospel message.
The Camel Challenge – Mark 10:17-31 (9-9-18)
As we leave behind Jesus’ message about divorce, He now turns to another important aspect of family – children. Jesus uses children as an example of what genuine faith looks like. But He’s not encouraging us to work for this kind of faith. Instead, He’s asking us to simply respond in faith and obedience to what God is doing in our lives.
Jesus Loves the Little Children. – Mark 10:13-16 (9-2-18)
Preached by Todd Sanderson.
The Servant Teaches on Divorce – Mark 10:1-12 (8-26-18)
In today’s message, we’ll be addressing the realities of judgment for both believers and non-believers alike. Christ uses powerful and famous language in this text, but how much of it is hyperbole, metaphor, or otherwise? Listen in as we think through these issues and wrestle with our own responsibilities as servant’s of Christ. Preached by Elder Stephen Hyde.
Are You Salty? – Mark 9:42-50 (8-19-18)
As Jesus and the disciples continue their ongoing conversation about faith and fear, John interjects with a rather embarrassing statement. As we unpack this short passage, we’ll find some dangerous waters to avoid as well as another critical principle to obey.
In Jesus’ Name – Mark 9:38-41 (8-12-18)
Having just learned a valuable lesson about faith, the Disciples now get a chance to put it into action. Sadly, they fail to do so. But why? And what can we learn from their shortcomings? A Christian’s life should be characterized by faith, but all too often we find ourselves overcome by fear.
Fear Instead of Faith – Mark 9:30-37 (8-5-18)
The story of Jesus healing the epileptic boy is a powerful one, indeed. But have you ever considered the miracle in it’s context? Perhaps you’ve been confused by the strange response Jesus gives His disciples when they ask why they weren’t able to help the boy. Listen in as we seek to address these challenges and more.
The Servant Heals a Suffering Boy – Mark 9:14-29 (7-29-18)
Often misunderstood, the Transfiguration of Jesus is one of the most encouraging texts we’ve seen so far in Mark. With a little help from Daniel chapter 7, we seek to make plain sense of this truly beautiful text.
The Transfiguration – Mark 9:1-13 (7-22-18)
No one wants to talk about suffering much, except to complain about it. Here Mark’s Gospel lays out a concept sadly forgotten by so many today: suffering well. But what exactly does that mean?
Suffering before Glory – Mark 8:34-38 (7-15-18)
As Mark continues his critical transition, the expected (a Messiah centered on Land, King, Temple, and Law) gives way to the unexpected. Here we come to the true heart of the matter: the promise that the Messiah would suffer, die, and rise again.
The Suffering Servant – Mark 8:31-33 (7-8-18)
In this passage we find two questions – one expected and one potentially life-changing. As so often, Peter jumps at the chance to get involved in the conversation
The Servant’s True Nature Proclaimed – Mark 8:27-30 (7-1-18)
Healing as an Object Lesson”. Here we’ve reached a turning point in the ministry of the Servant. What seems like a “standard” healing at first proves to be anything but.
Healing as an Object Lesson – Mark 8:22-26 (6-24-18)
Despite the many, many miracles that the Servant has already performed throughout the region, Jesus is asked for yet another “sign”. Through this text two great truths are revealed about signs and study.
The Yeast of the Pharisees – Mark 8:10-21 (6-17-18)
As the Servant continues ministering to the crowds, He is put in what seems a difficult position – a multitude of hungry people with very little to feed them. More than just the miracle we know so well, this text also challenges us to ask a critical question: who is the king of your heart?
Feeding the 4,000 – Mark 8:1-9 (6-10-18)
As the Servant continues His ministry, a man both deaf and dumb encounters Him. Jesus demonstrates unusual compassion, and so much more. Though the people didn’t perceive it, He was fulfilling promises from prophecy that demonstrated His authority.
Deafness in Decapolis – Mark 7:31-37 (6-3-18)
Preached by Elder Stephen Hyde. A more detailed description coming soon.
Jesus, a servant to the Gentiles – Mark 7:24-30 (5-27-18)
Shaun DuFault from New Castle Indiana teaches us to Pursue Truth.
Pursue Truth – Proverbs 23:23 (5-20-18)
Jesus makes what seems like a very simple statement to a crowd of people and then walks away. But His disciples are confused, intrigued, and perhaps bothered by what they just heard. They ask Him to explain and what follows gets to the core of one of life’s great questions: who is the king of your heart?
Inside Out – Mark 7:14-23 (5-13-18)
These Pharisees have traveled a long way to find Jesus. Now that they’ve found Him, they ask Him a question that to us seems perfectly absurd. His answer is surprising, but teaches us some very important lessons about both the value and dangers of tradition.
The Pharisees Miss the Point – Mark 7:1-13 (5-6-18)
As Jesus prepares to travel out of the region of Galilee, He sends out His now-prepared Disciples, two by two. They have a mission: spread the Word. They serve under the authority of Jesus. He asks them to travel light, and commands that they address both justice and mercy.
The Servant goes to Gennesaret – Mark 6:45-56 (4-29-18)
Reed Sanderson walks us through one of the most famous stories of Jesus’ ministry. Along the way we’ll consider the idea of provision in Christ. How does it relate to Mark’s central themes of Time, Kingdom, Repent, and Believe? Listen in and find out.
Jesus Feeds the 5,000 – Mark 6:30-44 (Reed Sanderson, 4-22-18)
Does it seem that this story is out of place in Mark’s Gospel? In this message we consider how the dark story fits into the whole narrative of Mark. We’ll see the four main themes of Time, Kingdom, Repent, and Believe woven into the text. We’ll also observe why emotions are great, but not at making decisions. More than anything, we’ll investigate what this text reveals about God Himself.
Herod Murders John the Baptist – Mark 6:14-29 (4-15-18)
As Jesus prepares to travel out of the region of Galilee, He sends out His now-prepared Disciples, two by two. They have a mission: spread the Word. They serve under the authority of Jesus. He asks them to travel light, and commands that they address both justice and mercy.
The Servant Sends the Twelve – Mark 6:7-13 (4-8-18)
Resurrection Sunday, at last! This year we rejoiced together as we gathered around the beautiful story of “Doubting” Thomas.