If you were a vegetable, what kind of vegetable would you be? I've heard of people being asked questions like that in job interviews. I'm not really sure why that would be a question. Nevertheless, Jesus asked a similar question to a large crowd of people. If you were a soil, what kind of soil would you be? Would you be soil on the path, covering the rocks, in the weeds, or good fertile soil? We'll see how Jesus explains these in Mark 4 today. We are two weeks away from Dunked '17! I am already so excited for those who are getting baptized and praying that it would be an awesome blessing to their lives. How about you? Have you trusted in Jesus as Savior and never chosen to be baptized? I invite you to obey Jesus' call to identify with Him in baptism.

Today we are in Mark 3 where Jesus calls the 12 disciples and commissions them to be "with him", "send them", and have "authority". Are you a disciple of Jesus? What are the marks of His followers? We are three weeks out from Dunked '17 baptism service on August 13th. If you have recently trusted Jesus as Savior, your next step is baptism. If you trusted Jesus many years ago and have never been obedient in baptism -- this is your time! Baptism is an outward expression and picture of our salvation through trusting the work of Jesus Christ on the cross. As Jesus was crucified and buried we likewise go into the baptism waters and just as Jesus arose three days later we come up and out of the water. I would love to talk to you more about this if you are interested!

How do you feel when you ask someone a question expecting a straight-forward answer, and they have the audacity to respond with a question? It can be irksome sometimes, can't it? Today, we'll look at two encounters Jesus had with people asking Him questions about fasting and the Sabbath, and how He answered with questions of His own. They're not the answers the people were looking for, but they do get the point across! His message on both occasions is to distinguish between doing religious practices out of legalism and living according to the life-giving Gospel. Unfortunately, the Pharisees didn't grasp the concept. If they had, it could have drastically changed their lives forever. As we study God's Word, let us pray that the Holy Spirit will guide us to know and live His truth--not to earn His favor, but from the fact it has already freely been given to us

The soccer Gold Cup started this past week for all you soccer fans! From what I've read, the United States and Mexico are the favorites. We've talked all year about how we are each missionaries. We will see in Mark 2 today how Jesus spent time engaging and caring for some of the most "unchurchy" people in his society. Maybe if your a soccer fan (pick anything else if not), invite some friends over to your house who you know haven't trusted Jesus as Savior. Build a relationship - let them see how you value your faith. If opportunity allows, share your story of coming to trust in Jesus as Savior. But even if you never get that far, keep the relationship going. Keep caring and being a friend to them while you pray that the Holy Spirit awakens their need of a Savior. This isn't some new methodology for evangelism... as we'll see today, this is exactly what Matthew does when he invites Jesus to his house!

I'm sure you've heard the phrase: "A friend in need is a friend indeed." When I was younger, I was kind of confused by the phrase because I thought it meant that a friend who is in need is indeed a true friend. While that might be true sometimes, the true meaning--that a friend who is there when you're in need is indeed a true friend--is certainly a more applicable interpretation. It's a simple phrase, but it holds a lot of truth to it. Today, we'll look at how a paralytic man had four friends of that kind. We'll explore Jesus' response to their actions and examine how we as disciples ought to exemplify the life-changing values of friendship, faith, and forgiveness.

Happy Father's Day to all of our dads today! Dad's sure tell us a lot of things... Do you think I'm made of money... Money doesn't grow on trees you know... When I was your age ... I'm not sleeping, I'm just resting my eyes... If you were told to jump off a cliff, would you?... Were you raised in a barn... They don't make them like they used to... Stop crying or I'll give you something to cry about... Don't let the bedbugs bite... You kind of wonder if there are things that dad's don't say??? Today, we will look at a day in the life of Jesus (someone who was raised in a barn) to see what His mission was and what that means for us!

T-R-U-S-T. Such a simple word with only five letters - yet it sure is powerful. Today we look at Mark 1:16-20 and Jesus call to Simon Peter, Andrew, James and John to follow Him. "Follow Me, and I will make you become fishers of men." These disciples sacrificed much but trusted more to follow Jesus not knowing what the future would entail. How willing and ready are you to trust Jesus not matter what when He calls you? To be honest, I believe this Scripture might, quite literally, change the direction of your life today...

Repent and believe in the Gospel. As Jesus mission to the cross begins in Mark 1, He gives a simple yet clear call to action. Repent and believe. Pastor Adam begins a series of messages through the Gospel of Mark.

With tomorrow being Memorial Day, this weekend being the start of camping season, and today bringing a close to the Don't Waste Your Life series, it seems fitting to explore a topic that encompasses all of those things. As citizens of the United States, we remember those who gave their lives to make that possible. But what does it mean to be a citizen of heaven? As we look into Paul's description of the characteristics of citizens of heaven, we will discover that putting our treasure in heaven gives us a greater purpose for living here on earth

Remember to brush your teeth! Remember to make your bed! Remember to put on clean... you get the idea! If you are in a stage of life like me, you tell your kids these things daily. But how often do we say, remember to praise? While we know giving praise to God is a good thing - even a valuable thing, it still seems more like extra-credit than something we are required to do. Scripture seems to paint another picture. It doesn't command to give praise to God but it does implore us (because of God's saving grace) to worship. "Ascribe to the Lord, O families of the peoples, ascribe to the Lord glory and strength! Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; bring an offering, and come into his courts!" (Psalm 96:7-8) Given God is all-powerful and sovereign over all things, He doesn't need our praise. Our praise to God benefits us! Could it be said that giving praise does a heart well!