Blaze Church

Pride distorts our God-given purpose. Genesis 11 shows humanity building a tower to make a name for themselves, forsaking their identity, value, and mission. But God, in mercy, intervened. In Acts 2, He reversed Babel—sending the Holy Spirit to restore what pride destroyed. Now, through Jesus, we receive a new name and a renewed purpose. Just like the crowd in Acts 2, we’re invited to respond: “What shall we do?” The answer—repent, be baptized, and receive the Holy Spirit.

In this opening message of Deadly Desires, we explore the power of desire through James 1:13–18. Desire itself isn’t evil—it’s a gift from God—but when twisted by temptation, it gives birth to sin and, ultimately, death. Temptation comes from the world, the enemy, and often our own flesh. While our sinful nature lures us away, God offers new birth through Jesus Christ, our High Priest, who was tempted yet never sinned. Because of Him, we can now come boldly to God's throne. As we worship, we reflect: Where am I trying to satisfy a God-given desire in a sinful way?

You might be at church on Easter because of tradition, curiosity, or just hoping for something real. The truth is—we’re all searching. In Mark 16, women came to the tomb grieving, expecting a dead body, and facing a problem they couldn’t solve. But God had already moved the stone. Jesus rose. He’s alive—and He’s still calling people by name, even those who’ve failed. Easter means your search can end. Jesus offers peace, purpose, and a new beginning.

Palm Sunday reminds us that we all crown something as king—but only Jesus is truly worthy. Through His triumphal entry, we see that Jesus is the Man who understands our needs, the King who rules with humility, and the Savior who came to rescue us. Unlike worldly kings who demand from us, Jesus invites us to trust Him, serve others, and receive salvation. As the crowd cried “Hosanna”—“save us now”—Jesus entered not to take a throne, but to carry a cross. This Passion Week, we are challenged to ask: Who gets the crown in your life?

In Mark 14:1–11, we see a woman pour out costly perfume on Jesus, sparking outrage from others—but Jesus calls it beautiful. Her motive was pure love, while Judas’s was selfish gain. As Passover approached, Jesus was preparing to be the true Passover Lamb, giving His life to save us. The woman’s worship was a response to His worth, not a performance. This sermon challenges believers to evaluate their own motives in following Jesus. Is it love? Gratitude? Or something else? In response, we are invited to repent and return to the heart of worship—where it’s all about Jesus.

In One Day, we explore Jesus’ teaching in Mark 13:32–37, where He speaks of His return. Though we don’t know the day or hour, we’re called to stay spiritually awake—alert and active. Jesus reminds us that the Father alone knows the timing, and that’s where our hope lies. While life’s trials and treasures may lull us to sleep, we’re urged to keep our minds set on things above. The return of Jesus isn’t meant to cause fear, but to inspire faith, obedience, and urgency. One day, He will return—and until then, we live with trust and purpose.

In Mark 11, Jesus examines a fig tree and the temple, expecting fruit but finding none. The tree looked healthy from a distance, but up close, it was barren. The temple was meant to be a house of prayer, but instead, it was a marketplace. Jesus still inspects His Church today. Are we just putting on a good appearance, or are we truly bearing fruit? Are we living with faith, love, and generosity, or have we made faith about ourselves? The good news is that Jesus took the curse of sin upon Himself so we could be made new—so we could grow and bear real fruit. If Jesus inspected your heart today, what would He find? Would He see faithfulness? Would He see fruit?

We spend our lives avoiding suffering, chasing status, and seeking love—yet none of it truly satisfies. Jesus offers a better way. In Mark 10:35-45, He shows that true life comes through humility, leadership through serving, and love through sacrifice. He didn’t just teach this—He lived it, giving His life as a ransom for many. The world’s way is broken, but Jesus’ way leads to life. Will you follow Him?

Life is full of moments—some we wish would last forever and others we pray would end. But moments fade; Jesus remains. The Transfiguration (Mark 9:2-8) reveals Jesus as the radiance of God’s glory, not just a teacher or prophet. Peter wanted to build a tabernacle to contain the moment, but Jesus is the true tabernacle, making a way for us to stand in God’s presence. In every season, we must look to Jesus, stay silent before Him, and listen to His words. Faith isn’t built on moments but on the unchanging Christ. Hold onto Jesus—He alone remains.

Jesus once asked His disciples a question that still echoes today: "Who do you say I am?" It’s one thing to know about Jesus, but truly following Him transforms everything. This question isn’t just about recognizing His life and works—it’s about surrender, identity, and a faith that reshapes every part of who we are. As we step into this moment in Scripture, we’ll wrestle with what it really means to follow Jesus, not just in name but in action. So, who do you say He is? Your answer might change everything.