After a decree went out to annihilate the Jews, Mordecai publicly mourned and urged Esther to advocate for her people. Pastor Skip Heitzig opens the text to reveal Esther’s call to stand firm in faith and allow God to use her in a mighty way.

Mark introduced Jesus as the Son of God and Israel’s Messiah (see v. 1), who proclaimed His purpose to establish the kingdom of God (see v. 15). But such claims must be substantiated by divine authority. So, the author provides three credentials of this Messianic King to prove His office.

I. Authority Over Dispassion (vv. 21-22)

II. Authority Over Demons (vv. 23-28)

III. Authority Over Disease (vv. 29-34)

Learn Your Bible: Use your favorite study resources to find cross-reference passages that point to Jesus’ authority in each of the areas we studied today.

Love Your Neighbor: Ask God to show you someone in your life who needs to be reminded of His grace, then take one practical step to love them well.

Live in Freedom: Is there something in your life—a doubt, struggle, or secret shame—that you haven’t surrendered to the authority of Christ? Take the first step this week to fully place that in His hands.

The book of Esther reads like a blend of fairy tale and mystery, following a young Jewish woman thrust into a crucial role in saving her people. In chapters 1–2, Pastor Skip Heitzig highlights God’s providential hand as He positioned every detail—from a royal beauty contest to a foiled assassination attempt.

“Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all.” Those words were spoken by Helen Keller, who lost her sight and hearing before her second birthday. Jesus promises abundant life (an adventure) to those who follow Him. Today we notice three aspects of Jesus’ call to His first followers.

I. Their Character (vv. 16, 19)

II. Their Calling (vv. 17, 20)

III. Their Commitment (vv. 18, 20b)

Learn Your Bible: Meditate on John 10:10 and spend time intentionally and specifically thanking the Lord for the riches He’s poured into your life.

Love Your Neighbor: How can you be the hands and feet of Jesus to a brother or sister in Christ this week?

Live in Freedom: Ask the Lord to reveal how He wants you to live more abundantly in your daily walk.

Talk with Kids: What does it mean that God is faithful?

In 1 Thessalonians 5, Paul closed his letter to the church by calling attention to the future—Christ’s return. He reminded those who were living in sin of the day of judgment. In this message from Pastor Skip Heitzig, we’re reassured God has not called those who believe to wrath and are encouraged to live in anticipation of His return.

As we reflect on how spiritual rebirth leads to everlasting life, we can take comfort in knowing Jesus Christ Himself keeps and guards us, and we will one day arrive safely in heaven. Pastor Skip Heitzig urges us to keep our eyes on the resurrected Jesus, who is our Living Hope, because through Him, we have been rescued from hopeless living.

I. Hope Now (v. 3)

II. Heaven Later (v. 4)

III. Help In Between (v. 5)

Learn Your Bible: Thank the Lord that He keeps you “through faith for salvation” and meditate on Psalm 37:23-24 as you recognize His keeping power in your own life.

Love Your Neighbor: Invite a new believer to visit your Connect Group this week.

Live in Freedom: Ask the Lord to reveal areas of your life—hurt, bitterness, or hidden sin—that you haven’t yet surrendered to Him.

Talk with kids: What do you think the torn veil in the temple demonstrated?

Jesus’ final words revealed that He bore God’s wrath and provided the way to direct relationship with God for us by willingly giving up His life. In this Good Friday message, Pastor Skip Heitzig studies the crucifixion, the supernatural darkness that followed, and the tearing of the temple veil and urges us to reflect on the ultimate demonstration of love which Jesus poured out on the cross.

I. What's Happening in the Sky

II. What's Happening in the Temple

III. What's Happening on the Cross

Mark shows us “the beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ” (v. 1). After introducing John the Baptist, he includes three (really four) foundational scenes that mark the beginning movement of the gospel—from the lips of Jesus to those who followed Him and then took it around the world.

I. Identification (v. 9)

II. Confirmation (vv. 10-11)

III. Confrontation (vv. 12-13)

IV. Proclamation (vv. 14-15)

Learn Your Bible: What does this passage teach you about how God works before great things begin?

Love Your Neighbor: Share the gospel with a friend or family member this week—or simply invite them to our Good Friday and Easter services.

Live in Freedom: What step of obedience is God calling you to take so you can walk in freedom and purpose as you follow Jesus?

Talk with kids: Why do we have to turn from our sin to trust Jesus as Savior?

In 1 Thessalonians 4, Paul urged believers to continue in a life that pleased God—growing in holiness and love while waiting for the second coming. The chapter concludes with a reminder of the hope believers have in Christ’s return and offering comfort and assurance that both the dead and living in Christ will be raised and united with Him.

Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “To be great is to be misunderstood.” John the Baptist was certainly that! This unusual figure dominates the first part of Mark’s gospel account. Let’s discover what made him so great and why his role was so important to the ministry of Jesus.

I. John Was Anticipated by Scripture (vv. 2-3)

II. John Was an Unusual Character (v. 6)

III. John Was Preparing the Future (vv. 4-5, 7)

IV. John Was Introducing the Savior (vv. 7-8)

Talk with God: As you prepare for Easter, ask the Lord to soften your heart, deepen your faith, and draw you closer to Jesus.

Talk with others: Invite an unbelieving friend or family member to join you for one of our Good Friday services.

Talk with kids: How did Elisha display God’s power?