Many people look at religion as dry, life-less obedience to God. Jesus has come to over-turn this outdated way of relating to God. Jesus in Mark tells us that he has come to throw a party, to replace guilt with gratitude and to bring us true joy. Jesus teaches us a new way of living free.

Jesus surprisingly befriended and partied not with the religious but the morally broken. He came not for those who had it all figured out, but those who were desperately in need of rescue. Christianity says, "It's OK not to be OK." The message of Jesus breaks into a world of religious condemnation with truly Good News that Jesus is the friend of sinners.

Our headlines scream war, genocide, racial tensions and celebrity suicide. Jesus comes into our broken world and shows us what is the root of our troubles. But he also comes as the great healer who has come to bring us ultimate hope as he brings heaven down and kicks hell out.

Jesus had the remarkable ability to focus on what really mattered. Instead of seeking after immediate fame, Jesus focused on his ultimate mission. Instead of chasing the crowds, Jesus was relentlessly focused on what really mattered. Jesus teaches us how to de-clutter our lives to live for things that really matter.

None of us are truly in control of our lives. We are constantly driven by fear, greed, sex and pride. We live in a broken world filled with tragic events, traumatic experiences and unending violence. Mark 1 introduces a light that breaks into this world to confront these false powers in our life and bring us into a life of freedom and worship.

In this sermon we explore the powerful call of Jesus to unqualified people to live for something great. Everybody follows some king, some ruler, some trend, some god. Jesus frees us and claims us to a life of ultimate fulfillment and service.

In this Introduction to the Gospel of Mark, Pastor Dennis discusses the unique historicity of Jesus and how there is a longing in every human heart for the Good News of his arrival. John the Baptist shows us the way to fully prepare for this divine encounter.

In this summary sermon Pastor Dennis looks at the overarching message of Ecclesiastes. The Professor in Ecclesiastes asks us, "What do you care about and why? What are you living for now that will last into eternity? The concluding words of Ecclesiastes drives us forward to discover what it means to be part of God's great kingdom story.

Guest Pastor Tim Yee of Union Church

Guest Pastor Andrew Park of Living Way Presbyterian Church