GBCHutch

In this episode of Growing In Grace from Grace Bible Church in Hutchinson, Kansas, Pastor Bart Horton teaches Mark 1:16–20 and explains Jesus’ call to discipleship: “Follow Me, and I will make you become fishers of men.”You’ll hear why following Jesus is both simple and costly, how the gospel produces real obedience, and what it means for everyday believers to live on mission. Pastor Bart also introduces the sobering story of John Harper on the Titanic as a reminder of the urgency of saving faith.

What does it really mean to follow Jesus?

In this message from Mark 1:16–20, Pastor Bart Horton shows how the call of Christ is both simple and costly. Jesus doesn’t merely invite people to admire Him — He commands them to follow Him, and He promises to transform them into fishers of men.

Beginning with the powerful story of John Harper on the Titanic, this sermon reminds us that genuine discipleship is never just words. Following Christ reshapes our priorities, our identity, and our mission.

Jesus’ message is simple, but it isn’t soft: the time is fulfilled, the kingdom of God is at hand, and the call is urgent — repent and believe.

In Three Points and a Poem by Jesus (Part 2), Pastor Bart Horton continues in Mark 1:14–16 and shows why the gospel is always the priority of Jesus’ ministry. Even when people want miracles, relief, or answers to immediate problems, Jesus keeps pressing the deepest need: the soul’s need for repentance and faith.

This passage reminds us that the gospel isn’t merely something to hear or understand — it’s God’s command to turn to Christ and follow Him.

What did Jesus preach — and why did people respond with astonishment?

In Three Points and a Poem by Jesus (Part 1), Pastor Bart Horton begins Mark 1:14–16 and shows how Mark summarizes the heart of Jesus’ message with striking clarity. Jesus comes proclaiming the gospel of God: the time is fulfilled, the kingdom of God is at hand, and the call is urgent — repent and believe.

This passage reminds us that the gospel isn’t just information to consider; it’s God’s message that demands a response and reshapes a life.

Mark’s account of Jesus’ temptation is short — but it’s loaded with meaning.

In There’s a New Sheriff in Town (Part 2), Pastor Bart Horton continues in Mark 1:12–13, showing why the Spirit drives Jesus into the wilderness and what it proves about Christ’s authority. On Satan’s home turf, in real human weakness, Jesus stands firm and overcomes every assault.

You’ll also see why Mark mentions the wilderness, the wild beasts, and the ministry of angels — not as random details, but as encouragement for believers who feel the pressure of spiritual war. The outcome is secure: Jesus wins.

Right after Jesus’ baptism, Mark moves with urgency: the Spirit immediately drives Jesus into the wilderness — and Jesus is tempted by Satan.

In This episode, (Part 1), Pastor Bart Horton begins Mark 1:12–13 and explains why this short passage is anything but small. Jesus goes onto the enemy’s turf, in real human weakness, and yet He obeys the Father perfectly and stands firm under temptation.

This is the opening confrontation that shows Christ’s authority, His submission, and the beginning of His mission to destroy the works of the devil.

Why was Jesus baptized — and what does it reveal about His mission?

In The Baptism of Jesus (Part 2), Pastor Bart Horton continues in Mark 1:9–11. As Jesus steps into the waters of baptism, it isn’t Jesus confessing sin — He’s identifying with sinners and committing Himself to the path of obedience that leads to the cross fulfilling all righteousness.

You’ll also see the glory of this moment as the heavens are torn open, the Spirit descends, and the Father speaks His approval over the Son — a powerful display that Jesus is the Messiah and that His rescue mission is underway.

In Mark 1:9–11, Jesus steps into the Jordan to be baptized by John — and nothing about that moment is accidental or merely symbolic.

In The Baptism of Jesus (Part 1), Pastor Bart Horton explains why Christ’s baptism marks the commencement of the greatest rescue mission in history. Jesus isn’t confessing sin — He has none. He’s identifying with sinners and committing Himself to a ministry that will certainly end in His death.

This is the starting point of Christ’s public work, the moment His path is set toward the cross — and it changes how we think about Jesus, and how we live for Him.

Growing In Grace is presented by Grace Bible Church in Hutchinson KS

What does real humility look like — and how do you know when you’re actually making much of Christ instead of making much of yourself?

In Be the Best Nobody You Can Be (Part 2), Pastor Bart Horton continues in Mark 1:2–8 and keeps our focus on John the Baptist — the promised messenger who prepared the way for Jesus. You’ll see why John refuses to be the point, and why his words in Mark 1:7–8 draw a bright line between what a messenger can do and what only Christ can do.

John can baptize with water, but only Jesus Christ can baptize with the Holy Spirit. And that difference isn’t small — it’s the difference between an outward symbol and the inward work only the Savior can accomplish.

What does real humility look like—and how do you live a life that points people to Jesus instead of yourself? In “Be the Best Nobody You Can Be (Part 1)” Pastor Bart Horton continues our verse-by-verse study through the Gospel of Mark with Mark 1:2–8, introducing the ministry of John the Baptist.

In this episode, you’ll see why Mark moves so quickly from Jesus’ identity to the forerunner God promised in the Old Testament. John the Baptist is the “voice crying in the wilderness,” sent to prepare the way for the Lord—not by building his own platform, but by calling God’s people to repentance and pointing them to the coming King.

Pastor Bart explains how prophecy, providence, and obedience shape John’s ministry—and why John’s example is a needed correction in a world that constantly tells us to make much of ourselves.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why Mark begins John the Baptist’s story with fulfilled prophecy (Isaiah and Malachi)

• What it means to “prepare the way of the Lord” and make His paths straight

• How John models humility by finding his place in God’s plan

• Why obedience is the real test of humility

Topics covered: Mark 1:2–8, John the Baptist, prepare the way of the Lord, humility, repentance, prophecy fulfilled, Gospel of Mark study, expository preaching, Grace Bible Church Hutchinson

Growing In Grace features verse-by-verse Bible teaching from Pastor Bart Horton at Grace Bible Church of Hutchinson, Kansas.