All of life can be reduced to one simple maxim: Trust the Lord. Life was not designed to be confusing nor complex. Mark it down: life gets confusing and complex when we lack trust in the Lord. There is no greater example of this truth than in the life of Jonah.

We value asking questions to better understand how to live life in a God-centered, Christ-exalting way. We believe that church should be the best place in which people can get solid answers to life’s questions.

NOTE: Due to technical difficulties the audio recording of this Grace Talk session will not be available.

Q1. What do each of the panel members believe about the Tribulation and why? I love the value of pastors having different positions on “secondary issues” and would like to see it first-hand.

Q2. I have a friend who seems to be in a rut spiritually and I don’t know what to do. I see the lack of joy and the toying with the world and feel helpless. I want better for him…

Q3. Recently, Pastor Dan spoke of the difference between distinctions between well-meaning Christians falling into two categories – “different and wrong.” Would Presbyterians on the issue of baptism be in the category of wrong and not different and how do I work through that? I don’t want to be petty, but I don’t want to be wrong more! Thanks.

Q4. Recently, a nearby mega-church had a sermon series that has stirred up some controversy as it relates to the Pastor calling for the ‘unhitching’ of the OT from our faith, and that all we really need to know is that Christ was resurrected form the dead for a saving faith. Can you please comment? Also, how would we best have robust, yet loving discussion on this topic with those that may ascribe to this distancing from the OT?

Submit a future GraceTALK question.

In this section of Scripture, Jesus is forming the faith of His disciples. Today we arrive at their next lesson: the consequences of disobedience and the faithfulness of God. Even though this teaching occurred over 2000 years ago, it is as timely as the morning news. We are glad you are here!

Scripture references: Mark 9:42-50

Jesus is forming the faith of His disciples and we come to another thing they need to learn – the distinction between someone being different from you and someone being wrong about the truth. Today, we will see how Jesus wants His disciples to think on this subject and we are going to tag along to get a handle on this slippery subject.

Scripture references: Mark 9:38-41, John 13:34-35, John 17:20-21, Acts 2:1-47, Philippians 2:12-18, Matthew 25:31-46

We were all designed to express God’s glory while enjoying life. However, after the Fall, that design was shattered, and we have difficulty to do either because we struggle in our faith-walk. Today, we will see Jesus intentionally form the faith of the disciples and, thereby, learn how to walk by faith ourselves.

Scripture References: Mark 9:30-37, Daniel 7:13-14, Mark 10:33, 13:9, 13:11, 15:1, Luke 9:44-45, Matthew 18:1-5

Last week we saw how the disciples failed to expel a demon from a person because they did not act by faith. The power was available but they did not “plug into” it. In other words, they sought to remedy the situation in their own strength. Today, we will expand this thought to include how we are to walk in faith.

Scripture References: Mark 9:14-29, Heb. 10:5-7, Phil. 2:6-8, Heb. 11:6, Luke 4:1-13, John 19:10, Phil. 4:10-13, 2 Cor. 6:4-5

People often identify struggles in terms of what they struggle against – pride, fear, depression, anger, lust and the like. However, have you ever thought that those manifestations are rooted in one issue, one vexing problem we all have? We will explore this today. Thanks for being here.

Scripture References: Mark 9:14-29, Mark 2:5-7, Mark 2:16-17, Mark 3:22, Mark 7:1-9, Matthew 17:20, Luke 9:38-42

How do you come down from the mountaintop high of a glorious experience and plant your feet firmly on the ground for what’s ahead? That’s what Peter, James and John faced after watching Jesus being transfigured before their eyes. Jesus had some very intentional lessons he expected them to learn. Fortunate for us these are the same lessons we need to learn in order to express our trust and love for Jesus.

Scripture References: Mark 9:9-13, Mark 9:9-10; Mark 9:11-12; Mark 9:12-13

When Jesus said: “It is Finished,” what did He mean? Was He referring to His life? Was He referring to His ministry on earth? Something else? Today, we will consider 5 particular things that became a reality when Jesus rose from the grave. We are glad you are here today.

Sermon References: John 19:30, I Corinthians 15:3, I Corinthians 15:17, John 4:34, 5:30, 6:38; Genesis 3:15, 17:7; 2 Samuel 7:12-13; Mark 9:9, I John 2:1-2, Romans 3:20-26; I John 1:7, Romans 8:31-32, 35, 37-39; Galatians 3:28

While there are many things that are involved in living (school, job, etc.), there are only a few things that are essential for life (food, water, etc.). This is also true for what a person thinks about Jesus. While a person can have various perspectives on spirituality, there are some beliefs that must be embraced to truly follow Jesus.

Scripture References: Matthew 21:1-16, Matthew 20:29, Zechariah 9:9, Luke 19:41-47, Isaiah 56:7, Jeremiah 7:11, Psalm 8:2, John 18:38-19:15