The Book of Mark has a consistent theme calling us to listen. Jesus used very practical life application stories, called parables, to teach those around him. One of those parables was about a farmer sowing seeds, and Jesus started it by saying, "Listen." Why would he start this lesson with instructing us to listen?

Christ followers need to realize the power and authority they have been given to tell the world about Jesus. Even if you experience opposition, your story is powerful and purposeful to where God has placed you and who He has created you to be. What has God done for you? Who needs to hear your story?

Jesus chose a group of imperfect people to be His apostles and to be an example for us of who can follow Jesus. God can use anyone and use anything to bring about His glory and goodness for those who follow Him. We are all given the same invitation to be a part of the united family of Christ.

Jesus had an entirely different mission than the religious leaders of the biblical times; He didn’t come to judge the world but to save it. He came to restore what was broken and to give good news to all but especially the hurting. Jesus wants what is best for you and His call to you is to follow Him.

esus wants you to know He really has the will, and the power, and the authority to forgive sins. He is your victory over sin and everything sin destroys. In order that you may know Jesus has the authority to forgive sins, almost 2,000 years ago He turned to a man lying on a matt, who was helpless and vulnerable, to get up and walk without shame or guilt because Jesus has the authority to set him free. He has the power to heal you and set you free too.

When we personally encounter Jesus, He changes us from the inside out. What does it mean to know Jesus for yourself and to have a personal relationship with Him?

When we can acknowledge the unquestionable authority of Jesus Christ, then we’re in the sweet spot; we can trust Him with this control because of His generous compassion. It's at this intersection, that we want to build our lives.

What does it look like to follow Jesus with our lives?

The best leader is a servant leader; this is best modeled through the life of Jesus. Learn about the beginning of His ministry, the significance of His baptism, what it meant then, and what it means for us now.

The stewardship of our finances is not as much about physical dollars but about the condition of our hearts and our willingness to trust in God for all things.