MBM Rooty Hill / Bible Talks

What does greatness look like? Jesus’ answer may surprise you.

At the centre of the gospel of Mark we find perhaps the most penetrating question one could be asked. About himself, Jesus asked, ‘Who do you say I am?’ Understanding who Jesus is and why he came is the foundational question for all of life. Jesus is either who he says he is, the powerful Son of God, or he is a charlatan who should be condemned. In this account Jesus reveals who he is, his mission to the world, and the subsequent call he makes on the lives of people.

When it comes to the person of Jesus of Nazareth there are a plethora of views as to his nature, his work, and his teaching. For many people, Jesus is a great moral teacher, a model to follow. Others find his to be something of a religious philosopher who provokes people to think. Still others accept him to be God in the flesh.

There are moments in life where we some experience deep desperation. Things happen in life that catch us by surprise and leave us rattled. A health diagnosis, a relationship breakdown, financial and mental health struggles. Often we feel helpless, hopeless, and don’t know where to go. In Mark 7:24–30 we witness the story of a woman in dire circumstances. She is desperate and brings her needs to Jesus. In this surprising encounter we learn about God’s grace in Jesus, and what sort of posture he desires from those who would seek him.

It is a good thing to be earnest and sincere. Having these traits, however, doesn’t mean we are right or wise in regard to our desire. We can be sincerely wrong or misinformed. One of the common beliefs of today is that all religions are basically the same and as long as one is sincere then it will be ok. In this passage in Mark 7, however, Jesus confronts the failure of religion and reveals that even the best and most sincere efforts to reach God are fraught with failure. Jesus challenges his audience to rethink how one can approach God.

One of the great mistakes some Christians mistake is to overlook the integral role the Holy Spirit plays in the Christian life. The Holy Spirit, God’s abiding presence, equips, empowers, and accompanies his people to serve and know him. In this sermon we explore the identity of the Holy Spirit and his ministry of support, comfort, and teaching in the Christian experience.

Today we ask the question, does prayer change things? And we prayerfully ask God to give us more confidence to pray, help us make practical commitments to pray and guide us to intentionally engage relationally with him.

In answering the question “What is faith?”, Hebrews 11 shows us that faith is not blind optimism or wishful thinking, but thoughtful, confident trust in a faithful God who has spoken and acted. True faith believes God’s promises, rests on His proven character, and reshapes how we live even when the path ahead does not make sense. This passage calls us not merely to believe in God, but to believe God, placing the full weight of our lives on His word and His Son.

Often in the busyness of life we fail to slow down and take stock of our lives. As we come to the end of the year it is easy just to move on without learning or reflecting on the year that has been. In this message we will reflect on the five books we have studied this year: Mark, Leviticus, Revelation, Haggai, and 1 Peter and ask ourselves, what do these books reveal about God? Reflecting on who God has revealed himself to be in these books will provide us a solid footing as we approach the new year.