The Way of Purity Text: Mark 7:1-23Rev. John Downs At times it can be easy to get distracted by human traditions and lose sight of the core of what it means to follow Jesus. While traditions and church history have … April 2, 2023 Read More »

The Way of Provision Text: Mark 6:30-56Rev. John Downs As we consider today’s text, we see Jesus providing for his followers even in the desolate places of their lives, with echoes of God’s provision for the children of Israel following … March 26, 2023 Read More »

Christ the King Text: Psalm 110Dr. Peter Green Psalm 110 does not refer to merely any king but points specifically to the messianic king Jesus. His reign began with his ascension to the right hand of the Father and will … March 19, 2023 Read More »

The Way of Rejection Text: Mark 6:1-30Rev. John Downs They say that familiarity breeds contempt. Today’s text would support that sentiment as we see rejection directed toward Jesus, his followers and his forerunner. The sources include his own family, in … March 12, 2023 Read More »

The Way of Healing Text: Mark 5:21-43Rev. John Downs Ever since the Fall, there has been a universal search for a cure for what ails us. Some look to snake oil remedies and are disappointed. Yet, for those put their … March 5, 2023 Read More »

The Way of Power Text: Mark 4:35-5:20Rev. John Downs When faced with chaos or the unexpected, fear may be a natural response. In the two incidents described in today’s text, we see evidence that Jesus was not merely a good … February 26, 2023 Read More »

The Way of Parables, Part 2 Text: Mark 4:21-34Rev. John Downs The series of three parables in today’s text show us a progression to the now and future kingdom. We see the breaking in of the kingdom when Jesus enters … February 19, 2023 Read More »

The Way of Parables, Part 1 Text: Mark 4:1-20Rev. John Downs God works through very ordinary means to achieve his extraordinary purposes. The parable was a very familiar manner of teaching among rabbis during Jesus’ time. Through today’s parable, Jesus … February 12, 2023 Read More »

The Way of Spiritual Family Text: Mark 3:7-35Rev. John Downs With echoes back to Mt. Sinai, in today’s text we see Jesus calling a new spiritual family, a new Israel based not on ethnicity but rather on the call of … February 5, 2023 Read More »

The Way of Sabbath Text: Mark 2:23-3:6Rev. John Downs Our creator God designed us for Sabbath rest as a way to bless us and not to bind us. As we reflect on God’s sufficiency and our own inadequacy in and … January 29, 2023 Read More »