The Summons: Grappling With God’s Kingdom and King

The Unconcealable Kingdom 

Mark 4:21-25 

We’ve all heard the phrase “let’s address the elephant in the room.” It describes that moment when something feels too important to ignore, or so obvious that there might as well be a full-sized elephant standing between you and the other person. 

In a way, Jesus’ ministry began in the opposite manner. It arrived quietly. He was born in a manger, in a small town, and grew up like every other child. And yet, unlike any other human life, Jesus was bringing forth the Kingdom of God into the world. He knew that even though His mission began quietly, it would eventually become impossible to overlook – an “elephant in the room” of sorts. 

Join us this Sunday as we discover how the light of Jesus’ Kingdom refuses to stay in the shadows and how we’re invited to live in it. 

The Summons: Grappling With God’s Kingdom and King (Part 13)

The Seed of the Kingdom

Mark 4:26-34

We’ve all been there. The teacher assigns a group project, and you’re paired with two people who likely won’t do a thing. You spend all week working, and by the time presentation day arrives, your only goal is to make sure the teacher knows exactly who did all the work.

From Lego towers in the living room, to reference pages in academic writing, we are wired from a young age to claim credit for our accomplishments. We want the acknowledgment we feel we’ve earned.

But the Kingdom of God operates differently.

Scripture reminds us that we are simply vessels in the greater plan of the kingdom, not the source. God tells his children that all credit should be given to him, because any growth we see is a product of his plan being carried out.

Join us this Sunday as we read the parables of Jesus and rediscover our role in God’s great plan.

Risen to Lead YouEaster SundayMark 14:26-29Humans are often captivated by life’s great mysteries. Questions about why we dream, how life began, or what lies beyond our solar system can feel unexplainable. Yet one question continues to puzzle even the sharpest historians: What sparked the rise of Christianity? Jesus’ life stirred up curiosity and wonder, but His resurrection provides the answer.Join us as we open God’s Word and discover the power of the risen Savior and the life-changing hope that His resurrection brings.

The Summons: Grappling with God’s Kingdom and King

The Parable of the Sower

Mark 4:1-20

We’ve all heard that gentle but pointed question, “Are you listening to me?” Not because we’re hard of hearing, but because our attention has drifted. Parents asking a child to repeat back their words aren’t just checking for repetition, they’re checking for presence, engagement, and for a heart that’s tuned in. This is a familiar concept because we know the difference between hearing sounds and actually taking them in. 

Jesus understood that difference to an even greater degree. People heard him but often did not receive him. His words were misunderstood, misconstrued and reinterpreted by some of his audience. Conversely, his parables stood as an invitation for those who were ready to listen, not simply hear. 

Join us this Sunday as we dive into this parable with open hearts, ready to listen for the summons of the King. 

The Summons: Grappling With God’s Kingdom and King

Mark 3:20-35 

When the Kingdom Becomes God’s Family 

Family is often the first way we understand who we are. We introduce ourselves through the people we’re connected to, and we give our time and affection to those who share our blood. In Jesus’ day, this was even more intense. Your family line was your identity, your security, and your place in the world. 

But when Jesus announces His kingdom, He reshapes even this. He shows that God’s family is not defined by ancestry, last names, or bloodlines, but by a deeper allegiance: doing the will of the Father. In a culture where family defined everything, Jesus invites His followers into a new family tree. 

Join us this Sunday as we explore how Jesus redefines family and what it means to belong to God’s household today. 

The Summons: Grappling With God’s Kingdom and King

Crowds Versus Followers 

Mark 3:7-19 

We’re often swept into whatever the majority is doing – the music everyone listens to, the clothes everyone wears, even the phrases we use just to blend in. Crowds feel safe and familiar. They offer belonging without requiring anything of us. But does simply blending in ever lead us into the sweetness of the life we’re called to live? 

Jesus was constantly surrounded by crowds who wanted something from Him. And though the disciples followed Him too, there was a stark contrast in their approach. 

Join us this Sunday as we explore the difference between joining the crowd and becoming a faithful follower. 

The Summons: Grappling With God’s Kingdom and King

New Wine Into Old Wineskins 

Mark 3:1-6 

No one likes change. Whether it’s a new manager, a new president or a new housing development moving in right across the street, we all know the complaints that come with unfamiliarity. Moving away feels uncomfortable, switching jobs feels unsteady and inviting new people in can feel nerve wracking. But why do we fear change when it’s guaranteed to happen? 

When Jesus brought forth the new kingdom, people were confronted with uncomfortable change. Some responded with flexibility, humility and resilience, while others reacted with resistance and hostility. 

Join us this Sunday as we explore how Jesus came to pour out His new wine, and what it means for us to become new wineskins, ready for his renewal.

The Summons: Grappling With God’s Kingdom and King (Part 7)

The King is Here

Mark 2:23-28

Rules can often leave a bitter taste. They can feel confining, stifling creativity and limiting freedom. Authority figures can silence people rather than guide them. Parents can fail to explain the heart behind their rules. Teachers can unintentionally shut down the inspiration of their students. For many, rules bring more frustration than order. 

But what if there was a perfect rule-maker? An Authority whose commands aren’t meant to restrict, but to help His people thrive. A Father whose rules protect His children. A Teacher whose instructions lead to joy and new life. Living in a world full of broken rules and leaders, causes us to seek the voice of a gentle Shepherd. 

Join us this Sunday to discover how the commands of the King Jesus are for the flourishing of His subjects. 

The Summons: Grappling With God’s Kingdom and King (Part 6) On That Day They Will Fast Mark 2:18-22Picture this: A sweet smell of pot roast wafts from the kitchen to your room. As you draw closer, you hear vegetables sizzling on the stove and catch a glimpse of the apple pie baking in the oven. Your mother has spent hours preparing a feast for you. But when she serves you a generous helping, you push the plate away. “Does it not look appetizing?” she asks, though you know it does. “Are you not hungry?” she wonders, as your stomach growls. Why deny a delicious and nourishing meal? Fasting has been a spiritual discipline for thousands of years, yet many of us still wrestle with questions like these. What is the point? How can going without food deepen our spiritual life? Join us this Sunday as we listen to Jesus’ words and discover how fasting can deepen our fellowship with the bridegroom.

The Summons: Grappling With God’s Kingdom and King

The Sanitized vs the Scandalous Church 

Mark 2:13-17 

Jon Morales 

Have you ever voiced an unpopular opinion? One that makes people look up from their plates at a dinner party or causes passionate debate amongst friends? These opinions can often be polarizing, occasionally causing people to choose sides, leaving little room for neutrality. 

Similarly, Jesus had an approach to ministry that sparked strong reactions. It was unpopular to many religious leaders of the day and didn't fit neatly into their expectations. Some called it a scandal, but Jesus called it the gospel. 

Join us this Sunday to discover how Jesus' relational ministry invites us into a life of radical hospitality and healing.