In Jesus's day, marriage and divorce were matters of great importance, just like they are in our day. Divorce was a hotly debated topic among the rabbis who agreed that the Scriptures made allowance for divorce but disagreed for the reasons. In this passage Jesus turns the question of divorce into a talk on marriage. | Outline: [I] The Pharisees Test Jesus about Divorce (vs. 2-5) [II] Jesus Teaches the Pharisees about Marriage (vs. 6-9) [III] The Disciples ask Jesus about Remarriage (vs. 10-12)

If you recently started a new job you probably had some type of orientation training where you were told, “Now that you are an employee, here’s what you need to know and do. You’ve already secured the position, but here’s we want from you as our...

If you recently started a new job you probably had some type of orientation training where you were told, "Now that you are an employee, here's what you need to know and do. You've already secured the position, but here's we want from you as our employee." In these final verses of Mark 9 we have something similar happening. Jesus has already called the disciples to him and now that they belong to him he teaches them five lessons to grow them in their discipleship. | Outline: [I] Draw Bigger Circles (vs. 38-40) [II] Love Jesus by Showing Kindness (vs. 41) [III] Be Careful Around Others (vs. 42) [IV] Deal Radically with Sin (vs. 43-48) [V] Pursue the Benefits of Godly Living (vs. 49-50)

The disciples are arguing about the pecking order of greatness among them and in response to their ambitions, Jesus says, “If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and a servant of all.” In other words, “Fellows, if you’re going to be my...

The disciples are arguing about the pecking order of greatness among them and in response to their ambitions, Jesus says, "If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and a servant of all." In other words, "Fellows, if you're going to be my disciples then true greatness as one of my followers will be seen in how well you serve others and not in how many people you have serving you." Jesus has got credibility to say these types of things because this is what he himself did. He gave his life away as an act of love toward us, serving us and giving his life as a ransom for our redemption. | Outline: [I] Jesus Gave His Life for Us (vs. 30-32) [II] We will be Great if we Give our Lives for Others (vs. 33-37)

You can trace the most evil of humanity and our suffering, pain, and shame back to what happened with Adam, Eve, and the serpent in the Garden. This passage, commonly referred to as the Fall of Mankind, explains to us the origin of sin (disobeying the...

You can trace the most evil of humanity and our suffering, pain, and shame back to what happened with Adam, Eve, and the serpent in the Garden. This passage, commonly referred to as the Fall of Mankind, explains to us the origin of sin (disobeying the command of God). The serpent (Devil) entices Adam, Eve, and all of us, with a lie which is simply this: there is something outside of the command of God and it will liberate you and you need to find it. When we believe that lie, shame results, but thanks be to God that He sent Jesus who in nakedness covered our shame at the cross, providing forgiveness for our disobedience and power to not continue believing the devil's lies.

Baptism is a type of entry point into the community of faith. It’s an expression of being born into the Christian family by the Spirit of God. In this sermon we think about baptism as a picture of the gospel, a badge of discipleship and joining...

Baptism is a type of entry point into the community of faith. It's an expression of being born into the Christian family by the Spirit of God. In this sermon we think about baptism as a picture of the gospel, a badge of discipleship and joining together event that brings responsibility to each of us. | Outline: [I] Baptism is a Picture of the Gospel [II] Baptism is a Badge of Discipleship [III] Baptism is a Joining Together Event

In 1 Kings 18:20-40, the prophet Elijah challenges the false prophets of Baal to a showdown. This showdown reveals a contrast between false gods which make people tired and wounded, and the God of the Bible who makes people rested and healed. God...