Dietrich Bonhoeffer famously wrote, “When Christ calls a man, he bids him come and die.” This statement captures the radical nature of true discipleship—when Jesus calls us, He transforms us. We become a new creation, breaking away from worldly attachments and idols to follow Him wholeheartedly. This is not an easy call; it requires a willingness to surrender everything because Jesus is now our ultimate treasure. Many wrestle with this reality, wondering if they truly must give up their comforts, relationships, and security. But this is the essence of discipleship: following the King demands a radical response, one of complete devotion and trust.

The King’s Demand: Radical Humility

Mark’s Gospel presents Jesus’ arrival as the fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan. His message is clear: “The time is fulfilled, the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel” (Mark 1:15). The kingdom is not merely a place but a divine intervention in human history, bringing salvation and judgment. Jesus’ call to repentance is not about mere regret but a radical turning from sin, a transformation that leads to faith. Repentance and belief are ongoing acts of humility, requiring us to acknowledge our complete dependence on Christ. Just as Jesus overcame the wilderness temptation, He now calls us to surrender our self-sufficiency and trust wholly in Him.

The King’s Summons: Radical Loyalty

Jesus not only calls His followers to humility but also to radical loyalty. When He calls Simon, Andrew, James, and John, they leave everything—career, family, and security—to follow Him. Unlike traditional rabbis, Jesus seeks out His disciples, offering them a mission to become “fishers of men.” This metaphor reflects the transformative power of the gospel, where following Christ means leaving behind the old life to embrace His mission. Discipleship is not about achieving worthiness but responding to grace with obedience. Whether following Jesus leads to foreign missions or ministering to a neighbor, it requires a willingness to surrender all. Jesus Himself set this example—leaving heaven, taking on flesh, and bearing our sin on the cross. If He gave up everything for us, how can we not respond with radical humility and radical loyalty?

Main Point – Following the King demands a radical response.

Outline – Two Responses the King Demands: 1. Radical Humility (vv14-15) & 2. Radical Loyalty (vv16-20)

Study Questions

1. Why was Galilee a significant place for Jesus to begin His public ministry? How does this reflect the wisdom of God?
2. In what ways was Jesus’ preaching (vv. 14-15) similar to that of John the Baptist? Why is this connection important?
3. When Jesus calls the first disciples to follow Him, what is He asking of them? What are the implications of this call for us as believers today?
4. Why must Jesus be the ultimate treasure of our hearts? What competing idols might be drawing your affection away from fully following Him?
5. What gifts of grace has God given to equip us to respond to Jesus’ call and follow Him? Support your answer with Scripture.

Passage/Sermon Summary:

In Mark 1:9-13, we witness the beginning of Jesus’ ministry. Jesus arrives at the Jordan River, seeking baptism from John, not because He needed cleansing, but to identify with humanity’s sin. This moment is profound, showing Jesus’ commitment to bear our shame and sin. The passage highlights the Trinitarian affirmation of Christ—God the Father declares Jesus His beloved Son, and the Spirit descends upon Him, marking the beginning of His mission.

Immediately after this, the Spirit drives Jesus into the wilderness, where He faces temptation from Satan. This moment underscores Jesus’ unique qualifications: He is the Chosen One, fulfilling prophecies, and is victorious where humanity failed, in overcoming temptation. His victory over Satan in the wilderness mirrors humanity’s original fall in the garden, but unlike Adam, Jesus remains faithful, securing our redemption.

In this passage, we see how Jesus uniquely cleanses our shame and secures our victory over death. Through His baptism, He identifies with our sin, and through His temptation, He remains victorious where we fall short. The Holy Spirit, who was with Him in the wilderness, continues to provide comfort and power to resist temptation.

Study Questions:

1. What is the significance of Jesus’ baptism in Mark 1:9-11, and why did Jesus, being sinless, choose to be baptized?
   • Consider the theological implications of Jesus identifying with humanity’s sin through baptism, as well as his fulfillment of prophecy and his commitment to the mission of redemption.
2. What is the role of the Holy Spirit in the baptism of Jesus (Mark 1:10-11)?
   • Reflect on the symbolism of the dove descending upon Jesus and the voice from heaven affirming Jesus’ identity. How does this moment demonstrate the unity of the Trinity?
3. What is the importance of the phrase “immediately” in Mark 1:12, and how does this fast pace contribute to the narrative of the Gospel according to Mark?
   • Discuss the implications of Mark’s pacing and how it emphasizes the urgency of Jesus’ mission, especially in the context of Roman Christians under persecution.
4. In Mark 1:12-13, why does the Spirit drive Jesus into the wilderness, and what is the significance of the 40 days of temptation?
   • Examine the parallels between Jesus’ temptation in the wilderness and Israel’s 40 years in the wilderness. How does this highlight Jesus as the faithful and obedient one where Israel and humanity have failed?
5. How does Jesus’ victory over temptation in Mark 1:12-13 demonstrate his unique qualifications in the conflict between good and evil?
   • Examine how Jesus’ resistance to Satan’s temptations contrasts with Adam and humanity’s fall, pointing to Jesus as the “better Adam” and the ultimate victor over sin.

Reflection Questions:

1. When you face guilt or shame in your own life, do you see Jesus as the ultimate cleanser who has taken away the stain of sin for you? If not, why?
   • Reflect on how the imagery of Jesus’ baptism and temptation informs your understanding of Jesus’ work in removing your guilt and shame.
2. What role does the Holy Spirit play in your own life when facing trials or temptations?
   • Reflect on how the Holy Spirit’s presence and guidance in Jesus’ life might encourage you in your walk of faith, especially when facing difficulties.
3. What methods might we use to be encouraged when facing temptations? What was Jesus’ practice when facing temptation.
   • Discuss other passages that offer encouragement or guidance on how we are to face temptations.

Mark’s Gospel, though anonymous, has been historically attributed to John Mark, a close associate of both Paul and Peter. Early church tradition, including the writings of Papias, affirms that Mark served as Peter’s interpreter, carefully recording his eyewitness accounts of Jesus. Unlike the more detailed and structured narratives of Matthew and Luke, Mark’s Gospel moves quickly and urgently, emphasizing action and immediacy. Written between the late 50s and late 60s AD, likely in the aftermath of the Great Fire of Rome, Mark’s account was a source of encouragement for persecuted Christians, offering a vivid portrayal of Jesus as the victorious Son of God who triumphs through suffering.

Mark opens his Gospel not with genealogies or birth narratives, but with a bold theological declaration: Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is the fulfillment of God’s promises. He connects this moment to Old Testament prophecies, particularly Malachi 3:1 and Isaiah 40:3, which foretold the arrival of a messenger preparing the way for the Lord. That messenger is John the Baptist, a figure reminiscent of Elijah, who appears in the wilderness calling people to repentance. His baptism signified a need for cleansing and a readiness for the One who would bring true salvation. Yet, John himself acknowledged his own limitations—his baptism could symbolize repentance, but it could not wash away sin. Only Jesus, who would later submit to baptism not because He needed cleansing, but to identify with sinners, could accomplish that work.

John’s mission was to prepare the way, pointing people to Jesus both visually, through his appearance, and vocally, through his message. Clothed like Elijah, he stood as a prophetic figure calling for repentance, but he also humbly declared that he was unworthy even to untie Jesus’ sandals. His baptism was merely preparatory, while Jesus would baptize with the Holy Spirit, bringing true transformation. And here, even at the beginning of Mark’s Gospel, we see a foreshadowing of the cross. Just as Jesus descended into the Jordan, symbolically taking on the sins of the people, He would later go to the cross, bearing their sins in full. Cleansing would not come from the waters of the Jordan but from the blood of the Son of God. And just as Jesus went down into the river, He would go into the tomb—only to rise again, bringing new life to all who trust in Him.

Sermon Outline

1. The Prophecies about John’s Mission (vv1-3)
2. The Proclamation of John’s Message (vv4-5)
3. The Purpose of John’s Ministry (vv6-8)

Main Point – If you are in Christ, you have a better baptism than John’s baptism.

Study Questions

1. Why do you think Mark begins his Gospel with the prophecies and mission of John the Baptist? Read Acts 10:34-48. How did Peter introduce the good news when preaching to the Gentiles?
2. What are the similarities and differences between John’s baptism and believer’s baptism? Use relevant Scripture to support your answer.
3. Why is the message of John’s preaching still relevant today? Read Psalm 51. How does this passage serve as a model for confession and repentance?
4. In Matthew 3:8, John told the Pharisees to “bear fruit in keeping with repentance.” What did he mean by this? What does it look like to bear fruit that aligns with genuine repentance?
5. John’s baptism was limited, but Jesus baptizes with the Holy Spirit. Why is this such good news for sinners?

Why do we take the Lord’s Supper? Does it matter? Does anything happen when we take it? It does matter… it is worship!

Jesus gives it to us as an ordinance in Luke 22, at the time of the Passover just before he is betrayed and crucified. He invites us into the new Passover, celebrating the real Exodus of God’s people and points us towards the final Banquet.

Main Point – Taking the Lord’s Supper Is Worship

Outline: Four Aspects of Corporate Singing

1. Worship by recognizing the forerunner of the Table (v14-17).
2. Worship by remembering figures of the Table (v. 19-20).
3. Worship by responding in fellowship at the Table: (1 Cor. 11:17-34, 1 co 10:16-20
4. Worship by recognizing the foreshadow of the Table (Luke 22:18, Rev 19:9).

Study Questions 1. Define worship. In what way are the ordinances (baptism and the Lord’s Supper) worship? 2. Jesus says in v15 he “earnestly desired” to have the Passover with his disciples. This is effectively his last act with him before he goes to the cross. Why would he say this? How is the Passover connected to what he is about to do? Is there an example for us to follow? 3. RHC’s bylaws show a tint towards the belief that something spiritual beyond “normal” happens when we take the Lord’s Supper, though there is freedom in this! Where do you fall? Does it matter which it is? 4. We fellowship with one another and with Christ when we partake. This is the essential element in the Lord’s Supper. Where do we see this in Scripture? How is this ordinance unifying both locally and globally? Is it encouraging to know that other Christians of old worship as we do? 5. How can you apply Revelation 19 to your life today? How can it help you worship now? 6. What other passages of Scripture speak into the imagery of the table?

We often fall into the trap of viewing corporate worship as little more than a burdensome duty or an item to check off our weekly to-do list. There may even be the temptation to treat it as an event designed for entertainment or as a consumeristic experience where we evaluate what we “get out of it.” However, when we open the Scriptures, we find a radically different perspective. The Bible portrays corporate worship not as a mundane task or a show to be consumed, but as a profound privilege—a divine conversation between God and His people.

This concept is powerfully illustrated in Nehemiah 8–9. Nehemiah, the governor of Judah following the exile, leads the returned remnant in rebuilding the city walls of Jerusalem amidst great opposition. After this physical renewal of the city, we see in these chapters a spiritual renewal as God works through His Word to restore the hearts of His people.

In Nehemiah 8, the people of God come together, unified by a hunger for His Word. Ezra the scribe stands before the assembly and reads from the Book of the Law, explaining it so that the people understand. This moment highlights the centrality of God’s Word in worship, as His truth convicts, instructs, and transforms. Then, in Nehemiah 9, we see the people respond in a collective prayer of confession, worship, and adoration. Through these two chapters, we are reminded of the conversational nature of worship—God speaks to us through His Word, and we respond to Him in prayer and praise.

Main Point Corporate worship the privilege of conversing with our Creator.

Outline

1. God speaks to us through the preaching of His Word (Nehemiah 8:1–10).
2. We respond to God through corporate prayer (Nehemiah 9).

Study Questions

1. In Nehemiah 8, the people’s desire for God’s Word precedes their instruction from it. How can you cultivate a heart that hungers for and delights in God’s Word?
2. What do you believe about the power and authority of Scripture? Discuss this using other passages of the Bible to support your conclusion.
3. Based on your understanding of Scripture’s power, why is it important to sit under preaching that carefully unpacks (exposits) God’s Word? Reflect on how expository preaching at RHC or other churches has helped you grow spiritually.
4. Nehemiah 9 offers us a glimpse into the elements of corporate prayer. What themes or components (such as adoration, confession, thanksgiving, or supplication) do you observe in this prayer? Can you identify similar patterns in other parts of Scripture? Do you weave these patterns into your personal prayer life?
5. Do you have a regular practice of engaging in corporate prayer that includes confessing sin and celebrating God’s grace? How might this rhythm impact your group?
6. What are the implicit and explicit benefits of corporate prayer? How does it shape both individuals and the church as a whole?
7. Describe the comfort we should have in knowing that Jesus is praying over us as our risen High Priest?

Does singing matter? Absolutely! The Bible contains over 400 references to singing and more than 50 commands to sing. As Christians, we are a singing people. God Himself sings, Jesus sang at the Last Supper, and Paul instructs the early churches to sing. Singing is a powerful expression of worship, and corporate singing is a gracious gift from God designed to strengthen our faith and trust in Him.

Psalm 96 invites us to explore the profound question: “What are we doing when we gather together and sing?”

Main Point – Sing to the Lord who saves!

Outline: Four Aspects of Corporate Singing We sing to worship (v. 1). We sing to instruct (v. 2). We sing to witness (v. 3). We sing as a response (vv. 4–5)

Study Questions 1. Why is singing so important in our worship? What are some reasons we might feel reluctant to sing? 2. Search for passages in the Old and New Testaments that encourage God’s people to sing. What common themes or purposes do you notice? 3. How does our singing serve as instruction? Why is this important? What are the implications of this? 4. In what ways is our singing missional? Why does this matter? 5. Why is singing a gospel issue? 6. How can you cultivate intentional and worshipful singing in your home, gospel community group, and church?

Coming Soon..

This passage marks the fifth of six disputes in the book of Malachi. Following God’s confrontation with His people about His execution of justice on the unrighteous, He shifts the focus with a profound declaration of His unchanging nature—His immutability (v.6). God’s steadfast and unwavering mercy is the sole reason the stubborn Israelites have not been destroyed. If not for His unchanging faithfulness, their sins would have long warranted their destruction.

Through Malachi, God calls Israel to repentance and a return to Him (v.7). Yet, in their arrogance, they claim to have nothing to repent of, blind to the depths of their sin. God, however, sees their hearts clearly. He exposes their failure to be generous and their lack of trust in Him as evidenced by their withholding of tithes and offerings. By not giving Him what is rightfully His, they are enslaved to their possessions and guilty of robbing God Himself.

Through the prophet, the Lord addresses this heart issue of faithlessness. The dispute is not merely about money but about their trust in Him and their willingness to honor Him with all they have. God desires not just their obedience but their hearts, urging them to break free from their greed and return to a life of faithful dependence on Him.

Main Point – God’s grace towards us fuels our faithful trust in him.

Outline

1. God’s Merciful Plea (vv6-7)
2. Israel’s Faithless Problem (vv8-9)
3. God’s Abundant Provision (vv10-12)

Study Questions

1. Discuss God’s immutability
   • What does it mean that God is unchanging in His character and nature? How is this good news for us?
   • What other Scriptures highlight this attribute of God?
2. God’s Immutability and Israel’s Repentance
   • How does God’s unchanging nature serve as the foundation for His call to Israel to repent in this text?
3. The Tithe and New Testament Giving
   • What was the purpose of the tithe in the Old Testament?
   • How does giving a portion of our income apply to New Testament believers? Support your answer with Scripture.
4. Barriers to Faithful Giving
   • What prevents us from faithfully giving our resources to support the work of the gospel?
   • How do these obstacles reveal deeper issues in our hearts?
5. Giving as a Gospel Issue
   • Why is giving a reflection of the gospel?
   • Are there Scriptures that connect financial giving to gospel truths?
6. Faithfulness in 2025
   • In what areas of your life—time, talent, and treasure—can you strive for greater faithfulness in response to God’s faithfulness to you?

Coming Soon..

Malachi 2:10-16 is a challenging passage because it involves God using the prophet Malachi to confront and correct His people for sins within their marriages. No one likes to be confronted about sin, especially in the context of marriage. The primary sin God addresses here is faithlessness—faithlessness to His design for marriage by marrying those who worship other gods, and faithlessness through divorce.

This faithlessness is significant because, as God’s people, we are called to represent Him as His image-bearers, and God is faithful. When we are faithless, we fail to reflect Him accurately. Marriage is a beautiful tool God uses not only to sanctify us and make us more like Jesus but also to reveal Jesus to a lost and dying world. God demonstrated His faithfulness to His covenant by sending His Son, Jesus, to be the perfect sacrifice.

Because of Jesus, marriage can once again reflect God’s faithfulness. This happens when we center our marriages on Christ and His work, remain faithful to our spouses, and sacrificially love one another as Christ gave Himself up for us.

As the new year approaches, I pray many of you will take time to sit down with your spouse—or, if you are not married, to pray for your future spouse—and make a plan for marriage that is filled with joy as you bear the image of God together.

Main Point – God is Faithful!

Study Questions

1. How does faithlessness in marriage misrepresent God’s faithfulness?
2. How does the world’s view of marriage differ from God’s? Why is this view so damaging to the true meaning of marriage?
3. How does your relationship with God influence your relationships with others?
4. How do your relationships with others impact your relationship with God?
5. How does Jesus transform your relationship with God? How does Jesus shape your relationship with God’s people?
6. Are there any sins you need to confess? Are there any sins you need to forgive someone else for?
7. If you are married, have you taken time to sit down with your spouse and make a plan for your marriage for the next year? If not, when will you?
8. What are some practical ways you can better reflect God’s image—whether individually or with your spouse—in the coming year?