While this passage in Mark seems to be about marriage, it actually answers larger questions about heaven and eternity. Jesus shows us in this exchange between himself and the Sadducees (who did not believe in an afterlife) that heaven and its existence are essential, transformational, and beautiful.

“Give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s” in Mark 12 is a commonly quoted verse in reference to the Jesus’ opinion of Christian political involvement. Pastor Brent dives into this text, and along with some historical context about the Early Church, offers us one main Biblical principle with three applications—because Jesus is Lord and our allegiance is to Him, we’re to have countercultural unity in the church, a confounding witness in the world, and above all, a confident hope in the true king. 

Pastor Brent teaches us about how Jesus turning over the tables in the temple courts is perhaps one of his most relatable, human moments. In it, we see God’s heart for the world. He sees money changers and merchants taking advantage of the poor families visiting the temple, and His anger burns against them. Jesus loves the poor, the marginalized, and the immigrant. Ultimately, He has a heart for justice, and His anger burns against those who harm His meekest and most vulnerable.

In his sermon covering the famously bold queries of James & John (the sons of Zebedee) in Mark 10, Pastor Dave preaches about Jesus and greatness by giving us a new way to think about and pursue greatness.

In this passage of Mark, Jesus famously calls a rich young ruler to sell all he has to follow Him. While understanding that money’s stresses and blessings affect all people groups and income levels, we learn that money is ultimately dangerous because it can blind you to your true spiritual state, it often lies to you, and it gives you the illusion of safety. Despite all these truths, we know that Jesus was the ultimate rich young ruler who gave it all away because He looked at us and loved us enough to do so.

In the next installment of our Mark series, Pastor Brent covers the mystery of the Transfiguration in Mark 9. The person of Jesus Christ is more wondrous the more you look at Him. In this sermon, wonder together with us at the person of Jesus—who He is, why He came, and ultimately, what He has promised to do.

Continuing through our series in Mark, Pastor Brent examines a controversial passage in Mark that describes the sacrifices involved in following Jesus. In reality, the life that Jesus promises comes in the most unexpected and upside-down way. It starts with a questions, is filled with contradictions, and ultimately, it ends with a promise like no other.

Our word is rife with man’s appalling evils. As we examine this reality through a Christian lens, we see that the key to dealing with evil is looking into the heart of Jesus. Pastor Dave walks through three concepts: that evil is universal, that grace is difficult, and above it all, faith is incredible.

In this lengthy and detailed passage addressing Jewish Law, Jesus points out the problem with religion as it related to the self-righteousness of the Pharisees. Pastor Dave looks in detail at this passage and posits that it teaches us about the goal of religion, the problem with religion, and ultimately, the hope of Jesus.

In the Christmas story, we often speak of God coming to live with us. Rev. Crawford Stevener (RUF Stanford) addresses the connection between this truth and when God originally dwelt among His people in the book of Exodus. Through this, we learn that not only is God coming to live with us, but that the ultimate point of life is to be with the God who made us and loves us.