Today, we see the twelve Apostles come back from their mission trip. We also get to one of the most famous stories in all the Gospels—the feeding of the 5,000. You've heard this story in Sunday school, and even non Believers know it. This miracle is so unique because it is the climax of Jesus' ministry to the Galileans. While many people focus on the actual miracle of Jesus feeding tens of thousands of people. The actual purpose of this event was the training of the twelve apostles. How so? Let's find out!

Last week the Holy Spirit also taught us about fear. We learned what not to do from a man named Herod Antipas. Today we're going to see the consequences of living life in a state of constant indulgence and fear. What are those consequences? Let's find out.

As the Twelve traveled through Galilee last week—the news spread like wildfire. So much so that Herod Antipas hears of it. When Jesus sent the Twelve out to preach, Jesus created a moment of crisis for the Kingdom of Galilee. Now, the monarch of Galilee doesn't need another crisis because Antipas and his family live in a constant state of drama.

The next two weeks will not seem like I'm teaching from Scripture, but more like reading a Hollywood script from a cheesy soap opera. This Scripture passage is more confusing, dramatic, and horrific than what Hollywood can create.

Regardless, we have a lot to learn today from God's Word, especially when it comes to fear.

I honestly cannot believe the timing of this Scripture Passage-- especially after our Church vision meeting last Sunday evening. It is the Great Commission in action. We're going to learn several key points:

1. We don't choose the tests in life, but we do choose whether or not to obey God throughout the test.

2. We'll never experience God's provisions without true sacrifice.

3. We'll address the root cause of all the anger and divisiveness from Sunday's Church Vision Meeting and learn how the tools for ministry have become the object of worship.

We spent the last two weeks talking about the importance of faith. FAITH—A constant dependence on God. Please note that it's not a perfect dependence on God. Scripture teaches a progressive faith— not a perfect faith. Walking with Jesus begins with the faith of a mustard seed. (Luke 17:6). We learned many things last week:

We are not called to a single act of faith, but a consistent tenacity of faith.

Fear is a self-centered (rather than God-centered) reaction to life's tragedies.

Faith shows persistence in overcoming tragedies.

You can only resolve your doubt in God's presence.

Today we turn the corner on belief and look at the audacity of unbelief. It's very interesting as we take a journey to Jesus' hometown of Nazareth today. There is a lot in common between first-century Nazareth and our Verde Valley today. Mark 6:1–6 is another conflict narrative. What is the conflict? Let's find out!

Last week started a Scripture passage that contains a story within a story—better yet, a miracle within a miracle. We were introduced to a religious VIP named Jairus. We also met a woman who is the opposite of Jairus. This woman is so unimportant; we don’t even know her name. And yet, these two people who are polar opposites have much in common when it comes to learning about faith in God. We defined faith as a constant dependence on God. We also discovered that this woman doesn’t have perfect faith; she has a progressive faith. Today, the narrative turns back toward Jairus. What kind of faith does he have? Let’s find out.

For the next two weeks, we have a story within a story, better yet, a miracle within a miracle. These two narratives are about faith. We are going to meet a VIP named Jairus. He's godly, well respected, and wealthy. We're also going to meet a woman who is the opposite of Jairus. She is synchronistic (not perfect, not whole) in her faith, despised, and destitute. This woman is so unimportant; we don't even know her name. And yet, these two people who are polar opposites have much in common.

In today's lesson, we'll learn how there is no one else like this demon-possessed man in all of Scripture. We'll also grasp the reality that Satan doesn't usually operate in such obvious ways. We'll also read how every created being is a beggar before Jesus Christ, the Son of the Living God. Thirdly, we'll see how Jesus has the power to turn a naked, raving lunatic into a missionary. Lastly, we'll discover why Jesus saved us and what we're supposed to be doing with our salvation.

This week, we turn to one of the most disturbing narratives in all of Scripture. Today's topics and the main points pulled from Scripture are items that make many of dreadfully uncomfortable. Those topics include Satan, demons and the kingdom of darkness.  Theologically its called demonology. In today's lesson, we'll see tangible proof why Jesus stepped down off His throne in Heaven and came to Earth.

Today we're going to finish up Mark chapter four, and its this passage where Mark makes a transition in Scripture. Mark's gospel moves from a collection of Jesus' parables to a compilation of Jesus' miracles. The focus of this narrative has generally been on how Jesus calms the sea or how the wind and waves obey Jesus. But focusing solely on Jesus' power and authority over nature only reveals a partial truth in this story. Today, Pastor Dustin teaches why Jesus decided to leave the large crowds, why a sudden storm appeared, and the kind of faith that Jesus expects us to have in the face of terrifying fear.