Mark 8:31-9:1 - The kingdom of God is countercultural: gaining comes from losing, our true identity is found in forgetting ourselves, and life comes from death. Jesus' call to follow Him is as radical today as it was when He spoke the words we read in Mark's gospel.

Mark 7 & 8; Isaiah 35:4-6 - Jesus drew crowds and impressed people with His healings and miracles, but they weren't the main purpose of His life. Jesus came to remedy a far deeper problem---our sin. The gospel calls us to acknowledge our great need of Jesus and receive His grace.

Mark 8:1-21 - Jesus interacted with people from a variety of backgrounds, classes, ethnicities, and religious beliefs. Among these different groups of people some were receptive and others were defensive. The same is true today. Everyone has a disposition of the heart towards Jesus.

Mark 7:1-30 - Most of the people who have ever lived have believed that there's a God (or gods), and that there's some kind of rift between God and humanity. Though most people know there's a problem, many don't know how it can be fixed.

Acts 2 - You'll never be happy apart from meaningful relationships. God has invited us to feast at His table and share the meal with friends.

Philippians 4:4-13 - Though we can't "flip a switch" and become happy, there are some habits that lead to greater happiness in life. The apostle Paul wrote the book of Philippians while he was imprisoned in Rome. In spite of his difficult circumstances, he was one of the most content people in the world.

Psalm 37:1-6 - Where does true happiness come from? Is it possible now? Is there something we've been missing in our near universal pursuit of happiness? Psalm 37 is incredibly helpful in showing us where to find true happiness.

Luke 2:1-20 - Christmas reminds us that there is good news of great joy for all people! Because of the incarnation of Jesus, ordinary people like shepherds (and us) can have a hope that transcends every circumstance of life.

Luke 1:5-25 - Christmas reminds us that God hasn't forgotten about us. He hasn't left us alone in the dark or in the despair. When we wait for the Lord, our waiting is never in vain.

Luke 1; John 1; Matthew 1 - Christmas reminds us that there is forgiveness and hope for sinners, like us. There is no darkness so dark that the light of Christ cannot shine into it.