In this episode, Pastor David Profitt and Therapist Sophie Murphy dive into one of the most intense and revealing sections of Mark’s Gospel. We’ll see Yeshua’s growing fame bring massive crowds as his family tries to rein him in. We’ll also see the religious leaders coming down from Jerusalem to escalate their opposition - going so far as to accuse him of working with Satan.  

We’ll unpack Yeshua’s first parable as he uses logic and scripture to refute the scribe’s faulty accusation. We’ll investigate the idea of the unforgivable sin - what it is, what it isn’t, and why it’s so important to understand. We’ll also explore why Yeshua chooses the Twelve and how he models differentiation in some very difficult circumstances.  

Join us as we break down the escalating conflict around Yeshua, his identity, his mission and what that reveals about God’s kingdom.

 Links:

https://www.fumcah.com/

https://www.alchemicalpsychotherapy.com/

In this episode, Pastor David Profitt and Therapist Sophie Murphy explore some of Yeshua’s most powerful and disruptive metaphors - the unshrunk cloth, the new wineskins, and his bold claim to be the long awaited Bridegroom.

What was Yeshua saying when he declared himself ‘Lord of the Sabbath’? Why did the Pharisees react so strongly to his teaching? And what does it mean for us today to be a new wineskin, flexible enough to see and join what God is doing?

Join us as we unpack these rich images and challenge ourselves to see Yeshua not just as a teacher, but as the one bringing something entirely new.

Links:

https://www.fumcah.com/

https://www.alchemicalpsychotherapy.com/

In this episode, Pastor David Profitt and Therapist Sophie Murphy explore two powerful encounters that challenge expectations of who this Messiah is.

Four friends refuse to let anything stand between their paralyzed friend and Jesus - not crowds, not cultural norms, not even a roof. Then, Jesus calls Levi, a tax collector, showing that his mission is to seek out sinners rather than the righteous. But what does it truly mean to be a “sinner?” And what are the implication of Jesus presenting himself as the great physician with a prescription for our health who can heal our deepest need?

 Join us as we unpack these compelling moments of healing, calling, and grace. 

Links:

https://www.fumcah.com/

https://www.alchemicalpsychotherapy.com/

In this episode, Pastor David Profitt and Therapist Sophie Murphy explore one of Jesus’ most striking healings - the cleansing of a leper. While society isolates this man, fearing contamination and hardening their hearts against him, Jesus does the unthinkable: he reaches out and touches him.

With deep compassion, he restores not only the man’s body but his belonging within the community. What does this act reveal about the heart of Jesus? And how does the leper’s response change the course of Jesus’ ministry? Join us as we dive into this powerful story of healing and restoration.

Links:

https://www.fumcah.com/

https://www.alchemicalpsychotherapy.com/

In this bonus episode, Pastor David Profitt and Therapist Sophie Murphy step back to discuss the guiding norms for their study of the Gospel of Mark.

This podcast is an extension of their church’s midrash group, a space for wrestling with Scripture in a deep and engaged way. But how do we ensure that we’re not only engaging in a close reading of the text, but also allowing the text read us?

As the group refocuses on a close reading of Scripture, they work through a preamble that will shape their discussions moving forward. Join us for this behind-the-scenes conversation on how we approach the text and why it matters.

Links:

https://www.fumcah.com/

https://www.alchemicalpsychotherapy.com/

In this episode, Pastor David Profitt and Therapist Sophie Murphy explore Jesus’ arrival in Capernaum, where his teaching and his encounters with unclean spirits and the sick reveal an astonishing authority. But what kind of authority is this? The Greek word points to something flowing from his very being - his identity as the Beloved Son. Join us as we examine how Jesus’ words and works declare who he truly is.

Links:

https://www.fumcah.com/

https://www.alchemicalpsychotherapy.com/

In this episode, Pastor David Profitt and Therapist Sophie Murphy continue their close study of the Gospel of Mark.

Jesus emerges from obscurity to be baptized by John, and in a stunning moment, the heavens open and he is named the Beloved Son in whom the Father delights. But immediately, the Spirit drives him into the wilderness, where this identity is tested through struggle and isolation.

Jesus emerges from the wilderness with authority, He proclaims that the time is fulfilled and the kingdom of God is at hand, calling people to metanoia and belief in this very good news. With just a few words, he compels fishermen to leave everything and follow him.

What is it about Jesus that makes people drop everything to walk in his footsteps? Join us as we explore these pivotal moments.

Links:

https://www.fumcah.com/

https://www.alchemicalpsychotherapy.com/

In this first episode, Pastor David Profitt and Therapist Sophie Murphy begin their close study of the Gospel of Mark.

We meet John the Baptist, a wild prophet in the wilderness, calling people to metanoia and preparing the way for someone far greater than himself - one whose sandals he is unworthy to untie. What does this opening reveal about Jesus, and why does Mark begin his Gospel this way? Join us as we explore the significance of these first verses and what they tell us about the story to come.

Links:

https://www.fumcah.com/

https://www.alchemicalpsychotherapy.com/