God Gave

by Joe Duke | Dec 26, 2021 | Sermon

We’ve just come through a time of gift-giving and joy. Of course, the most significant gift of all was God’s gift of Jesus to the world. We find this profound truth simply stated in what might be the most famous of all Bible verses: John 3:16. Maybe this verse is so popular because it so simply explains God’s loving plan. God loved and gave! What comes to your mind when you hear the phrase, born again? Describe some positive and negative reactions to the phrase? When is your spiritual birthday (when were you born again)? What’s the story of how that happened? Read John 3:16. Why do you think this verse may very well be the most famous of all Bible verses. Break the verse down by phrases. What is the verse saying? In John 3:14-15 (compare with Numbers 21:4-9), Jesus is drawing the following parallel: Looking at the serpent for healing is like believing in Jesus for eternal life. How do some people make salvation harder to get than it really is? The verses on either side of John 3:16 are filled with profound reminders. You’ve looked at 3:14-15; now look at John 3:17. What comforting reminders do you find in this verse?

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A Beautiful Thing

by Mike Palmer | Mar 19, 2023 | Mark's Gospel, Sermon

As Jesus prepared for the cross, an unnamed woman responded to Jesus with faith in a unique way. She understood truth about Jesus that eluded other disciples and gave Jesus an extravagant gift. Let’s remember how her example teaches us to follow the Lord with faith...

Stay Awake

by Ryan Dilworth | Mar 12, 2023 | Mark's Gospel, Sermon

Throughout His time on earth, Jesus' disciples asked Him many of the same questions that we find ourselves wrestling with today. Instead of giving a direct and clear response to their questions, Jesus focused more on the heart and attitude of His followers. We have...

Death and Taxes

by Titus O'Bryant | Mar 5, 2023 | Mark's Gospel, Sermon

Death and taxes are two of life’s certainties, and Jesus responded to questions about those topics to redirect our attention to timeless truth. Remembering the source and owner of all the parts of our life, as well as life itself, radically changes our perspectives....

Divine Authority

by Mike Palmer | Feb 26, 2023 | Mark's Gospel, Sermon

While Jesus entered conflict with religious leaders over his authority, he also revealed significant truth about his mission, God’s good gifts, and our responsibilities. What can Jesus’ teaching, storytelling, and confrontation with religious authorities teach us...

Foreshadowing

by Titus O'Bryant | Feb 19, 2023 | Mark's Gospel, Sermon

Jesus approaches Jerusalem with a loud celebration, but when he enters the Temple courts no one seems to notice. His strong actions both privately and publicly demand attention and response. Jesus’ triumphal parade into Jerusalem, a withered fig tree, and Jesus’...