Messages
A collection of sermons and messages Mark has given over the years
New messages are added as they become available
Nov 19, 2023, 4:30 AM
Jesus' disciples want to know who is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven. Two things they don't get: a rebuke and a name. Instead, Jesus warns them that unless they become like little children, they will never enter the Kingdom of Heaven! What? These are His hand-picked and personally trained disciples! Apart from Judas, who betrayed Him, is there really any question that they will be saved? If Jesus so warns His own disciples, how much more important is it for us to examine ourselves to see if we'll even be in His Kingdom? From Matthew 18:1-4.
Nov 12, 2023, 4:30 AM
A desperate father reveals that both faith and unbelief can live in our hearts. How we listen to Jesus, how well we listen, not just hearing but doing, reveals our faith and our unbelief. How diligently we seek to know what God says and how diligently we seek to do it tells the world what we really believe and what we don't believe. But how many of us are willing to admit our unbelief? That scares us, as it should! But we need to face it if we want to gain victory. Come hear as Jesus reveals the unbelief of those around Him, and what we need to do about it. From Matthew 17:14-27.
Nov 5, 2023, 4:30 AM
The Mount of Transfiguration. Moses and Elijah have a chat with Jesus. But it is so much more than a few (very) old friends dropping by for a visit. They have a serious topic to discuss, for sure. But these few moments on a mountain top are so very significant for each one of us who truly desires to know the "Son of the Living God." From Matthew 17:1-13.
Oct 29, 2023, 5:30 AM
We live like this life is all there is. We have so many wants and wishes, dreams and desires. But God sent His One and Only Son, Jesus, to come to earth and die for us. To live His entire life to carry out the mission of His Father. Not to travel, not to see sights, not to excel at sports or a job, or just to make sufficient money to live a happy, comfortable life. God sent Him to die. For us. That's our God. Should we really believe and live like He intended Jesus to die for us so that we could live this life to the fullest, pursuing whatever we wanted in this world? Or is it more in line with God's character that He intended Jesus to die for us, so that we too would die to ourselves and live entirely for God's will? From Matthew 16:21-28.
Oct 22, 2023, 5:30 AM
At the beginning of this chapter, the Pharisees and Sadducees couldn't (wouldn't) recognize Jesus. A short time later, Jesus asks His disciples who they think He is. Peter nails it! And with that, he's honored with position, authority and responsibility like no other. No one can replace Peter or the Twelve, but we can share in his authority and responsibility. In fact, we must. From Matthew 16:13-20.
Oct 15, 2023, 5:30 AM
It's easy to think the Bible is hard to understand, especially when you hear all the debates about things that look pretty clear and pretty simple in the text. So what's the problem? Is it the Bible, or something else? Two groups of people show up in this passage, and they each have a hard time with God's Word. Look where the problems lie! From Matthew 16:1-12.
Oct 8, 2023, 5:30 AM
A woman desperate for the healing of her daughter. Jesus calls her a dog in refusal! How would you respond if you were the mother? Would you be offended? Wouldn't we all? We labor so hard and so long to build up our self-esteem, but is that right? Is it wasted time or is it even more dangerous than that? Jesus seems not only unconcerned about our egos, but He seems to be set against them. Does He have a point? From Matthew 15:21-39.
Oct 1, 2023, 5:30 AM
The Jews aren't the only people with religious traditions and doctrines that undermine clear, simple commands of Scripture. We're all looking for ways to get around the "unpleasant" commands and expectations of God. In this passage, Jesus deals with a challenge to His ministry, which turns out to be a challenge to God's authority. Where do you stand? Do you prefer the teachings of those who adjust Scripture's teachings to satisfy your desires? Or do you accept God's design for you, even if it's the last thing you want for yourself? From Matthew 15:1-20.
Sep 24, 2023, 5:30 AM
Feeding of the Five Thousand. Walking on Water. Two of Jesus' most famous miracles. But was there more to the story? How do you respond when God makes promises to you but doesn't fulfill them in the time frame you expected? Would you, like Sarah, want to "help" God out? Remind Him of His obligation? Or can you remember who's Lord, and trust Him to keep His word at the right time? Jesus' own disciples struggled to remember who's who, but Jesus eventually set them straight. From Matthew 14:13-36.
Sep 17, 2023, 5:30 AM
False prophets tell us what we want to hear: that everything's just fine, no need to worry, everything will work out for the best. True prophets tell us what we need to hear in order to get right and stay right with God. God has not changed His standard of righteousness. In fact, He has given all those who believe in His Son all the tools they need to walk in righteousness--including one another. We're all called to be true prophets in protecting one another and helping each other walk in faithfulness and obedience to Christ. That's a side of love that needs more airtime. But it comes with a price. John the Baptist illustrates this love, the love that lays down its life for a "friend." From Matthew 14:1-12.