Messages
A collection of sermons and messages Mark has given over the years
New messages are added as they become available
Jan 28, 2024, 10:30 AM
What do you look to for assurance that you will enter Christ's kingdom? Is there a one-off event or deed that you did to confirm your salvation? Do you depend on your continued good deeds to assure your place in Heaven? In this passage, a rich young man who apparently faithfully keeps the Law is still looking for assurance. Notice how Jesus answers him; it's a lesson for all of us. From Matthew 19:16-26.
Jan 21, 2024, 10:30 AM
Marriage. It can be the hardest of relationships. Surely there's a way out when things go bad. Even God wouldn't make me endure with this impossible person. God's Word is restrictive; in some cases, to obey would be tragic. So we seek to follow the "spirit" of the Law and not the letter. At least, that's what we tell ourselves. How often are we, instead, like the Pharisees in this passage, distorting the Word of God to justify our evil desires? Who is Lord in that case? What is the heart of God in regard to marriage? Can we divorce? Jesus has an answer, but are we willing to receive it? From Matthew 19:1-15.
Jan 7, 2024, 10:30 AM
God hates sin. But He also hates unforgiveness with an equal passion—and consequence! There are brothers and sisters who are caught in sin that we need to correct, and we may have to escalate it to the point of cutting off fellowship with them. But ultimately, the goal is reconciliation and restoration. We want them to come to repentance and return to obedience to the Truth. When they return, however, are we ready to forgive? Especially when they've sinned against us? Is there someone in our lives that we find it impossible to forgive? God has a warning for us in this passage, one we've already heard in Matthew. From Matthew 18:21-35.