Messages
A collection of sermons and messages Mark has given over the years
New messages are added as they become available
Apr 13, 2025, 10:30 AM
People sometimes ask, “What does it mean to ‘believe’?” And that is a very good question. So often we think it is just this internal thing, a heart thing, a mind thing. And it certainly includes that. True belief comes in through the ears or eyes, is processed in the mind, then settles in the heart. From there it flows outward, changing the true believer from the inside out. False belief stays in the head and never really reaches the heart, so nothing changes. There are many illustrations of true belief, and Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem—what we remember on Palm Sunday—provides a powerful one. But like every illustration, the real meaning can be missed or abused. From Luke 19:37-44 and 11-27.
Dec 29, 2024, 10:30 AM
From the exile to the Christ, that intervening 500 and some years, is incredibly chaotic. Little is known of the men listed in Jesus' genealogy between Jeconiah and Himself. But much is known of the history of those centuries. Somehow, through the chaos, not only would God preserve His people, but He would bring His Messiah in fulfillment of promises that grow more inconceivable as the generations pass. God laid out His plans in remarkable detail, but would anyone be listening? Would anyone be watching? His plans for Christ's second Advent are similarly revealed. Is anyone paying attention? From Matthew 1:12-25.
Dec 17, 2023, 10:30 AM
There are many joys of Christmas: gatherings of family and friends, festivities, music and lights, food and fellowship, giving and receiving gifts. As wonderful as these are, the real joy of Christmas isn't any of these things. The real joy of Christmas is that babe born in Bethlehem two thousand years ago. Because He was no ordinary baby. He fulfilled the promises that gave us hope of victory over Satan, Death, Sin and our Hard Hearts. He was born to pay the price to make peace between us and God. If we don't understand that, we don't understand the real joy of Christmas. Do you know real joy? From Luke 2:15-37.
Dec 10, 2023, 10:30 PM
Over the centuries from the beginning of time, the Lord has sent promise after promise, prophecy after prophecy, of the Seed of the Woman who would deliver us from Satan, Death, Sin and Our Own Heart. In the fullness of time, a baby is born in Bethlehem, and the angels cannot contain themselves! "Glory to God in the highest! And on earth, peace to men on whom His favor rests!" (Luke 2:14) The promise of peace is finally here! But what is this peace? It has so many interpretations and iterations in our modern society. Are they all correct? Or does God have something more specific in mind? From Luke 2:1-14.
Dec 4, 2022, 10:30 AM
The second Sunday of Advent is a time of preparation. Joseph, Mary and others knew or should have know the arrival of the Christ was at hand. But some missed the signs; some weren't ready for His arrival. He's coming again; are we getting ready to welcome Him? From Luke 2:1-7.
Nov 27, 2022, 10:30 AM
On this first Sunday of Advent, we recognize the hope that Christ has secured for us, both now and to come. From Luke 1:68-79.
Dec 8, 2008, 10:30 AM
To follow Jesus is to be discipled by Him. What does discipleship entail? What does Jesus call us to? What does it mean to follow Jesus today?