In Mark 13:1-13, Jesus says some rather dramatic things: the Temple will be destroyed, wars will come, and his followers will be persecuted. In doing so, he uses language similar to that used by the Old Testament prophets Daniel and Isaiah (among others). What in the world was he talking about? And what does this have to do with Thanksgiving? Listen to Pastor David’s message on this passage:
The Widow’s Gift
Jesus applauded a widow who gave all she had in the temple – an event which brings back memories of Elijah and the widow of Zarephath in 1 Kings 17:1-16. What can these widows’ stories teach us about discipleship and outreach in service of our Lord Jesus today? Click below to hear Pastor David’s sermon on this passage from 1 Kings:
The Prime Directive
What are our marching orders as the church? What is the best summary of what God expects from us? Jesus answered this clearly in a conversation with a law expert in Mark 12:28-34. Click below to hear Pastor David’s sermon on this subject – framed in the language of Star Trek:
An Eye-Opening Experience
In Mark 10:46-52, Jesus heals a blind beggar named Bartimaeus. It’s a nice story, to be sure, but your perspective on the story – like your perspective on present-day life – makes a big difference. Walk with Pastor David through four different perspectives on this short Bible story, which is the text for this week’s sermon:
How to be Great
Have you ever asked for something truly ridiculous? Have you ever struggled for power and influence among other people? You’re not alone: James and John did the same thing in Mark 10:35-45. How should we live as grateful, thankful people in the kingdom of God, especially in light of how Jesus lived and died and rose again? Click below to hear Pastor David’s message on this passage.
Doing the Impossible
What’s the craziest impossible thing you can imagine? James Bond skydiving into a falling airplane? The Cleveland Indians winning the World Series? Jesus used the illustration of a camel going through the eye of a needle in Mark 10:17-31 – and he used that to describe a specific truth about the kingdom of God. What does his teaching say to us in our current situation? Click below to hear Pastor David’s sermon on this passage.
All in the Family
Jesus gives a strong and challenging teaching on divorce – and then welcomes children into his arms – in Mark 10:1-16. How does this passage (in its historical context) address the question of who gets to be in God’s kingdom? How does it connect to our desire to live lives of thankfulness in response to God? Click below to hear Pastor David’s message on this passage.
The Responsibility of Prayer
Christians often pray about various needs, and sometimes we even anoint the sick as James recommends in James 5:13-20. As we study the conclusion of this brief letter together, Pastor David helps us see a truth of our faith that undergirds how we pray, how we worship, and how we seek after people who wander from the faith. Click below to hear his sermon on the final passage from James.
Wisdom From Heaven
Why do people, especially Christians, act out of bitter envy and selfish ambition? What is the biblical alternative to such a lifestyle? How can we glorify God through a life of wisdom? These and other questions are answered by James 3:13-4:8, which form the sermon text from yesterday’s message at Mt. Haley. Click below to hear Pastor David’s sermon!
Did I Say That?
James 3:1-12 contains some pretty challenging thoughts: who can control the tongue? How many times have our words gotten us into trouble? How should Christians respond to the inner, human impulse to “speak our minds”? Click below to hear Pastor David’s sermon on this passage.