One of the most difficult yet joyous areas of life is Marriage. Marriage, God’s ordained institution between a man and a woman, can be a wonderful expression and reflection of the very character of God. It speaks of love and sacrifice. As broken people, however, we all contribute to a world whether things don’t always work out the way that we prayed or hoped. Marriage is one such example. As Christians, how are we to view marriage? What are we to do when things don’t go to plan? What does God expect marriage to look like?
It is the areas of marriage, and divorce, that are the focus of Mark 10:1–12. In this section Jesus gives a counter-cultural perspective on what discipleship looks like regarding the union of marriage.
In life there are many voices that we listen to. Our ears are filled with podcasts, music, netflix, news, and politics. In the midst of all the noise it is hard to hear the voice of God speaking to us. In this section of Mark, Jesus takes a few of disciples away and in the midst of a busy season of ministry he reveals to them his glory. In this midst of this transfiguration his disciples are spoken to by God himself who instructs about Jesus, ‘Listen to Him.’ In this message, we explore who Jesus is and why it is that God wants us to listen to Jesus.
At the centre of the gospel of Mark we find perhaps the most penetrating question one could be asked. About himself, Jesus asked, ‘Who do you say I am?’ Understanding who Jesus is and why he came is the foundational question for all of life. Jesus is either who he says he is, the powerful Son of God, or he is a charlatan who should be condemned. In this account Jesus reveals who he is, his mission to the world, and the subsequent call he makes on the lives of people.
When it comes to the person of Jesus of Nazareth there are a plethora of views as to his nature, his work, and his teaching. For many people, Jesus is a great moral teacher, a model to follow. Others find his to be something of a religious philosopher who provokes people to think. Still others accept him to be God in the flesh.
In Mark 8, Jesus himself raises the stakes as he reveals not only his power, but sets before people the reality that they must make a decision as to who he is. In Mark 8:1–21 Jesus moves the listener to evaluate how they will take him, and he gives warnings about getting this wrong.
There are moments in life where we some experience deep desperation. Things happen in life that catch us by surprise and leave us rattled. A health diagnosis, a relationship breakdown, financial and mental health struggles. Often we feel helpless, hopeless, and don’t know where to go. In Mark 7:24–30 we witness the story of a woman in dire circumstances. She is desperate and brings her needs to Jesus. In this surprising encounter we learn about God’s grace in Jesus, and what sort of posture he desires from those who would seek him.
It is a good thing to be earnest and sincere. Having these traits, however, doesn’t mean we are right or wise in regard to our desire. We can be sincerely wrong or misinformed. One of the common beliefs of today is that all religions are basically the same and as long as one is sincere then it will be ok. In this passage in Mark 7, however, Jesus confronts the failure of religion and reveals that even the best and most sincere efforts to reach God are fraught with failure. Jesus challenges his audience to rethink how one can approach God.
One of the great mistakes some Christians mistake is to overlook the integral role the Holy Spirit plays in the Christian life. The Holy Spirit, God’s abiding presence, equips, empowers, and accompanies his people to serve and know him. In this sermon we explore the identity of the Holy Spirit and his ministry of support, comfort, and teaching in the Christian experience.
Often in the busyness of life we fail to slow down and take stock of our lives. As we come to the end of the year it is easy just to move on without learning or reflecting on the year that has been. In this message we will reflect on the five books we have studied this year: Mark, Leviticus, Revelation, Haggai, and 1 Peter and ask ourselves, what do these books reveal about God? Reflecting on who God has revealed himself to be in these books will provide us a solid footing as we approach the new year.
At Christmas we long for gifts that bring happiness. No matter what we get, however, we long for more. At Christmas we celebrate the coming into the world of Jesus as we find in him the best gifts that money can’t buy, light, hope, and peace.
Songs have a way of expressing important truths about what we think or feel. In the Gospel of Luke we have a series of songs that communicate important truths about God and give words to how our hearts ought to respond to him. In Mary’s song, we have a song of praise about God. His care for the lowly, his judgment of the proud, and his faithfulness to keep his words.
Living as God’s chosen people in a world that has different values than his often feels difficult. How do we live godly lives that demonstrate God’s way, when we live in a world that chooses its own way. In 1 Peter 2:11–3:7 Peter provides clarity as to how to live counter-culturally in such a way as to point people to Jesus, not through words, but actions.
Living as a dual citizen of God’s kingdom and the kingdom of the world can sometimes feel like tension as we live in this world while waiting for the world to come. As chosen exiles, we can feel we don’t quite fit, which can affect how we see ourselves. In this part of 1 Peter, God provides a reminder of our new identity in Jesus. This assures who we are and enables us to remain stable in an unstable world.
One of the great tensions of the Christian life is living between two kingdoms, the kingdom of this world, and the kingdom that is yet to come. 1 Peter was written to exhort Christians to remain faithful to their heavenly kingdom as they lived in a world where they didn’t fit. As 1 Peter starts, the author begins by providing a foundation for believers to place their trust, the character of God. As we build our foundation on who God is, that will enable us to live with meaning in a world where it doesn’t seem we fit.
Life is full of decisions that we need to make. With the busyness of life we are forced to prioritize and juggle many areas. With the frenetic pace of life we make choices concerning work, family, finances, and friendships. In the midst of all those choices it is easy to drift away from what ought to be our main priority, God and his glory. In Haggai 1 God’s people are confronted with the importance of priorities and exhorted to ‘think carefully’ about what drives them. This passage has a contemporary message for all of us who experience the same tensions of priority.
Throughout the book of Revelation we have been reminded that history is moving to God’s grand purpose. In Rev 21–22 we get the final chapters in God’s big story and it culminates with God ushering in his new creation, heaven. But what is heaven like? Why is it something that should give up hope now? In this passage we will explore what God’s coming kingdom entails and why it is good news.
From the earliest pages of Scripture the great story of the Bible is God’s unfolding plan to move things from despair to hope, brokenness to wholeness, death to life. As Revelation moves to and end we see the culmination of God’s redeeming plan as wickedness and rebellion against God is quashed and God establishes his glorious kingdom in fullness. In Revelation 17–19 we see a contrast between two women, two cities, and two outcomes, that leave us with one question we must answer.
During his earthly ministry Jesus experienced regular and difficult opposition. Rather than presenting an easy life, Jesus spoke of discipleship being difficult. Rejection and opposition was something that his followers should expect. But being rejected and opposed is difficult and often taxing. Nobody likes to be on the outer. While experiencing opposition it is easy to feel discouraged and confused. In Revelation 11 we have words of encouragement and direction given to us on how we might respond when met with serious gospel opposition.
During his earthly ministry Jesus experienced regular and difficult opposition. Rather than presenting an easy life, Jesus spoke of discipleship being difficult. Rejection and opposition was something that his followers should expect. But being rejected and opposed is difficult and often taxing. Nobody likes to be on the outer. While experiencing opposition it is easy to feel discouraged and confused. In Revelation 11 we have words of encouragement and direction given to us on how we might respond when met with serious gospel opposition.
When it comes to Revelation there are many questions we have about where we are in the context of God’s plan for history. In Revelation 6–7 we are presented with the reality of history as that which is under God’s sovereign control. In the midst of every generation God is working his plans in both the execution of punishment upon the wicked as well as protection of his people. In the midst of judgment, God reveals his love and vindication of his people.
