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TBP 12: Jesus Calms the Storm

Mark 4:35-41

March 24, 2024 • Garrett Marshall

What is the most irrational fear that you have? Perhaps you are afraid of heights, or enclosed spaces. Or like some people, you are afraid of bugs, flying in an airplane, or even the dentist! 

This morning, we are going to look at a time where Jesus’ disciples felt intense fear, while on a boat in the middle of a storm. Unlike some phobias that really do not make sense, their fear was real, and almost certainly justified. 

Yet, Jesus asks them “Why are you fearful?” And then questions their faith. What are we to make of this story? Why does Jesus seem upset that his disciples are showing fear? Much like last week, we are going to see, that Jesus’ questions are meant for much more than just gathering information. They also promote reflection and help others realize what it means to have Jesus in your boat. 

TBP 01: Wrestling With God

January 7, 2024 • Garrett Marshall • Genesis 32:22–31

In Genesis 32, we find a very unusual story. Jacob, on the eve of meeting his estranged brother Esau for the first time since he had tricked his way into getting his blessing, goes off to be by himself. It is at this point a strange man comes upon him, and they begin to wrestle. At the end of this wrestling match, we are told that this stranger is none other than God, and He changes Jacob’s name and blesses Him.  What are we to make of this passage? Is this just one of those weird stories from the Bible that just happens, we learn about, and move on? Or, maybe this story, like all the Bible, has an incredible spiritual truth just waiting to be discovered so it can change how we see, and interact, with the creator of the Universe. 

TBP 02: “A Family Living Love”

January 14, 2024 • Garrett Marshall • Luke 6:27–36

It is an unfortunate fact of our day that Christianity has an  “image” problem. Even more unfortunate is that this image problem has been largely of our own making. Why is that? Has the modern audience lost their taste for the gospel? Have Jesus’ teachings become less relevant as society advances? Of course not! So, what do we do as followers of Christ to remedy this image? What does the Bible say about how we should interact with the world around us? Let’s learn what it means to be “A Family Living Love.” 

TBP 03: Persuading Others

January 21, 2024 • Garrett Marshall • 1 Peter 3:15–16

What does it mean to “persuade” someone? There is a compelling number of biblical authors who suggest that our persuasive impact comes, not from a well-prepared argument, but from a deeply human and humble engagement with others and the world. “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect . . . (1 Peter 3:15-16) Persuasion happens through a life marked by the beauty of a virtuous, truthful, and gracious character. It also occurs when we can have conversations that honor others opinions, while not diminishing our own. As Christians it is well worth our time to explore what it means to “persuade.”