The Big Picture
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.”
TBP 04: Spiritual Warfare
January 28, 2024 • Garrett Marshall • 1 Peter 3:15–16
As I look around congregations that I have previously attended, sometimes I find myself wondering, “Why do we all look so bored?” Perhaps it’s because many of us have been doing church for a while, or maybe it’s that the quality of the sermons haven taken a nose dive (ouch). But many times I think it’s because we do not understand the gravity of what we are involved in. Do we think about ourselves being foot soldiers on the front line of a spiritual battle? Does it cross our minds that we are in a constant struggle to fight back darkness? Today, lets analyze what it means as Christians to wage Spiritual Warfare.
TBP 05: Zacchaeus
February 4, 2024 • Garrett Marshall • Luke 19:1–10
Zacchaeus http://www.apple.com http://www.apple.com http://www.apple.com http://www.apple.com For many of us, this song brings back memories from our VBS days, where we learned about a vertically challenged fellow (short guy) who, in order to see Jesus, climbed a tree and was chosen to host Jesus for a dinner party. Unfortunately, because of the famous nature of the story, we can neglect to go back and study it with a more spiritually mature lens. This morning, let’s endeavor to take this story and consider all the lessons that the Word of God wants us to find from this “wee little man.”
TBP 06: My Achan Breakin’ Heart
February 11, 2024 • Garrett Marshall • 1 John 1:5–7
There are many stories in the Bible that can have a huge impact on us. Stories about people of great courage. Stories of those who had faith in the face of overwhelming obstacles. And stories about those who always chose love. However, some stories in the Bible tend to make us scratch our heads, wondering, “Why is this in here?” For me, one of those stories is the tale of Achan. But, when you ask good questions about this seemingly unsettling story, it turns into a beautiful message.
TBP 07: Being Doers of The Word
February 18, 2024 • Garrett Marshall • James 1:22–25
There is an old saying that circulates in church congregations that unfortunately is often closer to the truth than we care to admit. It says, “20% of the congregation, does 80% of the work.” While we hope that this ratio is different where we are at, it can sometimes feel like there are the “doers” and then there are the “listeners.” Today, in preparation for our ministry fair, we will be looking at what James has to say about those that are doers of the word and those that are just listeners. As we examine this passage, I hope it encourages us all to look at our lives, our talents, and our gifts and ask the question, “How can I be a better Doer of the Word?”
TBP 08: Sticky Faith
February 25, 2024 • Garrett Marshall • Deuteronomy 6:4–8
What does the future of the church look like? For some of us, that question can cause some anxiety. We hear on the news that the Christian faith seems to be shrinking; perhaps we look around us and see an aging church population. What can be done? What can we do to more effectively share the gospel with the next generation? This morning, let's talk about what can make our faith “stick” to those that are most important in our lives, our youth.
TBP 09: Unity
March 3, 2024 • Garrett Marshall • Ephesians 4:1–6
Recent polling among American voters reveals a truth that, on some level, most people already know: this country is divided. Most Americans believe the country has not been this divided since the Civil War, and 52% believe there will be extreme political violence within the next 10 years. But that’s the secular world, right?! Surely, the church does not struggle with such divisiveness! Unfortunately, division is just as much a problem within the church. What do we do about this? Let’s study together what it means to be united, as the body of Christ.
TBP 10: The Women at the Well
March 10, 2024 • Garrett Marshall • John 4:9–14
When I think of Jesus, what first comes to mind is usually what a great teacher he was, or the miracles he performed, or the acts of kindness he displayed. However, I hardly ever think of Jesus as an evangelist. Yet, in his earthly ministry, he was constantly spreading news of the Kingdom of God, and how this kingdom was suppose to operate. This morning, we are going to look at one of Jesus’ most direct evangelical conversations and how his approach challenged this woman, but also showed love and grace.
TBP 11: Where Are the Other Nine?
March 17, 2024 • Garrett Marshall • Luke 17:11–19
There is an old saying among lawyers that has been passed down through generations; “Never ask a question to which you don’t already know the answer.” You see this long-standing principle typically used in a courtroom setting when an attorney poses a question. Unlike on TV, the attorney usually intends to emphasize a point rather than seek new, factual information. Jesus would have made an excellent attorney. Not only does he ask questions to make a point, but he also asks questions to promote reflection. These next couple of weeks we are going to look at two questions posed by Jesus, the first being “Where are the other nine?”
TBP 12: Jesus Calms the Storm
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 13: What if it’s true?
March 31, 2024 • Garrett Marshall • Luke 24:1–12
In logical reasoning, as well as (from my understanding) computer programming, there is an acronym that is widely used. It is IFTTT or “If this, then that.” While I have no idea what it means in the computer world (ask one of our many distinguished engineers in the congregation), in logic, it has a very simple meaning: if this one thing is true, then that must mean this other thing is also true. For instance, Del City is in Oklahoma; therefore, if Garrett lives in Del City, he also lives in Oklahoma. This Easter Sunday, we are going to put this logic equation to work and ask the question, “If the resurrection of Jesus Christ is, in fact, true, what else must be true?”