Following Jesus
April 19-November 29, 2020
For All the Nations
November 29, 2020 • Dr. Mark Kemp
As we launch our Lottie Moon Offering for International Missions, we'll remember that God's heart is for the salvation of the lost of all nations. We who have been redeemed are His vessels to make His salvation known in our neighborhood and to the nations. The heart of the Christmas message is that Christ came as the ultimate expression of God's love for all the nations.
Look at Jesus
November 22, 2020 • Dr. Mark Kemp
Through the eyes of Scripture with the help of the Holy Spirit, we'll endeavor to behold the wonder of Jesus' suffering and sacrifice for us as it is revealed in the garden as He poured out His soul to the heavenly Father. When we count our blessings this Thanksgiving season, our Savior's loving endurance and sacrifice for us will surely top the list.
Self-Love vs. Savior-Love
November 15, 2020 • Dr. Mark Kemp
This passage presents a contrast between the kind of love that motivated Judas Iscariot and Mary of Bethany. Both acted out of love toward Jesus. One acted out of love for self and the other out of love for the Savior. The stark contrast helps us to examine our own hearts and inspires us to grow in true love for our Savior.
Tribulation and Triumph
November 1, 2020 • Dr. Mark Kemp
We continue on with Jesus' teaching on end times in Mark 13. In our verses this week, Jesus both promised His glorious second coming but also warned there will be times of great distress prior to His return. We are encouraged to know we can trust Him as we live through troubled times while we wait for His glorious return.
Keep Your Focus
October 25, 2020 • Dr. Mark Kemp
Mark 13 is an extended discourse from Jesus to His disciples (and us) about the destruction of the temple and the end times. The temple is destroyed but the end is still to come. These are important words for us on how to live faithfully in the present times as we anticipate the end of time. We'll spend several weeks in this chapter. It starts with keeping our focus on our present mission as turbulent times unfold around us.
The Heart of Giving
October 18, 2020 • Dr. Mark Kemp
By Jesus' measure, one poor widow gave more than many rich people when she placed her offering into the temple treasury. Jesus called her offering to His disciples attention then and it is recorded in Scripture for us now as a lesson the kind of giving the Lord delights in. It is not the amount but the heart that determines the ultimate value of our offering.
Neighbor Love
October 11, 2020 • Dr. Mark Kemp
Last week we focused on the first command to love the Lord our God with all that we are. But Jesus gave a second command as well. These two commands are inseparable. If we truly love God then we will also love our neighbor as He has called us to do. The world around us needs a good dose of true neighbor love and God wants us to be the people who show it to them.
Resurrection: Absurd or Real?
September 27, 2020 • Dr. Mark Kemp
In answer to an a skeptical question, Jesus taught the important biblical truth that believers will experience resurrection and life after death. I'll preach on this wonderful truth and our Connection Groups will continue the conversation.
Citizens of Two Worlds
September 20, 2020 • Dr. Mark Kemp
In answer to an insincere question, Jesus taught the important truth of how we are to live as both citizens of an earthly nation and citizens of the kingdom of God. Our allegiance to God and His kingdom must inform and shape how we live in relationship to our government and those who lead us.
Forgive
September 6, 2020 • Dr. Mark Kemp
Jesus taught that if we want to experience God's forgiveness we need to forgive one another. Forgiving others is essential for right relationship with God and for effective prayer. It's not always easy to forgive but it will always be life-changing when we do learn to forgive another through the power of God's grace working in us.
A House of Prayer
August 30, 2020 • Dr. Mark Kemp
Jesus confronted the misuse of God's house, the temple, and pointed the people back to God's stated purpose of prayer. We, the church, are now God's house and His desire is still for a people to walk with Him through prayer. My heart is very much invested in the priority of prayer for our church family. I look forward to us hearing the words of Jesus on this together and seeking to let them shape our lives in the coming year.