Just Jesus
A Year Long Journey Into Mark's Gospel
What Do You Say?
September 25, 2022 • Pat Bills
Before we take a pause in our series about the gospel of Mark, we join Jesus for a direct dialogue about who he truly is. Finally, Peter offers his famous declaration, "You are the Messiah." Join us as we unpack this tremendous statement of faith while asking how we might also respond.
It Takes a Second
September 18, 2022 • Amy McLaughlin-Sheasby
This morning we welcome a friend and scholar, Dr. Amy McLaughlin-Sheasby. Amy teaches at ACU and has a gift for preaching and teaching. This morning she will preach from our text in Mark and invite us into the imagined world of scripture... where we allow Jesus to touch us for the second time.
The Problem with Bad Bread
September 11, 2022 • Pat Bills
This morning we join Jesus in the boat for a conversation between him and the disciples. And there is a problem... they have no bread and still fail to understand the previous stories about bread. "Do we still not understand?" Listen in as we seek to enter into this dialogue while asking how we might learn and understand the problem with "bad bread."
Arguing with Jesus
September 4, 2022 • Eddie Sharp
Pharisees... they just don't let up do they? This morning we find these irritants arguing with Jesus only to be met with a deep sigh and a penetrating question. Join us as we overhear this conversation and learn how we might (again) listen to Jesus sigh and ask, "How might we follow Jesus differently from the Pharisees?"
August 28, 2022 - Compassion for the Crowds
August 28, 2022 • Pat Bills
This morning there are more crowds and more hungry mouths to feed. And instead of Jesus sending the disciples out to get food, Mark says that Jesus “has compassion for the crowds” while turning loaves and fish into a feast. Again we see the miraculous care of Jesus for those who are in need- are we willing to sit and join the feast Jesus provides?
The Deep Sigh of Jesus
August 21, 2022 • Pat Bills
We don’t typically think of Jesus using “spit” to heal someone of a disease or evil spirit but this morning we are reminded that his ways are not our ways. Join us as we follow Jesus to the Sea of Galilee and witness an unorthodox healing and results in a crowd exclaiming, “he has done everything well.”
Gentile Dogs
August 14, 2022 • Josh Tracy
It is without a doubt one of the strangest and most disturbing stories in all the gospel accounts. Jesus is approached, while in a home, by a foreigner who longs for her daughter to be healed. And yet his response seems cruel and unusual. Join us as we unpack what Jesus might possibly mean when he calls out a “gentile dog” and offers healing anyway.
Listen to Me
August 7, 2022 • Pat Bills
Again we hear Jesus contrasting his message with the teaching of the Scribes and Pharisees. Jesus invites those to listen, again, to him above the heart and tradition of the religious rulers. Are we willing to examine our heart and truly hear the message Jesus longs to give?
Touching Jesus
July 31, 2022 • Pat Bills
Wherever Jesus went there were crowds longing to touch him and be healed. And this morning we see the desperation of the crowds longing to touch even “the fringe of his cloak.” Join us as we explore how we might be bold enough to come - even rush - toward Jesus to touch him and be healed.
5000 Fed
July 17, 2022 • Pat Bills
All the gospel stories tell of Jesus feeding 5000 people (even though it was probably more!). But isn’t this story about more that simply feeding people who are hungry? Join us as we unpack this familiar story while tying it back to the Old Testament image of God feeding his people in the wilderness.
Death of a Friend
July 10, 2022 • Pat Bills
“For Jesus‘ name had become known…” And for John the Baptist, this meant imprisonment and death. This morning we are reminded of the gruesome story of how power and ego seek to destroy those who threaten to take power away. Have we really counted the cost of following Jesus? Are we willing to stand with Jesus as his name becomes known?
Called and Sent
July 3, 2022 • Pat Bills
Jesus calls and Jesus sends. Here in Mark’s gospel we find a bold commission as Jesus sends out the twelve, two by two, “to proclaim that all should repent.” Are we willing to be sent for that mission? Join us as we explore this simple yet fearless challenge.
Don’t Fear-Believe
June 19, 2022 • Pat Bills
It begins with a synagogue leader named Jairus begging Jesus to heal his dying daughter. Then, while on his way, Jesus is interrupted by a bleeding woman which delays his arrival to the home of the dying child. But it’s too late; the girl had already died and all seems lost. Until… Jesus speaks up and says: “Do not fear, only believe.” Join us as we find ourselves in this story and boldly wonder if we are willing to hear Jesus.
Across to the Other Side
June 5, 2022 • Collin Packer
This morning we hear a word from our friend and gospel partner, Collin Packer. Join us as Collin explores the story of how Jesus invites his disciples “across to the other side - in a boat - and into a storm. What might the “other side” look like in our world and time? Are we willing to hear Jesus say, “Peace be still?”