The Gospel Of The Kingdom

I Didn't Choose The Wilderness

September 15, 2024 • Marcus Stenson • Matthew 4

Why was Jesus led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil immediately following God's declaration that He was "well pleased" with Him? What if periods of testing and difficult seasons in life are not always punishment, but a necessary phase to reveal our true identity, purpose, and our reliance on God? This message challenges us to see the wilderness is a place in our lives where we are stripped of comfort and forced to confront our true selves and our faith in God. If we see them for what they truly are, these wilderness periods as valuable and transformative, preparing us for our mission and purpose in God's kingdom.

The Test

September 8, 2024 • Whit Pennock • Matthew 4:1–11

Fire and Fulfillment

September 1, 2024 • Marcus Stenson • Matthew 3, Isaiah 40, Jeremiah 6

John the Baptist was called by Jesus the greatest ever born of woman - but just who was John and what's the significance of his connection to a group of desert doomsday preppers? This message from Matthew chapter 3 digs deep into John's ministry, rooted in Essene beliefs yet distinct in its method, and how his 'voice crying in the wilderness' prepared the way for Jesus. What if Jesus' baptism wasn't just to be a good example, but actually signifies the beginning of a new creation, and the fulfillment of everything the scriptures had been pointing to from the very beginning?

A Tale of Two Kingdoms

August 25, 2024 • Marcus Stenson • Matthew 2

This is the tale of 2 kings, and 2 kingdoms. The kingdom of heaven is not the only kingdom competing for your loyalty. Every political rally, every other religion, and every philosophy wants to appeal to the little Herod in your heart. Herod the Great is the fullest manifestation of the world's way of measuring greatness: wealth, power, and coercive control. But Jesus is Lord of a different kind of kingdom, one that values humility, service, and love. We all have a choice to make. Jesus claims on your life are greater than anything in all of creation except for His love for you. Take Him as your King…there is room for you in His Kingdom.

Courage of the Kingdom

August 18, 2024 • Marcus Stenson • Matthew 1:18–25

Ever wondered what true courage looks like? Joseph and Mary's story is more than the nativity. It's a picture of what kind of courage the Kingdom of heaven is made of. Marcus explores how their story is one of bold faith in the face of shame, the willingness to give up the illusion of control, and the strength to admit the need not for help - but for rescue. In the kingdom their are no outsiders because in the kingdom, there is courage.

On The Outside Looking In

August 11, 2024 • Marcus Stenson • Matthew 1:1–17

Have you ever found yourself feeling like an outsider? Matthew has 'good news'! Matthew's gospel has long been known as the gospel from a Jew, about a Jew, to the Jews, to prove Jesus as the long promised Jewish messiah. But what if the beginning of Matthew's gospel account reveals another agenda? One that subverts our expectations about the nature of this new kingdom he proclaims? What if this under this new King, in His new kingdom there are no outsiders?