2020 The Parables of Jesus
Parables for Kingdom Living in the 21st Century
The Parable of the Lamp
May 31, 2020 • Pastor Mark Geer • Mark 4:21–25
In a world where we are constantly bombarded with news cycles, information in the digital age, and the demand of social media, as well as easy access to thousands of churches and sermons online, it is easy to become distracted when it comes to truly hearing the message of God's Word. As a result, many Christians can be tempted to become sloppy and/or disengage from truly living and sharing their faith and the message of the gospel. Jesus challenges us in today's text to be both a lamp that shines and a hearer that is aggressively engaged in sharing the truth.
The Parable of the Divided Kingdom
May 24, 2020 • Pastor Mark Geer • Mark 3:1–35
What is the unpardonable sin? Is it real? Can people still commit it today? Is it truly unforgivable? Answers to these and more questions will be addressed in today's message as we explore the blasphemous accusations of the religious leaders against Jesus and the lack of logic behind them in Jesus' teaching of the Parable of the Divided Kingdom.
The Parables of The Bridegroom, The Cloth & The Wineskins
May 17, 2020 • Pastor Mark Geer • Mark 2:18–22
Jesus uses a trilogy of parables in Mark chapter 2 that point to the significance of why Jesus came to earth. He is the Bridegroom of the Church and He came to fulfill the Old Testament law, symbols, types, shadows and prophecies that pointed to the Messiah and establish a New Testament based on grace and truth. Today we must all make a choice as to which Testament we will choose to live by. The Old is fraught with legalism, judgementalism and condemnation. The New is filled with life, liberty, freedom, grace and forgiveness.
The Parable of The Two Gates & The Two Builders
May 3, 2020 • Pastor Mark Geer • Matthew 7:13–29
There are two gates in life that lead to two pathways people will inevitably choose between as they journey through life. Each leads to an eternal destiny ~ Life or Death. It matters which you choose and it matters how you build your life ~ either on the Rock Christ Jesus, or on the shifting, sinking sands of human philosophies and sinful pleasures. Today's message from the Parables of the Sermon on the Mount will challenge us to the very core of our spiritual being and our daily living.
The Parable of Planks & Specks
April 26, 2020 • Pastor Mark Geer • Matthew 7:1–6
The world is a very judgmental place. Perhaps you have felt judged by others in your life, even by Christians in the church. We all struggle with this fallen human tendency. So what can we do? Jesus gives us some very specific parabolic teaching in Matthew 7:1-6 that can liberate all of us!
The Parable of the Faithful & Evil Servants
March 29, 2020 • Pastor Mark Geer • Luke 12:35–56, Matthew 24:45–51
Jesus challenges His hearers to be watchful for His Second Coming and to stay faithful and busy about the Master's Business till He returns. What does this look like in the 21st Century? What does this include for each of us today?
The Parables of the Barren & Budding Fig Trees
March 22, 2020 • Pastor Mark Geer • Luke 13:1–9, Luke 21:29–33
Jesus' teachings that relate to the End Times reveal what God is looking for in true believers. Jesus told these parables to His disciples to prompt them and inspire them to get ready and to live ready in anticipation of Christ's Soon Return!
The Parable of The Persistent Friend at Midnight & The Good Father
March 15, 2020 • Pastor Mark Geer • Luke 11:1–13
Jesus encourages His followers to pray persistently to God as He delights to hear and answer our prayers. The story of the friend at midnight illustrates how much the Good Father is ready to give blessings to those who ask, seek and knock on heaven's door. Let's do it!