Scripture is full of unlikely heroes—people who simply offer up what they have to the Lord’s service rather than using what they don’t have as an excuse for inaction. At the end of the Gospel of Mark, we meet some unlikely ones. These were people whose hearts were reached by Jesus, whose lives were changed by His ministry, and whose examples show us what courageous faithfulness looks like.
The Gospel of Mark 15:1-41
December 19, 2021 • Dominic Dinger
In Hebrews 12:3, we are invited to “consider Him”. Jesus—the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross (Hebrews 12:2). As we encounter the cross in Mark 15, we consider Him—we wonder together what (or who) that joy is that empowered Jesus to endure the cross.
The Gospel of Mark 14:37-72
December 12, 2021 • Dominic Dinger
In our previous study in the Gospel of Mark, Peter and the other apostles made a bold declaration to Jesus that they didn’t live up to. No one felt this failure more than Peter. His failure taught him some important lessons—lessons we can learn so that we don’t repeat his mistakes.
The Gospel of Mark 14:12-36
November 28, 2021 • Dominic Dinger
In the final hours leading up to His death, Jesus celebrated Passover with His disciples. For them, what was coming would give rise to fear, anxiety, and uncertainty. For Jesus, the crushing emotional weight of what was about to happen caused His soul to be exceedingly sorrowful. Nevertheless…Jesus was obedient to the will of God. He looked beyond the shame and suffering of the cross to a greater joy that allowed Him to endure it all.
The Gospel of Mark 14:1-11
November 21, 2021 • David Guzik
Join us Sunday at 10am as we worship the Lord and continue our study in the Gospel of Mark. We gather in-person at 912 W. St. Germain Street, St. Cloud, MN; online at https://live.refuge.mn; and on the radio at http://refuge.fm or 96.1 FM (in the St. Cloud area).
The Gospel of Mark 13:1-37
November 14, 2021 • Dominic Dinger
Herod’s Temple was massive and brilliant—it’s white marble and gold exterior could have been seen for miles. But Jesus cares more about the temple of the Holy Spirit (our hearts) than He does about any temple made with human hands. He is coming soon—and He wants us to be ready!
The Gospel of Mark 12:12-44
November 7, 2021 • Dominic Dinger
The religious rulers of Jesus’ day didn’t always get along, but they all had the same enemy—Jesus. They found a common purpose in discrediting Jesus in the eyes of the public. In Mark 12 we see their bold and brazen attempts to disgrace Jesus and vilify Him. But Jesus was well aware of all of their tactics. In His wisdom, He turned these traps into opportunities to teach and to address both the heart of the matter and the heart of the person asking the question.
The Gospel of Mark 11:12-12:12
October 31, 2021 • Dominic Dinger
Scripture quoted out of context can become a pretext for whatever you’d like it to say. That’s why it’s so important to consider what comes before and after a passage. Context was especially helpful in this study as we encountered several scenes that may have left us scratching our heads if considered one-by-one. But when read and study together, we have a clearer understanding of what is going on and what God is saying.
The Gospel of Mark 11:1-11
October 24, 2021 • Dominic Dinger
“This is the day that the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it.” This is something we say and even sing to ourselves and to each other to remind us that God is still on His throne. He made this day, He saw this day approaching, and He prepared for this day from before the foundations of the world. It’s more than a verse from a song—it’s scripture! This declaration of providence is from Psalm 118 and describes the coming of the Messiah on a very specific and special day.
The Gospel of Mark 10:32-52
October 10, 2021 • Dominic Dinger
The Gospel of Mark 10:24-31
October 3, 2021 • Dominic Dinger
Every one of us will stand before the Lord and give an account for every single deed every single word and every single thought. For unbelievers, that Day should be something to fear—and should be motivation to turn to Jesus for salvation. For believers, that Day should factor in every choice we make. It will be an accounting—not for punishment or sin, but for authentically motivated service for Jesus.
The Gospel of Mark 10:17-23
September 26, 2021 • Dominic Dinger
It’s important to invite people to repent of their sin and receive Jesus as Lord. And it’s just as important to fully explain the gravity and seriousness of that decision. That’s why great grace and tough truths are so important in evangelism and discipleship. We see both in the life and ministry of Jesus during his exchange with a rich young ruler in Mark 10:17-23.
The Gospel of Mark 9:38-10:16
September 19, 2021 • Dominic Dinger
There is a vast difference between religious rulership and servant-leadership. If anyone had the right to be a religious ruler, it was Jesus. But He came to serve, not to be served; not to save His life, but to lay it down as a ransom for many. Jesus’ example shows us what servant-leadership looks like—not just in the church, but especially in the home.
The Gospel of Mark 9:30-37
September 12, 2021 • Dominic Dinger
What does it mean to be greatly used of God? How does Jesus view and define greatness? How does someone become great in His kingdom? These are questions we all want answered. And when we don’t know the answers, we tend to argue about it—just like the disciples. But we don’t need to quarrel and squabble—Jesus answers these questions for us.
The Gospel of Mark 9:9-29
August 29, 2021 • Dominic Dinger
Our only hope for lasting change in our lives, in our families, in our community, and in our country is a fresh move of the Holy Spirit. The answer does not lie in our own intellect, ability, strategy, or will—but only in Jesus. Our only aim is bringing people to Him and watching Him pour out His power in love by His Spirit.
