The Book of Mark
Forsaken
July 6, 2014 • Pastor Jason Ogden
There are two gospels waging war at the foot of the cross. The false gospel says, "Save yourself and come down from the cross." In the true gospel, Jesus became sin on our behalf, took God's wrath and became a substitute for the punishment we deserved. The greatest thing Jesus did was to stay on the cross.
All Packed?
June 29, 2014 • Pastor Patrick Bowler
How many of us are “packed” for the trip…for the right trip? We’re often so ready to stand up and claim allegiance to Christ as a disciple, but often totally unprepared for the actually trip. We've got all the wrong things packed, and it’s not going to work…that’s not what it means to be a disciple.
He Suffered As I Slept
June 15, 2014 • Pastor Patrick Bowler
In a place called Gethsemane, Jesus, in his humanity, was shaken, troubled and sorrowful…he knew he was going to drink the cup of God's wrath. The disciples once again completely missed what was going on and slept. Jesus, however, was resolute and set on his path to the cross.
Stay Awake!
May 25, 2014 • Pastor Patrick Bowler
There are many interpretations of Mark 13, but the implication of it all is that we don't know when judgment will happen, so we need to follow Jesus and "Stay Awake!" Our hope does not rest in the proper understanding of the particulars of this passage of Scripture, our hope is in the author and perfecter of our faith.
Why Did You Leave Your Nets?
May 18, 2014 • Pastor Patrick Bowler
What did the first disciple think when Jesus said, “Follow me”? Initially, the disciples thought following Jesus was going to be the way to power and glory, but Jesus responded by talking about suffering and the cross. The road Jesus was walking was rough and narrow. If we follow him, that will be our road as well.
The Lord Said To My Lord…
May 11, 2014 • Pastor Patrick Bowler
When Jesus was asked by the Scribe what the most important commandment was, his answer included this… "And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength."Jesus' statement does not reduce the law, because he says ALL your heart, ALL your soul, All your mind and ALL your strength. Jesus was the only one who practiced that for his whole life.
Off the Path
May 4, 2014 • Pastor Patrick Bowler
Jesus' face is fixed towards Jerusalem, and he will not be deterred. At this point, the Sadducees come and take there best shot at Jesus, but again, he cannot be cornered. The issue is Heaven, and Jesus tells them that their trick question exposes that they are wrong, knowing neither the Bible or the power of God. They are on the wide path that leads to destruction.
…And to God the Things that are God’s
April 27, 2014 • Pastor Patrick Bowler
The Pharisees and Herodians approached Jesus with a question meant to trap him…but you just can't back Jesus into a corner. In response to the issue of paying taxes to the Romans, Jesus pointed out that the denarius coin had Ceaser's image and belonged to Ceasar. In contrast, those who bear God's image need to give themselves to God.
The Scandal of Rejection (Pt. 2)
April 13, 2014 • Pastor Jason Ogden
When the religious leaders came to Jesus, he told them the parable of the tenants. In this story, Jesus pointed to himself as the beloved son who was rejected and killed. He was the final messenger, after that…judgment. The next time he comes, he will gather his people and judge those who have rejected him. He will come as the King of kings and Lord of lords.
Can He Do That? Yes, He Can!
April 6, 2014 • Pastor Patrick Bowler
When Jesus cleansed the temple, some were offended and scandalized, but his actions were consistent with what he had done throughout the Gospel of Mark. Nothing had changed. The chief priests and the scribes and the elders approached him and challenged his authority, not realizing that they were questioning the ultimate judge. If Jesus has the authority that he says he has, it has real implications for our lives.
Nothing But Leaves!
March 30, 2014 • Pastor Patrick Bowler
Jesus' cursing of the fig tree was a prophetic action, it was a picture of judgment to come. He was deeply moved by that fact that the temple, instead of being a place of access to God, had become a place of exclusion for the gentiles. Jesus' actions weren't to cleanse the temple, but to shut it down.