In Mark 1, we get one of the clearest early pictures of who Jesus is. He arrives announcing the kingdom of God, then immediately begins to embody that message. He calls disciples, teaches with authority, confronts evil, and brings healing. In other words, the kingdom is not just a message he preaches. It’s a reality that shows up wherever the King is present. Thissermon centers on four simple truths: the King has come, the King saves, the King rules, and…
Over the past two weeks, we’ve been thinking carefully about moving forward in faith in the new year. From Isaiah 43, we were reminded that God is doing a new thing. From Hebrews 11, we saw what a faithful life looks like in the present while God’s promises are still unfolding. Tomorrow, Jesus presses the question further and makes it personal. Luke 14 is not a comfortable passage. Jesus speaks to large, enthusiastic crowds and refuses to let their admiration…
Scripture Reading: Hebrews 11:13-16 (ESV) These all died in faith, not having received the things promised, but having seen them and greeted them from afar, and having acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. For people who speak thus make it clear that they are seeking a homeland. If they had been thinking of that land from which they had gone out, they would have had opportunity to return. But as it is, they desire a better…
Scripture Reading: Isaiah 43:16-21 (ESV) Thus says the LORD, who makes a way in the sea, a path in the mighty waters, who brings forth chariot and horse, army and warrior; they lie down, they cannot rise, they are extinguished, quenched like a wick: “Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the…
