Evergreen Church - Bloomington Messages

Sermon in a sentence: "Fix your eyes on what is eternal!"Action Steps/Application:1. Acceptance of what God has given you 2. Gratitude for we know God is using it all and bringing us to our eternal home  

This week we continue with Mark Chapter 11. And here we reach the beginning of the end of the story as Jesus and his disciples reach Jerusalem. The first 7 chapters we focus on Jesus and his ministry in the region of Galilee as he proclaimed the good news of the Kingdom of God slowly revealing himself as the Messiah along the way. Then in chapters 8 through 10 we transitioned as Jesus began his journey south towards Jerusalem and began to unpack what that meant, what his mission truly was and what it means to follow him. Now pivot again as Jesus makes his triumphant entry into Jerusalem for the Passover week ready to confront the religious, political and most importantly spiritual powers of the world.

Sermon in a Sentence: "Whatever feeds you leads you."Application: Check your soil.1. What are you planted in?2. What's feeding you?3. What's planted next to you?

This week we continue with Mark Chapter 10. For the last couple chapters, Jesus has been traveling with his disciples on their way to Jerusalem for the Passover and ultimately for the big confrontation with the powers that will culminate in his death as he unpacks for his followers what it means for him to be the Messiah. Last week we covered the transfiguration, a story about Jesus healing a demon-possessed boy and a number of teachings from Jesus about the nature of the upside-down value system of the Kingdom. This week Jesus takes his last few steps before his triumphant entry into Jerusalem as he confronts more misconceptions about him and his kingdom from the Pharisees, a rich man, and his followers.

Sermon in a sentence: "You don't fight for victory—you fight from victory, because Jesus has already won."What's one lie you're ready to surrender to Jesus today so you can walk in His truth?

This week we continue with Mark Chapter 9. Last week we hit a major transition moment in the story as Jesus took his ministry which had been primarily focused on the region of Galilee and began make his way south towards Jerusalem. The focus had been really on who Jesus is and what he was doing and how people were responding to him, but as we transition in the story, so does our focus go from who he is to what it means for him to be the Messiah. This week Jesus pulls back the curtain further to his disciples on who he is and what it means to follow him. 

Faith isn't just something we hold onto—it's something we pass down, shaping the lives of those who come after us. Whether you're a mom, a mentor, a friend, or simply someone who wants to make a difference, your everyday faithfulness matters more than you know. Join us as we reflect on the power of small moments, quiet prayers, and faithful love that leaves an impact for generations to come.

This week we continue with Mark Chapter 8. To this point, Jesus has been traveling around the region of Galilee performing miracles, casting out demons, upsetting the status quo and teaching about the kingdom of God. Last week we read stories of Jesus pushing the boundaries when it comes to religious traditions and expanding the kingdom outside the bounds of the people of Israel. This week we get our first big narrative shift in the story as Jesus takes his ministry that has been focused on the region of Galilee and begins his journey south towards Jerusalem, but first we get a little déjà vu with a story that is eerily similar to one we read just two weeks ago.

Sermon in a sentence: "Your future is shaped by your choice today."Application: What one small choice is God asking you to make today? 

This week we continue with Mark Chapter 7. To this point, Jesus has been traveling around the region of Galilee performing miracles, casting out demons, upsetting the status quo and teaching about the kingdom of God. Last week we read about Jesus being rejected in his hometown, sending out the 12 apostles, John the Baptist's death, the feeding of the 5,000 and Jesus walking on water. This week we read stories of Jesus pushing the boundaries when it comes to religious traditions and expanding the kingdom outside the bounds of the people of Israel.

Sermon in a sentence: "I am not who I was. I am who Jesus says I am."Application: What would change in your life if you truly believed you are already new in Christ?

This week we continue with Mark Chapter 6. To this point, Jesus has been traveling around the region of Galilee performing miracles, casting out demons, upsetting the status quo and teaching about the kingdom of God. Last week we read a few stories of Jesus helping people who were in hopeless situations. He cast out a legion of demons from a man living among the tombs away from society, he healed a woman with a seemingly incurable condition that kept her isolated from her community for twelve years and finally he raised a little girl from the dead. This week we've got a loaded chapter with a few stories of Jesus experiencing resistance to his ministry, interacting with his disciples and performing one of his most famous miracles.

Sermon in a sentence: "The tomb is empty, which means our hope is full."SermApplication: Have you placed your faith in the One who conquered death?- If so, live with resurrected courage.- If not, the tomb still has your name on it.

Sermon in a sentence: "The tomb is empty, which means our hope is full."Application: Have you been rescued? Live with resurrected courage. If not, why wait?"

Sermon in a sentence: "The tomb is empty, which means our hope is full."Application: If you have questions, don't hide them—run with them to the empty tomb. Jesus welcomes the wondering.

This week we continue with Mark Chapter 5. To this point, Jesus has been traveling around the region of Galilee performing miracles, casting out demons, upsetting the status quo and teaching about the kingdom of God. Last week we unpacked a series of parables that Jesus taught and talked about why he spoke in parables and how we can interpret them. We left off with Jesus calming the storm and revealing himself to be the One who commands even the weather. This week, we read a couple of well-known stories of Jesus sending demons into a herd of pigs and healing a bleeding woman and dying girl.

Sermon in a Sentence: “Just because God is silent doesn't mean He isn't saving.” Action Steps: Name your "Silent Saturday." Unlock God's peace through prayer, petition, and thanksgiving.

This week we continue with Mark Chapter 4. Jesus is full steam ahead on his mission to bring the good news of the Kingdom of God to the people of Israel traveling all over the region of Galilee met with mixed reactions and creating controversy just about everywhere he goes. Last week we talked about healing on the Sabbath, how he brought people together both in opposition to him and against him, the appointing of the 12 apostles and how Jesus responded to those who blatantly rejected him in the face of indisputable evidence. This week we read about how Jesus begins to teach his followers about what it really means to follow him and reveals more of his identity.

Sermon in a Sentence: "Salvation didn't come through power, but through sacrifice"Action Steps: Come Close. (Close to Jesus, Close to others)

This week we continue with Mark Chapter 3. Jesus is full steam ahead on his mission to bring the good news of the Kingdom of God to the people of Israel traveling all over the region of Galilee met with mixed reactions and creating controversy just about everywhere he goes. Last week we talked about Jesus as the Son of Man with the authority to forgive sins and what it means for him to be Lord of the Sabbath as well as how he viewed the religious practices of the day and who he spent his time with versus who he came into conflict with. This week we read about how Jesus continues to amass a following while being met with skepticism.

Sermon in a sentence: "The blood of the Lamb didn't just cover the doorposts; it covers our hearts forever."Action Steps: Trust and Tell

Sermon in a sentence: "From the beginning, God had a plan."Application: Are you trusting God's rescue plan, or still trying to find your own way home?

This week we continue with Mark Chapter 2 and we pick up right where we left off. Jesus has begun his ministry bringing the good news of the kingdom of God to the people of Israel in the region of Galilee healing the sick and casting out demons along the way. To this point, he has tried to keep his ministry under wraps, but word has spread quickly, and many are gathering to see what this new young Rabbi is all about. He's met with mixed reactions as some support him and others attack him. We pick up with Jesus returning to the city Capernaum.

Sermon in a Sentence: "The Cross Turns Tragedy Into Triumph."Look (back), Lean (in), Live (with hope)

Today, we embark on a journey through the Gospel of Mark, widely regarded as the earliest of the four Gospel accounts. Our goal in this series is to approach the story with fresh eyes—setting aside preconceived notions and allowing Scripture to speak for itself. We will walk through Mark one chapter at a time, immersing ourselves in the good news of Jesus with renewed perspective. Our focus will center on His identity—Who is Jesus? How did others perceive Him? What did He say about Himself? What was His mission? Guiding us on this journey is Pastor Brent Knox.

Today, we embark on a journey through the Gospel of Mark, widely regarded as the earliest of the four Gospel accounts. Our goal in this series is to approach the story with fresh eyes—setting aside preconceived notions and allowing Scripture to speak for itself. We will walk through Mark one chapter at a time, immersing ourselves in the good news of Jesus with renewed perspective. Our focus will center on His identity—Who is Jesus? How did others perceive Him? What did He say about Himself? What was His mission? Guiding us on this journey is Pastor Brent Knox.

Sermon in a sentence: "Walk by Faith, Not by Sight."Application:1. Like Job – I can turn from my thinking that I know better than you God!2. Like Paul – I can now see my troubles as gifts that are working for my good!3. Like Jesus – I can endure it all by looking at what is to come!Additional verses noted:Job 42:62 Corinthians 16-18

Sermon in a sentence: "Walk by Faith, Not by Sight."Application:1. Like Job – I can turn from my thinking that I know better than you God!2. Like Paul – I can now see my troubles as gifts that are working for my good!3. Like Jesus – I can endure it all by looking at what is to come!Additional verses noted:Job 42:62 Corinthians 16-18

Sermon in a sentence: "Even in the darkest moments, God's providence assures us that redemption is coming."God, how are you working in this situation?Display Genesis 50:20 in your home for encouragement during challenging times. (link to a printable card below)

Sermon in a sentence: "Even in the darkest moments, God's providence assures us that redemption is coming."God, how are you working in this situation?Display Genesis 50:20 in your home for encouragement during challenging times. (link to a printable card below)

Sermon in a sentence: "Nothing is beyond God's control—not the cosmos, not the chaos, not your heart."Application thought: What storm in your life do you need to surrender to God's control today?

Sermon in a sentence: "Nothing is beyond God's control—not the cosmos, not the chaos, not your heart."Application thought: What storm in your life do you need to surrender to God's control today?

This week we wrap up "40 Days With The Word". Scripture has the ability to change who we are and the way we think, but so does the world. What's the difference between conforming and transforming? How do rely on the Spirit to transform us rather than will power? How has our culture affected the way we think?

This week we wrap up "40 Days With The Word". Scripture has the ability to change who we are and the way we think, but so does the world. What's the difference between conforming and transforming? How do rely on the Spirit to transform us rather than will power? How has our culture affected the way we think?

“Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” Romans 12:2

“Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” Romans 12:2

Semon in a sentence: "The Word transforms us from the inside out."Action steps: Identify (what's shaping you) / Replace (With the Word)

Semon in a sentence: "The Word transforms us from the inside out."Action steps: Identify (what's shaping you) / Replace (With the Word)

“But don't just listen to God's word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves.”James 1:22 

“But don't just listen to God's word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves.”James 1:22 

Semon in a sentence: "True freedom is found in submitting your life to the authority of God's Word."

Semon in a sentence: "True freedom is found in submitting your life to the authority of God's Word."

Couple Discussion Questions:1. Which pattern seems to fit our marriage best?2. What are some examples of seeing this pattern play out in our marriage?3. What are some insights that came from knowing our relationship pattern?4. What is a practical lesson we learned today that we can/will put into practice?

Couple Discussion Questions:1. Which pattern seems to fit our marriage best?2. What are some examples of seeing this pattern play out in our marriage?3. What are some insights that came from knowing our relationship pattern?4. What is a practical lesson we learned today that we can/will put into practice?

Couple Discussion Question:As a couple, we would encourage you to discuss which of these areas (Anxiety, Power, or Mindfulness) has been most problematic or challenging in your bedroom?