McKernan Baptist Church Podcast

Introduction 2 Corinthians is the most personal of all Pauls letters Paul writes to defend his apostleship Some are asking: If you really are an apostle, sent from God, why do you experience so much opposition and affliction? Who is Paul? Teacher / Theologian of early Christian Church Missionary / Church Planter of the First Century What do we know about Corinth? Important Roman city of First Century Greece Very pagan every sexual perversion imagined What were Pauls afflictions? 2 Cor 6:4-5; 11:23-28; 12:10 Application Questions Suffering is common to all of humanity God comforts us in our suffering God uses us to comfort others in their suffering Suffering is a qualifier for service not a disqualifier Hebrews 12:2-3 Looking to Jesus . . . endured the cross . . . despising the shame . . . endured hostilities

This summer, weve been looking at examples in the Bible of individuals who were Going without Knowing. They found themselves in circumstances where they went ahead in faith without knowing the outcome. If we were to zoom out, take a step back, what we see is actually the people of God on mission. They said yes in faith to the call of God on their lives, even though they didnt know what it might lead to. God has been on mission since creation, inviting humanity - by faith - to participate in his mission. As we close the sermon series this morning, lets take a little journey through scripture, highlighting three places in the Old Testament and three places in the New Testament where we see the mission of God and his people responding. To participate in the Mission of God, the people of God must: Be empowered by the Holy Spirit in our lives. Be willing to step out in faith and obedience; to blaze a new trail. Be Kingdom-minded in our everyday lives. Application Questions Scripture tells us that we can quench the Holy Spirit in our lives. Ask God if you have a limiting belief or a pattern of behaviour that is blocking your experience of the Holy Spirit. If he shows you something, will you act on it? Have you sensed a nudge/invitation from God to step out in faith, taking a risk? How might you take a brave step of obedience? What would it look like to embrace the reality of the Kingdom of God right where you are today?

When the Road Gets Hard Acts 15:36 16:34 August 30, 2026 Speaker: Pastor Mike Next week: Pastor Melissa When the Plan Changes The plan may change, but God's overarching call continues. When God Closes the Door Guard against a closed door becoming a closed heart. When the Road Gets Hard Paul and Silas worshiped without knowing the outcome. We worship because we know who God is. Application Questions Where is God asking me to trust Him if my plans change? Or a door is closed? How am I responding when the road gets hard? What does it look like for me worship God without knowing what comes next?

What do you do when you DO step out in faith into the calling that God has for you, and it starts to not look like you expected it would? Pattern: Peter stepped into the unknown. At first, it was amazing And then it got scary. Keep your eyes on Jesus Remember What Jesus Has Done Remember Who Jesus Is We Worship

TRUSTING THE GOD WHO HAS SPOKEN: MARY'S RADICAL YES Luke 1:26-38 ESV August 16, 2026 Speaker: Pastor Nathanael When God has spoken clearly, faith trusts his word and submits to his will even when we dont know everything that obedience will mean. God's call begins with his grace, not our greatness. God gives us enough to trust him, even when He doesnt give us the whole story. God's Word calls us to surrender, not negotiate. Application Questions Where am I asking God for more clarity when what I actually need is obedience to what He has already made clear? What would change in my life if I actually believed that I already have enough of God's Word to take the next faithful step? What would I be most afraid God might ask me to surrender? What might that fear reveal about what I trust more than God?

MOVING FORWARD THROUGH PRAYER Nehemiah 1:111; 2:18 August 9, 2026 Speaker: Pastor Sasha God often prepares us in prayer before He sends us into His purpose. Prayer isnt the preparation for the work; its part of the work. Have you ever received news that changed your life? A phone call. A doctors report. A conversation that made you realize something had to change. Nehemiah experienced such a moment. Truth 1. Prayer Begins with a Heart That Feels Gods Burden Nehemiah 1:14 When I heard these things, I sat down and wept. Truth 2. Prayer Changes Us Before It Changes Our Circumstances Nehemiah 1:511 Nehemiahs prayer is remarkable. Instead of blaming others, he begins with worship. Then confession. Then remembrance of Gods promises. Only then does he make his request. Truth 3. Prayer Gives Courage to Step Into Gods Open Door Nehemiah 2:18 Four months later Nehemiah stands before King Artaxerxes. This was dangerous Discussion Questions What breaks your heart? Does your heart reflect Gods priorities? Have you become comfortable with things that grieve God? Is prayer your first response or your last resort? Do your prayers include confession or only requests? Are you allowing God to change you while you wait? What opportunity has God placed before you? Is fear keeping you from obedience? Have you prayed enough to recognize Gods timing?

Going Without Knowing: When Disappointment Overwhelms Us 1 Kings 19:1-18 August 2, 2026 Speaker: Pastor Melissa How could Elijah be courageous one day and then despondent the next? How does he respond to overwhelming disappointment? As we unpack todays passage, there are three practical steps for what to do when disappointment crushes us. Retreat and Rest Honest Disclosure Wait for Direction Discussion Questions Are you currently experiencing disappointing circumstances? If so, how are you processing this? Are you seeking the voice of the Lord in your disappointment? Are there any obstacles that are in the way to hearing him? How can you apply the same steps that Elijah took in your life?

Going Without Knowing Ruth July 26, 2026 Speaker: Pastor Brianna God's Loyalty Invites Our Loyalty When we don't know what God is doing, we can remain loyal because God has already proven Himself faithful. God's Loyalty Remains, Even When We Can't See Him God's silence is not God's absence. God is faithfully at work, even when we can't see it. Loyalty Shapes Our Character Character is formed through ordinary faithfulness. Who or what we are loyal to shapes who we become. Small Acts of Loyalty Become Part of God's Bigger Story God often prepares us through everyday obedience. Ordinary faithfulness can have extraordinary impact. Going Without Knowing "Going without knowing isn't about knowing the destination. It's about knowing the Guide." Discussion Questions When have you experienced God's faithfulness during a season of uncertainty? Have you ever mistaken God's silence for His absence? Looking back, where can you now see Him at work? What "ordinary" act of faithfulness might God be inviting you into this week? Who or what is shaping your character the most right now? What does it look like to live a life marked by wholehearted loyalty to Christ?

Faith and the Presence of God Exodus 33:1-15 July 19, 2026 Speaker: Harrison Chang Faith is not just about doing daring things; it is about actively living every waking moment in the presence of God. The Importance of Gods Presence. What difference does it make? How do I actively live in His presence? Discussion Questions What does the passage actually say about the presence of God? What is the difference between Moses and the people? Why would Moses say he would not go forward without the presence of God? What do the three things: the golden idol, the tent of meeting, the passing of Gods Goodness say about the presence of God? What attribute of God did you choose and why? Did you find it difficult to pray each day? Why? In what way did it make a difference?

Main Idea: Because the Lord is with His people, we can remain faithfully obedient even when His purposes remain hidden. Gods Presence is Greater Than Your Circumstances God's Presence Produces Costly Faithfulness Gods Presence Sustain Us when His Purposes Remain Hidden Discussion Questions What situation in your life tempts you to believe God has forgotten you? Where is God calling you to obey Him even if obedience costs you something? What hidden act of faithfulness has God called you to continue even though no one else notices? Where do you need God's sustaining presence more than an immediate change in your circumstances?

Genesis 12:1-4 July 5, 2026 Speaker: Pastor Sasha Next week: Pastor Nathanael Trust grows when we step out on Gods promises, even without seeing the full path. God often calls His people to move before He reveals the destination. Faith is not knowing every detail but trusting the One who leads. Life is filled with unknowns. We make decisions about careers, families, ministry, health, and the future without knowing exactly what lies ahead. The greatest journeys of faith begin not with certainty but with Gods call. Abraham is known as the Father Of Faith because he obeyed God without seeing the whole picture. His journey teaches us that faith means following Gods voice more than our own understanding. Gods Call Requires Leaving the Comfort Zone Gods first word was: Go. Each step represented increasing sacrifice. God never asked Abraham simply to travel. God asked him to trust. Gods Promises Are Greater God gave Abraham seven incredible promises. Genuine Faith Responds with Obedient Action The entire sermon could almost be summarized in these words: Abraham went. God spoke. Abraham obeyed. Discussion Questions What comfort zone is God asking me to leave? Am I clinging to comfort more than Gods calling? Is fear keeping me from obedience? Which promise of God am I struggling to believe? Am I looking more at my problems than Gods promises? What impossible situation needs renewed faith today? What step of obedience have I been delaying? Where is God asking me to trust Him today? Am I waiting for certainty instead of responding in faith?

Hebrews 13:1-17 & Matthew 25:1-13 June 28, 2026 Speaker: Pastor Melissa Next week: Pastor Sasha A Ready People live out their faith in good deeds by the power of the Holy Spirit in them. Discussion Questions Hebrews 13:1-17 lists a number of practices and virtues that a Christian should be attentive to. Is there a verse that stands out to you? What do you need to embrace as a practice of your faith in your current circumstances? Matthew 25:1-13 gives a clear picture of those in the church who have been walking in relationship with Holy Spirit and those who are not. One group endures and is ready. Are you practicing your faith in conjunction with the power of the Holy Spirit, or are you striving in your own strength to do the right things? How is God preparing you to be ready for the season ahead? How are you becoming ready to welcome the Kingdom of God?

Psalm 78:1-8 ESV June 21, 2026 Speaker: Pastor Nathanael Next week: Pastor Melissa God forms His people to receive, remember, embody, and faithfully pass on His works so that each generation places its hope in Him. A Generational People Receives the Story of God A Generational People Declares the Works of God A Generational People Lives So the Next Generation Hopes in God. Discussion Questions What mighty work of God in my life have I forgotten? Who in another generation knows my story of God's grace? How can I intentionally invest in, and learn from, someone who is younger or older? Who from another generation could become part of my ordinary rhythms of life? What am I teaching the next generation to trust by the way I live? If someone followed my example, would they be led toward Jesus Christ or towards church activity?

God forms His people to receive, remember, embody, and faithfully pass on His works so that each generation places its hope in Him. A Generational People Receives the Story of God A Generational People Declares the Works of God A Generational People Lives So the Next Generation Hopes in God. Discussion Questions What mighty work of God in my life have I forgotten? Who in another generation knows my story of God's grace? How can I intentionally invest in, and learn from, someone who is younger or older? Who from another generation could become part of my ordinary rhythms of life? What am I teaching the next generation to trust by the way I live? If someone followed my example, would they be led toward Jesus Christ or towards church activity?

Why does the apostles teaching appear first among the characteristics of the early church? How is biblical fellowship different from ordinary social interaction? Why was the breaking of bread so important to the first Christians? How does prayer demonstrate our dependence on God? What three results of a devoted church life are described in Acts 2:42-47? Which of the four practices needs the greatest renewal in your life? What specific step of devotion are you willing to take this week?

James 3:13-18 June 7, 2026 Speaker: Harrison Chang Next week: Pastor Sasha Love that builds the church is a love that comes from the wisdom of heaven. True wisdom is going to prove itself in community. 3 Manifestations of Worldly Wisdom Comparison and Criticism Discontent and Covetousness Bitterness Wisdom that Comes From God Pure Holy Sincere Without Hypocrisy Peace Loving Gentle and Open to Reason Practical Challenges to Love What am I going to do today to develop a heart of rejoicing and thankfulness? How am I going to direct someone towards Jesus this week? What is an area in my life right now where I am not fully content for what God has given and how can I surrender it to Jesus?

Becoming a Community of Grace - May 31, 2026 Speaker: Pastor Brianna Next week: Harrison Chang Grace Calls Us to Know Who We Are Holy and Dearly Loved Grace Calls Us to Love Practically Compassion Kindness Humility Gentleness Patience Grace Calls Us to Turn Toward Each Other ● Bear One Anothers Burdens ● Forgive as Christ Forgave You Grace Calls Us to Gratitude. This is such a gift! Not perfect people. But a people becoming more like Jesus together. Discussion Questions What does it practically look like to live as a community of grace? Why is it important to know we are holy and dearly loved before trying to love others well? Which of the qualities in Colossians 3:12 do you find easiest to live out? Which is hardest? What does it look like to bear with one another in everyday life? Is there someone you need to forgive, or someone you need to ask forgiveness from? How does gratitude shape the way we experience community?

The church is not something we attend or build, she is a people we are becoming. Our spring sermon series, Becoming the Church is guiding us to follow the voice of Jesus, as He forms us into a community where lives are being transformed together. Becoming the BODY of LOVE May 24, 2026 Speaker: Pastor Dan Next week: Pastor Brianna The Spirit Builds His Church Growing Up in Christ Built Up in Love Discussion Questions When you hear the phrase a healthy church, what comes to mind first? In what ways have you seen the Holy Spirit working within the church during this season? How can our church become a place where wounded people feel safe enough to encounter Jesus? What does it practically look like to build one another up in love in everyday church life? What usually lies underneath your frustration, fear, discouragement, or defensiveness

Gifted For The Common Good, 1 Cor 12:4-11 Formed into One Body, 1 Cor 12:12-13 Rejecting Comparison and Pride 1 Cor 12:14-20 I dont belong is replaced by, I belong and have something to contribute 1 Cor 12:21-25 I dont need you is replaced by, you are needed and have something to contribute Becoming the Church: Every Part Matters Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it.

Ephesians 4:1-6 May 10, 2026 Speaker: Pastor Sasha Next week: Pastor Mike Unity Begins With A Worthy Walk Paul is saying: Let your daily life match the gospel you proclaim. Unity is not mainly about church structure. It is about Christian character. Unity begins with a worthy walk. Unity Requires Formed Character Paul gives four qualities that protect unity. Humility - Most church conflicts are not theological. They are relational. Usually rooted in pride, hurt, or preference. Humility oils the gears of church life. Gentleness - Gentleness does not mean weakness. It means strength under control. Jesus described Himself as: Matthew 11:29 gentle and humble in heart. Gentleness is surrendered strength. Patience - The word literally means long tempered. Short temper: Im done with you. Long temper: I will continue walking with you. Bearing with one another in love - This phrase means: making room for imperfect people. Church unity is not built because everyone is easy to love. It is built because Christ loved us first Unity Must Be Guarded Intentionally Paul does not say: Create unity. The Holy Spirit already creates unity through salvation in Christ. Our responsibility is to protect what God has established. Unity matters because it affects our witness to the world. Dietrich Bonhoeffer wrote: Christian brotherhood is not an ideal which we must realize; it is rather a reality created by God in Christ in which we may participate. That is exactly Pauls point. Unity is not manufactured by personality compatibility. It is sustained by Christ-centred love. Unity Is Rooted In Shared Truth (Verses 4-6) Paul repeats the word one seven times. One body One Spirit One hope One Lord One faith One baptism One God and Father Christian unity is not unity at any cost. It is unity grounded in truth. Important for the Church Biblical unity does not mean ignoring doctrine. It means standing together around the gospel. We may differ on secondary matters, but we stand united in: The authority of Scripture Salvation through Christ alone The death and resurrection of Jesus The lordship of Christ The mission of the church Questions for Reflection How am I contributing to either unity or tension? How are your words building people up or quietly dividing? Who is someone in this church I need to forgive? How am I living a life worthy of the Gospel by living Word to people God is still shaping? Do I love the church enough to protect its unity? Practical Calls to The Church Refuse Gossip - Unity dies in whispered conversations. Assume the Best - Choose charitable interpretation before criticism. Pursue Reconciliation Quickly - Dont let small wounds become deep divisions. Romans 12:18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Pray for One Another - It is difficult to resent people you consistently pray for. Keep Christ Central - Christ unites church. Unity is not something we achieve, its something we practice into existence.

John 10:27-30; 1 Pet 2:4-10 May 3, 2026 Speaker: Pastor Nathanael Next week: Pastor Sasha The Shepherd Calls a People We Are Built Together When We Come to Christ Christ is the Cornerstone of Our Faith Alignment to Christ Forms a New People Application questions If someone observed your life over the last 6 months, what would they say is forming you most? In what ways are you treating church as something you attend rather than a people you belong to? What does it actually look like for you, this week, to come to Himnot once, but continually? If Jesus is the cornerstone, what in your life is currently out of alignment with Him?

FOLLOW ME John 21:15-23 April 26, 2026 Speaker: Pastor Dave Next week: Pastor Nathanael Simon, son of John Three questions, three answers, three instructions: Do you love me? You know that I love you. Take care of My flock

The Rock is Sunk The Rock gets Skunked The Rock Surrenders to Love Application questions Where are you trying to prove yourself to God? Where are you striving instead of surrendering? What would it look like to receive His love, right now, before doing anything for Him? What would it look like to rely more on God than your own effort this week?

The Rock is Sunk The Rock gets Skunked The Rock Surrenders to Love Application questions Where are you trying to prove yourself to God? Where are you striving instead of surrendering? What would it look like to receive His love, right now, before doing anything for Him? What would it look like to rely more on God than your own effort this week?

John 20:19-31 April 12, 2026 Speaker: Pastor Nathanael Next week: Pastor Dan The Gospel of John is Written for The Purpose of Belief and Life. The Risen Jesus Gives Assurance, Peace, and Joy. The Risen Jesus Meets Doubt and Calls for Belief. Application questions What locked doors are shaping your life right nowfear, anxiety, shame, disappointment, control? Where in your life do you most need to hear Jesus say, Peace be with you? When was the last time your heart was genuinely stirred by who Christ is, not just by what He gives? Jesus sends forgiven people as His witnesses. How are you living as someone sent and not just merely as someone who is spiritually informed?

Jesus asks Mary, Who is it you are looking for? Throughout scripture, we are instructed to seek God and when we seek, we will find him. Did we come today seeking to find Jesus? How are you and I seeking him daily? John records that Mary turned in response when Jesus said her name. This was Marys turning point and likely marked the rest of her life. What was our turning point when Jesus called our name and we turned to him? How are we continuing to turn to him? Mary came seeking a dead body, but instead she found the risen Lord. She found Resurrected Life and that Life changes everything. How is the Life of Christ changing us? Are we experiencing the ongoing victory of Christ in lifes challenges and heartaches?

By Mike John 17:21-18:11 John 18:12-14, 19-24, 28-19:16a John 19:16b-30 John 19:31-42

John 19:17-42 March 29, 2026 Speaker: Pastor Dan Next week: Pastor Mike Lay It Down Guilt says I have done something bad; shame says I am something bad. John Ortberg Chuck Swindoll writes, Those most unqualified to condemn you, will. The One (Jesus) most qualified to condemn you, wont. Turn Around To repent is to turn, to pivot. At the Cross, that turning becomes a movement of grace. Repentance is not a duty, it is opportunity. Not a law, it is grace. Not a burden, it is freedom. And this freedom spreads. It touches hearts. It reshapes communities. It moves through lives like quiet fire. Live It Out This is the movement of the Cross: Inward healing. Outward transformation. Separate those, and you have a distorted Gospel. Hold them together, and you have life. Discussion Questions What emotions or images rise as you hear Jesus say, It is finished? Where might you be holding onto false guilt or false shame? Why is it hard to be honest before God? How does viewing repentance as a door instead of a duty change things? Where might God be inviting you to turn right now? What keeps us from living out Gods love? Who in your life might need to experience Gods love through you?

John 19:1-16

John 18:28-40

Todays passage takes a closer look at the trials of Simon Peter. Peter is trying to live into his identity as a leader and as the Rock, which Jesus named him back in John 1. But hes doing so in his own strength and understanding. His response to the challenges he faces is to: Fight John 18:1-11 Flight (Deny) John 18:15-18, 25 27 Freeze John 21:2-3

Where do I need to surrender my desire for recognition and choose humility instead? Where do I need to invite Gods protection through renewed joy and deeper grounding in His Word? Is there a relationship where God is calling me to pursue reconciliation, forgiveness, or unity?

John 16

John 15

John 14:1-31 ESV

love put on display, love betrayed, love one another

John 12:27-36 January 25, 2026 Speaker: Pastor Mike Next week: Pastor Dan The Weight and the Wonder of the Purposes of God (John 12:27-30) The Father has a purpose for Jesus and for us, bringing glory to God through both the wonderful and the difficult. The Power and the Pull of the Cross of Christ (John 12:31-33) The message of the cross is powerful, and the resulting pull is Jesus drawing people to himself. The Call and the Conduct of the Light of Life (John 12:34-36) Jesus calls us to walk in the light and reflect Him to the world around us. Discussion Questions Where in my life right now does Gods purpose feel heavy, and what would it look like to trust that He can be glorified even there? When I look at the cross, do I see only suffering, or do I truly see the glory of God revealed there for me? Am I staying close enough to Jesus that His life and light are shaping the way I live each day? While the light is still among us, how is Jesus inviting me to shine with His light to the world around me?

John 12:12-26 ESV

What is in the innermost circle of your life? What would it take for the deepest, most tender part of your heart to be fully occupied by Jesus? What fears, worries, or patterns would you need to surrender to make room for Him alone? Jesus is calling each of us to this tender, radical love. Will you let Him have the center of your life today?

John 11:1-44

Luke 1:46-55; Luke 1:67-75

Called To Jesus calls His sheep by name, and they recognize His voice. Cared For Jesus gives His sheep safety, provision, and abundant life. Covered With Jesus protects His sheep by laying down His life for them.

We experience true joy when we see Jesus for who He really is.

ohn 8:31-59 ESV December 7, 2025 (2nd Sunday of Advent) Speaker: Pastor Nathanael Next week: Pastor Dave True disciples hear His voice and remain in His word. True freedom hears His voice and breaks sins chains. True identity hears His voice and reveals our Father. True response hears His voice and bows. Discussion Questions Jesus connects freedom with abiding. In your experience, why do many Christians feel spiritually constrained even though they believe in Jesus? What helps you stay faithful when you feel spiritually dry, disappointed, or confused? How can you intentionally encourage someone this week? Whose voice are you listening to? And why?

Is there an area where you might you hold a skewed understanding of Jesus, limiting him in some way? How does Jesus as the Light of the kosmos bring you hope? How are you practically living into that hope? How does Jesus as the Light of the kosmos cause you concern or even fear? Is there a place in your life where you dont welcome his Light?

John 7:25-52

His sheep hear His Voice. John 7:1-24

The Shepherds Voice Exposes Our Empty Hunger v22-34 The Shepherd Voice Invites Us to Eternal Life v35-51 The Shepherd Voice Calls Us to Abide in Him v52-59 The Shepherd Voice Tests Those Who Truly Hear v60-71

John 6:1-21

John 5: 31-47 October 26, 2025 Jesus Calls His Witnesses: Jesus Self-Testimony Anothers Testimony John the Baptists Testimony Jesus Work as Testimony The Fathers Testimony through the Word How will the jury rule? Discussion Questions How do you find the evidence that Jesus presents in His case? Is it convincing enough for you? How do we get distracted by human glory, or by those that are flashy and charismatic? Whats the danger in that? What are some examples of how we can study Scripture but miss Jesus? What helps you keep Jesus at the center of your Bible Study? How have you responded to the evidence of Jesus in your own life? Have you decided? And how does that decision effect how you live your life day-to-day?

1. The Voice of Christ Stirs to Heal (John 5:1-15) Jesus asks us, Do you want to be well? How might you get up and walk today, whether in body or soul? 2. The Voice of Christ Stirs to Reveal (John 5:16 30) God will use the circumstances of our life to reveal the hidden lies and false beliefs in our hearts. Are we willing to listen to the Voice of Christ when such things are brought to the surface? 3. The Voice of Christ Stirs us to Receive Life or Judgement Today Does your life reflect an ongoing willingness to walk in the eternal life Jesus gives? Are you ignoring any areas of brokenness?