Memorial Baptist Church Jefferson City

How do you come to know something that is beyond knowing? That's the question driving Ephesians 3:14–21. Paul kneels in a Roman prison and prays for believers to know the love of Christ - a love that surpasses knowledge. Not the kind of thing you think your way into. The kind of thing you receive your way into. And at the center of it is one of the most intimate images in all of Scripture: Christ not as a guest who drops by, not as a landlord who checks in - but as someone who wants the deed. Who wants to move in. Permanently. And call it home. C.S. Lewis pictured eternity as a country where the deeper you go, the bigger it gets - further up and further in, forever. That's exactly what Paul is praying for here. A love with no ceiling, no end. Five movements in Paul's prayer: 1️⃣ The Posture - A prisoner kneels. Before a word is said, his body is already preaching. 2️⃣ The Problem -You need something you cannot generate yourself. 3️⃣ The Gift - Christ making His permanent home in you by the Spirit. 4️⃣ The Fullness - A love with four dimensions. You need the whole body to begin to see its size. 5️⃣ The Overflow - Resurrection power already at work, producing praise that outlasts history.   You'll discover: What Paul's kneeling reveals about how he prays — and what it says about how we should The Greek word katoikeō — what it means for Christ to "dwell" in you vs. just visit The temple thread from Tabernacle to Pentecost to your own heart Why C.S. Lewis's The Last Battle perfectly pictures what Paul describes in v.19 Why the love of Christ can't be fully known alone — and what that means for the church  

Paul sits down to pray - and can't do it. He gets one sentence in and goes on the most theologically explosive detour in all of his letters. He can't help himself. What God has done in Christ is too staggering to skip past. What stopped him? A mystery. Not the kind you solve with enough brains - the kind only God can reveal. In Ephesians 3:1–13, Paul finally names it: Jews and Gentiles, insiders and outsiders, people who had no business being in the same room - made co-heirs, co-body, co-partakers of the same promise. Together. In Christ. And here's what blows the roof off: that unity isn't just for us. Every time a divided people becomes one in Christ, the powers of darkness see it and know they've lost. The church is God's cosmic billboard. And the secret is out. In this message, Pastor David covers: ✅ What Paul means by "mystery" - and why no amount of human intelligence gets you there ✅ The arc from Babel to Babylon to the New Jerusalem - and where the church fits right now ✅ Three explosive Greek words Paul stacks in one verse: co-heirs, co-body, co-partakers ✅ Why your unity with other believers is a declaration of war on the powers of darkness ✅ What it means to approach God not nervously, but boldly - because of a finished work Key Scriptures: Ephesians 3:1–13 • Genesis 1–11 • Acts 2 • John 17 • Revelation 7:9 • Revelation 21 • Matthew 6:10

You were far off. Now you are near. Ephesians 2:11–22 is one of the most radical passages in the New Testament. Paul declares that the dividing wall — the hostility that separated Jew and Gentile, insider and outsider — has been torn down by the blood of Christ. And in its place, God is building something new: a temple not made of stone, but of people. His people. With Jesus as the cornerstone. In this message, Pastor Jimmy walks through what it means to be brought near — united with the faithful saints of every generation, sealed and adopted by God, and built together into a dwelling place for His Spirit. If you've ever felt like an outsider, like your history disqualifies you, or like you don't belong — this passage is for you.   In this message: ✅ Why your past, your family, and your nation are not your ultimate identity ✅ How Christ's sacrifice unites believers across every generation — Old Testament saints included ✅ What it means that the veil was torn and the dividing wall came down ✅ Why the church is not a building — it's you, and the faithful gathered around you ✅ How to live boldly from a secure identity in Christ   Key Scriptures: Ephesians 2:11–22 • Galatians 3:25–29 • Hebrews 11 • Romans 10:14–17  

Are you breathing but not really alive? Paul opens Ephesians 2 with the most uncomfortable diagnosis: without Christ, we are the walking dead — not just sick, not just struggling, but spiritually dead. Cut off from the One who is life itself. But then come two of the most hope-filled words in all of Scripture: But God. In this message, Pastor David walks through Ephesians 2:1–10 and shows that the same resurrection power that raised Jesus from the dead is the power that brings us from death to life - not by anything we do, but by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone. You are not just saved FROM something. You are saved FOR something.   In this message: ✅ Why Paul calls the unredeemed "the walking dead" - and what that actually means ✅ The three forces pulling every person away from God: the world, the devil, and the flesh ✅ What "But God" changes for every human soul, including yours ✅ Why grace means you bring nothing - and get everything ✅ How your everyday work and creativity is part of God's restoration project Key Scriptures: Ephesians 2:1–10 • Genesis 2–3 • Romans 6:23 • John 10:10 • Titus 3:5 • Exodus 31 • Colossians 3:17, 23

Because God has already blessed His people in Christ, Paul doesn't move to pressure - he moves to prayer. In Ephesians 1:15–23, Paul prays that the Father would give believers Spirit-given wisdom and revelation so they truly know their hope, their inheritance, and the immeasurable greatness of God's power toward them - power proven in the risen and reigning Jesus, Head of the church. In this message, Pastor David shows how Christian life is lived from grace, under Christ's reign, and in dependence on the Spirit - not from anxiety, hype, or self-effort.

In Christ, we have redemption through His blood, forgiveness of sins, and an inheritance secured by the Holy Spirit.   In Ephesians 1:7–14, Paul unfolds a sweeping vision of salvation that began in eternity past and stretches into eternity future — all according to God's wisdom and for the praise of His glory. We are redeemed, united, and sealed in Christ.    This passage reminds us that our story is not isolated — it is part of God's larger redemptive story, fulfilled in Jesus and secured by the Spirit.  

Before the foundation of the world, God set His love on His people. In Christ, we are blessed, chosen, adopted, and secured — not by our performance, but by His grace.   In Ephesians 1:3–6, Paul begins with praise, reminding believers that every spiritual blessing flows from being united to Jesus. Our adoption into God's family reveals His sovereignty, love, and redemptive plan unfolding through Christ.   This passage anchors our identity: we belong to God, we are loved by God, and He will complete what He has begun in us.  

Who really has power? Who can be trusted with authority? And what happens when Jesus enters a city built on rival names? In Acts 19, the gospel confronts confusion, exposes counterfeit spirituality, topples borrowed authority, and provokes costly repentance. Pastor David walks us through five movements in the text: 1️⃣ Confusion — good but incomplete faith 2️⃣ True Authority — the Word of the Lord prevailing 3️⃣ Counterfeits — borrowed authority collapsing 4️⃣ Costly Revival — confession and renunciation 5️⃣ Cultural Collision — idols pushing back 6️⃣ The True Center — life in Jesus' name alone   This passage reminds us that revival isn't hype, formulas, or personalities — it's when the Word of the Lord outgrows the rival names that used to run us.  

The book of Ephesians begins with some of the deepest Gospel doctrine in the New Testament and ends with some of the most practical instruction for Christian living.   This week, Pastor Jimmy opened our Ephesians series by showing how Paul writes to a church in a cultural crossroads- a place full of competing ideologies, pagan spirituality, and social tension- and equips them to live confidently for Christ through a clear understanding of the Gospel. Right doctrine leads to righteous living.    We also read the entire book of Ephesians aloud in service, reminding us that before this letter was ever dissected, outlined, or commented on - it was heard, received, and obeyed.  

Guest Speaker Pastor Rob Pochek (MBC Team Leader for Prayer & Evangelism) brought a powerful message reminding us that every Christian has a story, and God intends to use it.   From John 9 and the healing of the man born blind, we learn that Jesus is on a mission to bring people to belief — and one of the greatest tools He gives us is our own testimony. If you love Jesus, you can talk about Him. Sharing your story joins Jesus in His mission.  

Words are never neutral. What we speak- and what we sing- forms us. From the opening pages of Scripture, God creates by His Word. GOD SPEAKS! Yet again and again, humanity rebels by rejecting His voice. In Jesus, the Word became flesh, fulfilled what we broke, and now- by the Spirit- dwells richly among us to form a new people. In this message, Pastor David walks through the story of Scripture to show how God speaks, how we rebel, how Jesus fulfills, and how Christ now dwells in His church- forming us through redeemed speaking and redeemed singing.  

Christmas has passed. The lights come down. The pace changes. Life resumes. And the question lingers: Now what? In 1 John 1–2, the apostle John reminds us that Jesus didn't just come to be celebrated—He came to be followed. Jesus is Light and Life, given from the Father so that we may live in fellowship, joy, and honest obedience. In this message, Pastor David walks us through what it means to follow the Light after Christmas—not drifting toward false lights, but walking honestly with Jesus in confession, community, and confident hope.

Christmas has passed. The lights come down. The pace changes. Life resumes. And the question lingers: Now what? In 1 John 1–2, the apostle John reminds us that Jesus didn't just come to be celebrated—He came to be followed. Jesus is Light and Life, given from the Father so that we may live in fellowship, joy, and honest obedience. In this message, Pastor David walks us through what it means to follow the Light after Christmas—not drifting toward false lights, but walking honestly with Jesus in confession, community, and confident hope.

Our culture often defines love as emotion, affirmation, or sentiment. But Jesus defines love differently: “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” In this Advent message, Pastor Nathan teaches from John 14 that true love for Jesus is not mental assent or spiritual feelings—but a life shaped by obedience, holiness, and submission to His Lordship. This kind of love is only possible because of the grace of God at work in us through Christ. 

We live in a world filled with noise, conflict, fear, and distraction. But into that world Jesus came announcing something radical: Peace. Not the fragile, temporary peace the world offers— but peace with God, peace within ourselves, and peace with one another. This week, Pastor Jimmy walks us through Scripture to show how the gospel brings reconciliation with God, how the Holy Spirit forms peace within us, and how believers are called to live peaceably with all.  

Our culture says joy is a feeling you chase or a vibe you create. But Advent reminds us: joy is a Person who came to us. In this message, Pastor David teaches that biblical joy is being fully present with God in Jesus Christ and His people—rooted in love, sustained by the Spirit, strengthened through hope and trust, and defiant against isolation and fear.  From the angels' announcement in Luke 2 to James' call to “count it all joy” and Paul's command to “rejoice in the Lord always,” we see that joy has a Source, joy has a Fight, and joy has a Path.

We live in a culture overflowing with stuff—but starving for peace. Storage units, constant upgrades, credit-card debt, the hedonic treadmill… it all reveals something deeper: we want more, but it's never enough. Into that world, Jesus says, “Watch out for greed. Life does not consist in the abundance of possessions.” (Luke 12:15) This week, Pastor David exposes the Lie of Scarcity, reveals the Truth of the Father's Abundance, and anchors us in the Hope of the Generous King—a King who became poor so that we might become rich in God.

The world disciples us to crave more—more money, more status, more security. But God calls His people to something radically different: contentment shaped by the character of Christ. This week, Pastor Nathan teaches from 1 Timothy 6 and throughout Scripture that the Lord—not our job, not the government, not our hustle—is the true source of all provision. Because God is generous and wise, His people must be shrewd stewards and radically generous.

True generosity doesn't begin with guilt—it begins with grace. In this message, Pastor Jimmy reminds us that generosity is the overflow of God's unmerited favor. When we understand that every breath, gift, and resource comes from Him, giving becomes a joy, not a burden. From 2 Corinthians 8–9, we see the Macedonian believers give with joy amid poverty because they first gave themselves to the Lord. Grace came down—and generosity flowed out.

When the family of God shows up, Jesus doesn't just grow us—He sends us. This message from Pastor David wraps up the Familified series by showing how those who show up, stay, and grow in Christ are called to go—as Spirit-empowered witnesses to the world. We don't go alone; we go together, filled with His presence, power, and purpose.

Light exposes what darkness tries to hide—and Jesus invites us out of hiding into healing. In this message, Pastor David shows how the gospel moves us from Isolation → Invitation, Lies → Truth, Secrecy → Confession, and Spectators → Siblings through Christ's cleansing blood and the practice of confession and prayer together. 

We live in a world that's crowded yet lonely—where fear, shame, individualism, and isolation fracture the human heart. But in Christ, God doesn't leave us in hiding—He forms us into a family that rejoices and weeps together. In this message, Pastor David unpacks how the gospel frees us from individualism and isolation to live as one family in Jesus. You'll see why real joy and real sorrow are meant to be shared, not shouldered alone.

We live in a world that's more connected than ever — and more alone than ever. But into our chaos steps Jesus. He doesn't just forgive sinners; He adopts sons and daughters. He takes isolated lives and forms them into a household of love, joy, and peace in His name. This message from Pastor David shows that God is a Family who makes family — a Father, Son, and Spirit drawing us home into His life of love. In Mark 3:31–35, Jesus redefines family around Himself — not by bloodline but by faith and obedience.

From the beginning, God has revealed Himself through the language of family. He is a Father who loves fiercely, a Brother who obeys humbly, and a Husband who sacrifices faithfully. This message from Pastor Nathan shows how the nature of God Himself — Father, Son, and Spirit — draws us into His life of love and teaches us how to love one another as His family.  

Meals tell stories — and the Lord's Supper tells the greatest one of all. In 1 Corinthians 11, Paul reminds the church that the Table of Christ is not about personal status or private religion — it's about a redeemed family, united in grace and centered on Jesus. This message from Pastor David calls us to lay down our baggage, look to Jesus, and come together for the better, not the worse — as one body made whole by His blood.

Jesus didn't just teach, He wept. In Matthew 23:37–39, Jesus laments over Jerusalem—grieving for those who rejected Him, longing to gather them as a hen gathers her chicks. This sermon from Pastor David calls us to share Christ's compassion and recognize that His tears lead to our mission. Jesus' lament shows He is not ignorable—He is the Savior we need.

Fasting isn't just self-denial—it's spiritual warfare. In this week's message, Pastor Nathan unpacks Matthew 9:14–17 and Matthew 17:14–21 to show how fasting isn't simply for self-improvement, but an active way believers resist the powers of darkness through Christ's strength.

When Jesus was tempted in the wilderness, He declared: “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.” In this message, Eric unpacks Matthew 4 to show how fasting teaches us to crucify the flesh and feast on Christ, the true Bread of Life. Fasting isn't punishment—it's pursuit. It's letting go of control, resisting temptation, and finding our deepest satisfaction in Jesus.  

What if fasting isn't about conquering your body but opening your hands in submission and surrender? This week's sermon explores fasting not as a ritual for results but as a response to  focus on Jesus. From Moses and Elijah to Jesus in the wilderness, fasting has always been about remembering God, releasing control, and hungering for the Bread of Life.

What does a healthy church look like? Acts 6 gives us some blueprint. This week, Pastor David unpacks how disciples, deacons, and shepherds serve different roles but share one mission, so the Word increases, disciples multiply, and Jesus is exalted

Have you ever considered prayer as an act of love and war/resistance? This week, Pastor David walks through Ephesians 3 and 6, showing how Paul begins with prayer for love and ends with prayer as warfare. We stand together as one body in Christ—rooted in His love, resisting the powers of darkness/evil, and declaring that Jesus is everything.

What if rest wasn't just about slowing down—but about worship and resistance? In this week's sermon, Eric opens Isaiah 61, Mark 2, and Psalm 46:10 to remind us that Sabbath is more than a day off—it's a declaration that we trust God, not our to-do list.   Discover:

You were made for joyful delight, not anxious striving. In this week's message, Pastor David unpacks Isaiah 58, Psalm 92, John 15, and Romans 5 to show how the Sabbath points us to the complete joy we can only find in Jesus Christ. Week after week, sabbath calls us to remember the gospel! Stop. Rest. Delight. Worship. In Christ alone.  

We live in a culture that celebrates busyness, praises production, and pushes us to keep going, but God offers something radically different: rest. Not just physical rest, but the deep soul rest found in Him.   From creation in Genesis to the promise in Hebrews 4, God built rest into the fabric of His world and invites us to trust Him enough to stop striving.

Jesus didn't just teach about Sabbath—He is our Sabbath. In this message, Pastor David explores the deep, transformative rhythm of Sabbath, not as a rule to follow but as a weekly invitation to Stop, Rest, Delight, and Worship. More than a break from work, Sabbath is a holy protest against the lies of busyness, productivity, and self-sufficiency—and a return to the truth that Jesus is Lord, and we are not.

Jesus often withdrew to lonely places—and so should we. This message from Nathan challenges us to meet God in solitude, not just when it's easy, but especially when we feel overwhelmed, tempted, or weak. In the quiet, God doesn't shame our weakness — He strengthens us with grace.

What do your words, reactions, and desires reveal about your formation? This sermon from Pastor David explores what comes out of us when life presses in—and how Jesus invites us to be formed by His Word, filled by His Spirit, and set free by His truth.

The Bible is not just a manual or collection of facts. It is the very breath of God—alive, active, and personal. In this sermon, we learn from Jesus' example how to handle Scripture with reverence, wisdom, and real-life application. We're reminded that we grow not by knowing more, but by letting God's Word change us. ✅ Learn how to observe, interpret, and apply God's Word ✅ Understand why Scripture is central to transformation ✅ Be equipped to study in community and in personal devotion

Meditation isn't about mastering information—it's about meeting with God. In this week's message, Pastor Nathan unpacks what it means to meditate on God's Word—not to prove a point or gain head knowledge, but to be with the Living Word and be transformed.

What story are you living in—and is it true? In this week's message, Pastor David explores how the Bible is more than information. It's the true story of reality that restores us in Christ and re-stories how we live, think, and love together. We don't just need more content or information—we need a new map. One that leads us to Jesus.

What if the Bible is not just a textbook to conquer or a rulebook to fear… what if it's an invitation? An intimate invitation to a person and presence- truth and reality? In this message Pastor David explores how the Bible is not merely a book of information, but a divine invitation into spiritual formation and transformation through Jesus Christ. The stories we believe shape the lives we live—and Scripture invites us into the true story/reality

In a world of noise, distraction, and pressure—prayer is resistance. Not resistance by might, but by presence. It's how we push back against isolation, performance, and spiritual drift. This message from Pastor David walks through John 15 and 2 Corinthians 3 to remind us that Jesus doesn't just call us to obey—He calls us to abide. To look, behold, remain, and live. Prayer is not a performance—it's a relational, transforming presence.

God is speaking—are we listening? In a world full of noise, distraction, and distortion, Jesus calls His sheep to know His voice and follow Him (John 10).

Jesus carries our burdens—and calls us to carry the burdens of others. Through His perfect intercession, we've been invited into a holy priesthood, standing in the gap on behalf of those in need. This week, Pastor Nathan teaches us that intercessory prayer is not a task for the spiritually elite—it's a call to love others with compassion, to pray like their pain is our pain, and to trust in the mercy of God.  

Is prayer really worth it? What's the point if God already knows everything—or when it feels like He isn't answering?   In this message, Pastor Adam helps us reframe prayer not as performance or obligation, but as an honest, ongoing conversation with a relational God- The Father. Through Psalm 73, Philippians 4, and James 5, we learn that sometimes the most powerful prayer we can pray is: “God, change my heart.”

When you think about God, what comes to mind? A distant judge? A cosmic boss? Or a compassionate Father who longs to be with you?   In this message, Pastor David opens our new series on prayer by showing how Jesus invites us not into performance—but into presence. Through the aching words of the disciples, “Lord, teach us to pray,” we discover that prayer isn't a skill to master—it's a relationship to practice.  

Jesus didn't just die for Barabbas—He died for us. In our place. And because He rose, the story doesn't end at the cross—it begins there. This Easter message, preached in two parts by Pastors David and Adam, begins with the sobering weight of our sin and ends with the living hope of the resurrection. Through the story of Barabbas, the cross, and the empty tomb, we are invited to surrender to the only One who holds the keys to death and life.  

What does a Jewish festival, a Seder meal, and the Last Supper have in common? Everything. In this message, Pastor Adam brings the Passover to life, showing how Jesus redefined it to form a new covenant for all who believe.  

Jesus didn't ride into Jerusalem quietly. He came in peace—but with authority. He fulfilled prophecy, confronted hollow religion, and demanded a response. This Pre-Palm Sunday, Pastor David walks through Matthew 21 and shows how Jesus is The King You Can't Ignore.

From the beginning, God has been building a family—not just a people, but a household. Through Jesus, we're not just saved—we're adopted. In this message, Pastor Jimmy walks us through what it means to be “Familified”—grafted into the household of God through faith in Jesus, and called to live as brothers and sisters in a spiritual family.