This is where you can hear the weekly sermons from Parkside Heights Church in Cleveland, OH.
As J.C. Ryle notes, one of the most difficult challenges that believers face is when others fail them. It can lead us to be angry, disillusioned and bitter. In Mark 14:43-52, we see Jesus experiencing the failure of his disciples: one of them betrays him, and the others desert him. As we look at his reaction, we see a Savior who understands what we experience, yet one who is able to "overcome evil with good" (Romans 12:21, ESV).June 1, 2025Helpful resources that shaped and informed this sermon: Let's Study Mark by Sinclair Ferguson, The Gospel of Mark by R.T. France, Mark by Kent Hughes, Gentle & Lowly by Dane Ortlund, Mark by J.C. Ryle, Dig Deeper into the Gospels by Andrew Sach & Tim Hiorns.
In Mark 14:32-42, we see Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane as he anticipates going to the cross: he staggers at what is coming, yet still submits willingly to His Father's plan. Meanwhile, the disciples sleep, missing an opportunity to pray. This passage shows us that Jesus gets the depths of our suffering, while also giving us an example of how to pray in difficult times.May 25, 2025 Helpful resources that shaped and informed this sermon: Let's Study Mark by Sinclair Ferguson, The Gospel of Mark by R.T. France, Mark by Kent Hughes, Gentle & Lowly by Dane Ortlund, Mark by J.C. Ryle, Dig Deeper into the Gospels by Andrew Sach & Tim Hiorns. Staggering from Isaiah 51:22 and Kent Hughes.
Mark 14:26-31 is all about rejection. Jesus predicts that all of his disciples will desert him, and one will deny him three times. We don't often respond to rejection well, but Jesus is different. He willingly invested in these disciples knowing full well what they would do to him in the end, and he invites them back to himself after they reject him. What hope there is in this for Christians!May 18, 2025Helpful resources that shaped and informed this sermon: Let's Study Mark by Sinclair Ferguson, The Gospel of Mark by R.T. France, Mark by Kent Hughes, Gentle & Lowly by Dane Ortlund, Mark by J.C. Ryle, Dig Deeper into the Gospels by Andrew Sach & Tim Hiorns. Investment point from JC Ryle. Jesus being drawn to sinners from Ortlund. Jesus dying for their very rebellion from Sachs & Hiorns.
In his letter to exiled Christians, Peter give us a glimpse of how we are to walk with God through hardship. Beginning by recognizing that God has no placed us in difficult circumstances by accident, and that he has a plan for us in all circumstances, we can submit to God's sovereign hand while also resting in his loving care. In hardship, he calls us to cast all our anxieties on Jesus, remembering that the whole of our lives should be shaped by Christ's narrative - we suffer with him so that we can one day share in his glory.Passage: 1 Peter 5:6-7Guest Speaker: Nick SpurgeonDescription from Parkside Bainbridge
Why do churches practice the Lord's Supper or communion? And what is happening, or not happening in the taking of the bread and the cup? In this sermon on Mark 14:22-25, we explore some of these questions. May 4, 2025Helpful resources that shaped and informed this sermon: Let's Study Mark by Sinclair Ferguson, The Gospel of Mark by R.T. France, Systematic Theology by Wayne Grudem, Mark by Kent Hughes, Why Believe in Real Presence by Gavin Ortlund, Mark by J.C. Ryle, Real Body and Blood? by RC Sproul, The Natures of Christ by RC Sproul, Dig Deeper into the Gospels by Andrew Sach & Tim Hiorns.
On Send-off Sunday 2025, we consider the Christian mission and our mission as a church. We don't just want to believe in Jesus, but to help others believe as well. In this sermon on Romans 9:1-5, we explore some of what was behind the apostle Paul's mission. We see that he understood the stakes of the Gospel, felt sorrow for those who didn't trust Jesus, and was willing to make any sacrifice to spread the Good News.April 27, 2025
Many people know that Christians celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ on Easter Sunday. But why does it matter? What is the significance of it? In this sermon on 1 Corinthians, 15:12-20, we explore the consequences of no resurrection, the reality of the resurrection, and the results of the resurrection.April 20, 2025Helpful resources that shaped and informed this sermon: 1 Corinthians by Simon J. Kistemaker, Hope in Times of Fear by Tim Keller. Empty words language from Kistemaker.
Mark 14:12-21 has to do with Jesus and his disciples celebrating the Passover. In the context of this meal, we find that Jesus remarkably provides a place for his disciples to meet: a reminder that the God who calls us to gather as believers will also provide the gathering place. And he also makes a shocking prediction about one who will betray him: a reminder that proximity to Jesus is no guarantee that someone belongs to Jesus. April 13, 2025Helpful resources that shaped and informed this sermon: Let's Study Mark by Sinclair Ferguson, The Gospel of Mark by R.T. France, Mark by Kent Hughes, Mark by J.C. Ryle, Dig Deeper into the Gospels by Andrew Sach & Tim Hiorns.
Our world is littered with selected and self-styled kings who are despotic in their reign. In Acts 12, the apostle Peter finds himself in the custody of one such king. But Peter serves a King who sits on an infinitely higher throne and therein lies the clash between two kingdoms.Guest Speaker: Samuel Sanya of Parkside BainbridgeMarch 30, 2025
In the conclusion to Mark 13, Jesus seems to be talking about his return. He makes it very clear that while he will return, no one but the Father knows the date on which that will happen. He also instructs believers how to live in the interim: they are to stay awake, living in such a way so as to be ready for that return.March 23, 2025Helpful resources that shaped and informed this sermon: Let's Study Mark by Sinclair Ferguson, The Gospel of Mark by R.T. France, Mark by Kent Hughes, Mark by J.C. Ryle, Dig Deeper into the Gospels by Andrew Sach & Tim Hiorns.
In Mark 13:14-31, Jesus continues answering the disciples' question of when the Temple in Jerusalem is going to be destroyed and what sign will precede it. This passage is a difficult one, and one about which Jesus-loving, Bible-believing Christians disagree: some believe he is talking about events in and around AD70, and others believe he is talking about events at the end of the world. Though challenging, learning how to work through difficult passages is important, as it teaches us how to know our own minds and live in unity with other believers who disagree, as Paul teaches in Romans 14.March 9, 2025Helpful resources that shaped and informed this sermon: Let's Study Mark by Sinclair Ferguson, The Gospel of Mark by R.T. France, Mark by Kent Hughes, Mark by J.C. Ryle, Dig Deeper into the Gospels by Andrew Sach & Tim Hiorns.
In Mark 13:1-13, Jesus tells his disciples that the Temple in Jerusalem is going to be destroyed. They naturally have questions: when is this going to happen? And what sign will precede it? Jesus goes on to tell them which signs to not overreact to, while also warning them to be prepared for persecution. March 2, 2025Helpful resources that shaped and informed this sermon: Let's Study Mark by Sinclair Ferguson, The Gospel of Mark by R.T. France, Mark by Kent Hughes, Mark by J.C. Ryle, Dig Deeper into the Gospels by Andrew Sach & Tim Hiorns.
The topic of money & giving can be a loaded one. Throughout history, there have been many examples of religious leaders abusing their authority for financial gain. However, Jesus does talk money in passages such as Mark 12:41-44. In this sermon, we'll explore the shining example of a poor widow and how much she gave. February 23, 2025Helpful resources that shaped and informed this sermon: Let's Study Mark by Sinclair Ferguson, The Gospel of Mark by R.T. France, Mark by Kent Hughes, Mark by J.C. Ryle, Dig Deeper into the Gospels by Andrew Sach & Tim Hiorns.
Guest Speaker: Andrew JamesMatthew 11:25-30February 16, 2025
Hypocrisy is one of the biggest turn-offs to Christianity. When Christians and Christian leaders behave badly, it can make people wonder whether or not Jesus is worth following. Does the Bible have anything to say about this topic? In Mark 12:35-40, Jesus addresses the wrong teaching and behavior of some of the religious leaders of his day, condemning their hypocrisy, and showing himself to be the leader our hearts desire. February 9, 2025Helpful resources that shaped and informed this sermon: Let's Study Mark by Sinclair Ferguson, The Gospel of Mark by R.T. France, Mark by Kent Hughes, Mark by J.C. Ryle, Dig Deeper into the Gospels by Andrew Sach & Tim Hiorns. Historical context from France & Hughes. Bad teaching & behavior categorization from J.B. Phillips.
What is the most important command from the Old Testament? This very question is asked of Jesus in Mark 12:28-34. His answer reveals how short we fall of God's standard, showing us our need of a Savior. February 2, 2025Helpful resources that shaped and informed this sermon: Let's Study Mark by Sinclair Ferguson, The Gospel of Mark by R.T. France, Mark by Kent Hughes, Mark by J.C. Ryle, Dig Deeper into the Gospels by Andrew Sach & Tim Hiorns. Differences between this interaction and others from Sach & Hiorns.
Ephesians 4:1-6Guest Speaker: Cory Wilson of City Church and Emmaus SeminaryJanuary 26, 2025
Is life after death possible? And if so, what will that life be like? In Mark 12:18-27, Jesus is asked a question about marriage in the resurrection, and he uses the opportunity to affirm the reality of the resurrection, while also saying that people won't marry then. January 19, 2025Helpful resources that shaped and informed this sermon: Let's Study Mark by Sinclair Ferguson, The Gospel of Mark by R.T. France, Mark by Kent Hughes, Mark by J.C. Ryle, Dig Deeper into the Gospels by Andrew Sach & Tim Hiorns.
Our political landscape these days is quite tumultuous: there are deepening divisions, an increase in political violence, and a general sense that things are getting worse rather than better. How are Christians supposed to navigate this? Mark 12:13-17 tells the story of how Jesus was drawn into a political issue of his day, and as we study how he handled the politics of his day, we can learn some things about how we are to handle them in ours. January 12, 2025 Helpful resources that shaped and informed this sermon: Let's Study Mark by Sinclair Ferguson, The Gospel of Mark by R.T. France, Mark by Kent Hughes, Mark by J.C. Ryle, Dig Deeper into the Gospels by Andrew Sach & Tim Hiorns.
It's hard to change. Though we may make New Year's resolutions every year, few of us actually keep them. How can we change? In Romans 12:2, Paul walks us through four things that are necessary for a Christian to change: there is something to resist, something to embrace, someone for our minds, and something for our bodies. January 5, 2025
How are people to respond to God in light of all that He has done for us? In Romans 12:1, Paul calls us to worship Him. But what does that mean? This sermons unpacks how worship involves receiving, giving, and transferring. December 29, 2024
Unlike any other historical figure, we mark and celebrate the birth of Jesus, even some 2000 years after it happened. Why? Christians believe that in this act, God the Son took on human flesh. And this matters because it means that Jesus understands us and that Jesus can perfect us. December 22, 2024 Helpful resources that shaped and informed this sermon: sermon concept, incarnation definition, and some examples from What does the Bible Say about the Incarnation by Elyse Fitzpatrick.
When the trials of life hit us as Christians, we can wonder to ourselves, "Am I going to make it?". In Romans 8:31-39, Paul writes of the certainty that belongs to those in Christ, telling us that God's favor overpowers opposition, God's verdict overrules accusation, and that God's love overcomes separation. December 1, 2024
In Colossians 3:1-17, Paul urges us as the chosen, holy, deeply loved people of God to cultivate desires of the heart and habits of mind that see Christ Jesus for who he is, ourselves and our brothers and sisters for who we and they are in Christ, and our all our pursuits and work in this world as opportunities to think, act, and speak for his glory and with gratitude for his grace and mercy to us. November 24, 2024 Helpful resources that shaped and informed this sermon: The Letters to the Colossians and to Philemon by Douglas Moo, Colossians and Philemon by N. T. Wright, The Hope of Glory by Sam Storms, The Life of God in the Soul of the Church by Thabite Anyabwile
Who gets to call the shots? Whether we're aware of it or now, all of us have an ultimate authority, someone or something that we allow to tell us what to do. In Mark 11:27-12:12, Jesus talks to the religious power brokers of the day about authority, which has implications for us today. November 17, 2024 Helpful resources that shaped and informed this sermon: Let's Study Mark by Sinclair Ferguson, The Gospel of Mark by R.T. France, Mark by Kent Hughes, King's Cross by Tim Keller, A Story that Stings by Matt McAlvey, Mark by J.C. Ryle, Dig Deeper into the Gospels by Andrew Sach & Tim Hiorns.
Prayer can be challenging. In Mark 11:20-25, Jesus gives instructions on prayer: we learn that while location doesn't matter, faith and forgiveness do. November 10, 2024 Helpful resources that shaped and informed this sermon: Let's Study Mark by Sinclair Ferguson, The Gospel of Mark by R.T. France, Mark by Kent Hughes, King's Cross by Tim Keller, Serving Each Other Through Forgiveness and Reconciliation by Tim Keller, What do Answers to Prayer Depend On, Part 2 by John Piper, Mark by J.C. Ryle, Dig Deeper into the Gospels by Andrew Sach & Tim Hiorns.
Nearly every culture recognizes love as a fundamental good, perhaps the highest ideal. But what is true love, where does it come from, and how can we live it out? In 1 John 4:7-12, the apostle John answers these questions by pointing us to God, showing how his love for us reveals the true nature of love. He teaches us that when we love one another with true love, we reveal God's love to the world. Guest Speaker: Dan Larison November 3, 2024
Things are not always as they seem. In Mark 11:12-21, Jesus interacts with two things that seem to be full of vitality but aren't: a fig tree and the temple. In looking at this account, we are forced to ask difficult questions about our religious activity: is it for real, producing change and character growth in us, or is it just an "empty show" (Andrew Sach & Tim Hiorns)? October 27, 2024 Helpful resources that shaped and informed this sermon: Let's Study Mark by Sinclair Ferguson, The Gospel of Mark by R.T. France, Mark by Kent Hughes, King's Cross by Tim Keller, Mark by J.C. Ryle, Dig Deeper into the Gospels by Andrew Sach & Tim Hiorns.
For various reasons, we don't like authority. We've known humans with authority to be arrogant and smug, and have seen them use their power to advance themselves at our expense. In Mark 11:1-11, however, we see another version of authority; one that is attractive and good. Jesus approaches Jerusalem as King, not in in pomp and circumstance, but in humility. And he doesn't come to oppress, but to save the very ones who have resisted His Kingship. Sermon title from Brenton Brown's song of the same name. October 20, 2024 Helpful resources that shaped and informed this sermon: Let's Study Mark by Sinclair Ferguson, The Gospel of Mark by R.T. France, Mark by Kent Hughes, King's Cross by Tim Keller, Gentle & Lowly by Dane Ortlund, Mark by J.C. Ryle, Dig Deeper into the Gospels by Andrew Sach & Tim Hiorns.
In Mark 10:32-52, we find Jesus bravely leading the way into Jerusalem, where he knows he will suffer & die. He does this, as he says, because he “came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45, ESV). Unlike their Master, however, the disciples are still consumed with visions of glory, thinking that following Jesus is a ticket to power, influence and renown. Jesus must recalibrate their thinking, showing them that their path will be one of suffering too, and that the path to greatness is serving others rather than exercising power. October 13, 2024 Helpful resources that shaped and informed this sermon: Let's Study Mark by Sinclair Ferguson, The Gospel of Mark by R.T. France, Mark by Kent Hughes, King's Cross by Tim Keller, Mark by J.C. Ryle, Dig Deeper into the Gospels by Andrew Sach & Tim Hiorns, section headings from ChatGPT
Mark 10:17-31 October 6, 2024 Helpful resources that shaped and informed this sermon: Let's Study Mark by Sinclair Ferguson, The Gospel of Mark by R.T. France, Mark by Kent Hughes, King's Cross by Tim Keller, Mark by J.C. Ryle, Dig Deeper into the Gospels by Andrew Sach & Tim Hiorns
Kids have been in the news a lot recently: as a culture, we've been talking about how we've been impacting them with smartphones and parenting styles. And we've also been talking about how they are impacting us, with discussions on the mental-health of parents. What does Jesus have to say about kids? In Mark 10:13-16, we see that he shows us why we should value kids and what they have to teach us, truth that can help us get off the parenting performance treadmill. September 29, 2024 Helpful resources that shaped and informed this sermon: Let's Study Mark by Sinclair Ferguson, The Gospel of Mark by R.T. France, Mark by Kent Hughes, Mark by J.C. Ryle, Dig Deeper into the Gospels by Andrew Sach & Tim Hiorns
There is a gospel crisis with false teachers spreading a false gospel amongst the churches in Galatia, so the apostle Paul responds with gospel clarity, reminding the believers in Galatia what the gospel is, warning them about how they can lose the gospel, and instructing them on how they should live the gospel. Guest Speaker: Danny Schillero September 22, 2024
Divorce is a painful and heavy subject for many. In Mark 10:1-12, Jesus is asked a question about it. This sermon explores his answer to that question, as he addresses divorce, marriage, and remarriage, seeking to draw out applications for today. September 15, 2024 Helpful resources that shaped and informed this sermon: "Divorce-Part 1" by Alistair Begg, "A Sermon on Divorce and Remarriage" by Kevin DeYoung, Let's Study Mark by Sinclair Ferguson, The Gospel of Mark by R.T. France, Mark by Kent Hughes, Mark by J.C. Ryle, "Jesus' Teaching on Divorce, Marriage, and Remarriage" by Matt McAlvey, Dig Deeper into the Gospels by Andrew Sach & Tim Hiorns
In the final week of our Back to Basics series, Peter Lindia looks at Acts 2:42-47 and Psalm 33 to look at what it looks like to be devoted to praising the Lord. In Acts 2, we see that the early church worshiped both formally and informally. And in Psalm 33, we get a glimpse as to why we praise the Lord. We praise the Lord for who He is, for what He has done, and for what He has promised to do. July 28, 2024
In Psalm 2 we are confronted by God's perfect perspective of this world and the people who live in it. The 4 “voices” of this Psalm speak from the viewpoint of the powers of the world, then from the viewpoint of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. The result of considering this is sobering, but should move us to take refuge in Jesus Christ. Guest Speaker: Mickey Aquillino July 7, 2024
What is the secret to happiness? The pursuit to answer this question continues from generation to generation and remains allusive to many. We find the surprising answer in Psalm 32 causing us to reevaluate our views on what happiness is and where it can be found. Here the psalmist boldly directs us toward God's pathway of happiness found in forgiveness and confession. Guest Speaker: Mike Willmer June 30, 2024
The lament of the psalmist in Psalm 25 holds true the words “To complain about God is a sin, but to complain to God is a Psalm.” When endless waves of trouble come crashing in, Psalm 25 teaches us to lay it all out before the Lord, going to Him first and asking for His guidance. Then we wait, actively trusting Him with our “eyes ever toward the Lord” (v15). Guest Speaker: JJ Sherwood June 23, 2024
What does it take to walk with God through all the ups and downs of life? Psalm 71 takes us through one man's journey from youth to old age and how he was able to continue learning, growing and praising God, even in his difficulties. Guest Speaker: Phil Hall June 16, 2024
The final verses in the book of Romans (Romans 16:25-27) end with a song of praise. In this doxology, Paul reminds readers that the gospel is about Christ alone, and the entirety of Scripture points to him. Through faith in Jesus, God made a way for unrighteous people to become righteous. Although we are disobedient and rebellious, God has reached down into our helplessness and saved us from our sin. The Gospel of Jesus Christ demands a response - there is no room for neutrality. We can turn away, or we can respond by living lives marked by gratitude and praises - lives of doxology. May 19, 2024 Guest speaker: Danny Schillero
In this little mini-series, we have been discussing the idea that all Christians are sent on mission by Jesus. In the last sermon, we began to explore what this looks like practically, using John Dickson's book "The Best Kept Secret of Christian Mission" to look at 3 New Testament ways we can promote the Gospel. This week, we'll unpack 3 more chapters of that book, exploring 3 more New Testament ways we can get involved in the mission of God: we can behave beautifully, we can worship corporately, and we can reply "aptly" (as Dickson says). May 12, 2024
In the previous sermon, we discussed the idea that all Christians are sent on mission by Jesus, but what does that mean for us practically? In his book, "The Best Kept Secret of Christian Mission", author John Dickson works through 6 New Testament ways that Christians can promote the Gospel. In this sermon, we work through three chapters of Dickson's book and explore three ways we can get involved in the mission of God: we can pray, we can give, and we can do good works. May 5, 2024