Podcasts about in mark

What do you want more, a position of importance or the presence of Jesus? In Mark 9:30-50, Jesus is on His way to the cross while His disciples argue about who among them is the greatest. Instead of scolding their ambition, He redirects it, teaching them that true greatness is found not in rank or recognition but in serving without expectation, staying humble, dealing seriously with sin, and living distinctly in a way that brings peace rather than division. God cares about our circumstances, but He is more concerned with the formation of our souls. Aaron Brockett • The Urgent Kingdom • Mark 9:30-50 CONNECT WITH US! Engage with this message: https://tpcc.org/messages Visit our website: https://tpcc.org We believe in the power of prayer: https://tpcc.org/prayer Instagram: https://instagram.com/traderspointcc/ Facebook: https://facebook.com/TradersPointCC/

You can also see the VIDEO VERSION of this episode, by going to https://fallacioustrump.com/ft200!In the two hundredth (!) episode, we look at False Uniqueness, starting with Trump touting his understanding of "the system", and lying while explaining his dementia test - again.In Mark's British Politics Corner, we look at Nigel Farage playing the victim, and Rishi Sunak repeatedly writing checks his electoral potential couldn't cash.In the Fallacy in the Wild section, we check out examples from Beauty and the Beast, Futurama, Brooklyn Nine Nine, and psychologist Ola Svenson.Jim and Mark go head-to-head in a special game of Fake News, in which Mark has to guess which three of nine Trump NFTs were made by Jim.Then Jim talks to Pam Pearson from VoteRiders, a fantastic organization that helps people get the ID they need to vote in their state.You can check what the ID requirements are in your state at VoteRiders.org, and if you need any help, or are worried you might not have the ID you need, call their helpline on 866-ID-2-VOTE. That's 866-432-8683.If you'd like to consider volunteering with VoteRiders, or donating to help them continue their important work, just go to their website.And finally, we round up some of the other crazy Trump stories from the past week.The full show notes for this episode can be found at https://fallacioustrump.com/ft200You can contact the guys at pod@fallacioustrump.com, on Threads @FallaciousTrump, Discord at fallacioustrump.com/discord or facebook at facebook.com/groups/fallacioustrumpAnd you can buy our T-shirts here: https://fallacioustrump.com/teeSubscribe to Fallacious Trump to make sure you never miss a logical fallacy. Rather than just mindless anti-Trump rhetoric, we apply skepticism and critical thinking to our Donald Trump analysis by exploring his liberal use of logical fallacies and cognitive biases, along with a bit of humor and news about US politics. (But there is also some of that much needed anti-Trump rhetoric.)Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

A furious storm. A sleeping Savior. And a question that still echoes today — have you forgotten who's in your boat? In Mark 4, Jesus and His disciples get caught in a squall violent enough to sink them, but only one of them is at peace. This week, on Family Worship Sunday, we ask what it looks like to stop demanding the storm stop — and instead pull up a cushion.

In Mark 9, we see two stories: Jesus' glory revealed to Peter, James, and John, and a desperate father pleading for his son. Two scenes, one truth: because of who Jesus is, every challenge in our lives bows to Him. In this message, Executive Ministries Pastor Chad Lunsford teaches how there is no challenge in our lives that is a match for God's glory. Chad Lunsford • The Urgent Kingdom • Mark 9 CONNECT WITH US! Engage with this message: https://tpcc.org/messages Visit our website: https://tpcc.org We believe in the power of prayer: https://tpcc.org/prayer Instagram: https://instagram.com/traderspointcc/ Facebook: https://facebook.com/TradersPointCC/

Does the strongest argument against Jesus being God come from Jesus Himself?In Mark 13 and Matthew 24, Jesus says that no one knows the day or hour—not the angels, nor the Son, but only the Father.So here's the obvious question:If Jesus is God, and God knows everything, how could Jesus genuinely say, "I don't know"?In this episode of The Caffeinated Christian, we work through one of the most difficult objections to the Christian doctrine of the incarnation. Did Jesus surrender His omniscience when He became human?Was Jesus simply ignorant according to His human nature?Does the incarnation mean Jesus had two minds?What does Paul actually mean when he says Jesus "emptied Himself" in Philippians 2?And can Jesus genuinely say that He doesn't know something while the eternal Son remains omniscient?We're going to take the objection seriously rather than giving a quick Christian cliché. We'll look at Mark 13:32, Philippians 2, the historic Christian understanding of Christ's two natures, and the philosophical question of whether omniscience is something God could surrender and still remain God.This isn't about finding an easy answer.It's about asking whether the Christian doctrine of the incarnation is actually coherent.The bigger question isn't simply, "Did Jesus know everything?" It's “Who is Jesus?”CHAPTERS:00:00:02 - Welcome to the Caffeinated Christian Podcast00:02:12 - Coffee Machine Disaster and Pumpkin Spice Season00:03:58 - Jesus Not Knowing the End Times00:10:49 - Jesus' Divine and Human Nature Explained00:13:18 - Jesus' Omniscience and Human Nature Problem00:19:55 - Jesus: One Person, Two Natures Explained00:22:39 - Jesus's Omniscience as a Necessary Divine Attribute00:29:15 - Understanding Jesus' Emptying in Philippians 200:31:46 - Morphe in Greek Literature: Outward Appearance Not Nature00:35:18 - Jesus Didn't Surrender Divine Attributes00:36:51 - Jesus: Fully Divine and Fully Human00:39:24 - Jesus' Knowledge and Human Consciousness Levels00:45:26 - Jesus' Levels of Awareness and Divine Attributes00:48:37 - Jesus' Genuine Dependence on the Father00:51:07 - Jesus' Human Nature and Divine LimitationsJesus & Omniscience Teaching Guide Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the one-hundred-and-ninety-ninth episode, we look at the Appeal to Pity fallacy, starting with felling sorry for himself about the IRS, feigning empathy for the families of people killed by immigrants, and pretending he felt sorry for J6ers and their uncomfortable prison cells.In Mark's British Politics Corner, we look at Boris Johnson, Liz Truss, and Nigel Farage all claiming they were treated harshly by the 'establishment'.In the Fallacy in the Wild section, we check out examples from Chicago, Tangled, Spongebob, and The Amazing World of Gumball.Jim and Mark go head-to-head in Fake News, the game in which Mark has to guess which of three Trump quotes was made up by Jim.Then we talk about Abdul El Sayed winning the Democratic Primary for Michigan Senator.And finally, we round up some of the other crazy Trump stories from the past week.The full show notes for this episode can be found at https://fallacioustrump.com/ft199One of our favourite young listeners, Scarlett Garrett (One Eyed Nick's daughter), has signed up to travel to Cambodia in 2028 to do volunteer work helping local communities and has just started her fundraising for her trip. If you'd like to chip in, her GoFund me is here: https://gofund.me/fb032b741You can contact the guys at pod@fallacioustrump.com, on BlueSky @FallaciousTrump, Discord at fallacioustrump.com/discord or facebook at facebook.com/groups/fallacioustrumpAnd you can buy our T-shirts here: https://fallacioustrump.com/teeSubscribe to Fallacious Trump to make sure you never miss a logical fallacy. Rather than just mindless anti-Trump rhetoric, we apply skepticism and critical thinking to our Donald Trump analysis by exploring his liberal use of logical fallacies and cognitive biases, along with a bit of humor and news about US politics. (But there is also some of that much needed anti-Trump rhetoric.)Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In Mark 4:1–20, Jesus tells the Parable of the Sower and explains why people respond so differently to the preaching of the Word. The problem is not with the seed. The seed is the Word of God. The difference is found in the soil of the human heart. Some hear with hardened hearts, and Satan quickly snatches away the Word. Others receive it with initial enthusiasm but have no root and fall away when obedience becomes costly. Still others hear the Word, but the cares of the world, the deceitfulness of riches, and other desires choke it until it becomes unfruitful. But there is also good soil. These hear the Word, receive it, and bear fruit thirtyfold, sixtyfold, and a hundredfold. Jesus therefore confronts every hearer with a searching question: How are you hearing the Word of God? Yet this passage is not simply an exhortation to try harder to become good soil. Christ is the faithful Sower and the living Word. He is the obedient and fruitful Son, and through His death and resurrection He brings forth a harvest of redeemed sinners. By His Spirit He softens hardened hearts, roots His people in Himself, frees them from the thorns of this age, and makes them fruitful by grace. Take care how you hear. Receive the Word. Trust Christ. Abide in Him. Bear fruit to the glory of God.

Hidden wounds can affect your relationships, your choices, and the way you see yourself—even when no one else knows you're hurting. In Mark 5, the woman with the issue of blood shows us that healing from hidden wounds begins when we stop hiding and move toward Jesus. God does not ask you to pretend you're okay or clean yourself up before coming to Him. This sermon will help you confront hidden pain, break the cycle of shame, and take a step toward the healing Jesus offers. In this sermon, Pastor Travis Hearn of Impact Church teaches how Jesus responds to our hidden wounds with healing, grace, and a new identity. In this sermon, you'll learn: Why hiding your pain can keep you from healing How hidden wounds affect your relationships and everyday life Why honesty with God is an important step toward healing What the woman with the issue of blood teaches us about overcoming shame How Jesus sees you differently than your wounds do How to stop letting fear, guilt, church hurt, or disappointment keep you from Jesus You may have learned how to smile while you're hurting, succeed while you're struggling, and keep moving while you're bleeding inside. But you were never meant to make peace with the wounds Jesus came to heal. Your wound may tell you to stay hidden. Jesus says, “Come to Me.”

What really happened at the Transfiguration of Jesus, and why does it matter to Christians today?In Mark 9:1–13, Peter, James, and John are given an extraordinary glimpse of the true glory of Jesus Christ. The One they had followed, listened to, and watched perform miracles suddenly reveals what had been veiled by His humanity. Jesus did not become something He wasn't. His glory was revealed.In this sermon, “A Glimpse of His Glory,” we walk verse by verse through Mark 9:1–13 and discover what the Transfiguration teaches us about who Jesus really is.We will look at:• What Jesus meant in Mark 9:1 when He said some standing there would see the Kingdom of God come with power• Why the context points toward the Transfiguration• What it means that Jesus was “transfigured”• How the Transfiguration reveals the deity and glory of Christ• Why Moses and Elijah appeared with Jesus• How Jesus fulfills the Law and the Prophets• Why Peter wanted to build three shelters• The significance of the Father's words, “This is my beloved Son; listen to him”• Why Moses and Elijah may give us a beautiful picture of believers at Christ's return• Why the glory of Jesus must be understood through the cross and resurrection• How John the Baptist fulfilled the Elijah prophecy• What the Transfiguration teaches us about the Second Coming and our future with ChristOne of the most powerful statements in the passage comes after the cloud clears:“They no longer saw anyone with them but Jesus only.”Mark 9:8Moses was gone. Elijah was gone. The spectacular moment had ended.But Jesus remained.There will be mountaintops and valleys. There will be celebrations and funerals. There will be days when our faith feels strong and days when we wonder how we will take another step.But when everything else fades, Jesus remains.The great question of Mark 9 isn't simply, “Do you understand the Transfiguration?”The question is: WHO IS JESUS TO YOU?The glorious Christ on the mountain is the same Christ who went to the cross for sinners. He died, was buried, rose again, and one day He is coming again in glory.Don't just admire His glory.Listen to the Son.Trust Him.Follow Him.Worship Him.Because when everything else passes away, Jesus will still be standing.SCRIPTURE: Mark 9:1–13SERMON: A Glimpse of His Glory#Transfiguration #JesusChrist #Mark9 #BibleSermon #TransfigurationOfJesus #GospelOfMark #BibleStudy #ChristianSermon #Jesus #SecondComing

In Mark 4:1–20, Jesus tells the Parable of the Sower and explains why people respond so differently to the preaching of the Word. The problem is not with the seed. The seed is the Word of God. The difference is found in the soil of the human heart. Some hear with hardened hearts, and Satan quickly snatches away the Word. Others receive it with initial enthusiasm but have no root and fall away when obedience becomes costly. Still others hear the Word, but the cares of the world, the deceitfulness of riches, and other desires choke it until it becomes unfruitful. But there is also good soil. These hear the Word, receive it, and bear fruit thirtyfold, sixtyfold, and a hundredfold. Jesus therefore confronts every hearer with a searching question: How are you hearing the Word of God? Yet this passage is not simply an exhortation to try harder to become good soil. Christ is the faithful Sower and the living Word. He is the obedient and fruitful Son, and through His death and resurrection He brings forth a harvest of redeemed sinners. By His Spirit He softens hardened hearts, roots His people in Himself, frees them from the thorns of this age, and makes them fruitful by grace. Take care how you hear. Receive the Word. Trust Christ. Abide in Him. Bear fruit to the glory of God.

What does it actually look like when the kingdom of God arrives?In Mark 1:21-45, Jesus speaks with an authority no voice can match, exercises a power no affliction can withstand, pursues a mission no crowd can control, and gives a cleansing no priest can produce.The kingdom of God does not always advance in the ways we expect. It often looks weak, ordinary, and unimpressive. But Jesus is the Holy One of God, and everywhere He goes, the enemies of His kingdom begin to retreat.Christ is King. His kingdom is advancing. So listen to His voice, bring your affliction to Him, come to Him for cleansing, and faithfully follow His mission.

In Mark 10, we see true greatness, according to Jesus, isn't about status or power—it's about humbly serving others, following His example.

What if Jesus isn't waiting for you to get your life together—but simply inviting you to come back? In Mark 2, a group of friends refuses to let a crowded room keep a paralyzed man from Jesus. They tear open the roof and lower their friend into His presence. There, Jesus meets the man with forgiveness, healing, and a grace greater than anything that had kept him separated or ashamed. Many of us carry hidden places we are afraid to surrender. We wonder whether Jesus will receive us as we are, so we build walls and hold tightly to what feels safe. But His invitation is not reserved for people who have already changed. It is extended to every person willing to come near and trust Him with the process. Make room for Jesus. The grace that welcomes you back will become the grace that makes room for others.

There are moments that can change the direction of a person's life. In Mark 2, we meet a paralyzed man and his friends, who come to Jesus and think they know what the paralyzed man needs, but Jesus was about to give him something even greater than he ever imagined.

Jesus didn't choose His disciples based on reputation, religious pedigree, or past performance. In Mark 2, He calls Matthew, eats with sinners, confronts self righteousness, and challenges religious traditions that could not contain the new work God was doing through Him. This message reminds us that Jesus sees our hearts, not simply our history, and still calls unlikely people to get up, follow Him, and become His disciples.

In Mark 5:21-43, Jesus encounters two suffering people: Jairus, a synagogue leader whose daughter is dying, and a woman who has suffered from a bleeding condition for twelve years. Both are desperate, yet both find hope in Jesus. The sermon explores how suffering either draws us closer to God or pushes us away, and challenges us to keep trusting Jesus even when circumstances seem hopeless and others tell us to stop believing.Through this passage, we see three key truths about Jesus: He is a God who suffers alongside us, a God who is sovereign over every situation, and a God who understands our pain. We also learn that we need faith in the midst of suffering, and that Jesus speaks to our identity rather than our condition. Whether He calls a woman "daughter" or tenderly wakes a little girl, Jesus reminds us who we are and whose we are, even when death seems to have the final word.

What if rejecting Jesus doesn’t always look like outright rebellion? In Mark 6, we see three different responses to the Kingdom of God: some people remain unconvinced, some become unwilling to listen, and others find themselves against God’s work without ever intending to be. The surprising truth is that rejecting the King rarely happens all […]

Marriage is one of God's greatest gifts - but it's also one of the places where we experience our deepest pain. In Mark 10:1 - 12, Jesus moves the conversation beyond legal debates about divorce and back to God's original design for marriage. Together we'll trace the biblical story of marriage from Genesis to Revelation, discover why Jesus points us to the condition of our hearts, and learn three simple questions that can strengthen every relationship. Whether you're married, single, divorced, widowed, or hoping to be married one day, this message offers gospel-centered hope and practical wisdom for following Jesus in every season of life. // SCRIPTURE REFERENCES //Mark 10:1–12, Genesis 2:15, Genesis 2:18, Genesis 2:24–25, Genesis 3, Exodus 22:16–17, Leviticus 18:6–18, Leviticus 20:11–21, Deuteronomy 24:1–4, Deuteronomy 25:5–10, Matthew 19:4–6, Mark 10:6–9, Ephesians 5:22–33, Revelation 19:7–9, Deuteronomy 24:1–4, Genesis 1–2, Psalm 51:10, Philippians 2:3–4, and James 1:19–20.More info at the Bible Project: https://bibleproject.com/videos/mark/ // TAKE A NEXT STEP //Want to visit or discover more about Columbia View? Made a decision to follow Jesus or get baptized? Looking to get involved in growing and serving? VISIT HERE: https://columbiaview.org/ // FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA //Youtube Instagram Facebook

Jesus fed thousands, calmed storms, healed the sick, and still people wanted "just one more sign." Sound familiar? In Mark 8:1-13, we'll discover how easy it is to forget God's faithfulness and why true faith grows not by demanding more proof, but by remembering what Jesus has already done. Come be encouraged to trust the Savior who has never failed His people.Need Prayer? 

What Does It Really Mean to Be Saved? | Mark 8:31–38What does true salvation actually look like?In Mark 8:31–38, Jesus gives one of the clearest and most challenging descriptions of what it means to truly follow Him:“If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.”Salvation is a free gift of God's grace. We cannot earn it through good works, church attendance, baptism, or religious activity. But genuine salvation produces a changed life. Jesus did not call us simply to add Him to the life we already wanted. He calls us to surrender our lives to Him.Jesus asks one of the most important questions we will ever answer:“For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul?” — Mark 8:36In this sermon, we examine:• What true biblical salvation looks like• What it means to deny yourself• Why Jesus said to take up your cross• The difference between simply praying a prayer and genuinely following Christ• Why nothing in this world is worth losing your soul• How to examine whether your life truly belongs to JesusThe question isn't simply, “Do I believe in Jesus?”The deeper question is: Who owns my life?

In this week's episode, Phil EuBank sits down with Matt Summers to dive into Sunday's message on irreligion, agnosticism, and the widespread assumption that "good people are fine." They explore the cultural default of the Bay Area, where many people don't claim a formal religion but instead live out a form of secular humanism or moralistic therapeutic deism, hoping their good intentions and decent behavior will ultimately be enough. Phil shares a deeply moving story about pastoring through tragic loss and contrasts the world's transactional thinking with Jesus's encounter with the rich young ruler in Mark 10. Together, Phil and Matt discuss why Jesus desires our hearts rather than our moral resumes, exposing how easily even church culture can drift into busyness and performance over genuine relationship.

What kind of heart grieves Yeshua enough to stir His anger?If you missed this message from July 25, it's now available to watch! In Mark 3, we discover that Yeshua's anger flows from His grief over hardened hearts and what His emotions reveal about the heart of God.

In the one-hundred-and-ninety-eighth episode, we look at the Blinded By AI fallacy, starting with RFK relying on AI for public heath advice, Mike Johnson talking about DOGE's use of AI, and Elon's promises to make his own Odyssey.In Mark's British Politics Corner, we look at Boris and Keir both making wild promises about AI, and Yvette Cooper touting AI facial recognition for crime fighting.In the Fallacy in the Wild section, we check out a tweet about the Pope at the World Series, Richard Dawkins being wrong about Claude, and St. Denis Medical.Jim and Mark go head-to-head in Fake News, the game in which Mark has to guess which of three Trump quotes was made up by Jim.Then we talk about the reflecting pool again.And finally, we round up some of the other crazy Trump stories from the past week.The full show notes for this episode can be found at https://fallacioustrump.com/ft198One of our favourite young listeners, Scarlett Garrett (One Eyed Nick's daughter), has signed up to travel to Cambodia in 2028 to do volunteer work helping local communities and has just started her fundraising for her trip. If you'd like to chip in, her GoFund me is here: https://gofund.me/fb032b741You can contact the guys at pod@fallacioustrump.com, on BlueSky @FallaciousTrump, Discord at fallacioustrump.com/discord or facebook at facebook.com/groups/fallacioustrumpAnd you can buy our T-shirts here: https://fallacioustrump.com/teeSubscribe to Fallacious Trump to make sure you never miss a logical fallacy. Rather than just mindless anti-Trump rhetoric, we apply skepticism and critical thinking to our Donald Trump analysis by exploring his liberal use of logical fallacies and cognitive biases, along with a bit of humor and news about US politics. (But there is also some of that much needed anti-Trump rhetoric.)Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Brokenness is something we all share. Broken hearts, broken relationships, broken hopes, and broken lives. In Mark 7:31-37, Jesus doesn't simply feel compassion, He restores what sin has broken. Discover the Savior who makes all things new and why He alone deserves our wholehearted trust and praise.Need Prayer? 

This Sunday, we began a new sermon series through the Gospel of Mark, returning our attention to Jesus and the arrival of God's kingdom.For generations, God prepared the way for His promised kingdom. Then Jesus appeared: the beloved Son, the faithful King, and the Savior who stands with sinners. In Mark 1, Jesus announces that the kingdom of God is at hand and calls ordinary fishermen to leave everything, follow Him, and become fishers of men.The King has come, so none of us can remain neutral. Repent and believe the gospel. Confess your sins and be baptized. Follow Jesus, and call others to follow Him.

Sermon by Apostle Ren Schuffman What if one of the most important words in the entire Gospel of Mark has been mistranslated in most of your Bible? In Mark 1:10, the Greek word used to describe what happened to the heavens at Jesus' baptism does not mean opened. It means torn. Ripped apart. Split open. That single word changes everything about how we understand the presence of God, the power available to believers, and what Jesus actually accomplished through His life and death.This message walks through the bookends of Mark's gospel, from the tearing of the heavens at the Jordan River to the tearing of the temple veil at Calvary, and shows how these two moments are deeply connected. Mark intentionally uses the same Greek word in both places to make a powerful theological statement: Jesus ripped heaven open at the start of His ministry to be empowered, and He ripped it open again at the end of His ministry so that we could be empowered.The prophet Isaiah had cried out centuries before, begging God to rend the heavens and come down. Mark opens his gospel by quoting Isaiah, and the connection is unmistakable. What Isaiah longed for has now happened. Heaven has broken into earth through Jesus Christ, and the access that was once limited to one priest entering one room one day a year is now available to every person.This message also addresses one of the most common struggles in the modern church: the gap between what we say we believe and how we actually live. Like King Saul, many people give God whatever is left over after everything else is done. Like King David, we are called to prioritize the presence of God above our own thrones and ambitions. Comfortable Christianity is not the cheaper option. It is actually the most costly one, because what you choose not to carry will cost you far more in the long run.If you have ever felt separated from God because of your failures, or wondered why God seems distant in your hardest seasons, this message speaks directly to that. Your sin is not strong enough to put back the veil that has already been torn. The presence of God is not waiting on more effort from you. It is waiting on more surrender.Topics covered include the Gospel of Mark, the baptism of Jesus, the temple veil, Isaiah 64, the presence of God, spiritual breakthrough, kingdom of God, Christian living, faith and surrender, overcoming spiritual dryness, and the power of the Holy Spirit.Whether you are new to faith or have been walking with God for years, this is a message about stepping into what has already been made available to you. Heaven has broken through. The only question is where you choose to posture yourself.https://www.ffc.church (Our Website) https://www.facebook.com/freedomfellowshipokc (Follow us on Facebook) https://anchor.fm/freedom-fellowship/message (Subscribe to our Audio podcast) Were you blessed by this message? Give to help us spread the gospel https://www.ffc.church/give

In Mark 5, a man tormented by a legion of demons encounters Jesus, and his life is completely transformed. This dramatic story reveals four powerful truths: demons are real, their purpose is to destroy, Jesus has complete authority over them, and Jesus sets people free. The same bondage that held that man, whether from demonic oppression or the chains of sin, can hold anyone today. Bitterness, anger, worry, and hidden sin can control even believers. But Jesus came to break every chain. When He sets you free, your story becomes a light in a dark world, and you are called to share it.

Are you so busy worrying about today's problems that you're missing what God is doing right in front of you?In Mark 8:14-30, the disciples sit in the same boat with Jesus, the One who had just fed thousands with only a few loaves, yet all they can think about is lunch. While Christ warns them about eternal danger, they are consumed with temporary needs. This passage exposes one of Satan's greatest strategies: not convincing people to hate Jesus, but keeping them distracted from Him.In this expository Bible sermon through the Gospel of Mark, we examine Jesus' warning to "Beware of the leaven" and discover how spiritual blindness develops, how false teaching quietly spreads, and how God progressively opens the eyes of His people to see Christ more clearly.In This Message You'll Discover:Why earthly distractions can dull your spiritual visionWhat Jesus meant by "the leaven of the Pharisees and Herod"The three dangerous leavens every Christian must recognize:Religious hypocrisyUnbelief and false teachingPolitical idolatry and worldly compromiseWhy Jesus healed the blind man in two stagesHow the disciples moved from confusion to confessing Jesus as the ChristWhat it means to grow in spiritual discernmentThe future hope of seeing Christ face to faceThis message reminds us that believers often grow in understanding gradually. Like the blind man in Mark 8, we may first see only dimly, but God continues opening our eyes until the day we see Jesus perfectly.Key Bible Passages• Mark 8:14-30• Matthew 16:1-17• Luke 12:1• 1 Corinthians 5:6-8• Galatians 5:7-9• Isaiah 29:13• John 18:36• Philippians 3:20-21• 1 Corinthians 13:12• 1 John 3:2• Revelation 22:4If this sermon encouraged you, please:

10th Sunday after PentecostSermon Series: Once a Pastor, Always a PastorSermon Title: What is the Gospel?Scripture: Mark 1:14-15, 14:22-25What is the Gospel?It's a word we hear often in church—but what does it really mean?Is it simply good advice for living? A story from long ago? Or is it something that has the power to change everything?In Mark 1:14–15 and Mark 14:22–25, Jesus invites us to see the Gospel as more than a message to believe. It's an invitation into God's kingdom, God's grace, and God's promise.Join us this Sunday as we explore what the Gospel is—and why it still matters today.We'd love to worship with you.Summer Worship Schedule9am: Sunday School10am: Worship11am: Summer Fellowship Time

In Mark 9, in the passage this text is part of, the disciples are seen 1) disputing over which of them will be the greatest, and 2) interfering with the ministry of another unnamed believer because he wasn't part of their group. Jesus, using the imagery of a child and the warning of a millstone, shows that the disciples' thinking and priorities need to be straightened out. They ought to be more concerned with serving others and protecting new Christians from spiritual harm. The teaching draws parallels to Romans 14 to argue against judging fellow believers over non-essential matters like dietary laws or religious observances. It challenges the congregation to abandon self-promotion and denominational superiority in favor of humility, peace, and mutual edification within the body of Christ. In love, and with a humble servant's heart, personal liberty must be exercised with careful consideration for its impact on other believers, newer and/or weaker ones in particular.

In Mark 12:35–40, Jesus does two remarkable things. First, He affirms that David wrote Psalm 110 and that David spoke by the Holy Spirit, revealing Jesus' view of the inspiration and authority of Scripture—including the superscriptions. Second, He exposes five subtle forms of pride that can infect even the best of us. In this sermon, you'll discover why Jesus' teaching on Psalm 110 matters for the reliability of the Bible, the doctrine of inspiration, and the identity of the Messiah. You'll also examine Jesus' sobering warning against seeking earthly greatness through appearance, status, privilege, and religious performance. Jesus' warning is just as relevant today as it was in the temple courts. If you enjoy the episode, please consider subscribing to the podcast and leaving a 5-stars rating. This helps others find the podcast. My sermons are the fruit of nearly 30 years of pastoral ministry, biblical counseling, formal seminary training, and a lifelong passion for God's Word. Since childhood, I've been drawn to the beauty and power of expository preaching—opening Scripture verse by verse and applying it to real life. After graduating from Moody Bible Institute, I spent the next 27 years serving as a youth pastor, senior pastor, church planter, and host of the Food For Your Soul radio broadcast. Along the way, I also earned a Master of Sacred Literature and a Doctor of Religious Studies. For more content from D. Richard Ferguson, visit TreasuringGod.com. Follow on social: • Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@DarrellFerguson • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/darrell.r.ferguson/ • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Dr.DRichardFerguson

In this sermon we continue our summer sermon series, Come Follow Me, as we journey through the Gospel of Mark. In Mark 4, Jesus tells one of His most well-known parables—the Parable of the Soils. While the seed remains the same, the condition of the soil determines whether it takes root and produces a harvest. Through this simple yet powerful story, Jesus invites us to look beyond the surface and examine the condition of our own hearts. As we follow Jesus together, we'll discover that the greatest obstacle to spiritual growth isn't the power of God's Word—it's our willingness to receive it. Is our faith becoming shallow? Are the worries and distractions of life choking out what God wants to do in us? Or are we cultivating hearts that are ready to hear, trust, and obey? Join us this Sunday as we discover what it means to become the kind of people who bear lasting fruit for the Kingdom of God.

What does the Bible actually say about demons, spiritual warfare, and the authority of Jesus? In Mark 5:1-20, Jesus crosses through a storm and comes face-to-face with a man tormented by a legion of demons. What happens next proves that no darkness, bondage, or spiritual force is greater than King Jesus. But this story isn’t […]

We all have CONTROL ISSUES. We want Jesus to lead—as long as He goes our direction. But the life you were created for begins when you stop fighting for control and fully surrender to Him.In Mark 8:27–38, Jesus invites us to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Him into a life greater than anything we could build on our own.Every faithful NO protects a greater YES. Following Jesus means telling yourself NO so you can keep telling Jesus YES!

Money promises security, but when we hold too tightly to what we have, it can end up controlling us. In Mark 10, Jesus' encounter with the rich young ruler reveals that true financial freedom isn't about having more—it's about trusting Jesus more. When we recognize that everything belongs to God, surrender what has a hold on us, trust Him with what He has given us, and find our contentment in Him, money can become a tool instead of a master. The path to freedom begins with a simple question: Do you have your possessions, or do your possessions have you? Let's listen in...LINKS + RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE:• APA 2015 study on “Money stress weighs on Americans' health”• Download the free study guide, complete transcript, and show notes here.• Scripture References: Mark 10, verses 17-31; Luke 8-10; Mark 8; John 6, verse 67; Deuteronomy 6; Leviticus 19; James 5, verses 1-6; Mark 8, verses 36-37• Find out more about Covenant Church at ⁠covenantchurchwv.com

In Mark 3:7–19, Jesus is surrounded by a great crowd, confronted by unclean spirits, and followed by disciples. Yet not everyone near Christ stands in the same relationship to Him. The crowds seek His help. The demons confess His identity. The disciples answer His call. The Twelve are appointed to be with Him and to be sent out to preach. Judas, however, remains outwardly near Christ while inwardly false. This passage reveals Jesus as far more than a popular teacher or compassionate healer. He is the sovereign Son of God, the conqueror of Satan, the greater Moses, and the King who gathers the new covenant people around Himself. The sermon considers three central truths: The needy crowd pressing toward Christ The sovereign Christ calling whom He wills The appointed Twelve, with Him and sent by Him The passage warns us that curiosity is not conversion, doctrinal knowledge is not saving faith, and outward nearness to the church is not the same as union with Christ. It also comforts believers with the truth that salvation begins with Christ's gracious call and that His church rests upon His sovereign faithfulness. The great question is not merely whether we have heard about Christ, studied Christ, or stood among Christ's people. The question is whether we have truly come to Him in repentance and faith.

What if the single greatest factor determining whether God's promises take root in our lives is not the size of our faith, but the quality of our listening? In Mark chapter 4, Jesus lays out what may be the master key to understanding every parable, every promise, and every principle in Scripture. The parable of the sower is not simply a story about farming. It is a precise diagnosis of what happens inside us the moment we hear the Word of God. The seed is perfect. The sower is faithful. The only variable is the ground, and we are the ground. Jesus identifies five specific forces the enemy uses to steal, choke, or stunt every promise we receive: affliction, persecution, the cares of the world, the deceitfulness of riches, and the desire for other things. Recognizing these forces changes everything. Pressure is no longer a sign that God has abandoned us. It is a signal that a promise is taking root. Just as a seed requires pressure to break open beneath the soil, our promises often require resistance before they break through into reality. We are invited to stop being offended when difficulty arrives and start recognizing it as part of the process. The harvest is not in question. The only question is whether we will stay in the ground long enough to see it. Welcome to Relevant Church Live, the online campus of Relevant Church located in Daytona Beach, Florida. We pray that through this service you find your place, reveal your purpose, and unlock your potential! We pray this message blesses you and gives you the strength you need to do and be all that God has called you to do and be! Leave a comment below letting us know how this message impacted you today, we'd love to chat with you! #RelevantChurch #HearGodsVoice #PastorChrisSarno -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ways to Give: Text to Give: Text your amount to 888-364-4483 Online Giving: Visit our website http://www.relevantfl.org/giving to give via debit, credit, or ACH Mail It In: Send gift Via USPS to 920 Beville Rd. Daytona Beach, FL 32114 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stay Connected: Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: @RelevantChurch Relevant Church Website: https://www.relevantfl.org/ Relevant Church Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/relevant_fl/ Relevant Church Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RelevantFL Relevant Church TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@relevant_fl Relevant Church App: https://apps.apple.com/app/id1615804850?fbclid=IwAR3aHqo_6kr8Tzd_JK6xihjfJkVk6j7-iqITDj1u1wFicDLn6g6C29gL3LY Rkidz Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rkidzfl Relevant Youth Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/relevantflyouth/ Relevant Church Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6nUtPIkecEehfstUWWPIVU?si=QBMEtu85SyuU3FxRM1X7lg&nd=1 Pastor Chris Sarno's Website: https://www.chrissarno.tv/ Chris Sarno App: http://www.chrissarno.tv/app -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Scripture References: Romans 8:14-16 Mark 4:10-28 James 1:21 2 Corinthians 9:6-7 Hebrews 1:14 Romans 3:4 Luke 4:18 Matthew 13:12 James 4:2 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sunday, July 26th 2026 Pastor Chris Sarno Relevant Church Hear God's Voice | Week 4 | Sunday, July 26th 2026 | Pastor Chris Sarno | Relevant Church

What do you do when life leaves you desperate? In Mark 7:24-30, a desperate mother comes to Jesus believing He alone can help her daughter. But instead of an immediate answer, Jesus tests her faith. Discover what it means to bring your desperation to the right Person, persevere when God seems silent, and trust that His mercy is greater than you ever imagined. This message will challenge you to move from self-sufficiency to a bold, persistent faith in Jesus.Need Prayer? 

In Mark 9:38–50, Jesus gives His disciples sobering warnings about sin, stumbling, and hell. John complains that someone outside their group was casting out demons in Jesus' name, but Jesus teaches that God is not limited to those we expect Him to use.Pastor Ben Smith explains that the people of God must guard their relationship to others and their own pursuit of holiness. Jesus warns against causing others to stumble and then uses shocking language to show the seriousness of sin. It is better to suffer loss in this world than to cling to sin and face eternal condemnation.This sermon calls believers to take sin seriously, guard their testimony, and live as salt in the world.To learn more, visit BenSmithSr.org.

What do you do when life falls apart overnight? One phone call. One doctor’s report. One unexpected bill. Suddenly, you’re in a storm you never saw coming. In Mark 4:35-41, Jesus leads His disciples straight into a violent storm—not because they disobeyed Him, but because they did exactly what He told them to do. That’s […]

In Mark chapter 8, Jesus asks his disciples a defining question. He bypasses the opinions of the crowd to ask those closest to him who they believe he really is. Drawing from the dramatic account of Jesus calming a sudden storm in Mark chapter 4, this message illustrates how knowing the true Messiah brings peace that circumstances cannot steal. It challenges us to move beyond mere head knowledge and experience a genuine, direction-changing relationship with the Savior.Are you tired of simply playing religion while facing life's storms alone? Watch now to discover how answering this single question for yourself can rescue you and transform your life forever.

"I know that something happens supernaturally when people of faith lay hands on people. Things are transmitted. Things are transferred. In Mark 16, Jesus said that believers would lay hands on the sick and they would recover. The power is not in our hands, but in God's presence and power working through yielded vessels."In Episode 11 of "Born Again, What Now?", Duane Sheriff explores the fourth elementary principle of the Doctrine of Christ—the laying on of hands. Few understand the biblical significance of this foundational practice or the role it plays in God's supernatural work through His people.Drawing from the ministry of Jesus, the early church, and examples throughout Scripture, we see how the laying on of hands was used to minister healing, impart spiritual gifts, transfer authority, bless children, and help believers receive the Holy Spirit. Discover how God still works through ordinary believers and why the laying on of hands remains a vital part of Christian growth, ministry, and discipleship.

In the one-hundred-and-ninety-seventh episode, we look at The Courtier's Reply, starting with Trump disagreeing with judges and both Trump and Ben Shapiro trying and failing to dunk on AOC.In Mark's British Politics Corner, we look at Boris defending Brexit, Farage ignoring the need to defend his £5 million bung, and Robert Jenrick claiming there's nothing to see here.In the Fallacy in the Wild section, we check out examples from Edison the Man, Parks & Recreation, and Roger Ebert's review of Deuce Bigelow: European Gigolo.Jim and Mark go head-to-head in Fake News, the game in which Mark has to guess which of three Trump quotes was made up by Jim.Then we talk about Schrödinger's Senator, Mitch McConnell.And finally, we round up some of the other crazy Trump stories from the past week.The full show notes for this episode can be found at https://fallacioustrump.com/ft197One of our favourite young listeners, Scarlett Garrett (One Eyed Nick's daughter), has signed up to travel to Cambodia in 2028 to do volunteer work helping local communities and has just started her fundraising for her trip. If you'd like to chip in, her GoFund me is here: https://gofund.me/fb032b741You can contact the guys at pod@fallacioustrump.com, on BlueSky @FallaciousTrump, Discord at fallacioustrump.com/discord or facebook at facebook.com/groups/fallacioustrumpAnd you can buy our T-shirts here: https://fallacioustrump.com/teeSubscribe to Fallacious Trump to make sure you never miss a logical fallacy. Rather than just mindless anti-Trump rhetoric, we apply skepticism and critical thinking to our Donald Trump analysis by exploring his liberal use of logical fallacies and cognitive biases, along with a bit of humor and news about US politics. (But there is also some of that much needed anti-Trump rhetoric.)Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In Mark 10:35-45, Pastor Bill examines James and John's request to sit beside Jesus in His glory, revealing how easily we can misunderstand His kingdom. Rather than pursuing position or recognition, Jesus calls us to humility, trusting that He knows what is best, and serving others as He first served us.

Every Christian has a testimony. It may be dramatic or quiet, but if Jesus has changed your life, He has given you a story of His grace, mercy, and transforming power. In Mark chapter 5, Jesus sent a man, whose life had been radically changed, back to his own people with one simple assignment: “Tell others what the Lord has done for you.” In the same way, God desires to use our testimonies to point people to Christ, open doors for the gospel, and reveal His power to a world that desperately needs hope. Speaker: Pastor Ben Dixon Scripture: Mark 5:18-20 Series: Reach Out Thank you for Joining. For more information visit www.BenDixon.org or fill out a Northwest Church Connect Card - https://nwc.churchcenter.com/people/forms/118663

The kingdom of God grows in ways that often surprise us, quietly and steadily, even when we cannot see it happening. In Mark chapter 4, Jesus tells two parables about seeds that reveal how God's kingdom expands and what our role is in that process. We are called to scatter the seed of the gospel through prayer, invitation, service, and simply caring for the people around us. But we cannot make the seed grow. Only God can do that. From a baby in a manger to hundreds of millions of believers around the world today, small beginnings produce unexpectedly large outcomes. These parables give us confidence to keep planting, even when the harvest is not yet visible. God is faithful, and no seed sown in faith is ever wasted.

What is the greatest thing a human being could ever do? Of all God's commandments, which one matters most? In Mark 12:28–31, a scribe asks Jesus one of the most important questions in all of Scripture: "Which commandment is the most important?" Jesus' answer reveals the greatest priority in the Christian life—not ministry success, not religious activity, not even loving your neighbor, but loving God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength. But what role do emotions play in obeying that command? Many get this wrong. We examine Jesus' teaching on the Greatest Commandment, why love for God comes before every other duty, and how the first commandment gives meaning to every other command in Scripture. If you enjoy the episode, please consider subscribing to the podcast and leaving a 5-stars rating. This helps others find the podcast. My sermons are the fruit of nearly 30 years of pastoral ministry, biblical counseling, formal seminary training, and a lifelong passion for God's Word. Since childhood, I've been drawn to the beauty and power of expository preaching—opening Scripture verse by verse and applying it to real life. After graduating from Moody Bible Institute, I spent the next 27 years serving as a youth pastor, senior pastor, church planter, and host of the Food For Your Soul radio broadcast. Along the way, I also earned a Master of Sacred Literature and a Doctor of Religious Studies. For more content from D. Richard Ferguson, visit TreasuringGod.com. Follow on social: • Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@DarrellFerguson • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/darrell.r.ferguson/ • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Dr.DRichardFerguson

Jesus asked this question throughout the Gospels — not because He needed an answer, but because we do. What we want most is what we'll eventually build our lives around. In Mark 10, Jesus reminds His disciples that greatness in God's Kingdom looks very different than greatness in the world.

Rest often gets treated like a reward for surviving a busy week, but Scripture paints a very different picture. In Mark 4:39, Jesus speaks peace over chaos and demonstrates that rest is not weakness or avoidance—it is part of a grounded, faithful life. True rest isn’t only about sleep or downtime—it’s also about rhythms that create space for God to quiet the internal noise. When life becomes loud, rest becomes a way of returning to trust instead of strain. Highlights: Rest is modeled by Jesus as part of a healthy, faithful rhythm Ongoing stress without restoration affects emotional and spiritual clarity Rest is proactive, not just recovery after exhaustion Boundaries around time, attention, and input protect well-being Spiritual rest includes time with God, not just physical pause Join the Conversation Where in your current rhythm do you feel most stretched or depleted? What would it look like to build a pattern of rest that actually restores you instead of just catching up after burnout? Continue the conversation with the Crosswalk community here: https://forums.crosswalk.com/ Do you want to listen ad-free? When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts! Sign Up Today! Full Transcript Below: Rest Like JesusBy: Michelle Lazurek Bible Reading:“He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.” - Mark 4:39 As someone who has an anxiety disorder, I must be very careful about how much stress I put on my body. Extra stress can leave me emotionally, physically, or mentally exhausted. If I don't get the right amount of sleep, it can cause my anxiety to flare and wreak havoc on my mental health. Since the diagnosis, I'm careful to watch my body's physical signs to indicate that my emotional or mental state is more stressed than I even realize. For example, if at the end of the week I put my hand out and it's shaking for no reason other than I've worked too hard, I know I'm putting my body under extra stress. This causes me to take a step back and take an extra day off to rest physically, but more importantly, mentally and emotionally. I struggle with the idea of rest. As someone who likes to be productive, I often like to make the most of my days. Resting feels like I'm wasting time and not producing anything. Yet, rest is important for my physical, emotional, and mental state. If I don't watch how I take care of myself, this is an easy target for Satan to come in and plant doubts in my mind and flood my thoughts with lies. These lies, if I'm physically exhausted, I won't check against Scripture. If gone unchecked, this can lead to an unhealthy fear of the future. It is important for me to operate from a posture of rest, not merely rest after pushing myself too hard physically, emotionally, or mentally. But that is easier said than done. Jesus operated out of a posture of rest. The above verse comes from Jesus emerging from a storm after waking from a nap. The disciples, scared by the storm that quickly arose on the sea, woke Jesus up even though he was sleeping on the boat. They ask him to do something because it feels as though he's prioritizing rest over caring for them. However, Jesus realizes that rest is one of the most important things he needs to complete his ministry. He knew he simply couldn’t operate without being physically, emotionally, and mentally rested. Not only was he performing signs and miracles, but he was also healing the sick, preaching, and averting arrows thrown by the Pharisees. Jesus knew that his ministry could quickly become overwhelming if he did not take care of himself. When he needed the rest, he stopped at nothing to get it. Take a minute and analyze your life. Are you someone who rests only after a hard week at work? Are you someone who operates from a posture of rest, someone who starts Monday morning feeling refreshed, knowing you rested properly throughout the weekend? It is easy for you, as it is for me, to neglect the importance of rest. You may also see rest as something to be endured, not something necessary for the work God has for you. Over the next week, jot down the number of times you've rested. This does not necessarily mean sleeping in on a weekend (although that could be part of your rest.) Do you take time to unplug from social media? Do you have good boundaries when it comes to scrolling your phone or trolling the Internet? If we're honest, we all could use a lesson in rest. Although it may be impossible for us to rest during crises, we need to take Jesus' example and rest appropriately. We need to rest regularly to care for ourselves, not merely a result of an overextended, overpacked schedule. Father, let us be people who rest. Let us understand that rest is a necessity in our lives, not merely something to do to prevent exhaustion. Help us create firm boundaries around our mental, emotional, and physical state. Let us not only rest physically but also take time to spend with you. When we spend time in your word and in your presence, it helps us rest because we then lay all our cares (including our bodies) before you. Amen. Intersecting Faith & Life: Do you struggle with rest? What is one thing you can do to better incorporate rest into your daily life? Further Reading:Matthew 11:28-30 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Presented by Lauren Stigben As a culture we are so consumed with what is in front of us. Typically, we don't “feel” an injustice or the brokenness in this world until it really hits home. Our concerns are focused on the here and now, the me and not the us. Let's reflect. I live in a nice suburb of a large city. My grass is green, and my neighbors are friendly. I live on a street that has no outlet, meaning if you don't need to be on it to come home, visit someone, or deliver a package, you would have no reason to be here. Safe. I am not thinking about theft and brokenness here very much. Last week, our neighbor rang the bell distraught. In broad daylight, someone parked in front of his driveway and stole his children's play climber from just outside his open garage. He was seeking any camera footage. Just like that, my mind wondered who would do such a thing?! I thought about safety in my neighborhood. I lamented the brokenness of a woman in a nice white SUV stealing a plastic play climber. And while my insular suburban bubble was broken, I only thought of that: my bubble, me, and my neighbor. Let's shift to work. Reflect on this, how much do you think about unemployment or underemployment? How much are you thinking about jobless rates or layoffs? How much are you thinking about injustices at work like hiring discrimination or harassment? How much are you thinking about building relationships with younger generational workers to mentor them? Are you thinking about your supply chain? Is your workplace honorable to God? Unless you are experiencing these things or you are working very specifically in a field that addresses these issues, my guess is you are not thinking about them much at all. They may never cross your mind, or perhaps you simply make a nice donation to a charity that works for a cause. The list of brokenness spans much greater than my mentions here. As a reminder, this all started with Adam and Eve. Perfection turned to multiplied pain, dissonant desires between men and women, pain, and sweat. It moved to jealousy and murder with Cain and Abel, and on it multiplied. Adam and Eve were created in God's image, and so are we. And this sin caused our God to lament! God saw violence and corruption that really grieved God. And the Lord regretted that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him to his heart (Genesis 6:6). We are made in his image, and if lament is modeled by God himself, this should be a strong indication that this is his plan for us too. We need to care about the things God cares about and this extends beyond our immediate needs. He calls us to see things like Jesus did, through a lens of loving him and loving our neighbors. As I have shared before, this extends into our workplace. As ambassadors for Jesus at work, lament is one way we can shine the light of Christ in dark times. The simple act of engaging in and acknowledging brokenness can open the door for you to share how your lament is brought to God because you trust him even when things seem like they cannot get any worse or better. This takes both a level of micro and macro engagement and very good listening. At a micro level, perhaps you learn someone is dealing with a significant challenge in your workplace. I mean, let's face it, life is lifey! Issues can range from death of a loved one, health, marriage, prodigal children, caring for an elderly parent, and many more! Or it could be an issue of someone not feeling like they fit in at the office. Perhaps you know someone who has been out of work for a longer period. Jesus was our best model of the micro level lament for others. He saw each individual in their need. Think about the compassion he showed the woman who was so desperate in her illness that she crawled through crowds in the dirt just to touch the fringe of Jesus' garment. He stopped as he was on his way to be part of someone else's lament over a sick and dying young girl. Clearly the woman believed Jesus could heal her, but think of the years before that moment. The lament she must have cried with in her personal pain and loneliness. He met the grief and lament of his dear friends Mary and Martha when their brother and Jesus' friend Lazarus passed away. In John 11:35 we read, Jesus wept. In Romans 12:15 we are told to weep with those who weep. Sometimes we are called to lament over the sin of another person. We cannot change them, but we can cry out to God about their brokenness and trust that can redeem anything. Jesus lamented over the heart of the rich young man who was unwilling to give up his possessions to follow him. In Mark 10:21, we read Jesus looked at him and loved him. Sometimes when we see people who are stuck in patterns of sin, believers or not, it is fitting to cry out to the Lord. God, how long will so and so keep on in their sin? God, when will you call so and so to follow you? Ultimately, we need to trust God to move in a sinner's heart. What about macro engagement? In this sense I am talking more about issues facing groups of people. Perhaps it is a large issue at your workplace like fear of a layoff that is buzzing around the proverbial water cooler. But, more often, we are engaging in conversations that shape our local, national, and global communities. All this can be polarizing and choosing what to lament is simply impossible sometimes because there is so much brokenness to choose from! David's lament to God about the wicked in Psalm 10 is fitting even today. Some selected verses from this Psalm read: “Why, O' Lord do you stand far away? Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble? In arrogance the wicked hotly pursue the poor; let them be caught in the schemes that they have devised. For the wicked boasts of the desires of his soul and the one greedy for gain curses and renounces the Lord. In the pride of his face the wicked does not seek him, all his thoughts are “There is no God.” (Psalm 10:1-4). His mouth is filled with cursing and deceit and oppression; under his tongue are mischief and iniquity. He sits in ambush in the villages; in hiding places he murders the innocent (Psalm 10:7-8). The Psalm is further filled with words like helpless, crushed, forgotten. I encourage you to read Psalm 10 in its entirety. Jesus even lamented over the people in his day in Matthew 17:17. O faithless and twisted generation, how long am I to be with you? How long must I put up with you… (Matthew 17:17). Nothing is new. How long will we be dealing with the evil in this world Jesus promises us in John 16:33? The short and disconcerting answer is until Jesus returns. In the meantime, how can we share grief together over some of these heavy broken issues? How you express your deep concern and grief about these macro issues can shape how people view you at work. Do you engage in the latest rhetoric on the news, or do you point out the root causes of the issue at hand, and explain that you pray for these things? Do you perhaps suggest action? For example, if your community deals with homelessness and food insecurity, are you talking about it or taking action to help your colleagues be part of the solution. Perhaps you suggest serving at a local shelter or doing a food drive. Taking action can be one of the most loving things you can do! One of our prayer leaders here at The Christian Working Woman takes time each month to pour into a community of elderly who don't have a lot of resources. They deal with loneliness and other insecurities. Just the time she spends brings them hope and love that many don't have from family. This is also something she can share with her colleagues! What about when you simply don't have the words or actions? Some of the challenges today are way too big for us and we may not know what to say, let alone what to pray or do! Take heart. Romans 8:26 reminds us, In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans (Romans 8:26). We can feel this heaviness in our body—a tightness in our chest, shoulders, and headaches. It can even be so heavy the injustice makes us angry. These feelings rise up that you may want to call righteous anger. Remember, only God can judge and provide ultimate justice! We simply are not made as superheroes, and try as we may, we can't separate from the feelings we have to address something in a loving and Christ honoring way. Sometimes lament can be fiery—a direct complaint to God. He wants to hear this too! We simply may not understand why God isn't moving like Habakkuk. In Habakkuk1:1-4 we hear the prophet lament, O Lord, how long shall I cry for help, and you will not hear? Or cry to you, “Violence” and you will not save? Why do you make me see iniquity, and why do you idly look at wrong? Destruction and violence before me; strife and contention arise. So, the law is paralyzed and justice never goes forth. For the wicked surround the righteous; so, justice goes forth perverted (Habakkuk1:1-4). In both the micro and macro situations we face at work each day, we need to humbly seek God and know he will work all things for our good and for his glory in due time. Lament allows us to unburden our hearts to God and remember we are from God and the whole world lies in the power of the evil one (1 John 5:19). Our hope needs to be set to eternity when Jesus returns to restore his Kingdom! He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away (Revelations 21:4). Until this glorious day, we can lean into lament but also trust God to move in his ways, all the while praising him for his goodness! These are practical, God-given actions that have been given to us. What does practical lament look like? Start with the Psalms. I have talked about some of them today, but others to reference are Psalms 44, 60, 123, 79, and 94. Of course, this is not exhaustive. These are some of my favorites. Read these out loud. Put them into your own circumstances or words. Some even suggest writing your own lament. Take out a pen and paper. Write what you are feeling to cry out to the Lord. Next, express your trust in the Lord. Like David, can you say, “The Lord is my light and my salvation, whom shall I fear?” God is bigger than anything you are lamenting about. God, I trust you! And finally, praise God for his goodness! When things are heavy, I love writing down all the ways God has provided for me. God, I praise you! I hope this can be a reminder that we can lament about the small and big stuff. God is in it all, and he wants to hear from you!