Podcasts about Mark 12

The Greatest Command — Mark 12:28–34 Culture of Gospel One of the things we want as a church is to grow in our ability to share about Jesus with those who don't know Jesus. Use this summary statement to share with someone in your life who doesn't know Jesus: “Jesus isn't inviting you into cold religion or a list of demands—He's inviting you into the kind of love that reshapes your life from the inside out. The God of the universe doesn't want your performance; He wants your heart. Sermon Summary Introduction Coleton opens by naming the central question every follower of Jesus must answer: What matters most to God?  Not: What matters most to Christians, churches, or religious culture… but what matters most to God Himself. Jesus answers that question directly in Mark 12. And Coleton's goal is simple: To show what God values most. To show why it matters. To show what this means for our church and for each person individually. 1. What Matters Most to God? Mark 12:29–30 “The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.'” The most important thing to God is that you love Him.  Not that you serve Him. Not that you behave correctly. Not that you meet moral standards. Not that you avoid sin. Love is the highest command. What Most People Think Matters Most to God Coleton names the most common assumptions Christians carry: “God mostly wants me to get saved.” “God mostly wants me to stop sinning.” “God mostly wants me to pray more, read more, go to church more.” “God mostly wants me to serve the poor, give money, volunteer, or be more missional.” All important. But not most important. Jesus' Rebuke of Ephesus—Proof That Good Works ≠ Love Revelation 2:2–5 “I know your deeds… Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first… Repent.” This church was doctrinally strong. Morally clean. Active in service. Enduring hardship. Doing everything “right.”  And Jesus still says: You do not love Me anymore.  And failing to love Him is so serious that Jesus warns: “If you do not repent, I will remove your lampstand.” God cares more about your affection for Him than the actions you perform in His name. Key Point Doing things for God is not the same as loving God. 2. Why This Matters: Love for God Shapes Who You Become One of the main reasons this is the greatest command is because love is what transforms you. God wants His people to be: Compassionate Generous Sacrificial Humble Pure Joyful Loving toward neighbor and enemy But these things don't come from effort or trying harder. They grow naturally out of love. Illustration: Coleton and Rainey's Early Relationship When they were dating long-distance: He drove 8 hours overnight just to spend a few hours with her. He wrote letters daily. He spent money he didn't have to buy her meals and gifts. He thought about her constantly. Why?  Not because she handed him a list of rules.  Because he loved her. Love makes sacrifice a joy.  Love makes devotion natural.  Love makes obedience a delight. This Is What God Wants With You When you love Him… Spending time with Him becomes natural. Sacrificing for Him becomes joy. Worship becomes expression, not obligation. Caring for the poor flows from His heart in yours. Sin loses its power because your love is captured elsewhere. Spurgeon Quote (used by Coleton) “Jesus loved you when you lived carelessly… when you were hiding your every sin… even when you were at hell's gate… Think of His great love towards you… and your love will grow.” Why Other Commands Aren't “Most Important” Because all of them grow out of the soil of love for God.  Love is the tree—everything else is fruit. 3. What This Means for Our Church Coleton gives a strong pastoral warning:  Churches die not because culture changes or neighborhoods shift.  Churches die when they stop loving Jesus. Revelation 2 Revisited Jesus says to Ephesus: “If you do not repent, I will remove your lampstand.” Meaning: I will remove your church.  Not Satan. Not culture.  Jesus Himself. Why?  Because a church that doesn't love Jesus can't represent Jesus. A church that doesn't love Him… Won't love people the way He does. Won't reflect His character. Won't look like Him. Won't be shaped into His image. Won't show the world what God is like. Coleton's Burden He described visiting dying churches—churches with excuses: “The neighborhood changed.” “Young people don't want church.” “Culture is too secular.” No.  The lampstand was removed. He says: “I do not want us to be a church He removes.”  We cannot simply be a church that does many things for God.  We must be a church that loves God. 4. How Do We Grow in Love for God? Jesus tells Ephesus: “Do the things you did at first.” — Revelation 2:5 Coleton's Example: Relearning Love Three years into their relationship, he and Rainey “fell out of love.”  Counselor's advice: “Go do the things you did at first.” Jesus says the same:  Return to: The places you prayed. The songs that once moved you. The Scriptures that once awakened your heart. The memories of grace that once fueled your love. The habits you had when your heart was alive. What Were You Doing When You First Loved Him? Coleton gave examples: Marveling that He forgave you. Tears during worship songs. Hours in Scripture. Memorizing verses. Sharing the gospel with everyone. Private prayer retreats. Celebrating your spiritual birthday. Teaching or serving with joy. Returning to the place where you first believed. Biblical Foundation 1 John 4:19 “We love because He first loved us.” Love grows by remembering His love toward you. Conclusion The most important thing to God is not that you serve Him, work for Him, or perform for Him.  He wants your heart. He wants your love. Ask Him: “Remind me of who I was when You saved me.” “Help me love You again the way I once did.” “Grow my love for You this year more than last year.” And as love grows, life follows. Discipleship Group Questions When you think about what God wants most from you, what is your instinctive answer—and how does Jesus' teaching challenge that? Can you identify a time in your life when your love for God felt stronger or more alive? What were you doing in that season? Which “good works” in your life are you tempted to mistake for love? How can you reorder them so they flow from affection instead of obligation? What first steps can you take this week to “do the things you did at first”? How would our church change if our primary goal became loving Jesus with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength?

Whose kingdom are you seeking to build—yours or God's? ---  Jesus told stories to help anyone willing to listen better understand life in the Kingdom of God. These stories meet us where we are and take us to deeper places in our faith. Join us as we listen to Jesus' stories and ask Him to help us grow.  Sermon Notes: http://bible.com/events/49520358 Submit a Question: bit.ly/BeyondSundayQuestions

Isaac Zhou preachingSupport the show

Jesus asks a question that turns everyone's expectations upside down: Who is the Messiah really? In Mark 12:35–37, He shows that the Messiah is not just David's son—but David's Lord, the risen King who reigns with full authority now. This week, Pastor Korey reminds us that Jesus is not a political figure or a distant teacher, but the divine King who sits at the Father's right hand and calls for our worship and allegiance.

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Zack muses about Jesus' strange way of speaking -- and suggests that, in this passage, it helps make a profound point about his both-and, expansive identity.

Should we imitate Jesus' angry and polemical speech? Zack struggles with faithfulness in our context.

❖ Follow along with today's reading: www.esv.org/Matthew23:37–24:31;Mark12:41–13:27;Luke21:1–27 ❖ The English Standard Version (ESV) is an 'essentially literal' translation of the Bible in contemporary English. Created by a team of more than 100 leading evangelical scholars and pastors, the ESV Bible emphasizes 'word-for-word' accuracy, literary excellence, and depth of meaning. ❖ To learn more about the ESV and other audio resources, please visit www.ESV.org

Listen as Nik shares about the persecuted church and the fact that before resurrection there must be crucifixion

Sermon Summary: “The Resurrection Life” (Mark 12:18–27) Preached by Coleton Segars Introduction: You Can Learn a Lot from an Argument Coleton began with a story about a moment of conflict in his front yard—when someone yelled at his wife, and he immediately stepped in to defend her. His point was simple but powerful: you can learn a lot from an argument. That's true in life, and it's true in Scripture. The argument between Jesus and the Sadducees in Mark 12 shows us a lot—not just about them, but about how our own beliefs about the resurrection shape the way we live today. In this passage, the Sadducees—religious leaders who didn't believe in resurrection—try to trap Jesus with a clever theological puzzle. They present an absurd story of a woman who marries seven brothers (following the Levirate law in Deuteronomy). Each brother dies without leaving children, and then they ask: “At the resurrection, whose wife will she be, since the seven were married to her?” (Mark 12:23) They aren't sincerely curious. They're mocking the idea of resurrection. But Jesus' response reveals two deep truths about life after death—and why those truths matter more than we realize. How We View the Resurrection Shapes How We Live “Are you not in error because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God?” — Mark 12:24 Coleton explained that the Sadducees' disbelief in the resurrection shaped everything about their lives. Verse 18 says they were known as “those who say there is no resurrection.” Because they believed this life was all there is, they lived for this life only: chasing after wealth, status, and power. They looked down on others. They thought Jesus was foolish for believing in something beyond the grave. Jesus told them they were badly mistaken—but their mistake wasn't just intellectual. It was moral and spiritual. Their disbelief formed the foundation of how they lived. Coleton showed that this is always true:  What we believe about life after death determines how we live this life. He illustrated it with examples from history and world religions: Vikings believed dying bravely in battle led to glory in Valhalla—so they lived without fear. Certain Islamic traditions taught that dying in holy war brought heavenly rewards. Hinduism believe reincarnation depends on one's karma—so kindness and duty matter deeply in this life. Even for us, our view of the afterlife quietly directs how we spend our time, our money, and our energy. Coleton then described four common ways people misunderstand or misbelieve the resurrection today: “Never think about it” – Like the Sadducees, we live as if this world is all there is. “You only live once,” so grab what you can. “Think about it too much” – Some see this world as disposable and stop caring about God's purposes to renew it. “It won't be better” – Fear of the unknown or of death keeps us from living courageously like Paul, who said, “To live is Christ and to die is gain.” “Everyone goes to the same afterlife” – This leads to apathy about the gospel and the Great Commission. Coleton's conclusion was sobering: “Our current life is shaped by how we view the life to come.” So how should we view it? Life After Death Is True for Everyone—Whether They Believe It or Not “‘I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.' He is not the God of the dead, but of the living. You are badly mistaken!” — Mark 12:26–27 The Sadducees didn't believe in resurrection, angels, or spirits. They only accepted the first five books of Moses as authoritative. So Jesus met them on their own ground—quoting from Exodus, one of Moses' books—to prove that even there, resurrection is implied. When God said, “I am the God of Abraham…”, He used the present tense. Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob had been dead for centuries—but God said He is their God, not was. That means they are alive to Him even now. Jesus' argument is brilliant—and undeniable:  Resurrection life is real, and it's true for everyone, believer or not. Coleton tied this to John 5:24–29, where Jesus says that one day all the dead will rise—some to eternal life, others to judgment. There is no “sleep of nothingness.” Everyone will live again. That truth should stir two responses in us: Urgency to share Jesus.  “If you truly believe everyone will rise—either to life or judgment—you'll want to tell people about Jesus.”  Coleton asked, “Do you have people in your life who don't know Him?” If we believe in a real resurrection, we can't stay silent. A call to make Jesus compelling.  “Is the way you follow Jesus making Him beautiful or unappealing?”  He warned that if Christians live joyless, judgmental, bitter lives, our witness turns people away from Jesus. Paul, though suffering, radiated peace and joy that made others want to know his Savior.  The question Coleton pressed was:  “Is your life a reason people would want to know Jesus—or a reason they'd want to reject Him?” Life After Death Will Be Better Than We Can Imagine “When the dead rise, they will neither marry nor be given in marriage; they will be like the angels in heaven.” — Mark 12:25 The Sadducees mocked the idea of resurrection by pointing out how complicated relationships would become. But Jesus' response essentially says: “You're assuming heaven works like earth—but it doesn't.” Coleton explained that Jesus isn't attacking marriage. He's saying that in the resurrection, all the brokenness and limitations of this life—our relationships, bodies, and systems—will be transformed. He quoted several theologians to help make the point: Mark Strauss:  “Jesus does not claim that the intimacy of earthly relationships will be discontinued in eternity. He only says there will be no need for the institution of marriage… all relationships will exist on an even higher plane.” D.A. Carson:  “The greatness of the changes at the resurrection will make the wife of seven brothers capable of loving them all… like a mother loves all her children.” Jesus' main point:  You think you'll face problems in the life to come—but you won't. It will be better than you can possibly imagine. Coleton addressed the common fears people have about eternity: The fear of forever (apeirophobia) The fear of boredom (thinking heaven will be dull or repetitive) The fear of losing relationships But Jesus says we'll be “like the angels”—not in form, but in fulfillment. Angels are fully satisfied in God. They sing not because they must, but because they want to. They've found the source of joy, meaning, and love—and they never tire of it. Coleton quoted David Guzik: “If it seems that life in the resurrection doesn't include some pleasures of life on earth, it's only because the satisfactions of heaven far surpass what we know here. No one will be disappointed with the arrangements.” And Paul in 1 Corinthians 2:9: “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, neither has it entered into the heart of man, the things God has prepared for those who love Him.” CS Lewis put it beautifully: “This life is only the cover and title page. Now begins Chapter One of the Great Story, which no one on earth has read, which goes on forever, in which every chapter is better than the one before.” Coleton then told the story of the Christians during the plagues in ancient Rome. While the rich fled the cities, Christians stayed to care for the sick—even though many died doing so. Why? Because they believed in the resurrection. They knew death wasn't the end—it was the doorway. “This belief freed them,” Coleton said. “They didn't pursue death, but they weren't enslaved by fear of it either.” If we lived with that same confidence in the resurrection—believing the next life is better than we can imagine—we would live with joy, courage, and resilience in this one. Conclusion: The Resurrection That Changes Everything Everything Coleton said comes back to this:  How you view life after death will shape how you live right now. If you believe there is no resurrection, you'll live for this life only. If you believe there is one—but forget it's better—you'll live in fear. But if you believe in the resurrection Jesus promised—real, physical, glorious, and eternal—you'll live with purpose, peace, and courage. Jesus has accomplished this for us in His death and resurrection. “If Christ has not been raised, our faith is useless… But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead.” — 1 Corinthians 15:17–23 Because He lives, so will we. Discussion Questions How does your current view of life after death shape the way you live right now—your priorities, goals, and fears? Which of the four modern “views” of the afterlife that Coleton described do you relate to most? Why? How could believing that the resurrection is true for everyone change how you share your faith and how you live before others? When you think about eternity, what fears or doubts arise—and how do Jesus' words in Mark 12:24–27 address them? If you truly believed that the life to come is “better than you can imagine,” what would change in the way you approach suffering, relationships, and daily life?

Go And Learn What This Means (week 4) Mark 12:28-34

❖ Follow along with today's reading: www.esv.org/Matthew22:23–23:36;Mark12:18–40;Luke20:27–47 ❖ The English Standard Version (ESV) is an 'essentially literal' translation of the Bible in contemporary English. Created by a team of more than 100 leading evangelical scholars and pastors, the ESV Bible emphasizes 'word-for-word' accuracy, literary excellence, and depth of meaning. ❖ To learn more about the ESV and other audio resources, please visit www.ESV.org

Series: The King's Authority

On Sunday, we will examine Mark 12:1-12. As chapter 11 concluded, Jewish leaders confronted Jesus, demanding to know by what authority He disrupted the temple operations by overturning the money changers' tables. Jesus exposed their self-centered authority and refused to answer their question. Mark 12:1-12 continues that conversation. Jesus responds to the religious leaders with a parable. Often called the Parable of the Wicked Tenants, Jesus uses a story to reveal the wickedness of these leaders' sin and God's plan of salvation. A vineyard owner carefully plants, protects, and tends to his vineyard (echoing Isaiah 5:1-2, where Israel is the Lord's beloved vineyard), then leases it to tenant farmers. At harvest, he rightly sends servants to collect his share of the fruit, but the tenants beat one, shame another, and kill a third—rejecting every messenger. These "servants" represent the Old Testament prophets whom Israel repeatedly persecuted (Jeremiah 7:25-26; 2 Chronicles 36:15-16). Yet the owner shows great patience and longsuffering as he continues to send servants to call for the fruit owed to him. He even sends his beloved son, thinking, “Surely they will respect him.” Instead, the tenants murder the heir, plotting to seize the inheritance for themselves. In this parable, the vineyard symbolizes God's people, God is the vineyard's owner, the prophets are the servants sent by the owner, Jesus is the Son who is killed, and Israel's leaders are the tenants who want ownership of the vineyard. Jesus' parable ends with God bringing justice by destroying the tenants—not the vineyard itself—and entrusting it to “others” (v. 9). These "others" are the Apostles, through whose preaching many will come to faith in Jesus and receive the Spirit, who produces the fruit God commands. This interpretation is confirmed as Jesus concludes the conversation with the religious leaders by quoting Psalm 118:22-23 (the same Psalm the crowd quoted as He entered the city). Jesus says that the stone the builders rejected has now become the cornerstone. Jesus is the cornerstone of the Temple in which we are built (See Eph. 2:19-22). God owns the vineyard of His people and our lives; He deserves the fruit of worship, repentance, and obedience, and His long-suffering kindness is meant to lead us to repentance. We are called to entrust our lives to Jesus so we might bear fruit in His name. I. God is Owed The Vineyard's Fruit (v. 1-2) II. God Is Gracefully Patient In Calling For Fruit (3-6) III. God Will Judge & Restore His Vineyard (v. 7-9) IV. God Will Build His Temple Upon His Son (10-11)

November 9, 2025 Speaker: Pastor Chris Wachter http://www.hiawathachurch.com

What sits at the heart of true generosity? What defines if a person is truly generous or not? In this message from The Generous Heart series, pastor Jeremy Writebol calls us to investigate our own hearts and see if true generosity is found there.  

Worship With Your Body | Becoming WHOLE (Week 2)

Overflow is a series about living generously with our whole lives.When we live in the confidence that God has and will provide, we are able to live with open hearts toward those around us.Living in God's abundance, we are filled to overflowing with His peace, gratitude, and joy.You are welcome and wanted at Life Vineyard Church, we can't wait to meet you!We meet every Sunday at 10am in Mahomet.Lifevineyard.org

In this message from The Generous Heart series, Rev. Brandon Cleaver unpacks the story of the widow's offering in Mark 12:41–44 to reveal the heart of true generosity. While many give from abundance, Jesus points to a woman who gives all she has—and in doing so, reflects the heart of God Himself. Through this passage, we see that true generosity costs us something and cares for someone. God sees what's hidden, grieves what's twisted, and redeems what's broken. From the warning against self-righteous giving to the picture of Christ who became poor so we might become rich, this message calls us to let God's heart shape our own.

When asked which commandment matters most, Jesus gives an answer that reshapes all of life. In Mark 12:28–34, He shows that everything God desires flows from two loves—loving Him fully and loving others genuinely. This week, Pastor Korey reminds us that the Kingdom isn't about rules or rituals, but about a relationship that starts with devotion to God and overflows in compassion toward people.

2 Chronicles 31; 19 Psalms 78; 41 Mark 12

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Reading by David Griffin ---   Matthew 22; Mark 12   https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2022%3B%20Mark%2012&version=ESV&interface=print

Day 308: Matthew 22, Mark 12✝️Daily Scripture: Chronological Bible Readings (KJV)The complete King James Bible in a year, in chronological order. Read by C Levi Farrell.This podcast is free, and ad-free. To support its creator or purchase lossless CD-quality audio, visit CLeviFarrell.comChapters:(00:00) Matthew 22(04:56) Mark 12

Sermon Summary: God & Caesar Mark 12:13–17 “Later they sent some of the Pharisees and Herodians to Jesus to catch him in his words…” Jesus said to them, ‘Give back to Caesar what is Caesar's and to God what is God's.' And they were amazed at him.” – Mark 12:13–17 Introduction: When Our Allegiance Shifts Coleton began by connecting the ancient tension of Jesus' words to a very modern moment. He recalled the tragic event of September 10, 2025, when Charlie Kirk, a political activist, was shot and killed. What followed, Coleton said, was not just mourning, but division. Some celebrated, others grieved, and soon churches became battlefields of political expectation. In some congregations, people even walked out of worship services because their pastor didn't mention Charlie Kirk by name. Coleton made this sobering observation: “They didn't leave because Jesus wasn't worshiped. They didn't leave because the gospel wasn't preached. They left because another man's name wasn't mentioned.” And in doing so, Coleton said, “They rendered unto Caesar that which was God's.” They gave their allegiance — something meant for God alone — to another. We live in a time where the church wrestles to understand and live obediently to what Jesus says in this passage. Coleton gave background, teaching from Jesus, and challenges we face in obeying Jesus. 1. The Background: A Trap Disguised as a Question Coleton explained that this was no innocent question. The Pharisees and Herodians were political enemies — the Pharisees hated Roman control; the Herodians supported it. But they joined forces to trap Jesus. They asked, “Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar?” If Jesus said yes, He'd lose favor with His Jewish followers. If He said no, He'd be accused of rebellion against Rome. Either way, they thought they had Him. The Tax and Its Offense Coleton quoted historian Mark Strauss to give context: “The coin bore the image of Tiberius Caesar with the words ‘Son of the divine Augustus.' This was idolatry — a direct violation of the first and second commandments.” For Jews, paying this tax wasn't just about money — it was about worship. Would they honor God or bow to Caesar? Coleton summarized it like this: “The Pharisees and Herodians are forcing Jesus to pick a side. But Jesus refuses their categories — and instead shows that His kingdom transcends them.” 2. What We Learn from Jesus' Answer When Jesus said, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's,” He wasn't being clever — He was being clear. Coleton said Jesus' words teach two essential truths. A. “Give to Caesar what is Caesar's” — Obedience without Idolatry Jesus acknowledges the legitimacy of human governments. Coleton quoted Mark Strauss again: “Jesus affirmed that Caesar has a legitimate claim, and so does God. Civil obedience does not contradict the obedience due to God — so long as God's rights are safeguarded.” That means we can pay taxes, show respect, obey laws, and honor leaders — as long as it doesn't lead us into disobedience to God. Coleton drew from Romans 13:1–7, where Paul commands believers to be subject to governing authorities because “there is no authority except that which God has established.” He reminded listeners: “You're not obeying Caesar because he deserves it — you're obeying God because He commands it.” The Egyptian Church Story Coleton shared a story from Pete Greig about the persecuted Coptic Christians in Egypt. When their churches were closed for nine years, they didn't riot. Instead, they turned every home into a church. When the ruler later walked the streets, he heard worship from every house and lifted the ban. “They gave Caesar the building, but they gave God their hearts,” Coleton said. “They rendered to Caesar what was Caesar's — but they never stopped giving to God what was God's.” That, he said, is true obedience: submission that never compromises worship. B. “Give to God what is God's” — Full Allegiance and Love “God gets the first and the most,” Coleton said. “Our heart, our mind, our strength, our time, our devotion — He gets it all first.” He reminded the church that even when rulers oppose God's ways, our loyalty remains fixed on Him. The early Christians refused to call Caesar “Lord,” even if it cost them their lives. Coleton quoted Bruce Shelley: “Had the Christians been willing to burn that pinch of incense and say ‘Caesar is Lord,' they could have worshiped Jesus freely. But they would not compromise.” “They would not render to Caesar what belonged to God,” Coleton emphasized. “Even if it cost them everything.” 3. The Challenge: When We Mix These Up Coleton said this is the heart of the problem today — we mix up what belongs to Caesar and what belongs to God. A. When We Don't Like Caesar When we dislike our leaders, we justify disobedience. We dishonor, refuse to pray, or speak with contempt — forgetting that Scripture commands us to pray for all in authority. “Paul told Timothy to pray and give thanks for kings — and he wrote that while Nero was emperor, lighting Christians on fire for dinner parties,” Coleton said. 1 Timothy 2:1–4: “Pray for kings and all those in authority… This pleases God our Savior.” We don't do this because leaders deserve it. “We do it because God deserves our obedience,” Coleton said. “We render to Caesar out of allegiance to God.” B. When We Like Caesar Too Much But Coleton warned that a greater danger is when we like Caesar too much. When we admire a political figure or government so deeply that we defend them even when they oppose God's Word. “We give Caesar what belongs to God,” he said. “And it looks spiritual because we think we're defending good values — but our loyalty has shifted.” Coleton gave examples: Evangelism: When we share more about politics than about Jesus. Loyalty: When we defend a politician more fiercely than we defend Christ. Apologetics: When we can argue politics better than we can explain the gospel. Time and Attention: When we consume more news than Scripture. Discipleship: When parents disciple kids politically, not spiritually. Identity: When we look more American than Christian. Faith and Hope: When we trust a government more than God's kingdom. “When that happens,” Coleton said, “We stop being Christians who live in America and become Americans who call themselves Christian.” 4. Implications: You Won't Fit Neatly Anywhere Coleton said if you truly follow Jesus, you won't fit perfectly in any political party. “Jesus didn't fit neatly with the conservatives or the liberals,” he said. “So neither will His followers.” He pointed out that the Pharisees (religious conservatives) and the Herodians (political progressives) both opposed Jesus — a sign that His kingdom doesn't conform to human categories. He quoted Rich Villodas: “If you are completely comfortable in any earthly political party, it's because you don't know who you are as a citizen in the Kingdom of Heaven.” And Tim Keller, who wrote: “Neither party embodies the full breadth of biblical ethics. Conservatives emphasize personal morality, liberals emphasize social justice — but the Bible calls for both. So Christians should not idolize one party or demonize the other.” Coleton summarized: “Our ultimate allegiance isn't to the right or the left — but to Jesus, and His kingdom alone.” 5. The Call: Give God What Is His Coleton closed with a reflective invitation. He asked listeners to pray and consider: Do you struggle to obey or respect leaders you dislike? Have you given more allegiance to political identity than to Jesus? Have you rendered unto Caesar what belongs to God — your hope, attention, loyalty, or love? He encouraged repentance — to re-center allegiance on God alone. Discussion Questions Why do you think Jesus refused to side with either the Pharisees or Herodians? What does that reveal about His kingdom? In what ways might modern Christians “render to Caesar what belongs to God”? What does healthy submission to governing authorities look like for believers today (Romans 13:1–7; 1 Timothy 2:1–4)? Where in your own life are you tempted to give more attention, hope, or loyalty to politics than to Jesus? How can our church model a better way — giving God our full allegiance while honoring human authorities appropriately?

The King's Authority: Lord of Lords

Sunday AM 11-02-2025. Verse-by-Verse through The Gospel of Mark.

The Sadducees came to test Jesus—but ended up revealing their own blindness to the truth. In Mark 12:18–27, Jesus confronts their unbelief and reveals that resurrection life isn't just a continuation of this one, but a complete transformation. This week, Pastor Korey reminds us that our God is not the God of the dead, but of the living—and because Christ rose, every grave that belongs to Him will one day be empty.

Sermon Summary: “Jesus the Cornerstone” (Mark 12:10–11) “‘The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; the Lord has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes.'” — Mark 12:10–11 Introduction: A Title That Tells a Story Coleton opened by recalling a childhood nickname—“The Master of Disaster”—a title that summed up his habit of breaking things and then turning to his brother's belongings for replacements. He explained how nicknames often tell us something true about who a person is. In this passage, Jesus gives Himself a title drawn from Psalm 118—the Cornerstone. This name, Coleton explained, reveals how Jesus wants to operate in our lives: as the foundation and guide upon which everything else depends. Coleton invited the church to explore two key characteristics of a cornerstone—and how they reveal what Jesus wants to be for us. 1. The Cornerstone Was the First Stone Laid A cornerstone was always the first and most important stone in ancient construction. It determined the direction, shape, and alignment of every other stone that followed. Builders would measure every subsequent piece against it. “Whatever the cornerstone looked like, the other stones would look like.” Coleton said that's what Jesus wants to be for us: the one who shapes our lives, directs our paths, and forms our character. He's not trying to control us—He's trying to lead and form us into His likeness. Coleton then painted a vivid contrast between our human tendencies and Christ's character: We Are Jesus Is Impatient Long-suffering Selfish Selfless Proud Humble Discontent Trusting Fearful Courageous Worried Peaceful Busy & stressed Unhurried Afraid of rejection Secure in the Father's love Lustful Self-controlled Unforgiving Infinitely forgiving Empty Full and overflowing “The virtues we're searching for,” Coleton said, “are not found apart from Him—they are found in Him.” Therefore, whatever or whoever is your cornerstone will shape your life into its image. Reflection Questions Coleton Posed: What is shaping your anger, your spending, your relationships? Who decides how you treat your spouse, raise your kids, or forgive others? What dictates your habits—Jesus or your desires? Coleton challenged listeners: If Jesus isn't the one shaping your decisions, then something else is. That “something else” has become your cornerstone. 2. The Cornerstone Was the Strongest Stone The cornerstone wasn't just first—it was also the strongest. It had to bear the weight of the entire structure and withstand storms. If it crumbled, the whole building collapsed. Coleton used this to illustrate why Jesus is the only foundation that won't fail: “See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation; the one who relies on it will never be shaken.” — Isaiah 28:16 Everything else in life—success, relationships, money, career, beauty, reputation—is fragile. If those things fall apart, so will we. But Jesus is the only foundation that can never be shaken. Coleton shared personally about how, early in his life, his relationship with Rainey was his cornerstone. When things were good, he felt secure. When they weren't, he was crushed. Later, as a pastor, his cornerstone often shifted to his church's success or how well his sermon went. When those things faltered, his peace faltered too. He said, “I can turn even my ministry into my cornerstone instead of Jesus.” To reorient his heart, Coleton often stares at Rembrandt's painting “Christ in the Storm on the Sea of Galilee.”  He sees himself among the disciples, frantically trying to steady the ship—the church—while Jesus calmly rests amid chaos. Then he remembers Jesus' question: “Why are you so afraid?” (Mark 4:40) Coleton said, “If He's not worried, why should I be? If He's not shaken, why should I be?” That truth reshapes everything. He invited listeners to apply that same faith to their own circumstances: If your job is shaking—Jesus still promises to provide. If the government is shaking—Jesus still reigns. If your children are struggling—Jesus loves them more than you do. If your health is declining—Jesus has already conquered death. Coleton said, “Whatever shakes your life reveals your cornerstone.”  But when Jesus is your cornerstone, even the fiercest storm can't topple your soul. 3. How to Make Jesus Your Cornerstone Coleton closed by teaching from Matthew 7:24–27, where Jesus says that the wise builder is the one who hears His words and puts them into practice. “Everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock… The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew… yet it did not fall.” Simply calling Jesus “Lord” isn't enough. Obedience is what builds a life on Him. Coleton said, “There are people walking around calling Jesus their cornerstone while not doing what He says—and then wondering why their life is falling apart. It's not the cornerstone's fault.” He illustrated this with his son Teddy's LEGO set. Without following the instructions, the pieces might form something, but not what it was designed to be. Likewise, our lives can “look like something” without being what God designed. To make Jesus your cornerstone: Put His words into practice.  Don't just listen—live them. Spend more time with Him.  “You become like who you're around.” The more time you spend with Jesus—in Scripture, prayer, and reflection—the more you'll begin to resemble Him. Make alignment adjustments.  When the Spirit convicts you of areas where Jesus isn't shaping you, repent. Realignment isn't punishment—it's protection. He ended with a simple call: Make Jesus your cornerstone—because only He can carry the weight of your life. Discussion Questions What are some “cornerstones” that have shaped your decisions, emotions, or identity besides Jesus? How does Jesus being the first and strongest stone reshape your understanding of what it means to follow Him daily? When was the last time your life felt like it was “shaking”? What did that reveal about your foundation? What's one area of your life where you need to realign with Jesus' words this week? What habits or practices could help you spend more time with Jesus so that your life increasingly reflects His image? Key Takeaway: Your life will be shaped by whatever your cornerstone is. Only Jesus can bear that weight and make your life stand firm.  

Sunday AM 10-26-2025. Verse-by-Verse through The Gospel of Mark.

The King's Authority: We're Here to Love

Nothing in my hand I bring, simply to the cross I clingNaked, came to Thee for dress, helpless, look to Thee for grace;foul, I to the fountain fly; wash me, Savior, or I die.Rock of Ages cleft for me; let me hide myself in Thee.

12 And he began to speak to them in parables. “A man planted a vineyard and put a fence around it and dug a pit for the winepress and built a tower, and leased it to tenants and went into another country. 2 When the season came, he sent a servant to the tenants to get from them some of the fruit of the vineyard. 3 And they took him and beat him and sent him away empty-handed. 4 Again he sent to them another servant, and they struck him on the head and treated him shamefully. 5 And he sent another, and him they killed. And so with many others: some they beat, and some they killed. 6 He had still one other, a beloved son. Finally he sent him to them, saying, ‘They will respect my son.' 7 But those tenants said to one another, ‘This is the heir. Come, let us kill him, and the inheritance will be ours.' 8 And they took him and killed him and threw him out of the vineyard. 9 What will the owner of the vineyard do? He will come and destroy the tenants and give the vineyard to others. 10 Have you not read this Scripture: “ ‘The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; 11 this was the Lord's doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes'?” 12 And they were seeking to arrest him but feared the people, for they perceived that he had told the parable against them. So they left him and went away. Paying Taxes to Caesar13 And they sent to him some of the Pharisees and some of the Herodians, to trap him in his talk. 14 And they came and said to him, “Teacher, we know that you are true and do not care about anyone's opinion. For you are not swayed by appearances, but truly teach the way of God. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not? Should we pay them, or should we not?” 15 But, knowing their hypocrisy, he said to them, “Why put me to the test? Bring me a denarius and let me look at it.” 16 And they brought one. And he said to them, “Whose likeness and inscription is this?” They said to him, “Caesar's.” 17 Jesus said to them, “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's.” And they marveled at him. The Sadducees Ask About the Resurrection18 And Sadducees came to him, who say that there is no resurrection. And they asked him a question, saying, 19 “Teacher, Moses wrote for us that if a man's brother dies and leaves a wife, but leaves no child, the man must take the widow and raise up offspring for his brother. 20 There were seven brothers; the first took a wife, and when he died left no offspring. 21 And the second took her, and died, leaving no offspring. And the third likewise. 22 And the seven left no offspring. Last of all the woman also died. 23 In the resurrection, when they rise again, whose wife will she be? For the seven had her as wife.” 24 Jesus said to them, “Is this not the reason you are wrong, because you know neither the Scriptures nor the power of God? 25 For when they rise from the dead, they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels in heaven. 26 And as for the dead being raised, have you not read in the book of Moses, in the passage about the bush, how God spoke to him, saying, ‘I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob'? 27 He is not God of the dead, but of the living. You are quite wrong.” The Great Commandment28 And one of the scribes came up and heard them disputing with one another, and seeing that he answered them well, asked him, “Which commandment is the most important of all?” 29 Jesus answered, “The most important is, ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. 30 And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.' 31 The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no other commandment greater than these.” 32 And the scribe said to him, “You are right, Teacher. You have truly said that he is one, and there is no other besides him. 33 And to love him with all the heart and with all the understanding and with all the strength, and to love one's neighbor as oneself, is much more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.” 34 And when Jesus saw that he answered wisely, he said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” And after that no one dared to ask him any more questions. Whose Son Is the Christ?35 And as Jesus taught in the temple, he said, “How can the scribes say that the Christ is the son of David? 36 David himself, in the Holy Spirit, declared, “ ‘The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit at my right hand, until I put your enemies under your feet.” ' 37 David himself calls him Lord. So how is he his son?” And the great throng heard him gladly. Beware of the Scribes38 And in his teaching he said, “Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes and like greetings in the marketplaces 39 and have the best seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at feasts, 40 who devour widows' houses and for a pretense make long prayers. They will receive the greater condemnation.” The Widow's Offering41 And he sat down opposite the treasury and watched the people putting money into the offering box. Many rich people put in large sums. 42 And a poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which make a penny. 43 And he called his disciples to him and said to them, “Truly, I say to you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the offering box. 44 For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.” The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), Mk 12:1–44.

In Mark 12:28-34, Jesus describes what he regards as the greatest commandment, and in doing so, he reinforces the famous Jewish monotheistic creed. This episode explores the interaction between Jesus and a friendly scribe that results in a reaffirmation of the crucial truth that the true God, Yahweh, is only one person. To view the video version of this episode, go here: https://youtu.be/1iY2YCodxQ8    Preorder A Systematic Theology of the Early Church: https://amzn.to/47jldOc  Visit Amazon to buy your copy of The AI Critical New Testament: https://amzn.to/3VxO8r5   Visit Amazon to buy your copy of my book, Wisdom Christology in the Gospel of John: https://amzn.to/4neRGdH  Visit Amazon to buy your copy of The Son of God: Three Views of the Identity of Jesus: https://amzn.to/462mqYn  To support this podcast, donate here: https://www.paypal.me/10mintruthtalks   Episode notes: https://docs.google.com/document/d/19F91pxsUAP6nVJGvP3K5Y3FkPNw-eKxiEhkRGNyfEhg/edit?usp=sharing  Check out some of my videos on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/@BiblicalUnitarianPodcast       Follow me on X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/OneGodPodcast 

Jesus' critics thought they could trap Him with a question about loyalty, but He exposed their hypocrisy with one sentence that still echoes today. In Mark 12:13–17, Jesus reminds us that while we have responsibilities in this world, our ultimate allegiance belongs to God alone. This week, Pastor Korey shows how true disciples honor authority without compromising worship—and how the image we bear determines the life we give.

Recorded on 10/19/25.

This episode features a full length Bible study taught by Pastor Jack Abeelen of Morningstar Christian Chapel in Whittier, California.If today you prayed with Pastor Jack to receive the Lord, we'd love to hear about it and get you started on the right foot. Visit us online at: https://morningstarcc.org/born-again/To see more of Pastor Jack's Bible studies, visit our Morningstar Christian Chapel channel at https://www.youtube.com/@morningstarcc.To subscribe to our Podcast newsletter go to http://eepurl.com/iGzsP6.If you would like to support our electronic ministry, you may do so by going to our donations page at https://morningstarcc.churchcenter.com/giving/to/podcast.Visit our church website at https://morningstarcc.org.

Sermon Summary: “The Patient Heart of God” Mark 12:1–12 Introduction: The Gospel That Captivates, Not Terrifies Coleton began with a story from his childhood — his first time hearing the gospel at a Vacation Bible School in Riverdale, Georgia. The preacher was loud, red-faced, and terrifying. Young Coleton walked down the aisle, not because he loved Jesus or wanted to follow Him, but because he was afraid of hell. He reflected, “The preacher's message was true — but it didn't lead me to turn to Jesus because I was captivated by Him. Jesus wasn't made beautiful or awesome to me; He was made out to be brutal, angry, mean, and threatening.” Coleton shared that his goal was to communicate the same truth that preacher did — that rejecting Jesus brings death — but in a completely different way: showing the beauty, patience, and love of God who relentlessly pursues us. From this parable, Jesus reveals two truths: The patient heart of God. What we invite into our lives when we reject the Son. 1. The Patient Heart of God Mark 12:2–5 – “At harvest time he sent a servant to the tenants to collect from them some of the fruit of the vineyard. But they seized him, beat him and sent him away empty-handed… He sent still another, and that one they killed. He sent many others; some of them they beat, others they killed.” Coleton explained that this parable paints the long history of Israel's rejection of God's prophets. Time and again, God sent messengers calling His people to repentance — and time and again, they refused to listen. Yet, instead of destroying them, God patiently sent another messenger. And another. And another. That's the heart of God: He keeps coming after His people, giving chance after chance. “The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise… Instead He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” – 2 Peter 3:9 God's patience isn't weakness — it's love in action. He longs for every person to experience life and repentance. Coleton said, “This isn't just about ancient Israel. This is how God pursues each of us. Even when we run, ignore, or push Him away — He keeps sending reminders, people, and moments to get our attention.” Examples of God's Patient Pursuit C.S. Lewis described his conversion as a “chess game with God.” He was an atheist who wanted nothing to do with religion, but God kept making “moves” — awakening a longing in him for beauty and joy that the world couldn't satisfy. “If I find in myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world.” – C.S. Lewis Lewis later wrote about the night he finally surrendered: “I gave in, and admitted that God was God, and knelt and prayed: perhaps, that night, the most dejected and reluctant convert in all England.” – C.S. Lewis, Surprised by Joy Similarly, St. Augustine — once consumed by lust and pride — found himself restless and unsatisfied. One day, he heard a voice say, “Take up and read,” and his eyes fell on this verse: “Not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery… Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ.” – Romans 13:13–14 That moment changed him forever. “There was infused in my heart something like the light of full certainty and all the gloom of doubt vanished away.” – St. Augustine, Confessions Coleton then shared his own story — how God patiently pursued him through emptiness, injury, and unlikely people: First, through the emptiness he felt in high school after trying everything to fill the void. Then, through pain, when he tore his knee and began thinking about God. Then, through a person, a man named Mark McClendon, who shared the gentle love of God. Finally, through conviction, one night when he felt God chasing him — even in his brokenness. “He is always pursuing us with great patience,” Coleton said. “Because He doesn't want any to perish.” Paul wrote the same in Romans 1:19–20: “What may be known about God is plain… since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities—His eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen… so that people are without excuse.” God's pursuit is relentless. His heart is patient, and His goal is repentance and relationship. 2. Why God Sent the Son Mark 12:6 – “He had one left to send, a son, whom he loved. He sent him last of all, saying, ‘They will respect my son.'” Coleton pointed out the beauty and heartbreak of this verse. The owner of the vineyard — representing God — has one last hope: his beloved son. Instead of crushing the tenants, he sends his son in love, saying, “Surely they will respect my son.” God sends Jesus not to condemn, but because He desperately hopes humanity will respond. “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son… For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” – John 3:16–17 Even knowing the risk — that the world would reject and kill His Son — the Father sent Him anyway. That's how deeply God values us. “Despite our sin, our Creator thinks we are worth experiencing a hellish death for. In fact, it was for the joy of spending eternity with us that Jesus endured the cross.” – Greg Boyd, Present Perfect Jesus was sent because He was humanity's best and final chance to respond to God's love. The cross is not just proof of our sin — it's proof of our worth. 3. What We Invite When We Reject the Son Mark 12:7–9 – “But the tenants said to one another, ‘This is the heir. Come, let's kill him…' So they took him and killed him… What then will the owner of the vineyard do? He will come and kill those tenants and give the vineyard to others.” Coleton explained that rejecting the Son always leads to death and loss — not because God is cruel, but because there is no one else left to send. God has exhausted every avenue. Jesus is the final messenger, the final offer of grace. Rejecting Him means rejecting life itself. Coleton warned that this truth applies both spiritually and practically: When we reject Jesus' words about marriage, we invite destruction into our relationships. When we ignore His words about generosity, we lose joy and peace. When we refuse His words about forgiveness, bitterness eats away at our hearts. Jesus' words are life. To reject them is to invite death. “To reject the Son is to reject the one person who can bring you to God. To reject the Son is to shut the door to the life He offers.” Coleton admitted that as a boy, the preacher in Riverdale made it sound like God joyfully “flicked people into hell.” But Scripture paints a different picture: “God our Savior… wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth… For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all people.” – 1 Timothy 2:4–6 C.S. Lewis captured the freedom God gives us: “There are only two kinds of people in the end: those who say to God, ‘Thy will be done,' and those to whom God says, in the end, ‘Thy will be done.'” – C.S. Lewis God's desire is life and joy, but He will not force it. We choose life or death, acceptance or rejection. Application: Responding to the Son Coleton closed with a question: How is God patiently pursuing you — and who is He pursuing through you? For the believer, this means joining God in His patient pursuit of others: Like J.R.R. Tolkien pursued C.S. Lewis through friendship. Like Mark McClendon spoke gently to Coleton. For the Christian, it means asking, “What is my response to Jesus' words?” For the skeptic, it means asking, “Can I see the ways God has been patiently pursuing me?” Even the Pharisees, who hated Jesus, could feel that the parable was directed at them (v.12). Coleton asked his listeners, “Do you feel Him speaking to you too?” He concluded, “If you feel like this is God speaking to you, then this is Him still patiently pursuing you. Don't reject the Son.” Discussion Questions How have you personally experienced God's patience and pursuit in your life? Why do you think God continues to pursue people who continually reject Him? What does it mean that Jesus is both the best and the last messenger God sends? In what ways might we “reject the Son” in daily life — not through unbelief, but by ignoring His words? Who might God be patiently pursuing through your life right now, and how can you join Him in that pursuit?

The gospel has been twisted and used to manipulate, deceive, and even destroy the minds of those who genuinely seek God. As discouraging as that may sound, the Bible has never left us without warning. Scripture clearly reveals who these false teachers are, what drives them, and how we can discern the truth from deception.

Jesus tells a story that hits close to home for the religious leaders—and for us. In Mark 12:1–12, the Parable of the Tenants exposes the danger of rejecting God's messengers and trying to claim what belongs to Him. This week, Pastor Korey shows how God's mercy is relentless, His justice is certain, and His vineyard now belongs to those who love and serve His Son.

This episode features a full length Bible study taught by Pastor Jack Abeelen of Morningstar Christian Chapel in Whittier, California.If today you prayed with Pastor Jack to receive the Lord, we'd love to hear about it and get you started on the right foot. Visit us online at: https://morningstarcc.org/born-again/To see more of Pastor Jack's Bible studies, visit our Morningstar Christian Chapel channel at https://www.youtube.com/@morningstarcc.To subscribe to our Podcast newsletter go to http://eepurl.com/iGzsP6.If you would like to support our electronic ministry, you may do so by going to our donations page at https://morningstarcc.churchcenter.com/giving/to/podcast.Visit our church website at https://morningstarcc.org.