POPULARITY
71 episodes with reading mark
83 episodes with reading mark
18 episodes with reading mark
15 episodes with reading mark
52 episodes with reading mark
11 episodes with reading mark
10 episodes with reading mark
11 episodes with reading mark
12 episodes with reading mark
17 episodes with reading mark
5 episodes with reading mark
5 episodes with reading mark
13 episodes with reading mark
3 episodes with reading mark
6 episodes with reading mark
5 episodes with reading mark
2 episodes with reading mark
5 episodes with reading mark
Welcome to Dalby Presbyterian Church's uploaded sermons! Visit our website at https://dpc.cc for more resources, event updates, and ways to get involved. You can also watch to our sermon's at https://www.youtube.com/@DalbyPresbyterianMedia Join us as we grow in faith together! Reading: Mark 7:1-37
Welcome to Dalby Presbyterian Church's uploaded sermons! Visit our website at https://dpc.cc for more resources, event updates, and ways to get involved. You can also watch to our sermon's at https://www.youtube.com/@DalbyPresbyterianMedia Join us as we grow in faith together! Reading: Welcome to Dalby Presbyterian Church's uploaded sermons! Visit our website at https://dpc.cc for more resources, event updates, and ways to get involved. You can also watch to our sermon's at https://www.youtube.com/@DalbyPresbyterianMedia Join us as we grow in faith together! Reading: Mark 8:1-30
June 11, 2026Today's Reading: Mark 6:7-13Daily Lectionary: Proverbs 9:1-18; John 13:21-38“And he called the twelve and began to send them out two by two, and gave them authority over the unclean spirits.” (Mark 6:7) In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Disciples are followers of Jesus - literally. Before Jesus' ascension, the disciples went where He went. They did what He did. He taught, they listened. In this account in Mark, Jesus sends out the Twelve apostles. These men were disciples, but being an apostle meant that they were sent out to teach and to preach. They were given authority by Jesus and were given directions by Jesus. Today, we remember the Apostle Barnabas. This is the guy who ‘vouched' for Saul. In the early church, after Jesus ascended into heaven, there was a lot of persecution. You may remember that Saul was a high-ranking Jewish leader who had made it his mission to hunt disciples of Jesus and punish them, even to death. And yet, Jesus comes to Saul and confronts him about his sins. Jesus calls Saul to be one of His disciples—and even more—to be an apostle. Saul (later named Paul) was going to preach about Jesus; he was called out of darkness into God's light. We sinners tend to be skeptical; the disciples in the early church did too. Did Paul *really* meet Jesus? Was he *actually* a believer? The disciples in Jerusalem, at the time of Paul's conversion, were afraid. Paul wants to join these disciples, but they don't believe him. However, Barnabas is not going to stay silent. Barnabas greets Paul, brings him to the other disciples, and witnesses to what he knows happened. He teaches his fellow disciples (and apostles) the truth that Jesus does indeed change hearts and minds. He declares that Jesus did, in fact, call Paul to be an apostle. You probably aren't an apostle, but you are a disciple of Jesus. You get to continue learning from His Word, receiving His Gifts, and witnessing about what is true. In your Baptism, you are safely tucked into God's family, and nothing can take that away. From that place, then, you can be bold to speak about Jesus. You can declare that He does forgive sins, He does keep His promises, and He is the Savior of the world. You can be like Barnabas - speak of what is true and real. Point to Jesus' Death and Resurrection. Speak of yourself as a redeemed sinner. Speak to the neighbors you have been given - in your school, your home, your neighborhood, your community - and tell the Good News of Jesus for sinners. You get to be a disciple; you receive God's good Gifts, and you get to then share His love with all that you meet. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.How clear is our vocation, Lord, When once we heed your call: To live according to Your Word And daily learn, refreshed, restored, That You are Lord of all, And will not let us fall. (LSB 853:1) Deac. Sarah Longmire, Curricula Curator for Higher Things and Director of Family Life at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Lee's Summit, MO.
Sabbath School panel discussion and insight by 3ABN pastors and teachers. This podcast episode follows 2026 quarter 2, lesson 11 of the adult Bible study guide book. This quarter's book topic is “Growing in a Relationship with God”, and this week's Sabbath School lesson is titled “Setbacks”. Join us every week for a fresh and relevant study of the word of God. Reading: Mark 4:35–41; Mark 5:21–34; Rom. 5:3–5; Job 19:23–27; Job 23:8–12; Luke 24:13–27; Rom. 8:18, 28. Memory Text: “And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us” (Romans 5:3–5, NKJV). (June 06 - June 12) Sunday (John Dinzey) - “Life's Storm”Monday (Rise Rafferty) - “Be Made Well” Tuesday (James Rafferty) - “Job”Wednesday (Shelley Quinn) - “The Road to Emmaus”Thursday (Ryan Johnson) - “See Jesus” Want the Panelists' notes? You can sign up here: https://3abnsabbathschoolpanel.com/notes/ Questions or Comments? Email us at mail@3abn.org Donate: https://3abn.org/donate-quick.html
Welcome to Dalby Presbyterian Church's uploaded sermons! Visit our website at https://dpc.cc for more resources, event updates, and ways to get involved. You can also watch to our sermon's at https://www.youtube.com/@DalbyPresbyterianMedia Join us as we grow in faith together! Reading: Mark 4:35-5:43
Welcome to Dalby Presbyterian Church's uploaded sermons! Visit our website at https://dpc.cc for more resources, event updates, and ways to get involved. You can also watch to our sermon's at https://www.youtube.com/@DalbyPresbyterianMedia Join us as we grow in faith together! Reading: Mark 2:1-3:6
Welcome to Dalby Presbyterian Church's uploaded sermons! Visit our website at https://dpc.cc for more resources, event updates, and ways to get involved. You can also watch to our sermon's at https://www.youtube.com/@DalbyPresbyterianMedia Join us as we grow in faith together! Reading: Mark 3:7-3:35
Welcome to Dalby Presbyterian Church's uploaded sermons! Visit our website at https://dpc.cc for more resources, event updates, and ways to get involved. You can also watch to our sermon's at https://www.youtube.com/@DalbyPresbyterianMedia Join us as we grow in faith together! Reading: Mark 4:1-25
Sabbath School panel discussion and insight by 3ABN pastors and teachers. This podcast episode follows 2026 quarter 2, lesson 6 of the adult Bible study guide book. This quarter's book topic is “Growing in a Relationship with God”, and this week's Sabbath School lesson is titled “Having Faith”. Join us every week for a fresh and relevant study of the word of God. Reading: Mark 8:11, 12; Matt. 15:21–28; Luke 7:1–10; Eph. 2:8; Hebrews 11; Rev. 14:12. Memory Text: "“Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see” (Hebrews 11:1, NLT). (May 16 - May 22) Sunday (Ryan Johnson) - Just Give Me a Sign!Monday (Jill Morikone) - Jesus Sees Our FaithTuesday (Risë Rafferty) - Faith is Not a FeelingWednesday (John Dinzey) - Examples of FaithThursday (James Rafferty) - “The Faith of Jesus Want the Panelists' notes? You can sign up here: https://3abnsabbathschoolpanel.com/notes/ Questions or Comments? Email us at mail@3abn.org Donate: https://3abn.org/donate-quick.html
May 14, 2026Today's Reading: Mark 16:14-20 or Luke 24:44-53Daily Lectionary: Numbers 11:1-23, 31-35; Luke 17:1-19“And he led them out as far as Bethany, and lifting up his hands he blessed them.While he blessed them, he parted from them and was carried up into heaven.” (Luke 24:50-51)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.If your hands could talk, what story would they tell? They might tell a story of aching, cramping pain after taking a long test. Perhaps they would tell a story filled with warmth and joy around a campfire with family or friends. Or maybe they tell a love story as husband and wife walk hand in hand.But what about Jesus? If his hands could talk, what story would they tell? Thankfully, we don't have to wonder. Jesus' holy, precious palms tell the story of his promises made and kept for you. The story of your salvation is written by and in the holy hands of Jesus. After all, he who fashioned and formed Adam out of the dust of the earth also was incarnate of the Virgin Mary. He is flesh of our flesh. Bone of our bone. Hand of our hand, yet without the blackspot of sin-stained hands. He who fearfully and wonderfully formed you in your mother's womb - hands and all - also wriggled and wiggled his infant hands as Mary wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger.He who painted the starry skies above and made the earth his canvas also reached out his hands to cleanse, heal, and raise from the dead.He who spread out his hands in the wilderness and rained down manna and quail from heaven also broke bread on the hillside and in the Upper Room. He who inhabits the heavenly and holy temple built without hands, also inhabits and takes on human flesh, hands and all. Jesus' hands reached out in blessing. Jesus' hands took bread and broke it, and gave it, saying, “Take, eat, this is my body.” Jesus' hands lifted a cup and said, “Take, drink; this is my blood.” Jesus' hands prayed in Gethsemane. Shook at the violence of Good Friday. Were driven through by nails. Blood poured from his hands. Life left his hands. The darkness of the tomb covered his hands. And then, his hands had more to say. A good and gracious story to tell: Peace be with you. Crucified hands for you. Scarred hands for you. Risen and glorified hands for you. And now at his ascension, Jesus raises his hands once again in blessing. For his disciples. For you. When it comes to Jesus' hands, he has a gracious grip on you. A holy hold on your life. Indeed, he's got the whole world - including you - in his pierced hands. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Be now our joy on earth, O Lord, And be our future great reward. Alleluia, alleluia! Then, throned with You forever, we Shall praise Your name eternally. Alleluia, alleluia! Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia! (LSB 493:5)Rev. Samuel Schuldheisz, pastor of Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church in Milton, WA.
What do you do when fear takes over? In this powerful Family Sunday message, we dive into Mark 4:35–41—the story of Jesus calming the storm—and discover how faith can overcome fear in every season of life. This message is perfect for families, kids, and anyone facing uncertainty. In this sermon, you'll learn: Why storms happen even when you follow God How to respond when fear feels overwhelming The authority Jesus has over every situation How families can grow in faith together No matter what storm you're facing, remember: Faith is greater than fear.
We talk about what it feels like when Jesus seems quiet in the middle of chaos, and why God's delay is not the same as God being late. We trace the storm in Mark 4 and learn how suffering can form a stronger prayer life that builds endurance, trust and a steady faith that others can see. • Celebrating Freedom Conference fruit, deliverance, baptisms and hunger for God • Naming the feeling that Jesus is asleep on the boat • Reading Mark 4:35-41 and facing the question “Do you not care?” • Reframing delay as purposeful formation, not abandonment • Learning the prayer of lament, honest grief aimed at God • Learning the prayer of surrender, releasing control we cannot keep • Recovering intercession as standing in the gap for others • Practicing trust when circumstances contradict it • Embracing silence when pain is too deep for words • Shifting from quick relief to prayer of formation and true victory • Noticing “other boats were with him” and how our response affects others
April 25, 2026Today's Reading: Mark 16:14-20Daily Lectionary: Exodus 40:17-38; Leviticus 1:1-7:38; Luke 8:40-56“Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved.” (Mark 16:16) In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. What a remarkable promise by Jesus here in Mark 16:16. Baptism saves. How can that be? We'll get to that in a moment. But first, let's review. What makes a Baptism a Baptism? Answer: water and God's Word. How much water? Jesus never says. Sprinkle? Sure. Immerse? If you want to. As long as you use water. No confetti. No rose petals. Water! Attached or hooked to the water is the all-authority-in-heaven-and-earth-Lord-Jesus' mandate: “in the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,” (Matthew 28:19. Not, “creator, redeemer and sanctifier.” Not “creator, liberator, and sustainer.” You are baptized when the water is applied with the divine mandate Word (“in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit”). What divine Gift does the Triune God give you in holy Baptism according to Matthew 28:19? It is the divine and saving name! And with His name, the Triune God gives Himself to the baptized. Promises to be God for her. Promises to act as God for her. So, to be baptized in the Triune name is to be baptized by the Triune God Himself. Baptized in the divine and saving name of the Trinity, it is no surprise that the New Testament extols salvational benefits like Jesus does in Mark 16:16. Check out the following passages and note the benefits such as forgiveness and washing away of sin, Gift of the Holy Spirit, rebirth, justification, sanctification, etc.: Acts 2:38-39; 22:16; Romans 6:3-4; 1 Corinthians 6:11; Ephesians 5:26; Galatians 3:27; Titus 3:5-7; John 3:3-5; 1 Peter 3:18-22. All those benefits flow from the divine and saving name given to the baptized. This is why the Large Catechism correctly taught: “This is the simplest way to put it: the power, effect, benefit, fruit, and purpose of Baptism is that it saves.” Oh, in addition, let's not forget that Peter declares that Baptism and all its salvific benefits are for “for you, and for your children and for all” (Acts 2:39)! And there's more: the words “for you” require all hearts to believe. Peter wants you to take this Gift personally. “Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved,” Jesus promises. Faith does not make a Baptism a Baptism. Faith receives what Baptism gives so that it may be beneficial for the baptized, as Jesus promises. Always use Jesus' promise of Mark 16 against your sin, Satan, and guilty conscience by saying: “But I am baptized! And if I have been baptized, I have the promise that I shall be saved and have eternal life, both in soul and body,” (Large Catechism). In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. All who believe and are baptized Shall see the Lord's salvation Baptized into the death of Christ They are a new creation Through Christ's redemption they shall stand Among the glorious heav'nly band Of every tribe and nation (LSB 601:1)
Our culture's growing addiction to fear comes into focus through a surprisingly relatable moment—one that exposes how far we'll go to avoid discomfort and uncertainty. Jase, Al, and Zach connect it to a much bigger issue: the way constant headlines and global tension keep people stuck in a cycle of anxiety and overreaction. The guys push back on that instinct by revisiting what Jesus actually said about wars and unrest, highlighting a message that's often misunderstood and misapplied. They point to a deeper perspective rooted in faith, clarity, and trust in God's bigger plan. The conversation ultimately reframes how believers should respond to fear—not by numbing it or giving in to it, but by stepping out of the cycle entirely and living with confidence grounded in truth. In this episode: Mark 13, verses 1–30; Acts 3–4; Ephesians 2, verses 19–22; Luke 24, verses 44–49; John 1, verses 1–13; 1 John 5, verses 1–5; Matthew 22, verses 34–40; Matthew 23, verses 1–36; Philippians 3, verses 18–21; 1 Peter 1, verses 1–5; Colossians 2, verses 9–15; John 17, verse 3 “Unashamed” Episode 1312 is sponsored by: https://texassuperfood.com — Get 35% off your first order when you use code Unashamed. https://chministries.org/unashamed — See why Christians are ditching health insurance for good. Get a simpler alternative at half the cost! https://www.bruntworkwear.com/unashamed — Get 10% Off + an extra $10 off your Starter Kit purchase at BRUNT with code UNASHAMED #Bruntpod. http://unashamedforhillsdale.com/ — Sign up now for free, and join the Unashamed hosts every Friday for Unashamed Academy Powered by Hillsdale College Check out At Home with Phil Robertson, nearly 800 episodes of Phil's unfiltered wisdom, humor, and biblical truth, available for free for the first time! Get it on Apple, Spotify, Amazon, and anywhere you listen to podcasts! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/at-home-with-phil-robertson/id1835224621 Listen to Not Yet Now with Zach Dasher on Apple, Spotify, iHeart, or anywhere you get podcasts. Chapters 0:00 Fear, Death & How the World Tries to Cope 7:15 From Personal Fear to Global Conflict 13:45 Jesus Predicts Wars? Reading Mark 13 in Context 22:10 Why “This Generation” Changes Everything 26:40 The Temple's Destruction vs Modern End Times Theories 35:20 What It Means to Be “Born of God” 39:30 Why God's Commands Aren't Burdensome 43:45 The Difference Between Law & Love 47:10 How Jesus Publicly Defeated Sin & Death 50:30 Water, Blood & Spirit Explained — Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Hello and welcome to Christchurch Xscape's Easter Sunday Service. Today we conclude our Easter series 'Unfollowed: Lessons for Disciples on the Way to the Cross'.Please feel free to get in touch hello@xchurch.org.ukReading: Mark 14:43-51, 16:1-7Our podcast https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/xchurch/Our blog for thought-provoking articles https://xchurch.medium.com/Sign up to our fortnightly email http://xchurch.us8.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=2ef1fcfe581f6926a1507b6e0&id=ff02df616e
Today's Reading: Mark 16:1-8Daily Lectionary: Exodus 14:10-31; Hebrews 7:23-8:13“And he said to them, ‘Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has risen; he is not here. See the place where they laid him.” (Mark 16:6)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.The Sabbath was past, and it was time to do everything as it should be according to their customs. The women bought spices to anoint the body of Jesus for his burial. They were willing to go where He had lain for three days; they were willing to make themselves unclean according to the Law of Moses to anoint their Lord's body. Like so many other times in Mark's Gospel, God emphatically intervenes. Three women had no chance of rolling away the stone blocking Jesus' tomb. They were as curious as to how they would roll the stone away as they were to see an open tomb at their tomb. No more would everything be as it should be according to their customs, according to the Law of Moses.God emphatically proclaims the Gospel through the white robed young preacher. God's anointed Jesus of Nazareth, whom they cared for; He is risen! He is not in the tomb. The messenger of God, the angel appearing as a young man, proclaims the Gospel, the Good News of the empty tomb. No more will the stench of death claim you, nor will death's sting have any power over you. No more will the Law declare you unclean. Jesus died to your sin, making them His own dying to the curse of the Law. Swallowing up death in His death, and emphatically crying out from the cross, from the empty tomb before His Father, and before these women who saw Him die, that death is no more.No more doing everything as it should be, no more would everything be how it had been. “Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has risen; he is not here. See the place where they laid him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going before you to Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.” As the women ran away, trembling, astonished at this proclamation. You also go from here free, astonished at what God has done.The God who emphatically came down from heaven, taken on human flesh, ripped the heavens open at His Son's Baptism and walked among us, died for us, and rose that we, too, shall rise. The life of Jesus is your life. God emphatically unites you to Him in your Baptism. That you would be free in Christ indeed, and go into your daily life, astonished at what God has done.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Almighty God, through Your only-begotten Son, Jesus Christ, You overcame death and opened to us the gate of everlasting life. We humbly pray that we may live before You in righteousness and purity forever; through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. (Collect for the Resurrection of Our Lord)
Reading: Mark 16:1-8Speaker: Tommy Pratt Congratulations to Paul and Jackie who were Baptised today! Thoughts on Easter Sunday Where does this Easter find you? It finds me where I am most nights. With my not-so-little Elliott (he just turned 5 years-old) and we are reading his big-boy Bible. Its illustrations are beautiful. Its gospel message ... Read more The post Easter Sunday 2026 – He is Risen! first appeared on Minehead Baptist Church.
Today's Reading: Mark 14:1-15:47Daily Lectionary: Exodus 9:29-10:20; Lamentations 2:1-22; Hebrews 3:1-19“Then Judas Iscariot, who was one of the twelve, went to the chief priests in order to betray him to them. And when they heard it, they were glad and promised to give him money. And he sought an opportunity to betray him.” (Mark 14:10-11)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Judas sought an opportunity to betray Jesus for money. It's easy to give Judas a bad rap, after all, what kind of fool betrays his beloved teacher after giving up everything to follow him for three years? But is Judas so far removed from us? Are his actions that illogical? Why give up everything for someone who keeps turning everything on its head, upsetting norms, and infuriating powerful people? Would any of us want to be in the crosshairs of powerful rulers just because of our proximity and faithfulness to the teacher? Especially one who seems to have everything backwards? Why not just cut your losses, get a little money out of it, and carry on with the rest of your life? There is a certain logic to Judas's thinking. Sin can often be quite logical. Sometimes we like to sugarcoat our sin, talking about it like a trap we fell into accidentally, as if that somehow removes our culpability. Surely, we are better than Judas. Perhaps our evil is passive, like those things we confess on Sunday morning that we left undone. Certainly, there is a way in which sin can tempt us to blindness, laziness, or apathy, so we just fail to act appropriately. We don't usually see the ways that we actively seek out ways to sin. We don't see the ways we betray Jesus.This betrayal comes to us cloaked in our own self-justifications; the myriad ways we excuse, explain, and dismiss our sins. There are many times we'd rather be righteous in the eyes of men than humble at the feet of Jesus. We would like to find sensible ways to work in his kingdom, ways that look like winning. We'd like the approval of the religious power brokers and the esteem of our colleagues. We want comfort and assurance in everything but the words of Jesus. This can leave us, like Judas, looking for a different way, a shortcut, a more comfortable path. We do not avoid the path of Judas by wrestling with our own willpower, our own desire to betray Jesus for a simpler road. Instead, because we know our Lord and his mercy and grace, we confess these sins, bring them to Him, and look to the comfort of his word and promises to guide our steps through the narrow way. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.What is the world to me With all its vaunted pleasure When You, and You alone, Lord Jesus are my treasure! You only, dearest Lord, My soul's delight shall be; You are my peace, my rest. What is the world to me! (LSB 730:1)
March 27, 2026Today's Reading: Mark 15:33-47Daily Lectionary: Exodus 5:1-6:1; Mark 15:33-47 “And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, ‘Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?' which means, ‘My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?'” (Mark 15:34)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. The final words of Christ make a declaration. Christ is truly alone with the weight of all the sins of all people from all time bearing down upon him. He has completed the requirements of the law, and now the perfect sacrifice for all mankind is finished. “Why have you forsaken me?” is uttered, and He breathes his last. He is alone and dead. His father has turned His back on Him. The few that have come to the cross stand at a distance. All that is left is to bury Him.It is not a glorious death. His death is a death of humiliation and torture. It is a bloody death filled with agony and pain. His disciples have left him but one, John. The local church leaders have stopped by to deride him and cast their insults upon Him. They truly kick Him when He is down. No mercy is shown to Him other than a bit of sour wine on a hyssop branch. Often in our lives, we are left feeling all alone. We may cry out in a similar fashion, “My God, why have you forsaken me?” Various circumstances in our lives can leave us feeling as if no one is with us. We continually hear the shallow platitudes of those around us regarding the omnipresence of God. Yet the darkness in our lives seems overwhelming. The family is still fighting. The homework is still piling up. The parents are still divorced. The slanderous remarks still spew from fellow classmates in the hallways and on social media. We are left under the weight of our sin and abandonment.It is in the sacrament of Holy Baptism that we are reminded that we are not alone. In all of the above circumstances, we see the separation and loneliness that exists on account of sin. In your Baptism, you are connected to the cross of Christ. His being forsaken by God the Father is your promise that God the Father will never abandon you or forsake you. Your Baptism is that seal, that promise that God never turns His back on you. It is not that you “were” Baptized but that you “are” Baptized. Daily, when the sins of this world bear down upon you, you can proclaim, “I am Baptized.”In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.I bind unto myself the name, The strong name of the Trinity By invocation of the same, The Three in One and One in Three, Of whom all nature has creation, Eternal Father, Spirit, Word. Praise to the Lord of my salvation; Salvation is of Christ the Lord! (LSB 604:5)
Today's Reading: Mark 12:28-44Daily Lectionary: Genesis 44:1-18, 32-34; Mark 12:28-44“She out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.” (Mark 12:44b)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.When you think of role models, poor widows are not the first thing that pops into your mind. Maybe a teacher, someone who goes out of their way to help others, or someone who leads in the face of danger. In Jesus' day, the scribes would be the kind of people you looked up to. Yet Jesus says to beware of them. They are not good role models. Because while they looked good, did all the right things, and knew all the right answers, it was all a show. Their hearts weren't in it. They prayed long prayers with their lips but not their hearts. The widows they should have helped, they instead devoured. Sometimes we do that, too. Outwardly, we look good, but our hearts are filled with sin.But Jesus points to this widow. Maybe they hadn't even noticed her. She didn't look like much. But inside was the most beautiful faith! Faith that took her last two coins, all she had to live on, and gave them to God. Had she not gone to the Temple that day, no one would have missed her or her offering. But it mattered to her. So she went. And she gave. And she mattered to Jesus.As do you. That's why Jesus gave all He had for you. Not just giving all He had to live on, but His very life itself. And He gave not only more than anyone else, but more than everyone else put together, and what no one else could give—a perfectly sinless life to atone for all the completely sinful lives of the world. And while just one life for the countless lives that have lived since the creation of the world may seem as small and insignificant as the offering of the widow, the two small coins that make just a penny, like the offering of the widow, that one life was more than all other offerings. For it was given in the most beautiful faith and love. With perfect faith in His Father, and with perfect love for you. And now, Jesus gives you two little things—a little piece of bread and a little sip of wine, that don't look like much to the eye, but nothing could be bigger. There is Jesus' Body and Blood. There is Jesus and His forgiveness and all His Gifts. All you need to live eternally. So if you're looking for a role model, here's one for you! No one may notice you, and what you do may not seem to matter. But you matter to Jesus. You are precious to Him. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Jesus, thank You for giving all You are for me. Help me live in faith like this widow, knowing that You give me all I need to live on. Amen.
March 13, 2026Today's Reading: Mark 10:32-52Daily Lectionary: Genesis 40:1-23; Mark 10:32-52“And James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came up to him and said to him, ‘Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you.' And he said to them, ‘What do you want me to do for you?' And they said to him, ‘Grant us to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your glory.'” (Mark 10:35-38)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Be careful what you pray for. The Bible is full of examples of God giving people what they keep asking for, even when He has told them not to ask. The people in the wilderness grumble against God, and they don't want to enter the Promised Land because they are fearful of the people who are there. They say, “It would be better for us to die in the wilderness!” And God granted their prayer. They would wander for 40 years, and when their generation had passed away, it would be their children who would enter the Promised Land.God's people wanted and begged for a king. God told them He was their King. He told them that if they had a king, the king would tax them, take their goods, and send their children off to war. They kept begging. God eventually gave them what they asked for, and the kings taxed them, took their goods, and sent their children off to war.James and John go up to Jesus and say, “Lord, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you.” That's bold! What's bolder is what they ask, “Grant us to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your glory.” They didn't know what they were asking for. Jesus' glory is when He is lifted up on the cross! Do they really want to be there? In His mercy, Jesus did not grant them that prayer.But, do you know what was there with Jesus in His glory? All of the sins of James, John, the people of Israel, and even you. If you are going to pray, pray for what the Lord has promised to give you. We don't know what we should pray for. That shouldn't stop us from praying, but it should change the way we pray. Instead of making demands, pray “Thy will be done,” and remember “God's will is done when He breaks and hinders every evil plan and purpose of the devil, the world, and our sinful nature, which do not want us to hallow God's name or let His kingdom come; and when He strengthens and keeps us firm in His Word and faith until we die.” (3rd Petition, Lord's Prayer)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Your gracious will on earth be done As it is done before Your throne, That patiently we may obey Throughout our lives all that You say. Curb flesh and blood and ev'ry ill That sets itself against Your will. (LSB 766:4)Rev. Daniel Burhop, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church, Reese, MI.Audio Reflections Speaker: Rev. Richard Heinz, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lowell, IN.We wander through life looking for freedom, only to realize we have listened to the devil's call to serve our selves, our pleasures, and our lusts. Instead of freedom we find ourselves enslaved to sin. We wonder if we have sinned too often, too deep to ever be welcomed back to the Father's home, back into His loving embrace. Have we lost our inheritance as children of God?In this short book, author Bryan Wolfmueller digs into the popular parable of the Prodigal Son to bring hope and aid to our hurting conscience. Wolfmueller proclaims the freedom-giving Gospel that through Jesus' suffering, death, and resurrection, our place in the Father's house is secure, and forgiveness and welcome are ours in His outstretched arms. Fully Free, now available from CPH.
March 11, 2026Today's Reading: Mark 10:1-12Daily Lectionary: Genesis 37:1-36; Mark 10:1-12“‘Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.' So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.” (Mark 10:7-9)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.What is your favorite thing to see at a wedding? Is it seeing the Bride in her dress? Seeing friends and family coming together to support a bride and groom? Is it the dancing or the meal after the ceremony? Is it looking at the decorations or everyone all dressed up nice?Those are all nice, but they aren't my favorite. What I like to see at the wedding is the groom's face when the bride first comes into view. Gone from the face are the forced smiles of greeting, the nervous stress, and everything else. Instead? It's simple, pure joy. Everyone else thinks the bride is beautiful, but the groom sees her differently than everyone else. Yes, he thinks she is beautiful, but his gaze is not just one of admiration; it's one of pure love and happiness. He sees no imperfection. He sees his bride. He sees the one that God is uniting him with “in heart, mind, and body.”Why is that my favorite? Because it reminds me of the way that Jesus views us; it's the way He sees His Bride, the Church. He sees us as perfect, beautiful, and holy. There is a difference between a regular groom and Jesus, though. In a regular wedding, it is the Bride who prepares herself for the big day. She gets her hair done, does her makeup, and gets dressed to walk down the aisle as perfectly as possible. But in our marriage to Jesus? He's the one who makes us perfect.Yes, we are full of imperfections. We have sins, and shame, and grief that weigh us down. But Jesus sees us with the eyes of a Bridegroom. “Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish.” (Ephesians 5:25-27)The next time you are at a wedding, while you watch the bride walk down the aisle, make sure to steal a glance at the groom and see his joy. Let it remind you of the way Jesus sees you with perfect love and joy in His face. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Father, You created Adam, Crafted Eve, and made them one; Jesus, from their sin You saved us, As God's true incarnate Son; Holy Spirit, You forgive us; From our sins we are released. Bring us, Lord, at last to heaven, To the endless wedding feast. (LSB 860:5)Rev. Daniel Burhop, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church, Reese, MI.Audio Reflections Speaker: Rev. Richard Heinz, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lowell, IN.We wander through life looking for freedom, only to realize we have listened to the devil's call to serve our selves, our pleasures, and our lusts. Instead of freedom we find ourselves enslaved to sin. We wonder if we have sinned too often, too deep to ever be welcomed back to the Father's home, back into His loving embrace. Have we lost our inheritance as children of God?In this short book, author Bryan Wolfmueller digs into the popular parable of the Prodigal Son to bring hope and aid to our hurting conscience. Wolfmueller proclaims the freedom-giving Gospel that through Jesus' suffering, death, and resurrection, our place in the Father's house is secure, and forgiveness and welcome are ours in His outstretched arms. Fully Free, now available from CPH.
March 6, 2026Today's Reading: Mark 8:1-21Daily Lectionary: Genesis 24:32-52, 61-67; Genesis 25:1-26:35; Mark 8:1-21“And his disciples answered him, ‘How can one feed these people with bread here in this desolate place?'” (Mark 8:4)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.We can be so forgetful when it comes to our Lord's compassion towards us, can't we? We're not alone! What good company we have with the disciples! They got forgetful, too. Only two chapters earlier, the Lord fed five thousand men plus women and children using five loaves and two fish. Now in Mark 8, the disciples are faced with four thousand growling stomachs. No McDonald's or Applebee's in sight! Whatever shall they do? Jesus gives them the situation. “‘I have compassion on the crowd, because they have been with me now three days and have nothing to eat. And if I send them away hungry to their homes, they will faint on the way. And some of them have come from far away.' And his disciples answered him, ‘How can one feed these people with bread here in this desolate place?'” (Mark 8:2-4) They were looking at the One who could and would feed these folks, but they got tripped up by the bigness of their need and fear.We, like the disciples, so often look at the bigness of our needs and fears and forget that there's One who is bigger than our needs and fears! That One is Jesus, of course. Let's fix our eyes on Him. His generosity knows no bounds! His compassion is for all! For you! For me! Compassion for Jesus is not just a feeling! Whenever Jesus has compassion in His Ministry, He does! He provides! He acts! His compassion produces action. We see His compassion for a scared-and-scarred World when He died for it. He gave everything He had on the Cross for you and me—every drop of blood to have us as His own. We belong to Him. Baptized in His Name, we lack nothing! More forgiveness than sin! More peace than anxiety! More life than death! Because Jesus has taken care of our biggie-salvation-needs, He'll take care of our smaller, everyday needs as well. We're reminded of this every time we eat and drink His Body and Blood. The Lord's Supper fixes our eyes on the One who is compassionate towards us, feeding us food that fills us with His unending life. With the Lord, we lack nothing here in time and there in eternity. He will provide what we need for this body and life. Compassion is who He is and what He does for you. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.I am trusting Thee to guide me; Thou alone shalt lead, Ev'ry day and hour supplying All my need. (LSB 729:4)Rev. Aaron Schian is pastor at Grace Lutheran Church in Auburn, MI.Audio Reflections Speaker: Rev. Richard Heinz, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lowell, IN.We wander through life looking for freedom, only to realize we have listened to the devil's call to serve our selves, our pleasures, and our lusts. Instead of freedom we find ourselves enslaved to sin. We wonder if we have sinned too often, too deep to ever be welcomed back to the Father's home, back into His loving embrace. Have we lost our inheritance as children of God?In this short book, author Bryan Wolfmueller digs into the popular parable of the Prodigal Son to bring hope and aid to our hurting conscience. Wolfmueller proclaims the freedom-giving Gospel that through Jesus' suffering, death, and resurrection, our place in the Father's house is secure, and forgiveness and welcome are ours in His outstretched arms. Fully Free, now available from CPH.
March 4, 2026Today's Reading: Mark 7:1-23Daily Lectionary: Genesis 22:1-19; Mark 7:1-23“And he said, ‘What comes out of a person is what defiles him.'” (Mark 7:20)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.The topic of food can get complicated these days with all of the diets out there: keto, carnivore, Mediterranean, vegetarian, gluten-free, etc. In Jesus' day, food was a controversial topic. Lines were drawn in the sand. No ifs, ands, or buts about it. There was a food fight going on, so to speak. Certain foods were deemed “clean” and therefore okay to consume, while other foods were considered defiled and dirtied, leaving a person ritually unclean and unable to worship at the Temple. Jesus stops the food fight when He says, “Hear me, all of you, and understand: There is nothing outside a person that by going into him can defile him, but the things that come out of a person are what defile him.” (Mark 7:14b-15) The disciples have a tough time with this. It's not what their Jewish mothers taught them. They would've been well aware of the clean/unclean categories. Jesus rocks their world when He tells them that food can't defile anyone. Every bite passes the heart and is expelled. Jesus declares all foods clean! So then what makes a person defiled and dirty?Food isn't the real problem since the heart of the problem is the human heart! And he said, “What comes out of a person is what defiles him. For from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, foolishness. All these evil things come from within, and they defile a person.” (Mark 7:20-23) No one gets away guilt-free from that list! Ouch! Leaves us all realizing that we have had thoughts, words, and actions that defile and dirty us. We're all in the same boat. We confess together, “I, a poor, miserable sinner!” Dirty and defiled, we deserve damnation! Thanks be to God, we get what we don't deserve! Grace upon grace! Jesus is the One who defiles and dirties Himself! He touches the unclean leper, lifts up the unclean dead, eats and drinks with unclean sinners and tax collectors. He takes upon Himself the dirt and defilement that damns! He bears our sins to die our death! Yes, He cries out those words of abandonment that we'll never have to speak: “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Mark 15:34). The Temple curtain is torn from top to bottom. The way to the Father is open to all through that godforsaken death on Good Friday. His blood cleanses us from all sin. “Take, drink, this is My blood shed for you for the forgiveness of all your sins.” There is food that sprinkles our hearts clean. Take, drink! In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Mine is the sin, but Thine the righteousness; Mine is the guilt, but Thine the cleansing blood; Here is my robe, my refuge, and my peace: Thy blood, Thy righteousness, O Lord my God. (LSB 631:5)Rev. Aaron Schian is pastor at Grace Lutheran Church in Auburn, MI.Audio Reflections Speaker: Rev. Richard Heinz, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lowell, IN.We wander through life looking for freedom, only to realize we have listened to the devil's call to serve our selves, our pleasures, and our lusts. Instead of freedom we find ourselves enslaved to sin. We wonder if we have sinned too often, too deep to ever be welcomed back to the Father's home, back into His loving embrace. Have we lost our inheritance as children of God?In this short book, author Bryan Wolfmueller digs into the popular parable of the Prodigal Son to bring hope and aid to our hurting conscience. Wolfmueller proclaims the freedom-giving Gospel that through Jesus' suffering, death, and resurrection, our place in the Father's house is secure, and forgiveness and welcome are ours in His outstretched arms. Fully Free, now available from CPH.
February 27, 2026Today's Reading: Mark 5:1-20Daily Lectionary: Genesis 13:1-18; Genesis 14:1-24; Mark 5:1-20“And crying out with a loud voice, he said, ‘What have you to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God?'” (Mark 5:7a) In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.“Jesus is my homeboy.” Have you ever heard anyone say something like that? Yes, Jesus took on human flesh, but does that make Him a fun-loving buddy you'd like to hang out with at the roller rink on Friday night? (That's still a thing, right?) Did the legion of demons that possessed the man in the country of the Gerasenes think that Jesus was a joke? Notice that the demons didn't come up to Jesus and try to dab him up or try to engage Him in casual conversation. When the man saw Jesus, he ran to Him, fell before him in fear, and cried out, “What have you to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God?” Their knowledge of who Jesus is and their recognition of the power and authority He held over them was evident in their posture and pleading. Do we approach Jesus in the same way? Like those demons, we ought to recognize His power and authority over us. Unlike those demons, Christ is our Savior and has invited us into His presence through worship, through the study of His Word, and through our reception of the Lord's Supper. This should help you to understand why Lutherans take worship so seriously. In worship, God has promised to spare us from judgment. When we say things, “Lord, have mercy upon us,” we know that He does because of Christ's sacrifice and service to us. Unlike the demons, who stand condemned, we've been redeemed. Christ assures us of our place in His kingdom through His sacrificial death and resurrection. Additionally, in our worship, we should not act as if Jesus is anything less than God in the flesh who comes into our presence to bring us the fruits of His salvation. Jesus is not inaccessible to us. He has come near to save us. Once he was healed, the demon-possessed man longed to be with Jesus, but Jesus told him, “Go home to your friends and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.” That same admonition can be given to each one of us. We live in a world that needs to hear the Good News about Christ. So what does the world need? Another buddy? A real fun guy to go bowling with? Or does the world need a Savior - God in the flesh who has power over sin, death, and Hell and has mercy on you? In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Before You, Lord, we bow, Our God who reigns above And rules the world below, Boundless in pow'r and love. Our thanks we bring In joy and praise, Our hearts we raise To You, our King! (LSB 966:1) Rev. Chad Hoover serves as Campus Pastor and theology teacher at Concordia Lutheran High School in Fort Wayne, IN and pastoral assistant at Emanuel Lutheran Church in New Haven, IN.Audio Reflections Speaker: Rev. Richard Heinz, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lowell, IN.Better understand difficult and overlooked Old Testament passages in this new book by Authors R. Reed Lessing and Andrew E. Steinmann. Their conversational yet academic writing style makes learning about the Old Testament accessible to those at all points in their Bible reading journey. Discussion questions at the end of each chapter invite you to think more in-depth about what you just read and record your answers. To stretch your understanding, a list of resources for further reading is also included at the back of the book.
February 20, 2026Today's Reading: Mark 1:29-45Daily Lectionary: Genesis 2:4-25; Mark 1:29-45“And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed.” (Mark 1:35)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Healings and more healings. This is what Jesus is doing. But amidst the healings is prayer. Jesus prays. We see this quite often with Jesus, that He goes off alone to pray. Sometimes it's to present specific requests to God and we get to hear them (like the High Priestly Prayer in John 17, or Jesus praying in the Garden of Gethsemane), but sometimes we don't get to hear the conversation He has alone with the Father. We do see that once He finishes praying, He's ready for what comes next. It's almost as if spending time alone with His Father in prayer refreshes, renews, and energizes Him. In Mark 1, after Jesus prays, He sets off for what's next: more healings. Life can be exhausting sometimes. I don't know if you would describe yourself as an introvert or an extrovert. All of us can get tired, exhausted, and worn down from something, whether it's the stresses we face, the pressures of school, family, work, or something else, like just living life. Some introverts are refreshed by being alone, spending time with themselves. I am not one of those people. I get refreshed and energized by being with people. Spending time in prayer can refresh us because we get to be with the One who created us, we get to cast all of our cares, concerns, worries, issues, and burdens on the One who is able to not only handle all of our stuff, but the One who can actually do something about our stuff. This doesn't mean that all of our prayers will be answered. Jesus knew what God's will was in the Garden of Gethsemane, and He prayed for His will to be done. He also asked that the cup would be removed from Him, even though He knew it wouldn't be. Paul writes, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7). Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, who brought peace between us and God through His death and resurrection, gives us peace no matter what God's answer to our prayers is. In Him we can have peace knowing that He is always with us when He says no, and when He says yes.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Amen, that is, so shall it be. Make strong our faith in You, that we May doubt not but with trust believe That what we ask we shall receive. Thus in Your name and at Your Word We say, “Amen, O hear us, Lord! (LSB 766:9)Rev. Glenn Worcester, pastor of Peace Lutheran Church, Winnipeg, ManitobaAudio Reflections Speaker: Rev. Richard Heinz, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lowell, IN.Better understand difficult and overlooked Old Testament passages in this new book by Authors R. Reed Lessing and Andrew E. Steinmann. Their conversational yet academic writing style makes learning about the Old Testament accessible to those at all points in their Bible reading journey. Discussion questions at the end of each chapter invite you to think more in-depth about what you just read and record your answers. To stretch your understanding, a list of resources for further reading is also included at the back of the book.
Hello and welcome to Christchurch Xscape's Sunday Service. Today we continue our new series 'Gospel Shorts: Big Truth in Small Moments.'Please feel free to get in touch hello@xchurch.org.ukReading: Mark 11: 12-25Our podcast https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/xchurch/Our blog for thought-provoking articles https://xchurch.medium.com/Sign up to our fortnightly email http://xchurch.us8.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=2ef1fcfe581f6926a1507b6e0&id=ff02df616e
January 18, 2026Today's Reading: Mark 8:27-35 (36-9:1)Daily Lectionary: Ezekiel 40:1-4; 43:1-12; Ezekiel 40:5-42:20; 43:13-27; Romans 8:18-39“And he asked them, ‘But who do you say that I am?' Peter answered him, ‘You are the Christ.' And he strictly charged them to tell no one about him.” (Mark 8:29-30)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Jesus must have missed the evangelism workshop. As Christians, we're supposed to tell everyone about Jesus, right? But when Peter very plainly—and correctly—identifies Jesus as the Christ, “he strictly charged them to tell no one about him.” Very curious indeed.Does Jesus, like Superman, want to keep His true identity a secret? Does He only want a select few to know the truth concerning Him? Does He only want some people to be saved? Peter boldly confesses that Jesus is the Christ, but what he says next shows why Jesus doesn't want them going around telling everyone about it. After St. Peter's confession, Jesus begins to speak of His death and resurrection. The name “Christ” means the “anointed,” and Jesus was anointed to die and then rise on the third day. But Peter, on the heels of his bold confession, rebuked Jesus for such talk. It's necessary to proclaim Jesus as the Christ, but it's not enough. “We preach Christ crucified,” St. Paul writes to the Romans. To separate the Christ from His cross makes Him no Christ at all. If you confess with St. Peter that Jesus is the Christ, you also confess that He is the Christ of the cross. “If anyone would come after me,” Jesus says to those who confess Him, “let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel's will save it.” The Christ of the cross is also the Christ of the empty tomb. The confession of St. Peter–and your confession–is also a confession that death is not the end of your life, but that, following the Christ, death gives way to new life.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Heavenly Father, You revealed to the apostle Peter the blessed truth that Your Son Jesus is the Christ. Strengthen us by the proclamation of this truth that we too may joyfully confess that there is salvation in no one else; through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.Author: Rev. Jacob Ehrhard, pastor of St. John's Lutheran Church and School in Chicago, IL.Audio Reflections Speaker: Rev. Richard Heinz, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lowell, IN.Better understand difficult and overlooked Old Testament passages in this new book by Authors R. Reed Lessing and Andrew E. Steinmann. Their conversational yet academic writing style makes learning about the Old Testament accessible to those at all points in their Bible reading journey. Discussion questions at the end of each chapter invite you to think more in-depth about what you just read and record your answers. To stretch your understanding, a list of resources for further reading is also included at the back of the book.
Join Dallas and Carlos as they conclude their study of the Gospel of Mark by exploring the "longer ending" of chapter 16. In this episode, they tackle the textual theories surrounding these verses, the historical reliability of the New Testament, and the profound commission Jesus gave His followers before His ascension. From the disbelief of the disciples to the miraculous signs that followed the early church, this discussion highlights the authority of Christ and the call to take the Gospel to all creation. Listen as we discuss: The textual history of Mark 16 and why the New Testament remains the most reliable ancient document in existence. The appearances of Jesus to Mary Magdalene and the two travelers, noting the disciples' initial struggle with unbelief. The "spiritual scatterbrain" and chaos the disciples felt in the days following the crucifixion. Jesus' rebuke of the Eleven for their hardness of heart and His subsequent command to preach the Gospel to the whole world. The spiritual significance of baptism as an outward proclamation of an internal immersion in Christ. Understanding "signs" like healing and protection as miracles that follow believers rather than commands to be forced. The theological importance of the Ascension and Jesus sitting at the "right hand of God" as a position of ultimate authority and intercession. ==========
Hello and welcome to Christchurch Xscape's Sunday Service. Today we begin our new series 'Gospel Shorts: Big Truth in Small Moments.'Please feel free to get in touch hello@xchurch.org.ukReading: Mark 12:38-44Our podcast https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/xchurch/Our blog for thought-provoking articles https://xchurch.medium.com/Sign up to our fortnightly email http://xchurch.us8.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=2ef1fcfe581f6926a1507b6e0&id=ff02df616e
What does it mean to follow a Messiah who reigns not with force, but through suffering and sacrifice? In this episode of Seek Go Create, Tim Winders takes us on a fast-paced journey through the Gospel of Mark—the earliest written account of Jesus' life, packed with urgency, raw emotion, and vivid storytelling. Discover how Mark's punchy, street-level narrative was meant to shake early believers in Rome—and how reading it in just eight days can transform your own perspective today. If you're ready to see Jesus in a whole new light, this episode is for you."The kingdom is not distant—it's breaking in right now. Authority in action: demons flee, diseases vanish, storms obey, death reverses." - Tim WindersEpisode Resources:NT90 Hub – This is the central website for the 90-day New Testament reading plan, with downloadable, printable plans, background information, and links to all episodes and resources.Episode Highlights:00:00 Introduction to the Gospel of Mark00:46 Resources and Reading Plan01:21 Historical Context of Mark's Gospel04:31 Themes and Style of Mark06:45 Reading Assignment and Next Steps08:12 Setting the Scene for Reading Mark
The Power of the Resurrection (Mark chapter 16 verses 1 through 8) Join Dallas and Carlos as they dive into the opening verses of Mark 16 to discuss the most significant event in history. They examine the devotion of the women who arrived at the tomb, the cultural weight of the Sabbath laws, and the profound implications of the empty tomb for every believer. This episode highlights the call for men to step into spiritual leadership and the beautiful grace shown in Peter's restoration. Listen as we discuss: - The faithfulness of Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome as they prepared to honor Jesus despite their grief. - A challenge to men to reject passivity and embrace the responsibilities God has given them in the home and the church. - The role of discipline and doing what is right, even when it is not immediately rewarding or convenient. - The theological necessity of the resurrection: proving Jesus is exactly who He said He was. - How the resurrection provides "newness of life," allowing the old self to die so we can rise as new creations. - The specific mention of Peter by the messenger signals God's heart to restore those who have turned away. - The historical authenticity of using women as the first witnesses in an ancient culture which adds credibility to the Gospel account. ==========
The Courage to Bury Jesus (Mark chapter 15 verses 42 through 47) Join Dallas and Carlos as they discuss the final moments surrounding Jesus's burial, focusing on Joseph of Arimathea's actions. They examine the strict Jewish preparations for the Sabbath and the critical importance of the Roman government's verification of Jesus's death. This episode highlights the courage of Joseph, a respected council member, who risked his standing to give Jesus a respectful burial, and the significance of the women who witnessed where he was laid. Listen as we discuss: -The preparation day before the Sabbath and the Jewish seriousness about not working. -Joseph of Arimathea's courageous act of asking Pilate for Jesus's body, risking political fallout from the Sanhedrin. -Pilate's surprise and the Roman verification of Jesus's death by the centurion, establishing the death's validity. -The theological importance of Rome verifying the death, adding weight to the gospel claim that Jesus died and rose again. -The parallel between Jesus's humble birth (wrapped in swaddling clothes/manger) and his burial in a borrowed tomb. -The spiritual impact of doing what God calls you to do, even when the fruit isn't immediately visible. -The role of Mary Magdalene and Mary, who followed the process and saw where Jesus was laid, providing verifiable eyewitness data. ==========
Full-chapter, Jesus-centered Advent readings, rooted in themes of longing, preparation, incarnation, and hope. Each passage invites joyful anticipation of Christ's coming. May this daily rhythm of listening to God's Word shape your heart in this season of waiting
❖ Follow along with today's reading: www.esv.org/Matthew28:9–20;Luke24:13–53;John20:19–21:25[additionalreading:Mark16:9–20] ❖ 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
In Mark 14, Jesus and his disciples go to the Mount of Olives to pray. Here, Jesus shares his burdens with 3 of his closest disciples and then goes on to pray a heartbreaking yet awe-inspiring prayer. What happened here, and what can we learn from this moment? Join us as Carlos and Dallas dig through Mark 14:26-42 together. 00:00 – Introduction and recap of last week's episode (Communion and reflection) 01:22 – Making Scripture personal and immersive 02:06 – Preparing for the heavy but hopeful journey ahead Mark 14:26–28 – Jesus and the Mount of Olives 02:33 – Reading Mark 14:26–28 02:55 – Setting the scene: the late-night walk to Gethsemane 04:07 – What hymn were they singing? (Psalms as worship) Mark 14:27–29 – “You will all fall away” 04:59 – Reading Mark 14:27–29 05:16 – Jesus references Zechariah 13:7 06:05 – How the disciples must have felt hearing they would fall away 07:32 – The hope in Jesus' words despite the warning 08:28 – Lessons about control, faith, and God's plan in hardship Mark 14:30–31 – Peter's Declaration 11:04 – Reading Mark 14:30–31 11:23 – Peter insists, “I will not deny you” 12:01 – Responding to failure and restoration after falling short 13:12 – Helping others move past spiritual failure Mark 14:32–34 – Jesus' Sorrow in Gethsemane 15:29 – Reading Mark 14:32–34 16:17 – Why Jesus only brought Peter, James, and John 17:17 – Leadership, trust, and knowing who to bring close 19:39 – Lessons for ministry leadership and accountability Mark 14:35–36 – “Not My Will, But Yours” 21:33 – Reading Mark 14:35–36 22:23 – The agony of submission and the meaning of “Abba, Father” 23:41 – Choosing obedience in suffering 24:05 – Developing faith to do the hard things 27:09 – The ripple effect of obedience and purpose in pain Mark 14:37–38 – Watch and Pray 28:07 – Reading Mark 14:37–38 28:26 – Jesus finds the disciples asleep 29:19 – How prayer helps us resist temptation 30:24 – Jesus' compassion even in disappointment Mark 14:39–42 – The Betrayal Approaches 31:42 – Reading Mark 14:39–42 32:27 – The disciples' weakness vs. Jesus' strength 33:09 – Encouragement for the persecuted early church 34:26 – Grace for our human failures Closing 35:12 – Final thoughts: grace, restoration, and hope 35:33 – Invitation to connect and visit The Healing Place ( www.thpshreveport.com )
In this episode of Midweek Move, Dallas and Carlos continue through Mark 12:35–44. Together, they unpack Jesus' confrontation with the scribes, His challenge to their view of the Messiah, and His warning about prideful leaders who exploit the vulnerable. The episode closes with the powerful story of the poor widow's offering, and what it teaches us about faith, sacrifice, and the heart behind giving. Join the conversation, follow along in your Bible, and let us know how this passage challenges and encourages you. 00:00 – Episode intro & overview 02:24 – Reading Mark 12:35 | Whose Son is the Christ? 03:08 – Jesus questions the scribes' view of the Messiah 04:07 – Reading Mark 12:36–37 | Psalm 110 and divine authority 07:16 – Reading Mark 12:38–39 | Beware of the scribes 08:24 – Historical context of scribes' clothing and status 09:20 – What Jesus is really rebuking (heart vs. appearance) 12:18 – Judging intentions & church leaders today 15:26 – Reading Mark 12:40 | Scribes devouring widows' houses 16:33 – Protecting the vulnerable from exploitation 20:49 – Reading Mark 12:41–44 | The widow's offering 22:25 – Was the widow exploited—or was it about her heart? 24:21 – Giving out of abundance vs. giving from sacrifice 25:47 – Where your treasure is, your heart will follow 26:38 – Closing encouragement & church invite
August 29, 2025 Today's Reading: Mark 6:14-29Daily Lectionary: 1 Kings 11:42-12:19; 2 Corinthians 7:1-16“Some said, ‘John the Baptist has been raised from the dead.'” (Mark 6:14)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Jesus has a “creepy” cousin. You know the one: the “wild man.” He hung out in the wilderness, ate bugs, and went off on the sins of Herod, knowing full well that it could get him arrested and imprisoned – or worse. But like St. Bartholomew, he also held nothing back and spoke the truth. The most infamous truth he preached was against the sham of a marriage that Herod had with his brother's ex-wife. He called Herod and his “wife” out on their adultery, and she was livid. She ended up forcing Herod's hand in having John thrown into prison. Then, in one of the cringiest moments in Scripture, Mrs. Herod's daughter (Herod's niece-turned-stepdaughter) dances seductively, and he promises her whatever she wants. Her mother manipulates her to ask for the head of John the Baptist on a platter. (The Herods are textbook examples of dysfunction and cruel behavior.)These events haunted Herod. He felt guilty and was superstitious that John might come back and torment him, or that God might punish him for this. Not only this unbelieving king, but the local people thought about all this, too. They were mesmerized by John and wondered if he was a prophet or even the Christ. And in the midst of the arrest, disappearance, and now beheading of John, “Some said, ‘John the Baptist has been raised from the dead.'”Earlier, some were confused that John was the Christ. Now, some were confused that the Christ was John. People tend to misunderstand and become confused about a great many things when they try to understand God apart from His Word.Not so with you. The Lord delivers His Word to you. He has called you to faith in the true Christ, supported by the preaching and preparation of St. John the Baptist. He witnesses the truth of the Gospel through the suffering, death, and resurrection of Jesus, along with His many martyrs, including “Creepy John” – St. John the Baptist.John the Baptist has been raised from the dead? Soon. He has fallen asleep in Jesus, and is safe and blessed with the Lord, until the day when Christ Jesus will call him from his grave, join his head to his body, and glorify and resurrect John (and you and me) to live with him forever.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Almighty God, You gave Your servant John the Baptist to be the forerunner of Your Son, Jesus Christ, in both his preaching of repentance and his innocent death. Grant that we, who have died and risen with Christ in Holy Baptism, may daily repent of our sins, patiently suffer for the sake of the truth, and fearlessly bear witness to His victory over death; through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, now and forever. Amen.Rev. Richard Heinz, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church, Lowell, IN.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.Study the early Church Fathers, Scripture, and Christian history alongside FLAME's conversational voice to see for yourself why their teachings from Scripture are important to study, and live out, today.
July 25, 2025Today's Reading: Mark 10:35-45Daily Lectionary: 1 Samuel 9:1-27; Acts 21:37-22:16“For whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:43b-45) In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.When James and his brother John ask to sit beside Jesus as He enters His glory, they don't realize that Jesus will enter that glory with hands and feet nailed to the rough wood of a cross, and so will the two who are granted to sit at his right and left (the two thieves), all three lifted up before the people as worthless transgressors.If only James and John knew what they were asking – what was to come – they might flee from Jesus too soon, before being witness to His suffering and death. Every day we are reminded of what it means to live by God's grace. Every time we suffer any trial, every thorn piercing our side, we are reminded, “My grace is sufficient for you.” (2 Corinthians 12:9)James and John will indeed know what it means to drink from the same cup as Jesus; to be baptized with His Baptism. For John, exile and isolation from his people. For his brother, James (the one being honored this day), death by the sword of Herod (Acts 12:1-2). But even before they drink from that cup, the trials of taking up one's cross and following Christ will teach them what it is to live by God's grace.Who is the greatest? The greatest in the kingdom of heaven is The One who came not to be served, but to serve. The greatest is The One who, “though He was in the form of God, did not count equality with God something to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a slave.” (Philippians 2:6-7)When you are tempted to think yourself greater than others, look to Jesus and be humbled by His greatness. When you worry about who might be greater than you, take comfort in the greatness of Jesus. Be drawn into His greatness, proclaim His Gospel, serve your neighbors when they need you, and allow others to serve you when your need is greatest. Rejoice that you are baptized with the same Baptism as Jesus. Gladly drink from the same cup as Jesus, which has become for you the cup of salvation. In it, you have a seat of honor awaiting you at the table of the marriage feast of the lamb, whose kingdom has no end.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. O Lord, for James we praise You, who fell to Herod's sword; He drank the cup of suff'ring and thus fulfilled Your word. Lord, curb our vain impatience for glory and for fame, Equip us for such suff'rings as glorify Your name. (LSB 518:21)Rev. Jeffrey Ries is the pastor of Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tacoma, WA.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.Step back in time to the late Reformation and learn about a divisive yet inspirational figure: Matthias Flacius Illyricus. His contributions to Lutheranism still echo in our teachings today, from the Magdeburg Confession to parts of the Lutheran Confessions. Learning about Flacius's life will help you understand more intricacies of the Reformation than ever before.
Reading Mark's recent piece We'll Never Have an Energy Transition in Manhattan Institute's City Journal prompted me to write my recent post, When they say “transition fuel,” they mean “more polluting and depleting,” not less pollution or depletion.Read them both and you'll see he inspired what I wrote and he wrote a lot more, with more research and editing. I recommend reading it and listening to his podcast episode there, but I'd start with this one. In our conversation, you'll hear more details and back story.The core idea of his piece: Every fuel we've ever used, we still use, and more than ever. If you think that by ramping up solar and wind that in any way that new energy availability will decrease our use of old energy, you're dreaming. More likely you're lying to yourself.That idea is hard for people to swallow if they think humanity's best hope for survival is what they call "clean," "green," or "renewable" energy and learn that those sources aren't clean, green, or renewable. It matters to do the numbers. Mark does.For the record, I come to different strategies than Mark, but I agree with his starting point in the article. I don't think we should start from denying the numbers.Mark's home pageHis recent article in City Journal that prompted me to invite him back: We'll Never Have an Energy TransitionHis appearance on the City Journal podcast on that piece: Green Energy Fallacies Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Send us a text"In this episode of the Besties and the Books podcast, Liz and Ashley excitedly kick off their first nonfiction memoir feature by diving into Fahrenheit 182 by Mark Hoppus of Blink-182. Longtime fans of the band and deeply connected to the early 2000s pop-punk scene, they reflect on how the book transported them back to their youth, sharing nostalgic stories, personal connections, and even a shared ex-boyfriend who dedicated the same Blink-182 song to both of them. They praise the memoir's conversational, chronological format, Mark's engaging narration in the audiobook, and the emotional resonance of the band's journey—especially their performance of “One More Time.” Both hosts award rate the book highly and recommend it to fans of Blink-182, memoir lovers, or anyone who grew up during the TRL-era of pop culture. With lots of laughs, punk rock vibes, and heartfelt moments, this episode sets the tone for their new nonfiction series."Hey Besties! We DO actually read non fiction and we're here to cover our very first memoir with none other than Mark Hoppus's brand new book Fahrenheit-182! And O-M-G, did it deliver. If you've been following us for any amount of time then you know we grew up (and continue to be) pop punk girlies obsessed with that late 90's / early 2000's vibe. We're here for the nostalgia and Fahrenheit-182 chronicled every best part of our experience growing up in that SoCal skate scene a la desert tumbleweeds… only an hour away from where Mark grew up! Talk about relatable. We discuss whether Mark had enough to say to write an entire book about his life, if it made us like him more (or less?), if it felt genuine, and how it helped us reflect on our own time on this earth. Did we learn new Blink lore? Was it written well? Do we wish he told us more? We had a blast with this one and we hope you join us on the rollercoaster back in time to when concert tickets were thirty bucks and middle school boyfriends dedicated Blink songs to us. And of course we bring you a Blink fave and fail and smash or pass… because we know you'd ask anyway.
❖ Follow along with today's reading: www.esv.org/Matthew28:9–20;Luke24:13–53;John20:19–21:25[additionalreading:Mark16:9–20] ❖ 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
In this episode of Bible Reading and Coffee Drinking, we dive into Mark 2 and explore how Jesus brings real change to our lives. From forgiving sins to healing bodies, Jesus shows us that His power goes beyond the physical—He's here to transform our hearts. We'll look at how He welcomes sinners and outcasts, offering grace to those who need it most. Plus, we'll talk about what it means to start a new life when we accept Jesus, leaving the old ways behind. Grab your coffee, and join me as we unpack this powerful chapter and the radical transformation Jesus offers! Also, use the code "Podcast20" to get 20% off our entire store. This is a special code specifically for our podcast listeners! See all our our hoodies, t-shirts, caps and more at https://www.livingchristian.org/store.html. MY BIBLE: Every Man's Bible: New Living Translation - Find it here: https://amzn.to/3MuDAUS CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE BELOW FOR CHRISTIAN APPAREL, PRODUCTS, BLOGS, BIBLE VERSES AND MORE: Website | https://www.livingchristian.org Store | https://www.livingchristian.org/store.html Podcast | https://www.livingchristian.org/podcast.html FOLLOW ME ON SOCIAL: Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/living_christian/ Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/livechristian1 Twitter | https://twitter.com/livechristian1 Pinterest | https://www.pinterest.com/living_christian/ TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@livingchristian ABOUT US: Living Christian believes that our Christian faith isn't just for Sunday mornings in Church. Our faith impacts every aspect of our lives and the challenges we face every day of the week. We want to connect to people who are seeking to determine what Living Christian means in their own day-to-day lives. We are focused on providing resources and products to a community of believers. We provide daily biblical inspiration, motivation and guidance through social posts, blogs and Christian apparel and products. This work contains Music Track The 126ers - Winds of Spring that is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license. Source: https://directory.audio/free-music/pop/5092-the-126ers-winds-of-spring Author: The 126ers --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/livingchristian/support
Reading Mark 16:14-20, finishing up our study of the Markan appendix, the longer ending of the gospel of Mark that wasn't included in the earliest manuscripts. Visit wwutt.com for all our videos!
Reading Mark 16:9-13 in the longer ending of Mark, also considering the different women who were at the resurrection, and where these extra passages came from. Visit wwutt.com for all our videos!
Reading Mark 16:1-8 with the resurrection of Jesus and an abrupt cliffhanger of an ending, but it is perfectly fitting with the way Mark chronicled his gospel account.
Reading Mark 15:35-47 where Jesus, hanging on the cross, breathes His last and dies, and His body is taken and buried in a borrowed tomb as the women look on. Visit wwutt.com for all our videos!
Reading Mark 15:16-34 where Jesus is mocked and then taken away to be crucified, and people pass by Him and continue to mock Him as He dies for their sins. Visit wwutt.com for all our videos!
Reading Mark 15:1-15 where Jesus is brought before Pilate, with Jews and Gentiles conspiring together to kill Jesus, fulfilling what was said in the Scriptures. Visit wwutt.com for all our videos!
Reading Mark 14:66-72 where Peter is asked three times if he is with Jesus, and all three times Peter denies that he even knew Jesus, fulfilling what Jesus had prophesied. Visit wwutt.com for all our videos!
© 2020-2026 Ivy Podcast Discovery LLC
