Mark, Media, Sermons | by Pastor Adam Sinnett

This week in Mark 10:13-31, Jesus gives us a lesson on what it takes to enter the kingdom of God. Our hearts must be as a child – helpless, needy, and dependent. The story of the rich young ruler follows as an example. Focused on what he must do to enter the kingdom of heaven, the young ruler is confident in his own works. Jesus, as usual, addresses his heart, and the one thing he holds higher than God. Through this account, we are reminded to be aware of running from God by attempting to work our way to Him, and miss ever knowing God at all.

Mark, Media, Sermons | by Pastor Adam Sinnett

In our section today, Jesus leaves the region of Galilee and crosses into Judea, the region surrounding Jerusalem. In Mark 10:1-12, he is confronted (again) by Pharisees who are looking to trap him. This time, their trap involves the controversial and much debated topic of divorce. Marriage, divorce, and remarriage in Jesus’ day were matters of controversy, just like in our day. Even though the events described in our passage today occurred 2,000 years ago they could hardly be more relevant.

Perseverance, Mark, Media, Sermons | by Pastor Adam Sinnett

This week we are back in Mark 9:42-50 to look at Jesus' words regarding the seriousness of sin. Jesus gives us three warnings that address three particular areas of danger. He warns against putting the followers of Jesus at risk for sin, putting ourselves at risk for sin, and loosing our saltiness. Through all of these warnings Jesus calls us to hearts that honor Him over everything else, and to persevere in faith, considering ourselves a living sacrifice in worship to our King.

Mark, Media, Sermons | by Pastor Adam Sinnett

At this point in the story, Jesus is on his way to Jerusalem and is only months out from his death and resurrection. His public ministry is largely complete and he is now focused on training his disciples. So far, Jesus has given them lessons on the nature of faith and true greatness. Today, in Mark 9:42-50, Jesus raises two more important topics – the seriousness of sin and the reality of hell. Today, we will work through the humbling and horrible reality of hell. What did Jesus say and believe about hell? How should we understand and respond to it?

Mark, Media, Sermons | by Pastor Adam Sinnett

Our hearts are hard wired for greatness. We all desire to live lives well spent. Jesus addresses this desire in Mark 9:30-41. The disciples are arguing over who is greatest among them, and Jesus uses the opportunity to teach them and us the meaning of true greatness. He who would be great must be last and servant of all. Jesus wants to turn our thinking right side up and seek the blessing of God and flourishing of others over ourselves.

Mark, Media, Sermons | by Pastor Adam Sinnett

The first half of the book of Mark (1-8) primarily deals with the person of Jesus, while the back half (8-16) primarily deals with the purpose of Jesus. In chapter eight, Peter rightly identifies Jesus as the Christ, but Jesus turns their understanding of what that means upside-down by explaining that he must be betrayed, suffer, die and rise again. For the rest of Mark’s Gospel we follow Jesus on his way to Jerusalem. On his way, he spends focused time training his disciples – and us – on some crucial topics before he is gone. Today’s lesson from Mark 9:14-32, through a miraculous rescue of a demon possessed boy, is on faith – specifically, we learn about the focus of faith, the measure of faith and the nature of faith.

Mark, Media, Sermons | by Pastor David Parker

Today, we’re going to look at the account of the transfiguration as recorded in Mark 9:2-13. Apart from the resurrection, it’s probably one of the most spectacular sections of the Gospel account. This is where we get a glimpse into the Glory of Jesus that He gave His disciples and us. But why is it so important? What does it actually mean? And what are we suppose to learn from it? We'll learn how Jesus is the object, key, and power of our worship, and how that shapes our lives.

Mark, Media, Sermons | by Pastor Adam Sinnett

This morning we’re continuing in our study of the Gospel of Mark by zooming in on one particular verse (8:31) that just happens to get at the heart of what Easter is all about. As we saw last week, chapter eight is the turning point of Mark, specifically in Peter’s words to Jesus, “You are the Christ.” (8:29) The term “Christ” is a Greek translation of the Hebrew term “messiah” – both meaning “anointed one”. The Christ, or Messiah, was expected to be the king to end all kings; not merely a Savior but the Savior, not merely a rescuer but the Rescuer. He was going to be the one who would put every wrong right. And, in climatic fashion, Peter says to Jesus, “You’re him. That’s you. The one we’ve been waiting for.” The entire Gospel leads up to this important point and the rest of the Gospel describes what it all means.

Mark, Media, Sermons | by Pastor Adam Sinnett

Peter has declared Jesus is the Christ. For ancient Israel, this meant He was the long awaited king, rescuer, and savior of God's people. Jesus accepts this, but immediately clarifies. He has come for a salvation greater than earthly freedom, and this salvation requires His death on a cross. Those who wish to follow Him must also take up their cross and consider if they are willing to count all as loss for the gain of Christ.

Mark, Media, Sermons | by Pastor Adam Sinnett

The first eight chapters of Mark’s Gospel revolve around the singular question: Who is Jesus? We get the answer to that in our section today, Mark 8:11-30. Mark’s point is that we’ll never see Jesus rightly if we can’t see. He’s highlighting something about the natural human condition, namely that no one can see Jesus rightly without outside help. The Bible tells us that, by nature and choice, we are spiritually blind but Jesus offers us help and healing.