St Marcus MKE Sermons

This Easter we're looking at Isaiah 25:6-9 where Isaiah prophesies about the eternal Feast on Mount Zion, when we will meet the Lord face to face. On that day, there will be no more hunger and no more tears; the only crying that will be heard are the cries of praise to Our God. The Resurrection means every sin and every problem of this world will be undone, and for that, we rejoice!

God has seen our most shameful moments, and instead of rejecting us, He loves us. He covers us and makes us beautiful; the only way for Him to do that was to make Himself ugly. He became sin to make us righteous. He was stripped naked to clothe us. He became an object of scorn to make us glorious. Based on John 19:17-30. "For the joy set before Him, He endured the cross, scorning its shame." - Hebrews 12:2

We celebrate the Lord's Supper not just to honor Jesus, but to receive from Him. He wanted to have this meal with His disciples, and He wants to have it with us. This Holy Thursday, we feel His sorrow, feel His love, and feel His hope. Based on Luke 22:15-16.

This week we’ll be studying John 12:12-29 under the theme “The King.” Jesus entered Jerusalem on Palm Sunday providing a unique picture of a humble, otherworldly King. This teaches us a great deal about the humble, otherworldly living of God’s people in the Kingdom. The Gospel of John, written a couple decades after the other Gospel records, focuses less on the facts of Jesus’ ministry and more on the meaning of those facts. John frequently refers to Jesus’ miracles as “signs” – i.e. signals that point us to something even more significant than the miracle itself. John teaches us that Jesus is the “Word Incarnate” who dwelt among us, loved us dearly, and gave our lives eternal meaning.

Based on Isaiah 53:8. God promised Adam and Eve that he would one day send one who would crush the serpent and free his people from sin and its penalty. Isaiah announced that this person is the Lord's Suffering Servant. The fourth and final "Servant Song" in the book of Isaiah expresses the unheard of declaration that the suffering of a single man would release all of us from the consequences of sin. In this season of Lent we will focus on our suffering Savior and the Fourth Servant Song of Isaiah. Written about 700 years before Christ, it depicts his life from the cradle to the grave, from his birth to his resurrection, portraying his suffering and his glory in a particularly vivid and graphic manner. Jesus fulfilled the Lord's will, accomplished our salvation, and was given the victor's reward, which he graciously shares with us.

This week we’ll be studying John 14:1-4 under the theme “Your Room in His House.” Jesus didn’t tell his disciples that they wouldn’t have troubles, but he did tell them to not let their hearts be troubled. He provided them with a resource that would let them face any opposition in life with courage. The Gospel of John, written a couple decades after the other Gospel records, focuses less on the facts of Jesus’ ministry and more on the meaning of those facts. John frequently refers to Jesus’ miracles as “signs” – i.e. signals that point us to something even more significant than the miracle itself. John teaches us that Jesus is the “Word Incarnate” who dwelt among us, loved us dearly, and gave our lives eternal meaning.

Based on Isaiah 53:7. God promised Adam and Eve that he would one day send one who would crush the serpent and free his people from sin and its penalty. Isaiah announced that this person is the Lord's Suffering Servant. The fourth and final "Servant Song" in the book of Isaiah expresses the unheard of declaration that the suffering of a single man would release all of us from the consequences of sin. In this season of Lent we will focus on our suffering Savior and the Fourth Servant Song of Isaiah. Written about 700 years before Christ, it depicts his life from the cradle to the grave, from his birth to his resurrection, portraying his suffering and his glory in a particularly vivid and graphic manner. Jesus fulfilled the Lord's will, accomplished our salvation, and was given the victor's reward, which he graciously shares with us. If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive

This week we will be studying John 13:31-36 under the theme “Loving One Another.” Prior to dying for their sins on the cross, Jesus gets down and washes his disciples’ feet. While both, in a sense, are what God’s people do for one another, the latter provides the more accessible daily option and the apologetic of humbly showing love. The Gospel of John, written a couple decades after the other Gospel records, focuses less on the facts of Jesus’ ministry and more on the meaning of those facts. John frequently refers to Jesus’ miracles as “signs” – i.e. signals that point us to something even more significant than the miracle itself. John teaches us that Jesus is the “Word Incarnate” who dwelt among us, loved us dearly, and gave our lives eternal meaning. If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive

Based on Isaiah 53:6. God promised Adam and Eve that he would one day send one who would crush the serpent and free his people from sin and its penalty. Isaiah announced that this person is the Lord's Suffering Servant. The fourth and final "Servant Song" in the book of Isaiah expresses the unheard of declaration that the suffering of a single man would release all of us from the consequences of sin. In this season of Lent we will focus on our suffering Savior and the Fourth Servant Song of Isaiah. Written about 700 years before Christ, it depicts his life from the cradle to the grave, from his birth to his resurrection, portraying his suffering and his glory in a particularly vivid and graphic manner. Jesus fulfilled the Lord's will, accomplished our salvation, and was given the victor's reward, which he graciously shares with us. If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive

Mary's gift and example of sacrifice and unconditional commitment to Jesus calls us to do the same. When will you "break the jar" and freely live in the comfort of His promises? Based on John 12:1-11. The Gospel of John, written a couple decades after the other Gospel records, focuses less on the facts of Jesus’ ministry and more on the meaning of those facts. John frequently refers to Jesus’ miracles as “signs” – i.e. signals that point us to something even more significant than the miracle itself. John teaches us that Jesus is the “Word Incarnate” who dwelt among us, loved us dearly, and gave our lives eternal meaning. If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive

Based on Isaiah 53:4-5. God promised Adam and Eve that he would one day send one who would crush the serpent and free his people from sin and its penalty. Isaiah announced that this person is the Lord's Suffering Servant. The fourth and final "Servant Song" in the book of Isaiah expresses the unheard of declaration that the suffering of a single man would release all of us from the consequences of sin. In this season of Lent we will focus on our suffering Savior and the Fourth Servant Song of Isaiah. Written about 700 years before Christ, it depicts his life from the cradle to the grave, from his birth to his resurrection, portraying his suffering and his glory in a particularly vivid and graphic manner. Jesus fulfilled the Lord's will, accomplished our salvation, and was given the victor's reward, which he graciously shares with us. If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive

This week we will be studying John 11:36-44 under the theme “Lazarus.” While Jesus performed many miracles, resurrection was his most important and most impactful sign. We’ll see his humanity, his power, and his intention to undo the results of sin in this world. The Gospel of John, written a couple decades after the other Gospel records, focuses less on the facts of Jesus’ ministry and more on the meaning of those facts. John frequently refers to Jesus’ miracles as “signs” – i.e. signals that point us to something even more significant than the miracle itself. John teaches us that Jesus is the “Word Incarnate” who dwelt among us, loved us dearly, and gave our lives eternal meaning. If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive

Based on Isaiah 52:14 and Isaiah 53:2-3. God promised Adam and Eve that he would one day send one who would crush the serpent and free his people from sin and its penalty. Isaiah announced that this person is the Lord's Suffering Servant. The fourth and final "Servant Song" in the book of Isaiah expresses the unheard of declaration that the suffering of a single man would release all of us from the consequences of sin. In this season of Lent we will focus on our suffering Savior and the Fourth Servant Song of Isaiah. Written about 700 years before Christ, it depicts his life from the cradle to the grave, from his birth to his resurrection, portraying his suffering and his glory in a particularly vivid and graphic manner. Jesus fulfilled the Lord's will, accomplished our salvation, and was given the victor's reward, which he graciously shares with us. If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive

This week we’ll be studying John 10:1-29 under the theme “The Good Shepherd.” The image of Jesus as a Good Shepherd and we as his sheep is humbling, helpful, and hopeful. It provides perspective on what we’re capable of, what Christ is capable of, and how valued we are. The Gospel of John, written a couple decades after the other Gospel records, focuses less on the facts of Jesus’ ministry and more on the meaning of those facts. John frequently refers to Jesus’ miracles as “signs” – i.e. signals that point us to something even more significant than the miracle itself. John teaches us that Jesus is the “Word Incarnate” who dwelt among us, loved us dearly, and gave our lives eternal meaning. If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive

God promised Adam and Eve that he would one day send one who would crush the serpent and free his people from sin and its penalty. Isaiah announced that this person is the Lord's Suffering Servant. The fourth and final "Servant Song" in the book of Isaiah expresses the unheard of declaration that the suffering of a single man would release all of us from the consequences of sin. In this season of Lent we will focus on our suffering Savior and the Fourth Servant Song of Isaiah. Written about 700 years before Christ, it depicts his life from the cradle to the grave, from his birth to his resurrection, portraying his suffering and his glory in a particularly vivid and graphic manner. Jesus fulfilled the Lord's will, accomplished our salvation, and was given the victor's reward, which he graciously shares with us. If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive

This week we’ll be studying John 9:1-12 under the theme “Born Blind.” Jesus’ interaction with a man born blind teaches us something about inherent human spiritual blindness, the cause of suffering, the self-righteousness of religious people, and what it truly means to see life clearly. The Gospel of John, written a couple decades after the other Gospel records, focuses less on the facts of Jesus’ ministry and more on the meaning of those facts. John frequently refers to Jesus’ miracles as “signs” – i.e. signals that point us to something even more significant than the miracle itself. John teaches us that Jesus is the “Word Incarnate” who dwelt among us, loved us dearly, and gave our lives eternal meaning. If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive

This week, we will be studying John 6:22-40 under the theme “The Bread of Life.” This famous teaching provides insight on the energy Christ gives us, how we consume the bread of life, and how to humbly receive this bread from heaven. The Gospel of John, written a couple decades after the other Gospel records, focuses less on the facts of Jesus’ ministry and more on the meaning of those facts. John frequently refers to Jesus’ miracles as “signs” – i.e. signals that point us to something even more significant than the miracle itself. John teaches us that Jesus is the “Word Incarnate” who dwelt among us, loved us dearly, and gave our lives eternal meaning. If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive

This week, we’ll be studying John 5:1-15, the account of “The Pool of Bethesda.” We see Jesus cure a man who has been an invalid for 38 years. Why didn’t Jesus come to him sooner? Why did he come now? Why doesn’t he always come in similar ways today? In this text, we’ll see the compassion of Jesus, but also the priorities of Jesus, as he’s even more concerned about the man’s spiritual welfare than his temporal circumstances. The Gospel of John, written a couple decades after the other Gospel records, focuses less on the facts of Jesus’ ministry and more on the meaning of those facts. John frequently refers to Jesus’ miracles as “signs” – i.e. signals that point us to something even more significant than the miracle itself. John teaches us that Jesus is the “Word Incarnate” who dwelt among us, loved us dearly, and gave our lives eternal meaning. If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: ⁠⁠⁠https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive

This week we will be studying John 4:1-41 under the theme “Living Water.” Jesus’ insistence on ministering to a woman in Samaria with a scandalous moral lifestyle stands in stark contrast to his previous conversation with Nicodemus in John 3. Jesus teaches us here that not only does his gospel work for everyone, but that it’s necessary and life-changing. To the degree you understand this good news, you too will go and tell about this Messiah. The Gospel of John, written a couple decades after the other Gospel records, focuses less on the facts of Jesus’ ministry and more on the meaning of those facts. John frequently refers to Jesus’ miracles as “signs” – i.e. signals that point us to something even more significant than the miracle itself. John teaches us that Jesus is the “Word Incarnate” who dwelt among us, loved us dearly, and gave our lives eternal meaning. If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: ⁠⁠https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive

This week we’ll be studying John 3:1-21 under the theme “Born Again.” Jesus has begun his ministry, gathered disciples, and performed signs which prove he is the Chosen One of God. Surprisingly, his toughest task will be to convince the Jewish religious leaders of this. We see in the story of Nicodemus the difficulty of moral, religious people hearing they need to be born again. The Gospel of John, written a couple decades after the other Gospel records, focuses less on the facts of Jesus’ ministry and more on the meaning of those facts. John frequently refers to Jesus’ miracles as “signs” – i.e. signals that point us to something even more significant than the miracle itself. John teaches us that Jesus is the “Word Incarnate” who dwelt among us, loved us dearly, and gave our lives eternal meaning. If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: ⁠⁠https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive

We’ll be studying John 2:1-12 under the theme “Water Into Wine.” Jesus’ first miracle is a bit of shock. He keeps a party going and prevents a groom from enduring public embarrassment. But this miracle signals something greater for us — a God who works miracles to ensure that our party will never end. The Gospel of John, written a couple decades after the other Gospel records, focuses less on the facts of Jesus’ ministry and more on the meaning of those facts. John frequently refers to Jesus’ miracles as “signs” – i.e. signals that point us to something even more significant than the miracle itself. John teaches us that Jesus is the “Word Incarnate” who dwelt among us, loved us dearly, and gave our lives eternal meaning. If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: ⁠https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive

We are reminded to make and keep God a part of our plans, not just as we enter into a new year, but for the rest of our lives. Based on Luke 12:13-21. If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive

Based on John 1:1-14. Message from the Nine Lessons & Carols Christmas Day service. The full service can be viewed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tnH6PlEWjfo If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive

Based on Luke 2:1-20. Message from Christmas Eve. The full service can be viewed here: https://youtube.com/live/RyaynW1AzKg If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive

Chapter 10 of the Book of Daniel shifts from historical narrative to apocalyptic dream literature, similar to what is told in the Book of Revelation. Whether we are aware of it or not, there is a constant spiritual battle being fought around us and within us. Daniel's visions reveal that there is something we can do about these spirits and that there is One Great, Glorious Man who comes exactly when and how we need. SERIES SUMMARY: The Book of Daniel chronicles a time in the history of God’s people when the Israelites found themselves in exile in a society that didn’t understand or tolerate the truth of the one true God. As such, it is arguably the most relevant book in the Bible for 21st century Christians navigating a pluralistic society that encourages them to privatize their faith. The courage of Daniel and his friends, emboldened by God’s promises, provides us with a pathway forward. If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive

This week we’ll be studying Daniel 6:1-10, 16-28 under the theme “Identity in Babylon.” Daniel’s name literally meant “God is my Judge.” When he lived out of that identity, he wasn’t afraid of taking judgment from this world, even when it resulted in facing roaring lions. When we recognize that Jesus, the greater Daniel, shut the mouth of the one lion who could truly hurt us, we develop the courage to then face the smaller lions in life. SERIES SUMMARY: The Book of Daniel chronicles a time in the history of God’s people when the Israelites found themselves in exile in a society that didn’t understand or tolerate the truth of the one true God. As such, it is arguably the most relevant book in the Bible for 21st century Christians navigating a pluralistic society that encourages them to privatize their faith. The courage of Daniel and his friends, emboldened by God’s promises, provides us with a pathway forward. If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive

This week, we’ll be studying Daniel 5:1-6, 17-30 under the theme “The Judgment of Babylon.” Our account here is where the phrase “handwriting on the wall” comes from. Babylon has been weighed by God, and he is left wanting. Therefore, exactly as prophesied, he’s bringing judgment. Here, we learn a great deal about God’s inevitable judgment on this fallen world and our responsibility as believers up until that point. SERIES SUMMARY: The Book of Daniel chronicles a time in the history of God’s people when the Israelites found themselves in exile in a society that didn’t understand or tolerate the truth of the one true God. As such, it is arguably the most relevant book in the Bible for 21st century Christians navigating a pluralistic society that encourages them to privatize their faith. The courage of Daniel and his friends, emboldened by God’s promises, provides us with a pathway forward. If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive

Daniel's vision in chapter 7 teaches us that God raises up earthly kingdoms and just as easily knocks them down. It is the Heavenly King who will win the day. SERIES SUMMARY: The Book of Daniel chronicles a time in the history of God’s people when the Israelites found themselves in exile in a society that didn’t understand or tolerate the truth of the one true God. As such, it is arguably the most relevant book in the Bible for 21st century Christians navigating a pluralistic society that encourages them to privatize their faith. The courage of Daniel and his friends, emboldened by God’s promises, provides us with a pathway forward. If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive

This week we’ll be studying Daniel 3:1-30 under the theme “Confidence in Babylon.” Daniel’s friends are confident that God will deliver them from King Nebuchadnezzar’s oppression, but also humble enough to not presume to know exactly how God will do it. Their resolve, faith, and faithfulness are all compelling to believers living in a post-Christian culture. Their strength comes from a fourth man who gets into the furnace with them. SERIES SUMMARY: The Book of Daniel chronicles a time in the history of God’s people when the Israelites found themselves in exile in a society that didn’t understand or tolerate the truth of the one true God. As such, it is arguably the most relevant book in the Bible for 21st century Christians navigating a pluralistic society that encourages them to privatize their faith. The courage of Daniel and his friends, emboldened by God’s promises, provides us with a pathway forward. If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive

One definition of tact is “the keen sense of what to do in difficult or delicate situations.” In Daniel 2, we’ll see how two men, Daniel and King Nebuchadnezzar, each reacted to seemingly impossible situations. Nebuchadnezzar was irrational, rash, and cruel, while Daniel was able to be diplomatic and gracious without compromising the truth. In a world that is generally disinterested in Christian truth, what do we need to know and believe about God in order to do the same? SERIES SUMMARY: The Book of Daniel chronicles a time in the history of God’s people when the Israelites found themselves in exile in a society that didn’t understand or tolerate the truth of the one true God. As such, it is arguably the most relevant book in the Bible for 21st century Christians navigating a pluralistic society that encourages them to privatize their faith. The courage of Daniel and his friends, emboldened by God’s promises, provides us with a pathway forward. If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive

This week, we’ll be studying Daniel 1:1-21 under the theme “Education in Babylon.” Daniel and his friends are worshipers of the one true God, defiant of false gods, but respectful and self-sacrificial of people with differing beliefs. This provides insight into navigating public institutions in America in a post-Christian climate. SERIES SUMMARY: The Book of Daniel chronicles a time in the history of God’s people when the Israelites found themselves in exile in a society that didn’t understand or tolerate the truth of the one true God. As such, it is arguably the most relevant book in the Bible for 21st century Christians navigating a pluralistic society that encourages them to privatize their faith. The courage of Daniel and his friends, emboldened by God’s promises, provides us with a pathway forward. If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive

This week we will be celebrating the Reformation and studying Ephesians 6:10-20 under the theme “The Sword of the Spirit, Which Is The Word of Truth.” We’re concluding our “Testimony of Demons” series by recognizing the danger of demonizing anything but demons and the power of the clear, coherent Word of God over the spirit realm. SERIES SUMMARY: While all Christians have heard the stories of the demonic in Scripture, very few of us walk around with a daily awareness that we are battling evil spiritual forces. This is, in part, because we live in a deeply secularized, post-Christian America. Satan has learned how much damage he can cause when he makes himself invisible. But if you don’t acknowledge demonic forces in the world, you will always demonize the wrong things. We must be aware of the spirit realm, how it influences us, and how Jesus is Lord over it all. If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive

This week we will study Matthew 8:28-34 under the theme “The Lucidity of Demons.” As we examine this encounter between Jesus and two demon-possessed men, what grabs our attention is the utter irrationality and wickedness of demons. Yet when Jesus shows up, they snap to attention, speak with clarity, and demonstrate a recognition and fear of his power and authority. As people who bear the name of Christ, we rejoice that he has revealed to us not just his power and authority, but also his heart. SERIES SUMMARY: While all Christians have heard the stories of the demonic in Scripture, very few of us walk around with a daily awareness that we are battling evil spiritual forces. This is, in part, because we live in a deeply secularized, post-Christian America. Satan has learned how much damage he can cause when he makes himself invisible. But if you don’t acknowledge demonic forces in the world, you will always demonize the wrong things. We must be aware of the spirit realm, how it influences us, and how Jesus is Lord over it all. If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive

This week we will be studying James 2:18-26 under the theme “The Unsaving Belief of Satan.” The devil not only has knowledge of the true God, but emotion regarding the true God. But knowledge and emotional reaction are not the sum total of true faith. Saving faith also requires trust. SERIES SUMMARY: While all Christians have heard the stories of the demonic in Scripture, very few of us walk around with a daily awareness that we are battling evil spiritual forces. This is, in part, because we live in a deeply secularized, post-Christian America. Satan has learned how much damage he can cause when he makes himself invisible. But if you don’t acknowledge demonic forces in the world, you will always demonize the wrong things. We must be aware of the spirit realm, how it influences us, and how Jesus is Lord over it all. If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive

We’ll be studying 1 Samuel 28:3-25 and “The Witch of Endor.” One of the more bizarre spirit realm stories of the Old Testament tells the story of how far Israel’s King Saul had fallen. This is the fate of anyone who refuses to fully listen to God’s Word. Saul is a cautionary tale of the importance of listening to God’s Word carefully, trusting God thoroughly, and, therefore, not needing to know every detail of life. SERIES SUMMARY: While all Christians have heard the stories of the demonic in Scripture, very few of us walk around with a daily awareness that we are battling evil spiritual forces. This is, in part, because we live in a deeply secularized, post-Christian America. Satan has learned how much damage he can cause when he makes himself invisible. But if you don’t acknowledge demonic forces in the world, you will always demonize the wrong things. We must be aware of the spirit realm, how it influences us, and how Jesus is Lord over it all. If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive

This week we’ll be studying 2 Timothy 3:10-17 under the theme “The Conscientious Christian Life.” Through one of the most famous passages in these letters, Paul explains how Spirit-inspired Scripture is forever useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training. If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive

This week we’ll be studying 2 Timothy 2:14-26 under the theme “Majoring in What Matters.” Christian witness can be negatively impacted by debating about things that don’t matter much, combining genuine Christian teaching with worldly philosophy, or simply by a lifestyle that doesn’t support our beliefs. In 2 Timothy, Paul provides practical advice for anyone who desires to lead others in faith. If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive

This weekend we’re celebrating the gift of Christian education and studying 2 Timothy 1:1-14 with the theme “Generational Faith Transmission.” All through our study of 1 Timothy, we have seen Paul’s pragmatic instructions for overseeing the church. In this first chapter of Paul’s second letter to Timothy, he shifts his focus to Timothy’s own faith, prompting us to consider how we will carry out God’s command to pass the faith on to the next generation. If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive

This week we’ll be studying 1 Timothy 6:6-19 under the theme “Managing Finite Resources.” America has long practiced the belief that happiness can come through consumption. But Paul teaches that how we manage the blessings of this life, and with what attitude, says everything about what we believe is coming in the future. If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive

We will be studying 1 Timothy 5:1-15 under the theme “Caring for the Elderly.” In the ancient world, long before Medicare and Social Security, it was assumed that family members would provide for aging parents. But sometimes there were no family members to care for the elderly. The Church became the first social organization to assist with the needs of the aging population. Here, Paul gives some practical instructions to his ministry pupil, Timothy, about how the church in Ephesus should handle this. If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive

We’ll be studying 1 Timothy 4:1-16 under the theme “Youth & Maturity.” This section is where we get the famous encouragement to “not let anyone look down on you because you are young” but perhaps it doesn’t mean what you initially think. This section gets into the power of deceiving spirits, the benefit of personal spiritual training, and Paul’s expectation of spiritual maturation. If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive

This week we’ll be studying 1 Timothy 3:1-13 under the theme “Spiritual Leaders.” The grace of God expressed in Christ Jesus is the predominant theme of Christianity and the one thing that qualifies us for salvation. No human is more equipped than another. That said, God does establish qualifications for those who will serve as Christian leaders. These are traits desirable for all Christians, both in official and non-official leadership capacities. If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive

This week we’ll be studying 1 Timothy 2:1-15 under the theme “The Who and What of Worship.” While this text contains some fairly difficult statements, we can’t get deterred from the clear, primary point. Paul encourages all believers to regularly gather for prayer and encouragement, worshipping the Mediator who made them right with God — their Lord & Savior Jesus.

THIS EPISODE: We’ll be studying 1 Timothy 1:12-19 under the theme “The Worst of Sinners.” Is it hyperbole that Paul, the greatest Christian missionary in history, was the worst of sinners? Is this false modesty? Is it self-effacing religious guilt? Or is there something true here that actually has become advantageous for proclaiming God’s grace? SERIES SUMMARY: Believers in their 20’s and 30’s represent the biggest demographic group at St. Marcus by a decent margin. As such, the Apostle Paul’s encouragements to a younger ministry companion in Timothy are perhaps uniquely beneficial for our congregation. Over the next couple of months, St. Marcus will be worshipping under the theme “1 & 2 Timothy: Pragmatism for Young Ministers.” We will see how God desires for all of his people to carry out ministry, and that youth is no excuse for inaction or immaturity. Rather, Paul says that all who know Jesus as Lord and Savior should seek to “set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.” (1 Timothy 4:12) If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive

This week in worship we will study Matthew 13:47-52 under the theme “The Comfort of God’s Judgment.” In the last of the “Kingdom Parables” of Matthew 13, Jesus tells us what will happen at the end — the righteous and the wicked will be separated. The idea of judgment rightly evokes feelings of fear and dread, but Jesus reveals to us several things. First, there is nothing to fear for those who are found in him. Next, the kingdom of heaven is unlike any other kingdom on earth. Finally, we have assurance that all things will be made right in the final judgment. We’ll also look at the example of King Solomon in 1 Kings 3 to illustrate that, in Jesus, we have a king who is greater in every way — in his judgment, in his wisdom, and in his love. If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive

This week we’ll conclude our Making Sense of God series by studying Romans 11:33-36 under the theme “Christianity as Reasonable.” In a world where “faith” has largely been insinuated to be the antithesis of reason, it’s important to see that the God of all thought is not against logic but uses wisdom that far supersedes what finite creatures can comprehend. This makes him deserving of our praise. If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive

This week we’ll be studying Matthew 11:20-30 under the theme “Justice.” Biblical justice is a tricky issue. We should value life the way Our God values it and we are all subject to His perfect and beautiful laws. It is not our role to judge those who are under these laws, only He can do that. If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive

Our early summer series will be based on Tim Keller’s Making Sense of God: Finding God in the Modern World. As human beings, we cannot live without meaning, satisfaction, freedom, identity, justice, and hope. Christianity provides us with unsurpassed resources to meet these needs. Using the structure of Keller’s book, we’ll examine biblical texts that provide practical life resources for navigating a post-Christian society. If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive

This week we will be studying 1 Corinthians 4:3-4 and Philippians 3:7-9 under the theme “Identity.” The gifts of Christ’s righteousness and adoption into God’s family through baptism give us our identity. We are eternal family members of the one true God. No one can take this from us and, to the degree we understand this, we will be freed from the stress of a performance-based identity and the need for human approval that this world cultivates. If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive

This week we will be studying Romans 2:14-15 under the theme “Morality.” Morality is something that only religion can give answers for. Science can tell you the way things are but it cannot say anything when it comes to the way things “ought to be.” Every human believes things “ought” to be a certain way. Paul makes this argument very clearly and persuasively in Romans 2. If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive