St Marcus MKE Sermons

As a follower of Jesus, our citizenship first is in the Kingdom of Jesus Christ. Our allegiance lies with His values, with His family, with His heart for the world, and with His commands. Being a Christian in America means that we can gather with the church freely, that we can speak and work for justice and truth, and that we can share my faith with others. We celebrate today recognizing that there is beauty in America, and there is also deep brokenness to which we move towards with faith, believing the Lord can and will redeem this nation to Himself. Pastor Jeske's bible study focuses on the theme Respect Your Government as he digs into Nehemiah 2:1-8.

This week we'll be studying Ephesians 3:14-21 under the theme "The Experience of Christ." In this text, Paul offers his second lengthy prayer of the letter. He's asking here that the believers in Ephesus would experientially come to grips the dimensions of God's love. He's articulating the distinction between knowing about Jesus, and knowing Jesus personally. For some, this seems like an arbitrary distinction, but we'll discuss this week the importance as well as strategies to keeping the relationship.

Pastor Jeske's bible study walks through I Timothy 6:17-19. Paul encourages his readers to know that there is great gain in godliness when it is combined with content­ment in the basic necessities of life (1 Tim. 6:6, 8). Our God is a God “who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment” (1 Tim. 6:17).

This week we'll be studying Ephesians 3:1-13 under the theme "The Mystery of the Church." Paul has taught us in this letter that our salvation was God's plan executed by Jesus (Ch 1), and it's based on grace, which forms the basis of the Church (Ch 2). In Ch 3 he explains implications of grace in our relationships. Grace causes the Jew to love the Gentile and vice versa. Grace is an absolute "mystery" to the world and therefore the defining characteristic of Christ and his Church.

Today is the annual Juneteenth worship celebration. Pastor Jeske and Darlene Grams have been leading the annual celebration at St. Marcus since the 1990s. St. Marcus' Juneteenth celebration is a time honored tradition, an opportunity to include people in the central city who may not know about our Savior and a way to learn more about the African-American community through their story of freedom. President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863. But it was not until June 19, 1865, that all of the slaves in the former confederacy recognized that they had been freed. It is our Christian joy to evangelize our communities and tell people who groan in the slavery of their sins that they have already been freed by Jesus Christ, their Savior.

This week we'll be studying Ephesians 2:11-2 under the theme "Christian Unity." This lesson will clear up for so many of us why we see the divisions we see in the world. Spiritually speaking, sinful pride leads us to naturally create "dividing walls" that we deem lesser than us, to try to establish our own identity. But those of us who are "in Christ" are given unique resources to break down dividing walls of society as Jesus has broken down hostility for us.

Today's bible study is on Genesis 3:8-15 - Promise Instead of Punishment. Pastor Leyrer focuses on two points in his message: 1) We Hide from God because of Our Guilt. 2) God Seeks Us out because of His Grace.

This week we'll be studying Ephesians 2:1-10 under the theme "The Work of God." I've said many times in the past that while John 3:16 might be still the most famous verse in the Bible, the reason I ended up theologically in the place I did is as much due to this section from Ephesians 2 as anything. Paul here counters anyone who wants to plagiarize credit from God by making their conversion, their salvation, or their life about anything other than God's undeserved goodness and love. Our old identity is dead. Our new identity rises, by grace, in Christ Jesus.

Today, Pastor Jeske's Bible Study dives into the theme Men & Women in God’s Image. The scripture reading of Genesis 1:26-31 from the story of creation describes God's perfect design of men and women: "So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them." The Bible study on II Samuel 13:1-20 shows us the destruction that occurs when sin and human self-interest is put over following God's perfect design.

This week we'll be studying Ephesians 1:15-23 as we worship under the theme "A Prayer for the Church." About half of Ephesians is simply Paul's prayer. Here, Paul is asking that God help the Ephesians personally know, i.e. experience, the hope they have in his promises, and that they be used by God to unite everything under the headship of Jesus.

This week we'll be studying Ephesians 1:1-14 as we worship under the theme "God's Divine Plan - A New Identity IN CHRIST." The Triune God had a plan for us before time even began. He knew us. He loved us. He chose us. And this was not because we were already holy, but to make us holy. This comes when we allow the Spirit to lead us to live, not for an identity, but from our new identity in Christ.

Pastor Jeske's bible study on Ephesians 5:15-20 reminds us to be filled with the Spirit - "speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ."

This week we'll be studying Acts 28:1-10 as we worship under the theme "It Doesn't Get Easier. You Get Stronger." We've arrived at the end of the Book of Acts. And Paul gets bit by a poisonous snake. Why is life so tough on this missionary? And why is life so tough for us? The answer appears to be that God is not simply trying to make us comfortable. He's trying to make us great, instruments of divine strength that are useful to building his Kingdom. It's an honor to be redemptive agents that cary the truth and love of Jesus our Savior.

On the final Sunday of Easter, today's service celebrates the Ascension of Jesus into Heaven. Pastor Jeske's bible study delves into The Great Commission recorded in Matthew 28:16-20. Jesus said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Koine's Brian Davison joins the Sunday Praise Band with music celebrating God's return to the throne in heaven and the call to Christians to spread the Gospel to all nations. Music includes Graham Kendrick's "Shine, Jesus, Shine", the seventh century text in "A Hymn of Glory Let Us Sing", and Leon Patillo's "Go". The Gospel Choir presents "God Wants a Yes" and "Gates of Zion".

This week we'll be studying Acts 27:1-44 as we worship under the theme "Paul Face Shipwreck." In one of the longest, most action-packed accounts of Paul's ministry, we learn the secret of finding calm in the middle of the storms of life. Paul's hopeful testimony is encouraging to everyone else in the boat. And we learn how Christians today can be a source of otherworldly optimism in a turbulent world.

Happy Mother's Day! Pastor brings us a bible study on God’s Love Through Mothers. The modern holiday of Mother's Day was first celebrated in 1907, when Anna Jarvis held a memorial for her mother at St Andrew's Methodist Church in Grafton, West Virginia. For those called to Motherhood and youth mentorship, may God bless you and keep you this Mother's Day and always. Thank you for your role in raising up the next generation of Christians, and for modeling what it means to fix our eyes on Jesus.

This week we'll be studying Acts 26:19​-31 as we worship under the theme "Paul's Testimony to the Roman Leaders." In our 3rd and final week on Christian testimony, Paul teaches us the art of Christian persuasion. While the credit of conversion belongs entirely to the Spirit of God, he works through very human concepts like language, logic, and personal appeals to accomplish his work. Paul here gives us a great example of how we can improve those communication components of Christian witnessing.

Pastor Jeske delivers a sermon based on Acts 8:1-8.

This week we'll be studying Acts 23:1-1 as we worship under the theme "Paul Upsets the Establishment." As we continue on in our several-week journey studying Paul's legal defense of the Christian gospel, this week we see Paul before the Jewish Sanhedrin. We learn the necessity of sometimes standing up to our earthly authorities, holding them accountable to their calling from God.

This week we'll be studying John 10:11​-18 as we worship under the theme "Jesus is the Good Shepherd."

This week we'll be studying Acts 22:1-22 as we worship under the theme "Paul's Testimony to the Jews." For 3 weeks, we're going to study Paul sharing his story of God's grace to him with 3 different people groups. This week, we're going to dig especially into finding out how Paul finds the courage, confidence, and composure to lovingly, truthfully, and respectfully address people who even want to hurt him.

The Third Sunday of Easter | Remember Who You Are

We continue in our series: O Church, Arise. Tonight we'll be examining selections from Acts 20 and breaking down what we expect from our shepherds in the church and from The Shepherd.

Pastor Hein kicks off St. Marcus' examination of the early Christian church with a message based on Acts 20:7-12.

Pastor Hein delivers a message based on Mark 15:42-46 and Caravaggio's The Entombment of Christ for Easter Saturday.

Pastor Jeske delivers an Easter morning message based on Acts 2:22-32.

Pastor Leyrer delivers a Good Friday message based on Matthew 27:45-54

This week we'll be studying Luke 12:35-46 as we worship under the theme "Ready For Christ." Palm Sunday weekend is typically associated with the start of Holy Week, which it is. But as Jesus is wrapping up his 1st Coming, the topic of much of his teaching during Holy Week is often actually about his 2nd Coming. He encourages watchfulness, faithfulness, and urgency - i.e. READINESS. What does it mean to live this life ready for Jesus to return?

Pastor Jeske presents a St. Patrick's Day message based on Acts 16:6-15.

Pastor Paul Steinberg delivers a Maundy Thursday message based on Mark 14:12-26.

Pastor Jeske delivers a Palm Sunday message based on Zechariah 9:9-12.

This week we'll be studying Luke 12:13​-21 as we worship under the theme "The Parable of the Rich Fool." We always instinctively think money will make our problems go away. In minor issues, it can. But it cannot solve the difficult issues of life. And it can also blind us to spiritual reality. Jesus teaches us here how foolish it can be to invest too much in this life.

"What do you do with that Man on the Cross?" is based on 1 Corinthians 1:22​-25.

This week we'll be studying Luke 11:14​-26 as we worship under the theme "Jesus, Lord Over Demons." While we understand certain supernatural elements to be requisite for Christianity - e.g. incarnation & resurrection - many of us operate without any substantial awareness of the spiritual forces of the world in our day-to-day lives. To what degree should we concern ourselves? This text addresses the necessity of spiritual awareness and the Spirit's occupancy in order to create lasting positive changes in life.

It is the Third Sunday of Lent and we are continuing our series "Lent in the Old Testament." Today we study "The Brass Snake" from Numbers 21:4-9.

This week we'll be studying Luke 10:25​-37 as we worship under the theme "The Good Samaritan." Many of us have perhaps long perceived social compassion as an "optional" part of the Christian life, but this parable doesn't allow for that thought. It teaches that Gospel Neighboring is an essential complement to Gospel Messaging in Christian ministry. Furthermore, it doesn't merely teach us how we should love others, but, more importantly, how we've been loved by Jesus.

This week we'll be studying Luke 9:57​-62 as we worship under the theme "The Cost of Discipleship." There are some texts that just honestly make us feel more uncomfortable than others. Watching Jesus seemingly reject 3 candidates for discipleship is definitely one those. What's he communicating to us? Where's the grace in this? We'll learn that in the flesh, technically none of us is worthy of discipleship. But with God all things are possible.

'The Church is People' is based on Matthew 24:1-2, 30-31.

This week we'll be studying Luke 9:28​-36 as we worship under the theme "The Transfiguration." This text is about glory - where it comes from, simplistic attempts at it, and how God's people are to approach the concept of glory in this lifetime. Additionally, we'll also use this opportunity to talk about the trans mindset of modern culture - i.e. the feeling of suppressing vs. embracing what exists inside our flesh. Jesus' approach to his temporal flesh is enlightening.

This week we'll be studying Luke 7:36​-50 as we worship under the theme "Jesus Anointed by A Sinful Woman." This account teaches such an important point - i.e. from God's perspective, the amount or nature of our sins is not nearly as spiritually important as an awareness of our sinfulness and dependence on Jesus alone for salvation. The Pharisee has committed far fewer sins, but this has actually blinded him to his need for a Savior. On the other hand, the woman who has sinned greatly is grateful. This text offers tremendous insights on the definition of sin and the attitude of a regenerate Christian vs. a simply religious person.

We are continuing our message theme of "Jesus the Disruptor" and will be studying Luke 9:46​-50: "Greatness from Service."

This week we'll be studying Luke 6:1-11 as we worship under the theme "Jesus, Lord of Work & Rest." Watching the Pharisees accuse Jesus of sins on the Sabbath lead us to two very important thoughts: 1) the need for supernatural rest from this world, which only Jesus can provide, and 2) the prevalence of sinful self-righteous, controlling tendencies in humans (both religious and secular). As "Lord of the Sabbath," Jesus gives us freedom both from the controlling powers of humans, and freedom to find deep rest.

Pastor Jeske's message "Jesus the Disruptor: Unity of Message, Diversity of Distribution" is based on Luke 5:33-39.

This week we'll be studying Luke 5:1-11 as we worship under the theme "A Miraculous Catch of Fish." This text offers a look into the calling of multiple fishermen to serve as Jesus' disciples. Their reaction isn't perhaps what we'd expect. Peter demands that Jesus get away from him. Why is Jesus calling these guys and what does it mean for our call into discipleship?

"Grace, not Rules," based on Luke 6:1-11, serves as the theme for our message this morning.

This week we'll be studying Luke 4:1-13 as we worship under the theme "Jesus Tested in the Wilderness." On the heels of his baptism, Jesus is immediately sent by the Spirit into the wilderness. Why? What can we learn about the nature of temptations and how to successfully battle them? And what can we learn here that's even more important than tips for defeating temptation? Ultimately, we find that Jesus is not primarily doing this for our example, but for our salvation.

Dr. Martin Luther King Remembrance Sunday. "The Gospel is Greater than Tribe." The focus for our readings and message comes from John chapter 4.

The word ‘epiphany’ comes from a Greek word meaning “to show forth,” referring to the appearance of Christ as the Savior (Titus 3:4). Christmas lights may be coming down, but the Light of the world still shines for all to see. We receive this Light as we celebrate the Epiphany of Our Lord. Today we hear how the mysterious Wise Men from the East are led by the Lord to follow the star of wonder to the everlasting eternal Light. Jesus shines the brightness of heaven into the darkness of their hearts, and they respond with gifts of honor and praise. Jesus does the same for you today as we receive His Word and share in His body and blood. Dispelling the darkness of sin, He covers you with the light of His presence and invites you, as He did the Wise Men, to respond to Him in honor and praise

This week we'll be studying Luke 2:41-52 as we worship under the theme "Boy Jesus at the Temple." This is the ONLY incident recorded in the Gospels of Jesus' adolescence. So WHY this one? The way Jesus confuses even his own parents, and how they handle it, teaches us something