St Marcus MKE Sermons

We're taking a 1-week hiatus from our Saturday evening Exodus series as we approach Christmas. This week we'll be studying Isaiah 61:1-3 under the theme "Ready for Christmas?"

Tonight we continue the preparation of our hearts for the Christmas season by studying the Song of Mary from Luke 1:46-55.

We continue our Sunday morning theme for Advent: Advent Fire. We'll be studying Exodus 25:31-40, which focuses on the Lampstand of the Tabernacle.

This week we'll be studying Exodus 14:10-31 as we worship under the theme "The Crossing of the Red Sea." This is undoubtedly the grandest "salvation event" of the Old Testament, and the Apostle Paul actually compares it to Baptism in the New Testament. We'll see why, as well as talk through few practical points on how to no longer serve our old slave masters

Tonight we begin the preparation of our hearts for the Christmas season by studying The Song of Zechariah from Luke 1:68-79.

Pastor Jeske's message "The Altar of Sacrifice" is based on Exodus 27:1-8 and Leviticus 4:27-31

This week we'll be studying Exodus 12:1-13, 21-23 as we worship under the theme "The Passover Lamb." The Ten Plagues culminated with a special meal, called the Passover. The Israelites slaughtered a young lamb without defect, consumed the meal in haste, and took the blood from the lamb and smeared it on the doorframes of their homes. Every movement that evening was symbolic and foreshadowing. The story of "The Lamb" is arguably the main image in all of Scripture. We'll explain that this week and see how the Christian faith applies the same principles still today.

Pastor Hein's message on the 'secret of contentment' is based on Philippians 4:10-13.

Worship the King with us on Christ the King Sunday!

This week we'll be studying Exodus 7:14-24 as we worship under the theme "Plagues Upon Egypt." The Ten Plagues, tend to invoke 2 common reactions: APPROVAL or ANGER. Both can be a bit knee jerk. In reality, God is doing something remarkably natural and redemptive in the plagues. And it's extraordinarily helpful in understanding how God continues to operate in the world today.

We continue to study the End Times as Pastor Jeske takes us through Revelation 19:1-9.

This week we'll be studying Exodus 4:1-17 as we worship under the theme "The Sending of Moses." Exodus 3-4 is all part of a long dialogue between God and Moses at the burning bush. God is calling Moses in with the intention of sending him out to do God's work. But Moses doesn't want to go. Often our biggest spiritual struggles are not the nagging issues we repeatedly stumble over, but God's missions we refuse to go on. We'll see God's grace to Moses even in his stubbornness.

This week we'll be studying Exodus 3:1-15 as we worship under the theme "Moses and the Burning Bush (PART II)" Last week, we talked about the concept of the "burning bush" and "THE Angel of the Lord." This week, we'll be tackling some additional major life concepts regarding how we know God, how we approach God, and who God reveals himself to be.

This week we'll be studying Exodus 3:1-15 as we worship under the theme "Moses and the Burning Bush (PART I)" We're actually going to spend 2 weeks on this famous text from Exodus. The first week we'll place special emphasis on 1) what the "burning bush" means in our lives today, as well as 2) how the Angel of the Lord mediates for us even as he did for Moses.

In this week of our series we'll be studying Exodus 2:1-14 as we worship under the theme "The Birth of Moses." This survey of the first 40 years of Moses' life teaches us a great deal about the topics of civil disobedience, God's sovereignty, and how God generally operates to carry out his purposes.

Pastor Jeske takes us through the gifts of the Reformation and a bible study based on Luke 20:1-7.

Pastor Mark Jeske takes us through a bible study based on Luke 13:1-9 titled: OK, One More Year.

In this final week of our series we'll be studying Hebrews 6:13-20 as we worship under the theme "Disconnection from A HOPEFUL & SECURE FUTURE." What you believe is coming to you in the future absolutely impacts your perception of your present circumstances. Those who struggle with depression often have difficulty envisioning a positive future. But what if a sacrifice was made in the past that guarantees your future, no matter what may come in the present? How could/should that change your attitude? This week we'll learn that is precisely the story of Jesus, our Great High Priest.

This week we'll be studying Job 12:7-12 and 28:20-28 as we worship under the theme "Disconnection from the NATURAL WORLD." God created humanity from the dust of the earth. We are natural creatures. What happens if we get so lost in digital, so immersed in screens, and disconnect from the natural world? Most research says it's not good. And, in fact, the Bible says there are theological reasons as well why it's good to stand in awe of the natural world. Job will help us see the connection between wisdom and nature this week, and how a right understanding helps manage anxiety and depression.

Pastor Jeske takes us through what God has to say about sharing the Christian Spirit with a World that desperately needs Good News.

This week we'll be studying Isaiah 58:6-11 as we worship under the theme "Disconnection from STATUS & RESPECT." The God who created us in his image gave humanity special dignity and dominion within his creation. The more humans generate divisions amongst themselves though, i.e. gaps in status, the more disconnected we become from the honor God gave to us. Furthermore, repeatedly in Scripture God tells his people to fight for the dignity of the marginalized in society. So, how did God close the status gap for us? And what would God have us do in modern times for others?

Pastor Jeske takes us through a bible study based on Isaiah 50:4-10 titled "Listen to the Servant: Determined, Suffering, Trusting"

This week we'll be studying 2 Corinthians 12:2-10 as we worship under the theme "(Inability to) Disconnect from CHILDHOOD TRAUMA." In the text we're examining this week, the Apostle Paul gives us a remarkable insight into how he dealt with his famous "thorn in the flesh."

THE BEST WE CAN GIVE OUR CHILDREN I. Above All Earthly Possessions II. Is to Know the Lord in Faith Based on Jeremiah 9:23-24

This week we'll be studying Philippians 4:4-9 as we worship under the theme "Disconnection from MEANINGFUL VALUES." Americans, heavily marketed to since birth, become addicted quite early to the belief that greater money, more/better things, and more prominent status will make us happier. The research doesn't indicate that. And Jesus himself said that "life does not consist in an abundance of possessions." (Luke 12:15) But our actions suggest we don't believe that. We're constantly chasing things we think might fill our emptiness. And we're making ourselves miserable in the process. This week, we'll hear the Apostle Paul teach us how we can rejoice in any circumstance. Anxiety can almost never be cured by external circumstances, but it can be healed by reframing the internal mindset. The gospel gives us a basis to do exactly that.

Pastor Jeske will talk about Christ as our cornerstone, we will continue to build on the theme "Rechurch," with a focus on rededicating our lives on Him.

This week we'll be studying Ephesians 4:25-32 as we worship under the theme "Disconnection from OTHER PEOPLE." In an unapologetically individualistic society, it's important to note that not only is depression prevalent, but our impulses to overcome depression (which are inherently individualistic) only exacerbate the problem. To be cured, we need to stop being ourselves, and start immersing ourselves in the lives of others. Theologically speaking, this is the doctrine of "The Church." God designed us for one another, and here also teaches us how to live constructively with one another.

Mark Jeske will be doing a bible study on Psalm 66:1-12 explaining how to "Re-energize" with the power that God gives.

This week Pastor Hein will be studying Colossians 3:22-25 as we worship under the theme "Disconnection from MEANINGFUL WORK." On Labor Day weekend, it's worth taking a moment and reflecting on the theological purposes of labor. So many Christians struggle, as does the world, with finding meaning in daily efforts, beyond simply a paycheck. But from the Garden of Eden onward, God infused work with meaning when he told humanity, created in his image, to "subdue the earth." In this lesson we will see how daily work is meaningful, what the goal of work for a Christian should be, and how to find fulfillment in doing "whatever" to the glory of God.

A Sermon from Mark Jeske: This Sunday we'll be studying Luke 24:36-49 as we worship under the theme Re-church: Rethink.

Ron Kelly leads a bible study based on 2 Corinthians 4:1-17. "Our Identity in Christ".

This week we'll be studying 1 Corinthians 15:1-11 as we worship under the theme "My Impending Resurrection".

A Sermon from Mark Jeske: This Sunday we'll be studying 1 Samuel 7:1-13 as we worship under the theme: Re-church: Survive the Disruption.

A Sermon from James Hein:This week we'll be studying 1 Corinthians 13:1-13 as we worship under the theme "My Love". Most tend to forget that when Paul penned this text, which is read at virtually every wedding, Paul was never just asked "What is Love?" and then provided some sentimental musings. No, he's writing it after 12 other chapters addressing the spiritual pride of the Corinthian Church. This group believed their identity was wrapped up in their giftedness. And as Paul defines love, he's offering a critique of the way many religious people view Christianity, a critique of the way the modern world views love, and teaching us that love is actually much more a person than a concept.

A Sermon from Dan Leyrer: This Sunday we'll be studying Romans 8:26-27 as we worship under the theme: "Give it Over to God". We will be discussing the power of prayer and the Holy Spirit's intercession in our prayer life.

A Sermon from James Hein: This Saturday we'll be studying 1 Corinthians 12:12-31 as we worship under the theme "My Gifts". Many Christians have thought vary little about the purpose of their spiritual gifting. They know their StrengthsFinder assessment, their Enneagram profile, and certainly their personal preferences; but their spiritual gifting remains something more mysterious. EVERY believer is uniquely gifted. And the purpose of that gifting is to glorify God by loving and serving others ahead of self. But what is your gift? Where should you plug in? If only half a body works, it's generally considered "disabled." Christ gifts his entire body to accomplish his extraordinary purposes. The Apostle Paul teaches us how to think about that this week.

A Sermon by Mark Jeske: This Sunday we'll be studying Job 38:1-11 as we worship under the theme "Enjoy God's Amazing Creation".

A Sermon by James Hein: This Saturday we'll be studying 1 Corinthians 11:17-34 as we worship under the theme "The Meal of Fellowship". Much of the debate over the years surrounding the Lord's Supper, and this text in particular, pertains to what is or is not truly present in Holy Communion. Deservedly so. Significantly less time, however, has unfortunately been given to the context. The Corinthians are so worldly that Paul goes to the extent of saying they're not even celebrating the Lord's Supper, though they think they are. Their lifestyle and interactions with one another are so contradictory to what God designed them to be, that they're doing more harm than good. So...what lifestyle IS the Lord's Supper designed to promote and celebrate? We'll get to the bottom of it.

This week we'll be studying 1 Corinthians 8:1-13 as we worship under the theme "My 'Rights'". Christians are blessed with many freedoms. It's an essential concept to faith, as Jesus died to set us free. That said, there is such a thing as an abuse of Christian freedom, and the Corinthians struggled with that too. Abusing freedom involves not only exercising freedoms excessively, but exercising them in ways that are unloving to "weaker" brothers & sisters. The Christian faith is as much or more about "we" than it is about "me." Paul has a great deal more to say as he helps reconcile the divisions in Corinth.

Based on Jeremiah 28: 5-9, Pastor Leyrer asks "When will I find peace?". No Jesus, no peace. Know Jesus, know peace.

This week we'll be studying 1 Corinthians 7:1-16 as we worship under the theme "Understanding Sex & Marriage." There is not a single more candid, practical section in the Bible for addressing human sexuality, temptation, romantic relationships, and what to do about all of it. While these conversations sometimes make me highly uncomfortable, they always tend to bear so much fruit. God's design for human sexuality, as well as the way he talks about intimacy with Him, its amazing!

As we observe Independence Day Pastor Jeske will take us through his message “You Don’t Have to Like the King to Support the King,” which is based on Daniel 1:1-7.

1 Corinthians 6:1-11 Christianity is nothing if it isn't forgiveness. So what would does it say to the world if two Christians cannot resolve their conflicts without taken it to a secular court? Christians are not necessarily the most talented, most beautiful, or most intelligent, but we should absolutely be leading the world in skills of conflict resolution - patience, forgiveness, and reconciliation.

This week we'll be studying 1 Corinthians 5:1-13 as we worship under the theme "Different From The World." Paul has talked about pride (self-righteousness, boasting, identity) for 4 chapters. Now he's going to teach on a manifestation of that pride: an incident of unrepentant sexual immorality in the church and the church's tolerance, even pride, of it. This chapter is one of Scripture's great teachings on self-discipline and church discipline.

Join us for our annual Juneteenth worship, celebrating our freedom in Christ, our diverse membership in a diverse neighborhood, and our compelling mission in the city. You will hear an original poem by Ron Kelly, traditional spirituals, gospel music by the Distinctively Different Quartet, and a Bible study on living our freedom from Galatians 5.

This week we'll be studying 1 Corinthians 3:16-4:7 as we worship under the theme "The End of Self." As Paul helps shepherd a messy church in Corinth from a distance, he's eventually going to give them practical guidance on issues like sexuality, marriage, abuse of freedoms, lawsuits, worship, spiritual gifts, etc. But he's addressing the underlying issue first - i.e. PRIDE manifesting itself in self-righteousness. The church in Corinth needs to empty themselves of pride. They need a new perception of self that comes from viewing themselves only through the lens of Jesus' cross. They need to find their identity only in Christ. In this section, Paul teaches the freedom of losing yourself in Christ.

Sermon: Matthew 7:21-29 WHAT KIND OF LIFE ARE YOU BUILDING? I. The Sand of Self Will Let You Down II. The Rock of Christ Will Hold You Up...Forever

This week we will be studying 1 Corinthians 1:18-31 as we worship under the theme "The Counterintuitive Kingdom." The divisions that existed in the Corinthian Church, and our world, are the result of a failure to look properly at the cross of Jesus. The cross of Jesus says that we are ALL sinners that can be saved only by the grace of God. Any differences in intelligence, wealth, beauty, past indiscretions, or otherwise, from the best to the worst of us, are all negligible in the realm of salvation. And either you believe that due to the cross, or the cross is offensive to you in its weakness and foolishness. That line is the only EITHER/OR that will exist for all eternity.

WE NEED THE SPIRIT'S HELP Based on Romans 8:18-27

NEW SERIES: Messy Christianity Summary: The Church in Corinth is considered by some to be Paul's "troubled child" of a church plant. They are saved by Jesus and gifted by the Spirit, just like any of the other churches he worked with, but they also seem to struggle to greater degrees with worldliness. They are great examples of being fully justified, but not yet fully sanctified. And it's MESSY. But Paul uses tremendous pastoral tact, clarity, & wisdom in guiding them. And particularly in a post-Christian culture, we should expect that our church will deal with messiness too. This week we will be studying 1 Corinthians 1:10-17, and worshipping under the theme "The Culture of Celebrity." Whereas the Eastern World has long been considered a "collectivistic" society, the modern Western World is characterized by radical individualism. While it has brought important rights to the "individual" it has also left many feeling alone, failures in a performance-based, accomplishment-driven society. As a result, we hook our wagons to those who have "made it" to attain some feeling of significance. And this system has certainly found it's way into the modern Church. What does God, through the Apostle Paul, have to say about it? That's what we're hoping to learn.