Bible, theology, culture, etc.
Sermon Video: https://youtu.be/ktvIpAijRZc Sermon Discussion Questions: 1. What stood out to you most? Anything confusing? What was the most interesting part of the text, Mark 5:1-20? 2. In CS Lewis' preface to his Screwtape Letters he writes, "There are two equal and opposite errors into which our race can fall about the devils. One is … Continue reading Jesus and Demons (Mark 5:1-20)
Sermon Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zQ13txA5bh4 Sermon Discussion Questions: 1. What stood out to you most? 2. “The true Christian can think calmly about the holy God whose eyes see all his or her actions and feel: he is my Father, my reconciled Father in Christ Jesus. I am weak; I am unworthy, but, in Christ, he regards me as … Continue reading The Great Storm (Mark 4:35-41)
What is the Church? Is it a denomination? A hierarchy of old guys in funny hats? Is it a building? A liturgy? Is it a club? Is it a set of traditions, values, or political commitments? Hopefully the answer to those questions seem transparently obvious--No. A Mostly Right Answer But what about this: the Church … Continue reading The Peculiar Assembly
Watch sermon here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HVw8WOCU1Aw Questions for Discussion: 1. What was one thing that stood out from the sermon? 2. What things in life did you assume were “certain” before this new crisis? Read through James 4:13-15. What has this taught you? 3. What is the kingdom of God? 4. Why do you think the first parable (Mark 4:26-29) emphasizes … Continue reading The Parables of the Seed (Mark 4:26-34)
Churches around the world have had to make very difficult decisions in the past week due to the COVID-19 outbreak. Out of love for neighbor (Matt 22:39) and a desire to obey the governing authorities (Rom 13:1-7), many churches (ours included) have temporarily suspended their Sunday services, small groups, Bible studies, prayer meetings, and so … Continue reading Why You Can’t Have Church Online
Listen to sermon here. Discussion questions for community groups and family worship: 1. What was one thing that stood out to you from the sermon? 2. Which of the four soils do you tend to identify with most? 3. If Mark's definition of a disciple is one who "hears the word, accept it, and bear fruit," … Continue reading The Parable of the Sower (Mark 4:1-20)
This Sunday I preached on Jesus' Sabbath confrontations with the Pharisees in Mark 2:23-3:6. One question that I did not get time to address was practically: are Christians required to still honor the Sabbath? If so, how? One of the main points of my sermon was to argue that the Sabbath command pointed to Christ … Continue reading Am I Required to Keep the Sabbath?
Listen to sermon audio here. Sermon Manuscript: What makes someone a good public speaker? Humor is nice. A commanding tone that doesn’t come across as domineering, but still has a warmth to it. Simplicity in verbiage that doesn’t err on the side of sounding uneducated. Knowing when to explain things more and when to shut … Continue reading The Purpose of Parables (Mark 4:1-12)
Sermon Audio Sermon Manuscript: In April of 2019, John T. Earnest penned these words: “To my brothers in Christ of all races. Be strong. Although…Satan will attempt to corrupt your soul with the sin and perversion he spews—remember that you are secure in Christ. Turn away from your sin. Not because it is required for … Continue reading Lucipher, Lunatic, or Lord (Mark 3:7-35)
https://qbc.org/sermons/550313--jesus-lord-of-the-sabbath Sermon Manuscript: How do you feel? Do you feel tired? Get enough sleep last night? Has this week been a good one, or a difficult one? Isn’t it amazing how rarely we hear about people having a restful week? Work is always overwhelming, the home is always too much to manage, school is always … Continue reading Sabbath Rest (Mark 2:23-3:6)
Marc Sims 