After Jesus’ baptism (Mark 1:9-11), He is “thrown out” (ekballo) by the Spirit into the wilderness for a cosmic battle with Satan himself (Mark 1:12). Since God has said that this Son is well-pleasing in His sight (Mark 1:11), why is it important for Him to be tempted?
Jesus
There’s More to Baptism Than You Might Think
Why is baptism so important to Christians? The main reasoning is because Jesus modeled it and Jesus commanded it. Jesus, while not needing baptism, was baptized to identify Himself with the people He came to save. Sinful people had been baptized in that water through a symbolic washing away of sins. Sinless Jesus was baptized in order to plunge Himself among the people’s sins.
Make Your Father Proud
Jesus pleased His Father in what He did and in what He didn’t do. As followers of Jesus, we should seek to imitate His obedient lifestyle.
How to Study the Gospel of Mark
The Bible provides an incredible depiction of Jesus through four unique Gospels. The Gospel of Mark emphasizes the need to follow Jesus immediately. In order to study this book, let’s address the differences between the four Gospels and the unique nature of Mark’s Gospel.
The Gospel of Mark [Sermon Series Overview]
I chose to preach through the Gospel of Mark because of the book’s two main focuses:
- Christology
- Discipleship
Our world is in need of a higher view of both of these concepts. We need to know who Jesus is and we need to know what discipleship is.
Why Studying Mark Is Important
Planning sermon series regarding direction, content, and schedule can be a daunting task. When I decided that I wanted to study a Gospel and focus on discipleship, I chose Mark because of the focus. As I drafted out potential sermons, I first came up with 48 sermons and tried to reduce the number but felt like our church family would miss out if I did.
The Risen King & the Running Disciples
The Risen King & the Running Disciples Matt. 28:1-15 On Easter Sunday, the disciples eagerly shared the joy of Jesus’ resurrection. If Jesus has truly defeated sin and death, we should fervently run to the world in order to multiply disciples with the news of his salvation. The Empty Tomb (Matt. 28:1-7) The angel didn’t roll the stone away for …
When the Cherubim Laid Down His Sword
When the Cherubim Laid Down His Sword Matt. 27:45-54 Ever since sin entered the world, Mankind had been barred from reentering the presence of God. When Jesus died on the cross, the veil was torn and we were invited back to commune with God. The cherubim denied sinners’ access to the presence of God after the Fall of Mankind (Gen. …
What Will I Do With Jesus?
When people hear of Jesus, they either ignore Him, challenge Him, or worship Him. It was that way at the first Christmas and this Christmas. The people have changed but not the situation. When the wise men, pagan astrologers, made their way to Jerusalem to see the King of Jews who had been recently born, they stirred up a lot …
There Can Only Be One King
Peace on Earth There Can Only Be One King (Matt. 2:1-21) Herod felt threatened when his throne was challenged by Jesus’ birth. There is only room for one king on the throne of your life, and you cannot experience peace until Jesus sits upon it. Seeking the King (Matt. 2:1-6) God notified pagan astrologers about Jesus’ birth out of His …
The Dragon Outside the Nativity
Peace on Earth The Dragon Outside the Nativity (Rev. 12:1-17) The Book of Revelation reveals a different perspective that happened at the birth of Jesus. While the enemy comes to bring chaos, Jesus has come and will come again to bring peace. The Anticipation You will never experience peace until you wake up to the fact that you are at …
15 Things You May Not Know About the First Christmas
We mainly focus on Jesus’ birth during the Christmas season, but the message of God taking on flesh to come and reach us is not an account that should only be reserved for 1/12th of the year! It is part of the beloved gospel! You may not be aware, but we get a lot of the account incorrect in our …
10 Bible Verses on the Exclusivity of Jesus
One of the best ways to abide with Christ is to memorize key passages on critical topics. One common question that people ask: “Is Jesus the only way?” Let’s hear what the Bible says about that. Here are 10 verses that speak to the exclusivity of Jesus. John 14:6 – Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, …
Obedience Over Feelings
Peace on Earth Obedience Over Feelings (Matt. 1:18-25) Joseph thought he had been betrayed by Mary and yet surrendered his personal feelings to obey God’s commands. We must submit to God’s Word to experience God’s peace. THE PROBLEM (Matt. 1:18-19) Submitting to God’s plan can often involve surrendering your reputation. Joseph chose to extend grace when he experienced disgrace. Joseph’s …
Jesus Got Overwhelmed Too
On the night before His crucifixion, Jesus admitted that He was enduring a level of overwhelming agony. So, apparently, it isn’t sinful to feel anxious, but we must respond to that feeling in a God-honoring way.
When Jesus Sat Down
The Word When Jesus Sat Down (Heb. 10) Priests could never sit down in worship because sacrifices would always need to be offered. Once Jesus offered himself, he sat down at the right hand of God because the task was finished once and for all. CONTEXT As the early Church grew in doctrine, they saw the complete biblical picture become …
Jesus Is the Greater Isaac
Isaac. This beloved, only son was willing to be sacrificed, followed his father up the mountain, traveled on a donkey’s back into the city of sacrifice, journeyed three days to his destination, carried the wood of his death upon his back, the substitute had a crown of thorns, and the son was raised from death. Is it just me, or …
Power of the Cross
I have always loved “The Power of the Cross” by the Gettys. I recently heard an arrangement by Heather Headley that is an incredible interpretation of the song. It was one of those I had to pull over on the side of the road so I didn’t wreck! Hope you enjoy! “Power of the Cross” Oh, to see the dawn …
I Fail to Believe Jesus on This Issue
I am banking everything on Jesus. The way I do life, finances, marriage, kids, work, and play, I seek to do things his way. If he says it, I am changed by it. That is not saying that I always do it, but I am at the place in life where I believe his ways are always better than mine …
How God the Father Affirmed His Son (And What Dads Need to Learn From It)
When you enter the New Testament, the idea of a father’s blessing is not as prominent due to the church functioning as the people of God rather than a family basis. In these pages, though, we have the best example of a father blessing his son in the example at Jesus’ baptism. Within the pages of Scripture, biblical blessings happened …
Jesus Is the Greater David
As you study the Old Testament, you begin to see the foreshadowing of Christ. Typological characters and events fill the pages. While these events are important in and of themselves, they are a shadow of something greater to come. In studying the life of David, you begin to realize something very important. Jesus is the greater David who defeated the …
Passover
Matthew 26:17-30 As we remember the sacrifice of Jesus, never forget that God is able to pass over our sins because Jesus was the perfect substitute. Perfect Substitute – The lamb must be without blemish (Ex. 12:5; cf. Heb. 9:14). How much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God, purify …
Liar, Lunatic, or Lord
For those of us blessed enough to have heard the name of Jesus, we all have an opinion of him. For many, he is nothing more than a moral teacher or a revolutionary upstart, but for others he is the center of life and God in the flesh. C.S. Lewis wrote the trilemma argument as an apologist approach to affirming …
The 7 Phrases from the Cross
Last words can be a pivotal way to remember someone. Lying on their death beds, people have given life-changing words of blessing or shocking confessions. In the four Gospels, we gather seven audible phrases that Jesus said while he was on the cross. Right before he died for crimes he did not commit, he was intentional to say certain things. …
This Is Santa’s Big Scene
Christmas has become Santa’s big scene, and Jesus has been reduced to an honorable mention. What can your family do to keep the main the main thing at Christmastime?
Jesus, Only Jesus
We are singing “Jesus, Only Jesus” during December at North Side. So excited to introduce the song by Matt Redman to the congregation on Sunday but you can practice before you come! Lyrics Who has the power to raise the dead? Who can save us from our sin? He is our hope, our righteousness Jesus, only Jesus Who can make …
What Jesus Said About Children
The four gospels contain the life and ministry of Jesus the Christ. Within three years of organized ministry before his death and resurrection, he preached many sermons and shared many parables. In a time before podcasts and YouTube, his teachings have endured due to the life-changing paradigm with which he spoke. In all that he taught, Jesus also deemed it …
Jesus Chose to Be Ugly
Humanity is obsessed with the glamorous. Mankind naturally gravitates towards the attractive, popular individuals. Notable men are tall, dark, and handsome. Memorable women are head-turners. While we naturally follow certain types of people, it is very intriguing regarding how God looked physically when he showed up on earth in the flesh. Jesus could have come into the world looking any …
Stop Trying to Change Jesus
I often hear people ask, “Who is Jesus to you?” The insinuation is that it is one thing to know the identity of Jesus and it is another thing to embrace it. I agree with that, but it also can lead to an unhealthy idea that our interpretation of Jesus is the correct one. When people ask that question, they …
Two Sides of the Cross
Preached on August 26, 2016 at North Greenville University for the Ignite 2016 Conference. Text is Luke 23:39-43. Main Points Avoiding hell is not the same thing as desiring heaven. Our churches market a better life and label it the gospel. If the residents of hell believe in God and shudder, than mere intellectual ascent is incapable to grant heavenly …
Is Jesus Your Teacher or Lord?
In the final hours before Jesus’ crucifixion, every detail recorded in the Gospels is paramount. While the overarching story is known by many, there are also key statements and actions recorded that bring greater depth to what is transpiring. One of those key moments is seen at the Last Supper in comments given by the disciples. In Matthew 26:20-25, Jesus …
Accountability Questions
As of late, I have talked with a lot of people who have a whole lot of intention to follow Jesus, but they simply keep getting tripped up along the way. I hate to see someone who truly wants to change, but they can’t seem to get over making the same mistakes over and over again. What I have learned …
Share It
The “Share It” sermon was the final day’s theme for Fuge 2016 “Unashamed” series. I preached from Luke 9:57-62 regarding the excuses used to delay in following Jesus. I believe we use the same ones today. I pray this short sermon can be an encouragement to you! Audio Main Points Three things that will hold you back from following Jesus: comfort, …
The Songs of Jesus
I started praying through the psalms daily a few months ago and it has been an incredible method of connecting with God. Every morning, I take the day of the month and use it to assign me a psalm by an increment of 30. For July 26, I will pray through either Psalm 26, 56, 86, 116, or 146. I …
Only Jesus
I had the privilege to speak for Fuge camps for the last 2 weeks this summer. I edited something I wrote a few years ago for the final sermon for the week. Here is the written format. I am hoping to post the audio later. Pray it encourages you about the one and only Jesus. Only Jesus Transcript Who is …
The Old Rugged Cross – Album Chords
We have been super encouraged from feedback regarding our latest North Side Worship album entitled, “The Old Rugged Cross.” This collection of 13 hymns was recorded on Easter weekend earlier this year. We have heard incredible stories of people sharing the music with friends and other churches beginning to sing the arrangements. Album Preview You can listen to snippets from …
The Old Rugged Cross – Available Now
I have been overwhelmed with encouraging words concerning our latest release, “The Old Rugged Cross.” This 13-hymn collection was a live recording Easter weekend. It is incredible sounding! So amazed by the team God has put together with North Side Worship and so thankful for the way the worshipers sang out over the weekend. We have the album available at …
The Old Rugged Cross
“The Old Rugged Cross” is a 13-hymn live recording from Easter weekend 2016. Track Listing The Old Rugged Cross When I Survey the Wondrous Cross At the Cross Hallelujah! What a Savior There Is Power in the Blood There Is a Fountain Nothing But the Blood Are You Washed in the Blood? Grace Greater Than Our Sin I Stand Amazed Crown …
The Old Rugged Cross – Album Available in April
This weekend was incredible. We had 2 great nights of worship that we called “The Old Rugged Cross” followed by 2 incredible Sunday morning worship gatherings. As we prayed and thought through what we wanted to do on Good Friday and Saturday, we decided to do an Easter hymn-sing. The last few years we have done something very different. We …
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