Grace’s Latest Messages
Who Do You Think You Are (Mark 11:27-33)
Do you remember these bumper stickers? When I’d pull up behind someone and see this, I’d start asking questions. Questions like…
Who’s authority?
All authority?
Just bad authority?
The authority of people over 30?
Whose authority, exactly, are we talking about?
“Be more specific with your bumper stickers!” I’d yell in my head and maybe out loud.
Authority is a tricky thing because it’s power, it’s influence, and that can be used for good or for harm. In the gospels we see examples of both.
Thankfully, the one who wields the most authority is Jesus. And he uses it to heal, not to harm.
Hope to see you Sunday when we’ll continue our study of Mark (11:27-33).
- Pastor Tim
27 And they came again to Jerusalem. And as he was walking in the temple, the chief priests and the scribes and the elders came to him, 28 and they said to him, “By what authority are you doing these things, or who gave you this authority to do them?” 29 Jesus said to them, “I will ask you one question; answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I do these things. 30 Was the baptism of John from heaven or from man? Answer me.” 31 And they discussed it with one another, saying, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will say, ‘Why then did you not believe him?’ 32 But shall we say, ‘From man’?”—they were afraid of the people, for they all held that John really was a prophet. 33 So they answered Jesus, “We do not know.” And Jesus said to them, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things.”
- Mark 11:27-33
The Anger of Jesus (Mark 11:12-25)
One of the biggest objections I hear from people in our culture to church is the hypocrisy of religious leaders. The abuse crises of the last twenty years have shaken the faith of many to their core.
Where is Jesus in the midst of such terrible abuses of power?
This week at Grace, we continue our series in the gospel of Mark looking at Jesus' attack on hypocrisy. Mark 11:12-25 is the account of Jesus' rejection of outward piety that lacks any sort of fruitfulness at the core. It includes a living parable, where Jesus curses the fig tree, as well as cleansing of the temple courts.
I hope that seeing Jesus' anger at the abuse of power, hypocrisy, and fruitlessness of the leaders of his day is helpful for people in our community. But I also hope that it raises some self-reflective questions for all of us, such as why hypocrisy so quickly takes root in our hearts, what Jesus' anger tells us about what should or could be, and the hope that Christ himself offers.
Looking forward to talking about the goodness of Jesus together this Sunday.
In Christ,
Pastor Bob
PS. Also, this Sunday at Grace we'll have one of our ministry partners who serves in a sensitive country joining us for an update in the worship services. If you're watching online, you might see the live-feed look a little weird during this part of the service. It's designed to help protect their anonymity for safety reasons.
12 On the following day, when they came from Bethany, he was hungry. 13 And seeing in the distance a fig tree in leaf, he went to see if he could find anything on it. When he came to it, he found nothing but leaves, for it was not the season for figs. 14 And he said to it, “May no one ever eat fruit from you again.” And his disciples heard it.
15 And they came to Jerusalem. And he entered the temple and began to drive out those who sold and those who bought in the temple, and he overturned the tables of the money-changers and the seats of those who sold pigeons. 16 And he would not allow anyone to carry anything through the temple. 17 And he was teaching them and saying to them, “Is it not written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer for all the nations’? But you have made it a den of robbers.” 18 And the chief priests and the scribes heard it and were seeking a way to destroy him, for they feared him, because all the crowd was astonished at his teaching. 19 And when evening came they went out of the city.
20 As they passed by in the morning, they saw the fig tree withered away to its roots. 21 And Peter remembered and said to him, “Rabbi, look! The fig tree that you cursed has withered.” 22 And Jesus answered them, “Have faith in God. 23 Truly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will come to pass, it will be done for him. 24 Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. 25 And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.”
- Mark 11:12-25
Son of David, Have Mercy on Me! (Mark 10:46-52)
This week at Grace, we get to talk through Jesus's encounter with a blind beggar named Bartimaeus. It's an account I've come to love over the years, and I hope you will too.
Ghost Ship's song "Son of David" recounts this gospel account from Bartimaeus's perspective. It's a song that has been important to me for a decade. Take a listen here to prepare your heart for Sunday's message. The lyrics are also below if you prefer to read them.
"Son of David" Lyrics
[Verse 1]
The blind won't gain their sight
By opening their eyes
A King is coming
To His city and crowds around are following
If I could see, I would follow, too
[Verse 2]
He heals the sick with His hands
As He walks by, they reach for Him
If I could see, I would reach out, too
[Pre-Chorus]
The blind won't gain their sight
By opening their eyes
[Chorus]
Son of David, have mercy on me
Son of David, have mercy on me
Son of David, I want to see
Son of David, have mercy
[Verse 3]
I cannot leave this gate
Since I cannot see my way
But I can stand and call His name
No, I could never leave this gate
But I will stand and shout His name
And I will count on His grace
[Bridge]
I was blind, now I see
Jesus, saved me
I was blind, now I see
Jesus, saved me
See you Sunday!
-Pastor Chris
46 And they came to Jericho. And as he was leaving Jericho with his disciples and a great crowd, Bartimaeus, a blind beggar, the son of Timaeus, was sitting by the roadside. 47 And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out and say, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” 48 And many rebuked him, telling him to be silent. But he cried out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” 49 And Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.” And they called the blind man, saying to him, “Take heart. Get up; he is calling you.” 50 And throwing off his cloak, he sprang up and came to Jesus. 51 And Jesus said to him, “What do you want me to do for you?” And the blind man said to him, “Rabbi, let me recover my sight.” 52 And Jesus said to him, “Go your way; your faith has made you well.” And immediately he recovered his sight and followed him on the way.
- Mark 10:46-52
I Wanted "The High Road" but Jesus Gave Me "The Low Road" (Mark 10:32-45)
When the Apostle Paul and his team arrived at Thessalonica the complaint was made against them, “These men who have turned the world upside down have come here also" (Acts 17:6).
In reality, the Gospel message Paul taught didn't turn the world upside down. It turned the world right-side up! Jesus' message is powerful indeed.
As we'll see this Sunday from Mark 10:32-45, Jesus presented a view about leadership contrary to the model often seen in the world. You don't get ahead by lording it over others, by climbing over others to get to the top, by getting people to depend on you as their "benefactor." No, to get ahead in God's kingdom you become a servant to others. Just like Jesus did.
I'm looking forward to teaching on Mark 10:32-45 and I hope you will read it in advance and look forward to learning what Jesus taught and demonstrated about true leadership. Together we can be more Christ-like by seeking to serve others rather than seeking to be served.
- Pastor Don
32 And they were on the road, going up to Jerusalem, and Jesus was walking ahead of them. And they were amazed, and those who followed were afraid. And taking the twelve again, he began to tell them what was to happen to him, 33 saying, “See, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be delivered over to the chief priests and the scribes, and they will condemn him to death and deliver him over to the Gentiles. 34 And they will mock him and spit on him, and flog him and kill him. And after three days he will rise.”
35 And James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came up to him and said to him, “Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you.” 36 And he said to them, “What do you want me to do for you?” 37 And they said to him, “Grant us to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your glory.” 38 Jesus said to them, “You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, or to be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized?” 39 And they said to him, “We are able.” And Jesus said to them, “The cup that I drink you will drink, and with the baptism with which I am baptized, you will be baptized, 40 but to sit at my right hand or at my left is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared.” 41 And when the ten heard it, they began to be indignant at James and John. 42 And Jesus called them to him and said to them, “You know that those who are considered rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. 43 But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant,[a] 44 and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. 45 For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
- Mark 10:32-45
Return on Investment (Mark 10:17-31)
Do you think you're wealthy?
While I've always had a roof over my head and food on the table, I've never seen myself as "rich." Living in southern California, especially, consistently exposes me to people who have more than I do (sometimes a lot more than I do). I imagine you have the same experience, too.
When we have the frame that the rich are "those people" (whoever has more than we do), it breeds a whole host of vices: jealousy, ridicule, and abdicating our responsibilities.
This week at Grace, we're in Mark 10:17-31, the passage of the rich young ruler. This man begins by asking a good question about salvation, but balks at Jesus' answer: give up your great wealth and follow him.
Do you see the tension of this passage for your life? What would you do if you were him? What do you do about it now?
Let's talk about it this Sunday at Grace.
In Christ,
Pastor Bob
PS. We're also going to hear from one of our Compassion Partners, World Relief - Southern California. Feel free to poke around their website before Sunday and get a feel for their ministry.
17 And as he was setting out on his journey, a man ran up and knelt before him and asked him, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” 18 And Jesus said to him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone. 19 You know the commandments: ‘Do not murder, Do not commit adultery, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Do not defraud, Honor your father and mother.’” 20 And he said to him, “Teacher, all these I have kept from my youth.” 21 And Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, “You lack one thing: go, sell all that you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” 22 Disheartened by the saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.
23 And Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How difficult it will be for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God!” 24 And the disciples were amazed at his words. But Jesus said to them again, “Children, how difficult it is to enter the kingdom of God! 25 It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.” 26 And they were exceedingly astonished, and said to him, “Then who can be saved?” 27 Jesus looked at them and said, “With man it is impossible, but not with God. For all things are possible with God.” 28 Peter began to say to him, “See, we have left everything and followed you.” 29 Jesus said, “Truly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or lands, for my sake and for the gospel, 30 who will not receive a hundredfold now in this time, houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions, and in the age to come eternal life. 31 But many who are first will be last, and the last first.”
- Mark 10:17-31
Faith Like a Child (Mark 10:13-16)
For the last five days, our church campus has been happily overrun by 80+ kids who are singing, playing, and (most importantly) learning about Jesus.
Yep, it's VBS week!
This Sunday, our Gospel of Mark series brings us to Jesus' exhortation to the disciples to let the children come to him (Mark 10:13-16). The providential timing certainly is an encouragement to the seventy volunteers who poured out their energy this week to help kids learn about Jesus.
But there's more to this passage than just, "Be nice to kids and tell them about Jesus." Jesus's words are a challenge to all of us about who we include and exclude, as well as our own posture before Him.
Looking forward to opening God's Word with you this Sunday!
In Christ,
Pastor Bob
13 And they were bringing children to him that he might touch them, and the disciples rebuked them. 14 But when Jesus saw it, he was indignant and said to them, “Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. 15 Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.” 16 And he took them in his arms and blessed them, laying his hands on them.
- Mark 10:13-16
Let No One Separate (Mark 10:1-12)
Last week, I had a conversation via text with an old friend from a previous ministry. Surprisingly, we discovered that we would both preach sermons this coming Sunday. When I told him I was preaching on divorce, he replied, "Why on earth would you do that?!?"
"The hazards of preaching sequentially through a book of the Bible," I quipped.
I'll admit that divorce can be an uncomfortable and painful topic to address. But preaching on the words of our Lord isn't hazardous at all. Jesus's words are life-giving and infinitely wise. They're of inestimable worth and should be considered and cherished by all who follow Him. So, I'm glad to think it through together with you!
With that said, I believe that Mark 10:1-12 is primarily about marriage, and Jesus takes us back to God's original design when He created marriage. Will we deal with divorce and other issues surrounding marriage in a fallen world? Yes. But, I hope we will come away from Sunday agreeing with Hebrews 13:4 that "marriage should be honored by all."
Looking forward to sharing with you this week at Grace,
-Pastor Chris
P.S. Since this week deals with more sensitive topics, we encourage you to use your discernment in bringing your children to this service.
And he left there and went to the region of Judea and beyond the Jordan, and crowds gathered to him again. And again, as was his custom, he taught them.
2 And Pharisees came up and in order to test him asked, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?” 3 He answered them, “What did Moses command you?” 4 They said, “Moses allowed a man to write a certificate of divorce and to send her away.” 5 And Jesus said to them, “Because of your hardness of heart he wrote you this commandment. 6 But from the beginning of creation, ‘God made them male and female.’ 7 ‘Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, 8 and the two shall become one flesh.’ So they are no longer two but one flesh. 9 What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.”
10 And in the house the disciples asked him again about this matter. 11 And he said to them, “Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery against her, 12 and if she divorces her husband and marries another, she commits adultery.”
- Mark 10:1-12
The Significance of Sin (Mark 9:42-50)
This week at Grace, we're continuing our series on Mark 9 with a sobering passage: it is better to lose your hand, foot or eye than to have your whole person cast into hell.
Not exactly my first choice of a passage for Father's Day.
Thinking about sin and judgement isn't something we find immediately comforting. But wrestling with the truth of our sin and God's wrath forces us to recognize what is sacred, the significance of our choices, and ultimately our need for a savior.
The alternative to passages like this is to live in triviality - fooling about with petty grievances and distracting ourselves with escapist activities.
I hope this year on Father's Day we'll have a chance to celebrate men in our lives who have given us the gift of a life set apart for God, zealous for Him, and committed to loving their neighbors well.
In Christ,
Pastor Bob
42 “Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him if a great millstone were hung around his neck and he were thrown into the sea. 43 And if your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life crippled than with two hands to go to hell, to the unquenchable fire. 45 And if your foot causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life lame than with two feet to be thrown into hell. 47 And if your eye causes you to sin, tear it out. It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than with two eyes to be thrown into hell, 48 ‘where their worm does not die and the fire is not quenched.’ 49 For everyone will be salted with fire. 50 Salt is good, but if the salt has lost its saltiness, how will you make it salty again? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with one another.”
- Mark 9:42-50
Who is Great? (Mark 9:30-41)
What are some of the ways the people around you define a great life?
Is it professional success?
Financial independence to do what you want, when you want?
People speaking well of you?
Commanding the attention of people through your beauty, wit, or insights?
This week at Grace, we're continuing our series in Mark 9, looking at Jesus' definition of a great life. Not surprisingly, it's very different from the world's definitions above.
Let's talk about it together this Sunday at Grace.
In Christ,
Pastor Bob
30 They went on from there and passed through Galilee. And he did not want anyone to know, 31 for he was teaching his disciples, saying to them, “The Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men, and they will kill him. And when he is killed, after three days he will rise.” 32 But they did not understand the saying, and were afraid to ask him.
33 And they came to Capernaum. And when he was in the house he asked them, “What were you discussing on the way?” 34 But they kept silent, for on the way they had argued with one another about who was the greatest. 35 And he sat down and called the twelve. And he said to them, “If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all.” 36 And he took a child and put him in the midst of them, and taking him in his arms, he said to them, 37 “Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me, receives not me but him who sent me.”
38 John said to him, “Teacher, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we tried to stop him, because he was not following us.” 39 But Jesus said, “Do not stop him, for no one who does a mighty work in my name will be able soon afterward to speak evil of me. 40 For the one who is not against us is for us. 41 For truly, I say to you, whoever gives you a cup of water to drink because you belong to Christ will by no means lose his reward.
- Mark 9:30-41
Help My Unbelief! (Mark 9:14-29)
Who needs Jesus' help?
This week's message is going to look at a passage from Mark 9 where Jesus is confronted by a desperate father whose son is in obvious need of saving from a demon. It's a tragic and frightening picture of the oppression that can occur from demons. We'll talk about some of the questions this raises for us today, and how we can understand this passage in light of the cross.
But it turns out the son isn’t the only one who needs help.
As events unfold, it turns out the father's faith needs strengthening ("I believe. Help my unbelief!" is his famous prayer). The crowd's fickleness needs correction. And the disciples' self-reliance requires reorientation.
Let's reflect on this passage together and think about some of the many, beautiful ways that Jesus saves us.
In Christ,
Pastor Bob
14 And when they came to the disciples, they saw a great crowd around them, and scribes arguing with them. 15 And immediately all the crowd, when they saw him, were greatly amazed and ran up to him and greeted him. 16 And he asked them, “What are you arguing about with them?” 17 And someone from the crowd answered him, “Teacher, I brought my son to you, for he has a spirit that makes him mute. 18 And whenever it seizes him, it throws him down, and he foams and grinds his teeth and becomes rigid. So I asked your disciples to cast it out, and they were not able.” 19 And he answered them, “O faithless generation, how long am I to be with you? How long am I to bear with you? Bring him to me.” 20 And they brought the boy to him. And when the spirit saw him, immediately it convulsed the boy, and he fell on the ground and rolled about, foaming at the mouth. 21 And Jesus asked his father, “How long has this been happening to him?” And he said, “From childhood. 22 And it has often cast him into fire and into water, to destroy him. But if you can do anything, have compassion on us and help us.” 23 And Jesus said to him, “‘If you can’! All things are possible for one who believes.” 24 Immediately the father of the child cried out and said, “I believe; help my unbelief!” 25 And when Jesus saw that a crowd came running together, he rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to it, “You mute and deaf spirit, I command you, come out of him and never enter him again.” 26 And after crying out and convulsing him terribly, it came out, and the boy was like a corpse, so that most of them said, “He is dead.” 27 But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him up, and he arose. 28 And when he had entered the house, his disciples asked him privately, “Why could we not cast it out?” 29 And he said to them, “This kind cannot be driven out by anything but prayer.”
- Mark 9:14-29
The Glory of the Son: 3, 2, 1 (Mark 9:2-13)
[Disclaimer: I’m pretty sure the following story is true. I Googled it and, as you know, the internet is rarely misleading]
For the 2000 BIOLA commencement speech Christian author, Josh McDowell got up, said one sentence 3 times, and then sat down.
In the spirit of short communications: “Read Mark 9: Shine, Jesus, Shine.”
Blessings,
Pastor Tim
2 And after six days Jesus took with him Peter and James and John, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, 3 and his clothes became radiant, intensely white, as no one on earth could bleach them. 4 And there appeared to them Elijah with Moses, and they were talking with Jesus. 5 And Peter said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good that we are here. Let us make three tents, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah.” 6 For he did not know what to say, for they were terrified. 7 And a cloud overshadowed them, and a voice came out of the cloud, “This is my beloved Son; listen to him.” 8 And suddenly, looking around, they no longer saw anyone with them but Jesus only.
9 And as they were coming down the mountain, he charged them to tell no one what they had seen, until the Son of Man had risen from the dead. 10 So they kept the matter to themselves, questioning what this rising from the dead might mean. 11 And they asked him, “Why do the scribes say that first Elijah must come?” 12 And he said to them, “Elijah does come first to restore all things. And how is it written of the Son of Man that he should suffer many things and be treated with contempt? 13 But I tell you that Elijah has come, and they did to him whatever they pleased, as it is written of him.”
- Mark 9:2-13
Who Do You Say I Am? (Mark 8:22-30)
Theologian, pastor, and writer Dr. Timothy Keller went to be with the Lord today after a three-year battle with pancreatic cancer.
While I only met him once in person, there are few people I've spent more time with when I add up all the hours I've spent reading his books and articles as well as listening to his sermons and interviews. My early sermons at Grace were de facto impressions of Keller, and I can still feel myself slip in expressions and figures of speech that come from him when I'm speaking.
Like most pastors, Keller used some expressions often to remind us of what is most important. One of his go-to ones was, "If the resurrection is true, then everything’s going to be alright." On the day of Keller's earthly death, reflecting on our shared hope of resurrection brings me joy.
This week at Grace, we're going to be in Mark 8:22-30, the pivot point in the book of Mark. The whole book up to this point has been asking the question, "Who is Jesus?" Characters in Mark see parts of who he is, defer to him in some ways, but no one has fully "seen" Jesus yet.
So, when this passage starts with Jesus restoring sight to a blind man in two parts, a parable about seeing but not seeing, we're meant to understand that this miracle is about more than just one man's physical sight. It's about whether anyone will accurately see who Jesus is. That's why the next paragraph is so important: Peter's great confession of faith, "You are the Christ." Yet even that confession is followed by Peter's failure to accept Jesus' path to the cross.
Without the resurrection, the idea of a suffering servant wouldn't make yet. But if Jesus could really rise from the dead, then everything would be alright.
This is our hope.
In Christ,
Pastor Bob
PS. I've written a brief article here with links to some of Keller's materials that you might find helpful.
22 And they came to Bethsaida. And some people brought to him a blind man and begged him to touch him. 23 And he took the blind man by the hand and led him out of the village, and when he had spit on his eyes and laid his hands on him, he asked him, “Do you see anything?” 24 And he looked up and said, “I see people, but they look like trees, walking.” 25 Then Jesus laid his hands on his eyes again; and he opened his eyes, his sight was restored, and he saw everything clearly. 26 And he sent him to his home, saying, “Do not even enter the village.”
27 And Jesus went on with his disciples to the villages of Caesarea Philippi. And on the way he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that I am?” 28 And they told him, “John the Baptist; and others say, Elijah; and others, one of the prophets.” 29 And he asked them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter answered him, “You are the Christ.” 30 And he strictly charged them to tell no one about him.
- Mark 8:22-30
A Mother's Plea to Jesus (Mark 24-37)
"Bobby, did you put on your sunscreen?"
(Yes, I was Bobby to my family growing up. It's still what my sisters call me.)
As a pale, redheaded kid growing up in California, I heard that sentence from my mother a thousand times growing up. And I needed the reminding, too, since I almost never had put it on before my mom asked.
I'm sure my mom didn't love needing to remind me over and over to put on my sunscreen (or put away the dishes, or do my homework, or...) One of the many reasons to celebrate moms this Mother's Day is their dogged persistence in so many ways: teaching us over and over to choose the good, to recognize beauty, and to be mindful of hazards.
This week at Grace, we're going to look at a story of a mother's persistence toward Jesus for the sake of her daughter. This mom shows us what faith looks like in action, and how Jesus responds to faith from an unlikely place.
Looking forward to growing in persistent faith with you all!
In Christ,
Pastor Bob
PS. While Mother's Day is not a distinctively Christian holiday, we will be spending a couple of minutes in the worship service watching a video the Grace Kids have put together in honor of their moms and we'll have some gifts available on the patio from the Women's Ministry. I know that Mother's Day worship services can bring out a range of emotions based on the different lived experiences we have. My hope is that Sunday's worship service will be a help for you in following Jesus regardless of what joys, regrets, longings, or losses we carry with us.
Blind to the Signs (Mark 8:1-21)
Fear of Missing Out, commonly known as FOMO, is a feeling we've all experienced at some point in our lives. Have you ever declined an invitation to a party or event, only to later see photos of your friends having an amazing time without you? I have, and I'll admit it's tough. But what about missing out on something much more significant?
This Sunday, I hope we can develop a healthy fear of missing out - the fear of missing out on Jesus Himself. As I've reflected on our passage (Mark 8:1-21), I can't help but wonder: where am I blind to His work in my life and in the world? Where am I not hearing Him as clearly as I could be? Join me as we seek to hear and see Christ more clearly together.
I can't wait to see you this week at Grace!
-Pastor Chris
In those days, when again a great crowd had gathered, and they had nothing to eat, he called his disciples to him and said to them, 2 “I have compassion on the crowd, because they have been with me now three days and have nothing to eat. 3 And if I send them away hungry to their homes, they will faint on the way. And some of them have come from far away.” 4 And his disciples answered him, “How can one feed these people with bread here in this desolate place?” 5 And he asked them, “How many loaves do you have?” They said, “Seven.” 6 And he directed the crowd to sit down on the ground. And he took the seven loaves, and having given thanks, he broke them and gave them to his disciples to set before the people; and they set them before the crowd. 7 And they had a few small fish. And having blessed them, he said that these also should be set before them. 8 And they ate and were satisfied. And they took up the broken pieces left over, seven baskets full. 9 And there were about four thousand people. And he sent them away. 10 And immediately he got into the boat with his disciples and went to the district of Dalmanutha.
11 The Pharisees came and began to argue with him, seeking from him a sign from heaven to test him. 12 And he sighed deeply in his spirit and said, “Why does this generation seek a sign? Truly, I say to you, no sign will be given to this generation.” 13 And he left them, got into the boat again, and went to the other side.
14 Now they had forgotten to bring bread, and they had only one loaf with them in the boat. 15 And he cautioned them, saying, “Watch out; beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the leaven of Herod.” 16 And they began discussing with one another the fact that they had no bread. 17 And Jesus, aware of this, said to them, “Why are you discussing the fact that you have no bread? Do you not yet perceive or understand? Are your hearts hardened? 18 Having eyes do you not see, and having ears do you not hear? And do you not remember? 19 When I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many baskets full of broken pieces did you take up?” They said to him, “Twelve.” 20 “And the seven for the four thousand, how many baskets full of broken pieces did you take up?” And they said to him, “Seven.” 21 And he said to them, “Do you not yet understand?”
What Makes for a Pure Life? (Mark 7:1-23)
"He should be ashamed of himself!"
"It's a shame it's come to this."
"I have nothing to be ashamed of!"
"Shame on you!"
This week at Grace we're going to look at Jesus' view of shame. In Mark 7, Jesus challenges and transforms what his contemporary saw as the reasons for shame.
This passage includes some cultural differences from our generation but I'm sure that you'll see the issues behind it are timeless. In a generation where we really wrestle with how to respond coherently to shame, I pray that Jesus' words are heard for the tremendous good news that they are.
Looking forward to seeing you this Sunday.
In Christ,
Pastor Bob
Now when the Pharisees gathered to him, with some of the scribes who had come from Jerusalem, 2 they saw that some of his disciples ate with hands that were defiled, that is, unwashed. 3 (For the Pharisees and all the Jews do not eat unless they wash their hands properly, holding to the tradition of the elders, 4 and when they come from the marketplace, they do not eat unless they wash. And there are many other traditions that they observe, such as the washing of cups and pots and copper vessels and dining couches.) 5 And the Pharisees and the scribes asked him, “Why do your disciples not walk according to the tradition of the elders, but eat with defiled hands?” 6 And he said to them, “Well did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written,
“‘This people honors me with their lips,
but their heart is far from me;
7 in vain do they worship me,
teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’
8 You leave the commandment of God and hold to the tradition of men.”
9 And he said to them, “You have a fine way of rejecting the commandment of God in order to establish your tradition! 10 For Moses said, ‘Honor your father and your mother’; and, ‘Whoever reviles father or mother must surely die.’ 11 But you say, ‘If a man tells his father or his mother, “Whatever you would have gained from me is Corban”’ (that is, given to God)— 12 then you no longer permit him to do anything for his father or mother, 13 thus making void the word of God by your tradition that you have handed down. And many such things you do.”
14 And he called the people to him again and said to them, “Hear me, all of you, and understand: 15 There is nothing outside a person that by going into him can defile him, but the things that come out of a person are what defile him.” 17 And when he had entered the house and left the people, his disciples asked him about the parable. 18 And he said to them, “Then are you also without understanding? Do you not see that whatever goes into a person from outside cannot defile him, 19 since it enters not his heart but his stomach, and is expelled?” (Thus he declared all foods clean.) 20 And he said, “What comes out of a person is what defiles him. 21 For from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, 22 coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, foolishness. 23 All these evil things come from within, and they defile a person.”
- Mark 7:1-23
Jesus Walked on Water (Mark 6:45-56)
This week at Grace, we're going to be in Mark 6:45-56, a passage that includes Jesus walking on water. Like the feeding of the 5,000 from last week, this is one of those miracles that both amazes and raises our eyebrows. "Walking on water? Really? Everyone knows you can't do that." Which, of course, is entirely the point of the miracle in the first place.
What's interesting to me, though, is why Jesus walks on water. According to Mark 6, he does so because the disciples are straining at the oars of their boat, miles out to sea, making no progress. And do you know why they're out at sea? Because Jesus sent them out there.
So, what gives? Jesus saves them from something he sent them to? Why? And what does that have to do with us?
If you're getting the sense that there might be more going on in the story of the walking on water than we learned as kids in Sunday School, I think you're right. Let's dive into it together this Sunday (terrible pun, but I had to).
In Christ,
Pastor Bob
45 Immediately he made his disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, to Bethsaida, while he dismissed the crowd. 46 And after he had taken leave of them, he went up on the mountain to pray. 47 And when evening came, the boat was out on the sea, and he was alone on the land. 48 And he saw that they were making headway painfully, for the wind was against them. And about the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea. He meant to pass by them, 49 but when they saw him walking on the sea they thought it was a ghost, and cried out, 50 for they all saw him and were terrified. But immediately he spoke to them and said, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.” 51 And he got into the boat with them, and the wind ceased. And they were utterly astounded, 52 for they did not understand about the loaves, but their hearts were hardened.
53 When they had crossed over, they came to land at Gennesaret and moored to the shore. 54 And when they got out of the boat, the people immediately recognized him 55 and ran about the whole region and began to bring the sick people on their beds to wherever they heard he was. 56 And wherever he came, in villages, cities, or countryside, they laid the sick in the marketplaces and implored him that they might touch even the fringe of his garment. And as many as touched it were made well.
- Mark 6:45-56
The Compassion of Jesus (Mark 6:30-44)
Thank you to everyone who brought a friend or family member to visit Grace on Easter Sunday. I loved seeing the risks so many of you took to bring someone with you.
This week at Grace, we're going to continue our series in the Gospel of Mark by going back to chapter 6 to see Jesus' provision for his disciples and the crowds at the same time. The feeding of the 5,000 miracle is recorded in all four gospels (a rarity for any event in Jesus' life, except the resurrection), and holds a special place in many of our hearts going back to childhood.
But don't mistake familiarity with the story for mastery over the passage. There is much here to challenge us, especially in how we see the needs of others, what expectations and limits we place on Jesus, and where we turn for rest.
Looking forward to exploring the riches of God's Word with you this Sunday!
In Christ,
Pastor Bob
30 The apostles returned to Jesus and told him all that they had done and taught. 31 And he said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while.” For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat. 32 And they went away in the boat to a desolate place by themselves. 33 Now many saw them going and recognized them, and they ran there on foot from all the towns and got there ahead of them. 34 When he went ashore he saw a great crowd, and he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. And he began to teach them many things. 35 And when it grew late, his disciples came to him and said, “This is a desolate place, and the hour is now late. 36 Send them away to go into the surrounding countryside and villages and buy themselves something to eat.” 37 But he answered them, “You give them something to eat.” And they said to him, “Shall we go and buy two hundred denarii worth of bread and give it to them to eat?” 38 And he said to them, “How many loaves do you have? Go and see.” And when they had found out, they said, “Five, and two fish.” 39 Then he commanded them all to sit down in groups on the green grass. 40 So they sat down in groups, by hundreds and by fifties. 41 And taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven and said a blessing and broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples to set before the people. And he divided the two fish among them all. 42 And they all ate and were satisfied. 43 And they took up twelve baskets full of broken pieces and of the fish. 44 And those who ate the loaves were five thousand men.
- Mark 6:30-44
Expecting the Cross (Mark 8:31-38)
It's Easter Sunday!
This week at Grace, we'll be celebrating Jesus' resurrection by jumping a little forward in the Gospel of Mark series to Jesus' prediction of his death and resurrection in Mark 8:31-38. In this passage, Jesus not only shows the disciples what is going to happen, but he also links his death and resurrection with their own personal decision to pick up their cross daily and follow him.
As we prepare to come to worship this Easter Sunday, a few gentle pastoral reminders:
There may be people in your life who will come to church with you this Sunday if you ask them to. You've built a bridge of relationship with these people all year; now is the time to cross that bridge and respectfully invite them to come with you.
There will be people visiting Grace this Sunday for the first time. If you're a member of Grace, you're on the greeting and welcoming team this Sunday! Help people find where to go and seek to make them feel at home.
Pray for people to respond to the gospel in a life-changing way. The message this Sunday is a direct challenge from Jesus to us; will we choose the path of selfishness or the cross? This choice has eternal consequences for everyone, and we want to ask God to bring people to Jesus' saving grace this Sunday.
Delight in Jesus this Sunday. My eight-year-old son told me last night, "I don't like when people forget what the point of Easter is. It's about Jesus!" I agree, bud. Me too.
Let's worship the risen Jesus together this Sunday.
- Pastor Bob
31 And he began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and the chief priests and the scribes and be killed, and after three days rise again. 32 And he said this plainly. And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. 33 But turning and seeing his disciples, he rebuked Peter and said, “Get behind me, Satan! For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man.”
34 And calling the crowd to him with his disciples, he said to them, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. 35 For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel's will save it. 36 For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul? 37 For what can a man give in return for his soul? 38 For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him will the Son of Man also be ashamed when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.”
- Mark 8:31-38
When Losing Your Head is Worth It (Mark 6:14-29)
Sometimes when I’m reading the Old Testament I can’t really relate to what I’m reading and I find myself thinking, “this seems really odd” or “what in the world?” Whether it’s Abraham’s polygamy (one spouse is plenty…can I get an amen?) or Abraham’s nephew, Lot, who offered up his virgin daughters to a lusty mob, why? Because ancient people had different standards of hospitality? I read these stories and think, “what the…” Maybe you have a similar response.
When reading the Old Testament I expect some discontinuity between their day and ours. But when reading the New Testament, even if there are some hard-to-understand parts, I sort of get it. I could imagine the things I’m reading happening today. Mostly. [insert dramatic pause]. Well, not so much when it comes to Mark 6 and the beheading of John the Baptist. Not only was he beheaded. It was followed by his bloody head being passed around on a platter. And at a birthday party! I’ve been to some weird and awkward birthday parties, but as far as I recall there have been no “hot potato” with human heads as party games.
I don’t mean to make light of John’s gruesome end. In uncomfortable situations, I lean on humor and I hope that if I can bring some levity in this email there will be less to share on Sunday. Now I did title the sermon “When losing your head is worth it” and I wasn’t intending to be funny. If you find it funny, just be careful to not laugh your head off. Apologies. I’m trying to get it out of my system before Sunday.
If you read Mark 6 and find yourself asking, “what the…” come this Sunday and we’ll try to help make some sense of it all.
Blessings,
Pastor Tim
14 King Herod heard of it, for Jesus' name had become known. Some said, “John the Baptist has been raised from the dead. That is why these miraculous powers are at work in him.” 15 But others said, “He is Elijah.” And others said, “He is a prophet, like one of the prophets of old.” 16 But when Herod heard of it, he said, “John, whom I beheaded, has been raised.” 17 For it was Herod who had sent and seized John and bound him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip's wife, because he had married her. 18 For John had been saying to Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother's wife.” 19 And Herodias had a grudge against him and wanted to put him to death. But she could not, 20 for Herod feared John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and he kept him safe. When he heard him, he was greatly perplexed, and yet he heard him gladly.
21 But an opportunity came when Herod on his birthday gave a banquet for his nobles and military commanders and the leading men of Galilee. 22 For when Herodias's daughter came in and danced, she pleased Herod and his guests. And the king said to the girl, “Ask me for whatever you wish, and I will give it to you.” 23 And he vowed to her, “Whatever you ask me, I will give you, up to half of my kingdom.” 24 And she went out and said to her mother, “For what should I ask?” And she said, “The head of John the Baptist.” 25 And she came in immediately with haste to the king and asked, saying, “I want you to give me at once the head of John the Baptist on a platter.” 26 And the king was exceedingly sorry, but because of his oaths and his guests he did not want to break his word to her. 27 And immediately the king sent an executioner with orders to bring John's head. He went and beheaded him in the prison 28 and brought his head on a platter and gave it to the girl, and the girl gave it to her mother. 29 When his disciples heard of it, they came and took his body and laid it in a tomb.
- Mark 6:14-29
On a Mission from God (Mark 6:7-13)
Where do you look for meaning in your life? If you're a Christian, I would hope that Jesus would factor into that answer quickly and centrally. But even as a Christian, it might be tough to articulate exactly how your faith brings meaning to your life.
This week at Grace we're studying Mark 6:7-13, where Jesus sent out the twelve on a mission to replicate his ministry in the lives of others.
Part of what makes this passage so compelling to me is what Jesus offers his disciples. By sending them out, he is inviting them into a life of meaning and purpose.
In this passage, we see a picture of what is possible in our lives as well.
Looking forward to discussing it with you this Sunday!
In Christ,
Pastor Bob
7 And he called the twelve and began to send them out two by two, and gave them authority over the unclean spirits. 8 He charged them to take nothing for their journey except a staff—no bread, no bag, no money in their belts— 9 but to wear sandals and not put on two tunics. 10 And he said to them, “Whenever you enter a house, stay there until you depart from there. 11 And if any place will not receive you and they will not listen to you, when you leave, shake off the dust that is on your feet as a testimony against them.” 12 So they went out and proclaimed that people should repent. 13 And they cast out many demons and anointed with oil many who were sick and healed them.
- Mark 6:7-13