Posts Tagged: Mark

Devotionals

Looking Isn’t Seeing, and Hearing Isn’t Listening

The disciples’ experience on the stormy sea teaches us a profound truth: we can look right at something and not truly see it. In Matthew 13, Jesus tells parables, and while the crowds hear Him, few really listen. Similarly, on the boat in Luke 8, the disciples see Jesus perform miracles but don’t fully understand what they’re witnessing....  Read More →

What is the Unforgivable Sin?

When Jesus warned about the unforgivable sin, it raised a question that has troubled many believers: What exactly is this sin that cannot be forgiven? As we look deeper into His words from Mark 3:28-30 and Matthew 12:31-32, we see that He refers to “blasphemy against the Holy Spirit” as something from which there is...  Read More →

Worship Without Walls: Making Peace with Others

Reading through Mark 3, Luke 6, and Matthew 5, we come across a powerful teaching that echoes across all three Gospels: the importance of reconciliation with others before offering anything to God. In Matthew 5:23-24, Jesus says, “Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister...  Read More →

Perseverance of the Saints: A Redefinition

There are few questions in the Christian life more significant than that of salvation: How secure is it? Is salvation something that can be lost, or is it a permanent state once we come to faith? This question touches on core aspects of how we understand God’s love, our responsibility, and the very nature of...  Read More →

Escaping Christian Celebrity Culture: A Lesson from Jesus

In today’s Christian world, there’s a growing trend that mirrors the celebrity culture we see in entertainment—prominent pastors, authors, and Christian leaders who garner massive followings and media attention. But when we examine the life of Jesus, we find a stark contrast. In Luke 5, Mark 2, and Matthew 9, we see that Jesus often...  Read More →

When Jesus Calls

In the Gospels, we see a remarkable moment when Jesus calls His first disciples. While they were going about their everyday lives—fishing by the shore, mending their nets—Jesus walks up and simply says, “Follow me.” And just like that, they drop everything and follow Him. What’s most surprising is the immediacy of their response. They...  Read More →

God of the Gaps

In John 2, we find the account of Jesus’ first miracle: turning water into wine at a wedding feast. It’s a familiar story, but there’s a powerful lesson tucked into the dialogue between Jesus and His mother, Mary. When the wine ran out, a potentially embarrassing situation for the hosts, Mary simply brought the need...  Read More →

From Bloodline to Faith: Jesus’ Better Covenant

John’s powerful rebuke to the crowds gathered at the Jordan River reveals a profound shift in God’s plan for salvation. When John tells the crowd that their claim to Abraham as their forefather isn’t enough to save them (Matthew 3:9), he’s laying the groundwork for a new covenant that Jesus would usher in—a covenant that...  Read More →

Unexpected Heroes: The Women Who Shaped Salvation

When we read through the genealogy of Jesus in Matthew 1, we’re confronted with an unexpected detail: the inclusion of five women. In a time when genealogies typically traced lineage through men, the appearance of Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, Bathsheba, and Mary stands out. But what’s even more striking is why these women, in particular, were chosen. They...  Read More →

Sermons

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The Mystery of Prayer

Intro Does everyone know what a Rube Goldberg Machine is? Many of you probably do, and I thought I would try to explain it, but I think — to be truly appreciated — these must been seen. So if you’ll kindly indulge me, I would like to show you a brief video to start our message...  Read More →

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The Miracle of Destruction

Intro Good morning! Welcome to Mountain Spring Calvary Chapel. My name is Conrad and I am one of the pastors here. And I am excited for the message God has for us this morning, one which I have entitled “The Miracle of Destruction”… ooh! Provocative! Before we get too far into our message this morning, I want...  Read More →

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Hold On Loosely

Intro Doctor Who skit CONRAD: And today I’m excited to do my final sermon with Surrey CLA and dive into part 29 of our Mark series. DOCTOR: Thirty eight. [twenty] CONRAD: Pretty sure we’re doing the Gospel of Mark in order. 27, 28, 29. This isn’t some Christopher Nolan movie. We’re keeping it chronological. DOCTOR:...  Read More →