St Marcus Mke Sermons

This week we will be studying Galatians 5:13-26 under the theme “Freedom to Fight Against Your Flesh." We are in a daily struggle against temptation and sin, and sometimes we feel like we are losing the struggle more than we are winning. Christ has claimed victory over these daily battles, freeing us from the desires of our flesh, and over the enemy of death. SERIES SUMMARY: Galatians is written to believers who were allowing the gospel to become distorted in their lives. Influential teachers were causing them to focus more on themselves and their obedience than on Christ’s deliverance. In this series, we’ll learn that everything in a fallen world is fighting to drive us further into self-focus. But the beauty of Christ pulls our eyes to him, healing our self-inflicted wounds, and liberating us to love and serve others. If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive

This week we will be studying Galatians 4:8-20 under the theme “Haunted by Idols.” The Galatians had been influenced by false teachers (Judaizers) who were leading them into a work-righteousness that was actually quite similar to their old paganism. Paul persuades them away from this error of religion through a combination of truth and love – personalized gospel ministry. SERIES SUMMARY: Galatians is written to believers who were allowing the gospel to become distorted in their lives. Influential teachers were causing them to focus more on themselves and their obedience than on Christ’s deliverance. In this series, we’ll learn that everything in a fallen world is fighting to drive us further into self-focus. But the beauty of Christ pulls our eyes to him, healing our self-inflicted wounds, and liberating us to love and serve others. If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive

This week we will be studying Galatians 3:1-14 under the theme “The Appeal and Failure of the Law.” We see here how proud humans are always tempted to plagiarize from God, attempting to give ourselves some level of credit for our salvation, righteousness, and blessings. But self-merit in God’s Kingdom will only cause spiritual sickness. SERIES SUMMARY: Galatians is written to believers who were allowing the gospel to become distorted in their lives. Influential teachers were causing them to focus more on themselves and their obedience than on Christ’s deliverance. In this series, we’ll learn that everything in a fallen world is fighting to drive us further into self-focus. But the beauty of Christ pulls our eyes to him, healing our self-inflicted wounds, and liberating us to love and serve others. If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive

This week we will be studying Galatians 2:11-21 under the theme “The Damage of Believers Forgetting the Gospel.” Paul illustrates this theme to the Galatians by telling a story of even the Apostle Peter acting out of line with the gospel and causing great pain. There is great transformation in not scolding ourselves, or others, but explaining how a behavior might be “out of line with the gospel.” SERIES SUMMARY: Galatians is written to believers who were allowing the gospel to become distorted in their lives. Influential teachers were causing them to focus more on themselves and their obedience than on Christ’s deliverance. In this series, we’ll learn that everything in a fallen world is fighting to drive us further into self-focus. But the beauty of Christ pulls our eyes to him, healing our self-inflicted wounds, and liberating us to love and serve others. If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive

This week we will be studying Galatians 1:3-12 under the theme “No Other Gospel.” Reversing the gospel is a primary mechanism by which Satan tries to steal confidence, hope, joy, and even salvation away from Christians. This lesson teaches the right order of the gospel. We’ll learn how to fight against an upside-down, perverted ordering of the gospel in our thinking and relationships. SERIES SUMMARY: Galatians is written to believers who were allowing the gospel to become distorted in their lives. Influential teachers were causing them to focus more on themselves and their obedience than on Christ’s deliverance. In this series, we’ll learn that everything in a fallen world is fighting to drive us further into self-focus. But the beauty of Christ pulls our eyes to him, healing our self-inflicted wounds, and liberating us to love and serve others. If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive

This week we will be studying John 15:9-17 under the theme “Dangerous Friendship.” As God has called us “friends,” and treated us as his greatest friend by laying his life down for us, we are also to go and do likewise – not as friends of the world, but as the best friends in the world. SERIES SUMMARY: "Dangerous Jesus" is based on a book by Kevin "KB" Burgess. Today, we see a surge of people walking away from the Christian faith. But what's repelling people isn't Jesus - it's that what is often widely spread as mainstream Christianity is simply not worthy of His name. Jesus invaded the world with love for the forgotten, hope for the hopeless, and freedom for the bound. "Dangerous Jesus" reintroduces us to the true Jesus, the one who poses a threat to the status quo, to our division, and to our rebellion. We need to reconnect with this Jesus. We need to become a threat to the threats. We need to be dangerous for good. If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary d

This week we will be studying Acts 2:42-47 under the theme “Dangerous Spirit.” After Pentecost, the Spirit of God worked mightily in the Early Church to produce a countercultural lifestyle amongst God’s people as they graciously did life together. SERIES SUMMARY: "Dangerous Jesus" is based on a book by Kevin "KB" Burgess. Today, we see a surge of people walking away from the Christian faith. But what's repelling people isn't Jesus - it's that what is often widely spread as mainstream Christianity is simply not worthy of His name. Jesus invaded the world with love for the forgotten, hope for the hopeless, and freedom for the bound. "Dangerous Jesus" reintroduces us to the true Jesus, the one who poses a threat to the status quo, to our division, and to our rebellion. We need to reconnect with this Jesus. We need to become a threat to the threats. We need to be dangerous for good. If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click her

This week we’ll be studying Philippians 3:17-21 under the theme “Dangerous Citizen.” When Christians in this world forget that their citizenship is truly in heaven, they tend to have an unhealthy relationship with political power. Christian Nationalism has become an unhealthy development. This week we’ll learn the confidence that comes from knowing Jesus on his throne, and how he primarily wants us to influence society. "Dangerous Jesus" is based on a book by Kevin "KB" Burgess. Today, we see a surge of people walking away from the Christian faith. But what's repelling people isn't Jesus - it's that what is often widely spread as mainstream Christianity is simply not worthy of His name. Jesus invaded the world with love for the forgotten, hope for the hopeless, and freedom for the bound. "Dangerous Jesus" reintroduces us to the true Jesus, the one who poses a threat to the status quo, to our division, and to our rebellion. We need to reconnect with this Jesus. We nee

This week, we will be studying Luke 9:18-20 under the theme, "Dangerous Jesus." Jesus asked the question to his disciples and to us all, "But what about you? Who do you say I am? "Find out why the only thing more risky than getting Jesus right is getting Jesus wrong. SERIES SUMMARY: "Dangerous Jesus" is based on a book by Kevin "KB" Burgess. Today, we see a surge of people walking away from the Christian faith. But what's repelling people isn't Jesus - it's that what is often widely spread as mainstream Christianity is simply not worthy of His name. Jesus invaded the world with love for the forgotten, hope for the hopeless, and freedom for the bound. "Dangerous Jesus" reintroduces us to the true Jesus, the one who poses a threat to the status quo, to our division, and to our rebellion. We need to reconnect with this Jesus. We need to become a threat to the threats. We need to be dangerous for good. If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary d

This week we will be studying Revelation 7:9-14 under the theme “Christianity Is Necessarily Diverse.” As we close out our series on Urban Apologetics, we will look back at the doctrines we’ve covered, their implications, and applications for individuals and our church. We will also look ahead to the gathering of saints for worship in heaven, noticing how, by God’s design, they’ve come from every nation, tribe, people, and language. This series is loosely structured on a book by Dr. Eric Mason. "Apologetics" is the study of the reasonable defense of the Christian faith; being prepared to give the world a reason for the hope that we have. While the world takes offense at the Gospel, those in urban settings face unique challenges that are particular to a diverse context. This series will help members find greater confidence in speaking about distinct issues that our local church faces. If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://tinyur

This week we will be studying James 2:1-5 under the theme “Does God Favor Some People Groups?” Why is it that the poor of the world have historically been more receptive to the gospel of Jesus than the wealthy? What exactly is favoritism and what does it look like to rid our lives of a “ME FIRST” approach to human relationships? This passage from James teaches us another upside-down principle of the Kingdom. This series is loosely structured on a book by Dr. Eric Mason. "Apologetics" is the study of the reasonable defense of the Christian faith; being prepared to give the world a reason for the hope that we have. While the world takes offense at the Gospel, those in urban settings face unique challenges that are particular to a diverse context. This series will help members find greater confidence in speaking about distinct issues that our local church faces. If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive

This week we will be studying Deuteronomy 10:12-22 under the theme “Christians Fight For Human Dignity.” In our annual Juneteenth celebration, we will acknowledge our country’s struggles with human dignity, study God’s approach to viewing one another based on how he views us, and seek steps toward preserving the dignity of all. This series is loosely structured on a book by Dr. Eric Mason. "Apologetics" is the study of the reasonable defense of the Christian faith; being prepared to give the world a reason for the hope that we have. While the world takes offense at the Gospel, those in urban settings face unique challenges that are particular to a diverse context. This series will help members find greater confidence in speaking about distinct issues that our local church faces. If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive

This week we will be studying Galatians 3:26-29 under the theme “Christianity…a Whitewashed Religion?” Regardless of earthly categories, all who believe in Jesus maintain the status as fully justified children of God. Unfortunately, Christians don’t always communicate that equality in the way we conduct our lives. We begin our new series by seeing how this is problematic and where we can start doing something about it. This series is loosely structured on a book by Dr. Eric Mason. "Apologetics" is the study of the reasonable defense of the Christian faith; being prepared to give the world a reason for the hope that we have. While the world takes offense at the Gospel, those in urban settings face unique challenges that are particular to a diverse context. This series will help members find greater confidence in speaking about distinct issues that our local church faces. If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgi

This week we will be studying 2 Corinthians 9:6-15 under the theme “Give.” Regular, generous giving is a tangible way for us to express gratitude for all that God has already accomplished for us and confidence in all that God promises for our present and future. As we are renewed by the grace of Jesus, he calls us to a new life of following him called discipleship. At St Marcus, we focus on 4 spiritual habits we call "Vital Signs" that help us grow in healthy ways along our Journey of Discipleship. As we add Vital Signs to our lifestyle, we grow in our ability to lead and disciple others. In this, we strive to walk alongside people with loving compassion through a radical withness that continually points to our dependence on Jesus. If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive

This week we will be studying 1 Peter 4:7-11 under the theme “Serve.” Regular, sacrificial serving reminds us that our life has already been taken care of by Jesus and that our time on earth is best spent imitating His walk by laying down our lives for others. As we are renewed by the grace of Jesus, he calls us to a new life of following him called discipleship. At St Marcus, we focus on 4 spiritual habits we call "Vital Signs" that help us grow in healthy ways along our Journey of Discipleship. As we add Vital Signs to our lifestyle, we grow in our ability to lead and disciple others. In this, we strive to walk alongside people with loving compassion through a radical withness that continually points to our dependence on Jesus.

This week we will be studying Deuteronomy 6:1-12 under the theme “Study.” As encouraged by God, we know that regular, relational Bible study deepens the intimacy we have with God through a better understanding of his Word and a better understanding of the people he dwells in. As we are renewed by the grace of Jesus, he calls us to a new life of following him called discipleship. At St Marcus, we focus on 4 spiritual habits we call "Vital Signs" that help us grow in healthy ways along our Journey of Discipleship. As we add Vital Signs to our lifestyle, we grow in our ability to lead and disciple others. In this, we strive to walk alongside people with loving compassion through a radical withness that continually points to our dependence on Jesus.

This week we’ll be studying Psalm 95:1-11 to better understand the first of our four Vital Signs – “Worship.” All humans are designed for the purpose of worship, but the variance between us simply lies in whom/what we choose to worship. We need to see how God is above all other gods, worthy alone of our worship, and we’ll learn insights into the hows and whys of our corporate worship. SERIES SUMMARY: As we are renewed by the grace of Jesus, he calls us to a new life of following him called discipleship. At St Marcus, we focus on 4 spiritual habits we call "Vital Signs" that help us grow in healthy ways along our Journey of Discipleship. As we add Vital Signs to our lifestyle, we grow in our ability to lead and disciple others. In this, we strive to walk alongside people with loving compassion through a radical withness that continually points to our dependence on Jesus.

This week we’ll be studying Colossians 4:2-6 under the theme “The Mystery of Jesus.” The concept of God’s grace to ALL is truly an upside-down, otherworldly mystery to this fallen world. This week, we’ll learn how we should direct our prayers and lifestyle accordingly, for the purpose of evangelism. The Church in Colossae was a product of Paul’s 3-year ministry in Ephesus. The Apostle Paul wrote the letter to combat a specific type of heresy—a combination of Eastern and Greek philosophy and Jewish legalism with elements of Gnosticism. The danger was not in denying Christianity altogether but in altering genuine Christianity with mysticism, legalism, Eastern religions, asceticism, and man-made philosophy—making it quite relevant to our contemporary pluralistic culture.

This week we will be studying Colossians 3:1-14 under the theme “The Clothing of Jesus.” A major part of Christianity is a new identity in Christ. When someone becomes a Christian, they don’t stop being their gender, race, age, political affiliation, or personality. All of those things are demoted below a more important identification factor – REDEEMED by the blood of Jesus. This child of God, recognizing they’ve now been redeemed by the love of God, commits themselves to a life of love toward others. The Church in Colossae was a product of Paul’s 3-year ministry in Ephesus. The Apostle Paul wrote the letter to combat a specific type of heresy—a combination of Eastern and Greek philosophy and Jewish legalism with elements of Gnosticism. The danger was not in denying Christianity altogether but in altering genuine Christianity with mysticism, legalism, Eastern religions, asceticism, and man-made philosophy—making it quite relevant to our contemporary pluralistic culture.

This week we’ll be studying Colossians 2:16-23 under the theme “The Freedom of Jesus.” A major component to the Colossian heresy, and much false religion today (including in Christian churches) is the unnecessary burdening of manmade laws. The Apostle Paul refused to allow the Colossians’ sincere faith to be squeezed out by the self-righteousness of false teachers who presumed to be close to God. The Church in Colossae was a product of Paul’s 3-year ministry in Ephesus. The Apostle Paul wrote the letter to combat a specific type of heresy—a combination of Eastern and Greek philosophy and Jewish legalism with elements of Gnosticism. The danger was not in denying Christianity altogether but in altering genuine Christianity with mysticism, legalism, Eastern religions, asceticism, and man-made philosophy—making it quite relevant to our contemporary pluralistic culture.