Mark: Snapshots Of The Savior

Would Jesus Call A Woman A 'Dog?'

Do you think Jesus is predictable? Do you ever see him do anything in the gospels that makes you scratch your head? This is probably a good thing. A Jesus who never surprises is likely to be simply a Jesus in our heads, not the one revealed in Scripture. Take some time to read Mark 7:24-30. What did Jesus call this needy woman? Pray that God would show you a fresh picture of his son this morning.

The Sign Language Of Jesus

Imagine a world where you couldn't hear or speak. Communication is something others take for granted but for you it is always out of reach. Such a man is described in our passage this morning. But when Jesus meets him, communication evolves from sight, to touch, to miracle! Take a moment and read Mark 7:31-37 to prepare for the message.

Haven't We Already Read This?

This morning's passage might give you a sense of deja vu. Jesus feeds the four thousand. When he fed the five thousand, we saw that he is indeed the Creator/Provider. So why the repeat story? And why a story about feeding less people? Maybe the story would be worth telling if he fed twice as many, right? Take some time to read Mark 8:1-21 and prepare to be surprised.

Are Those Trees Walking?

In most of the movies and books we love we find ourselves always rooting for the hero. But because our heroes are all too human we can accept the occasional defeat. But what happens when we apply this idea to the hero of Mark's gospel? Could jesus ever be defeated? Would he ever find himself lacking the power to get something done? Take some time to read this surprising account in mark 8:22-26.

But Who Do You Say That I Am?

Have you ever been in a social setting having pleasant, trivial conversation when the subject matter abruptly changed? Maybe someone brings up a controversial political topic, or confronts someone in the group aggressively. If you are like most people you look for the most immediate way to get in the shadows and fly under the radar. But sometimes you are the one put on the spot and you have to give an answer. In our text this morning, Jesus does something similar with his disciples. "Who do you say that I am?" It is not only the turning point for Mark's gospel; it is the turning point in a human life. Take some time to read Mark 8:27-38.

The King's Speech

We return to the Gospel of Mark with our attention on the section upon which the whole book pivots. At the halfway point, we hear Peter's confession to Jesus, "You are the Christ!" What the reader has seen for a full 8 chapters in the words of demons who are afraid of him, of wind and waves that obey him and of the crowds who are astonished by him is now crystalized on one man's lips- Jesus is the True King. Now Jesus takes the platform to speak- what will the king say about his own kinship and what he expects from his subjects? Not what anyone would have expected.

Glory On The Mountain Top

Humanity has always been fascinated with secrets, things that lie beneath the surface and what's behind the curtain. Jesus looked like an ordinary man, no different than any Jewish man living in his day. Yet in our journey through Mark's gospel, it is obvious that there is more than meets the eye when considering just who this man is. Three of Jesus' followers had the privilege of getting a glimpse of his true glory on a mountain top. The site was so intense they could barely look at it, but as we stand with them today, let's ask God to help us bask in that beauty.

'Lord, Run To My Unbelief'

What kind of faith does Jesus expect from his followers? Can a fallen sinner ever have perfect faith? Or are there only two options: faith and no faith? Such questions hover around this amazing passage. What happens with a man with imperfect faith brings his request to the perfect Savior?

A Dying Savior Has Humble Followers

"Lord, it's hard to be humble when you're perfect in every way." Even though it's tongue and cheek, this old country song isn't far off the mark in indicting us for what actually lies in our heart. The truth is every person struggles with pride and a pervasive feeling that everyone else is somehow inferior. Jesus' original disciples were no exception. So Jesus takes them to school...again! A savior who dies for others has humble followers.

Sin Is Serious, And Hell Is Real

Our culture doesn't take too much too seriously, does it? When it comes to the concept of "sin," it seems contemporary thinking views the whole idea as something old-fashioned, if not downright Victorian! This is why we need Jesus' teaching on sin more than ever. The Savior sees sins quite differently, and he insists that we see it as he does.

Jesus On Divorce Pt. 1

The subject of divorce is never just academic. Everyone has been touched by it in some way; at the very least we all know someone who has been touched by it. Jesus showed no fear at tackling this subject, but rather than just offering one of many opinions on the subject, he cuts right to the heart of the matter- God's glorious vision for marriage.

Jesus On Divorce Pt. 2

Having established that marriage is a life-long covenant between two people, we ask the hard question- ARE THERE EVERY ANY EXCEPTIONS. With a divorce rate so high and sexual sin so prevalent we must think through these issues quite carefully. We will spend some time in 1 Corinthians 7 as well for a fuller understanding on this subject.

Receiving The Kingdom Like A Child

In a passage that many overly sentimentalize- "Aww, isn't that sweet, Jesus blessing the little children!"- we come to one of the most powerful illustrations of salvation by grace found anywhere in the New Testament. What is Jesus telling us about little children? What is he telling us about ourselves?

The Tragic Choice Of The Rich Young Ruler

We have all heard fisherman talk about "the one that got away." Usually it's a reference to the "ideal" catch that, for whatever reason, could not be brought into the boat. Today we encounter the most famous "one that got away" in the gospels. A young man- rich, sucessful and morally upright. He actually asks Jesus how he can have eternal life. Yet the conclusion is a letdown- he walks away sad. Why?

Momma's Boys And The Kingdom Of God

It's frustrating when other people don't get it, isn't it? Think of the father who patiently goes over Alegbra 2 word problems night after night with his never-understanding son. Or picture the piano teacher who can't get her student beyond the most basic scale. A stubborn inability to learn is almost maddening to a good instructor. No one must have experienced that irritation more than Jesus. When he predicts his death a third time, two of his most trusted followers are more concerned with their mom's plans than with Jesus' kingdom.

Believing Is Seeing

Today we come to Jesus' last healing miracle in the gospel of Mark. On the face of it, it is very straightforward. A blind beggar named Bartimaeus calls out to Jesus to get his sight back, and, true to form, Jesus heals him. But a closer look tells us that Mark is interested in teaching us much more about the nature of true sight.

The Fickle Crowd And The Faithful King

Have you ever noticed how many epic stories have a city as its destination? The Lord of the Rings has its Mordor. The Wizard of Oz has its Emerald City. The Hunger Games has its Capitol. But no city looms larger in the ultimate epic of Jesus- Jerusalem. For months now we have been following him as he makes his way towards the ancient city of God's people. His followers are expecting big things, but Jesus knows what really awaits him. In fact, his entrance into the city itself is a preview of what's coming. Today we will compare the fickle crowd with the faithful king.

Jesus Hates False Religion

Gentle Jesus, Meek and Mild...Too often Jesus is thought of in these unthreatening terms. Nothing could be further from capturing what Jesus did when he entered the temple on his second day in Jerusalem on the last week of his life. Why the rage? Why did he curse a fig tree on his way in? The questions are important as they give us a glimpse of something God hates: false religion.

Praying Like Jesus

We are following Jesus in his last week on earth, and today we come to a critical question- what will his followers do when Jesus is no longer present physically? They will not have him around anymore, but they will be responsible to carry on his mission. Today we learn the incredible means Jesus gives his disciples to draw down divine power.

The Stunning Wisdom Of Jesus

What will Jesus do when the religious leaders who hate him put him between a rock and a hard place? "By what authority do you do these things," they ask him. If he says, "by God's" or even "I am God in the flesh," then he will be charged with blasphemy and killed. (This will happen in a few more days, but for now he has more work to do). In an impossibly difficult situation Jesus calmly shows his wisdom and turns it around on the hypocrites, leaving them speechless.

The Tragedy Of Murdering God's Own Son

Jesus was a master story teller. But his most shocking stories are usually the "primrose path tales" where he leads his listeners down a seemingly innocent road only to shock them with an unexpected surprise at the end. Perhaps no story does this more effectively then the parable where the stewards of a vineyard kill the owner's own son.

Dual Citizenship

Jesus' enemies never grew tired of trying to back him into a corner and get him tripped up over his own words. Who were they kidding? He is wisdom incarnate. Today we will see Jesus collapse the trap his enemies laid for him and learn a thing or two as well.

Not The God Of The Dead But Of The Living

This week it's the Sadducees' turn to trap Jesus in what they think is an inescapable trap. A woman who has had 7 husbands...whose wife will she be at the resurrection? They think they have him dead to rights, no way out. But Jesus once again turns the tables. "You don't understand the Scriptures or the power of God." Let's see what Jesus teaches us about the next life.

Life's Bottom Line

There are a lot of commandments in Scripture, aren't there? The religous experts in Jesus' day counted 613! Here's a fun challenge- rank them in order of importance. Yeah- that's a little daunting, isn't it? Maybe if we could just get the most important one it would give us a framework for the others. Interestingly, that's exactly what Jesus does in our text today.

David's Son And David's Lord

A thousand years before Jesus was born, Israel's greatest king, David, was promised a descendant who would rule all the nations. So most of Jesus' contemporaries expected that the Messiah would be a son of David. But that is only part of the story. Jesus looks at a Psalm David wrote and shows that David understood that his own descendant was also his Lord and God.

Religion And Its Casualties

Think you know the meaning of the widow's mite- the woman who gave all that she had. Is she an example of giving? This is the way it is usually interpreted and preached. But is Jesus really commending her? Or does he highlight her action for a different reason? Listen to find out.

Godless Persecution and Gospel Perseverance

One of the greatest paradoxes in Christian history is that the church is most pure in times of cultural hostility. When things are easy and good, that is when the church most often goes astray. When Christianity seems identical with the culture and even when the church seems to be enjoying its greatest earthly success, then it is weakest. Conversely, when the church encounters hardship, persecution, and suffering…then it is closest to its crucified Lord, then there are fewer hypocrites and nominal believers among its members, and then the faith of Christians burns most intensely. – Gene Edward Veith

Sovereign Comfort In Sudden Chaos

For the sake of His elect the Lord withholds many judgments and shortens others. In great tribulations the fire would devour all were it not that Out of regard to His elect the Lord damps the flame. Thus, while He saves His elect for the sake of Jesus, He also preserves the race for the sake of His chosen. What an honor is thus put upon saints! How diligently they ought to use their influence with their Lord! He will hear their prayers for sinners. He blesses believers that they may be a blessing to those who are in unbelief. Many a sinner lives because of the prayers of a mother, or wife, or daughter to whom the Lord has respect. – Charles Spurgeon

Jesus' Reign And Jerusalem's Ruin

It is evident that when Christ speaks of his coming; his being revealed; his coming in his Kingdom; or his Kingdom's coming; He has respect to his appearing in those great works of his Power Justice and Grace, which should be in the Destruction of Jerusalem and other extraordinary Providences which should attend it. – Jonathan Edwards

Watching For Judgment- Waiting For Jesus

And, moreover, the Christian may await to-morrow with even more than simple hope and joy; he may look forward to it with ecstasy in some measure, for he does not know but that to- morrow his Lord may come. To-morrow Christ may be upon this earth, "for such an hour as ye think not the Son of Man cometh.” – Charles Spurgeon

Wherever The Gospel Is Preached Her Story Will Be Told

If you consort with the common brethren and travel on the road to Heaven so slowly that it is a question whether you are going there at all, then you will escape criticism! If you keep with those who practice the snail’s march, they will call you a good, easy man—a right respectable person! But if you run for it. If you put out all the energy of your nature and are determined to live at a high pitch for Christ, you will get the cold shoulder, even from many of His disciples, for you will be practically condemning their half-heartedness. - Charles Spurgeon

Because Of Jesus Everything Changes

At exactly the hour of slaughter on Friday afternoon, the true Lamb would die, the veil in the temple would be ripped from top to bottom, and the system of sacrifice, the Levitical system would come to its final end. And it would be ended not by Judas and not by Herod and not by Caiaphas and not by the Jewish leaders at the Sanhedrin and not by the Romans, it would be ended by God who offered up His own Son as the perfect sacrifice. – John MacArthur

Prone To Wander

Let us take comfort in the thought that the Lord Jesus does not cast off his believing people because of failures and imperfections. It is His glory to pass over the transgressions of His people, and to cover their many sins. He knew what they were before conversion--wicked, guilty, and defiled; yet He loved them. He knows what they will be after conversion--weak, erring, and frail; yet He loves them. – J. C. Ryle

Take This Cup

The love of any mere man or angel would doubtless have sunk under such a weight, and never would have endured such a conflict in such a bloody sweat as that of Jesus Christ. The anguish of Christ's soul at that time was so strong as to cause that wonderful effect on his body. But his love to his enemies, poor and unworthy as they were, was stronger still. The heart of Christ at that time was full of distress, but it was fuller of love to vile worms: his sorrows abounded, but his love did much more abound. Christ's soul was overwhelmed with a deluge of grief, but this was from a deluge of love to sinners in his heart sufficient to overflow the world, and overwhelm the highest mountains of its sins. Those great drops of blood that fell down to the ground were a manifestation of an ocean of love in Christ's heart. – Jonathan Edwards

The Betrayal And Arrest Of Jesus

Let us leave the passage with a deep sense of our Lord's ability to sympathize with His believing people. If there is one trial greater than another, it is the trial of being disappointed in those we love. It is a bitter cup, which all true Christians have frequently to drink. Ministers fail them. Relations fail them. Friends fail them. One cistern after another proves to be broken, and to hold no water. But let them take comfort in the thought,that there is one unfailing Friend, even Jesus, who can be touched with the feeling of their infirmities, and has tasted of all their sorrows. Jesus knows what it is to see friends and disciples failing Him in the hour of need. Yet He bore it patiently, and loved them notwithstanding all. He is never weary of forgiving. Let us strive to do likewise. Jesus, at any rate, will never fail us. – J.C. Ryle

Jesus Confesses- Peter Denies

Jesus stands on trial before the Sanhedrin, but the Sanhedrin will stand trial before the Son of Man when he returns in glory. The Sanhedrin makes a charade of Jesus’ ability to prophesy, but his prophecies all come true. Above all, it is the high priest, not Jesus, who blasphemes, because Jesus is God’s Son.– James Edwards

"Truly This Man Was The Son Of God"

The good news is that God himself has decreed a way to satisfy the demands of His justice without condemning the whole human race. Hell is one way to settle accounts with sinners and uphold his justice. But there is another way. The wisdom of God has ordained a way for the love of God to deliver us from the wrath of God without compromising the justice of God. And what is this wisdom? The death of the Son of God for sinners! ï¿½" John Piper

God Buries His Son

The body of Jesus was treated tenderly, given a full, honorable burial, and placed in a tomb that had never been used. This loving act was the ancient equivalent of getting full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery today.– R.C. Sproul

See The Place Where They Laid Him

The women are not directed to a mystical or spiritual experience or to a numinous encounter. They are directed specifically to Jesus, who died by a crucifixion they witnessed, was buried in a place they witnessed, and now has been resurrected.

– James Edwards

How Does Mark's Gospel End?

If we compare the present state of the New Testament text with that of any other ancient writing, we must declare it to be marvelously correct. Such has been the care with which the New Testament has been copied- a care that has doubtless grown out of true reverence for its holy words. The New Testament is unrivaled among ancient writings in the purity of its text as actually transmitted and kept in use. -B. B. Warfield

Special Messages

Occasional sermons that address a specific issue- not part of a series.

God's Passion For The Fame Of Jesus

"I’ve heard it said among believers: 'God loves you and has a wonderful plan for your life.' I suppose it would be much more appropriate to say it this way: 'God loves His Son and has a wonderful plan for Him, to bring all the nations to His feet as Lord of all, and He loves you and me enough to give us a place in it.'” - David Bryant

The Flood: Judgment And Redemption

We are on the threshold of starting a new series on the church. But first, let's take a step back to look at the sweeping epic of God's redemptive story that leads up to the church of today. God is working to redeem people from sin, and this work took a major turn long ago in the time of Noah, when God flooded the world. As we explore Genesis 6-9, we'll see the heart of God that rejects our rebellion, but ultimately leads to saving grace.

Assurance of Salvation

This morning Pastor Greg takes a break from the Ekklesia series to address a question that he's heard being asked a lot lately at CFC- 'How Can I Be Sure That I'm Saved?' The question is important, but it is often a source of guilt and anxiety for many Christians who should find it comforting. May God's Spirit bring the sweet freedom of assurance to us this morning.

A Wild Boar Loose In The Vineyard (Luther)

On this day 493 years ago, a young monk named Martin Luther nailed 95 Theses on a church door in Wittenburg Germany. Did he know that that particular act would be a spark in a powder keg that would change the face of Christendom throughout Europe and eventually the world? What was it that motivated this young man to stand against popes, bishops and emperors? And how should his actions and legacy impact us today? Take some time to read Romans 1:16-17. And for those interested in Luther's life, check out Roland Bainton's classic work Here I Stand.

Keeping A Clear Head Amidst End-Times Mania

On this relaxed, snowy day after Christmas we spend some time talking about the return of Christ. Harold Camping and other Bible teachers have promoted a thoroughly unbiblical idea that we can know with specificity the time and date of Jesus' second coming. We examine this claim in light of Scripture.

Why We Sing!

In this special message, Pastor Nat demonstrates the connection between the gospel and worship in song. We don't just sing because we are "supposed" to, or because it is the "religious" thing to do. Quite the opposite, we sing because we want to, because the gospel has changed us!

Treasuring Christ Above Everything

How should Jesus impact an already full and productive life? Is there a way that Jesus can be 'added' to an otherwise happy life the way you add seasoning to your favorite food? Too often Jesus is presented as 'spice' instead of 'substance.' The example of the apostle Paul shatters any notion that Jesus can simply be 'added' to someon's life. If he is received as Savior, then he is received as the essence of life itself.

A Balanced Gospel

The gospel is the message that will save us and guide us for everyday life. But do we have a balanced view of the gospel? This message will offer 2 common mistakes to avoid, 2 heart attitudes to embrace, and 2 action plans to live. Nat LeTowt

Don't Waste Your Life

Pastor Greg dedicates this message to a very special friend- Angie Frederick. Angie has been battling cancer for over four years, but in these last days on this earth, she has done more for the Lord than most of us do in decades. May the Lord impress upon us the example of a woman who knows that life is wasted when it is not all about Jesus!

It's The End Of The World As We Know It...And I Feel Fine

Our apologies...this sermon did not record due to technical problems. Greg highly recommends reading this excellent letter by Timothy Dalrymple written to Harold Camping and his followers. You can also access Greg's powerpoint by clicking the 'download notes' section on the right.

Bad Stuff Happens, Good Stuff Happens

Our good friend Pastor Steve Hartland from Trinity Church joins us to bring a special message from the last two chapters of Acts. Paul's experience of both good and bad circumstances speaks powerfully of God's providence in the life of all believers.

The Goodness Of God

The Fear of Man

All of us carry with us, to one degree on another, a fear of other people. Often our fear of people overtakes our fear of God. How can we identify the fear of man in our lives and learn to deal with it through the perfect love of Christ?

The Believer's Longing

On the sad occasion of Steve Leslie's passing, Greg invites Matt Smith, his dearest friend and pastor from Grace Community Church, to preach. Focusing exclusively on the last two chapters of the Bible, Matt masterfully unfolds the glories of the new heavens and the new earth.

It's All About Him

We have two choices: 1) Live in the story we write for ourselves or 2) Live in the story that God is writing. Sadly, the majority of people write their own script, find meaning in themselves and miss the very point of life. May God help us see the all-encompassing story that He has been writing since the beginning of time.

God's Heart For The World (Special Seminar with Dave Shive)

Unfortunately, most Christians think world missions was something not really seen until the Great Commission (Mt. 28) or the book of Acts. Dave Shive masterfully unfolds God's heart for the world in the first 12 chapters of Genesis- that's right- Genesis!

BE SURE TO DOWNLOAD THE NOTES TO THIS MESSAGE- THEY ARE INVALUABLE!

Tackling Truth Night- Is There An Intermediate State?

Greg argues that there is no evidence for an intermediate state between a believer's death and the day of Jesus' return. In fact, it seems that it is more likely the a believer leaves time upon his death and goes immediately to the day of Jesus' return. Sound crazy? Take some time to listen to Greg's argument and examine the Scriptures for yourself.

We Need Discernment

In between our series in Mark and the start of a short Christmas series, Greg shares a short mini-series on discernment. A glance at best selling "Christian" books and common "Christian" cliches leaves the thinking Christian wondering- "WHERE HAS ALL THE DISCERNMENT GONE?"

Tackling Truth Night- Catholicism- Question And Answer

He Shall See And Be Satisfied!

Jesus' satisfaction in the resurrection is looking out on a great assembly of people from every race and tribe and language and nation who have trusted him and been forgiven and justified. And with tremendous joy he walks among them now and in the ages to come – a people "great" and "strong”. And he divides the spoil of his triumphs with them all. This is what he loves to do. This is his satisfaction. He delights to save. – John Piper

Alien Love

Return, Repent, Rejoice

Adolescents, God, and Sex

The Church In A Post-Christian Culture

We must not be so engulfed in trying to force social behavior to conform to our standards that we become enemies of those our Lord has called us to win to Himself. We must reject sin and never compromise God's standards of righteousness. But we also must never engage in defamation and denigration of the lost sinners who make up our corrupt culture. When Christians become political, sinners become the enemy instead of the mission field. – John MacArthur

"The Born-Again Identity" A People, A Possession, A Proclamation

Follow The Leader

Biblical Baptism Pt. 1

Paul does not denigrate the practice of baptism per se, but baptism must be subordinated to the gospel so that it does not sabotage the gospel, that is, that Christ was crucified for sinners.– Thomas Schreiner

Biblical Baptism Pt. 2

The New Testament has no concept of an unbaptized Christian. When people repented and believed in Christ, they were baptized—often immediately—as a public profession of their faith and to identify with the body of believers.– John MacArthur

Biblical Baptism Pt. 3

We ought to regard the sacrament of baptism with reverence. An ordinance of which the Lord Jesus Himself partook, is not to be lightly esteemed. An ordinance to which the great Head of the Church submitted, ought to be ever honorable in the eyes of professing Christians.– J. C. Ryle

The God of Covenants

Good Friday 2013

If Christ loved us because we loved him, He would love us only so long as we love Him, and on that condition; and then our salvation would depend on the constancy of our treacherous hearts. But as God loved us as sinners, as Christ died for us as ungodly, our salvation depends, as the apostle argues, not on our loveliness, but on the constancy of the love of God.– Charles Hodge

By Many Proofs!

Without the belief in the Resurrection the Christian faith could not have come into being. The disciples would have remained crushed and defeated men. Even had they continued to remember Jesus as their beloved teacher, His crucifixion would have forever silenced any hopes of His being the Messiah. The cross would have remained the sad and shameful end of His career. The origin of Christianity therefore hinges on the belief of the early disciples that God had raised Jesus from the dead.– William Lane Craig

The Glorious Work Of The Holy Spirit

Spell this out in capital letters: THE HOLY SPIRIT IS A PERSON. He is not enthusiasm. He is not courage. He is not energy. He is not the personification of all good qualities, like Jack Frost is the personification of cold weather. Actually, the Holy Spirit is not the personification of anything... He has individuality. He is one being and not another. He has will and intelligence. He has hearing. He has knowledge and sympathy and ability to love and see and think. He can hear, speak, desire, grieve and rejoice. He is a Person.– A. W. Tozer â€¨

Expand Your Tent!

From Him, Through Him, To Him

We were made to know and treasure the glory of God above all things. The sun of God's glory was made to shine at the center of the solar system of our soul. And when it does, all the planets of our life are held in their proper orbit. But when the sun is displaced, everything flies apart. The healing of the soul begins by restoring the glory of God to its flaming, all-attracting place at the center. – John Piper

The Life Of A Pastor Amidst The Church

The church cannot be expected to do its work effectively if their followers are not loyally supporting the leaders. It’s a matter of fact that we’re often slow to realize to this day that effective leadership in the church of Christ demands effective following. If we’re continually critical of them that are set over us, small wonder if they’re unable to perform the miracles that we demand of them. If we bear in mind the work’s sake, we may be more inclined to esteem them very highly in love. – Leon Morris

Worship in Spirit and Truth

Right-Sizing Our View Of God

"Who has measured the waters in the hollow of his hand and marked off the heavens with the span of his hand... Behold, the nations are like a drop in the bucket, and are accounted as dust on the scales." ~Isaiah 40:12,15

When "Glory" Is Just A Word

Did Paul or the psalmists or the celebrated saints of history ever struggle with this despair? Yes, they did. And we should take heart. We all struggle with seasons of lukewarmness and spiritual numbness of heart. There are times in the lives of the most godly people when spiritual hunger becomes weak, and darkness threatens to consume the light, and everything but the vaguely remembered taste of joy evaporates. – John Piper

The Story Of God

From Heaven He Came And Sought Her

The fellowship of the church is part of God's good news to men. It imparts to the gospel one of its most thrilling notes—that when Christ saves a man he not only saves him from his sin, he saves him from his solitude.

- Frank Colquhoun

From Heaven He Came And Sought Her Pt. 2

Some people construct a Christianity which consists entirely of a personal relationship to Jesus Christ and has virtually nothing to do with the church. Others make a grudging concession to the need for church membership, but add that they have given up the institution as hopeless. Now it is understandable, even inevitable, that we are critical of many of the church's inherited structures and traditions. Every church in every place at every time is in need of reform and renewal. But we need to beware lest we despise the church of God, and are blind to his work in history. We may safely say that God has not abandoned his church, however displeased with it he may be. He is still building and refining it. And if God has not abandoned it, how can we?

- John Stott

What Do You Want?

“Jesus Christ is saying here, “Don’t rejoice in your successful service for Me, but rejoice because of your right relationship with Me.” The trap that we may fall into in Christian work is to rejoice in successful service – rejoicing in the fact that God has used you. Yet you will never be able to fully measure what God will do through you, if you do not have a right-standing relationship with Jesus Christ. If you keep your relationship right with Him, then regardless of your circumstances, He will continue to pour “rivers of living water” through you. And it is actually by His mercy that He does not let you know it. ,,,,, remember that whatever your circumstances may be, you have been placed in them by God. And God uses the reaction of your life to your circumstances to fulfill His purpose, as long as you continue to “walk in the light as He is in the light”. All that our Lord gives His attention to in a person’s life is that person’s relationship with God – something of great value to His Father. Jesus is “bringing many sons to glory.” - Oswald Chambers

Blessed Are The Poor In Spirit (8:30 am)

Happiness can never be found directly. Happiness is always and only a by-product of seeking something else more than happiness. If you seek righteousness more than happiness, you’ll get both. If you seek happiness more than righteousness, you’ll get neither. - Tim Keller

Blessed Are The Merciful (10am)

Happiness can never be found directly. Happiness is always and only a by-product of seeking something else more than happiness. If you seek righteousness more than happiness, you’ll get both. If you seek happiness more than righteousness, you’ll get neither. - Tim Keller

Blessed Are Those Who Mourn (11:30)

Happiness can never be found directly. Happiness is always and only a by-product of seeking something else more than happiness. If you seek righteousness more than happiness, you’ll get both. If you seek happiness more than righteousness, you’ll get neither. - Tim Keller

What Is The Atonement?

He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.

(1 Peter 2:24-25 ESV)

How Great Is Our God

Like a traveler who has reached the summit of an Alpine ascent, the apostle turns and contemplates. Depths are at his feet, but waves of light illumine them, and there spreads all around an immense horizon which his eye commands. The plan of God in the government of mankind spreads out before him, and he expresses the feelings of admiration and gratitude with which the prospect fills his heart. – Frederick Godet

It's All Greek to Me

Some 2000 years ago, Paul addressed a society at the height of Art, Architecture,Literature, Philosophy, Religion and Commercial Success. His speech on Mars Hill cut deeply to the hearts and minds of the Athenians. As we look at these passages today, I think we will find 20th century American Society has more in common with these Ancient Greeks than we might want to admit.

Some 2000 years ago, Paul addressed a society at the height of Art, Architecture,Literature, Philosophy, Religion and Commercial Success. His speech on Mars Hill cut deeply to the hearts and minds of the Athenians. As we look at these passages today, I think we will find 20th century American Society has more in common with these Ancient Greeks than we might want to admit.

Suffering Ends- Glory Doesn't!

Our sorrows are all, like ourselves, mortal. There are no immortal sorrows for immortal souls. They come, but blessed be God, they also go. Like birds of the air, they fly over our heads. But they cannot make their abode in our souls. We suffer today, but we shall rejoice tomorrow. - Charles Spurgeon

God With Us in The Midst Of Chaos

Now What? (A Response To Legalized Gay Marriage)

We must not be so engulfed in trying to force social behavior to conform to our standards that we become enemies of those our Lord has called us to win to Himself. We must reject sin and never compromise God's standards of righteousness. But we also must never engage in defamation and denigration of the lost sinners who make up our corrupt culture. When Christians become political, sinners become the enemy instead of the mission field. - John MacArthur

Cross-Fit

To live a Godly life you have to train for spiritual health just like you would train your physical body for physical health. Scripture is the reliable training plan, nutrition, mirror and weight scale.

To live a Godly life you have to train for spiritual health just like you would train your physical body for physical health. Scripture is the reliable training plan, nutrition, mirror and weight scale.

The Nature Of Spiritual Growth

Jesus Is Better Than Ministry

It was the design of Christ to withdraw his disciples from a transitory joy, that they might glory in eternal life, he leads them to its origin and source, which is, that they were chosen by God and adopted as his children.

God's Bottle Of Tears

Every step which the fugitive had taken when pursued by his enemies, was not only observed but thought worthy of counting and recording. We perhaps are so confused after a long course of trouble, that we hardly know where we have or where we have not been; but the omniscient and considerate Father of our spirits remembers all in detail; for he has counted them over as men count their gold, for even the trial of our faith is precious in his sight. – Charles Spurgeon

The Jealousy Of God

Great Is Thy Faithfulness

Thank Lord for 2903 Beechwood Ln!

Ekklesia

Ekklesia (ek-klay-see'-ah) is the New Testament Greek word for ‘church.’ Today when we hear ‘church’ most of us think ‘building.’ But when our ancient ancestors in the faith heard ‘ekklesia’ they never would have thought ‘building.’ In fact, there were not any church buildings for the first 300 years of Christianity’s existence!

So Christ Fellowship is going to spend the Fall focusing on this mysterious ancient word. What is the EKKLESIA? What is its essence? Why has God made it is his primary vehicle for changing the world? What does it mean for an individual Christ-follower to be a part of it?

These questions are critical for the very reason that few people ever think to even ask them! But if what John Piper writes is true (and it is), then this will be one of our most important sermon series at Christ Fellowship.

"The church of Jesus Christ is the most important institution in the world. The assembly of the redeemed, the company of the saints, the children of God are more significant in world history than any other group, organization or nation. The United States of America compares to the church of Jesus Christ like a speck of dust compares to the sun. The drama of international relations compares to the mission of the church like a kindergarten riddle compares to Hamlet or King Lear. And all pomp of May Day in Red Square and the pageantry of New Year's in Pasadena fade into a formless grey against the splendor of the bride of Christ. Take heed how you judge. Things are not what they seem. "All flesh is like grass. And all its glory like the flower of grass. The grass withers, and the flower falls, but the word of the Lord (and all His family) abide forever" (1 Peter 1:24,25). The media and all the powers, and authorities and rulers and stars that they present are a mirage. "For what is exalted among men is an abomination in the sight of God" (Luke 16:15). The gates of hades, the powers of death, will prevail against every institution but one, the church." – John Piper

Ekklesia Pt 1: 'Loved And Died For'

Where do we start when seeking to answer the question- "What is the Church?" It may seem logical to simply offer a definition of the 'church.' We'll get there- but not in this message. There is a sense of awestruck wonder we should experience when considering the church. Take a moment to read Ephesians 5:25-27.

Ekklesia Pt 2: 'Created And Connected'

When asked, "What happened the moment you became a Christian?"- what would most of us say? "My sins were forgiven." "My soul was saved." "I was set free from my bondage." All are great answers, are all true. But one thing is rarely said- "I became part of a community that transcends all times and places." This morning we will see that one person's individual encounter with Christ is just a small part of God building his church.

Ekklesia Pt. 3 'Purposed And Called'

Last week we answered the question "How?" How does God bring the church into being. We saw that God creates the church by rescuing individuals from their sin and connecting them to each other. This morning we tackle the question "Why?" What is the purpose of this unlikely 'band of brothers?' Take a moment to read 1 Peter 2:9-10.

Ekklesia Pt. 4 'Gathered And Planted'

We have seen that God loved the church and sent Jesus to die for it, and that when a person becomes a Christian God joins him to the other transformed people who make up the church. Last week we saw that God intends this group of people to be a light to the world. Finally- we ask our first 'how?' question this morning. How does all of this manifest in the everyday humdrum of life? The answer may surprise you. Take a moment to read Acts 14:19-23.