The Gospel of Mark ends with odd verses. Modern translations have a disclaimer letting us know Mark's final verses do not appear in the oldest copies of Mark's gospel. How did these verses end up at the end of this book? How do we know Mark didn't write them? If we can't trust that part of the Bible, how do we know we can trust the rest of our Bible? Join me as we use Mark's final verses to launch into the fascinating world of text criticism. We will learn how God worked to make one of the oldest books in the world the most accurate book of ancient history. Don't miss this study as we learn why we can trust this book!

Mark 16:9-20 - The Amazing Ending Of The Gospel Of Mark - Quicktime and iPhone Audio - AAC
Mark 16:9-20 - The Amazing Ending Of The Gospel Of Mark - Manuscript - PDF
Mark 16:9-20 - The Amazing Ending Of The Gospel Of Mark - Sermon Handout Booklet - PDF
Mark 16:9-20 - The Amazing Ending Of The Gospel Of Mark - Sermon Handout With Blanks Booklet - PDF
Mark 16:9-20 - The Amazing Ending Of The Gospel Of Mark - Editable Sermon Notes - DOCX

TopicsTextual Criticism, Bible

Christmas is about worship! In Matthew's Christmas story, we see three different people worship Jesus. The way they worship Jesus tells how they value Jesus. In the same way, the way we worship Jesus reveals the truth about the way we feel about Him. Join the CrossWinds Church Spirit Lake campus as we celebrate Jesus' birth by giving Jesus our best in worship!

NOTE: When researching for this sermon, I asked Google the distance between Babylon and Jerusalem. Google coughed up an answer of 1,679 miles. That is the distance I used in the sermon. That is wrong! The distance is 679 miles! The web site google referenced had a "1" in front of the number! Oops! The point I was making is still valid. It is a long distance to travel to see Jesus. This error is in the audio and video. I corrected the error in the manuscript. The moral of the story is… DOUBLE CHECK GOOGLE!

Matthew 1:18-2:12 - Christmas Is About Worship - Quicktime and iPhone Audio - AAC
Matthew 1:18-2:12 - Christmas Is About Worship - Manuscript - PDF
Matthew 1:18-2:12 - Christmas Is About Worship - Sermon Handout Booklet - PDF

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TopicsChristmas, Wise Men, Herod, Religious Leaders

Our family placed presents under the tree before Christmas Eve. The week before Christmas meant a pile of presents for all to see. As an only child, I was thrilled that most had my name on them! It felt like I hit the jackpot! Christmas morning was different. I learned all the presents were not the same. Many of them were needed but less than thrilling. They were packages of socks, underwear, and a new shirt for church. That was not what a young boy was looking for on Christmas morning. Thankfully all present were not that way. Some were exactly what I wanted. They were gifts like a remote controlled car or a shooting gallery. That is what made Christmas morning exciting for a boy. In a similar way, this message may look like it is just another ordinary message. It is just another present under the tree. As we explore Romans 6, we will see this messages is much more than we expect. It is a gift we desperately want and need. It is the gift of victory over sin! Join me in learning how we can have victory over the power of sin in our life. Together, let's unwrap the gift of a changed life.

Romans 6:1-14 - The Gift Of A Changed Life - Quicktime and iPhone Audio - AAC
Romans 6:1-14 - The Gift Of A Changed Life - Manuscript - PDF
Romans 6:1-14 - The Gift Of A Changed Life - Sermon Handout Booklet - PDF
Romans 6:1-14 - The Gift Of A Changed Life - Sermon Handout with blanks Booklet - PDF
Romans 6:1-14 - The Gift Of A Changed Life - Editable Sermon Notes - DOCX

TopicsChristmas

What was the most shocking moment of your life? Maybe it was the sudden death of a spouse. Maybe it was the unexpected loss of a job. Shocking surprises don't have to be negative. Sometime they are positive, like winning the lottery. As the Gospel of Mark draws to a close, we find the most shocking and unexpected surprise in the history fo the world, the resurrection of Jesus from the dead. Join us as we learn why the resurrection is a historical fact we can trust, not fake news fiction intended to deceive.

Mark 16:1–8 - The Resurrection Of Jesus - Quicktime and iPhone Audio - AAC
Mark 16:1–8 - The Resurrection Of Jesus - Manuscript - PDF
Mark 16:1–8 - The Resurrection Of Jesus - Sermon Handout Booklet - PDF
Mark 16:1–8 - The Resurrection Of Jesus - Sermon Handout with blanks Booklet - PDF
Mark 16:1–8 - The Resurrection Of Jesus - Editable Sermon Notes - DOCX

TopicsResurrection, Easter, Evangelism

When was the last time you saw a miracle? For most of us, we have never seen an honest-to-goodness biblical style miracle where a hand was restored, food was created out of thin air, or the dead were raised to life. It is easy to wonder if God is at work in our world or if we are left to fate and chance. As we study the burial of Jesus, we see another way God is at work in the world besides the miraculous. It is called providence. Join us as we learn how God is direct our future and guides our world through the miracle or providence.

Mark 15:42–47 - The Burial Of Jesus - Quicktime and iPhone Audio - AAC
Mark 15:42–47 - The Burial Of Jesus - Manuscript - PDF
Mark 15:42–47 - The Burial Of Jesus - Sermon Handout Booklet - PDF
Mark 15:42–47 - The Burial Of Jesus - Sermon Handout with blanks Booklet - PDF
Mark 15:42–47 - The Burial Of Jesus - Editable Sermon Notes - DOCX

TopicsDeath, Burial, Jesus, Providence

The "Great American Eclipse" of August 21, 2017 is now history. April 8, 2024 is the next total solar eclipse. It will darken a 115 mile wide section of America from Texas to Maine. When Jesus died on the cross, thick darkness covered the land. Was that just a solar eclipse? If it wasn't an eclipse, what caused the darkness in Jerusalem for three hours that day? Join us for the answer.

Mark 15:33–41 - The Death Of Jesus - Quicktime and iPhone Audio - AAC
Mark 15:33–41 - The Death Of Jesus - Manuscript - PDF
Mark 15:33–41 - The Death Of Jesus - Sermon Handout Booklet - PDF
Mark 15:33–41 - The Death Of Jesus - Sermon Handout with blanks Booklet - PDF
Mark 15:33–41 - The Death Of Jesus - Editable Sermon Notes - DOCX

TopicsCross, Woman, Crucifixion, Wrath of God, Forgiveness, Darkness, Light

What was the darkest hour of human history? Was it D-Day when thousands of men went to their graves? Was it World War II? The darkest hour of human history involved the death of one man, the man who was God who began sin for us. Join us as we examine the darkness of the Crucifixion as we anticipate the brilliance of the resurrection.

Mark 15:21–32 - The Crucifixion - Quicktime and iPhone Audio - AAC
Mark 15:21–32 - The Crucifixion - Manuscript - PDF
Mark 15:21–32 - The Crucifixion - Sermon Handout Booklet - PDF
Mark 15:21–32 - The Crucifixion - Sermon Handout with blanks Booklet - PDF
Mark 15:21–32 - The Crucifixion - Editable Sermon Notes - DOCX Read More...

TopicsCrucifixion

What was it like for Jesus to be accused of things he didn't do? In this study, we examine Jesus' Roman trial before Pilate that led to his execution. We will see how the message of the gospel displays itself in one of Jesus' darkest hours.

Mark 15:1–20 - Jesus Before Pilate - Quicktime and iPhone Audio - AAC
Mark 15:1–20 - Jesus Before Pilate - Manuscript - PDF
Mark 15:1–20 - Jesus Before Pilate - Sermon Handout Booklet - PDF
Mark 15:1–20 - Jesus Before Pilate - Sermon Handout with blanks Booklet - PDF
Mark 15:1–20 - Jesus Before Pilate - Editable Sermon Notes - DOCX

TopicsCross

This week, Amy Coney Barrett is being grilled by the Senate for potential confirmation to the Supreme Court. It is a time when senators attempt to find anything in her past that would disqualify her for the position. The hope is that she would insure truth and justice in the highest court of our land. As we study Jesus' trial before the Jewish Sanhedrin, the Jewish Supreme Court—a court that was also committed to truth and fairness, we find the ultimate miscarriage in justice to send Jesus to the cross.

Mark 14:53–72 - Courage And Coward Under Pressure - Quicktime and iPhone Audio - AAC
Mark 14:53–72 - Courage And Coward Under Pressure - Manuscript - PDF
Mark 14:53–72 - Courage And Coward Under Pressure - Sermon Handout Booklet - PDF
Mark 14:53–72 - Courage And Coward Under Pressure - Sermon Handout with blanks Booklet - PDF
Mark 14:53–72 - Courage And Coward Under Pressure - Editable Sermon Notes - DOCX

TopicsStress, Courage, Coward, Peer Pressure

We live in politically divided world. As the election approaches, the hatred between political parties heats up. As Christians, how are we to speak about the other party? How are we to act toward them? As we study Judas' betrayal of Jesus, we learn how to live in these divided and hateful days.

Mark 14:43–52 - The Kiss Of Death - Quicktime and iPhone Audio - AAC
Mark 14:43–52 - The Kiss Of Death - Manuscript - PDF
Mark 14:43–52 - The Kiss Of Death - Sermon Handout Booklet - PDF
Mark 14:43–52 - The Kiss Of Death - Sermon Handout with blanks Booklet - PDF
Mark 14:43–52 - The Kiss Of Death - Editable Sermon Notes - DOCX

TopicsSovereignty, Evil, Betrayal, Violence

Is anyone stressed? Statistics say 77 percent of Americans are expressing physical signs of stress. 73 percent of Americans are expressing psychological signs of stress. One in every two Americans will stay away at night because they are anxious about the future. One interesting stress statistic reported by a dentist in Iowa deals with stress and teeth. During the COVID pandemic, in spite of fewer patients, each day he treats two to five times more cracked teeth. Cracked teeth are a sign of stress because in stressful times we subconsciously grind our teeth during our sleep. What does the Bible say about handling stress? What does the Bible say we should do to live a life a faithful life for Jesus in stress-filled world? Join us as we learn how Jesus teaches us to face our stress.

Mark 14:32–42 - When Prayer Is More Important Than Sleep - Quicktime and iPhone Audio - AAC
Mark 14:32–42 - When Prayer Is More Important Than Sleep - Manuscript - PDF
Mark 14:32–42 - When Prayer Is More Important Than Sleep - Sermon Handout Booklet - PDF
Mark 14:32–42 - When Prayer Is More Important Than Sleep - Sermon Handout with blanks Booklet - PDF
Mark 14:32–42 - When Prayer Is More Important Than Sleep - Editable Sermon Notes - DOCX

TopicsGrief, Anxiety, Prayer

In 1428, men with shovels walked into the graveyard of Lutterworth Church. They were not digging a hole to make a grave. They were digging a hole to empty a grave. Forty-three years after his burial, John Wycliffe's bones were dug up, burned, and his ashes scattered into river to rid the earth of his remains. What had he done that inspired such hatred almost half a century after his death? His main crime was claiming the bread and the wine in the Lord's Supper are not transformed into the literal body and blood of Christ. For that, he was hated. What happens during the Lord's Supper? Why did Jesus establish it? How should we observe it? What kind of blessing do we receive from it? Join us as we examine how Jesus changed the last Passover into the first Lord's Supper before he went to the cross.

Mark 14:17-26 - Jesus Ate The First And Last Supper - Quicktime and iPhone Audio - AAC
Mark 14:17-26 - Jesus Ate The First And Last Supper - Manuscript - PDF
Mark 14:17-26 - Jesus Ate The First And Last Supper - Sermon Handout Booklet - PDF
Mark 14:17-26 - Jesus Ate The First And Last Supper - Sermon Handout with blanks Booklet - PDF
Mark 14:17-26 - Jesus Ate The First And Last Supper - Editable Sermon Notes - DOCX

TopicsLast Supper, Communion

Julius and Ethel Rosenberg are forever etched in American history. Julius worked for the United States government and was given access to top-secret military plans for jets and nuclear weapons. What no-one knew is Julius was also a communist sympathizer and Russian spy. At a time when the United States was the only country on earth to possess nuclear weapons, he shared the United States nuclear secrets with Russia and started the arms race. As a result of betraying his country, both Julius and Ethel were executed. Do you ever feel like the Rosenbergs? Have you betrayed someone? Have you betrayed God and broken your promises to Him, turned you back on Him and been unfaithful to Him? How does Jesus treat those who betray Him? Join us as we learn how Jesus handles betrayers like you and me.

Mark 14:12-31 - Jesus Betrayal - Quicktime and iPhone Audio - AAC
Mark 14:12-31 - Jesus Betrayal - Manuscript - PDF
Mark 14:12-31 - Jesus Betrayal - Sermon Handout Booklet - PDF
Mark 14:12-31 - Jesus Betrayal - Sermon Handout with blanks Booklet - PDF
Mark 14:12-31 - Jesus Betrayal - Editable Sermon Notes - DOCX

TopicsBetrayal, Sovereignty

Kanye West and Kim Kardashian are known for their over-the-top expressions of love. When Kanye gave Kim roses, he wasn't content with a dozen but instead gave her a thousand. When Kim gave Kanye a gift to express her love, it wasn't just a car. It was a Lamborghini Aventador. Later she gave him a 600 acres island he could call his own. Probably the most unique gift Kanye gave Kim was ten Burger King restaurants on their wedding day! While we laugh at these outlandish expressions of love, there is a place and time for breaking the bank and going all-out for the one we love. Untethered acts of love are not just for the rich and famous, they are also for Christians. Join us as we learn why extravagant acts of love are to be to be part of the Christian life.

Mark 14:1-11 - Jesus And Radical Love - Manuscript - PDF
Mark 14:1-11 - Jesus And Radical Love - Sermon Handout Booklet - PDF
Mark 14:1-11 - Jesus And Radical Love - Sermon Handout with blanks Booklet - PDF
Mark 14:1-11 - Jesus And Radical Love - Editable Sermon Notes - DOCX

TopicsExtravagant Love, Love

William Miller, a rural New York farmer and baptist lay preacher, became popular in the 1800's when he claimed to know the date of Jesus' return. Based on his understanding of Daniel 8:14, he claimed Jesus would return October 22, 1844. What is breathing is the number of people who believed him. Estimates range from 50,000 to 500,000 people lived in hope waiting for Christ's return on that fateful day. Some who followed him, in an expression of their full-devotion, sold everything they owned in preparation Christ's return. The aftermath of William Millers false teaching became to be known as the "Great Disappointment". Can we predict the return of Christ? What must to take place before Christ's return? As we continue our study in Mark we find those answers and more as we study Jesus and the end of the world.

Mark 13:24-37 - Jesus And The End Of The World - Quicktime and iPhone Audio - AAC
Mark 13:24-37 - Jesus And The End Of The World - Manuscript - PDF
Mark 13:24-37 - Jesus And The End Of The World - Sermon Handout Booklet - PDF
Mark 13:24-37 - Jesus And The End Of The World - Sermon Handout with blanks Booklet - PDF
Mark 13:24-37 - Jesus And The End Of The World - Editable Sermon Notes - DOCX

TopicsReturn of Christ

Harold Camping is famous for being a false prophet. On billboards around the country, he told the world Jesus was coming back on May 21, 2011. As we all know, he was dead wrong. As Jesus leaves Jerusalem for the final time, he predicts Jerusalem's destruction. Unlike Harold Camping, he was right. This provides further proof that Jesus is God, because only God know the future.

Mark 13:1-23 - Jesus And The Destruction Of Jerusalem - Quicktime and iPhone Audio - AAC
Mark 13:1-23 - Jesus And The Destruction Of Jerusalem - Manuscript - PDF
Mark 13:1-23 - Jesus And The Destruction Of Jerusalem - Sermon Handout Booklet - PDF
Mark 13:1-23 - Jesus And The Destruction Of Jerusalem - Sermon Handout with blanks Booklet - PDF
Mark 13:1-23 - Jesus And The Destruction Of Jerusalem - Editable Sermon Notes - DOCX

TopicsJudgment, Justice, Wrath of God, Sovereignty

Most pastors do not want to talk about money. Nobody wants to sound like a rabid televangelist wearing an expensive suit grinning with a plastic smile and too much hairspray. While many pastors shy away from the topic of money, God doesn't. There are over 800 references to money in the Bible. Twenty-five percent of everything Jesus taught related to money. How we use the money God entrusts in our hands is one of the clearest indications of the true state of our true spiritual life. Join us as we learn the truth about money and the role it plays in our life with God.

Philippians 4:10-23 - Giving And Receiving For The Gospel - Quicktime and iPhone Audio - AAC
Philippians 4:10-23 - Giving And Receiving For The Gospel - Manuscript - PDF
Philippians 4:10-23 - Giving And Receiving For The Gospel - Sermon Handout 8.5x11 - PDF
Philippians 4:10-23 - Giving And Receiving For The Gospel - Sermon Handout with blanks 8.5x11 - PDF
Philippians 4:10-23 - Giving And Receiving For The Gospel - Sermon Handout Booklet - PDF
Philippians 4:10-23 - Giving And Receiving For The Gospel - Sermon Handout with blanks Booklet - PDF
Philippians 4:10-23 - Giving And Receiving For The Gospel - Editable Sermon Notes - DOCX

TopicsGiving, Finances, Generosity, Contentment

The Indy 500 is the largest sporting venue in the world. It has a seating capacity over 235,000. Add infield seating capacity, and they can handle over 400,000 people. While everyone loves a good race, the only way you can place in a race is you need to finish the race. Blowing an engine or crashing into a wall leaves you with nothing. The Christian life is like the Indy 500. What matters more than starting the Christian life is enduring to the end and finishing the Christian life. As Paul begins to wind up his letter to the Philippians, he gives them five hurdles they need to conquer if they are going to stand firm in Christ for the long haul. They are the same challenges we face if we want to be faithful to Jesus until the end of our days. Join us as we learn how to stand strong for Christ until we finish the race of life.

Philippians 4:1-9 - Christian Endurance - Quicktime and iPhone Audio - AAC
Philippians 4:1-9 - Christian Endurance - Manuscript - PDF
Philippians 4:1-9 - Christian Endurance - Sermon Handout 8.5x11 - PDF
Philippians 4:1-9 - Christian Endurance - Sermon Handout with blanks 8.5x11 - PDF
Philippians 4:1-9 - Christian Endurance - Sermon Handout Booklet - PDF
Philippians 4:1-9 - Christian Endurance - Sermon Handout with blanks Booklet - PDF
Philippians 4:1-9 - Christian Endurance - Editable Sermon Notes - DOCX

TopicsEndurance, Forgiveness, Anxiety, Mind, Thought Life, Unity, Joy, Attitude

One of the challenges in America is the rioting in our cities. If a crowd has a thousand, it is easy to think they are all rioting for the same reason, and with the same passion. In truth, many rioters are in protests because they are following their friends. They have not thought through the issues. People around us are strongly influential on us. As Paul continues teaching about spiritual maturity, he instructs us about the importance of finding and following Godly examples in our life. He also tells us about the importance of avoiding the ungodly examples in our life so we are not drawn away from Christ. We are strongly influence either for Christ or away from Christ by those we keep around us.

Philippians 3:17-21 - Following Godly Examples - Quicktime and iPhone Audio - AAC
Philippians 3:17-21 - Following Godly Examples - Manuscript - PDF
Philippians 3:17-21 - Following Godly Examples - Sermon Handout 8.5x11 - PDF
Philippians 3:17-21 - Following Godly Examples - Sermon Handout with blanks 8.5x11 - PDF
Philippians 3:17-21 - Following Godly Examples - Sermon Handout Booklet - PDF
Philippians 3:17-21 - Following Godly Examples - Sermon Handout with blanks Booklet - PDF
Philippians 3:17-21 - Following Godly Examples - Editable Sermon Notes - DOCX

TopicsExample To Follow

Usain Bolt is considered the best sprinter in the world. An eight-time Olympic gold medalist, Bolt is the only sprinter to win Olympic 100 and 200 meter titles in three consecutive Olympics. What is the secret of his success? What can we learn from him about the Christian life? In this study, we learn the importance of not just being saved by faith in Jesus but working hard to pursue becoming more like Jesus. We are to pursue knowing Jesus with the focus and intensity of a sprinter heading for the finish. Join us as we learn seven principles of spiritual maturity everyone needs to know.

Philippians 3:12-16 - Running To Win - Quicktime and iPhone Audio - AAC
Philippians 3:12-16 - Running To Win - Manuscript - PDF
Philippians 3:12-16 - Running To Win - Sermon Handout 8.5x11 - PDF
Philippians 3:12-16 - Running To Win - Sermon Handout with blanks 8.5x11 - PDF
Philippians 3:12-16 - Running To Win - Sermon Handout Booklet - PDF
Philippians 3:12-16 - Running To Win - Sermon Handout with blanks Booklet - PDF
Philippians 3:12-16 - Running To Win - Editable Sermon Notes - DOCX

TopicsSpiritual Maturity, Work, Gratitude, Focus, Failure, Rewards, Complacency

It surprises some people to know the Bible uses bad words. When the Bible uses bad words, it uses them to describe bad things, so the words are a fitting description. In these verses, the Apostle Paul, who is usually a joyous person, uses strong words against anyone that tries to lead us away from simple trust in Jesus to be saved from our sin. Paul gives a refresher course on what it means to be a Christian and what sets simple faith in Jesus apart from every other religion in the world.

Philippians 3:1-11 - Jesus Plus Anything Ruins Everything - Quicktime and iPhone Audio - AAC
Philippians 3:1-11 - Jesus Plus Anything Ruins Everything - Manuscript - PDF
Philippians 3:1-11 - Jesus Plus Anything Ruins Everything - Sermon Handout 8.5x11 - PDF
Philippians 3:1-11 - Jesus Plus Anything Ruins Everything - Sermon Handout with blanks 8.5x11 - PDF
Philippians 3:1-11 - Jesus Plus Anything Ruins Everything - Sermon Handout Booklet - PDF
Philippians 3:1-11 - Jesus Plus Anything Ruins Everything - Sermon Handout with blanks Booklet - PDF
Philippians 3:1-11 - Jesus Plus Anything Ruins Everything - Editable Sermon Notes - DOCX

TopicsJesus, Salvation, Sanctification, Justification, Glorification, False Teachers

It is said the most powerful form of teaching is what is caught, not what is taught. Seeing how people live is more important than hearing what people say. In Philippians 2, Paul taught us about humility as a principle. He also taught us about humility by Jesus, the ultimate example. The problem with Jesus is the humility in his life feels unattainable. Wouldn't it be nice if we could see what Christ-like humility in the life of ordinary people looks like in everyday life? That is what we have in these verses. Paul shows us what God-honoring humility looks like in the life of real people like you and me, Paul, Timothy, and Epaphroditus.

Philippians 2:16-30 - Humility In Real Life - Quicktime and iPhone Audio - AAC
Philippians 2:16-30 - Humility In Real Life - Manuscript - PDF
Philippians 2:16-30 - Humility In Real Life - Sermon Handout 8.5x11 - PDF
Philippians 2:16-30 - Humility In Real Life - Sermon Handout with blanks 8.5x11 - PDF
Philippians 2:16-30 - Humility In Real Life - Sermon Handout Booklet - PDF
Philippians 2:16-30 - Humility In Real Life - Sermon Handout with blanks Booklet - PDF
Philippians 2:16-30 - Humility In Real Life - Editable Sermon Notes - DOCX

Topicshumility

Where does spiritual maturity come from? Is spiritual maturity found in hard work, study, sacrifice and the pain of turning away from sin or is it about ending all of our effort and simply relying on God to change us? Is spiritual maturity something we do or something God does in us? Join us as we learn where how spiritual maturity comes from in the Christian life. We will also learn how spiritual maturity changes our attitude.

Philippians 2:12-15 - Working Out Our Salvation And Our Attitude - Quicktime and iPhone Audio - AAC
Philippians 2:12-15 - Working Out Our Salvation And Our Attitude - Manuscript - PDF
Philippians 2:12-15 - Working Out Our Salvation And Our Attitude - Sermon Handout 8.5x11 - PDF
Philippians 2:12-15 - Working Out Our Salvation And Our Attitude - Sermon Handout with blanks 8.5x11 - PDF
Philippians 2:12-15 - Working Out Our Salvation And Our Attitude - Sermon Handout Booklet - PDF
Philippians 2:12-15 - Working Out Our Salvation And Our Attitude - Sermon Handout with blanks Booklet - PDF
Philippians 2:12-15 - Working Out Our Salvation And Our Attitude - Editable Sermon Notes - DOCX

TopicsAttitude, Sanctification, Salvation

On May 25, 2020, George Floyd was arrested for using a fake $20 bill. The arresting police officers abused their position of authority. One placed his knee on George's neck taking his life. An outraged community protested. Unfortunately, some of those protests turned violent as police were attacked, buildings were burned, and stores were looted. This rioting spread across the country and even around the world. As a result was that the racial divide between blacks and white was widened, not brought together. There is now more anger and hatred, not less. What does the Bible say is the path to unity in our broken world? The path to unity is not through rioting, it is through humility instead of hatred. In these amazing verses, we see how Jesus is the model of humility that we are to follow. It was his humility that restored our relationship with God. It was his humility that led him to the position of highest honor, not to shame.

Philippians 2:5-11 - Humility Leads To Honor - Quicktime and iPhone Audio - AAC
Philippians 2:5-11 - Humility Leads To Honor - Manuscript - PDF
Philippians 2:5-11 - Humility Leads To Honor - Sermon Handout 8.5x11 - PDF
Philippians 2:5-11 - Humility Leads To Honor - Sermon Handout with blanks 8.5x11 - PDF
Philippians 2:5-11 - Humility Leads To Honor - Sermon Handout Booklet - PDF
Philippians 2:5-11 - Humility Leads To Honor - Sermon Handout with blanks Booklet - PDF
Philippians 2:5-11 - Humility Leads To Honor - Editable Sermon Notes - DOCX

Topicshumility, Rewards

In seminary, I have a number of Korean friends. Spending time with them, I learned they take church very seriously. They can also have strong opinions on the way church should be done. As a result, Korean churches are know for splitting. One statistic I read claims the average Korean church splits every eight years because of turmoil. Not all churches are that way. Some churches manage to weather storms of conflict and come out stronger on the other side. How do that do it? In this message, we learn the difference between churches that divide and churches that survive.

Philippians 2:1-4 - Unity Through Humility - Quicktime and iPhone Audio - AAC
Philippians 2:1-4 - Unity Through Humility - Manuscript - PDF
Philippians 2:1-4 - Unity Through Humility - Sermon Handout 8.5x11 - PDF
Philippians 2:1-4 - Unity Through Humility - Sermon Handout with blanks 8.5x11 - PDF
Philippians 2:1-4 - Unity Through Humility - Sermon Handout Booklet - PDF
Philippians 2:1-4 - Unity Through Humility - Sermon Handout with blanks Booklet - PDF
Philippians 2:1-4 - Unity Through Humility - Editable Sermon Notes - DOCX

TopicsUnity, Division, humility, Jesus

Remember elementary school. What happened when the teach left the room? In about 20 seconds people were misbehaving. The same thing happened in high school when a teacher didn't show up for class and it was just students in the room. Things fell into chaos. Paul was the founding pastor of the church in Philippi. He was gone a long time. While he was gone, the church was misbehaving. While they believed the Christian faith, they were not living out their Christian life. Their faith and their life were out-of-sync. In this passage, Paul talks about what it means to live as citizens of God's kingdom where Jesus reigns in our life.

Philippians 1:27-30 - Live As Citizens Of The Kingdom - Quicktime and iPhone Audio - AAC
Philippians 1:27-30 - Live As Citizens Of The Kingdom - Manuscript - PDF
Philippians 1:27-30 - Live As Citizens Of The Kingdom - Sermon Handout 8.5x11 - PDF
Philippians 1:27-30 - Live As Citizens Of The Kingdom - Sermon Handout with blanks 8.5x11 - PDF
Philippians 1:27-30 - Live As Citizens Of The Kingdom - Sermon Handout Booklet - PDF
Philippians 1:27-30 - Live As Citizens Of The Kingdom - Sermon Handout with blanks Booklet - PDF
Philippians 1:27-30 - Live As Citizens Of The Kingdom - Editable Sermon Notes - DOCX

TopicsChristian Maturity, Conflict, Unity, Persecution, Suffering

In 1993, while fishing St. Mary's Glacier, Bill Jeracki had a boulder crush his leg. Alone in the wilderness, without a jacket or communication equipment, with a snow storm bearing down upon him, he had to make a frightening choice to survive. Using his shirt as a tourniquet, he amputated his leg using his fishing knife. He then crab-walked to his truck and drove himself to the hospital. People will do almost anything to avoid death. Each of us is innately terrified by it. What if we could peer behind death's door and find out what lies on the other side? If we could be certain death wasn't terrifying, wouldn't that change the way we live? Join us as we peek behind death's door and discover why Christians have nothing to fear because Jesus has made death better than life.

Philippians 1:19-26 - To Live Is Christ. To Die Is Gain - Quicktime and iPhone Audio - AAC
Philippians 1:19-26 - To Live Is Christ. To Die Is Gain - Manuscript - PDF
Philippians 1:19-26 - To Live Is Christ. To Die Is Gain - Sermon Handout 8.5x11 - PDF
Philippians 1:19-26 - To Live Is Christ. To Die Is Gain - Sermon Handout with blanks 8.5x11 - PDF
Philippians 1:19-26 - To Live Is Christ. To Die Is Gain - Sermon Handout Booklet - PDF
Philippians 1:19-26 - To Live Is Christ. To Die Is Gain - Sermon Handout with blanks Booklet - PDF
Philippians 1:19-26 - To Live Is Christ. To Die Is Gain - Editable Sermon Notes - DOCX

TopicsDeath, Resurrection, heaven, Purpose of Life, Joy, Suffering

As the pandemic continues, it appears more damage is being done to people's lives by social distancing than by the virus. Graduating seniors don't get to enjoy open house parties. Large wedding are reduced to a bride, groom, parents and a pastor. Businesses are shut down and struggling to survive. A virus has stopped everything. The good news is that there is one thing this virus can't stop. That is the gospel. It is when Christians are most constrained that the gospel grows best. Join us as we discover the unstoppable life-transforming power of the gospel.

Philippians 1:12-18 - Nothing Can Stop The Gospel! - Quicktime and iPhone Audio - AAC
Philippians 1:12-18 - Nothing Can Stop The Gospel! - Manuscript - PDF
Philippians 1:12-18 - Nothing Can Stop The Gospel! - Sermon Handout 8.5x11 - PDF
Philippians 1:12-18 - Nothing Can Stop The Gospel! - Sermon Handout with blanks 8.5x11 - PDF
Philippians 1:12-18 - Nothing Can Stop The Gospel! - Sermon Handout Booklet - PDF
Philippians 1:12-18 - Nothing Can Stop The Gospel! - Sermon Handout with blanks Booklet - PDF
Philippians 1:12-18 - Nothing Can Stop The Gospel! - Editable Sermon Notes - DOCX

TopicsGospel, Evangelism

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, our nation struggles as they are stuck at home. While phone calls and Zoom video chat help us stay connected, we are still lonely. Nothing can replace face to face conversation. More people are struggling with loneliness than the virus. Loneliness is not exclusive to the pandemic. Even before the COVID-19, 40 percent of Americans considered themselves lonely. Social media relationships are up, but real relationships are down. How do we solve the problem of loneliness? Where can we find deep and satisfying relationships? Join us as the Apostle Paul introduces us to a different kind of relationship called gospel partnerships. These are relationships than deeper and more fulfilling than anything ordinary friendships can offer.

Philippians 1:1-11 - Joy In Loneliness - Quicktime and iPhone Audio - AAC
Philippians 1:1-11 - Joy In Loneliness - Manuscript - PDF
Philippians 1:1-11 - Joy In Loneliness - Sermon Handout 8.5x11 - PDF
Philippians 1:1-11 - Joy In Loneliness - Sermon Handout with blanks 8.5x11 - PDF
Philippians 1:1-11 - Joy In Loneliness - Sermon Handout Booklet - PDF
Philippians 1:1-11 - Joy In Loneliness - Sermon Handout with blanks Booklet - PDF
Philippians 1:1-11 - Joy In Loneliness - Editable Sermon Notes - DOCX

TopicsLoneliness, Joy, Happiness, Gospel, Jesus

We live in a world committed to happiness, that comes from circumstances. As we begin the book of Philippians, we find a book about joy. Joy comes form our relationship with Jesus in spite of our circumstances. Join us as we learn how the joy we have in Christ gives us hope in tough situations and how God uses that joy to spread the gospel and grow the church.

Acts 16 - The Birth Of The Church In Philippi - Quicktime and iPhone Audio - AAC
Acts 16 - The Birth Of The Church In Philippi - Manuscript - PDF
Acts 16 - The Birth Of The Church In Philippi - Sermon Handout 8.5x11 - PDF
Acts 16 - The Birth Of The Church In Philippi - Sermon Handout with blanks 8.5x11 - PDF
Acts 16 - The Birth Of The Church In Philippi - Sermon Handout Booklet - PDF
Acts 16 - The Birth Of The Church In Philippi - Sermon Handout with blanks Booklet - PDF
Acts 16 - The Birth Of The Church In Philippi - Editable Sermon Notes - DOCX

TopicsEvangelism, Providence, Guidance

Since the first COVID-19 death on February 29 of this year, 24,000 Americans have died. While this may sound like an astronomical number, in the same period of time, over 353,000 Americans died of other causes. At this time, the average American is 15 times more likely to die of a car accident, cancer, falling out of bed or some other random form of death than COVID-19. This reminds us that even if we wash our hands, cover our face with a bandana while in public and avoid the virus, all we can do is delay our death. We can not avoid death. It finds us at an alarming rate. The good news of Easter is for those who love Jesus, he transforms death. A Christian's death is not something to fear. It is something to celebrate as they are brought into the presence of God. Join us as we see how the resurrection changes everything about death… and life!

1 Corinthians 15:12-26 - The Resurrection Changes Everything! - Quicktime and iPhone Audio - AAC
1 Corinthians 15:12-26 - The Resurrection Changes Everything! - Manuscript - PDF
1 Corinthians 15:12-26 - The Resurrection Changes Everything! - Sermon Handout 8.5x11 - PDF
1 Corinthians 15:12-26 - The Resurrection Changes Everything! - Sermon Handout with blanks 8.5x11 - PDF
1 Corinthians 15:12-26 - The Resurrection Changes Everything! - Sermon Handout Booklet - PDF
1 Corinthians 15:12-26 - The Resurrection Changes Everything! - Sermon Handout with blanks Booklet - PDF
1 Corinthians 15:12-26 - The Resurrection Changes Everything! - Editable Sermon Notes - DOCX

TopicsDeath, Resurrection, New Heavens and Earth, New Life, Demons

This week, President Trump told the nation that social distancing will remain in place until the end of the month. While everyone is thankful for a government that protects its citizens, the social isolation and lack of employment is a heavy burden on the heart. At times like this, it is easy to grumble, whine, and complain. When we turn to God's Word on this topic, we learn that grumbling is dangerous. It is a serious sin. It is not to be part of the Christian life. Join us as we we learn what God says about how to handle tough times without a grumbling heart.

Philippians 2:14-15 - Why Is Grumbling Worse Than COVID-19? - Quicktime and iPhone Audio - AAC
Philippians 2:14-15 - Why Is Grumbling Worse Than COVID-19? - Manuscript - PDF
Philippians 2:14-15 - Why Is Grumbling Worse Than COVID-19? - Sermon Handout 8.5x11 - PDF
Philippians 2:14-15 - Why Is Grumbling Worse Than COVID-19? - Sermon Handout with blanks 8.5x11 - PDF
Philippians 2:14-15 - Why Is Grumbling Worse Than COVID-19? - Sermon Handout Booklet - PDF
Philippians 2:14-15 - Why Is Grumbling Worse Than COVID-19? - Sermon Handout with blanks Booklet - PDF
Philippians 2:14-15 - Why Is Grumbling Worse Than COVID-19? - Editable Sermon Notes - DOCX

TopicsGrumbling, Trials, Providence, Peace

As we continue in the COVID-19 pandemic, the borders between states are closing. Minnesota has a shelter-at-home order. The National Guard is called out in a number of states. Our nation's anxiety increases by the hour. As jobs are lost and income dwindles, how can we follow Christ well in these chaotic days? Join us as we see what the apostle Paul tells us about standing for Christ when times are tough.

Philippians 4:4-8 - How Do I Stand Strong For Christ When Times Are Tough? - Quicktime and iPhone Audio - AAC
Philippians 4:4-8 - How Do I Stand Strong For Christ When Times Are Tough? - Manuscript - PDF
Philippians 4:4-8 - How Do I Stand Strong For Christ When Times Are Tough? - Sermon Handout 8.5x11 - PDF
Philippians 4:4-8 - How Do I Stand Strong For Christ When Times Are Tough? - Sermon Handout with blanks 8.5x11 - PDF
Philippians 4:4-8 - How Do I Stand Strong For Christ When Times Are Tough? - Sermon Handout Booklet - PDF
Philippians 4:4-8 - How Do I Stand Strong For Christ When Times Are Tough? - Sermon Handout with blanks Booklet - PDF
Philippians 4:4-8 - How Do I Stand Strong For Christ When Times Are Tough? - Editable Sermon Notes - DOCX

TopicsThought Life, Attitude, Joy, Neighbors, Kindness, Anxiety, Peace, Perseverance

This past week, our life changed. The COVID-19 pandemic shut down our nation and our economy. As a nation, we face the possibility of multitudes losing their physical life while our nation loses economic life. As anxiety overwhelms us, how should we face these uncertain times? Join us as the Word of God shows us where to find peace in our uncertain world.

Matthew 6:25-34 - How Do I Find Peace In A Pandemic World? - Quicktime and iPhone Audio - AAC
Matthew 6:25-34 - How Do I Find Peace In A Pandemic World? - Manuscript - PDF
Matthew 6:25-34 - How Do I Find Peace In A Pandemic World? - Sermon Handout 8.5x11 - PDF
Matthew 6:25-34 - How Do I Find Peace In A Pandemic World? - Sermon Handout with blanks 8.5x11 - PDF
Matthew 6:25-34 - How Do I Find Peace In A Pandemic World? - Sermon Handout Booklet - PDF
Matthew 6:25-34 - How Do I Find Peace In A Pandemic World? - Sermon Handout with blanks Booklet - PDF
Matthew 6:25-34 - How Do I Find Peace In A Pandemic World? - Editable Sermon Notes - DOCX

TopicsPeace, Anxiety, Worry

Some church traditions have their church leaders wear a collar or preach in an ornate robe. Other church traditions request parishioners address church leaders using a term of respect such as "Father," "Priest," or "Pastor." Special clothing and titles are intended to visually identify the spiritually mature among us, When we look at the Gospel of Mark, we see a different measure of spiritual maturity. It is faith and generosity. Join us as we discover what genuine love for God looks like.

Mark 12:38-44 - What Does Genuine Love For God Look Like? - Quicktime and iPhone Audio - AAC
Mark 12:38-44 - What Does Genuine Love For God Look Like? - Manuscript - PDF
Mark 12:38-44 - What Does Genuine Love For God Look Like? - Sermon Handout - PDF
Mark 12:38-44 - What Does Genuine Love For God Look Like? - Sermon Handout with blanks - PDF
Mark 12:38-44 - What Does Genuine Love For God Look Like? - Editable Sermon Notes - DOCX

TopicsLove, False Teachers, Giving, Tithing, Sacrifice, Sanctification

Everyone will eventually answer the question, "Who is Jesus?" To many, he was nothing more than a good teacher. Some hate Jesus. Others love Jesus. As we continue in the Gospel of Mark, Jesus takes the religious leaders of Judaism to the Old Testament where he proves to them where his authority is found. He is much more than just a man. He is the man that is God.

Mark 12:35-37 - Who Is Jesus? - Quicktime and iPhone Audio - AAC
Mark 12:35-37 - Who Is Jesus? - Manuscript - PDF
Mark 12:35-37 - Who Is Jesus? - Sermon Handout - PDF
Mark 12:35-37 - Who Is Jesus? - Sermon Handout with blanks - PDF
Mark 12:35-37 - Who Is Jesus? - Editable Sermon Notes - DOCX

TopicsEvangelism, Jesus

The web site "Record Setter" has a unique way of setting world records. They allow contestants to video tape themselves attempting to set world records. If they beat the world record in a category, they moved to the top of the category as a new record holder. In preparation for this message, I checked the "I love you" category on the "Record Setter" web site. Currently the world record for saying, "I love you" the most times in 30 seconds is held by a youth pastor! He told his wife "I love you" 69 times in only 30 seconds. While someone can set a record saying those words, it is much harder to be a recorder setter when it comes to living out those words and showing love. In this message, we explore the greatest commandments. Both of them call us to not just say the word "love" but to try and be a record setter in how we show it.

Mark 12:28-34 - What Is The Greatest Commandment? - Quicktime and iPhone Audio - AAC
Mark 12:28-34 - What Is The Greatest Commandment? - Manuscript - PDF
Mark 12:28-34 - What Is The Greatest Commandment? - Sermon Handout - PDF
Mark 12:28-34 - What Is The Greatest Commandment? - Sermon Handout with blanks - PDF
Mark 12:28-34 - What Is The Greatest Commandment? - Editable Sermon Notes - DOCX

TopicsLove, Neighbors

On November 14, 2004, 6-year-old Alex Malarkey was with his father as they drove home in rural Ohio. When his father made a left turn, their car collided with oncoming traffic. The impact of the crash detached Alex's skull from his spinal cord. Alex lived but he awoke from a coma two months later as a quadriplegic. When he awoke, he began telling his parents about visiting heaven, seeing Jesus and angels that intervened in the car accident to save his father's life. Tyndale House published a book about Alex's trip to heaven claiming it was a true story. It sold over a million copies. Unfortunately Alex later admitted that he made everything up to get attention. Millions of people were deceived by his fictional stories about life after death. Is there a way we can know what lives beyond the grave? Can we know with certainty that there is life after death? Join us as we discover the certainty and joys of the resurrection.

Mark 12:18-27 - The Resurrection Is Better Than The Joy Of Marriage - Quicktime and iPhone Audio - AAC
Mark 12:18-27 - The Resurrection Is Better Than The Joy Of Marriage - Manuscript - PDF
Mark 12:18-27 - The Resurrection Is Better Than The Joy Of Marriage - Sermon Handout - PDF
Mark 12:18-27 - The Resurrection Is Better Than The Joy Of Marriage - Sermon Handout with blanks - PDF
Mark 12:18-27 - The Resurrection Is Better Than The Joy Of Marriage - Editable Sermon Notes - DOCX

TopicsResurrection, Marriage, Sex, Joy, Happiness, Death

Michael Bowman of Oregon has refused to pay his taxes since 1999. He cashes his work check and keeps his bank account low in order to keep the government from garnishing his wages. Why does he refuse to pay the taxes he owes? He claims it is his opposition to abortion. He doesn't want his tax dollars to fund the taking of human life. His words before the court were, "If a woman has a right to choose, so do I." Is Michael Bowman right? Do Christians have a right to refuse payment of their taxes to protest the evil in our government? Join us as we find what the Bible says about this important question.

Mark 12:13-17 - Should I Pay My Taxes? - Quicktime and iPhone Audio - AAC
Mark 12:13-17 - Should I Pay My Taxes? - Manuscript - PDF
Mark 12:13-17 - Should I Pay My Taxes? - Sermon Handout - PDF
Mark 12:13-17 - Should I Pay My Taxes? - Sermon Handout with blanks - PDF
Mark 12:13-17 - Should I Pay My Taxes? - Editable Sermon Notes - DOCX

TopicsStewardship, Government, Taxes

Every day we are flooded with information. Demands on our life hit us through texts, social media, email, snail mail, and a constant stream of advertising on everything we see. Wouldn't it be nice if we could cut through the informational chaos and focus on the important things we need? The good news is God has simplified things. There is only one authority we need to follow. The words of Jesus and his apostles are the one thing we need to know. Join us as we learn how God has simplified the informational chaos we all face and made Jesus the only thing we need.

Mark 12:1-12 - Is Jesus My Cornerstone Or Crushing Stone? - Quicktime and iPhone Audio - AAC
Mark 12:1-12 - Is Jesus My Cornerstone Or Crushing Stone? - Manuscript - PDF
Mark 12:1-12 - Is Jesus My Cornerstone Or Crushing Stone? - Sermon Handout - PDF
Mark 12:1-12 - Is Jesus My Cornerstone Or Crushing Stone? - Sermon Handout with blanks - PDF
Mark 12:1-12 - Is Jesus My Cornerstone Or Crushing Stone? - Editable Sermon Notes - DOCX

TopicsJesus, Judgment, Judgment Seat of Christ, Authority

All of us conform to peer pressure. We wear the clothes we wear because they are in style. We purchase the latest phones and gadgets because our friends are using them. While everyone is shaped by the people around us, sometimes cultural pressure leads us away from truth. In this study, we see Jesus as the ultimate authority in the world and our lives. He is the authority we need to follow. We also see how the leaders in society are twisted by the desire for popularity into half-truths and deceit.

Mark 11:27–33 - Who Is The Authority In My Life? - Quicktime and iPhone Audio - AAC
Mark 11:27–33 - Who Is The Authority In My Life? - Manuscript - PDF
Mark 11:27–33 - Who Is The Authority In My Life? - Sermon Handout - PDF
Mark 11:27–33 - Who Is The Authority In My Life? - Sermon Handout with blanks - PDF
Mark 11:27–33 - Who Is The Authority In My Life? - Editable Sermon Notes - DOCX

TopicsLeadership, Peer Pressure

Have you ever despaired to pray because it feels like your prayers don't make a difference? We know prayer is the right thing to do, but why doesn't God answer our prayers more favorable? In this message Jesus gives us a lesson on how we can offer prayers that make a difference.

Mark 11:22–25 - How Can I Pray To Make A Difference? - Quicktime and iPhone Audio - AAC
Mark 11:22–25 - How Can I Pray To Make A Difference? - Manuscript - PDF
Mark 11:22–25 - How Can I Pray To Make A Difference? - Sermon Handout - PDF
Mark 11:22–25 - How Can I Pray To Make A Difference? - Sermon Handout with blanks - PDF
Mark 11:22–25 - How Can I Pray To Make A Difference? - Editable Sermon Notes - DOCX

TopicsPrayer, Forgiveness

When Cindy and I were first married, I tried my hand at gardening. I planted tomatoes and looked forward to a juicy harvest in the fall. I was amazed at how big the plants grew, but in the fall, the tomatoes were small and few. No-one told me the importance of pruning the plants so all the plant's energy would not go into producing leaves instead of growing fruit. This week, we discover the temple and judaism had become nothing but leaves. They looked great on the outside but were not producing spiritual fruit for God. As a result, God decided to taken them away. Join us as we learn the importance of living a life that is more than leaves.

Mark 11:12–21 - Nothing But Leaves - Quicktime and iPhone Audio - AAC
Mark 11:12–21 - Nothing But Leaves - Manuscript - PDF
Mark 11:12–21 - Nothing But Leaves - Sermon Handout - PDF
Mark 11:12–21 - Nothing But Leaves - Sermon Handout with blanks - PDF
Mark 11:12–21 - Nothing But Leaves - Editable Sermon Notes - DOCX

TopicsFruit

A 2015 Gallop poll revealed 75 percent of Americans identify themselves as Christians. If that were true, don't you think our country would be different? Don't you think the comments we read in social media would be kinder? That Gallop poll revealed many people want to casually associate with Jesus but in truth far less are interested in following Jesus. Join us as we learn the dangers of being a casual fan of Jesus instead of a follower as we study the Triumphal Entry.

Mark 11:1–11 - The Triumphal Entry - Quicktime and iPhone Audio - AAC
Mark 11:1–11 - The Triumphal Entry - Manuscript - PDF
Mark 11:1–11 - The Triumphal Entry - Sermon Handout - PDF
Mark 11:1–11 - The Triumphal Entry - Sermon Handout with blanks - PDF
Mark 11:1–11 - The Triumphal Entry - Editable Sermon Notes - DOCX

TopicsSuffering, Providence, Sovereignty, Faith, Salvation, Sanctification

If you could ask Jesus for anything, what would it be? Would you ask to be famous and popular? Would you ask to be beautiful or strong? Even if we asked for those things, how do we know Jesus would want to give us those things? As we come to the gospel of Mark, we find one thing we can ask for from Jesus that we know we will always say, "Yes!"

Mark 10:46–52 - The Blind Man That Could See - Quicktime and iPhone Audio - AAC
Mark 10:46–52 - The Blind Man That Could See - Manuscript - PDF
Mark 10:46–52 - The Blind Man That Could See - Sermon Handout - PDF
Mark 10:46–52 - The Blind Man That Could See - Sermon Handout with blanks - PDF
Mark 10:46–52 - The Blind Man That Could See - Editable Sermon Notes - DOCX

TopicsFaith, Mercy, healing