MOTW 2025-12-28 'The Promise of Christmas'

'A Star is Born' Today we look at seven prophecies from the Old Testament book of Isaiah that point us to Jesus. Isaiah 9:6-7

MOTW 2025-12-07 'Perfect Gifts' The wise men brought three gifts to the baby Jesus - Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh. Today we learn that these gifts represent Jesus' Kingship, His Priesthood and His Sacrifice on the cross (our salvation).

Out of Darkness, Light John 1:1-13 When Jesus tells us that we are the light of the world, we should know that no matter how dark the world gets, our light will shine even brighter.

'Thanksgiving Lessons From a Rustic Table' Psalm 100 What does Thanksgiving mean to you? Is it just another holiday? Or is it a time to give thanks? And who are you giving thanks to?

'The Gospel of Mark - Miracle Workers' Mark 6:7-29 Today we focus on Jesus sending his twelve apostles out two by two with authority over unclean spirits, instructing them to take nothing but a staff, emphasizing trust in God's provision. We learn that the church represents Jesus and operates in His power. We also learn the importance of unity in the church, trusting in God's provision, reminding us that God will provide for us just as He cares for birds. We are reminded that the act of shaking dust off one's feet when rejected is discussed as a symbolic act to avoid taking rejection or persecution to heart. We then continue to the story of John the Baptist's imprisonment and execution at the hands of King Herod and Herodias. We see John's unwavering commitment to truth, despite the consequences. We are warned against being like Herod, who gladly heard God's word from John but did not apply it to his life. The message then concludes by urging us not to define ourselves by our circumstances or sins but by our identity in Christ.

Today we look at the idea of an "honorless prophet." In Mark 6, we see that Jesus experienced the "human experience," which is encouraging for believers. We see the challenges of sharing faith with family, noting that Jesus' own family thought he was "out of his mind." We are encouraged to not be discouraged if family members don't immediately accept the gospel. That we are reminded that God can use others to deliver the truth, understanding that faith, fear, and all elements of worship are not wasted with the Lord. Finally, we also learn of the significance of meeting with fellow believers, as the church is the bride of Christ. But there is also the reality of intense persecution faced by Christians worldwide and the ultimate hope for believers in Christ.

We finish up in Mark 5 with a look back to Jairus and his daughter who has died. We learn that Jesus responds to the faith we have. That the kind of faith God is pleased with is the faith that holds on when all seems lost. Mark 5:21-24, 35-43

MOTW 2025-10-19 'The Gospel of Mark - Finding Jesus in Our Desperation, Part 1' Mark 5:21-34 This week and next week, we will meet two people who, when they have come to the end of their resources, seek out Jesus in their desperation.