Mark on Rice Family Ministries

Mark 1:5 -Paving the Way for Christ

Sun, 03 Nov 2024 00:00:00 +0000

November 3, 2024

Paving the Way for Christ #

Mark 1:5-8

I. The Multitude – (5) #

People are essential to ministry, you cannot minister to people you do not have.
People are not central goal of the ministry!
- We do not compromise truth to get people in or to keep people in

A. Coming from #

1. Judaea - was the area surrounding Jerusalem. #

Word spread, and people traveled.
Travel was not easy in Bible times... they did.

2. Jerusalem - #

Acts 1:8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

Mark 1:9 - Getting into the Ministry

Sun, 10 Nov 2024 00:00:00 +0000

November 10, 2024

Getting into the Ministry #

Mark 1:9-11

Introduction

We are not out of the first chapter of Mark, and we see the beginning of Jesus ministry. The message is titled, “Getting into the Ministry” because there are many lessons that we can learn from Jesus getting started in the ministry. We all, every one of us should be involved in ministry! I’m not talking about being a preacher, I’m talking about getting involved in the ministry of our local church.

Mark 1:21 - Authority

Sun, 17 Nov 2024 00:00:00 +0000

November 17, 2024

Authority #

Mark 1:21-28

Introduction

In our passage, the word Authority appears twice, but the implication of authority is in every part of the passage we will look at.

authority - legal or rightful power; a right to command or to act; power exercised buy a person in virtue of his office or trust; dominion, jurisdiction;

In the gospel of Mark, Jesus is presented as a servant. However, it is very clear in the beginning of the gospel, that he is not a weak servant, but a very powerful, strong servant. While Jesus came to serve, and be a servant, by no means does that make him weak, or lessen his authority.

Mark 1:35 - Lessons from our Lord

Sun, 01 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Lessons from our Lord #

Mark 1:35-45

Introduction

Last time, we looked at Jesus Authority. Authority with the Scriptures, Authority over spirits, and Authority over sickness. He should be our Authority! We are going to look at lessons that we can learn from the Lord!

I. Lessons of Prayer (35) #

Prayer was an important part of Jesus life.
Prayer is talking with God, poor out your heart and soul, make requests and petitions, talk with him!

A. Start of the day "rising up a great while before day" #

1. Ministry - service #

We are saved to serve... so every christian should be ministering!
Requires effort, get up!

2. Start the day with the Lord! #

Before you get busy with everything, before the people gathered around him.

B. Solitary place "solitary place" #

1. Need to be alone with God! #

2. Quite place - no distractions #

Shut off the social media, set your phone to silent

“10\ Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.” (Psalm 46:10)

Mark 2:1 - What Kind of a Person are you?

Sun, 08 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

What Kind of Person are you? #

Mark 2:1-12

Introduction

This morning I would direct our attention to the people in this passage. Jesus always interacted with people.

We relate with some people, and often we see ourself in other people?

I. The Seekers (Mark 2:2) "many were gathered together" #

A. Word Shared (1) "noised that he was in the house" #

1. The history - #

Mark 1:21 - he was in Capernaum before, that is where Peter's house is, where he cast the demon out of the man in the synagogue, and healed many people.

Mark 2:13 - Following Jesus

Sun, 19 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Following Jesus #

Mark 2:13-17

Introduction

Jesus had just been in the house, with a lot of people, and healed the paralyzed man. He now goes out to the sea side, and is again followed by a multitude. They didn't have cameras to take pictures, but imagine the paparazzi. Jesus amassed a large following because of the miracles He did. We have the specific calling of Matthew.

I. His Calling (Mark 2:13-14) #

A. Seaside calling #

1. "by the sea" (13) #

There was a lot of space for the crowd to gather.
It was not limited to the crowded house

2. "the multitude" (13) #

Walking through the pages of Mark, many miracles had been done! Word had gotten out, and Jesus had become popular!

3. "he taught them" (13) #

Jesus is found over and over teaching people!
He was more than just a miracle worker, he was a minister, and had a message from the Word!
The calling came during the teaching of the Word!

B. Spontaneous calling #

1. "as he passed by" (14) #

The Gospel message is often a fleeting message!

Matthew 13:4 “^4\ ^And when he sowed, some seeds fell by the way side, and the fowls came and devoured them up:”

Mark 2:18 - The Letter of the Law

Sun, 26 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The Letter of the Law? #

Mark 2:18-22*, 23-28

Introduction

Last week, Levi (Matthew) the Publican was saved, and hosted a dinner to celebrate his salvation! This didn't go over well with the Pharisee's. We will not go back, to that text as we dealt with their criticism, but we have a series of attacks on Jesus by the Pharisees here.

Notice the inclusion of the disciples of John. The Pharisees knew John to be strict in nature, and brought the disciples they could find to support them. Then used them to compare them to Christ's disciples. The devil will use whatever means he can employ to cause great division among the disciples of Christ. We must be wary of his devices.

Mark 3:1 - Sabbath Showdown

Sun, 02 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Sabbath Showdown #

Mark 2:27-3:6

Introduction

Mark 2:27-28 feed into this passage so well:

Mark 2:27 And he said unto them, The sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath: 28 Therefore the Son of man is Lord also of the sabbath.

This is a major power play move by Jesus, demonstrating this truth, and his authority to the Pharisees. While there is an overtone that is certainly prominent, lets not forget the circumstances, and people that are involved! This is an incredible miracle, done specifically on the sabbath, in front of the Pharisees, and in all of that, a man is healed, his life is changed!

Mark 3:8 - A Seaside Multitude

Sun, 23 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0000

A Seaside Multitude #

Mark 3:8-12

Introduction

In our last message entitled the “Sabbath Showdown” out of Mark, 3:1-8 we covered

I. The Crippled Man (withered hand) II. The Compassionate man (Jesus) III. The Contentious Men (Pharisees) IV. The Converted Men

In keeping with the continuity of the passage, we note that Jesus had left the synagogue having clearly put the Pharisees in their place. He went to the seaside. One cannot hardly read the passage without taking notice of the word “multitude” that shows up in verse 7, 8, and 9 that it is a prominent point of the passage. There is emphasis in the crowd.

Mark 3:13 - Close to God

Sun, 06 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Close to God #

Mark 3:13-21

Introduction

We are going to look at those who are close to God. Man throughout history is trying to get close to God. There is only one way to get close to God!

Jesus is constantly interacting with people in his life time. The difference between how Jesus interacts, and how we interact, is he never made a mistake! His interactions were intentional. Everything written in the Bible about the life of Jesus is deserving of study, and learning! He provided for us a perfect example in every area of life.

Mark 4:1 - Sowing the Seed

Sun, 13 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Sowing the Seed! #

Mark 4:1-13 (1-20)

Introduction

We are in a passage that I know I have preached before. However, we don’t come for something new every week, we come to be reminded of things we already know, and need reminded of. The Sowing of the Seed is a recurring theme throughout the NT in various illustrations. It is given over and over, as food, water, light, seed, all good things that help others. We must remember Jesus came that people would be saved, and he has entrusted that message with us!

Mark 4:21 - The Core Concept of Christianity

Sun, 27 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The Core Concept of Christianity #

Mark 4:21-

Introduction

Within Mark chapter 4, the phrase “kingdom of God” used three times. It is prominent in this chapter. It is used before this in Mark 1:14-15

Mark 1:14 ¶ Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, 15 And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.

Mark 4:35 - Frightful Troubles

Sun, 04 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

From Foundational truths to Frightful troubles #

Mark 4:35-41

Introduction

Jesus has gone from teaching some foundational lessons to the disciples to a life lesson that would be etched in their mind. I have logged thousands of hours of classroom classes. Listening to messages, listening to lessons, messages, teaching, etc. Those are necessary, but there are some lessons in life, that are etched permanently in my mind. The lessons we have lived through usually make the deepest impression on our life, if we learn from them.

Mark 5:1 - Life Restored

Sun, 18 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Life Restored #

Mark 5:1-7, 1-20

Introduction

We have an extreme and vividly detailed account of a man living in the Gadarenes. As we see in this account, understand this man didn’t grow up in these conditions. You have to imagine he was someones baby. We have no real evidence, nothing to tell us about his past, so we are speculating.

I call this extreme, because really this is a clear picture of the extreme way sin can destroy a life completely. This man didn’t desire to end up in this situation. Most people don’t desire to be addicted to drugs, end up as alcoholics, or end up in prison. It is the extreme detrimental effects of sin. It is like a snowball that starts small, and collects as it rolls down a hill, it gets bigger, and at some point it is out of control, and there is no humanly way of stopping it!

Mark 5:21 - Troubled Woman

Sun, 25 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Troubled Woman #

Mark 5:21-34

Introduction

As we continue to “Look unto Jesus” our theme for the year. We find a Calmed the Storm on the sea for the disciples. We find he brought calm to the maniac’s life who dwelt in the tombs. We find today that he brings peace to a Troubled Woman. Most of the miracles that Jesus did are a living parable. Someone was physically healed, but there is a great spiritual application of salvation. Often salvation occurs simultaneously with the actual physical healing that takes place. This is one of those.

Mark 5:22 - Jesus Restores Life

Sun, 01 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Jesus Restores Life #

Mark 5:22-24, 35-43

Introduction

Last week, we saw the woman that was cured of her issue of blood. However, the story of Jairus is interrupted midway through that account. Jesus had cast the demons out of the man in Gadarenes, they asked him to leave. He get’s back in the boat, and crosses the sea, to be confronted by Jairus.

Today, we consider an amazing miracle of a girl raised to life. It is the first account of a person being raised from the dead in the Gospel of Mark, that doesn’t mean it was the first person Jesus raised from the dead.

Mark 6:1 - Disappointment in Ministry

Sun, 22 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Disappointment in Ministry #

Mark 6:1-3, 1-13

Introduction

Not everything in ministry goes well. We are programmed to think that if something is off, something doesn’t go well, then we must find the fault, we must change something, we must do something different.

I. Decision (1-2) #

A. Travel (1) #

1. “own country” #

Mark 5:19 “19\ Howbeit Jesus suffered him not, but saith unto him, Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on thee.”

Mark 6:14 - Standing for Righteousness

Sun, 06 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Standing for Righteousness #

Mark 6:14

Introduction

Bob Jone’s senior said, “Do right till the stars fall!” – We need people who are dedicated to doing right, living right!

Prov. 14:34 ¶ Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.

Thank the Lord for our Country, and the liberty we have. Our country is not perfect, but it is literally the best country in the World. It was founded on God’s Word! Our founding Father’s unashamedly quoted the Bible!

Mark 6:30 - R&R from the Lord

Sun, 13 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0000

R&R from the LORD #

Mark 6:30-33

Introduction

I. Rest (Mark 6:30-33) #

The disciples had just been busy traveling preaching in different villages as Jesus sent them out.
They were relaying to him all that happened.

A. Need of rest #

1. Work, whether physical, or mental wears you out! #

2. Our bodies require rest! #

B. Mandate of rest #

1. Exemplified by God #

Gen. 2:2 And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made. 3 And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made.

Mark 6:45 - Consider God's Work

Sun, 20 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Consider God’s Work #

Mark 6:45-53

Introduction

As we continue our study in the Gospel of Mark, there is a lot to see in this passage. This passage is parallel passage of the one recorded in Matthew, however Mark doesn’t bring up the fact that Peter walked on water. It was an amazing thing that happened, however, it was not the be the focal point of this account. In other words, there are other lessons that can be learned from this passage, more than the fact that Peter walked on the water!

Mark 6:54 - Tale of Two Cities

Sun, 27 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Tale of Two Cities: One Christ. #

Mark 6:54-56

Introduction

The Gospel of Mark is action packed. We go from one episode, straight into another. There is a such an amazing portrait of the Saviour written by Mark. Jesus is portrayed as the great servant, going from one place to another in full ministry mode.

As a waitress would go from table to table, and serve people, Jesus travels from town to town serving people everywhere he goes. Serving complete strangers, family, the disciples, everyone he meets, he desires to serve them. It is quite amazing to see Jesus in that light, also knowing and realizing He is the King of Kings, and Lord of Lords… Jesus, in great humility serves!

Mark 7:1 - Defining the Final Authority

Sun, 03 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Defining the Final Authority #

Mark 7:1-13

Introduction

We have a showdown again between Jesus and the Pharisees. They simply cannot leave well enough alone the Lord Jesus Christ. He was winning the hearts of the people, and they were being left behind. Their influence, their position, their authority, was all being threatened by Jesus presence.

These were not interested in truth, they were interested in maintaining their prestige, the position, and their prominence among the people.

Mark 7:24 - A Crumb of a Miracle

Sun, 17 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0000

August 8, 2025

A Crumb of a Miracle #

Mark 7:24-30

Introduction

What is a crumb? A crumb is not thought of as anything grand. Matter of fact, we would consider them dirty, annoying, and brush them off the table, collect them in our hand, and throw them away. No one, asks for a box for crumbs. They are pitched without thought. We have a crumb of a miracle here in Mark 7. But the crumb made a difference to this woman and her daughter. The smallest of God’s miracles, is life changing for some!

Mark 7:31 - Deaf Man Healed

Sun, 24 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0000

August 24, 2025 - AM

Deaf man Healed #

Mark 7:31-35

Introduction

A couple of interesting things about this passage. This miracle is not recorded in the other Gospels. It is unique to the Gospel of Mark.

Jesus traveled quite a bit, it is estimated about 60 to 70 miles traveling. That would be up to 3-4 day trip of walking every day. The Bible doesn’t explain to us the details about the traveling of Jesus, but that is a lot of walking.

Mark 8:1 - Feeding 4000

Sun, 07 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0000

August 31, 2025

Feeding 4000 #

Mark 8:1-9

Introduction

There are two separate miracles, the Feeding of the 5000 takes place on the west side of the Sea of Galilee, while the feeding of the 4000 takes place on the east side of the Sea of Galilee. The 5000 is recorded in all the Gospels where the 4000 is only recorded in Matthew and Mark. The 5000 there are 5 loaves, and 2 fish, the 4000 there are seven loaves and a few small fishes. The miracles were performed under very similar circumstances.

Mark 8:22 - Sight Restored

Wed, 17 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0000

September 7, 2025

Sight Restored #

Mark 8:22-26

Introduction

We have before us a unique passage. The blind man of Bethsaida is only given to us in the Gospel of Mark. It is therefore unique. It is further unique because it is the only miracle done in the Scripture, which is described as being done partially, or requiring two different times. I have often wondered about the meaning behind this miracle.

Mark 8:27 - Certainty about Christ

Sun, 14 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0000

September 14, 2025

Certainty about Christ #

Mark 8:27-38

Introduction

Last week we looked at two miracles, the miracle where the blind man was made to see, however he saw men walking as trees. We equated that to the fact that now, we don’t have perfect understanding. The second miracle was the second touch, and he was made to see clearly! Much like in heaven we will see clearly.

Mark 9:1 - The Transfiguration of Jesus

Wed, 08 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0000

September 28, 2025

The Transfiguration of Christ #

Mark 9:1-13

Introduction

There is a continuity here in the Gospel of Mark that we have stumbled across. It started with the Blind man seeing men as trees after Jesus touched him the first time. We equated that to many things we do not understand here in our life time. But soon after, he was touched again, and made completely whole! The very next section Jesus is asking his disciples who do men say that I am….. Jesus makes it very clear to his disciples that He is the Christ, the Messiah. They of course said that about him as well. But they didn’t fully understand the implications of that.

Mark 9:14 - Growing in Faith

Tue, 14 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0000

October 5, 2025

Growing in Faith #

Mark 9:14-29

Introduction

We have been following the life of Christ, and specifically his interactions with the disciples. We have dealt a lot with the certainty he made clear to the disciples about the fact that He (Jesus) is God. The Transfiguration was a very clear revelation to Peter, James and John the inner circle, those disciples that were perhaps closer to Jesus than others.

Mark 9:30 - Lessons about Salvation and Service

Sun, 26 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0000

October 19, 2025

Lessons about Salvation & Service #

Mark 9:30-50

I. Salvation’s Plan (Mark 9:30-32) #

A. Dissemination of information (30) #

i. Possibly, because of his popularity, they would have protected him. #

ii. Private teaching to the disciples. #

 ◦ Having a personal relationship with Jesus… get something others are not. 
 ◦ Your personal walk with the Lord is important! -

Philippians 4:7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Mark 10:1 - God's Family Plan

Sun, 09 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0000

November 2, 2025

God’s Family Plan #

Mark 10:1-16

Introduction

I have titled the message God’s Family Plan, not because God is specifically outlining the idea for a family, but the entirety of this passage, is so necessary for Family matters, that I have dubbed it, God’s Family Plan. We literally have three separate instances that are back to back that I have stitched together for one message to help families.

Mark 10:17 - Earthly Riches, Eternal Riches

Sun, 09 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0000

November 9, 2025

Earthly Riches over Eternal Riches #

Mark 10:17-27

Introduction

The greatest problem in America, is her wealth. God has blessed our nation, and we thank our veterans for their service, that have bought our freedom! God has blessed our nation, because they have were founded on Bible Principles! Because they were founded on Bible principles, they have backed Israel! God has blessed our country because of those two things!

Mark 10:28 - Traveling Tutelage

Tue, 25 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0000

November 16, 2025

Traveling Tutelage #

Mark 10:28-31 - read Mark 10:28-45

Introduction

We are going to cover down through verse 45, but let’s look at this passage. This passage takes place right after the young rich man had asked what he could do to inherit eternal life. We looked at that last week, and recognized the man did not see himself as a sinner in need of salvation, but was simply seeking to add to his riches, eternal life. Right after that whole discussion, Peter; never one to let a quite moment pass without interjecting something, says, “Lo, we have left all, and followed thee.”

Mark 11:1 - The Triumphal Entry

Sun, 11 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

January 11, 2026

Triumphal Entry

Mark 11:1-6

Introduction

We are a couple of months early for Palm Sunday, but the Sunday before Easter is called Palm Sunday. It is often referred to as the triumphal entry. It was one of the only times that Jesus allowed public prominent praise of himself. Jesus certainly is worthy of worship, but he often did not allow it, and maintained a low profile as best as he could. Jesus did not come to be lifted up as King, but came as a sacrifice.

Mark 11:15-18 - Lessons from the Lord

Sun, 22 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000

February 22, 2026

Lessons from the Lord #

Mark 11:15-18

Mark 11:12-33

Introduction

We have been going through the book of Mark on Sunday mornings, and we have gotten behind a little. So, I will continue that series tonight. We are picking up toward the end of Jesus ministry. His disciples have spent a great deal of time ministering with him. Last time, we looked at the triumphal entry into Jerusalem. We are going to look at three lessons given by the Lord.

Mark 12:1-12 - Response to Preaching

Sun, 12 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

April 12, 2026

Response to Preaching #

Mark 12:1-12

Introduction

We have a parable from the Lord. A parable is an earthly story with a heavenly meaning. It is something the people of the day would relate to and understand. Many of the parables, are not always things we relate to in life, but we certainly can understand them easily. This parable is no different. This parable was specifically geared towards the pharisees, and was condemning them. It was very obvious to them as well.

Mark 12:13 - Questioning God

Sun, 19 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

April 19, 2026

Questioning God #

Mark 12:13

Introduction

We have a lengthy portion before us, and I will not read it all in the beginning. Lord willing we will get down to verse 40 this morning. We have a series of questions which are asked, but not out of sincerity, but rather out of malice, and with the idea of entrapping, and ensnaring our Lord Jesus Christ. Questions can be a very interesting study in the Bible! Questions are sometimes asked of us to cause us to reflect. Sometimes questions are asked out of sincere desire to know something. Sometimes questions are used in sarcastic manner to make someone feel dumb. Sometimes questions are “trick” questions, that are used to trap someone with their words. That is exactly what is going on here. They were trying to trick, and entrap Jesus.

Mark 12:41 - An Impressive Gift

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

April 26, 2026

An Impressive Gift #

Mark 12:41-44

Introduction

We have a few verses here, but there is quite a bit we can learn from them.

I. The Widow (Mark 12:41-42) #

The main character of this passage is the widow. That is the focal point that Jesus brings out.

A. Her Problem (widowed) #

i. “widow” #

In Bible times there was not Social Security… the help for a widow was very meager.

Mark 13:1 - Olivet Discourse

Sun, 03 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

May 3, 2026

Olivet Discourse #

Mark 13:1-6

Introduction

As Jesus is coming out of the temple, one of the disciples comments on the beautiful building that the temple is. Jesus then prophetically told them of the overthrow of the temple. Once they arrived on the Mount of Olives. The questions came, “When shall these things be?” “What shall be the signs when all these things shall be fulfilled?” The Olivet Discourse is recorded with more detail in Matthew 24-25. It also appears in Luke 21:5-36.

Mark 14:1 - Defining Actions

Sun, 17 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

May 17, 2026

Defining Actions #

Mark 14:1-9

Introduction

Last week we looked at the Olivet Discourse. Jesus had just gone through the end times with the disciples on the mount of Olives. We literally could spend weeks on that chapter, but let’s move on through the Gospel of Mark as we continue. We are drawing to the close of the Gospel of Mark. Mark 14 is the longest chapter, and is the beginning of the end, Jesus death, burial and resurrection.

Mark 14:12 - The Passover

Sun, 07 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

June 7, 2026

Jesus Celebrates Passover #

Mark 14:12-17

Introduction

We left off last time with Judas already going to the chief priests and conspiring to betray Jesus. In his mind he had already decided this was the path to take. There was still time to turn around, he had not actually done it, only committed to doing it. We find the disciples after that in one of the most close knit, intimate times, when the disciples are with Jesus for one of the last times. Every one of them is gathered.

Mark 14:27 - Warning from God

Sun, 14 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

June 14, 2026

Warning from God #

Mark 14:27-31

Introduction

We are in the last days of Jesus. The disciples are about to pass some of the most difficult trials in their life. Jesus has warned them, but they simply didn’t understand.

I. Offenses will come (Mark 14:27) #

Jesus is the perfect example! He never sinned, nor did wrong!
Offend - 3. to cause (a person or group) to feel hurt, angry, or upset by something said or done

A. Offenses come in many forms #

Jesus is sinless, and didn’t do anything wrong, and the disciples were still offended!

i. Jesus would die #

Jesus had told the disciples, but they had it in their minds, He was the Messiah, and therefore would setup his reign now, they would not see the real plan.
Jesus plan was to die, we see it clearly now!

John 1:29 — The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.

Mark 14:32 - Spiritual Vigilance

Sun, 12 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000

July 12, 2026

Spiritual Vigilance #

Mark 14:32-42

Introduction

We have a very serious passage before us. We are close to the end of Jesus life, and it is a serious time. Some seasons of our life are heavy times. This was a heavy time for the Lord. Countless arguments have been made about the prayer in the garden about what Jesus meant by his prayer “Let this cup pass from me.” I personally think it was probably the physical agony he woul dfeel as he suffered on the cross. Not that he didn’t want to die, but he didn’t want to die in the fashion that he would die. It was one of the most cruel, torturous, painful ways of dying.

Mark 14:54 - Corrupt Trial

Sun, 26 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000

July 26, 2026

Corrupted Trial #

Mark 14:54-59

Introduction

We are at the Jesus was in the garden praying, the band of soldiers came, and took him in the middle of the night. There was no crowds, just the disciples and Jesus. The disciples all fled, leaving Jesus alone to be carried away.

We now find Jesus before the chief priests.

I. Corrupt Council #

A. Leadership #

i. Chief priests, elders, and scribes (53) #

This group was drunk with pride and arrogance
They were so full of themselves, it caused them not to think straight.

ii. Intentions (55) #

“sought for a witness against Jesus to put him to death”
This was not about justice, this was about revenge
They were upset because they lost control of the narative.

B. Lying (56-60) #

i. Lying #

It was obvious their witness didn’t agree

Exodus 20:16 — Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.

Mark 14:66 - Failure

Sun, 02 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000

August 2, 2026

Failure #

Mark 14:54, 66-72

Introduction

I covered this last week, but I felt impressed to re-visit this passage and cover it again. You may be aware of a well known baptist preacher who fell in sin. My friend Sam Robinson said this, “The pulpit has failed the pew, but the pew has also failed the pulpit.” It is a two way street. I’m not going to address a particular situation, but suffice it to say if you are in church for any length of time, you will find that people will fail you. Sometimes you will be very discouraged or hurt by those who fall. It will blindside you, you will never see it coming, and it will hurt. I have always said, the taller a tree grows the more damage is does when it falls. The more influence you have, the greater the disappointment that goes with it. It doesn’t matter if you know of the situation or not, there will be another in the news, and another. It is not new, and as long as Christ tarries his coming, it will not end.

Mark 15:1 - Jesus before Pilate

Sun, 16 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000

August 16, 2026

Jesus before Pilate #

Mark 15:1

Introduction

We are up to the day of the crucifixion of Jesus. He has spent most of the night in trial before the religious leaders, and was beaten, mocked, and kept in holding cell until the morning. The Jews lived under Roman rule.

That would be like the Amish are a society, culture, and religion, but they are under the rule of the US Government, and specifically under the rule of Ohio in our state.

Mark 15:16 - Jesus Crucified

Sun, 23 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000

August 23, 2026

Jesus Crucified #

Mark 15:16-20

Introduction

Jesus was in deep spiritual battle in the garden in prayer, while the disciples slept. It was late in the night. We covered the betrayal of Judas, as well as Peter’s curiosity and concern following Jesus to the mock trial the Jewish religious leaders held for Jesus late into the night, probably early into the morning. - In addition to the exhaustion from the spiritual battle Jesus had been in the garden, he had not slept all night, and went before Pilate first thing in the morning, only to be sentenced to death. There would be no sleep from this point on. We will pickup where we left off, Jesus has been turned over to the Roman soldiers to be crucified.

Mark 16:1 - Anointing Jesus Body

Sun, 30 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000

August 30, 2026

The Anointing of Jesus #

Mark 16:1-8

Introduction

This chapter is easily divided into three segments. The first is the 1. Anointing of Jesus (1-8) 2. The Appearing of Jesus (9-18) (most modern Bibles omit these verses). 3. The Ascension of the Lord. We will only look at the first part today, of the first 8 verses.

Their were at least 4 in total that went to anoint the body of Jesus. Mark only records the three. Remember that the differences are simply that, perspective of the disciples is varied. If you have several children go to grandmas house and spend a day. Each of them tell the story a little different based on what stood out to them. God used these men to bring out details. All are correct.

Mark 16:9 - The Missing Message

Wed, 23 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000

September 13, 2026

The Missing Message #

Mark 16:9-10

Introduction

We are in the last portion of Mark. We started through the Gospel of Mark in November of 2024, and we are finally coming to a close. This marks the 51^st^ message I have preached out of the Gospel of Mark. In all reality, we could have done this in a year, but because of special services, it has extended out to almost a full 2 years.