What’s the big deal about baptism? Where did it come from? Why do Church people get so worked up over it? Does it really matter if you’re sprinkled, poured on, or immersed? Pastor Dustin Daniels walks us through Mark 1:4-11 and explains the significance of baptism.

The Gospel of Mark shows us how Jesus’ baptism and his temptation are intertwined in Mark 1:12-13. Pastor Dustin Daniels teaches how they are both two sides of the same coin. He also asks some interesting questions regarding our own temptations.

Would it surprise you to find out that Jesus’ first sermon was the same message from John the Baptist and many of the Old Testament prophets? In Jesus’ first message He teaches about “The Kingdom of God” and the need for repentance. Pastor Dustin Daniels teaches Mark 1:14-15 verse by verse and applies Jesus’ teaching for us today.

What does it look like to make decisions that go against common sense? In today’s message, we learn that Jesus calls this “obedience.” Pastor Dustin Daniels teaches how following Jesus is a command to leave everything you’ve ever known. It goes against our common sense, our life experiences and turns our world upside down.

In today’s lesson, Pastor Dustin Daniels discusses the irony of how people don’t believe that Jesus is God, and yet the demons do. And even though the demons are absolutely terrified in Jesus’ presence–it’s impossible for them to be saved. People, however, are amazed in Jesus’ presence, but would not be saved.

Do the faith healers of today match up to how Jesus healed people in the first century? Is it Biblically accurate to believe that if you’re sick that you don’t have enough faith to get well? Pastor Dustin Daniels teaches verse by verse through Mark 1:29-34 showing how the healings of Jesus were dependent upon Jesus as The Healer, and not the faith of the sick.

As Christians, we know we’re supposed to pray. So why don’t we? Why is it that we would rather be busy doing the Lord’s work in other ways? Why is prayer one of the hardest spiritual disciplines to apply in our lives? Pastor Dustin Daniels addresses these questions and more.

Today’s message is a reminder for us today about the truth of salvation. It shows us how sinners respond in faith to the gospel. It’s a picture of the cross. No matter what your story is, we’re all spiritual lepers. We all lived in isolation from God. And yet, God provided a way for sinners to be cleansed. Jesus is the one who reaches out to us! All of us are spiritual beggars and spiritual lepers. The leper’s plea, is our plea — If you are willing. We just found out Jesus is willing...

The Gospel of Mark reveals the authority of Jesus. We’ve learned how Jesus has authority over demons, disease, and nature. In this lesson, Pastor Dustin Daniels teaches how Jesus has the authority to do something that only God Himself can do–and that is to forgive sin.

Last we learned that the leaders of Israel officially rejected Jesus as the Messiah by contributing His supernatural works of the Holy Spirit to Satan. From this point on, Jesus didn’t teach or preach as He had before. Jesus now purposely speaks in parables, which is our focus for today. 
Parables are riddles for the Jews because Jesus refuses to explain them to the crowds. 
 
Today’s parable has been called, The Parable of the Sower or The Parable of the Seed.

In today’s lesson, Jesus gives us four more parables back-to-back. These parables are not random stories listed one after another. Jesus is using today’s parables as specific illustrations to make His spiritual truth clear. Last week, Jesus gave His disciples their marching orders with The Parable of the Soils. He was preparing them to preach. Today, we see our responsibility in the parables. We are to listen. The kind of listening Jesus expects of us is a “hyper-hearing.”

Today we're going to finish up Mark chapter four, and its this passage where Mark makes a transition in Scripture. Mark's gospel moves from a collection of Jesus' parables to a compilation of Jesus' miracles. The focus of this narrative has generally been on how Jesus calms the sea or how the wind and waves obey Jesus. But focusing solely on Jesus' power and authority over nature only reveals a partial truth in this story.

This week, we turn to one of the most disturbing narratives in all of Scripture. Today’s topics and the main points pulled from Scripture are items that make many of dreadfully uncomfortable. Those topics include Satan, demons and the kingdom of darkness. Theologically its called demonology. In today’s lesson, we’ll see tangible proof why Jesus stepped down off His throne in Heaven and came to Earth.

In today’s lesson, we’ll learn how there is no one else like this demon-possessed man in all of Scripture. We’ll also grasp the reality that Satan doesn’t usually operate in such obvious ways. We’ll also read how every created being is a beggar before Jesus Christ, the Son of the Living God. Thirdly, we’ll see how Jesus has the power to turn a naked, raving lunatic into a missionary. Lastly, we’ll discover why Jesus saved us and what we’re supposed to be doing with our salvation.

For the next two weeks, we have a story within a story, better yet, a miracle within a miracle. These two narratives are about faith. We are going to meet a VIP named Jairus. He’s godly, well respected, and wealthy. We’re also going to meet a woman who is the opposite of Jairus. She is synchronistic (not perfect, not whole) in her faith, despised, and destitute. This woman is so unimportant; we don’t even know her name. And yet, these two people who are polar opposites have much in common.

Last week started a Scripture passage that contains a story within a story—better yet, a miracle within a miracle. We were introduced to a religious VIP named Jairus. We also met a woman who is the opposite of Jairus. This woman is so unimportant; we don’t even know her name. And yet, these two people who are polar opposites have much in common when it comes to learning about faith in God. We defined faith as a constant dependence on God.

Today we turn the corner on belief and look at the audacity of unbelief. It’s very interesting as we take a journey to Jesus’ hometown of Nazareth today. There is a lot in common between first-century Nazareth and our Verde Valley today. Mark 6:1–6 is another conflict narrative. What is the conflict? Let’s find out!

I honestly cannot believe the timing of this Scripture Passage– especially after our Church vision meeting last Sunday evening. It is the Great Commission in action. We’re going to learn several key points: We don’t choose the tests in life, but we do choose whether or not to obey God throughout the test. We’ll never experience God’s provisions without true sacrifice. We’ll address the root cause of all the anger and divisiveness from Sunday’s Church Vision Meeting and learn...

As the Twelve traveled through Galilee last week—the news spread like wildfire. So much so that Herod Antipas hears of it. When Jesus sent the Twelve out to preach, Jesus created a moment of crisis for the Kingdom of Galilee. Now, the monarch of Galilee doesn’t need another crisis because Antipas and his family live in a constant state of drama. The next two weeks will not seem like I’m teaching from Scripture, but more like reading a Hollywood script from a cheesy soap opera.

Last week the Holy Spirit also taught us about fear. We learned what not to do from a man named Herod Antipas. Today we’re going to see the consequences of living life in a state of constant indulgence and fear. What are those consequences? Let’s find out.

Today, we see the twelve Apostles come back from their mission trip. We also get to one of the most famous stories in all the Gospels—the feeding of the 5,000. You’ve heard this story in Sunday school, and even non Believers know it. This miracle is so unique because it is the climax of Jesus’ ministry to the Galileans. While many people focus on the actual miracle of Jesus feeding tens of thousands of people. The actual purpose of this event was the training of the twelve apostles. How so?

Unfortunately, the Twelve Apostles missed the main point of the feeding miracle last week. And because they missed the main point, they need a “do-over.” Have you ever noticed that in your personal life? If you miss the point of what God is trying to teach you, He continues to bring the same people, places, events and issues around and around until you get it right? There are seasons in our life to where as a disciple of Jesus, we tend to live in the land of the “do-overs” just like the Twelve

Jesus has been teaching and preaching the gospel, healing people, casting out demons, saving people's souls without any interference, until today. The Pharisees and scribes come back into the picture. The last time we saw these guys was in Mark 3 when Jesus healed a man with a withered hand, and they began conspiracy plans on how to kill Jesus. So here they are again. Have they changed their ways? Are they coming to Jesus to repent from their sins? Let’s find out!

Today, Jesus presses into this issue of purity once again. He will put a nail in the coffin of religious tradition by ministering to a woman that no other Rabbi would ever give the time of day. Even the Twelve Disciples tried to run her off. What’s so wrong with this woman? What horrible, unforgivable crime has she committed that makes her unworthy not even to have a conversation with Jesus? Let's find out!

Today Jesus continues to minister to the Gentiles as He and the Twelve Disciples journey through the enemy territories of Tyre, Sidon and the Decapolis. The reason for this road trip is for Jesus to train and prepare the Twelve Disciples. The New Testament Church would be birthed out of the Holy Spirit working through these twelve men. Today we meet a man who is deaf. And just like the woman from last week, he has everything against him. How does this man’s story impact you and your walk

Today’s Scripture passage is the crescendo of Jesus’ ministry to the Gentiles. What on earth is Jesus still doing hanging around with this group of God-hating Gentiles? Let’s find out!

Evidently, news traveled fast about this Gentile feeding miracle, because shortly after Jesus and the Twelve arrive, the Pharisees approach Jesus and pick yet another fight for today. 
Why are the Pharisees so upset today? Let’s find out!

The Holy Spirit of Almighty God is going to continue this theme of spiritual blindness and spiritual dullness. 
Today’s Scripture passage is known as a “watershed moment” for the Twelve.
Today’s passage reveals one of the biggest ‘A-HA’ moments for the disciples regarding God’s revelation and illumination. 
Because after this conversation with Jesus, things become much more spiritually clear. 
And yet, at the same time—with this new clarity— comes a disturbing and troubling awareness of reality.

Last week, we learned that the Twelve Disciples understood that Jesus was the Messiah. Today we see how they misunderstood the Messiah’s plan. So, Jesus gives The Twelve a second touch in His teaching, just like Jesus gave a second touch to the blind man so that he could see perfectly. What is this second touch from Jesus? Let’s find out!

Today’s Scripture passage is really a short sermon from Jesus.
 His sermon focuses on saving faith and the cost of discipleship. 
Jesus uses this concept of a suffering Messiah as a model for discipleship. Today the Holy Spirit will teach us how a wrong view of Jesus leads to a wrong view of discipleship. 
What is that view? And what is the Biblical view of discipleship? Let’s find out.

How do you think the Twelve were feeling after last week? 
Sad? Confused? Grieved? Well, today, Jesus sees their grief and does something about it. Today’s sermon is on the Transfiguration of Jesus. The Transfiguration describes the transformed appearance of Jesus on a mountain in front of three disciples. It’s like God the Father peels his humanity off for just a moment so that the disciples can see the brilliance, purity, and power of His deity. 


Today, we’re going to watch how Peter, James, and John cope with the three miracles that they just experienced as they walk down the mountain with Jesus. 
We’re also going to see how Jesus responds to their coping. 
Lastly, we’ll ask the same question, how does all this impact our lives as disciples of Jesus today? 
Well, let’s find out!

Today’s Scripture passage is a classic example of how quickly a mountaintop experience turns into a deep painful valley in the matter of moments. 
Peter, James, and John experienced the glory of God with the Transfiguration the night before. But, as they are walking down the mountain and before they can even greet the other disciples, there is a problem. 
And it’s not just a little problem. 
We’re going to see one of the biggest fiascos in their ministry today. 
What is the fiasco?

The following two weeks are a bit interesting because, at first glance, these stories look unrelated. 
But you’ll see several themes that are weaved into this Biblical text. 
Pride, humility, and suffering. 
At this point in Mark’s gospel, Jesus is now on His way to Jerusalem. 
His public ministry is now officially over, and His primary focus is the Disciples. 
On the way, Jesus reminds the Twelve of what’s coming next—rejection, betrayal, death, and a resurrection. (9:30–32). 


As we move into today’s Scripture passage, Jesus presses into the actual cost of pride. 
Today’s sermon is heavy. 
Jesus teaches The Twelve about a very real place called hell. 
Jesus specifically instructs the Disciples about the consequences of pride in their life. And yet, at the same time, as disciples of Jesus, we will also learn the demands of discipleship. 
This passage teaches us a terrifying lesson about pride, the consequences of causing others to sin, and the necessity to...

Today is Palm Sunday. What is Palm Sunday? Palm Sunday is simply the Sunday before Easter. 
The Sunday before Easter introduces what’s known as Holy Week. This week has been celebrated throughout all of Christendom regardless of denomination. Holy Week focuses on the Passion of Christ. Holy Week or Passion Week is named because of the passion with which Jesus willingly went to the cross to pay for the sins of people who believe the gospel.

Today we are celebrating the most significant event in human history. Today we are celebrating the best day ever! 
What is the best day ever, you ask?
 We are recognizing and honoring the bodily resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. 
The bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ is the very foundation of the Christian faith. 
It’s the reason we are here today. 
It’s the reason the Church exists. 
Without Jesus walking out of his grave and that tomb being empty, there is no such thing as Heaven.

Today I’m compelled to do something I don’t want to do. 
I need to share a personal story with you before I preach today’s message. 
Today’s sermon is on divorce. And I need to share a part of my life with you that I’m not proud of. 
And the reason I’m sharing this is that it directly correlates to the sermon for today. Divorce, obviously, is a controversial subject. 
I’m going to share part of my testimony regarding divorce and then I’ll also share how God divorced Israel before we dive into to

Today, we’re going to learn God’s heart when it comes to children. 
Last Sunday, we saw how Jesus elevated the status of women in marriage. 
Today, we’re going to see Jesus elevates the status of children. 
It’s not a coincidence here that we move from the subject of marriage and divorce to children. Throughout Scripture, God teaches how children are a blessing. Now today’s Scripture passage is incredibly short. It’s only four verses. 
But don’t let the brevity fool you.

Today’s sermon addresses a piece of Scripture that many of us are familiar with–The Rich Young Ruler. As his description tells us, this guy has it all…or does he? It is not a coincidence that in each gospel, the story of the rich young ruler follows the narrative of the children from last week. 
And the reason why is significant. Let’s find out why!

Today, Jesus uses the Rich Young Ruler as a teaching moment on wealth, riches, possessions, and stuff. 
This lesson was taught 2,000 years ago— and the impact of this lesson is just as vital to us today. 
Why is that? Let’s find out.

Today, we’re going to see Jesus and the Twelve start their final journey towards Jerusalem. We have the unbelievable privilege of watching Jesus fulfill Old Testament prophecy regarding what’s called His Passion. The Passion are all the events from the Last Supper to Jesus’ crucifixion. We are also going to see Jesus predict His future in excruciating detail. And this last prediction is different. Why? Let’s find out!

It's evident from today’s narrative that The Twelve didn’t understand Jesus’ third and final teaching on his suffering, burial, and resurrection from last week. 
Not only did the Twelve not understand what Jesus was teaching, they misinterpret His teaching. 
They heard the part about going up to Jerusalem— and they assume He is about to be crowned King. 
And that thought triggers something for a few of the Disciples. 
We’re going to see their ambition continue today.

This morning, we are going to discuss one of the most challenging stories in all the gospels. 
Today’s actions by Jesus are disturbing—On the surface, it seems that Jesus simply overreacts— because he’s hungry. 
People have claimed that Jesus cannot be God because of this story—because God would not pour out his fury into an innocent plant, of all things. 
Others have said that this incident is an example of a waste of supernatural power. 


We’re going to learn several vital Lessons From The Wrath of The Lamb today. 
At first glance, Jesus seems to have A.D.D. in this passage. It appears that Jesus and Peter are talking about two separate things. 
But they are not. 
The big picture that I want you to take away from today’s sermon is the importance of prayer. 
Now when it comes to prayer for the Disciples—up to this point, they really didn’t spend a whole lot of time in prayer—
because the Lord God Almighty was physically with them.

Mark’s Gospel now moves into a series of conflicts between Jesus and the religious leaders for the last time. 
And these conflicts all deal with the subject of authority. So today, we see Jesus square off with these so-called religious leaders. 
In this corner, we have Jesus Christ, the Son of Man, and the Son of God… 
In the other corner, we have the sons of the devil—See John 8:44. 
Today is a classic story of good vs. evil. 
Who’s going to win the first round…let’s find out!

Our last verse from last Sunday was Mark 12:34…and no one dared to question Jesus any longer. 
Not only did the religious leaders fail in trapping Jesus as a heretic, but he also answered the questions so thoroughly that he left them speechless. Jesus silenced the religious leaders. 
Boy, that’s saying something, isn’t it? In other words, Jesus proved Himself to be the Lamb of God who can take away the sin of the world—these four tests proved Jesus is indeed without spot or blemish. 
Well, since

Today, we see Jesus turn from teaching the Scribes to teaching the crowds. 
But Jesus doesn’t just teach the crowds today; he warns of their hypocrisy. 
He alerts them to the very people who were supposed to shepherd and care for them. 
Matthew 23 has an entire chapter on what Mark covers in three verses. 
So we are going to get the abridged version of Jesus’ teaching today from Mark. 
There is also a surprising ending to this narrative. 
Who and what is the surprise ending? Let’s find out!

Today, we will dive into the most challenging chapter of Mark’s Gospel—chapter 13. The reason that Mark chapter 13 is the most challenging passage in Mark’s Gospel is because of the prophetic language and the imagery that Jesus uses. Now, all that to say this…some of you love eschatology, and some of you don’t care what happens as long as Jesus comes back quickly. Well, no matter what camp you fall into, today’s text is so applicable to your life today. How so? Let’s find out!

Today, Jesus will teach us about the Great Tribulation. The Great Tribulation is when the wrath of God will be unleashed over all creation because of unpaid sin. This is a time of unrivaled wickedness. Why? Because the Holy Spirit will remove His common grace from the Earth. During the Great Tribulation, demonic activity will escalate at a level that’s been unseen and unheard of since the beginning of mankind. This is a time where God begins his severe judgment on sin. As you will remember from

Every generation for the last two thousand years has believed at some point they were living in the Last Days. We look at the world stage and see the wars and hear about rumors of more wars. We see nature raging against itself with hurricanes. We feel the impact of our finances on inflation. 
We see pictures and read stories of how Christians are brutally murdered because they will not recant Christ. We think people are immoral now—but the biblical truth is that the final days of this world will

So as we move into chapter 14 today, we’re not only going to see lots of action, but we’ll also meet many different players and characters inside the action. But, the action is different. Jesus is no longer the one performing the action. He is still the main focus of the narrative, but in chapter 14, something happens—Jesus is not the one performing the action—He is being acted upon. By both friends and enemies. There’s a change in chapter 14 because it deals with the heart of the Gospel.

The Lord’s Supper is a reminder of Jesus’ substitutionary death. 
In other words, Jesus, an innocent man, died in your place. 
Jesus' death satisfied the wrath of God for mankind’s sin—propitiation. 
Jesus’ resurrection proves that God the Father’s wrath has been appeased once and for all. 
God the Father has accepted Jesus’ life in place of yours…all because He walked out of His grave. 


Last Sunday, we dived into the deep end of the pool with the Lord’s Supper. This week, we’ll learn how and why our behavior reveals what you truly believe about God.