This week we’re studying Colossians 3:1-10 and letting it inform our reading of John Mark Comer’s Practicing the Way, in which he encourages Christians to “apprentice" Jesus. As Paul said, “Since you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is.” Since our status before God is secure, we are to be aware of his presence, attentive to his voice, and refuse to allow anything to keep us from him. We are to live a life that is conducive to knowing and growing in him....
Jun 30, 2025•33 min
THIS WEEK: This week, we will be studying 2 Timothy 2:1-9 under the theme “Apprentice to Jesus.” While the term “disciple” gets used frequently in Christianity, what exactly does it mean? Is there a distinction to be made between having faith in Jesus and being a disciple of Jesus? We’ll see how the term apprentice is a helpful illustration to consider as we think about how Jesus trains us to carry out his work in the world. SERIES SUMMARY: This series is based on the best-selling Christian book...
Jun 23, 2025•26 min
On this Juneteenth celebration weekend, we reflect on Micah 6:6-8 and its call for justice, mercy, and humility before God. We examine the persistent issue of social injustice and the delusion of self-righteousness, emphasizing the need for repentance and reliance on God's grace. Through the lens of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s teachings, we are reminded of the transformative power of love and the Christian duty to uplift the marginalized of society. How can we pray for you? tinyurl.com/stmarcus...
Jun 16, 2025•28 min
This weekend we conclude our O Church Arise series with a celebration of the Day of Pentecost. The Pentecost account in Acts 2 is a thrilling story of how Jesus sent the Holy Spirit as he promised, and the Christian Church was born in an awesomely powerful way. Two thousand years later, Christians may wonder where all that power is today. Come and worship with us this weekend to consider just how powerfully the Spirit still acts today by filling us up with his Word and sending us out with his bl...
Jun 09, 2025•25 min
This week, we will study Acts 1:1-11 under the theme “Ascension: Handing Over the Keys of Ministry to the Church.” Why did Jesus ascend into heaven? Wouldn’t it have been more beneficial for God’s Son to stay, work miracles, and convert everyone? Well….not according to him. This is for many reasons we’ll discuss, all related to the believer’s life purpose. SERIES SUMMARY: The Book of Acts is the story of the early Christian Church. For centuries after the first Easter, the Christian Church has s...
Jun 02, 2025•29 min
This week, we will be studying Acts 14:8-20 under the theme “Platforming the Right Person.” Americans have a fascination with celebrity and an intoxication with talent. It destroys our relationship with God….and others. Paul and Barnabas would have none of it. Jesus is the only god who came down to earth in human form. No one else can hold a place of ultimate value in our lives. SERIES SUMMARY: The Book of Acts is the story of the early Christian Church. For centuries after the first Easter, the...
May 26, 2025•31 min
This weekend, we’re studying Acts 11:1–18 under the theme “Religious Discrimination.” In this pivotal moment, Peter defends his mission to the Gentiles after God reveals that the Gospel breaks through ethnic and religious barriers—proving salvation is not by cultural conformity but by grace alone. We’ll see how God confronts human prejudice, expands our understanding of His grace, and calls us to reject man-made divisions in favor of His unifying Gospel. SERIES SUMMARY: The Book of Acts is the s...
May 19, 2025•39 min
This week we will be studying Acts 6:1-7 under the theme “Strategic Ministry.” All of God’s people are called to service in his Body (the Church), but we’re not called to serve in the same ways. Each of God’s children is gifted for a role. When we don’t use our gifts to fill our role or we use our gifts in the wrong role, the Body suffers. Looking to Jesus as our Head, we find a way to troubleshoot problems in the Church by compassionately getting God’s people to serve in the right positions. SE...
May 12, 2025•33 min
This week, we will be studying Acts 5:12-16 under the theme “Healing in the Church’s Shadow.” Undeniably, God worked miracles through the Apostles and the early Christian Church. Does he do the same today? This requires us to meditate on the nature of a miracle and see what role we play as a member of Jesus’ Body (i.e. the Church) today. Series Summary: The Book of Acts is the story of the early Christian Church. For centuries after the first Easter, the Christian Church has studied Acts. The lo...
May 05, 2025•32 min
In studying Philippians 2:5-11, we examine Jesus' path of humility and ultimate exaltation, contrasting earthly leaders with His servant leadership. Discover how adopting Christ's mindset can transform relationships and lead us to serve others selflessly, reflecting His glory and majesty. Speaker: Seminarian Zach Thiel How can we pray for you? tinyurl.com/stmarcusprayers Fill out our online connection card: tinyurl.com/stmarcusconnectcard If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation t...
Apr 28, 2025•17 min
This Easter message from John 21:18 explores the profound encounter between Mary Magdalene and the risen Jesus. Discover why Mary, a woman with a broken past, was the first to witness the resurrection and how her story reveals the transformative power of grace. As we delve into themes of sin, reconciliation, and spiritual blindness, learn how Jesus calls each of us by name, inviting us to see Him clearly and share His love with the world. Uncover the hope and redemption found in the resurrection...
Apr 21, 2025•28 min
In Luke 18:9-18, Jesus told a parable about two men who went to the temple to pray: a virtue-signaling Pharisee and a miserable tax collector who couldn’t even lift his face because of his shame. Jesus’ startling judgment was that it was only the tax collector who went home justified. The assumption of many religious people is that, on some level, God’s approval is based on our personal obedience and good deeds. We’ll see that humble prayer begins where our self-righteousness ends - not with dec...
Apr 14, 2025•26 min
This week's Lenten reflection delves into the profound abandonment Jesus experienced on the cross, highlighting His cry of forsakenness. We examine how this ultimate sacrifice ensures that believers are never truly alone, as Jesus endured separation from God to guarantee our eternal companionship with Him. Through His love and sacrifice, Jesus dismantles the power of sin and death, offering us everlasting comfort and presence. How can we pray for you? tinyurl.com/stmarcusprayers Fill out our onl...
Apr 11, 2025•19 min
This week, we're studying Luke 16 and exploring the parable of the rich man and Lazarus, focusing on the theme of "An Unnamed Rich Man." We'll uncover the reality of hell, the sufficiency of God's Word, and the profound love of Jesus Christ, who endured suffering to save us. We'll explain the spiritual implications of self-centeredness and the eternal trajectory of our choices. Take heart in the gospel truth that, through Christ's sacrifice, we're invited to turn from self-centeredness and embra...
Apr 07, 2025•34 min
This week's Lenten meditation explores the mockery and suffering Jesus endured before His crucifixion. We reflect on how human rebellion and rejection of authority mirror the actions of those who mocked Christ. Despite the shame He bore, Jesus's sacrifice offers us redemption, transforming our shame into honor and securing our place in His eternal kingdom. How can we pray for you? tinyurl.com/stmarcusprayers Fill out our online connection card: tinyurl.com/stmarcusconnectcard If you’d like to le...
Apr 04, 2025•22 min
This week we will be studying Luke 15:11-32 under the theme “A Parable of Two Sons.” This will be our third straight week hearing Jesus teach on The Banquet. We’ve heard about a Narrow Door. We’ve heard about Making Excuses. And now he’s teaching about the difference between repentant sinners and self-righteous religious practitioners. We’ll explain why the traditional title “The Parable of the Prodigal Son,” which dates back to 16th century English translations and even the Latin Vulgate, is tr...
Mar 31, 2025•35 min
In this week's Lenten meditation, we examine Peter's denial of Jesus and the fear-driven weakness that led to it. We reflect on how our actions can mirror Peter's, revealing our tendency to deny Christ in moments of self-preservation. Despite our failures, Jesus's grace remains sufficient, offering us the strength to repent and the assurance of His enduring love. How can we pray for you? tinyurl.com/stmarcusprayers Fill out our online connection card: tinyurl.com/stmarcusconnectcard If you’d lik...
Mar 28, 2025•20 min
This week we will be studying Luke 14:15-24 under the theme “A Generous Invitation.” Last week, Jesus talked about the timeliness of response to his gracious invitation. This week, we see that humans, particularly those who are greatly blessed, are often inclined to make excuses for not coming when they realize how disruptive this impending feast could be to their present life. But if the animal has been slaughtered and the food prepared, the feast will continue for all who are hungry and willin...
Mar 24, 2025•31 min
In this Lenten reflection, we examine Jesus's prayerful struggle in Gethsemane, where he faces overwhelming sorrow. We explore the significance of the cup of suffering, representing God's wrath, which Jesus willingly accepts for humanity's sins. Despite the disciples' apathy, Jesus's love and sacrifice offer profound forgiveness and redemption. How can we pray for you? tinyurl.com/stmarcusprayers Fill out our online connection card: tinyurl.com/stmarcusconnectcard If you’d like to leave an offer...
Mar 21, 2025•17 min
This week we will be studying Luke 13:22-30 under the theme “The Kingdom’s Narrow Door.” Jesus regularly needed to teach the people of his day that they would not be saved by their pedigree or moral performance. Rather, we can only be saved by grace through faith in him. Everyone is invited to pass through that door, but the door itself is narrow and you cannot bring a bunch of things with you. Letting go of the things of this world requires humility, trust, and urgency. The goal of Dr. Luke’s G...
Mar 17, 2025•29 min
In this Lenten meditation, we explore the moment at the Last Supper when Jesus reveals that one of his disciples will betray him, causing deep sadness among them. We delve into how Judas's deliberate betrayal underscores the depth of human sinfulness and the potential for betrayal within us all. Despite this, we find hope in Jesus's unwavering love and sacrifice, which offer forgiveness and redemption. How can we pray for you? tinyurl.com/stmarcusprayers Fill out our online connection card: tiny...
Mar 14, 2025•16 min
This week we will be studying Luke 11:1-13 under the theme “Jesus on Prayer.” The most common response most Christians give when asked about their prayer life is “I probably should be doing it more.” Why is it so difficult? We’ll discuss what stands in the way and what is available to us. The goal of Dr. Luke’s Gospel is to present the universal reach of Jesus’ gift of salvation. As a man of science, Luke was not particularly interested in mere spiritual opinions, feelings, rumors, or legends. E...
Mar 10, 2025•31 min
This Lenten season, yield to the message of repentance and renewal from Joel 2:12-19 and embrace the timeless call to rend our hearts and welcome our wounded Savior. Return to God with sincerity. Experience His gracious mercy and compassion. Prepare for the resurrection of Jesus Christ. How can we pray for you? tinyurl.com/stmarcusprayers Fill out our online connection card: tinyurl.com/stmarcusconnectcard If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here:...
Mar 07, 2025•20 min
This week we will be studying Luke 9:28-36 under the theme “The Transfiguration.” One of the more misunderstood and underappreciated moments in the Gospels, this account teaches us about the universal human quest for glory and Jesus’ counterintuitive approach. The goal of Dr. Luke’s Gospel is to present the universal reach of Jesus’ gift of salvation. As a man of science, Luke was not particularly interested in mere spiritual opinions, feelings, rumors, or legends. Educated and orderly, Luke sif...
Mar 03, 2025•32 min
This week’s message will focus on the account of “Martha and Mary” from Luke 10:38-42. Αfter a series of spectacular miracles by Jesus and profound experiences and teachings for his disciples, Jesus stops at the home of Martha. Martha immediately goes to work preparing an elaborate meal while her sister Mary drops everything to sit at Jesus’ feet. Martha, “worried and upset,” becomes critical of Mary and even Jesus. Christians today still struggle with fear and spiritual unrest when it feels lik...
Feb 24, 2025•28 min
Guest Preacher Jonathan Hein of WELS Congregational Services and Director of the WELS Commission on Congregational Counseling delivers a special message on Psalm 150 for St. Marcus' 150th Church Anniversary. Click here to view the full service . How can we pray for you? tinyurl.com/stmarcusprayers Fill out our online connection card: tinyurl.com/stmarcusconnectcard If you’d like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here: https://tinyurl.com/stmarcusgive...
Feb 20, 2025•29 min
In studying Luke 9, we explore Jesus' commissioning of the 12 disciples and the balance between sweet service and strong statements in Christian ministry. We will delve into how believers can live modestly and aim strategically to spread the Gospel, embracing their role as Christ's ambassadors. The goal of Dr. Luke’s Gospel is to present the universal reach of Jesus’ gift of salvation. As a man of science, Luke was not particularly interested in mere spiritual opinions, feelings, rumors, or lege...
Feb 17, 2025•36 min
This week we will be studying Luke 8:22-25 under the theme “Power Over Storms.” After a period of teaching his disciples, Jesus offers them a period of testing. Jesus’ disciples indeed have faith, but the question is whether or not they will use their faith in life’s most trying times. Similarly, for many Christians, it’s not a matter of not having faith, but a matter of not opportunistically expressing faith to help navigate life’s difficult storms. The goal of Dr. Luke’s Gospel is to present t...
Feb 10, 2025•34 min
This week, we will be studying Luke 5:17-26 under the theme “Forgiving a Paralyzed Man.” Luke’s Gospel repeatedly shows the theme of Jesus’ healing for a hurting world. Jesus lets us know He is Lord and he has the power to forgive sins. Through our faith in Jesus, we are forgiven. He encourages us to bring people to him through our faith. The goal of Dr. Luke’s Gospel is to present the universal reach of Jesus’ gift of salvation. As a man of science, Luke was not particularly interested in mere ...
Feb 03, 2025•26 min
This week, we will be studying Luke 4:38-44 under the theme “A Messiah Who Heals Many Kinds of Problems.” Luke’s Gospel repeatedly shows the theme of Jesus’ healing for a hurting world. That hurt sometimes takes the form of physical ailments, social alienation, or demonic attack. As Lord over all, Jesus knows and has exactly what we need, no matter what is hurting us. With his Spirit upon us, we can offer the same to the world. SERIES SUMMARY: The goal of Dr. Luke’s Gospel is to present the univ...
Jan 27, 2025•35 min
