St Marcus Mke Sermons

This week we'll be studying Isaiah 58:6-11 as we worship under the theme "Disconnection from STATUS & RESPECT."  The God who created us in his image gave humanity special dignity and dominion within his creation. The more humans generate divisions amongst themselves though, i.e. gaps in status, the more disconnected we become from the honor God gave to us. Furthermore, repeatedly in Scripture God tells his people to fight for the dignity of the marginalized in society. So, how did God close the status gap for us? And what would God have us do in modern times for others?

Pastor Jeske takes us through a bible study based on Isaiah 50:4-10 titled "Listen to the Servant: Determined, Suffering, Trusting"

This week we'll be studying 2 Corinthians 12:2-10 as we worship under the theme "(Inability to) Disconnect from CHILDHOOD TRAUMA."  In the text we're examining this week, the Apostle Paul gives us a remarkable insight into how he dealt with his famous "thorn in the flesh."

THE BEST WE CAN GIVE OUR CHILDREN I.   Above All Earthly Possessions II.  Is to Know the Lord in Faith   Based on Jeremiah 9:23-24

This week we'll be studying Philippians 4:4-9 as we worship under the theme "Disconnection from MEANINGFUL VALUES."  Americans, heavily marketed to since birth, become addicted quite early to the belief that greater money, more/better things, and more prominent status will make us happier. The research doesn't indicate that. And Jesus himself said that "life does not consist in an abundance of possessions." (Luke 12:15) But our actions suggest we don't believe that. We're constantly chasing things we think might fill our emptiness. And we're making ourselves miserable in the process. This week, we'll hear the Apostle Paul teach us how we can rejoice in any circumstance. Anxiety can almost never be cured by external circumstances, but it can be healed by reframing the internal mindset. The gospel gives us a basis to do exactly that. 

Pastor Jeske will talk about Christ as our cornerstone, we will continue to build on the theme "Rechurch," with a focus on rededicating our lives on Him.        

This week we'll be studying Ephesians 4:25-32 as we worship under the theme "Disconnection from OTHER PEOPLE." In an unapologetically individualistic society, it's important to note that not only is depression prevalent, but our impulses to overcome depression (which are inherently individualistic) only exacerbate the problem. To be cured, we need to stop being ourselves, and start immersing ourselves in the lives of others. Theologically speaking, this is the doctrine of "The Church." God designed us for one another, and here also teaches us how to live constructively with one another.

Mark Jeske will be doing a bible study on Psalm 66:1-12 explaining how to "Re-energize" with the power that God gives.

This week Pastor Hein will be studying Colossians 3:22-25 as we worship under the theme "Disconnection from MEANINGFUL WORK." On Labor Day weekend, it's worth taking a moment and reflecting on the theological purposes of labor. So many Christians struggle, as does the world, with finding meaning in daily efforts, beyond simply a paycheck. But from the Garden of Eden onward, God infused work with meaning when he told humanity, created in his image, to "subdue the earth." In this lesson we will see how daily work is meaningful, what the goal of work for a Christian should be, and how to find fulfillment in doing "whatever" to the glory of God.

A Sermon from Mark Jeske: This Sunday we'll be studying Luke 24:36-49 as we worship under the theme Re-church: Rethink.

Ron Kelly leads a bible study based on 2 Corinthians 4:1-17. "Our Identity in Christ".

This week we'll be studying 1 Corinthians 15:1-11 as we worship under the theme "My Impending Resurrection".

A Sermon from Mark Jeske: This Sunday we'll be studying 1 Samuel 7:1-13 as we worship under the theme: Re-church: Survive the Disruption.

A Sermon from James Hein:This week we'll be studying 1 Corinthians 13:1-13 as we worship under the theme "My Love".  Most tend to forget that when Paul penned this text, which is read at virtually every wedding, Paul was never just asked "What is Love?" and then provided some sentimental musings. No, he's writing it after 12 other chapters addressing the spiritual pride of the Corinthian Church. This group believed their identity was wrapped up in their giftedness. And as Paul defines love, he's offering a critique of the way many religious people view Christianity, a critique of the way the modern world views love, and teaching us that love is actually much more a person than a concept.

A Sermon from Dan Leyrer: This Sunday we'll be studying Romans 8:26-27 as we worship under the theme: "Give it Over to God". We will be discussing the power of prayer and the Holy Spirit's intercession in our prayer life.

A Sermon from James Hein: This Saturday we'll be studying 1 Corinthians 12:12-31 as we worship under the theme "My Gifts". Many Christians have thought vary little about the purpose of their spiritual gifting. They know their StrengthsFinder assessment, their Enneagram profile, and certainly their personal preferences; but their spiritual gifting remains something more mysterious. EVERY believer is uniquely gifted. And the purpose of that gifting is to glorify God by loving and serving others ahead of self. But what is your gift? Where should you plug in? If only half a body works, it's generally considered "disabled." Christ gifts his entire body to accomplish his extraordinary purposes. The Apostle Paul teaches us how to think about that this week.

A Sermon by Mark Jeske: This Sunday we'll be studying Job 38:1-11 as we worship under the theme "Enjoy God's Amazing Creation".

A Sermon by James Hein: This Saturday we'll be studying 1 Corinthians 11:17-34 as we worship under the theme "The Meal of Fellowship". Much of the debate over the years surrounding the Lord's Supper, and this text in particular, pertains to what is or is not truly present in Holy Communion.  Deservedly so. Significantly less time, however, has unfortunately been given to the context. The Corinthians are so worldly that Paul goes to the extent of saying they're not even celebrating the Lord's Supper, though they think they are. Their lifestyle and interactions with one another are so contradictory to what God designed them to be, that they're doing more harm than good. So...what lifestyle IS the Lord's Supper designed to promote and celebrate? We'll get to the bottom of it.

This week we'll be studying 1 Corinthians 8:1-13 as we worship under the theme "My 'Rights'". Christians are blessed with many freedoms. It's an essential concept to faith, as Jesus died to set us free. That said, there is such a thing as an abuse of Christian freedom, and the Corinthians struggled with that too. Abusing freedom involves not only exercising freedoms excessively, but exercising them in ways that are unloving to "weaker" brothers & sisters. The Christian faith is as much or more about "we" than it is about "me." Paul has a great deal more to say as he helps reconcile the divisions in Corinth.

Based on Jeremiah 28: 5-9, Pastor Leyrer asks "When will I find peace?". No Jesus, no peace. Know Jesus, know peace.