Evergreen Church - Bloomington Messages

This week we continue with Mark Chapter 5. To this point, Jesus has been traveling around the region of Galilee performing miracles, casting out demons, upsetting the status quo and teaching about the kingdom of God. Last week we unpacked a series of parables that Jesus taught and talked about why he spoke in parables and how we can interpret them. We left off with Jesus calming the storm and revealing himself to be the One who commands even the weather. This week, we read a couple of well-known stories of Jesus sending demons into a herd of pigs and healing a bleeding woman and dying girl.

Sermon in a Sentence: “Just because God is silent doesn’t mean He isn’t saving.” Action Steps: Name your "Silent Saturday." Unlock God's peace through prayer, petition, and thanksgiving.

This week we continue with Mark Chapter 4. Jesus is full steam ahead on his mission to bring the good news of the Kingdom of God to the people of Israel traveling all over the region of Galilee met with mixed reactions and creating controversy just about everywhere he goes. Last week we talked about healing on the Sabbath, how he brought people together both in opposition to him and against him, the appointing of the 12 apostles and how Jesus responded to those who blatantly rejected him in the face of indisputable evidence. This week we read about how Jesus begins to teach his followers about what it really means to follow him and reveals more of his identity.

Sermon in a Sentence: "Salvation didn’t come through power, but through sacrifice"Action Steps: Come Close. (Close to Jesus, Close to others)

This week we continue with Mark Chapter 3. Jesus is full steam ahead on his mission to bring the good news of the Kingdom of God to the people of Israel traveling all over the region of Galilee met with mixed reactions and creating controversy just about everywhere he goes. Last week we talked about Jesus as the Son of Man with the authority to forgive sins and what it means for him to be Lord of the Sabbath as well as how he viewed the religious practices of the day and who he spent his time with versus who he came into conflict with. This week we read about how Jesus continues to amass a following while being met with skepticism.

Sermon in a sentence: "The blood of the Lamb didn't just cover the doorposts; it covers our hearts forever."Action Steps: Trust and Tell

Sermon in a sentence: "From the beginning, God had a plan."Application: Are you trusting God's rescue plan, or still trying to find your own way home?

This week we continue with Mark Chapter 2 and we pick up right where we left off. Jesus has begun his ministry bringing the good news of the kingdom of God to the people of Israel in the region of Galilee healing the sick and casting out demons along the way. To this point, he has tried to keep his ministry under wraps, but word has spread quickly, and many are gathering to see what this new young Rabbi is all about. He’s met with mixed reactions as some support him and others attack him. We pick up with Jesus returning to the city Capernaum.

Sermon in a Sentence: "The Cross Turns Tragedy Into Triumph."Look (back), Lean (in), Live (with hope)

Today, we embark on a journey through the Gospel of Mark, widely regarded as the earliest of the four Gospel accounts. Our goal in this series is to approach the story with fresh eyes—setting aside preconceived notions and allowing Scripture to speak for itself. We will walk through Mark one chapter at a time, immersing ourselves in the good news of Jesus with renewed perspective. Our focus will center on His identity—Who is Jesus? How did others perceive Him? What did He say about Himself? What was His mission? Guiding us on this journey is Pastor Brent Knox.

Sermon in a sentence: "Walk by Faith, Not by Sight."Application:1. Like Job – I can turn from my thinking that I know better than you God!2. Like Paul – I can now see my troubles as gifts that are working for my good!3. Like Jesus – I can endure it all by looking at what is to come!Additional verses noted:Job 42:62 Corinthians 16-18

Sermon in a sentence: "Even in the darkest moments, God’s providence assures us that redemption is coming."God, how are you working in this situation?Display Genesis 50:20 in your home for encouragement during challenging times. (link to a printable card below)

Sermon in a sentence: "Nothing is beyond God's control—not the cosmos, not the chaos, not your heart."Application thought: What storm in your life do you need to surrender to God’s control today?

This week we wrap up "40 Days With The Word". Scripture has the ability to change who we are and the way we think, but so does the world. What's the difference between conforming and transforming? How do rely on the Spirit to transform us rather than will power? How has our culture affected the way we think?

“Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” Romans 12:2

Semon in a sentence: "The Word transforms us from the inside out."Action steps: Identify (what’s shaping you) / Replace (With the Word)

“But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves.”James 1:22 

Semon in a sentence: "True freedom is found in submitting your life to the authority of God’s Word."