Mark, Media, Sermons | by Pastor Adam Sinnett

Even though many reject Christianity and/or the church, there are few who reject Jesus himself. There’s a certain draw to him that is almost inexplicable. The matter of supreme importance in Jesus’ life is his resurrection. Why? Well, if Jesus didn’t rise from the dead we’re wasting our time. If he remained in the tomb he is no different than every other inspiring figure in human history – exceptional, but dead nonetheless. But, if he did rise (and he did) from the dead that changes everything about everything. The truth of the resurrection is of massive importance – it is the hinge upon which the story of the world pivots.

Mark, Media, Sermons | by Pastor Adam Sinnett

Today in Mark 15:16-47 we reach the cross. Mark's entire gospel account has been rushing forward to this point. The cross is the climax, the ultimate fulfillment of Jesus' life and ministry. It is why He came. The cross is the great declaration of God's love for sinners. As we walk through the final hours of Jesus' crucifixion and death the gospel narrative focuses on the purpose of Christ's suffering. On the cross Jesus took on our darkness so that we might become sons and daughters of the light, a people ransomed and awarded a new identity as redeemed and reconciled to God.

Mark, Media, Sermons | by Pastor Adam Sinnett

Today, in Mark 14:53-15:15, we read about Jesus's (false) trial. The scene is dark, Jesus is alone, and the outlook is grim. His friends have abandoned him. The religious leaders are out to trap him. False witnesses spew lies about him. The government is not sure what to do with him. Roman soldiers abuse him. In a word, Jesus is completely abandoned. From this point on, what Jesus has come to do, he has to do it by himself.

Mark, Media, Sermons | by Pastor Adam Sinnett

We are in the final weeks of our study of the Gospel of Mark. Today we reach the famous scene that takes place in the garden of Gethsemane in Mark 14:27-52. If the storm clouds were forming over Jesus during His last supper with the disciples, the plot turns completely dark here. Due to our familiarity with this story it is easy to miss how much of a thematic shift takes place in the garden.

Mark, Media, Sermons | by Pastor Adam Sinnett

In Mark 14:1-26 there is a noticeably dramatic transition in the story of Jesus. The story turns to Jesus' end as the crucifixion is approaching and He spends His last meals with disciples and followers. Mark begins this section with asking the reader to examine their hearts through the recounting of a woman who gives her most treasured and valuable possession to anoint Jesus' feet. He then tells of the last Passover meal where Jesus declares through the symbols of bread and wine that all prior acts of deliverance, sacrifice, and salvation of Israel point to Him, and the blood He would pour out for many. We will see that the constant portrayal of discipleship is of those who will go all in for the love of their Lord, and are asked if we will actively receive Jesus for relationship with Him and become a new family.

Mark, Media, Sermons | by Pastor Adam Sinnett

Today we continue the passage known as the”Olivet discourse” in Mark 13:24-37. Jesus is answering questions from his disciples about the destruction of Jerusalem and His second coming. When looked at through historical context, Old Testament background, and flow of the passage, we see that Jesus is telling of the fall of Jerusalem as evidence that he has returned to God the father, and marks the transition into the church age. He warns that there will be no sign for His second coming. The application of this passage reminds us that we are part of God's unfolding story; and motivates us to spread the gospel, persevere, and place our trust in the returning King.

Mark, Media, Sermons | by Pastor Adam Sinnett

Today, we reach what is probably the most debated passage of the Gospel of Mark. In Mark 13:1-23, we will see that Jesus is discussing the future (from their vantage point) destruction of Jerusalem (13:5-31) and next week we will hear about his second coming (13:32-37). He is bracing his disciples for a major reorientation in the course of redemptive history that will be brought about through the destruction of Jerusalem and the very centerpiece of Jewish identity, the temple. But this is not merely about historical events, there’s also a lot here for us too.

Mark, Media, Sermons | by Pastor Adam Sinnett

Jesus and his disciples have joined the hundreds of thousands that have flocked to Jerusalem to celebrate the annual passover. Last week, we saw every major Jewish sect sent a delegation to trap Jesus with their questions. It did’t work. In fact, Jesus responded so clearly and definitively that “no one dared to ask him any more questions.” Today, in Mark 12:35-44, Jesus goes on the offense, no longer answering questions but asking them. Now, at first glance, the three scenes we are going to look at today seem completely unrelated but at a deeper level there is a powerful connection.

Mark, Media, Sermons | by Pastor Adam Sinnett

This week, in Mark 12:13-34, Jesus continues to face opposition from Jewish religious ruling authorities. In this section, Jesus is approached three times, each by a distinct group, with a question intended to trap him. These groups include the Pharisees and Herodians (v13-17),the Sadducees (v18-27), and a scribe (v28-34). This section shows us that we can have Jesus standing right in front of us and yet we still miss him. Do you see him?

Mark, Media, Sermons | by Pastor Adam Sinnett

Today, in Mark 11:27-12:12, we discuss the authority of Jesus. The authority Jesus exercised in his actions and during his teaching simultaneously astonished many, while infuriating others. Where did he get the authority to say the things he said and to do the things he did? This is an incredibly relevant issue as all of life, whether we realize it or not, rests on authority. We all have someone or something we trust in as the final determiner of what is true and good. Who or what has ultimate authority in your life?