JULY 11, 2021 | PASTOR JOHN BAYLES | THE COST OF DISCIPLESHIP: A CALL TO THE CENTRALITY OF THE CROSS | MARK 10:32-34

 

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JULY 11, 2021 | PASTOR JOHN BAYLES | THE COST OF DISCIPLESHIP: A CALL TO THE CENTRALITY OF THE CROSS | MARK 10:32-34

The Call to Discipleship: A Call to the Centrality of the Cross
Mark 10:32-34

This is now the third time that Jesus will directly address the reason for, and response to, His trip to Jerusalem. The first time was in chapter 8:31; the second 9:31 and for the last time, here in 10:33 . In the first address, Jesus had shared this news in the context of asking His disciples. “Who do men say that I am?” We remember Peter’s inspired response: “You are the Messiah.” After this comment, they continued to travel along. Jesus shared that He would be killed in Jerusalem and rise from the dead. This declaration was met with a stern rebuke – also from Peter. Remember Jesus' reaction? “Jesus turned and looked at His disciples, He rebuked Peter. ‘Get behind me, Satan!’ Jesus said. ‘You do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.’” In the second address, spoken during the Gentile campaign, Jesus told the disciples again that He would be killed and rise from the dead in Jerusalem. The statement was made after Jesus confronted His disciples for their arrogant argument of who among them was the greatest. In this third address, Jesus had just finished teaching His disciples the importance of a one-flesh marital faithfulness. He had illustrated that having a child-like character is the only means to enter the Kingdom of God. And, then when Jesus had been literally worshiped by a devout Jewish, righteous and rich young man. Jesus told him that to enter the Kingdom of God he must sell all of his possessions, give them to the poor and follow Jesus. This shocked and amazed his disciples to the point of trembling with fear. In this emotional context brought on by all of these life changing ideas, Jesus turned to His disciples and stated that in Jerusalem He would be brutalized, humiliated, killed and rise from the dead, in three days. In comparison to all of these teachings, exchanges and first-time heard assertion, a statement about death waiting ahead in Jerusalem drew only bewildered and blank faces. According to Luke’s Gospel we read: “The disciples did not understand any of this. Its meaning was hidden from them, and they did not know what He was talking about” (Luk.18:34).

JULY 4, 2021 | PASTOR JOHN BAYLES | THE CALL TO DISCIPLESHIP: A CALL TO HOLINESS | MARK 10:17-31

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JULY 4, 2021 | PASTOR JOHN BAYLES | THE CALL TO DISCIPLESHIP: A CALL TO HOLINESS | MARK 10:17-31 

The Call to Discipleship: A Call to Holiness
Mark 10:17-31

Directly on the heels of His discussion about humility using the example of a small child, Jesus was suddenly confronted by a young man. This Godly Jewish fellow, pressed in among the disciples and the rest of the company as they entered Judea traveling toward Jerusalem. He fell to his knees at Jesus' feet with the pressing question: “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” This remarkable display of respect and honor by an established Jewish man was something very remarkable to everyone present - mostly so, because he was extraordinarily rich. It was within this context that Jesus continued to reveal the unique nature of His person and mission. It is important for us to remember that the disciples were Jesus' main audience. Each of the past four passages are directly aimed at His disciples. Each lesson caused a massive reaction and sea change in their minds and hearts. Each of His instructions are aimed at the theme of the cost of being one of Jesus’ disciples. Though this encounter had an enormous impact upon the rich young man, it would solicit an even greater reaction from the disciples. Their entire worldview would be suddenly challenged to its core.

JUNE 27, 2021 | PASTOR ROGER MELSON | THE SOVEREIGN COVENANT MAKER | GENESIS 15:7-21

 

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JUNE 27, 2021 | PASTOR ROGER MELSON | THE SOVEREIGN COVENANT MAKER | GENESIS 15:7-21

The Sovereign Covenant Maker
Genesis 15:7-21

While Genesis 15: 1-6 deals with God’s promise to Abram regarding offspring and his correlative declaration of faith regarding that offspring, verses 7-21 deal with God’s promise concerning the inheritance of a land. In this text we see the Lord once again dealing with Abram on a tender and personal level as He gives him assurance concerning this promise. In giving him this assurance we have a certain insight into how God not only dealt with Abram but how He also deals with us as individual believers. In fact, as we work our way through this passage we will see how this is a text which is about God. It reveals His nature and attributes. Of course, His attributes, His nature and character, directly determine how He relates to us.

The dominant focus of this passage is God’s “Covenant of Promise” which identifies the basis of His dealing with Abram and with all of those who are identified with Abram through faith. I pray that this message will be a blessing and encouragement to you on your walk with the Lord.

                                                    Roger and Marsha Melson

JUNE 20, 2021 | PASTOR JOHN BAYLES | THE CALL TO DISCIPLESHIP: THE CHILDLIKE HEART | MARK 10:13-16

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JUNE 20, 2021 | PASTOR JOHN BAYLES | THE CALL TO DISCIPLESHIP: THE CHILDLIKE HEART | MARK 10:13-16

The Call to Discipleship: The Childlike Heart

Mark 10:13-16

In our last two sermons, we noted that Jesus had left the Gentile campaign and crossed over the Jordan River back into Galilee and into the city of Capernaum. There He gathered privately with His disciples and taught nature and cost of following Jesus. This text today introduces the third message Jesus gives to His disciples for their training: The Humble Heart, The One-flesh Heart and today, The Child-like Heart. Jesus summarizes these teachings on the nature of discipleship and following Him: “how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God” (Mark 10:24). At the beginning of Mark’s Gospel, Jesus told his disciples: “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people” (Mark 1:17). To catch fish takes bait and patience, to catch people takes a lifetime of dedication and training. Jesus is now calling His disciples to both.

JUNE 13, 2021 | PASTOR JOHN BAYLES | THE CALL TO DISCIPLESHIP: A CALL TO A ONEFLESH MARRIAGE | MARK 10:1-12

 

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JUNE 13, 2021 | PASTOR JOHN BAYLES | THE CALL TO DISCIPLESHIP: A CALL TO A ONEFLESH MARRIAGE | MARK 10:1-12

The Call to Discipleship: A Call to a Oneflesh Marriage
Mark 10:1-12

In our last two sermons, we noted that Jesus had left the Gentile campaign and crossed over the Jordon River back into Galilee and into the city of Capernaum. There He began to teach His disciples about the cost of being one of His disciples, particularly centered in being clothed in humility, not focused upon the greatness of approval by the world or one another. But the disciple must be a person ready to face whatever humility and even suffering that must come. In this text today, Jesus continues teaching His disciples. The subject of marriage is next on Jesus’ list. I remember coming to the stark realization that as a called couple to ministry in the Gospel, a sound marriage was an uncompromisable necessity. No person can claim to be a disciple of Christ who does not take their marriage covenant to be sacred and to be preserved at whatever cost. Though this lesson today is not specifically about the dynamics of maintaining a Christian marriage, Jesus centers His teaching in three critical elements – marriage, divorce and remarriage.

JUNE 06, 2021 | PASTOR JOHN BAYLES | THE CALL TO DISCIPLESHIP: A CALL TO DEVOTION | MARK 9:41-50

 

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JUNE 06, 2021 | PASTOR JOHN BAYLES | THE CALL TO DISCIPLESHIP: A CALL TO DEVOTION | MARK 9:41-50

The Call of Discipleship: A Call to Devotion
Mark 9:41-50

In this text we will listen as Jesus gives further instruction to His disciples following their trip to the land of the Gentiles. The location of this discipleship training is in the home of Peter, in Capernaum. All of this discussion is built upon the foolish discussion among the disciples of who among them was the greatest. It is clear that Jesus must give His disciples some life training on the cost of discipleship. Up to this point the disciples have been observers of the Savior’s work. Soon they will take up His mission without his physical presence. In order for the message of Christ to remain true and clear, they must be ready for the glory and the suffering ahead.

MAY 30, 2021 | PASTORN JOHN BAYLES | THE CALL TO DISCIPLESHIP: A CALL TO HUMILITY | MARK 9:30-40

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MAY 31, 2021 | PASTORN JOHN BAYLES | THE CALL TO DISCIPLESHIP: A CALL TO HUMILITY | MARK 9:30-40

The Call to Discipleship: A Call to Humility
Mark 9:30-40

Our text picks up today as Jesus and His disciples continue their journey around the area between the city of Bethsaida and the region south of Caesarea Philippi – the lands of the Gentiles (note: 8:22-27). Recently, during this trip Peter declared that Jesus was the Messiah, in one breath. In the next breath, Peter rebuked Jesus for making the claim that He would soon suffer, die and be raised from the dead in Jerusalem. To which Jesus said to him, “Get behind me Satan. You do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.” Soon after this event, Jesus took Peter, James and John with Him to the top of a high mountain and was transfigured before them, speaking with Elijah and Moses. After suggesting that they build three shrines, Peter was again corrected, this time by the Almighty with the words, “This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!” Coming down from the mountain, they found the other disciples arguing with the Pharisees and with a man whose son had an impure spirit, which they could not cast out. After casting out the demon, Jesus decided to bring the disciples home from the journey. It was time for some rest and needed, concentrated instruction.

MAY 23, 2021 | PASTOR ROGER MELSON | HE BELIEVED THE LORD (PART 2) | GENESIS 15:1-6

 

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MAY 23, 2021 | PASTOR ROGER MELSON | HE BELIEVED THE LORD (PART 2) | GENESIS 15:1-6

    In Genesis 14 Abram, with an army of 318, overwhelms an army of possibly 10,000 in number, as he rescues Lot from his captivity. As the chapter closes, he is reminded by Melchizedek that it was the Lord who gave him this great victory. As Chapter 15 opens, "the word of the Lord" comes to Abram as he has questions regarding the fulfillment of the Lord's promise that he and Sara will have a son. The Lord affirms His promise will be fulfilled by giving him a visual sign. Upon this confirmation given, it is said "he believed the Lord."

    For the first time in Scriptures, this word "believe" (having faith) is used. In today's message we will explore why this word is used here in this context. We will explore the word "believe," considering its meaning and the characteristics of faith. Finally, we will briefly explore how it came to pass in Abram's life and how it is birthed in the lives of those who believe.

I hope that this message bring glory to God and is an encouragement to you!

                                                    Roger and Marsha Melson

MAY 16, 2021 | PASTOR ROGER MELSON | THE GLORY OF GOD IN THE PRAYERS OF HIS SAINTS | LUKE 11:1-4

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MAY 16, 2021 | PASTOR ROGER MELSON | THE GLORY OF GOD IN THE PRAYERS OF HIS SAINTS | LUKE 11:1-4

The Westminster Larger Catechism has as its first question, "What is the chief and highest end of man?" The answer is: "Man's chief and highest end is to glorify God and fully to enjoy Him forever." That which is mentioned foremost is to glorify God. This theme, to glorify God, is mentioned in the Old Testament in Psalms 86:9. The Apostle Paul states that his focus was to glorify God in all things. The driving passion of the Lord Jesus, our chief example, was to glorify the Father. If in our daily lives that is also to be our chief end/goal, then how much more should that be true of our communications with God in prayer?

In Luke 11, when Jesus was asked by his disciples to teach them how to pray, the Lord taught them what we call the Lord's Prayer. Jesus began his instruction by teaching them to have the glory of God foremost in their minds. It is not just His glory that we should first mention in protracted prayer, but it is His glory that should be the over-arching principle in all of prayer itself.

In today's message, we will attempt to briefly consider the different divisions found in the Lord's Prayer considering the glory of God and how our prayers should be framed by that mindset.

                                                 
                                               Roger and Marsha Melson

MAY 02, 2021 | PASTOR JOHN BAYLES | THE MESSAGE OF CHRIST | JOHN 17:20-26

 

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MAY 02, 2021 | PASTOR JOHN BAYLES | THE MESSAGE OF CHRIST | JOHN 17:20-26

What Jesus is praying for in this text is of the greatest importance.  He is praying for those who will carry the message to others and, in turn, for those who will carry the message throughout the ages.  What is the substance of their message, and our message today?  The message which Jesus is underscoring is a powerful message of love and redemption.