Why Jesus Used Parables | Mark 4: 1-20

Why Jesus Used Parables | Mark 4: 1-20

Time and time again during His ministry on earth, Jesus spoke to the massive crowds in parables, sometimes leaving them hanging with His engaging stories packed with veiled and coded meanings. Only the eyes and ears that had been prepared for the gospel news were ready to discern the wisdom and power of His Holy Words. Listen this week as Pastor John preaches about the raw and infinite holiness of God, who hides Himself and His purposes from the wicked while preparing the believers hearts for redemption and righteousness. The parable of the sower and the seed has the power to reveal our sinful nature and confirm the offense of the gospel truth. Once the wreckage of our own sinful lives and hearts is confronted, we can then grasp the relationship of the seed and the soil that builds God's mighty kingdom! Thanks for listening! Visit our website for more info: https://www.gracecityrome.com/ [https://www.gracecityrome.com/]

Family Troubles? Mark 3:31-35

Jesus Christ was the exemplary model for living a life focused on the gospel mission, displaying true Christian discipleship that sometimes separated Him from His biological family. The spiritual family that is created when believers join other believers may divide us from our worldly family and traditions, yet it is where the gospel message thrives and grows. Listen this week as Pastor John opens the invitation to join this spiritual family, where the Holy Spirit empowers us through repentance and forgiveness, in faith and obedience. We are adopted into God's family as sons and daughters and we gain the same inheritance as His precious Son, Jesus. The blood that flowed from the cross made us stronger than any biological blood that bonds us here on earth.  Thanks for listening! Visit our website for more info: https://www.gracecityrome.com/ [https://www.gracecityrome.com/]

The One Great War | Mark 3:22-29

The New Testament contains the most intense spiritual warfare passages in the Bible and clearly reveals that Commander Jesus came to invade and overthrow the kingdom of darkness. Human hearts, like those of the Pharisees, can sadly become so hardened that they are blinded to the truth, giving Satan undue credit and power instead of where the honor truly lies, which is in God. Listen this week as Pastor John passionately warns believers of our current cultural situation, where we are outnumbered by evil demonic forces whose ranks are well organized toward their goal of harm and destruction. He implores us to practice our Christian mission as modeled by King Jesus and to counteract the demonic agenda with the truth. God's Word provides our divine weapons for victory in this battle, along with angelic support to overcome evil with goodness.  Thanks for listening! Visit our website for more info: https://www.gracecityrome.com/ [https://www.gracecityrome.com/]

Grab A Shovel

ll Christians are missionaries, called by God to join King Jesus to spread the gospel message. Jesus lived the perfect example of seeking and saving the lost souls of the world, while suffering greatly for this holy work. The Bible is very clear about believers' commitments to that exact same mission. Listen this week as Pastor Andy assures believers that a crown of righteousness awaits those who faithfully endure the suffering work to fulfill your ministry. Your family, your neighborhood, and your job are the greatest opportunities for building spiritual strength through consistent mission work. He implores believers to remain committed to Jesus' mission as His victory -and ours- is certain! Thanks for listening! Visit our website for more info: https://www.gracecityrome.com/ [https://www.gracecityrome.com/]

FANS or FOLLOWERS? | Mark 3:7-21

The New Testament engages readers with story after story of the disciples of Christ being beaten and broken, yet they always considered it worthy to suffer dishonor for the glory of our Holy God and His gospel message. They were the ones handpicked by Jesus, the true followers and not just the fans who benefited from His noble and generous actions. Listen this week as Pastor John asks believers some tough questions to help us discern between being either a true follower of Christ, one who joins a mission with continuous repentance and service, or a common fan of Jesus, one who benefits from the ministry but is unwilling to repent and suffer for Him. Just as Jesus encouraged the disciples to separate themselves from the crowd of fans, He is calling us to be set apart from the world and to become true instruments in His blessed work, the Gospel mission! Thanks for listening! Visit our website for more info: https://www.gracecityrome.com/ [https://www.gracecityrome.com/]