Ascend Bible Church

What Series is Next

In this week’s episode, Pastor Mitch and Pastor Jon sit down to talk through the 2026 preaching calendar at Ascend. With our journey through Mark coming to a close, we look ahead at what’s next, why these series matter for our church family, and how they will shape us in the year ahead. If you’ve ever wondered how we plan preaching, how themes connect, or what’s coming after Mark, this conversation will give you a helpful behind-the-scenes look. Listen in and start praying with us for what God will do in 2026.

Mark 14:12-26

We are now hours from the Cross. Mark slows everything down. Every conversation matters. Every movement matters. Every word matters. In Mark 14:12–26, Jesus gathers with His disciples in the Upper Room for what looks like a traditional Passover meal. But this is not just a meal. This is a moment. And if we don’t understand what’s happening at this table, we won’t understand what’s happening on the Cross. In this sermon, we walk through three movements in the text: • The Preparation – Jesus intentionally sets the table. He is not scrambling. He is not hiding. He is orchestrating. The Lamb is not being hunted — the Lamb is presenting Himself. • The Revelation – “One of you will betray Me.” Proximity to Jesus is not the same as surrender. Before we rush to the table, we ask the right question: “Lord, is it I?” • The Institution – Jesus redefines Passover around Himself. “This is My body.” “This is My blood.” The greater Exodus is happening. Not freedom from Pharaoh, but freedom from sin. Judgment passes over us not because of our performance, but because of His sacrifice. Communion looks backward and forward — from the Upper Room to the eternal wedding feast to come. The Table has been set. The Lamb has been provided. The covenant has been sealed. Take. Eat. Drink. Remember. If this message encouraged you, consider sharing it and subscribing to follow along as we continue walking through the Gospel of Mark together.

What Do We Do With Our Burdens?

Everyone carries something. Stress. Anxiety. Leadership weight. Parenting pressure. Financial strain. Hidden sin. Health concerns. The question isn’t if we will have burdens — the question is what we do with them. In this episode, we walk through what the Bible actually says about handling the weight we carry. Scripture doesn’t tell us to numb it, ignore it, grind harder, or give up. Instead, it gives us a better way: Cast your burdens on the Lord (Psalm 55:22) Come to Jesus and find rest (Matthew 11:28–30) Bear one another’s burdens in community (Galatians 6:2) Endure without quitting (James 1:2–4) Most importantly, we look to the One who ultimately carried our greatest burden — Jesus Himself (Isaiah 53:4). If you’re feeling heavy, overwhelmed, or worn down, this conversation is for you.

Mark 14:1-11 | How much do you value Jesus?

Can you believe we are here? Passion Week. Mark slows way down. Every scene carries weight. Exodus 12 is in the background—the Lamb, the blood, judgment passing over. And now the true Lamb is just days from being slain. In this passage, Mark gives us three postures toward Jesus. Not random stories. Not disconnected moments. Three different responses that reveal how we truly value Christ. In this sermon we walk through: 1) The Critic – Close to Jesus, but cold in heart. Calculating. Evaluating worship through efficiency. Resistant to costly devotion. 2) The Worshiper – Breaking the jar. Pouring it all out. Not measured. Not strategic. Just love. Jesus calls it “beautiful.” 3) The Self-Seeker – Same week. Same Jesus. Different heart. While one pours, another negotiates. Then we circle back and ask the deeper questions: 1. We do what we love. 2. We give to what we value. 3. We only serve one Master. This text isn’t ultimately about ointment. It’s about allegiance. The critic protects himself. The worshiper pours out to Jesus. The self-seeker sells. And here’s the grace: The One who is betrayed still goes to the cross. For critics. For self-seekers. For imperfect worshipers. Lord, You are worthy. If this message encourages or challenges you, consider sharing it and subscribing for more teaching through the Gospel of Mark.

If You’re a Christian, You’re in Ministry

If You’re a Christian, You’re in Ministry