Ascend Bible Church

Mark 12:1-12 | The Cornerstone

We’re back in the Gospel of Mark, where Jesus continues to reveal His authority — in His teaching, His miracles, and His call to respond. In Mark 12:1–12, Jesus tells a parable that brings everything into focus: God is patient, the Son is rejected, and yet God’s plan cannot be stopped. The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. Each of us must answer the question — What will you do with Jesus?

Grace Overflowed

Experience week three of our Inexpressible Gift series as we walk through 2 Corinthians 9:1–15 and explore how grace overflows into generosity and transforms a community. Series Flow • Week 1 — Grace received reshapes who you are • Week 2 — Grace revealed has a name — Jesus • Week 3 — Grace overflowing transforms a community Big Idea: Grace leads to generosity — a kind of giving that costs something and flows from a heart shaped by the gospel. In this message, we see Paul call the church to a posture of intentional, joyful, grace-driven generosity — not out of guilt or pressure, but out of trust in God’s provision and love. Sermon Outline Grace Is Intentionally Practiced (vv. 1–5) Generosity is not accidental — it is prepared, thoughtful, and faithful. Grace Produces Joyful Giving (vv. 6–7) God is not after compulsion, but a cheerful heart shaped by grace. Grace Is Supplied by God (vv. 8–11) God provides everything needed so that His people may abound in every good work. Grace Returns to God as Worship (vv. 12–15) Needs are met, thanksgiving multiplies, and God is glorified. Key Truths • Grace fuels generosity • God supplies what we give • Giving leads to worship • “Thanks be to God for His inexpressible gift!” If this message encourages you, consider sharing it — and let the grace of God overflow through your life in joyful generosity.

Grace Received

Thanks be to God for His inexpressible gift! (2 Corinthians 9:15) What does it mean that God’s gift is inexpressible? In this message, we begin a three-week series centered on grace—grace received, grace revealed, and grace overflowing. Paul reminds us that God’s greatest gift is not just what Jesus gives, but Jesus Himself. This gift is: Undeserved — given by grace, not earned Complete — forgiveness, reconciliation, and new life Overflowing — producing worship, gratitude, and generosity Beyond words — truly known, but never exhausted In this week’s message, “Grace Received Reshapes Who We Are,” we walk through 2 Corinthians 8:1–15 and see how the grace of God transformed the Macedonian church—and how that same grace reshapes our hearts today. We explore how: Grace forms a joyful heart, even in hardship Grace produces faithful generosity, not guilt-driven giving Grace has a face—Jesus Christ, who became poor so we might become rich Grace forms a gospel-shaped community, marked by shared responsibility and Kingdom-first living This message sets the foundation for the rest of the series: This Week: Grace received reshapes who you are (The Heart) Christmas Eve: Grace revealed has a name — Jesus Next Week: Grace overflowing transforms a community (Hands) As we move toward Christmas, we’re reminded that generosity begins not with pressure, but with hearts shaped by grace. Prayer Prompt: Praise God for His inexpressible gift. Thank Him for the grace He has shown you. Ask where He may be inviting you to extend that grace to others.

The Lord’s Servant Will Be Victorious | Isaiah 53

Big Idea: The Lord’s Servant will be victorious in His planned mission. From Isaiah 53:10–12, we see God’s complete work through the Servant: God’s sovereignty in the mission (v. 10) — this suffering was the plan all along (Genesis 3:15). God’s satisfaction in the mission (v. 11) — the Servant sees the light of life and is satisfied. God’s reward for the mission (v. 12) — the Servant is exalted and shares in victory. We also zoom out to the heart of Isaiah 53, found in verse 5, and connect the prophecy to its fulfillment in Acts 8:26–38, where Jesus is clearly proclaimed. Scripture: Isaiah 53:5, 10–12; Genesis 3:15; Acts 8:26–38

Kingdom First Deep Dive

In this Podcast Pastor Mitch, and Pastor Jon deep dive into the Kingdom First Initiative. How have we seen the Lord use the 2025 dollars, and what are the plans for 2026.