Redemption Hill Church

Redemption Hill Church

by Redemption Hill Church

Season 4

Mark 4:35-41 - A Great Storm. A Great Calm. A Great Fear.

Imagine getting into the boat with Jesus. The day had been full—Jesus teaching crowds along the shores of the Sea of Galilee. Now, He leads His disciples to the other side. The water is calm, the breeze gentle, and the sky painted with sunset. But suddenly, without warning, calm gives way to chaos. A fierce storm erupts. Winds howl, waves crash into the boat, and fear grips your heart. You panic. And there, asleep in the stern, is Jesus—the one who called you into this very boat. How could He be sleeping in a storm like this? This moment in Mark 4 isn’t just a dramatic sea story. It’s the first nature miracle in Mark’s Gospel, and it invites us to behold the glory and power of Jesus. He doesn’t just calm storms—He commands them. With a word, the wind and waves obey. But even more amazing is the quiet trust of Jesus asleep in the boat. He’s exhausted from ministry, but also perfectly at peace. Why? Because He knows this is not the storm that will take His life. He knows His mission, and He trusts His Father. The same Jesus who slept in peace amid a raging sea is with us in every storm. His presence is not a sign of distance—but of divine peace. There’s another story—Jonah 1—that echoes this one. Jonah slept through a storm too, but his was a sleep of avoidance, a false peace. Jonah had to be thrown into the sea so others might live. But Jesus silences the storm with a word—something Jonah couldn’t do. Yet Jesus too would be thrown into a storm—not on Galilee, but on the cross. There, He would face the chaos of divine justice in the place of sinners. He would be forsaken, so we never would. And just as He calmed the sea, Jesus conquered death—rising on the third day to bring eternal peace to all who trust in Him. Friend, Jesus may not always calm the storm right away—but He is always in the boat. And if He has already stilled the greatest storm—God’s righteous wrath against our sin—then we can trust Him with every lesser storm. Romans 8:32 reminds us: “He who did not spare His own Son but gave Him up for us all, how will He not also with Him graciously give us all things?” The cross silences our fears. The resurrection assures us of the calm to come. So take heart—if you’ve left the comfort of the crowd to follow Jesus, He may lead you through deep waters. But He is with you. And the winds and waves still know His name. Main Point – Because Jesus is sovereign over the storms, we can trust He is with us through the storm. Outline – 3 movements Jesus Sends Jesus Sleeps Jesus Silences Study Questions Where in the OT does God display His authority over creation, namely the sea? How might this validate our belief that Jesus is truly God and truly man. What does Jesus’ sleep during the storm teach us about trusting God’s sovereignty in trials? How might passages like Psalm 121:3–4 and Isaiah 26:3 shape your perspective on God’s care and peace? Why do you think Jesus led His disciples into the storm instead of around it? How does James 1:2–4 help explain God’s purpose in our suffering? What kind of fear do the disciples express after Jesus calms the storm? How is this different from panic or anxiety? Read Psalm 33:6–9 and Hebrews 12:28–29. What does it look like to walk in reverent awe of Jesus today? Read Jonah 1 and Mark 4:35-41. Note the parallels and differences. How does the greater storm of the cross give us assurance in the lesser storms of life?

Mark 4:26-34 - From Imperceptible to Incomprehensible

We live in a culture of instant everything—fast food, same-day delivery, streaming in seconds. We’re trained to value what is visible, measurable, and immediate. If something takes time, or we can’t see its results right away, we often assume it isn’t working or isn’t worth it. And sadly, we bring that mindset into our spiritual lives. We expect quick growth in our churches, instant transformation in our children, and rapid maturity in ourselves. When those things don’t happen on our timeline, we’re tempted to doubt God’s work altogether. At my daughter’s graduation, we hung a strand of photos from her first day of school each year—Kindergarten to Senior Year. Each picture was just a simple snapshot: a smile, a backpack, a new grade. Year to year, the changes seemed small. But stepping back to look at the full strand, it hit me—she had grown so much. Slowly. Subtly. But undeniably. That’s what the Kingdom of God is like. In Mark 4:26–29, Jesus compares the Kingdom to a seed—hidden in the soil, growing mysteriously and imperceptibly. The farmer scatters the seed and goes about his life—sleeping, rising, waiting. He doesn’t make it grow. But one day, it springs forth. First the blade, then the ear, then the full grain. And finally, the harvest. This is deeply encouraging to weary moms, discouraged pastors, and faithful friends who’ve labored in prayer for years. God’s Kingdom does not depend on our hustle or control. The Word, like seed, grows by itself (Mark 4:28—automatos in Greek). Your job is not to force the fruit, but to scatter the seed. This parable helps us cultivate a posture of prayerful patience. As Paul reminded the Corinthians, “I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth” (1 Cor 3:6). Whether you’re discipling children, praying for a loved one, or laboring in gospel ministry—trust the process. Trust the power of the seed. The Kingdom grows under the surface, often when we least expect it. In the very next parable (Mark 4:30–32), Jesus compares the Kingdom to a mustard seed—tiny, almost invisible, yet growing into a tree that provides shade for the birds. What begins small becomes something incomprehensibly great. The same is true of Jesus’ own ministry. From obscure beginnings in Galilee, to the cross that looked like defeat, Jesus—the King—was planted like a seed into the ground. But on the third day, He rose in power, and His Kingdom continues to grow across the globe. So let me ask: Are you investing in this Kingdom, or in your own? The return is eternal. Whether you go to the nations or pray for them, whether you preach or parent—keep scattering seed. The King is building His Kingdom, and He will bring the harvest. Main Point – Though it may be slow & subtle, Jesus is surely building a Kingdom that cannot be stopped. Outline – Two characteristics of the Kingdom Jesus is building a Kingdom through an imperceptible process (vv26-29) Jesus is building a Kingdom with an incomprehensible product (vv30-34)

Mark 4:21-25 - Use it or Lose it!

We’ve all experienced it: a skill we once practiced, a habit we once maintained, or a truth we once held closely—slowly slipping away over time. Maybe it was a language you studied, an instrument you played, or a relationship you didn’t nurture. The principle is familiar: use it or lose it. And Jesus tells us that this is true when it comes to spiritual truth. His message in Mark 4:21–25 is simple but sobering—we are responsible for what we hear. If we don’t respond to the truth God has given us, we risk becoming hardened to it. Jesus uses the image of a lamp to make His point, but it’s not just any lamp—it’s the Lamp. He’s speaking about Himself. Jesus, the Light of the World, didn’t come to remain hidden but to be revealed. For a time, His identity and mission may have seemed veiled, but He promised that everything hidden would one day be made known. And that’s exactly what happened. The lamp was lifted up—not on a stand, but on a Roman cross. The One who came to bring light to the world allowed Himself to be swallowed by the darkness of sin and death—for us. But that was not the end. On the third day, the Light of the World rose again, shining the full radiance of God’s redemptive plan. The gospel is not a hidden message—it’s a revealed reality. Jesus bore our darkness so we could walk in His light. He died in our place and rose to give us life, and now offers forgiveness, hope, and transformation to all who come to Him. If you’re not yet a follower of Jesus, the call is clear: Come to the Light. Trust in the One who gave Himself for you. If you’re a believer who has dimmed the light or grown dull to His Word, there is grace for you too—come back to the One who is full of mercy and truth. So, let’s take Jesus seriously. Let’s not just hear—let’s heed. Let’s reflect the Light we’ve received and respond in faith. As we pursue Christ through His Word, worship, and community, He will graciously reveal more of Himself. Don’t let the light fade. Embrace it, reflect it, and share it—because the more we embrace the Light, the more clearly we will see the glory of Jesus. Main Point – If we don’t use the light (of God’s revelation), we might risk losing the light. Outline – 2 ways to use/steward the light: Reflect what has been revealed (vv21-22) Heed what has been heard (vv23-25) Study Questions Jesus warns that what is hidden will be revealed (Mark 4:22). What other passages in Scripture display the seriousness of our response to God’s Word and His eventual judgment? How might these passages encourage you and your walk with Jesus? Why might Jesus give his disciples these words following the Parable of the Soils? What connections are there between the two texts? Mark 4:24 calls us to ‘pay attention to what we hear.’ What other places in Scripture encourage believers to pay careful attention to their diligence in listening and heeding God’s Word? What distractions typically prevent you from actually heeding the Word? Jesus promises that “more will be given” to those who steward revelation well (Mark 4:24b–25). Read Matthew 13:10–17 and 2 Corinthians 3:12–18. How do these texts help you understand the relationship between spiritual receptivity and revelation? The gospel shows us that Jesus, the Light, was lifted up on the cross so that we might walk in His light. Read Ephesians 5:8–14. According to Paul, how should those who were once darkness now live as children of light? What does this practically look like in your relationships, speech, and priorities?

Mark 4:1-20 - The Parable of the Soils

magine yourself in the disciples’ sandals. You’ve seen Jesus calm storms, heal the sick, cast out demons, and draw massive crowds with His teaching. But then, He tells a parable about a farmer scattering seed. It seems simple—maybe too simple. Yet this story holds profound truth. In it, Jesus reveals that the real difference between those who receive His Word and those who don’t comes down to one thing: the condition of the heart. The seed is always the same—the life-giving Word of God—but the soil varies. Jesus names four types of soil: the path, the rocky ground, the thorny ground, and the good soil. Some hearts are too hard, too shallow, or too divided for the Word to take root. Others, by God’s grace, are ready to receive and bear fruit. The parable isn’t just a diagnosis—it’s a call to evaluate our own hearts. Are we listening? Are we resisting? Are we distracted, shallow, or crowded by other loves? Or are we receptive, open, and eager for the Word to shape us? But how can any of us truly become good soil? The answer isn’t in our effort to clean up or dig deeper on our own. The answer is Jesus. In John 12, He calls Himself the seed that must fall into the ground and die to bear much fruit. Jesus is the true fruitful one who entered the soil of death for our sakes. On the cross, He took the judgment our hard, shallow, and divided hearts deserve. And through His resurrection, He offers us new life—life that can grow deep roots and produce lasting fruit. So, we look to Him. We repent of our hard, unresponsive hearts. We ask Him to deepen our roots where we’ve been shallow. We surrender our divided affections and ask for undivided devotion. The Word is powerful. The seed is good. Let us become good soil by trusting the Savior who gave His life so we could bear fruit for eternity. Main Point – Our receptiveness to the Word depends on the condition of our heart. Study Questions Why might Jesus have likened the Word of God to a seed? What does Scripture say about the nature and power of Scripture as it relates to the simplicity and potential of a seed? How have you personally experienced the Word exposing, shaping, or reviving your heart? The parable highlights the heart conditions of spiritual resistance (the path), a lack of depth (rocky soil), and divided affections (thorny soil). Which of these most resonates with your current spiritual struggle, and how does the gospel invite you to respond? (See Psalm 51:10 and Ezekiel 36:26.) Read John 12:24–26. How does Jesus describe Himself as the true seed in this passage? How does His death and resurrection make it possible for us to be the “good soil” that bears fruit? In light of James 1:18–25, how can we move from merely hearing the Word to becoming fruitful doers of the Word? What specific practice(s) might help you cultivate this posture or receptiveness more consistently? Jesus says Satan is actively involved in stealing the Word (Mark 4:15). How does Ephesians 6:10–17 help us understand the spiritual battle involved in hearing and holding onto the gospel? How can we prepare ourselves to be more spiritually alert during and after hearing the Word? Fruitfulness in the Christian life is not about perfection but about evidence of growth. What fruit do you see the Spirit producing in your life right now? (See Galatians 5:22–23.) Where do you long to grow—and how can your community help cultivate that growth together?

Mark 3:31-35 - A Better Family

In our modern world, there are two competing views of family. One sees it as a restriction—something that limits freedom and personal fulfillment. The other places family on a pedestal, making it the ultimate source of meaning and identity. But Jesus presents us with something far more profound. While He affirms the value of biological family, He refuses to treat it as ultimate. Instead, Jesus invites us into a new kind of family—one formed not by biology, but by His blood (Mark 3:31–35). In doing so, He reorients our understanding of what it means to truly belong. Imagine the scene: Jesus’ own mother and brothers come to retrieve Him, likely concerned about His growing influence and the controversy it’s stirring. But instead of stopping what He’s doing, Jesus turns to those gathered around Him—sinners, tax collectors, disciples—and says, “Here are my mother and my brothers. Whoever does the will of God, he is my brother and sister and mother.” In that moment, Jesus teaches us something radical: obedience to God—not proximity, heritage, or tradition—is the mark of belonging in His eternal family. This has powerful implications for us. First, it challenges the idolatry of family, a temptation even among faithful Christians. While we are called to love and serve our families, we must not place our hope in them. Second, it reminds us that the church is not just a collection of individual families, but one redeemed family formed by grace. Moms and dads, your mission is not simply to raise well-behaved kids—it’s to see your children, by God’s grace, become your brothers and sisters in Christ. We disciple them not only by how we love them, but by how we love the church. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus made it possible for sinners to be welcomed into the family of God. This is more than justification—it’s adoption. We’ve been brought from the outside in. And because of that, we’re called to identify with the church and live like family: praying for one another, serving one another, and welcoming one another—especially those who are different. Let’s be a church that reflects this eternal family, not just a gathering of earthly ones. Through His blood, Jesus is forming a family that will last forever—and you can be part of it. Main Point – Through His blood, Jesus is creating a family that surpasses all earthly bonds. Outline 1. Jesus is reorienting our understanding of family 2. Jesus is reminding us of the mark that one is in the family 3. Jesus is giving us a glimpse of His eternal family, the Church. Study Questions Using Scripture, in what ways did Jesus emphasize the importance of the biological family unit? Reflect on this quote –The idolatry of the family may be the most acceptable sin in the Christian Church – Kevin DeYoungWhy is this such an acceptable sin in our culture? Compare Luke 14:26 with Ephesians 5:25–33. How can you love your family well without making them ultimate in your life? Read Mark 3:31–35 alongside Matthew 10:37 and Romans 8:14–17. How do these passages help you evaluate where your deepest loyalties lie—biological ties or gospel allegiance? Read Acts 2:42–47 and Galatians 6:9–10. How are you intentionally investing in the spiritual lives of those in your church family? What might you need to sacrifice in your own life to prioritize the church? When you think about the doctrine of adoption, what passages come to mind? How does your identity as an adopted child of God change the way you orient with others and think about your relationship with God?

Mark 3:22-30 - The Consequences of Rejection

Imagine a firefighter arriving at a burning house—sirens blaring, hose in hand, rushing in to save lives. But then someone from the crowd shouts, “He started the fire himself!” The accusation would be shocking, absurd, and offensive. Yet this is exactly the kind of charge the religious leaders make against Jesus in this passage. Though He’s healing the sick, casting out demons, and calling sinners to repentance—all through the power of the Holy Spirit—they claim He’s doing it by the power of Satan. This wasn’t a misunderstanding; it was a willful, calculated rejection of God’s work. And Jesus responds with some of the most sobering words recorded in the Gospels—a warning not only for them, but for us as well. Jesus exposes the illogic of their claim: how could Satan cast out Satan? A kingdom divided cannot stand. Far from being in league with evil, Jesus is the one who binds the “strong man”—Satan himself—and plunders his house. The miracles they witnessed weren’t signs of demonic power, but of divine authority. Still, rather than bowing in worship, the religious leaders distort the truth to maintain control. We often do the same today—repackaging rebellion as “self-care,” or distancing ourselves from church to avoid accountability. But when we twist the truth, we aren’t just mistaken—we’re resisting the Holy Spirit. Jesus address the Scribes and speaks of a sin that “will not be forgiven”—blasphemy against the Holy Spirit. What is it? Not a moment of doubt or a rash word spoken in anger. It’s a settled, willful rejection of the Spirit’s testimony about Jesus—a hardened heart that refuses to repent and believe, even after seeing the truth clearly. The scribes had front-row seats to the power of God and still chose to call it evil. That path doesn’t lead to grace—it leads to ruin. But there’s hope: Jesus also says that every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven to the one who turns to Him in faith. There is no sin too dark, no failure too great, for the mercy of God in Christ. So where does that leave you? If you’re feeling convicted, don’t panic—run to Jesus. The very fact that you’re concerned is a sign that the Spirit is still at work in your heart. Let His warning awaken you. Let His invitation comfort you. Satan has been bound, and grace is offered freely. Don’t resist the Spirit—receive Him. Don’t distort the truth—submit to it. And don’t delay. Jesus stands ready to rescue, restore, and redeem. Even now, He calls us out of darkness and into light. Main Point – Rejecting the testimony of the Spirit leads to ruin – embracing Jesus leads to life. Outline – 2 consequences of rejecting the witness of the Spirit. Rejecting the Spirit’s witness of Jesus leads to ongoing spiritual blindness (vv22-27). Rejecting the Spirit’s witness of Jesus leads to inevitable separation from grace (vv28-30)

Mark 3:7-21 - Jesus Compassion, Church Mission

Mark 2:23-3:6 - Lord of the Sabbath

God gives Israel the gift of the Sabbath to rest and remember God’s faithfulness. The Pharisees took the command and turn it into everything but resting. We see in the sermon this morning that they would rather someone starve or suffer than to help them. All in the effort to not work. They had twisted God’s gift for their own Glory. They had raised their traditions to the level of scripture and accused Jesus of breaking the Law. They accuse the law giver of breaking the law, while they were breaking the true spirit of the law. They confused the law of God as a challenge or a job to be done rather than a gift to be enjoyed. They turned to legalism, which is not from God, not for God, and not needed. Religious work is serving God for grace. Worship is serving God in response to Grace. Jesus is the Sabbath to all those who cry out to him for salvation. He is where you do not need to work. He is where you have rest from your toils. Main Point: We do not earn acceptance before God by our religious work, but by our rest in Christ’s completed work. Outline : Religious work will not earn us acceptance before God because.. 1. It is not from God 2. It is not for God 3. It is not needed 1. How do you find Rest in Christ? How is he your Sabbath? Show how the ceremonial Sabbath pointed to Christ. 2. Everything done in your life for God is either religious work or worship. How do you live a life of worship? How do you avoid being the Pharisees? 3. What religious work do you tend to return to for acceptance before God? 4. What traditions have you placed on the same level as scripture? What laws from God are you using outside of their purpose? 5. Legalism publicizes your holiness for the approval of man, to be looked at and admired. How does Jesus look at legalism? 6. How is the man with the Withered hand an example to follow?

Mark 2:18-22 - Can't Mix the Gospel

Some things just don’t mix—oil and water, metal in a microwave, gasoline on a fire. But what about the gospel? In a culture that prioritizes personal truth and blends religious ideas like a spiritual smoothie, this question is crucial: Is the gospel compatible with other religious systems? The Pharisees in Mark 2 wrestled with this very issue, questioning why Jesus didn’t conform to their traditions. Their concern? His disciples weren’t fasting like other devout Jews. But their real problem wasn’t about fasting—it was about control. They wanted to fit Jesus into their religious mold, but Jesus made it clear: He didn’t come to patch up their old system. He came to bring something entirely new. Jesus responds with two illustrations. First, He points out that you can’t patch old clothes with unshrunk fabric—it’ll only make the tear worse. Then, He uses the image of wineskins. New wine, still fermenting, requires flexible wineskins that can stretch with the process. Old wineskins, dried and brittle, would burst under the pressure. The message is clear: the new reality of the gospel cannot be contained within the rigid structures of self-righteous religion. The Pharisees had turned God’s law into a system of outward performance, missing their deep need for grace. Jesus wasn’t just tweaking their traditions—He was ushering in a new covenant. It’s easy to point fingers at the Pharisees, but we should examine our own hearts. Do we try to mix the gospel with personal achievements, moral performance, or theological superiority? Do we use religious practices—Bible reading, parenting standards, doctrinal knowledge—to validate ourselves rather than rest in Christ alone? Like the Pharisees, we often seek approval in places that can never truly satisfy. But outward righteousness cannot cover our guilt. Only Jesus—the true Bridegroom—can clothe us in His righteousness. So, what’s your wineskin? Are you trying to squeeze the gospel into an old framework of self-justification, or have you surrendered to the grace of Christ? Jesus didn’t come to improve your old life—He came to give you a new one. The gospel is not a supplement to our self-righteousness; it’s a complete replacement. New wine belongs in new wineskins. Main Point – The New Wine of the Gospel is incompatible with any system or structure of self-righteousness Outline – 3 parts to Jesus’ encounter. The Self-Righteous Question (v18) Jesus’ Stunning Response (vv19-20) Two Suggestive Parables (vv21-22) Study Questions Why is the gospel incompatible with self-righteousness? How do Jesus’ illustrations of the unshrunk cloth and new wineskins (Mark 2:21-22) help us understand this truth? Read Galatians 2:16—how does Paul reinforce this point? Jesus redefined fasting in light of His presence and His redemptive work. How should Christians approach fasting today? Read Matthew 6:16-18—what warnings and instructions does Jesus give about fasting? What does it mean that Jesus is the Bridegroom (Mark 2:19-20)? How does this imagery deepen our understanding of His relationship with His people? Read Hosea 2:19-20 and Revelation 19:6-9—what do these passages reveal about God’s covenant love for His church? How can religious traditions become a barrier to true faith? The Pharisees were more concerned with maintaining customs than recognizing Jesus as the Messiah. Are there ways we sometimes do the same? Read Colossians 2:20-23—what does Paul say about man-made religious practices? What “old wineskins” do people still try to fit the gospel into today? Whether it’s legalism, moralism, or cultural Christianity, how do these things distort the true message of grace? Read Ephesians 2:8-9—why must salvation be by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone?

Mark 2:13-17 - The King who Dines with Sinners!

Imagine being invited to dine with a dignitary—a man of great reputation and authority. You can picture the extravagant setting, the finest silverware, and the pressure to conduct yourself with the utmost etiquette. You would rehearse your words, mindful of every detail, hoping to make a good impression. Now, contrast that with a different kind of invitation—a dinner with Jesus. Unlike earthly dignitaries, Jesus does not seek the powerful, the elite, or the morally upright. Instead, He welcomes sinners, the broken, and the outcasts. In Mark 2, we see a Savior who dines with those deemed unworthy, proving that He did not come for the self-righteous but for sinners in need of grace. Jesus’ invitation to sinners is powerfully displayed in His calling of Levi, a tax collector—one of the most despised figures in Jewish society. Tax collectors were known for extortion and collaboration with Rome, making Levi an unlikely candidate for discipleship. Yet, Jesus saw him, called him, and transformed him. Levi’s response was immediate—he left everything behind and followed Christ. This moment is a striking reminder that Jesus does not call the “clean” or the morally upright; He calls sinners. No past is too corrupt, no failure too great for the grace of Christ. Just as Jesus pursued Levi, He still seeks sinners today, calling them to leave their old lives and follow Him. Levi’s response did not end with following Jesus; he opened his home and hosted a feast in Jesus’ honor, inviting other tax collectors and sinners to meet Him. This act reveals something profound—salvation produces celebration and evangelism. But while sinners rejoiced, the Pharisees grumbled. Their legalistic hearts could not comprehend why Jesus would associate with the unclean. Jesus’ response was clear: “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” The irony is that the Pharisees, in their pride, remained outside the feast, while those who recognized their need found themselves at the table with Christ. How often do we, like the Pharisees, withhold grace, forgetting that we too were once sinners in need of saving? Jesus not only dined with sinners—He died for them. The feast at Levi’s house was a small glimpse of the greater feast to come, where sinners from every nation will dine with the King. But before that final banquet, Jesus would drink the cup of God’s wrath alone, taking upon Himself the punishment that sinners deserve. His heart for sinners is fully revealed in the cross, where He bore our guilt so that we might be seated at His table. The invitation stands today: Will you come to Jesus in repentance, finding forgiveness in Him? And if you already have, do you extend the same invitation to others? May we, like Levi, joyfully bring sinners to the table, knowing that Jesus welcomes them still. Main Point – Because Jesus relates with sinners, sinners are welcome at his table! Outline of the sermon – 2 ways Jesus relates to sinners… Jesus calls sinner to follow him Jesus invites sinners to dine with him

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