Is it possible to look clean on the outside while your heart is far from God? In this message from Mark 7:1–23, we explore Jesus’ powerful confrontation with the Pharisees and the unsettling truth that true defilement comes from within—not from what we touch or consume, but from the condition of our hearts.

Through examples of hypocrisy, pride, performative religion, and evil, Jesus exposes how even the most religious-looking life can be far from God. This isn’t a surface-level message—this is spiritual heart surgery.

But there’s hope. Jesus not only diagnoses the problem of a defiled heart; He also points us to the path of a clean heart—one that follows Him, stays near to Him, and lives in honest dependence on His grace.

Join us as we dig deep, not to impress others, but to be transformed from the inside out.

We explore how Jesus meets us in our fear, reminds us who He is, and invites us to trust Him deeply. This message closes with a time of prayer, encouraging us to bring our fears into the light and find courage in Christ's presence.

Key Theme: Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.

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In Mark 6:45–53, we find the disciples caught in a storm, rowing through the night while Jesus prays alone on a mountain. In their moment of fear and exhaustion, Jesus comes to them—walking on water—and says, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.”

In this sermon, we sit with that powerful phrase. What does it mean to "take heart"? Why is it significant that Jesus says, "It is I"—a phrase rooted in the divine name of God? And how can we live without fear when life feels out of control?

We explore how Jesus meets us in our fear, reminds us who He is, and invites us to trust Him deeply. This message closes with a time of prayer, encouraging us to bring our fears into the light and find courage in Christ's presence.

Key Theme: Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.

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🕊️ For more information, visit ascendbible.church

Welcome to The Sermon Recap!

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📖 Watch the full sermon and find more resources at ascendbible.church.

Let’s dive into God’s Word together!

In this message, we explore one of the most striking contrasts in the Gospel of Mark—a tale of two kingdoms. King Herod’s selfish, tragic banquet is set against the backdrop of Jesus’ life-giving feast in the wilderness. Through it all, Mark reveals the heart of Christ, the true Shepherd-King.

Jesus is not the kind of king the world expects. He doesn't rule with power and fear but leads with presence and compassion. In this sermon, we see that Jesus deeply cares for His people—He provides rest for the weary, truth for the lost, and abundant provision for the hungry.

📌 Key Points:

1) Jesus Cares for the Weary – He invites His disciples to rest and sees their needs before they ask.

2) Jesus Cares for the Lost – He teaches the truth with deep compassion, seeing the crowds as sheep without a shepherd.

3) Jesus Cares for the Hungry – He provides more than enough when His people feel they have nothing to offer.

We’ll also see how Jesus fulfills the Old Testament promises of a shepherd who will not abandon His flock but lead them with care, justice, and grace.

✨ This story isn’t just about a miracle—it’s a window into the heart of Jesus.

Questions for Reflection:

1) Are you making space to rest with Jesus?

2) Are you letting the truth of the Gospel shape your life?

3) Are you bringing your “not enough” to Jesus and trusting Him to multiply it?

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Welcome to The Sermon Recap! This week is a special episode with Pastor Jon and Jeremy Hendon the Discipleship Director at Redeemer Bible Church.

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📖 Watch the full sermon and find more resources at ascendbible.church.

Let’s dive into God’s Word together!

This is one of the most sobering stories in Mark’s Gospel—and the only one that doesn’t directly involve Jesus. It’s a flashback told through the eyes of a conflicted king who silenced a prophet to save face at a party.

In Mark 6:14–29, we walk through the death of John the Baptist and the events leading up to it. Herod is haunted by what he’s done. Herodias is scheming. And John, a righteous man, is caught in the middle.

This story is heavy—and it should be. It shows us the cost of truth, the corruption of earthly power, and the kind of kingdom Jesus came to challenge. It also reminds us that following Jesus has always involved risk and sacrifice.

As we reflect on the weight of John’s death, we’re also pointed ahead to the death of Jesus Himself—and invited to remember Him through self-guided communion.

Welcome to The Sermon Recap! This week is a special episode with Pastor Jon and Jeremy Hendon the Discipleship Director at Redeemer Bible Church.

🔔 Subscribe to our channel to stay updated on new episodes!

📖 Watch the full sermon and find more resources at ascendbible.church.

Let’s dive into God’s Word together!

In Mark 6, Jesus returns to His hometown—and the people are amazed, but not in faith. Instead, they question Him, reject Him, and are offended. Meanwhile, His disciples respond in faith, stepping into mission with boldness and trust.

This message explores the contrast between unbelief and faith, and how our response to Jesus determines what He does in and through us. Whether you're full of questions or ready to follow, this passage calls us to reflect:

👉 What’s keeping you from following Jesus?

👉 What does a faithful response really look like?

Watch now and consider: How are YOU responding to Jesus today?

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📖 Passage: Mark 6:1–13 (ESV)

🙏 Prayer Prompt: “Jesus, my trust is in You. Use me for Your mission.”

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