Mercy Fellowship Sermons

We value material possession and comfort, so we find our worth in our wealth. Jesus cares about our spiritual poverty and where we find our ultimate security. We will never be saved by our possessions, when they consume us sometimes we need to be saved from our possession.

Guest Pastor Caleb Smith of Saint Church in Lake Stevens shares about how our first priority as a Christian is to love God well. When we love God well, we produce good fruit for the world around us to enjoy and be pointed to Jesus through.

As the journey to Jerusalem continues anticipation and excitement around Jesus grows. Crowds of people are forming around Jesus looking for hope and healing for themselves and their loved ones. In desire for power and significance it can be easy to focus on who and what society values most. In nearly every society if there is an embodiment of the opposite of power and status it is children. Yet in God's kingdom they are seen as extremely valuable.

Finishing a formal time of teaching and training Jesus and his disciples are on the move from Galilee to Jerusalem and ultimately the cross. While remaining on mission, Jesus engages with questions around the significant personal and family relationship, marriage.

Our hope is in Jesus. He is Alive! So we today we don’t morn, we celebrate Resurrection Sunday!

We are given a gift in the church calendar of Holy Week to resettle. This week we join with Christians around the world celebrating Palm Sunday. This is week of contemplation, remembering AND resting in what has been accomplished. We need hope, empathy, and Leadership. Not a distant King ,but one who shows up to give us hope! God knows we need hope. Hope gives us endurance today that tomorrow will be better. We can have hope today and trust God for our future because we can look back and see in Jesus, Hope Arrived.

Jesus is a good shepherd who pursues his lost sheep and brings them back to the fold. Jesus then shifts to training disciples how we are to engage with our brothers and sisters when we have found them in sin, especially when they have sinned against us. A gospel community will be defined by how they handle those in sin, while those in sin will be defined by how they respond. Hope is always forgiveness and restoration.

Jesus is the King of His Kingdom | After displayed His identity as King, Jesus continues His mission of establishing His kingdom. Kingdoms are defined by their king, and kings determine what their kingdoms will value. Jesus is constantly teaching his followers what it means to be in his kingdom by examples, object lessons, and explicit teaching. He does this to show the great contrast between our values and His. 

Jesus and the three disciples have come down from the mountain where Jesus’ glory was revealed. The retreat is over; the revelation has been experienced. It is now time to get back to the mission. What do they encounter? A chaotic crowd has gathered around the disciples including scribes present. It is a chaotic mess, but this mess is where the mission is. 

In Chapter 16 Jesus has been teaching His disciples about His identity as “the Christ, the Son of the LivingGod” and He will build His church that will be victorious. Yet, He has to go to Jerusalem, suffer at the handsof the religious elite, be killed, AND rise again. Those who follow him will also have to deny themselves,their agenda and live for God in Heaven. Both paths will be painful, but they will be worth it. Things willlook bleak and be difficult, but Jesus also says He will return in glory with angel armies bringing Hiskingdom in victory. Here Jesus will give a few of his disciples a clear vision and preview of His glory.

Jesus’ ministry and teaching make a significant shift as He reveals more details about the specifics of His mission of salvation for His people. He intentionally focuses on private instruction of His closest disciples than large public sermons. Jesus’ path will include pain and death. Likewise, the path of His disciples includes intentional sacrifice for future glory.

Jesus teaches, heals, performs miracles, revealing Himself to the world. Jesus has been meeting oppositionfrom the Pharisees and Sadducees, specifically about His divine identity. Despite intense and organizedopposition, Jesus’ Kingdom continues to advance. While Jesus spends little effort answering demands fromthose who oppose him, He takes great care in how He instructs those who follow him. Jesus intentionallyteaches the disciples about His identity and their mission. Here the context of the mission has changed.

Jesus constantly faces great opposition from multiple fronts. His teaching challenges arbitrary man-made laws. His identity confronts the reality we are not God. Both upset those who want to remain the hero of their own stories and reject Jesus as the Messiah. Jesus rebukes His disingenuous opponents and warns His disciples to avoid their teaching.

Jesus teaches, Jesus heals, Jesus performs miracles, but above all Jesus is the King of Kings and Lord of Lord, in all that He says and does He is revealing Himself to the world. Jesus is also savior of His people; he will consistently point his people to the height of his mission, the cross. Revealing kingdom values, at times, requires redefining terms for the purpose of providing greater clarity and ultimately pursuing purity. Jesus teaches in Galilee as He is confronted by Pharisees, calls people to a higher standard of holiness, and clarifies His teachings with His disciples showing everyone because of sin they are all Defiled Without Jesus.

Today as we close this series out, we are going to simply attempt to answer the questions “who are we?” and“Why do we exist?” “What do we do?” both individually and collectively as a church. We are saved by Jesus' work, changed by Jesus' grace, and living on Jesus' mission. Mercy Fellowship exists to make disciples of Jesus Christ who love God and love people.

What does” Fellowship” mean? Fellowship – Def. association of common interest. Weak. Greek is Koinonia -Rich word. It refers to a participation and communion with God and His people sharing, contributing for acommon purpose. A "Fellowship" is a group of people brought together for a purpose. In the New TestamentGod's people, the church, were defined and described as a partnership for the Gospel because of theGospel. A fellowship is more like a team to play on than a club to join. Think about Fellowship of the Rings… Iam not a big fan, but I know it’s more than lets hang out and have coffee. Nearly every team has differentskills and strengths… together they function well to overcome and thrive. In the Bible we see it identifies theidealized state of unity and purpose that should exist within the church. Everyone was invited to experiencethis community and encouraged to actively participate rather than passively consume. This is in contrast to the communities we try to build on our own. True Fellowship exists when it is from God and for God.

At Mercy Fellowship we are Saved by Jesus’ Work, Changed by Jesus’ Grace , and Living on Jesus’s Mission. We want to be rooted in our identity & scripture, not reactionary to current events or culture. In the Bible, the concept of "Mercy" is not getting the just consequence we have earned as a result of our sin. It can also be as simple as extending or experiencing "kindness" similar to: Steadfast Love. Here we look at the theme of Mercy across scripture.

We are not a satisfied people. We know we’re not the best version of ourselves. We want more. We want to be different that we currently are.We are driven by our desires. Our deepest desires will always overcome our efforts of self-discipline. So we need to be Resolved. To be Resolved is to endure being uncomfortable for the purpose of a greater reward.

We experience joy, and enjoyment when we respond to things outside of us. Yet a definition of joy only being a response is bit incomplete because we will just keep pursuing the next thing that brings us pleasure and we’ll always run away from pain as fast as we can. A life lived this way will never truly satisfy. We need to know where Joy comes from. How God has promised Joy. How we can have Joy even in the midst of trials. Finally, how we receive Joy that only comes from Jesus.

Peace (Shalom/Eirene) is more than the absence of conflict. It is completeness, wholeness. A state in which there is more than nothing clearly wrong but everything being completely right. We instinctively know the difference, even if naively we like to hope when there is no conflict there is peace. This presence of conflict and lack of peace is not how things have always been or how God intended us to be. God created everything and He created it "Good".The Gospel begins with God making man and women in His image joins

Advent Week 2 | Love | Guest speaker Carl DeyArmin shares how God's affection for us is proved by His actions towards us.

Asaph answers comparison and cynicism with praise and worship.

There was not much time for the disciples to savor and celebrate the miraculous feeding of the thousands. Mission meets people in the wilderness and then continues to advance even in a storm.

There is only one true hero in the Bible and His name is Jesus. However, there are great examples of heroism and courage which can help equip and encourage us toward greater faithfulness. John the Baptist, a man Jesus calls the greatest in history, is one such figure. His boldness in calling the religious and powerful to repentance ultimately lead to him being martyred. We can learn much about the cost of courage in a wicked age.

Jesus' message calling people to repent is not being well received by religious and social elites. Following the martyrdom of John the Baptist , many of his followers have joined with Jesus. In an environment of rising hostility, trust and reliance on Jesus grows. Jesus withdraws for solitude yet mission advances as the people are hungry for truth. It is in the wilderness where Jesus feeds His people both spiritually and physically. Besides the resurrection, Jesus feeding the thousands is the only miracle recorded in all four gospels revealing the importance of this event.

Jesus has just finished his teaching "by the sea" and now has transitioned back to his hometown where we see how His mission and identity are received from those who have known Him the best and the longest.

Jesus continues his teaching with four parables showing the kingdom's power, the kingdom's value, and what life looks like for those who understand the kingdom. Four times he says the "Kingdom of Heaven is like..." each instance is used to correct easy misconceptions about the Kingdom of Heaven. Jesus' Kingdom exponentially more powerful than it appears and more valuable than we can imagine.

Jesus teaches what growth and clarity look like in His Kingdom. Where there is an enemy sowing destruction, there is a God with discernment, and clear differentiation. We are both to endure and evangelize to a world headed for either destruction or redemption. In so many of Jesus' parables Jesus says, "the Kingdom of Heaven is like..." each instance is used to correct easy misconceptions about the Kingdom of Heaven. Not everyone who is around followers of Jesus, is a follower of Jesus.

Jesus adjusts where and how He delivers His Kingdom Message.Preaching from a boat to those gathered on shore, Jesus begins teaching many things in parables. These are small stories with big ideas. Parable literally means to “throw alongside”. Jesus is a great communicator He “throws in” these restatements and illustrations of truths to help people see challenging concepts and ideas presented though familiar contexts. Sometimes no explanation is needed because the truth conveyed is so clear to all, other times Jesus own disciples needed greater explanation.martyred by Herod. As hostility towards Jesus grows His power and provision are also clearly displayed. 

Revival cannot be microwaved; it must be slow cooked. It can be easy to have some quick wins and short-term gains however, fast results rarely last beyond our initial surge of excitement. Building anything enduring requires what others have called "a long obedience in the same direction" Sometimes our past defilement impacts our present fruitfulness, yet this is not an excuse to walk in disobedience.

Revival happens when repentance from apathy leads to faithful action. Hearing God's word, being convicted of sin, and desiring change is where transformation begins. When new, or renewed, desire's take root, the fruit is obedience. While our hearts are sure to change our circumstances may not. How we respond when our renewed obedience is met with renewed adversity is when growth and breakthrough happen.

A public political assignation of an outspoken Christian, husband, and father. Charlie Kirk, our Brother in Christ was martyred for his faith in Jesus Christ. The past weeks have had many high profile incidents of senseless violence. More than mere tragedy, events like these are stark reminders that evil, sin, and injustice are real. We all need space to grieve, lament, process anger, seek comfort, and move to a renewed sense of hope. This Sunday we are “Making Sense of Senselessness”. Our world, nation, and culture is sick with sin the only answer is Jesus. Join us as we worship Him. 

When we are at rock bottom it is easy for us to look up and cry out to God. However, what do we do when things are not terrible, but they are just "off". When we know we are made for "more". How do we respond when we drifted off course but still desire the destination of safe harbor? We are not in a storm, yet, but we are also not progressing towards our promised destination. We need a fresh wind to propel us back on course.

The Psalmist is not looking for the information.He's desperate in knowing How long in knowing about God.Raise your voice to the GOD who is listening to your words. The Psalmist knows the God is the God of Salvation

What is faith? So many of us, have a wrong view of faith that it is a leap into the darkness with no reason behind it. We also have the wrong idea of faith that it is only to help us obtain great victories. What we see from the saints in Hebrews 11 is that they lived by faith through great victories and great trials always looking towards a greater resurrection to come by faith in God. Watch today as pastor Curtis unpacks Hebrews 11:32-12:2

Our culture’s soul is crying out for connection with our Creator. There is a spiritual hunger. Where are you at in all of this? What if we’re on the edge of spiritual revival but we’re too busy or distracted to participate? If someone your life was searching for Jesus would they find Him through you? Pastor Eddie Williams from Doxa church in Redmond, WA encourages us to get off the sidelines and get in the game of sharing Jesus and making disciples.  

Jesus comes to the end of 12 chapters in Matthew for people to make a decision. They have seen Him preach and do the miraculous. They are witnesses to His life and yet, still half-hearted in their devotion. How do we know if we are half-hearted in our devotion? By a religiosity that believes that we can clean ourselves up without the empowering work of the Holy Spirit. That sees Jesus merely as a teacher, but not as a Savior. Watch or listen today as Pastor Curtis unpacks Matthew 12:38-50

What is the unforgivable sin of denying the Holy Spirit? Are we guilty of this? Is their hope for us? Jesus deals with this very issue when facing the Pharisees. They reject Jesus work of healing, saving, redeeming and restoring people, while calling the work that Jesus is doing "evil." How does Jesus respond to this? By warning them that previous generations would have repented if they saw what Jesus is doing; therefore, repent! Watch or listen as Pastor Chris unpacks Matthew 12:22-37

We all have doubts of varying degree. However, how do we deal with our doubts? We take them to Jesus and He is the one who will answer us. Whether is what John the Baptist, the crowds or the generation that Jesus is speaking to, all doubts melt in the person and work of Jesus, as He calls on us to trust Him. Watch or listen today as Pastor Chris unpacks Matthew 11:2-24

Jesus mission has gone out in power, with sign and wonders, accompanied by the good news of the gospel. An invitation to come and be apart of the kingdom of God. But who's invited? Those who are in need of renewal. Those who are in need of rest. And as we rest in the victory of our Lord Jesus, we are renewed. Watch today as Pastor Curtis unpacks Matthew 12:1-21

Jesus divides. The cost of being a disciple of His is that He divides, families, friends & rewards. However, He doesn't divide recklessly, but does so for a purpose. Jesus divides for conflict to bring peace. Jesus divides families to restore relationships. Jesus divides lives to save souls. Jesus divides rewards to continue the mission. Watch or listen today, as Pastor Chris unpacks Matthew 10:34-11:1 as Jesus divides.

What are you afraid of? What fears grip you and cause you to lose sleep at night? Jesus is wholly aware of the fears we have and face and is not indifferent to them. As Jesus sends us out into the world, there is cause for fear. However, He gives his people the charge for courage and clarity as they go and proclaim the good news of the Kingdom by giving His disciples the comfort of knowing that if Jesus is for them, they can be bold for Him. Watch or listen as Pastor Chris unpacks Matthew 10:26-33, Jesus Comforts.

During Jesus' ministry, His fame and popularity are growing. People are coming to him in droves to hear and receive the gospel and find healing. How does Jesus handle this increase in ministry needs? By sending others out to minister as well. As Jesus was sent by the Father, so now, the Son sends out His disciples. Jesus calls the right men for the mission, and gives to them the motivation and method for the mission. Watch as Pastor Chris unpacks Matthew 9:35-10:15 today.

What do we do when we face hostility to the gospel? How will we make it through? As Jesus sends out His disciple's on mission, He is clear to them about what they will face. The clear expectations of mission are hostility towards the gospel. Although this will be difficult, the Holy Spirit will be with them to guide their speech and conduct, so they need not be anxious. Watch as Pastor Chris unpacks Matthew 10.

Jesus ministry is filled with Jesus revealing who He is. In Matthew 9, we see today, not only Jesus power to save and heal, but also His compassion to those who in need of being saved. How do we respond to the compassion of Jesus towards us? By Faith. Faith that He is able to save. Watch today as Pastor Chris unpacks Matthew 9:18-34

What are we to do with our fears, anxieties and worries? Our fears rise when we have a small view of who Jesus is. In the face of our fears, We need a picture of a big God to meet problems and needs we have in life, however big or small our problems may be! We have this in Jesus. The Son of man, who is able to sympathize with us in our weakness and the Son of God, who is mighty to save. Watch today as Pastor Curtis unpacks Matthew 8:23-9:8

Living on Jesus' Mission comes with a cost. There are crowds that gather that have a misunderstanding of the mission. There are those who avoid the mission for personal reasons. However, what we find in this text is that our Lord Jesus calls us to immediate commitment to His mission. That if He is truly out King and we are a part of his Kingdom, then we, like Matthew will turn to Jesus and follow Him. Watch or listen, as Pastor Chris unpacks Matthew 8-9 today.