No Safety Nets
Scripture: Mark 1:14-20 (NRSVue)
Jesus began his “beach ministry” along the Sea of Galilee when he called out to the fishermen brothers Simon and Andrew and James and John, “Follow me!” Notice what Jesus said and didn’t say. He didn’t say follow my teachings or follow my formulas or follow my ethical theories or philosophical formulations or political systems or theological constructs. Just, “follow me.” Walk with me and get to know me. Mark is a fast-paced gospel and there’s some urgency here. Jesus wants to light a fire under us, his modern-day disciples. He’s building a movement, a following. His summons is a call to action. There’s work to be done. No questions asked, the two brothers immediately and without delay dropped everything and followed Jesus to heaven knows where. May we have the same courage and faith to respond to Christ’s call to us, individually and collectively as a church, for such a time as this.
Sermon Art: “Fish Magic”, by Paul Klee, 1925
YouTube video links
8:30 am service: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PnhyBBGAzCg
11:00 am service: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-qJmMGEqRgc
January 21, 2024
- 8:30 am – Alternative Worship Service Bulletin (click)
- 11:00 am – Traditional Worship Service Bulletin (click)
All of Immanuel’s Worship Service Videos are available on our YouTube Channel.
All of Immanuel’s Sermons are available in our Library of Sermons.
Sermon Art: “Nathanael under the fig tree” by John DelHousaye
Discussion Questions:
- Why do you think Mark is such a fast-paced gospel?
- Why might have Jesus waited to begin his ministry in Galilee until after John the Baptist was imprisoned?
- How would you describe what the kingdom of God is like in your own words?
- What does it mean to repent and believe the good news?
- How is the gospel of God good news?
- Have you ever sensed Christ calling your name to follow him or take up a new task?
- What might it look like to follow Jesus in your own life today? What might it look like for Immanuel to follow Christ’s call collectively?
Recent Sermons
Be a Practicing Blessologist
March 03, 2024
Letting Go for Dear Life
February 25, 2024
A Bow in the Clouds
February 18, 2024