Gospel Explorations

In Matthew 16:21–28, Jesus reveals that He must suffer, die, and rise again — and then calls His disciples to deny themselves, take up their cross, and follow Him. In this episode Pastor Mark takes a look at Peter’s rebuke, Jesus’ correction, and the life-changing paradox that whoever loses his life for Christ will find it. For more help and further study, please check out the show notes here . Se...

In today's passage, Jesus asks the most important question anyone will ever face: “Who do you say that I am?” In this episode of Gospel Explorations , Pastor Mark invites you to join him as you explore together Peter’s powerful confession, the revelation of Christ, and the unstoppable promise that Jesus is building His church. Click here to get the show notes for study questions and further i...

In Matthew 16:1–12, Jesus confronts spiritual blindness, refuses the demand for signs, and warns His disciples about the dangerous influence of false teaching. In this episode Pastor Mark explores why signs don’t create faith, how easily we can miss what God is doing, and why we must guard our hearts from subtle spiritual corruption. For more study, be sure click here for the show notes. Send us F...

Jesus answers the persistent faith of a Canaanite woman, heals multitudes, and feeds four thousand. Join Pastor Mark in this episode of Gospel Explorations , as we see the mercy of Christ reaching beyond expected boundaries, the power of a simple prayer — “Lord, help me” — and the abundance of a Savior whose crumbs are more than enough! For more insight and to access the questions for further refl...

Jesus confronts the Pharisees over their traditions and exposes the danger of outward religion without inward transformation. Discover why God is more concerned with the condition of our hearts than merely keeping appearances, and learn what truly defiles a person according to Jesus. Be sure to check out the show notes for reflection and study questions. Send us Fan Mail

In Matthew 14:22–33, Jesus sends His disciples into a storm, comes to them walking on the sea, and rescues Peter when his little faith begins to fail. In this episode of Gospel Explorations , Pastor Mark explores Christ's presence in the storm, Peter’s bold step of faith, and the comfort of a Savior whose hand is immediate and sure. Thanks for taking the time to listen, be sure click here for...

In Matthew 14:14–21, Jesus looks on a hungry multitude with compassion, takes five loaves and two fishes, and feeds thousands with abundance left over. In this episode Pastor Mark explores Christ’s compassion, the disciples’ weakness, and the powerful truth that what is placed in Jesus’ hands is never too small. Check out our discussions questions here as you continue to think through this passage...

In today's passage, Herod is haunted by guilt, John the Baptist is imprisoned and executed, and Jesus withdraws in wisdom after hearing the news. Join us as we explore the torment of a guilty conscience, the danger of fearing man more than God, and the courage of a faithful prophet who spoke truth at great cost. Click here to access some additional study questions for further reflection. Send...

In Matthew 13:44–58, Jesus tells of hidden treasure, a pearl of great price, and a dragnet that gathers every kind — then returns to Nazareth and is rejected by His own. In this episode of Gospel Explorations , join Pastor Mark as we explore the value Christ places on His people, the certainty of final judgment, and the tragedy of unbelief when truth stands right in front of us. For further discus...

In Matthew 13:24–43, Jesus reveals that the visible outward kingdom community in this age will include both true and false, wheat and tares, visible growth and hidden corruption. Yet, in God's timing these things will be separated at the final harvest. Join Pastor Mark as we explore together the parables of the wheat and tares, the mustard seed, and the leaven — and what they teach us about p...

In Matthew 13:1–23, Jesus tells the Parable of the Sower and reveals four different responses to the Word of God. Pastor Mark invites you to explore these soils with him: the hardened heart, the shallow heart, the crowded heart, and the fruitful heart . It all culminates with a personal question Jesus’ parable presses on every listener: What kind of soil am I? Be sure to click here to check out th...

In today's passage, Jesus exposes the heart behind our words, rebukes the demand for signs, warns of the danger of spiritual emptiness, and redefines His true family. Pastor Mark invites you to explore with him why we know that fruit reveals the root, why the resurrection is the ultimate sign, and what it really means to belong to Christ. For more insight and further discussion, check out the...

In Matthew 12:22–32, Jesus delivers a demon-possessed man, silences the Pharisees’ accusation, and gives a sobering warning about blasphemy against the Holy Ghost. Join Pastor Mark for this episode of Gospel Explorations , as we take a look together at Christ’s authority over darkness, the impossibility of neutrality, and why rejecting the Spirit’s testimony about Jesus is so serious. Don't m...

In Matthew 12:9–21, Jesus heals a man with a withered hand on the Sabbath — and the Pharisees respond by plotting His death. In this episode of Gospel Explorations , Pastor Mark encourages you to join us as we examine the rising rejection of Christ, the danger of legalism, and the tender beauty of the Servant who “will not break a bruised reed.” If you feel weary, weak, or overlooked, this passage...

In Matthew 12:1–8, the Pharisees condemn hungry disciples for picking grain on the Sabbath—but Jesus reveals something deeper: God desires mercy, not sacrifice. In this episode, Pastor Mark invites you to explore how legalism burdens the soul, why Jesus is “greater than the temple,” and what it means that the Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath. If you find yourself weary under religious pressure, t...

Even John the Baptist wrestled with doubt when Jesus didn’t fit his expectations. In Matthew 11:1–19, Jesus reminds us that His kingdom isn’t about political power but about healing, mercy, and good news. Join Pastor Mark in this episode of Gospel Explorations , as we discover how to trust a Messiah who doesn’t always act the way we expect, but who always fulfills God’s plan. Click here to access...

In Matthew 11:20–30, Jesus warns of judgment for those who see His works but refuse to repent—and then offers one of the most tender invitations in Scripture: ‘Come to Me…and I will give you rest.’ In this episode of Gospel Explorations , we will discover together the sobering reality of rejecting Christ and the soul-deep rest of receiving Him. Click here for show notes with discussion questions t...

Jesus never promised safety, but He did promise His presence. In Matthew 10:16–42, we are going to discuss how Jesus prepares His disciples for persecution, reminding them to expect opposition, to trust the Spirit, and to fear God rather than man. Join Pastor Mark as we explore what it means to be sheep among wolves, and how Christ’s call to take up our cross leads to true life. To go deeper into...

Jesus chose twelve ordinary men — fishermen, a tax collector, a zealot — and sent them out with His authority to preach the kingdom. In Matthew 10:1–15, we see what it means to be called, equipped, and sent. Listen in and be challenged to trust God’s provision and join His mission. To go deeper into this passage, be sure to check out the show notes and discussion questions, by clicking here . Send...

Two people in desperate need reach out to Jesus: a grieving father and a suffering woman. Both find healing, hope, and life in Him. In Matthew 9:18–26, we see how even imperfect faith, when placed in the right Person, is enough. Listen in with Pastor Mark as we discover together how Jesus meets us in our weakness with His power and compassion. To dive deeper into this passage, be sure to check out...

Jesus didn’t come to patch up old religion, He came to bring something completely new. In Matthew 9:14–17, He calls Himself the Bridegroom and explains why life with Him is full of joy, freedom, and newness. Join Pastor Mark as we explore together what it means to live as “new wineskins” in the light of the gospel. For a deeper dive into today's passage, click here to take a look at the show...

Jesus calls a tax collector — the outcast no one wanted — to follow Him. And then He sits down to eat with a house full of sinners. This is the heart of the Gospel: Jesus doesn’t come for the righteous, but for sinners like us. In this episode, join Pastor Mark as we explore together the radical grace of Jesus and what it means for our lives today. Click here for show notes and to dive deeper in t...

A paralyzed man is lowered through the roof to Jesus. His friends want healing. But Jesus says something unexpected: “Your sins are forgiven.” In this episode of Gospel Explorations , Pastor Mark invites you to join him as we consider how Jesus goes deeper than physical needs — He confronts the root problem of sin, and reveals His authority as the Son of God. For show notes click here . Send us Fa...

Two men enslaved by darkness. A herd of pigs. A town that begged Jesus to leave. In this episode of Gospel Explorations , we look at Jesus’ power over demonic spirits — His unmatched authority, His relentless care for the broken, and the sobering response of those who loved their pigs more than His presence. Listen in with Pastor Mark and be reminded that the same Jesus who commands demons is the...

What do you do when the waves are crashing and it feels like your life is sinking? Join Pastor Mark in this episode of Gospel Explorations , as we look together at Jesus calming the storm on the Sea of Galilee. This miracle is a powerful reminder of His authority over creation and His invitation to trust Him in the chaos. Listen now and be encouraged: the same Jesus who calmed the storm is with yo...