Sermons at Smoky Row Brethren Church

The meaning of Jesus' teaching on self-denial and taking up crosses is fairly straight forward: following Jesus means inviting trial and persecution. This is an example of a simple command that is just very difficult to obey. Join pastor Cory in a reflection on what it means to deny ourselves, why it is so difficult, and why it remains good news to follow Jesus.

What do you do when your boss asks you to do something unethical, and speaking out could risk your job? What do you do when a friend or loved one is harming themselves or others with their words or actions, but confronting them could risk severing the relationship? What do you do when doing the right thing may mean losing everything.

In one of the more confounding events of Jesus' ministry, we see Jesus initially deny a woman's request for her daughter's healing simply because she is a Gentile. What's worse, he calls her a dog while doing it! What are we supposed to make of this? Join pastor Cory for a reflection on this difficult passage, exploring some possible options for interpretation. Which option do you think is the mos...

What would it have been like to encounter Jesus walking out to your boat upon the waves? Join Bob Trube for a reflection on Mark 6:45-42.

What situations have you waiting for hope these days? What does it look like for you to bring your longing and disappointment to Jesus? Join pastor Cory for a reflection on Mark 5:21-43 and the hope of Christ that meets us in our anxious days.

What is the kingdom of God like? To what shall we compare it to? It's like a weedy plant... Join Pastor Cory in a reflection on Jesus' parable of the mustard seed - and the surprising strength and hospitality of God's Kingdom.

Do you ever wonder why Jesus chose the 12 men that he did to be set aside for special mission? Join Pastor Cory for a reflection on Jesus' call of the apostles and what it means for our own discipleship relationships.

The calling of Levi in Mark 2:13-17 shows us a curious truth - sometimes the people who are the least religious are the best suited to share Jesus with others.

When the world feels chaotic, it is common for people to think more about the end times and even see "prophets" come out of the woodwork warning people to be prepared for what is coming. But what does the Bible say it means to "be prepared"? Join pastor Cory as we begin a series in the Gospel of Mark and reflect on John the Baptist's ministry preparing the way for Jesus.