Épisodes

  • God's Voice In Images | Isaiah 8:18 | Larry Ray

    God's Voice In Images | Isaiah 8:18 | Larry Ray
    Dec 1 2025

    In his sermon, Larry explores the central idea that God communicates His most important truths not primarily through words, but through pictures, signs, and especially people. Beginning with the saying “a picture is worth a thousand words,” Larry explains that some realities are simply too deep to express with language alone. This is why God filled Scripture with vivid symbols—trees, rainbows, the Passover, the Red Sea, the tabernacle, baptism, bread, and wine—because these images convey what words often cannot.

    He then shows that God’s favorite picture—His clearest sign—has always been people themselves. The lives of biblical figures communicated divine messages more powerfully than their speeches. Prophets such as Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Hosea lived out symbolic actions that illustrated God’s heart: Isaiah naming his sons “Destruction is coming” and “The remnant will return”; Jeremiah burying and retrieving a ruined loincloth; Hosea marrying an unfaithful woman to embody God’s relentless love; Ezekiel being commanded not to mourn his wife to display the depth of coming national sorrow.

    These people’s lives were the message.

    Larry emphasizes that Jesus is the ultimate sign and picture of God. Jesus’ life, not only His teachings, reveals what God is like—His compassion, His priorities, His character. Jesus embodied the fullness of the Old Testament and made the invisible God visible, fulfilling humanity’s original calling to be God’s image-bearers. Our first vocation was not gardening, Larry notes, but image-bearing—making visible the invisible qualities of God in everyday life.

    Christians today carry that same calling. People around us cannot see God’s patience, forgiveness, mercy, or truthfulness—but they can see those qualities expressed through the lives of God’s people. December, Larry points out, is a uniquely open-hearted season. In conversations, stores, gatherings, and family events, believers have an opportunity not to push opinions on politics or morality but to embody God’s goodness, becoming His “light and salt” in the world.

    Larry applies this especially to parenting and grandparenting. The most powerful influence we have on the next generation isn’t nagging, lecturing, or pushing principles—it’s showing a superior, joyful life, one that demonstrates God’s character rather than merely describing it. Children and grandchildren learn less from what we say and more from what we consistently live. To illustrate this, Larry recalls his father’s transformation and the unforgettable picture of obedience he displayed when God called him to reconcile with someone he deeply disliked.

    That image shaped Larry more than any speech his father ever gave.

    Ultimately, Larry calls believers to embrace their identity as God’s image-bearers, empowered by grace to make the invisible God visible wherever they go.

    Discussion Questions for Putting the Message into Practice

    1. Visibility of God: What invisible qualities of God (grace, truth, patience, forgiveness, courage, generosity) do you feel called to “make visible” this month?

    2. December Opportunities: Where is God sending you this month—stores, workplaces, gatherings—where you could intentionally embody His character?

    3. Influence Through Example: Think of someone in your life who watched your actions more than your words (a child, coworker, friend). What picture are you currently painting for them?

    4. Obedience Promptings: When was the last time God nudged you to do something uncomfortable? What might obedience look like now, even if you don’t want to do it?

    5. Life as a Symbol: If someone could only see your life—not hear your beliefs—what would they conclude about what God is like?
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    49 min
  • He Is Good | Jesus is Better | Mark 12:35-40 | Coleton Segars

    He Is Good | Jesus is Better | Mark 12:35-40 | Coleton Segars
    Nov 24 2025
    JESUS IS BETTER Mark 12:35–40 Culture of Gospel Share this with someone in your life who doesn’t know Jesus If corruption, hypocrisy, and abuse inside the church have ever made you question Jesus, let this sink in: Jesus condemned those things even more fiercely than you do. What you hate about religion is often the very reason you might love Jesus — because He exposes that darkness and stands against it. Sermon Summary In this message, Coleton walks deeply into one of Jesus’ sharpest public confrontations with religious leaders. Drawing from Mark 12:35–40, he exposes three behaviors of the teachers of the law that still plague the church today — behaviors that cause people to lose trust, walk away, or become disgusted with religion altogether. But instead of letting these failings push us from Jesus, Coleton argues they should push us closer to Him, because Jesus Himself condemns these very abuses more clearly, more passionately, and more fiercely than we ever could. What follows is Coleton’s three-point framework, each grounded in Scripture, history, and modern examples, ultimately leading us toward a posture of repentance, discernment, and deeper intimacy with Jesus. 1. Hypocritical Lifestyle — Appearing Righteous (vv. 38, 40) Scripture: “Watch out for the teachers of the law. They like to walk around in flowing robes and be greeted with respect… and for a show make lengthy prayers.” — Mark 12:38, 40 Historical Note (Mark Strauss): “Teachers of the law wore long white linen robes… These garments imitated the robes worn by priests and so ‘signified’ religious devotion.” Jesus’ critique: They projected holiness to gain admiration, honor, and spiritual credibility, but inside they were spiritually dead. Coleton highlights Jesus’ words from Matthew where He calls them “whitewashed tombs” — clean and impressive on the outside, but hiding decay beneath. He describes Bryn Gilet’s painting of the Pharisee and tax collector, showing a beautifully posed, self-righteous Pharisee whose “worship” is nothing more than polished emptiness. Modern Example: Coleton shares his disillusionment with a once-admired pastor whose hidden lifestyle contradicted everything he preached. The fallout devastated a church, wounded countless people, and embodied this exact hypocrisy Jesus condemned. Main Idea: Hypocrisy in spiritual leaders makes people question everything — the church, the message, even Jesus Himself. But Jesus is not soft on hypocrisy. He hates it. He exposes it, condemns it, and warns His followers to stay alert to it. 2. Using God to Get Better Treatment & Better Stuff (vv. 38–39) Scripture: “They like to… be greeted with respect… and have the most important seats… and the places of honor at banquets.” — Mark 12:38–39 Commentary (David Guzik): “They taught that teachers were to be respected almost as much as God… The greatest act someone could do was to give money to a teacher… Of course, it was the teachers themselves who taught this.” What’s happening here? These leaders used Scripture as a tool to extract honor, wealth, and privilege for themselves. They weren’t shepherds — they were spiritual opportunists. Modern Examples: Coleton highlights real stories we all see far too often: Pastors who demand honorific treatment. Churches where members must publicly declare their tithes. Preachers who use the pulpit to justify private jets or lavish lifestyles. Leaders who shame people into financial giving. He tells of a man who built a multi-million-dollar home for a pastor and said simply, “This is why I don’t trust the church.” He didn’t know Scripture — he just knew something felt wrong. Main Idea: When spiritual authority becomes a platform for personal gain, the world sees right through it — and they should. Jesus Himself calls out this manipulation long before modern critics ever did. 3. Using Power to Prey on the Weak (v. 40) Scripture: “They devour widows’ houses…” — Mark 12:40 Commentary (David L. McKenna): “Scribes served as consultants in estate planning for widows… They convinced lonely and susceptible women that their money should be given to the scribe… There is no better way to assure the confidence of widows than by a show of spirituality….” What Jesus is condemning: Religious leaders using spiritual authority to exploit and financially drain vulnerable people — particularly widows. Modern Examples (summarized): Coleton cites a heartbreaking list: Southern Baptist Convention’s report documenting 700 abusers in a decade and systemic cover-ups. Prosperity preachers promising healing in exchange for “seed money.” Stories of people dying from illness after being taught to give instead of seek treatment. “Miracle cash cards,” “resurrection seeds,” “holy water,” and other manipulative schemes. Coleton notes how reading these cases was “brutal....
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    45 min
  • He Is Good | The Greatest Command | Mark 12:28-34| Coleton Segars

    He Is Good | The Greatest Command | Mark 12:28-34| Coleton Segars
    Nov 17 2025
    The Greatest Command — Mark 12:28–34 Culture of Gospel One of the things we want as a church is to grow in our ability to share about Jesus with those who don’t know Jesus. Use this summary statement to share with someone in your life who doesn’t know Jesus: “Jesus isn’t inviting you into cold religion or a list of demands—He’s inviting you into the kind of love that reshapes your life from the inside out. The God of the universe doesn’t want your performance; He wants your heart. Sermon Summary Introduction Coleton opens by naming the central question every follower of Jesus must answer: What matters most to God? Not: What matters most to Christians, churches, or religious culture… but what matters most to God Himself. Jesus answers that question directly in Mark 12. And Coleton’s goal is simple: To show what God values most. To show why it matters. To show what this means for our church and for each person individually. 1. What Matters Most to God? Mark 12:29–30 “The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’” The most important thing to God is that you love Him. Not that you serve Him. Not that you behave correctly. Not that you meet moral standards. Not that you avoid sin. Love is the highest command. What Most People Think Matters Most to God Coleton names the most common assumptions Christians carry: “God mostly wants me to get saved.” “God mostly wants me to stop sinning.” “God mostly wants me to pray more, read more, go to church more.” “God mostly wants me to serve the poor, give money, volunteer, or be more missional.” All important. But not most important. Jesus’ Rebuke of Ephesus—Proof That Good Works ≠ Love Revelation 2:2–5 “I know your deeds… Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first… Repent.” This church was doctrinally strong. Morally clean. Active in service. Enduring hardship. Doing everything “right.” And Jesus still says: You do not love Me anymore. And failing to love Him is so serious that Jesus warns: “If you do not repent, I will remove your lampstand.” God cares more about your affection for Him than the actions you perform in His name. Key Point Doing things for God is not the same as loving God. 2. Why This Matters: Love for God Shapes Who You Become One of the main reasons this is the greatest command is because love is what transforms you. God wants His people to be: Compassionate Generous Sacrificial Humble Pure Joyful Loving toward neighbor and enemy But these things don’t come from effort or trying harder. They grow naturally out of love. Illustration: Coleton and Rainey’s Early Relationship When they were dating long-distance: He drove 8 hours overnight just to spend a few hours with her. He wrote letters daily. He spent money he didn’t have to buy her meals and gifts. He thought about her constantly. Why? Not because she handed him a list of rules. Because he loved her. Love makes sacrifice a joy. Love makes devotion natural. Love makes obedience a delight. This Is What God Wants With You When you love Him… Spending time with Him becomes natural. Sacrificing for Him becomes joy. Worship becomes expression, not obligation. Caring for the poor flows from His heart in yours. Sin loses its power because your love is captured elsewhere. Spurgeon Quote (used by Coleton) “Jesus loved you when you lived carelessly… when you were hiding your every sin… even when you were at hell’s gate… Think of His great love towards you… and your love will grow.” Why Other Commands Aren’t “Most Important” Because all of them grow out of the soil of love for God. Love is the tree—everything else is fruit. 3. What This Means for Our Church Coleton gives a strong pastoral warning: Churches die not because culture changes or neighborhoods shift. Churches die when they stop loving Jesus. Revelation 2 Revisited Jesus says to Ephesus: “If you do not repent, I will remove your lampstand.” Meaning: I will remove your church. Not Satan. Not culture. Jesus Himself. Why? Because a church that doesn’t love Jesus can’t represent Jesus. A church that doesn’t love Him… Won’t love people the way He does. Won’t reflect His character. Won’t look like Him. Won’t be shaped into His image. Won’t show the world what God is like. Coleton’s Burden He described visiting dying churches—churches with excuses: “The neighborhood changed.” “Young people don’t want church.” “Culture is too secular.” No. The lampstand was removed. He says: “I do not want us to be a church He removes.” We cannot simply be a church that does many things for God. We must be a church that loves God. 4. How Do We Grow in Love for God? Jesus tells Ephesus: ...
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    43 min
  • He Is Good | The Resurrection Life | Mark 12:18-27 | Coleton Segars

    He Is Good | The Resurrection Life | Mark 12:18-27 | Coleton Segars
    Nov 10 2025
    Sermon Summary: “The Resurrection Life” (Mark 12:18–27) Preached by Coleton Segars Introduction: You Can Learn a Lot from an Argument Coleton began with a story about a moment of conflict in his front yard—when someone yelled at his wife, and he immediately stepped in to defend her. His point was simple but powerful: you can learn a lot from an argument. That’s true in life, and it’s true in Scripture. The argument between Jesus and the Sadducees in Mark 12 shows us a lot—not just about them, but about how our own beliefs about the resurrection shape the way we live today. In this passage, the Sadducees—religious leaders who didn’t believe in resurrection—try to trap Jesus with a clever theological puzzle. They present an absurd story of a woman who marries seven brothers (following the Levirate law in Deuteronomy). Each brother dies without leaving children, and then they ask: “At the resurrection, whose wife will she be, since the seven were married to her?” (Mark 12:23) They aren’t sincerely curious. They’re mocking the idea of resurrection. But Jesus’ response reveals two deep truths about life after death—and why those truths matter more than we realize. How We View the Resurrection Shapes How We Live “Are you not in error because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God?” — Mark 12:24 Coleton explained that the Sadducees’ disbelief in the resurrection shaped everything about their lives. Verse 18 says they were known as “those who say there is no resurrection.” Because they believed this life was all there is, they lived for this life only: chasing after wealth, status, and power. They looked down on others. They thought Jesus was foolish for believing in something beyond the grave. Jesus told them they were badly mistaken—but their mistake wasn’t just intellectual. It was moral and spiritual. Their disbelief formed the foundation of how they lived. Coleton showed that this is always true: What we believe about life after death determines how we live this life. He illustrated it with examples from history and world religions: Vikings believed dying bravely in battle led to glory in Valhalla—so they lived without fear. Certain Islamic traditions taught that dying in holy war brought heavenly rewards. Hinduism believe reincarnation depends on one’s karma—so kindness and duty matter deeply in this life. Even for us, our view of the afterlife quietly directs how we spend our time, our money, and our energy. Coleton then described four common ways people misunderstand or misbelieve the resurrection today: “Never think about it” – Like the Sadducees, we live as if this world is all there is. “You only live once,” so grab what you can. “Think about it too much” – Some see this world as disposable and stop caring about God’s purposes to renew it. “It won’t be better” – Fear of the unknown or of death keeps us from living courageously like Paul, who said, “To live is Christ and to die is gain.” “Everyone goes to the same afterlife” – This leads to apathy about the gospel and the Great Commission. Coleton’s conclusion was sobering: “Our current life is shaped by how we view the life to come.” So how should we view it? Life After Death Is True for Everyone—Whether They Believe It or Not “‘I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.’ He is not the God of the dead, but of the living. You are badly mistaken!” — Mark 12:26–27 The Sadducees didn’t believe in resurrection, angels, or spirits. They only accepted the first five books of Moses as authoritative. So Jesus met them on their own ground—quoting from Exodus, one of Moses’ books—to prove that even there, resurrection is implied. When God said, “I am the God of Abraham…”, He used the present tense. Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob had been dead for centuries—but God said He is their God, not was. That means they are alive to Him even now. Jesus’ argument is brilliant—and undeniable: Resurrection life is real, and it’s true for everyone, believer or not. Coleton tied this to John 5:24–29, where Jesus says that one day all the dead will rise—some to eternal life, others to judgment. There is no “sleep of nothingness.” Everyone will live again. That truth should stir two responses in us: Urgency to share Jesus. “If you truly believe everyone will rise—either to life or judgment—you’ll want to tell people about Jesus.” Coleton asked, “Do you have people in your life who don’t know Him?” If we believe in a real resurrection, we can’t stay silent. A call to make Jesus compelling. “Is the way you follow Jesus making Him beautiful or unappealing?” He warned that if Christians live joyless, judgmental, bitter lives, our witness turns people away from Jesus. Paul, though suffering, radiated peace and joy that made others want to know his Savior. The question ...
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    41 min
  • He Is Good | God & Caesar | Mark 12:13-17 | Coleton Segars

    He Is Good | God & Caesar | Mark 12:13-17 | Coleton Segars
    Nov 3 2025
    Sermon Summary: God & Caesar Mark 12:13–17 “Later they sent some of the Pharisees and Herodians to Jesus to catch him in his words…” Jesus said to them, ‘Give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s.’ And they were amazed at him.” – Mark 12:13–17 Introduction: When Our Allegiance Shifts Coleton began by connecting the ancient tension of Jesus’ words to a very modern moment. He recalled the tragic event of September 10, 2025, when Charlie Kirk, a political activist, was shot and killed. What followed, Coleton said, was not just mourning, but division. Some celebrated, others grieved, and soon churches became battlefields of political expectation. In some congregations, people even walked out of worship services because their pastor didn’t mention Charlie Kirk by name. Coleton made this sobering observation: “They didn’t leave because Jesus wasn’t worshiped. They didn’t leave because the gospel wasn’t preached. They left because another man’s name wasn’t mentioned.” And in doing so, Coleton said, “They rendered unto Caesar that which was God’s.” They gave their allegiance — something meant for God alone — to another. We live in a time where the church wrestles to understand and live obediently to what Jesus says in this passage. Coleton gave background, teaching from Jesus, and challenges we face in obeying Jesus. 1. The Background: A Trap Disguised as a Question Coleton explained that this was no innocent question. The Pharisees and Herodians were political enemies — the Pharisees hated Roman control; the Herodians supported it. But they joined forces to trap Jesus. They asked, “Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar?” If Jesus said yes, He’d lose favor with His Jewish followers. If He said no, He’d be accused of rebellion against Rome. Either way, they thought they had Him. The Tax and Its Offense Coleton quoted historian Mark Strauss to give context: “The coin bore the image of Tiberius Caesar with the words ‘Son of the divine Augustus.’ This was idolatry — a direct violation of the first and second commandments.” For Jews, paying this tax wasn’t just about money — it was about worship. Would they honor God or bow to Caesar? Coleton summarized it like this: “The Pharisees and Herodians are forcing Jesus to pick a side. But Jesus refuses their categories — and instead shows that His kingdom transcends them.” 2. What We Learn from Jesus’ Answer When Jesus said, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s,” He wasn’t being clever — He was being clear. Coleton said Jesus’ words teach two essential truths. A. “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s” — Obedience without Idolatry Jesus acknowledges the legitimacy of human governments. Coleton quoted Mark Strauss again: “Jesus affirmed that Caesar has a legitimate claim, and so does God. Civil obedience does not contradict the obedience due to God — so long as God’s rights are safeguarded.” That means we can pay taxes, show respect, obey laws, and honor leaders — as long as it doesn’t lead us into disobedience to God. Coleton drew from Romans 13:1–7, where Paul commands believers to be subject to governing authorities because “there is no authority except that which God has established.” He reminded listeners: “You’re not obeying Caesar because he deserves it — you’re obeying God because He commands it.” The Egyptian Church Story Coleton shared a story from Pete Greig about the persecuted Coptic Christians in Egypt. When their churches were closed for nine years, they didn’t riot. Instead, they turned every home into a church. When the ruler later walked the streets, he heard worship from every house and lifted the ban. “They gave Caesar the building, but they gave God their hearts,” Coleton said. “They rendered to Caesar what was Caesar’s — but they never stopped giving to God what was God’s.” That, he said, is true obedience: submission that never compromises worship. B. “Give to God what is God’s” — Full Allegiance and Love “God gets the first and the most,” Coleton said. “Our heart, our mind, our strength, our time, our devotion — He gets it all first.” He reminded the church that even when rulers oppose God’s ways, our loyalty remains fixed on Him. The early Christians refused to call Caesar “Lord,” even if it cost them their lives. Coleton quoted Bruce Shelley: “Had the Christians been willing to burn that pinch of incense and say ‘Caesar is Lord,’ they could have worshiped Jesus freely. But they would not compromise.” “They would not render to Caesar what belonged to God,” Coleton emphasized. “Even if it cost them everything.” 3. The Challenge: When We Mix These Up Coleton said this is the heart of the problem today — we mix up what belongs to Caesar and what belongs to God. A. When We Don’t Like Caesar When we dislike our leaders, we ...
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    41 min
  • He Is Good | Jesus the Cornerstone | Mark 12:10-11 | Coleton Segars

    He Is Good | Jesus the Cornerstone | Mark 12:10-11 | Coleton Segars
    Oct 27 2025
    Sermon Summary: “Jesus the Cornerstone” (Mark 12:10–11) “‘The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; the Lord has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes.’” — Mark 12:10–11 Introduction: A Title That Tells a Story Coleton opened by recalling a childhood nickname—“The Master of Disaster”—a title that summed up his habit of breaking things and then turning to his brother’s belongings for replacements. He explained how nicknames often tell us something true about who a person is. In this passage, Jesus gives Himself a title drawn from Psalm 118—the Cornerstone. This name, Coleton explained, reveals how Jesus wants to operate in our lives: as the foundation and guide upon which everything else depends. Coleton invited the church to explore two key characteristics of a cornerstone—and how they reveal what Jesus wants to be for us. 1. The Cornerstone Was the First Stone Laid A cornerstone was always the first and most important stone in ancient construction. It determined the direction, shape, and alignment of every other stone that followed. Builders would measure every subsequent piece against it. “Whatever the cornerstone looked like, the other stones would look like.” Coleton said that’s what Jesus wants to be for us: the one who shapes our lives, directs our paths, and forms our character. He’s not trying to control us—He’s trying to lead and form us into His likeness. Coleton then painted a vivid contrast between our human tendencies and Christ’s character: We Are Jesus Is Impatient Long-suffering Selfish Selfless Proud Humble Discontent Trusting Fearful Courageous Worried Peaceful Busy & stressed Unhurried Afraid of rejection Secure in the Father’s love Lustful Self-controlled Unforgiving Infinitely forgiving Empty Full and overflowing “The virtues we’re searching for,” Coleton said, “are not found apart from Him—they are found in Him.” Therefore, whatever or whoever is your cornerstone will shape your life into its image. Reflection Questions Coleton Posed: What is shaping your anger, your spending, your relationships? Who decides how you treat your spouse, raise your kids, or forgive others? What dictates your habits—Jesus or your desires? Coleton challenged listeners: If Jesus isn’t the one shaping your decisions, then something else is. That “something else” has become your cornerstone. 2. The Cornerstone Was the Strongest Stone The cornerstone wasn’t just first—it was also the strongest. It had to bear the weight of the entire structure and withstand storms. If it crumbled, the whole building collapsed. Coleton used this to illustrate why Jesus is the only foundation that won’t fail: “See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation; the one who relies on it will never be shaken.” — Isaiah 28:16 Everything else in life—success, relationships, money, career, beauty, reputation—is fragile. If those things fall apart, so will we. But Jesus is the only foundation that can never be shaken. Coleton shared personally about how, early in his life, his relationship with Rainey was his cornerstone. When things were good, he felt secure. When they weren’t, he was crushed. Later, as a pastor, his cornerstone often shifted to his church’s success or how well his sermon went. When those things faltered, his peace faltered too. He said, “I can turn even my ministry into my cornerstone instead of Jesus.” To reorient his heart, Coleton often stares at Rembrandt’s painting “Christ in the Storm on the Sea of Galilee.” He sees himself among the disciples, frantically trying to steady the ship—the church—while Jesus calmly rests amid chaos. Then he remembers Jesus’ question: “Why are you so afraid?” (Mark 4:40) Coleton said, “If He’s not worried, why should I be? If He’s not shaken, why should I be?” That truth reshapes everything. He invited listeners to apply that same faith to their own circumstances: If your job is shaking—Jesus still promises to provide. If the government is shaking—Jesus still reigns. If your children are struggling—Jesus loves them more than you do. If your health is declining—Jesus has already conquered death. Coleton said, “Whatever shakes your life reveals your cornerstone.” But when Jesus is your cornerstone, even the fiercest storm can’t topple your soul. 3. How to Make Jesus Your Cornerstone Coleton closed by teaching from Matthew 7:24–27, where Jesus says that the wise builder is the one who hears His words and puts them into practice. “Everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock… The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew… yet it did not fall.” Simply calling Jesus “Lord” isn’t enough. Obedience is what builds a life on Him. Coleton said, “There are people walking around calling Jesus ...
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    42 min
  • He is Good | A Better Gospel | Mark 12:1-12 | Coleton Segars

    He is Good | A Better Gospel | Mark 12:1-12 | Coleton Segars
    Oct 20 2025
    Sermon Summary: “The Patient Heart of God” Mark 12:1–12 Introduction: The Gospel That Captivates, Not Terrifies Coleton began with a story from his childhood — his first time hearing the gospel at a Vacation Bible School in Riverdale, Georgia. The preacher was loud, red-faced, and terrifying. Young Coleton walked down the aisle, not because he loved Jesus or wanted to follow Him, but because he was afraid of hell. He reflected, “The preacher’s message was true — but it didn’t lead me to turn to Jesus because I was captivated by Him. Jesus wasn’t made beautiful or awesome to me; He was made out to be brutal, angry, mean, and threatening.” Coleton shared that his goal was to communicate the same truth that preacher did — that rejecting Jesus brings death — but in a completely different way: showing the beauty, patience, and love of God who relentlessly pursues us. From this parable, Jesus reveals two truths: The patient heart of God. What we invite into our lives when we reject the Son. 1. The Patient Heart of God Mark 12:2–5 – “At harvest time he sent a servant to the tenants to collect from them some of the fruit of the vineyard. But they seized him, beat him and sent him away empty-handed… He sent still another, and that one they killed. He sent many others; some of them they beat, others they killed.” Coleton explained that this parable paints the long history of Israel’s rejection of God’s prophets. Time and again, God sent messengers calling His people to repentance — and time and again, they refused to listen. Yet, instead of destroying them, God patiently sent another messenger. And another. And another. That’s the heart of God: He keeps coming after His people, giving chance after chance. “The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise… Instead He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” – 2 Peter 3:9 God’s patience isn’t weakness — it’s love in action. He longs for every person to experience life and repentance. Coleton said, “This isn’t just about ancient Israel. This is how God pursues each of us. Even when we run, ignore, or push Him away — He keeps sending reminders, people, and moments to get our attention.” Examples of God’s Patient Pursuit C.S. Lewis described his conversion as a “chess game with God.” He was an atheist who wanted nothing to do with religion, but God kept making “moves” — awakening a longing in him for beauty and joy that the world couldn’t satisfy. “If I find in myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world.” – C.S. Lewis Lewis later wrote about the night he finally surrendered: “I gave in, and admitted that God was God, and knelt and prayed: perhaps, that night, the most dejected and reluctant convert in all England.” – C.S. Lewis, Surprised by Joy Similarly, St. Augustine — once consumed by lust and pride — found himself restless and unsatisfied. One day, he heard a voice say, “Take up and read,” and his eyes fell on this verse: “Not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery… Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ.” – Romans 13:13–14 That moment changed him forever. “There was infused in my heart something like the light of full certainty and all the gloom of doubt vanished away.” – St. Augustine, Confessions Coleton then shared his own story — how God patiently pursued him through emptiness, injury, and unlikely people: First, through the emptiness he felt in high school after trying everything to fill the void. Then, through pain, when he tore his knee and began thinking about God. Then, through a person, a man named Mark McClendon, who shared the gentle love of God. Finally, through conviction, one night when he felt God chasing him — even in his brokenness. “He is always pursuing us with great patience,” Coleton said. “Because He doesn’t want any to perish.” Paul wrote the same in Romans 1:19–20: “What may be known about God is plain… since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—His eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen… so that people are without excuse.” God’s pursuit is relentless. His heart is patient, and His goal is repentance and relationship. 2. Why God Sent the Son Mark 12:6 – “He had one left to send, a son, whom he loved. He sent him last of all, saying, ‘They will respect my son.’” Coleton pointed out the beauty and heartbreak of this verse. The owner of the vineyard — representing God — has one last hope: his beloved son. Instead of crushing the tenants, he sends his son in love, saying, “Surely they will respect my son.” God sends Jesus not to condemn, but because He desperately hopes humanity will respond. “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son… For God did not ...
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    41 min
  • He is Good | Jesus Disagrees with You | Mark 11:27-33 | Coleton Segars

    He is Good | Jesus Disagrees with You | Mark 11:27-33 | Coleton Segars
    Oct 13 2025
    Coleton began with a piercing question: “How much do you think Jesus agrees with the way you live your life?” He invited listeners to imagine Jesus observing everything—how they spend time and money, how they treat people, what they watch, post, and prioritize. Would Jesus agree with most of it, or would He find much to challenge and correct? Coleton quoted author Anne Lamott: “You can safely assume you've created God in your own image when it turns out that God hates all the same people you do.” Then he adapted it: “You can safely assume you’ve created God in your own image when it turns out that God agrees with everything you do.” He reminded the congregation that Jesus does disagree with us—and that it’s not a mark of rejection but of love. Since He is infinite, holy, and perfect, and we are finite and sinful, it only makes sense that His view of our lives will often clash with ours. “Jesus’ disagreement with sin in our lives led to the most loving act anyone could do for another person—to lay down His life for them.” Coleton emphasized that in our culture, disagreement is often seen as unloving—but Scripture teaches the opposite. Jesus loves us enough to confront what destroys us. The key question, then, becomes: “What is your response when Jesus disagrees with you?” From Mark 11:27–33, Coleton showed three wrong ways to respond when Jesus disagrees with us—and one right one. 1. Questioning Jesus’ Authority (vv. 27–28) “By what authority are you doing these things?” they asked. “And who gave you authority to do this?” The religious leaders asked Jesus this because He had just cleansed the temple and publicly called them out as a “den of robbers.” They weren’t questioning because they were curious—they were questioning because He disagreed with them. Coleton said: “If Jesus had agreed, they wouldn’t have questioned. They would have used Him to prove their points.” And we do the same. When a verse affirms our views or lifestyle, we post it, memorize it, and celebrate it. But when Scripture disagrees with us—when it calls out sin, pride, greed, gossip, or unforgiveness—we tend to ignore it, reinterpret it, or go silent. “We question His authority by avoiding the verses that disagree with us.” Coleton illustrated this with historical examples of people literally cutting parts out of the Bible: Thomas Jefferson’s Bible, which removed miracles and Jesus’ divinity. The “Slave Bible,” edited by slave owners to remove verses about freedom and equality. The Nazi Bible, which stripped out all Jewish references and messages of mercy. “They didn’t argue that the verses were untrue—they just silenced them.” Then he asked a haunting question: “If a Bible were written based on your life, what would it include—and what would it exclude?” He called this the “MPT”—My Personal Translation—the version of the Bible where “Jesus agrees with every decision I make.” Reflection We may not use scissors like Jefferson, but we do it subtly in our hearts—ignoring passages like: “Forgive as you’ve been forgiven.” “Love your enemies.” “Give sacrificially.” “Do not gossip.” “Live at peace with everyone.” Coleton challenged listeners to ask: “Where do you question Jesus by simply silencing verses that disagree with you?” 2. Seeking to Discredit Jesus (v. 28) Coleton explained that the religious leaders’ question wasn’t sincere—it was a trap. “They don’t actually want to know. They’re trying to find a reason not to listen.” William Lane, in his commentary, observes: “Whatever answer Jesus gives, the conclusion is the same: He must be arrested. If He attests that His authority is from God, the charge is blasphemy. If He claims secular authority, the charge is insurrection.” Their goal wasn’t truth—it was to discredit Jesus so they wouldn’t have to change. “They knew they couldn’t disprove Him, so they tried to discredit Him.” Coleton drew a parallel to how we do the same today—finding reasons why Jesus’ words don’t apply to us: The Feels – “That doesn’t feel right.” Your Truth – “That might be true for you, but not for me.” The Snowflake Situation – “My situation is different.” The Cultural Argument – “That was for a different time.” Proof-texting – Quoting a verse out of context to justify sin. Minimizing – “It’s not a big deal; God will forgive me.” Justifying – “They made me do it. I deserve this.” Comparison – “At least I’m not as bad as that person.” Calling the Bible Outdated – “That doesn’t fit in the modern world.” He quoted Tim Keller: “Society makes judgments through what C.S. Lewis called ‘chronological snobbery,’ assuming that whatever has gone out of date is discredited.” Coleton said: “All of these are ways we say, ‘I don’t have to do that because…’” And every time we do, ...
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    42 min