Green Mountain Christian Church
A Neighborhood Church Reflecting the Love and Hope of Jesus
We’re starting a new series, one that will take about four months to get through, on the book of Mark. Some have called Mark the “Shotgun Gospel” because it’s the shortest gospel, it has a way of getting right to the point. He’s not trying to mix words but he wants to get right to the point.
The word “immediately” comes up a lot in Mark. It points out how Jesus was always on task accomplishing his mission. He’s always moving towards his goal. Mark also gives us a glimpse at what it is to be a disciple of Jesus.
On top of that, Mark is written for a Roman audience. The Romans had their own slew of gods, so Mark shows how Jesus is different than those gods. We call it “Jesus and the Way” because the book of Acts often refers to believers as “The Way.” And this is what we really get down to: when Jesus says to go a certain way, that’s the way I’ll go. I’m following Jesus. And this is what we really want to get into is discovering who Jesus is, what it is to be his disciple, what it is to follow Jesus.
When our world gets turned upside down, we often find ourselves asking “What now?” The disciples faced this exact question after experiencing the whirlwind of Jesus’s crucifixion and resurrection. Their response and Jesus’s guidance provide valuable lessons for navigating uncertain times. How Do We Handle Major Life Changes? After Jesus’s resurrection, the disciples were processing … Read more
The Power of the Empty Tomb: How Easter Changes Everything The resurrection of Jesus represents more than just a historical event – it’s a transformative moment that continues to impact lives today. The empty tomb serves as the foundation of Christian faith and provides lasting significance for believers and seekers alike. What Happened on That … Read more
Good Friday represents both the ultimate expression of God’s love and the darkest moment in Christian history. It embodies what can be called “elegiac beauty” – something simultaneously beautiful and tragic. What Makes Good Friday Both Beautiful and Tragic? The beauty lies in Christ’s perfect love and selfless sacrifice, choosing to bear our sins out … Read more
Breaking Down Barriers: Understanding Jesus’s Triumphant Entry into Jerusalem In Mark 11, we witness a pivotal moment in Jesus’s ministry – His triumphant entry into Jerusalem. This marks the beginning of what would become His final week on earth, where He deliberately moves forward with His divine mission. Why Did Jesus Choose This Moment to … Read more
Opening Our Hands to Follow Jesus: Lessons from the Rich Young Ruler Just like monkeys can be trapped by their unwillingness to let go of something in their grasp, we too can find ourselves trapped by things we refuse to release. This powerful lesson emerges from Jesus’ encounter with the rich young ruler in Mark … Read more
The Cost and Benefits of Following Jesus: A Deep Dive into Mark 8:34-38 Following Jesus isn’t always easy, but understanding both the costs and benefits can help us make informed decisions about our faith journey. This examination of Mark 8:34-38 reveals important truths about what it truly means to be a disciple of Christ. What … Read more
A Personal Journey of Faith from Mark 8:27-30 In our relationships, certain questions can test and define the nature of our connection with others. One of the most powerful questions we can face is “What do you think?” This simple question demands honesty and can either strengthen or strain relationships. The Critical Question Jesus Asks … Read more
Message by Ron Walter on Mark 7:1-23 In our journey of faith, there’s a crucial distinction between being religious and being a true disciple of Jesus. This exploration of Mark 7:1-23 reveals important truths about what it means to follow Jesus authentically. There’s a difference between being religious and being a disciple. Religious people often … Read more
Understanding the Price of True Discipleship (Mark 6:14-29) Following Jesus is wonderful, liberating, and allows us to step into our God-given purpose. However, there’s more to discipleship than what appears on the surface – there’s also a cost. Through the story of John the Baptist’s execution by King Herod, we learn valuable lessons about the … Read more
Understanding God’s Unlimited Care and Attention (Mark 5:21-43) When unexpected moments occur, we often see people’s true character revealed. This principle applies not just to human relationships, but also to understanding who God truly is. Through the story in Mark 5:21-43, we witness Jesus revealing His true nature in responding to multiple urgent needs simultaneously. … Read more