As Paul continues his call for believers to imitate the humility of Christ, we see that theology is meant to be lived out. Timothy models genuine concern for others and proven faithfulness over time, while Epaphroditus demonstrates costly service and unwavering commitment to Christ and His church. Together, they show us what it looks like to put the interests of Jesus and others above ourselves. 

This message challenges us to become people who care deeply, serve sacrificially, invest in discipleship, and honor faithful servants. It also reminds the church of its responsibility to receive, encourage, and support those God sends for the work of ministry. 

Big Idea: God sends His servants to the church, and the church is called to serve the servants He sends. 

📖 Passage: Philippians 2:19–30

🌐 Learn more about Ascend Bible Church: ascendbible.church

📍 Indianapolis, Indiana

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Writing from prison, he isn’t discouraged—he’s rejoicing. Why? Because the gospel is advancing, Christ is being proclaimed, and God is working through it all.

Big Idea: A life centered on Christ reorders our mission and reshapes our vision.

Paul reminds us:

Our mission is gospel advancement

Our lives aren’t about recognition, but Christ being known

Prayer and the Spirit sustain the work

And ultimately:

“To live is Christ, and to die is gain.”

What are you living for? 

Paul thought he knew where he was going—but the Holy Spirit redirects him to Philippi. And there, God saves three very different people: a businesswoman, a slave girl, and a jailer. Different backgrounds. Different stories. Same gospel.

In this sermon, we explore:

How God directs His people through closed doors and clear calls

Why confusion doesn’t mean God is absent

How the gospel transforms every kind of person

What it looks like to trust God’s leading in your own life

No matter where you find yourself today, this passage reminds us: God is still guiding, still saving, and still building His church.

Scripture: Acts 16:6–34

—

If this message encouraged you, like the video, subscribe, and share it with someone who needs it.

Connect with Ascend Bible Church:

Website: https://ascendbible.church

Join us Sundays at 10am in Indianapolis

The resurrection changes everything.

If Easter didn’t happen, then this is just a gathering built around a dead man.

But if it did happen… this is the most important truth in the world.

In this message, we walk through Mark 16:1–20 and see:

The reality of the empty tomb

The struggle of unbelief—even among Jesus’ followers

The grace of Jesus in pursuing people anyway

The call to go and proclaim the gospel

Mark’s Gospel ends in a way that invites you into the story.

It forces the question:

How will you respond?

The gospel is simple and powerful:

Jesus lived.

Jesus died.

Jesus rose.

Jesus is alive.

This isn’t about what we do—it’s about what He has already done.

So the question remains:

Will you believe?

Will you respond?

Will you go?

If you’re exploring faith, this message is for you.

If you’ve followed Jesus for years, this is a reminder: the gospel doesn’t just inform us—it sends us.

Take a moment today to reflect, respond, and consider what it means to live in light of the resurrection.

Instead of a normal sermon, we’re inviting you to experience it differently.

Don’t just watch this.

Feel it.

As you listen, do something that requires effort—go for a run, work out, clean, or finish something you’ve been putting off. Let the weight you feel remind you of the weight Christ carried.

We’re so quick to rush to Easter.

But if we don’t slow down here, we won’t understand what it cost.

Take time today to sit in the reality of the cross.

Before we celebrate the empty tomb… we remember.

We see a King who stands silent, a King who is rejected in place of a guilty man, and a King who is mocked on His way to the cross.

Barabbas goes free. Jesus takes his place.

The innocent for the guilty.

This isn’t just their story—it’s ours.

We may not shout “Crucify Him,” but we often choose control, comfort, and sin over surrender to Jesus.

Even in the suffering, the truth remains:

Jesus is King.

So the question is—who is King in your life?

Jesus has been arrested.

The cross is now only hours away.

But what unfolds in the house of the high priest is not a fair trial seeking truth. The verdict has already been decided. The religious leaders are not trying to determine whether Jesus is guilty—they are trying to find a charge that will justify killing Him.

In this passage we see:

• A court searching for a verdict rather than truth

• False witnesses whose testimony cannot agree

• The silence of Jesus fulfilling the prophecy of Isaiah 53

• The clearest declaration of Jesus’ identity in the Gospel of Mark

• The Son of Man who will one day return in glory

When the high priest asks, “Are you the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?” Jesus answers with unmistakable clarity:

“I am.”

The One standing trial in that room would one day sit as the Judge of the world.

This passage forces every one of us to wrestle with the same question:

Who is Jesus?

The table has been set.

The hymn has been sung.

They walk into the night.

Before the nails. Before Pilate. Before the crowd.

Mark slows down and shows us Peter.

In this sermon from Mark 14:27–31 and 66–72, we walk through Peter’s bold self-confidence, his painful denial, and the surprising hope Jesus speaks even before Peter fails.

Peter says, “Even if they all fall away, I will not.”

But before the rooster crows twice, he denies Jesus three times.

This passage forces a question:

What will happen with your faith under pressure?

In this message, we explore:

• The danger of spiritual self-confidence

• How quickly we can collapse under pressure

• And the powerful promise of restoration spoken before our failure ever happens

The good news?

Our failure doesn’t surprise Jesus — and it doesn’t have to define us.

If you are confident in yourself, Peter’s story is a warning.

If you are crushed by failure, Peter’s story is comfort.

The answer isn’t “try harder.”

The answer is trust the promises of Jesus.

In Christ there is:

• Forgiveness for real denial

• Strength for real weakness

• Courage that grows out of humility

Join us as we look honestly at failure — and even more honestly at the restoring grace of Jesus.

Mark slows everything down. Every conversation matters. Every movement matters. Every word matters.

In Mark 14:12–26, Jesus gathers with His disciples in the Upper Room for what looks like a traditional Passover meal. But this is not just a meal. This is a moment. And if we don’t understand what’s happening at this table, we won’t understand what’s happening on the Cross.

In this sermon, we walk through three movements in the text:

• The Preparation – Jesus intentionally sets the table. He is not scrambling. He is not hiding. He is orchestrating. The Lamb is not being hunted — the Lamb is presenting Himself.

• The Revelation – “One of you will betray Me.” Proximity to Jesus is not the same as surrender. Before we rush to the table, we ask the right question: “Lord, is it I?”

• The Institution – Jesus redefines Passover around Himself. “This is My body.” “This is My blood.” The greater Exodus is happening. Not freedom from Pharaoh, but freedom from sin. Judgment passes over us not because of our performance, but because of His sacrifice.

Communion looks backward and forward — from the Upper Room to the eternal wedding feast to come.

The Table has been set.

The Lamb has been provided.

The covenant has been sealed.

Take. Eat. Drink. Remember.

If this message encouraged you, consider sharing it and subscribing to follow along as we continue walking through the Gospel of Mark together.

Mark slows way down. Every scene carries weight.

Exodus 12 is in the background—the Lamb, the blood, judgment passing over.

And now the true Lamb is just days from being slain.

In this passage, Mark gives us three postures toward Jesus.

Not random stories. Not disconnected moments.

Three different responses that reveal how we truly value Christ.

In this sermon we walk through:

1) The Critic – Close to Jesus, but cold in heart. Calculating. Evaluating worship through efficiency. Resistant to costly devotion.

2) The Worshiper – Breaking the jar. Pouring it all out. Not measured. Not strategic. Just love. Jesus calls it “beautiful.”

3) The Self-Seeker – Same week. Same Jesus. Different heart. While one pours, another negotiates.

Then we circle back and ask the deeper questions:

1. We do what we love.

2. We give to what we value.

3. We only serve one Master.

This text isn’t ultimately about ointment.

It’s about allegiance.

The critic protects himself.

The worshiper pours out to Jesus.

The self-seeker sells.

And here’s the grace:

The One who is betrayed still goes to the cross.

For critics.

For self-seekers.

For imperfect worshipers.

Lord, You are worthy.

If this message encourages or challenges you, consider sharing it and subscribing for more teaching through the Gospel of Mark.

After a long day of confrontation in the temple, Jesus turns His attention to the hearts of those listening. He warns about religious leaders whose faith is visible but not dependent, impressive but not obedient. Their knowledge of Scripture never leads to trust in God.

Then, in quiet contrast, Jesus points to a poor widow who gives everything she has. Her offering isn’t flashy or celebrated, but it is marked by dependence. In the middle of a broken system, her faith still dares to trust God.

The big idea of this passage is simple and searching: faith is measured by faithful follow-up. Right understanding of who Christ is leads to worship, obedience, and surrender—not performance or control.

In this sermon, we consider two profiles:

Disciplined minds with faithless actions

Dependent hearts with faithful response

Jesus uses money as the example not because it is everything, but because it reveals what we trust, what we fear losing, and where we find security.

The question this passage presses on us is not merely, How much do you know?

It is, How much do you trust God?

We pray that God would expose the gap between belief and action, free us from performative faith, and teach us to live with dependent hearts that trust Him with all that we have.

Scripture: Mark 12:35–44 (ESV)

Big Idea: Faith is measured by faithful follow-up

Jesus reframes resurrection not as a strange future idea, but as the necessary outcome of God’s covenant faithfulness. God is not the God of the dead, but of the living. If He is still the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, then death cannot be the end—and resurrection is not optional.

This sermon explores what resurrection meant in the Jewish worldview, why the Sadducees resisted it, and how Jesus grounds resurrection hope directly in the Torah. More than that, we see how resurrection is not only a future promise but a present reality. God is already making all things new.

Because Jesus rose from the dead, resurrection life has begun. And as people who have been made new in Christ, we are called to live as ambassadors of that future hope here and now—loving, forgiving, welcoming, and restoring as signs of the kingdom God is bringing.

Resurrection is not just about going to heaven when you die.

It is about God renewing His world—and beginning that work in us today.

Key Themes:

Resurrection and covenant faithfulness

God as the God of the living

The already and the not yet

Living resurrection-shaped lives

Bringing glimpses of the renewed world into the present

Scripture: Mark 12:18–27

What is the greatest commandment?

In Mark 12, Jesus has faced a series of hostile confrontations—from political traps to theological challenges. But in this passage, a scribe steps forward with a sincere question, not to trap Jesus, but to understand what truly sits at the center of God’s commands.

In this video, we reflect on:

Jesus’ response to the scribe

The heart of the Law: loving God and loving neighbor

The Shema (Deuteronomy 6) and wholehearted devotion to God

Why love is not mere emotion, but covenantal allegiance

How love for God necessarily overflows into love for others

The sobering words of Jesus: “You are not far from the kingdom of God”

This conversation is meant to move us beyond information to transformation—toward reordered affections, Spirit-led obedience, and resurrection-shaped living.

Our prayer is that as our love for God grows, our faithfulness would grow with it—not through willpower alone, but through the transforming grace of God.

Scripture Reading: Mark 12:28–34 (ESV)

Prayer Prompt:

Lord, change our affections as we draw near to You.

Teach us to love You with all that we are,

and to love others as a reflection of that love.

Thanks for watching, and we hope this encourages you to draw near to Christ daily.

The religious leaders challenge Jesus, but their refusal to answer shows why many still resist following Him today: they won’t submit to His authority, they ignore the evidence, and they fear people more than they fear God.

In this message, Pastor Mitch shows why we can have confidence in Jesus’ authority. His authority is divine—given from heaven, not man-made. It was declared in prophecy, documented in Scripture, and demonstrated in His teaching, miracles, and resurrection.

The call for us is clear: release every area of life to the authority of Christ and praise Him as Lord over all.

Jesus calls His people to lives marked by faith in God, worship from the heart, and forgiveness toward others.

Because of technical difficulties with our video recording, we wanted to make sure you could still hear the message, so we recorded this podcast separately for you.

In this message, Pastor Jon unpacks the Triumphal Entry, showing us:

The King’s Intentional Preparations – Jesus orchestrates every detail to fulfill God’s promises.

The King’s Humble Entrance – He comes not with worldly power, but in humility, to bring peace.

The King’s Sobering Appraisal – He enters the temple to inspect the worship of His people.

The crowds expected a conqueror to overthrow Rome. But Jesus came to fulfill God’s plan, not our demands. He is the humble King who rules in sovereignty and peace, inviting us to trust Him fully.

Questions to Consider:

Where am I struggling to trust that Jesus is in control of the details?

If Jesus inspected my worship today, what would He find?

Am I following Jesus as King, or am I disappointed when He doesn’t meet my expectations?

📖 Scripture: Mark 11:1–11

🎥 Watch now and see how the arrival of the King changes everything.

In this message, Pastor Mitch walks through what it means to truly see Jesus for who He is and to follow Him in faith.

📖 Passage: Mark 10:46–52

💡 Big Idea: Faith in Jesus brings mercy, healing, and transformation.

Key Points:

Cry out to Jesus and ask for mercy (vv. 46–48)

– Bartimaeus calls out with faith, even when rebuked by the crowd.

– God delights to show mercy to the humble and needy.

Jesus hears your cry and responds (vv. 49–51)

– Jesus stops for Bartimaeus and calls him near.

– We are invited to bring our real needs to Him.

Faith leads to transformation (v. 52)

– Bartimaeus receives sight and follows Jesus on the way.

– True faith not only believes but acts and obeys.

👉 Whether you’re feeling weak, overlooked, or in need of mercy—this story shows us that Jesus hears, responds, and transforms those who cry out to Him in faith.

As He walks toward the cross, Jesus teaches His disciples (and us) that true greatness in the kingdom of God is not about climbing higher—it’s about stooping lower. It’s not about asserting power and control, but sacrificially serving others.

In this message, we’ll explore:

The world’s definition of greatness: power, status, and control.

Jesus’ definition of greatness: humility and service.

How Jesus demonstrated true greatness by giving His life as a ransom for many.

If you’ve ever struggled with ambition, comparison, or the craving for recognition, this passage redefines what it means to “be great.”

📖 Scripture: Mark 10:32–45

🎯 Big Idea: Greatness in the kingdom of God is demonstrated through sacrificially serving others, not through asserting power and control.

👉 If this message encourages you, make sure to subscribe, share it with a friend, and check out more at ascendbible.church

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In Mark 10:17–31, a wealthy man runs to Jesus with urgency, asking, “What must I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus’ response forces us to wrestle with three life-changing truths:

Only God is truly good.

Dependence on wealth distracts from dependence on God.

God’s grace alone saves.

The rich man’s sorrow, the disciples’ astonishment, and Jesus’ promise of eternal life all confront us with the question: What do I treasure most?

Join us as we see how this story calls us to admit our weakness, release our idols, and rest fully in God’s grace.

📖 Scripture: Mark 10:17–31

🌐 Learn more at ascendbible.church

In this message, we’ll see why Jesus welcomes the overlooked, why empty hands are the only hands that can be filled, and how His blessing changes everything.

📖 Mark 10:13–16 | Jesus desires that all—like little children—come to Him with humble dependence.

In this message, we’ll unpack:

The trap the Pharisees set (vv. 1–2)

Jesus’ response and the heart behind Moses’ concession (vv. 3–5)

God’s original design for marriage as a covenant (vv. 6–9)

A private, clarifying conversation with the disciples (vv. 10–12)

And what it all reveals about discipleship, covenant, and grace

Whether you're single, married, or have experienced divorce yourself, we believe Jesus speaks truth and offers grace. You’re not alone, and there’s hope in Him.

📖 Passage: Mark 10:1–12

🎙 Speaker: Pastor Mitch Green

📍 Join us Sundays at 10AM in Indianapolis or online anytime.

We learn that following Jesus isn’t proven on the mountaintop, but in the valley—where we:

Depend completely on Jesus in prayer and trust

Lay down our pride and embrace humility

Protect others and pursue radical holiness

If you’re walking through weakness, confusion, or discouragement—this passage reminds us: Jesus meets us in the valley, not just on the mountain.

📖 Scripture: Mark 9:14–50

🎤 Preacher: Pastor Jon Cox

📍 Location: Ascend Bible Church, Indianapolis

🕙 Sundays at 10AM | More info: https://ascendbible.church

We’ll walk verse-by-verse through Mark 9:2–13, unpacking the significance of the dazzling appearance, the presence of Moses and Elijah, and the voice from heaven commanding, “This is my beloved Son; listen to Him.” Some passages call for direct application; others, like this one, are meant to stretch our view of who Jesus is—fueling our faith and obedience in everything else He calls us to.

Big Idea: Jesus moves their faith to sight. He lets them see His glory.

We'll explore:

Why the “six days” detail matters

How the Transfiguration connects to Mount Sinai and the Old Testament

What it means that Jesus was “transfigured” before them

The significance of Moses and Elijah’s appearance

How this moment prepares the disciples (and us) for the cost of following Christ

The goal isn’t just to marvel at the moment—but to respond with faith, worship, and commitment.

Passage: Mark 9:2–13

Recorded live at Ascend Bible Church

Subscribe for more verse-by-verse teaching through the Gospel of Mark

Through examples of hypocrisy, pride, performative religion, and evil, Jesus exposes how even the most religious-looking life can be far from God. This isn’t a surface-level message—this is spiritual heart surgery.

But there’s hope. Jesus not only diagnoses the problem of a defiled heart; He also points us to the path of a clean heart—one that follows Him, stays near to Him, and lives in honest dependence on His grace.

Join us as we dig deep, not to impress others, but to be transformed from the inside out.

We explore how Jesus meets us in our fear, reminds us who He is, and invites us to trust Him deeply. This message closes with a time of prayer, encouraging us to bring our fears into the light and find courage in Christ's presence.

Key Theme: Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.

🔔 Subscribe to hear more sermons as we walk through the Gospel of Mark.

🕊️ For more information, visit ascendbible.church

In this sermon, we sit with that powerful phrase. What does it mean to "take heart"? Why is it significant that Jesus says, "It is I"—a phrase rooted in the divine name of God? And how can we live without fear when life feels out of control?

We explore how Jesus meets us in our fear, reminds us who He is, and invites us to trust Him deeply. This message closes with a time of prayer, encouraging us to bring our fears into the light and find courage in Christ's presence.

Key Theme: Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.

🔔 Subscribe to hear more sermons as we walk through the Gospel of Mark.

🕊️ For more information, visit ascendbible.church

Jesus is not the kind of king the world expects. He doesn't rule with power and fear but leads with presence and compassion. In this sermon, we see that Jesus deeply cares for His people—He provides rest for the weary, truth for the lost, and abundant provision for the hungry.

📌 Key Points:

1) Jesus Cares for the Weary – He invites His disciples to rest and sees their needs before they ask.

2) Jesus Cares for the Lost – He teaches the truth with deep compassion, seeing the crowds as sheep without a shepherd.

3) Jesus Cares for the Hungry – He provides more than enough when His people feel they have nothing to offer.

We’ll also see how Jesus fulfills the Old Testament promises of a shepherd who will not abandon His flock but lead them with care, justice, and grace.

✨ This story isn’t just about a miracle—it’s a window into the heart of Jesus.

Questions for Reflection:

1) Are you making space to rest with Jesus?

2) Are you letting the truth of the Gospel shape your life?

3) Are you bringing your “not enough” to Jesus and trusting Him to multiply it?

🔔 Subscribe to hear more sermons as we walk through the Gospel of Mark.

🕊️ For more information, visit ascendbible.church

In Mark 6:14–29, we walk through the death of John the Baptist and the events leading up to it. Herod is haunted by what he’s done. Herodias is scheming. And John, a righteous man, is caught in the middle.

This story is heavy—and it should be. It shows us the cost of truth, the corruption of earthly power, and the kind of kingdom Jesus came to challenge. It also reminds us that following Jesus has always involved risk and sacrifice.

As we reflect on the weight of John’s death, we’re also pointed ahead to the death of Jesus Himself—and invited to remember Him through self-guided communion.

This message explores the contrast between unbelief and faith, and how our response to Jesus determines what He does in and through us. Whether you're full of questions or ready to follow, this passage calls us to reflect:

👉 What’s keeping you from following Jesus?

👉 What does a faithful response really look like?

Watch now and consider: How are YOU responding to Jesus today?

🔔 Subscribe for more Christ-centered teaching

📖 Passage: Mark 6:1–13 (ESV)

🙏 Prayer Prompt: “Jesus, my trust is in You. Use me for Your mission.”

#Faith #Jesus #Mark6 #SermonClip #ChristianTeaching #Bible

Join us and be reminded that with Jesus, nothing is impossible!

We'll explore how Jesus is the true and greater Prophet, how His power mirrors Yahweh's power in the Old Testament, and why that means we have no reason to fear. When we truly understand who Jesus is, our faith grows deeper and stronger.

No matter the storm you are facing today, Jesus is with you—and He is in control.

Big Idea: Jesus has all authority, so we have no reason to fear.

At the end of the message, we'll take time to pray, asking God to move His Word from our heads into our hearts. Bring your fears to Jesus and find rest in His power and love.

Last week we looked at the Parable of the Sower and saw the difference between hearing the Word and truly receiving it. This week, we move from hearing and believing to doing—to living out the instructions Jesus gives through three more parables in Mark 4.

In this message, we focus on what it means to be an active disciple of Jesus:

Shine the Light – Let your life reflect the truth you've received.

Sow in Faith – Trust God to grow the seeds you plant, even when you can't see how.

See the Small Become Significant – The Kingdom often starts small, but God grows it in powerful ways.

We hope this message encourages you to take the next step in following Jesus and living out His mission in the world.

📖 Mark 4:21–34

📍 Sundays at 10am | 202 W Meridian School Rd, Indianapolis, IN

🌐 Learn more at ascendbible.church

This passage reminds us that faith, not family ties, defines who belongs to God’s family. Even Jesus’ own brothers didn’t believe at first—but later, they became leaders in the early church.

So, who is in the family of God?

According to Jesus, it’s those who do the will of God.

Join us as we explore this powerful passage, wrestle with its implications, and respond in faith.

Steps to Take:

✔ Place your hope and trust in Jesus

✔ Seek His plan for your life

✔ Follow Him and share the Gospel

In this passage, we explore:

✅ Who Jesus calls—those He desires, makes, and unites

✅ How Jesus reshapes His followers for His mission

✅ Why discipleship is first about being with Jesus before being sent out

Through this teaching, we see how Jesus isn't just gathering followers—He's forming a new people of God, a renewed creation under His leadership. And the same call extends to us today!

📖 Key Scriptures: Mark 3:7-19, John 14:6, Matthew 5:17, Galatians 3:28, John 15

🎥 Watch now to dive deeper into how Jesus calls and transforms His people!

#Gospel #Jesus #BibleTeaching #Mark3 #Discipleship

📖 Key Points:

1. Jesus welcomes the outcast and expands the reach of the Gospel.

2. The covenants of Scripture all point to Him as the fulfillment of God’s redemption plan.

3. The crowds pursued Jesus for healing, but do we pursue Him simply for who He is?

4. Worship isn’t about what we can get from Jesus—it’s about fixing our eyes on Him.

Jesus invites us: "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28)

In Christ, the Sabbath is no longer an obligation but an invitation to rest in Him. The law was a shadow of the greater reality—Jesus Himself (Colossians 2:16-17). Through Him, we find the ultimate rest for our souls.

Take time today to reflect and pray:

1) Lord, forgive me for striving in my own strength.

2) Lord, help me to find my rest in Jesus.

3) Lord, thank You for all You have done to draw me to Yourself.

How does the preaching of God's Word impact your life?

What does it mean to truly respond to the Gospel?

How can we uphold faithful preaching in the church today?

What is preaching, and why does it matter? In this message, we explore how Jesus came to boldly proclaim the Gospel—and how that message calls us to respond. Looking at Mark 2:1-12, we see not only the power of Jesus' words but also the transformation that follows when the Gospel is preached and experienced.

Join us as we examine the heart of true preaching: rooted in Scripture, centered on Christ, empowered by the Spirit, and leading to life change.

Watch now and consider:

How does the preaching of God's Word impact your life?

What does it mean to truly respond to the Gospel?

How can we uphold faithful preaching in the church today?

In this passage, we see:

1. Jesus’ dependence on the Father (Mark 1:35-37)

2. His mission to preach the gospel (Mark 1:38-39)

3. His deep compassion for the outcast (Mark 1:40-42)

4. The powerful exchange that points to the cross (Mark 1:43-45)

Jesus wasn’t just about doing good works—He was about proclaiming the good news. His miracles pointed to the greater mission: bringing people into the kingdom of God.

How does this challenge the way we live? Are we prioritizing time with God? Are we focused on the gospel? Are we showing the compassion of Christ to those around us?

Join us as we dive into Mark 1:35-45 and learn how to follow Jesus’ example.

Next Steps:

1. Set aside intentional time for prayer this week.

2. Ask yourself: Is the gospel shaping my decisions, relationships, and priorities?

3. Identify one person you can serve, encourage, or include this week.

Let’s live with the same focus, mission, and compassion that Jesus displayed.

In this week's message from the Gospel of Mark, we see Jesus teaching with authority, casting out demons, and healing the sick. But these actions point us to something greater—His identity as the Son of God. This passage challenges us to pursue not just what Jesus can do for us, but His presence in our lives.

Join us as we explore how Jesus' authority and compassion invite us to respond with faith and trust.

Temptation:

Jesus is driven by the Spirit into the wilderness, where He faces Satan’s temptations for 40 days. In this "trial by fire," He proves His obedience and trust in the Father, overcoming where others have fallen.

Proclamation:

After John’s arrest, Jesus begins His ministry with a bold message:

“The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.”

This statement marks a decisive moment in history, challenging us to consider what the kingdom of God means and how we respond.

Invitation:

Walking along the Sea of Galilee, Jesus calls Simon, Andrew, James, and John with these life-altering words: “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Their immediate and radical response reminds us that Jesus calls us not based on our worthiness but through His grace, transforming our lives and purpose.

This message is a powerful reminder that Jesus lived up to who He claimed to be—the Son of God, the one who withstands temptation, proclaims truth, and calls us to follow Him.

If you're in a wilderness season or seeking to understand what it means to follow Jesus, this sermon is for you. Discover how Jesus meets you where you are and calls you to life in Him.

📖 Passage: Mark 1:12–20

🌐 Learn more about Ascend Bible Church at ascendbible.church.

Through this account, we see Jesus as God's Beloved Son, fully committed to the Father's will.

We'll discuss:

The unique aspects of Jesus' baptism, including the heavenly presence and the audible voice of God.

How Jesus identifies with humanity while remaining sinless.

What baptism means for us as followers of Christ today.

Whether you're curious about Jesus, new to church, or ready to take your next step of faith, this message will encourage and challenge you.

Open your Bible, join us in Mark 1, and let’s dive into God’s Word together!

📖 Scripture Reference: Mark 1

💬 Connect with us: If you're ready to talk about baptism or want to learn more, check the box on your connect card, and let’s have a conversation.

Subscribe for more messages as we continue this series in Mark!

In this week's message, we explore Mark's bold opening sentence, which sets the tone for the entire book. We'll also meet John the Baptist, the voice in the wilderness preparing the way for the Lord, calling people to repentance and a new way of living.

Discover how Mark’s message speaks directly to our fast-paced lives, presenting Jesus as the ultimate Teacher, Healer, Victor, and King. This is the beginning of a story that proclaims the arrival of a new King and His Kingdom—a story that calls us to respond.

Come along as we see Jesus through Mark’s eyes and reflect on the question: Who do you believe that He is?

Subscribe and follow for more as we walk through the Gospel of Mark together!

From Isaiah 53:10–12, we see God’s complete work through the Servant:

God’s sovereignty in the mission (v. 10) — this suffering was the plan all along (Genesis 3:15).

God’s satisfaction in the mission (v. 11) — the Servant sees the light of life and is satisfied.

God’s reward for the mission (v. 12) — the Servant is exalted and shares in victory.

We also zoom out to the heart of Isaiah 53, found in verse 5, and connect the prophecy to its fulfillment in Acts 8:26–38, where Jesus is clearly proclaimed.

Scripture: Isaiah 53:5, 10–12; Genesis 3:15; Acts 8:26–38

“We all, like sheep, have gone astray;

each of us has turned to our own way;

and the LORD has laid on him

the iniquity of us all.”

Over the last few weeks, we’ve been studying the Servant Songs in Isaiah, seeing how God’s promised Servant would bring justice, light, and salvation — not by avoiding suffering, but by stepping into it. Isaiah 52:13–53:5 gives us a vivid, heartbreaking picture of this Servant who is exalted and yet afflicted, pierced and yet bringing peace, crushed and yet bringing healing.

Today’s passage slows everything down. Isaiah uses a simple image — sheep — to help us see ourselves clearly: wandering, stubborn, prone to go our own way. And yet, the Lord places our iniquity, our guilt, our wandering on Him — the Servant who stands in our place.

Throughout the message we trace this theme across the whole Bible:

The Day of Atonement and the scapegoat in Leviticus 16

Jesus’ own words in Mark 10:45

Paul’s reflections in Romans 3 and 7

Jesus the Good Shepherd in John 10

The ministry of reconciliation in 2 Corinthians 5

Peter’s echo of Isaiah 53 in 1 Peter 2

And all of it points to this main idea:

Jesus, the Servant, stood in our place and took the punishment for our sins while we went astray and turned to our own way.

If you’ve wandered, if you feel far from God, if you’re tired of going your own way — this passage is an invitation:

Return to the Shepherd.

Come to the One who laid down His life for the sheep.

Come to the One who brings peace, healing, and reconciliation.

Thanks for watching. If this message encouraged you, consider sharing it with someone who needs to be reminded of the Good Shepherd’s love for them.

We walk through the deep realities of our sin, the cost of Christ’s sacrifice, and the beauty of the eternal blessing He secured for us through the cross. Isaiah shows us that the Servant doesn’t stand at a distance from our grief—He takes it up, shoulders it, and bears the weight of our rebellion, sorrow, transgressions, and iniquities.

From there, we unpack the language Isaiah uses: that Jesus was stricken, smitten, afflicted, pierced, and crushed—not for His wrongdoing, but for ours. We trace this suffering through the Gospel of Mark and see how His humiliation, obedience, and wrath-bearing death become the path to our peace and healing.

The Big Idea: Jesus takes on our sin, and through the victory of the cross, He gives us peace and healing.

Finally, we consider what His finished work accomplishes:

• Peace with God—true rest, wholeness, and the end of condemnation.

• Healing—spiritual, emotional, mental, relational, and eventually physical, as we anticipate full restoration in the resurrection.

Prayer prompts:

• Confess your sin.

• Praise Jesus for His sacrifice.

• Thank Him for the eternal blessings secured for you through His wounds.

As we pause in our walk through the Gospel of Mark, we’re taking time to reflect on the weight of what’s happening with Jesus. Israel longed for conquest, but God’s covenant promise of deliverance came in a very different way—through His Servant.

In this message from Isaiah 42, we see:

The Servant has the Spirit of God (v.1)

The Servant brings true justice (vv.1–4)

The Servant acts with God’s authority (vv.5–9)

Unlike the Pharisees and Jews who missed Him, we want to strengthen our faith in Jesus—the Spirit-filled Son, the gentle and compassionate King, the covenant-keeping Light to the nations.

Big Idea: God sends His Suffering Servant, Jesus, to bring true justice and eternal restoration.

📖 Scripture: Isaiah 42:1–9

🎯 Series: The Suffering Servant

✝️ Church: Ascend Bible Church (Indianapolis, IN)

If you’re new, we’d love to connect with you: ascendbible.church

Isaiah 49 gives us a breathtaking vision of God’s Servant—one who not only restores Israel but shines salvation to the ends of the earth. That promise is fulfilled perfectly in Jesus Christ.

In this message, we see:

The Servant’s calling and testimony (vv.1–6)

The Servant’s discouragement and victory (vv.4–6)

The Lord’s confirmation and restoration (vv.7–13)

What was “too small a thing” for Israel alone, God fulfilled in Christ—His salvation pierces the darkness like a lighthouse guiding ships safely home. Jesus is the covenant, the redeemer, and the light for all nations.

Big Idea: The Servant of the Lord restores Israel and brings salvation to the nations. This is fulfilled perfectly in Jesus Christ.

📖 Scripture: Isaiah 49:1–13

🎯 Series: The Suffering Servant

✝️ Church: Ascend Bible Church (Indianapolis, IN)

If you’re new, we’d love to connect with you: ascendbible.church

Series Flow

• Week 1 — Grace received reshapes who you are

• Week 2 — Grace revealed has a name — Jesus

• Week 3 — Grace overflowing transforms a community

Big Idea:

Grace leads to generosity — a kind of giving that costs something and flows from a heart shaped by the gospel.

In this message, we see Paul call the church to a posture of intentional, joyful, grace-driven generosity — not out of guilt or pressure, but out of trust in God’s provision and love.

Sermon Outline

Grace Is Intentionally Practiced (vv. 1–5)

Generosity is not accidental — it is prepared, thoughtful, and faithful.

Grace Produces Joyful Giving (vv. 6–7)

God is not after compulsion, but a cheerful heart shaped by grace.

Grace Is Supplied by God (vv. 8–11)

God provides everything needed so that His people may abound in every good work.

Grace Returns to God as Worship (vv. 12–15)

Needs are met, thanksgiving multiplies, and God is glorified.

Key Truths

• Grace fuels generosity

• God supplies what we give

• Giving leads to worship

• “Thanks be to God for His inexpressible gift!”

If this message encourages you, consider sharing it — and let the grace of God overflow through your life in joyful generosity.

(2 Corinthians 9:15)

What does it mean that God’s gift is inexpressible? In this message, we begin a three-week series centered on grace—grace received, grace revealed, and grace overflowing. Paul reminds us that God’s greatest gift is not just what Jesus gives, but Jesus Himself.

This gift is:

Undeserved — given by grace, not earned

Complete — forgiveness, reconciliation, and new life

Overflowing — producing worship, gratitude, and generosity

Beyond words — truly known, but never exhausted

In this week’s message, “Grace Received Reshapes Who We Are,” we walk through 2 Corinthians 8:1–15 and see how the grace of God transformed the Macedonian church—and how that same grace reshapes our hearts today.

We explore how:

Grace forms a joyful heart, even in hardship

Grace produces faithful generosity, not guilt-driven giving

Grace has a face—Jesus Christ, who became poor so we might become rich

Grace forms a gospel-shaped community, marked by shared responsibility and Kingdom-first living

This message sets the foundation for the rest of the series:

This Week: Grace received reshapes who you are (The Heart)

Christmas Eve: Grace revealed has a name — Jesus

Next Week: Grace overflowing transforms a community (Hands)

As we move toward Christmas, we’re reminded that generosity begins not with pressure, but with hearts shaped by grace.

Prayer Prompt:

Praise God for His inexpressible gift.

Thank Him for the grace He has shown you.

Ask where He may be inviting you to extend that grace to others.

In this final message of our Letters to Ascend series, Pastor Mitch preaches from Revelation 2:1–7, looking at Jesus’ letter to the church in Ephesus. The message is simple but urgent: it’s all about Jesus.

Just like the Ephesian church, we can work hard, endure challenges, and even stand firm in truth—yet still miss our “first love.” Jesus calls us to remember, repent, and return so that everything we do is centered on Him.

Join us as we continue to pursue our mission: to glorify God by making disciples, and live out our vision: to be a church that lives in community and strives to see all people follow Jesus.

📖 Passage: Revelation 2:1–7

🎙️ Series: Letters to Ascend

🕙 Recorded at Ascend Bible Church | October 12, 2025

Last week, we talked about being a multiplying church. This week, we turn to maturation—what it means to grow deeper in Christ. Paul’s prayer for the church in Colossae is the same prayer we need today at Ascend: that we would be a people who worship, walk, work, and witness for the glory of Christ.

A Prayer for a Maturing Church

Worship: Filled with the knowledge of God’s will

Walk: Living in a way worthy of Christ

Work: Bearing fruit through His power

Witness: Giving thanks for His saving grace

As we approach our two-year anniversary, this prayer is our foundation: that Ascend Bible Church would not just be about growth in numbers, but growth in devotion—personally and corporately.

📖 Scripture: Colossians 1:9–14

📍 Location: Perry Township, Indianapolis

⏰ Join us Sundays at 10AM

Text: Acts 11:19–30; Acts 13:1–3

Main Idea: A multiplying church is marked by reaching new people, strengthening young disciples, sacrificing to give, and sending to the nations.

From the church in Antioch, we see four marks of a multiplying church:

1) Reaching new people (Acts 11:19–21)

2) Strengthening disciples (Acts 11:22–26)

3) Sacrificing to give (Acts 11:27–30)

4) Sending to the nations (Acts 13:1–3)

This message challenges us to live out Acts 1:8 in our own community: strengthened by God’s Word, shaped in discipleship, and sent with gospel purpose.

If you’re looking for encouragement to multiply your faith and invest in God’s mission, this sermon is for you.

If you’ve ever wondered how we plan preaching, how themes connect, or what’s coming after Mark, this conversation will give you a helpful behind-the-scenes look.

Listen in and start praying with us for what God will do in 2026.

Stress. Anxiety. Leadership weight. Parenting pressure. Financial strain. Hidden sin. Health concerns.

The question isn’t if we will have burdens — the question is what we do with them.

In this episode, we walk through what the Bible actually says about handling the weight we carry. Scripture doesn’t tell us to numb it, ignore it, grind harder, or give up. Instead, it gives us a better way:

Cast your burdens on the Lord (Psalm 55:22)

Come to Jesus and find rest (Matthew 11:28–30)

Bear one another’s burdens in community (Galatians 6:2)

Endure without quitting (James 1:2–4)

Most importantly, we look to the One who ultimately carried our greatest burden — Jesus Himself (Isaiah 53:4).

If you’re feeling heavy, overwhelmed, or worn down, this conversation is for you.

After a long day of being questioned by religious leaders, Jesus shifts from answering challenges to exposing the broken leaders and flawed systems at the heart of the temple. What follows is not casual teaching, but clear, confrontational truth meant to reveal hearts and call people to faithful obedience.

This conversation helps us see why Mark places these passages together and how Jesus’ words challenge both religious hypocrisy and misplaced trust.

Listen in and consider what it looks like to hear Jesus’ truth—and respond with faith in action.

Together, we explore what this passage teaches about resurrection life, the faithfulness of God, and why the hope of life after death shapes how we live right now. This conversation helps us see that resurrection isn’t just a future promise—it’s a present reality rooted in who God is.

Whether you’re wrestling with doubts, questions about eternity, or simply want to understand this passage more clearly, we hope this discussion encourages you to trust the living God who keeps His promises.

Scripture: Mark 12:18–27

Why does Elijah appear alongside Moses? What does his presence reveal about Jesus? And how do Jesus’ words about Elijah connect to John the Baptist, suffering, and the unfolding mission of the Messiah?

We’ll explore:

The Old Testament background of Elijah’s ministry

Why the disciples expected Elijah to return

How Jesus redefines their expectations

The prophetic connection between Elijah and John the Baptist

What this means for how we see Jesus today

This conversation will help clarify a confusing but crucial part of Scripture and grow your confidence in the unity of God’s redemptive plan.

Text: Mark 9:2–13

Recorded as part of our series through the Gospel of Mark at Ascend Bible Church.

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📖 Watch the full sermon and find more resources at ascendbible.church.

Let’s dive into God’s Word together!

🔔 Subscribe to our channel to stay updated on new episodes!

📖 Watch the full sermon and find more resources at ascendbible.church.

Let’s dive into God’s Word together!

🔔 Subscribe to our channel to stay updated on new episodes!

📖 Watch the full sermon and find more resources at ascendbible.church.

Let’s dive into God’s Word together!

🔔 Subscribe to our channel to stay updated on new episodes!

📖 Watch the full sermon and find more resources at ascendbible.church.

Let’s dive into God’s Word together!

🔔 Subscribe to our channel to stay updated on new episodes!

📖 Watch the full sermon and find more resources at ascendbible.church.

Let’s dive into God’s Word together!

🔔 Subscribe to our channel to stay updated on new episodes!

📖 Watch the full sermon and find more resources at ascendbible.church.

Let’s dive into God’s Word together!

Whether you missed Sunday’s message or want to dig deeper, this podcast is the perfect way to stay connected and engaged with God’s Word.

🔔 Subscribe to our channel to stay updated on new episodes!

📖 Watch the full sermon and find more resources at ascendbible.church.

Let’s dive into God’s Word together!

Whether you missed Sunday’s message or want to dig deeper, this podcast is the perfect way to stay connected and engaged with God’s Word.

🔔 Subscribe to our channel to stay updated on new episodes!

📖 Watch the full sermon and find more resources at ascendbible.church.

Let’s dive into God’s Word together!

Whether you missed Sunday’s message or want to dig deeper, this podcast is the perfect way to stay connected and engaged with God’s Word.

🔔 Subscribe to our channel to stay updated on new episodes!

📖 Watch the full sermon and find more resources at ascendbible.church.

Let’s dive into God’s Word together!

Whether you missed Sunday’s message or want to dig deeper, this podcast is the perfect way to stay connected and engaged with God’s Word.

🔔 Subscribe to our channel to stay updated on new episodes!

📖 Watch the full sermon and find more resources at ascendbible.church.

Let’s dive into God’s Word together!

Whether you missed Sunday’s message or want to dig deeper, this podcast is the perfect way to stay connected and engaged with God’s Word.

🔔 Subscribe to our channel to stay updated on new episodes!

📖 Watch the full sermon and find more resources at ascendbible.church.

Let’s dive into God’s Word together!

Whether you missed Sunday’s message or want to dig deeper, this podcast is the perfect way to stay connected and engaged with God’s Word.

🔔 Subscribe to our channel to stay updated on new episodes!

📖 Watch the full sermon and find more resources at ascendbible.church.

Let’s dive into God’s Word together!

Whether you missed Sunday’s message or want to dig deeper, this podcast is the perfect way to stay connected and engaged with God’s Word.

🔔 Subscribe to our channel to stay updated on new episodes!

📖 Watch the full sermon and find more resources at ascendbible.church.

Let’s dive into God’s Word together!

Whether you missed Sunday’s message or want to dig deeper, this podcast is the perfect way to stay connected and engaged with God’s Word.

🔔 Subscribe to our channel to stay updated on new episodes!

📖 Watch the full sermon and find more resources at ascendbible.church.

Let’s dive into God’s Word together!

Whether you missed Sunday’s message or want to dig deeper, this podcast is the perfect way to stay connected and engaged with God’s Word.

🔔 Subscribe to our channel to stay updated on new episodes!

📖 Watch the full sermon and find more resources at ascendbible.church.

Let’s dive into God’s Word together!