The Authority of Jesus: The Gospel of Mark Series | Mark 1:21-45 |

Here in the Gospel of Mark chapter 1, we read (1) The Preaching & Teaching of Jesus (2) The Spiritual: “Spiritual Warfare” and (3) The Natural: “Healing.” What I also find encouraging about this text is how the people responded to Jesus’ authority…

1. The People Encountered Jesus

2. The People Spread the News about Jesus

3. The People Helped Others to Jesus

When we encounter the authority of Jesus in our lives, our response should be one that stimulates our hearts with obedience. That we would be a people who help others in seeking to bring people to Jesus from all across the earth.

Reflection
⚫Why is it important for us to know that Jesus has authority over all that is natural and spiritual?
⚫ How do we respond to the authority of Jesus?

The Birth of Jesus Foretold: “Mary’s Calling” | Luke 1:26-38 |

Here in the Gospel of Luke I want for us to look at Mary’s calling. I believe there are 5 Responses that we can learn from Mary when it comes to calling.

1. Mary is Troubled

2. Mary is Pondering

3. Mary is Listening

4. Mary is Curious

5. Mary is Obedient

The truth of calling is that it first impacts you and then quickly impacts those around you.

Reflection
⚫ Pray & Listen
⚫ Read your Bible: Filled with Calling
⚫ Discern Calling with other Believers you Trust (Be careful who you share your calling with).

The Parable of the Good Samaritan: “Who is my Neighbor?” | Luke 10:25-37 |

This sermon was preached during our 2023 “International Sunday” at IMI Church now called “Global Family Sunday.”

God is not concerned about societies cultural norms, God is concerned about how we love and care for others regardless of societies cultural norms. Being a Christian means that we as Christ’s ambassadors have to be willing to be bold and step across societies cultural norms in order to love and care for others. Especially when no one else will.

A deep lesson I have learned in my own life is while in prayer with God hearing him say, “You cannot love what you do not know.” The teaching of Jesus leaves us with the following question…

Reflection
⚫ Are the people around you and I strangers or are they our neighbors?

The Call of Abram: “The Impact of Calling” | Genesis 12:1-9 | Derick, Pook, Pius & Bente

This sermon was preached during our 2022 “International Sunday” at IMI Church now called “Global Family Sunday.”

God is quite unique in how he presents the invitation of calling to believers as at its core it is responding to the Great Commission of Matthew 28:18-20. In this sermon I am joined with Pook (Thailand) to share in the preaching and teaching with. Then a testimony time with a lovely couple being Pius (Ghana) and Bente (Norway) on calling.

Reflection
⚫ God how are you calling me?
⚫ Are we driven by the love of Christ to go and love our neighbors?

The Widow’s Offering: “A Heart Posture” | Mark 12:41-44 |

Here in the Gospel of Mark I am inspired by the widow’s offering, particularly her heart posture. For many years I have wrestled with the area of finances in my life as it came down to control and trust. In this story, Jesus saw this as a teaching moment with his disciples in wanting to lift up the poor widow and challenge the disciples understanding of the difference between God’s Kingdom and the world.

God can give a new heart, touch hearts, and peer into the deep motivations of the heart. God sees what people cannot see - a person’s true character.

Reflection
⚫ Are we stewarding our hearts when it comes to money?
⚫ How can we welcome Jesus with joy into our hearts praying that he would touch our hearts that we might be like the poor widow?

The Greatest Commandment: “Missions & Love” | Matthew 22:34-40 |

Here in the Gospel of Matthew we read of The Greatest Commandment as Jesus responds to the Pharisees who are attempting to trap him. His response was three-fold: Love God & Love Others as you Love Yourself.

God took me on a journey and process in which I felt the Holy Spirit say to me, “If love has no part in what you as a follower of Christ do for me, then it is meaningless.” Within this message will also share some testimonies of what God has been doing here in Norway.

Reflection
⚫ Read John 15:9-17 and imagine you are sitting at the table with Jesus as he speaks these words to you.
⚫ “This is my command: Love each other.” - Jesus

Note: Skip to 43:48 Minute Mark ⬇️

Easter Devotional | Matthew 22:34-40, John 3:16-17 & John 15:9-17 |

I want to share from Matthew 22 on The Most Important Commandment. To seek to bless those inside the church and those outside the church with the love of Christ.

God is concerned about how we love and care for others regardless of societies cultural norms. Sometimes when people think about Christianity, perhaps they first think of what Christians stand against rather than what Christians stand for. My hope and heart is to help change this perspective during my short time here on earth. It begins with loving God, loving myself and loving others.

In the song Build my Life it goes like this…

Holy, there is no one like You, there is none beside You
Open up my eyes in wonder and
Show me who You are and fill me with Your heart
And lead me in Your love to those around me

And I will build my life upon Your love, it is a firm foundation

Reflection
⚫ “This is my command: love each other.” - Jesus