Pastor at Dover Baptist Church in Goochland, VA.
I. The Message of the Kingdom (Mark 1:14–15; Matthew 4:17) When Jesus returns to Galilee, He doesn’t start his preaching ministry softly. He doesn’t warm up with parables or ease into the public square with gentle reassurance. His first words are a command that thunders with urgency: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at... Continue Reading →
I. THE TRANSITION MOMENT (John 4:1–6; Mark 1:14; Matthew 4:12; Luke 3:19–20) Last week, we witnessed the beginning of the end of John the Baptist’s public ministry. Today, we return to the account after his arrest. The prophet who called people to repentance by the Jordan is now locked behind prison walls. And in this... Continue Reading →
The Setting for the Revelation (John 3:22–26) After explaining the mystery of new birth to Nicodemus, Jesus shifts from words to action: “After this, Jesus and his disciples went out into the Judean countryside, where he spent time with them and baptized” (John 3:22, ESV). John 4:2 later clarifies that it was not Jesus but... Continue Reading →
I. INTRODUCTION (John 2:23-25) Our passage this evening begins shortly after Jesus cleansed the temple for the first time. He has overturned the tables, driven out the merchants, and called out a corrupt system that sold sacrifices but had no space for repentance. And now, John tells us, “many believed in his name when they saw... Continue Reading →
I. THE STRUCTURE: A THEOLOGICAL DIPTYCH John 2:14–22 presents two scenes that together unveil a deeper truth about Jesus’ identity and mission. In verses 14–17, Jesus storms the temple courts. He makes a whip, drives out livestock, scatters coins, and flips tables. “Take these things away,” He commands. “Do not make my Father’s house a... Continue Reading →
I. A Wedding in Cana (John 2:1–2) John begins this account with what seems like a simple phrase: “On the third day...” (John 2:1). At first glance, it might appear to be nothing more than a chronological note. However, “the third day” recalls the resurrection, the climactic moment when Jesus rose from the grave, revealing... Continue Reading →
I. The Weight of a Calling Our passage begins with just five words from John the Baptist. But behind those five words stands a lifetime of longing, preparation, and prophetic expectation. "The next day again John was standing with two of his disciples, and he looked at Jesus as he walked by and said, ‘Behold,... Continue Reading →
I. The Time of the Beginning (Mark 1:1; Luke 3:1-2) Mark doesn’t ease us into his Gospel. He opens with the forceful declaration: “The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.” (Mark 1:1, ESV). There’s no mention of mangers or Magi, no angelic announcements to Mary or Joseph. Mark skips the... Continue Reading →
Introduction: The Gospel of John stands apart from the other Gospel accounts. While the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke) provide detailed historical narratives of Christ’s life and ministry, John’s Gospel focuses on the spiritual and theological significance of Christ’s identity and mission. Theologians like John Calvin have described John’s gospel as the “soul” of... Continue Reading →
Series Introduction: Since the New Year began, we have been in a series of messages titled “Who Do You Say That I Am?” We have looked at people from all different walks of life and how their encounters with Jesus transformed their lives. This is the second to last week of our series before we... Continue Reading →
hardincrowder.com 