In this Lenten reflection, we examine Jesus's prayerful struggle in Gethsemane, where he faces overwhelming sorrow. We explore the significance of the cup of suffering, representing God's wrath, which Jesus willingly accepts for humanity's sins. Despite the disciples' apathy, Jesus's love and sacrifice offer profound forgiveness and redemption. How…

This week we will be studying Luke 13:22-30 under the theme “The Kingdom’s Narrow Door.” Jesus regularly needed to teach the people of his day that they would not be saved by their pedigree or moral performance. Rather, we can only be saved by grace through faith in him. Everyone is invited to pass through that door, but the door itself is narrow a…

In this Lenten meditation, we explore the moment at the Last Supper when Jesus reveals that one of his disciples will betray him, causing deep sadness among them. We delve into how Judas's deliberate betrayal underscores the depth of human sinfulness and the potential for betrayal within us all. Despite this, we find hope in Jesus's unwavering love…

This week we will be studying Luke 11:1-13 under the theme “Jesus on Prayer.” The most common response most Christians give when asked about their prayer life is “I probably should be doing it more.” Why is it so difficult? We’ll discuss what stands in the way and what is available to us. The goal of Dr. Luke’s Gospel is to present the universal re…

This Lenten season, yield to the message of repentance and renewal from Joel 2:12-19 and embrace the timeless call to rend our hearts and welcome our wounded Savior. Return to God with sincerity. Experience His gracious mercy and compassion. Prepare for the resurrection of Jesus Christ. How can we pray for you? tinyurl.com/stmarcusprayers Fill out …

This week we will be studying Luke 9:28-36 under the theme “The Transfiguration.” One of the more misunderstood and underappreciated moments in the Gospels, this account teaches us about the universal human quest for glory and Jesus’ counterintuitive approach. The goal of Dr. Luke’s Gospel is to present the universal reach of Jesus’ gift of salvati…

This week’s message will focus on the account of “Martha and Mary” from Luke 10:38-42. Αfter a series of spectacular miracles by Jesus and profound experiences and teachings for his disciples, Jesus stops at the home of Martha. Martha immediately goes to work preparing an elaborate meal while her sister Mary drops everything to sit at Jesus’ feet. …

Guest Preacher Jonathan Hein of WELS Congregational Services and Director of the WELS Commission on Congregational Counseling delivers a special message on Psalm 150 for St. Marcus' 150th Church Anniversary. Click here to view the full service. How can we pray for you? tinyurl.com/stmarcusprayers Fill out our online connection card: tinyurl.com/stm…

In studying Luke 9, we explore Jesus' commissioning of the 12 disciples and the balance between sweet service and strong statements in Christian ministry. We will delve into how believers can live modestly and aim strategically to spread the Gospel, embracing their role as Christ's ambassadors. The goal of Dr. Luke’s Gospel is to present the univer…

This week we will be studying Luke 8:22-25 under the theme “Power Over Storms.” After a period of teaching his disciples, Jesus offers them a period of testing. Jesus’ disciples indeed have faith, but the question is whether or not they will use their faith in life’s most trying times. Similarly, for many Christians, it’s not a matter of not having…

This week, we will be studying Luke 5:17-26 under the theme “Forgiving a Paralyzed Man.” Luke’s Gospel repeatedly shows the theme of Jesus’ healing for a hurting world. Jesus lets us know He is Lord and he has the power to forgive sins. Through our faith in Jesus, we are forgiven. He encourages us to bring people to him through our faith. The goal …

This week, we will be studying Luke 4:38-44 under the theme “A Messiah Who Heals Many Kinds of Problems.” Luke’s Gospel repeatedly shows the theme of Jesus’ healing for a hurting world. That hurt sometimes takes the form of physical ailments, social alienation, or demonic attack. As Lord over all, Jesus knows and has exactly what we need, no matter…

This week we study Luke 4:14-20 under the theme “Rejecting a Familiar Savior.” The Jews wanted a Messiah. They just didn’t want the REAL Messiah. A relationship with the real Messiah requires humility and repentance. It leads to a life spent favoring the hurting of the world. And it empowers you to walk through and away from the rejections you may …

This week, we’ll focus on Jesus’ baptism from Luke 3:15-17 and 21-22, where we see His dependence on the Father and His absolute commitment to God’s will. The Trinity’s presence highlights and affirms Jesus as the one chosen to carry out God’s rescue mission. Despite humanity's natural tendency to rebel against God’s authority, Jesus identified wit…

This week we will be studying Luke 3:1-14 under the theme “A Cultural Contrarian.” We are introduced to John the Baptist who prepared the way for the beginning of Jesus’ public ministry. John was unabashed with the truth, countercultural in lifestyle, and compelling to all. He had a mission from God and simply did not care who hated him for it. As …

We explore the profound comfort found in Romans 8, emphasizing that if God is for us, no one can stand against us. Through the lens of the Apostle Paul's teachings, we are reminded of Christ's inseparable love and the impregnable defense He provides against the accusations of sin and the grave. As we face life's challenges, we are encouraged to tru…

This Christmas Day message explores the transformative power of knowing Jesus, the eternal Word made flesh. Discover how His incarnation brings light to our darkness and hope to our world. Delve into the true meaning of Christmas and the depth of God's love. Celebrate the season and be inspired to live as redeemed children of God. How can we pray f…

This week we will conclude our study of Revelation with Revelation 22:1-14 under the theme “The Evolution of Paradise.” SERIES SUMMARY: The book of Revelation has fascinated Christians for two millennia. As apocalyptic literature, it’s unique in the New Testament for numerous reasons, not the least of which is that it is the book that speaks of thi…

This week we will be studying Revelation 21:1-6 under the theme “A New Heaven and a New Earth.” Whereas Christians often get lost in the many strange and spectacular details of the Book of Revelation, they forget that its primary purpose God intended is Living Hope for his people to face anything in the present. SERIES SUMMARY: The book of Revelati…

This week we will be studying Revelation 19:1-10 under the theme “The Wedding Supper and the Lamb.” Our praise of God in the present gets derailed when we forget the temporal nature of enticing beauty, overprioritize otherwise good things, or lose track of all the Lord has done and has promised. Our “Hallelujah” today is possible and powerful only …

Leading up to Chapter 14, we hear of the dangers that are to come to us in this world. Even in our troubles, fears, hardships, and pain, we learn that this is not a time to worry. Rather "This calls for patient endurance and faithfulness on the part of God’s people." "This calls for wisdom." The end of times is no different from the beginning of ti…

Our next step in Revelation takes us to the heavenly throne room in Chapter 5, where John’s heart breaks over the sealed scroll—until everything changes when the Lamb steps forward. The new song of heaven bursts out, celebrating what Jesus has done. He has made us a kingdom and priests through His sacrifice. Here we see that unrestrained, joy-fille…

This week we will be studying Revelation 3:14-22 under the theme “A Letter to the Church in Laodicea.” It is in these verses that we learn how Jesus notoriously deemed Laodicea “lukewarm,” saying that if they did not repent, he would spit them out. Prosperity has a way of deceiving God’s people into believing in their own self-sufficiency. Christ c…

This week we will be studying Revelation 2:1-7 under the theme “A Letter to the Church in Ephesus.” Ephesus had been a pivotal congregation in the Early Church, but they’d lost their original love. It’s entirely possible for a Christian congregation (or individual) to check major boxes of doctrine and religious practice, but lose internal vitality.…

This week we will be studying Revelation 1:8-18 under the theme “Introducing the Alpha and the Omega.” This week we read the Apostle John’s introductory image of Jesus in heaven. John is overwhelmed. But the Lord tells him, “Do not be afraid,” because this all-powerful King holds the keys to our future. SERIES SUMMARY: The book of Revelation has fa…