In this sermon on Mark 1:1-8, Pastor Austin W. Duncan explores how God works through seasons of waiting and wilderness to prepare us for transformation. Drawing parallels between the 400-year wait for the Messiah, the early Roman Christians hiding in catacombs, and our own periods of uncertainty, Austin shows how John the Baptist's ministry in the wilderness set the stage for Jesus's arrival. The sermon unpacks the revolutionary nature of John's baptism and message, while demonstrating how Mark's Gospel speaks to everyone facing their own "wilderness seasons" today. Through careful analysis of historical context and contemporary application, Austin W. Duncan presents a compelling case for why Jesus is worth everything, just as He was for those first believers who risked everything to follow Him.

In this sermon, Austin W. Duncan explores the enduring power of hope and light through the lens of Isaiah 9, reflecting on God's promises to a people walking in darkness. Drawing parallels between the first light on Cadillac Mountain and the transformative hope of Christ's arrival, he unpacks the names of Jesus—Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace—to illustrate how God steps into our darkest moments. With historical context, personal application, and an invitation to trust in God's unchanging faithfulness, this message calls us to embrace the light that breaks through all darkness, culminating in the celebration of communion as a reminder of Christ's ultimate sacrifice and victory.

This is the heartbeat of the Church - action into serving others the other 167 hours of the week that you're not here, be that at work, or at home. As we strive to be more like Christ day after day, look at who He told us to invite to the table. Build relationships, invest your time into others that may not be able to pay you back, and allow for God to use you, your skills, your talents, your job, your resources - to grow the Kingdom, and to spread the Gospel to all nations.

This is the heartbeat of the Church - action into serving others the other 167 hours of the week that you're not here, be that at work, or at home. As we strive to be more like Christ day after day, look at who He told us to invite to the table. Build relationships, invest your time into others that may not be able to pay you back, and allow for God to use you, your skills, your talents, your job, your resources - to grow the Kingdom, and to spread the Gospel to all nations.

In the midst of life’s storms, we are called to be a beacon, much like a lighthouse to sailors. In this sermon, Pastor Austin W. Duncan delves into Colossians 3, where we are reminded that our faith is not just for the hour we spend in worship but for the remaining 167 hours of our week. It’s about how we embody Christ in our daily lives - how we use our skills, talents, and resources not for earthly gain, but for heavenly impact.

In this present darkness we see in our world, it is far better to be a light, that others may be shown the way. And the wonderful, awe-inspiring thing is that it's not through our own strength that we be a light in a dark world, but through the strength of Christ. It can be so easy for us to look at Peter and think, "I would never deny Him three times like he did right in front of Jesus." But instead, what an incredible example and admirable trait to be able to say when Jesus asks, "do you love me?" to be able to say, "Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you." 

In this present darkness we see in our world, it is far better to be a light, that others may be shown the way. And the wonderful, awe-inspiring thing is that it's not through our own strength that we be a light in a dark world, but through the strength of Christ. It can be so easy for us to look at Peter and think, "I would never deny Him three times like he did right in front of Jesus." But instead, what an incredible example and admirable trait to be able to say when Jesus asks, "do you love me?" to be able to say, "Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you."