When God Multiplies What You Have: Lessons from the Feeding of the 5,000
What if the problem isn't that you don't have enough, but that you're looking at it from the wrong perspective? Jesus fed 5,000 people with a child's lunch, proving that heaven never runs out. Stop waiting until you feel ready or worthy - bring what you have to the One who multiplies small offerings into extraordinary provision. Are you operating from scarcity or abundance today?The disciples didn't recognize Jesus on the road to Emmaus until He did one simple thing - broke bread with them. What if the key to seeing Jesus more clearly in your life isn't found in miracles or signs, but in the simple act of remembrance? When we remember who He is and what He's done, spiritual veils are lifted and hearts are transformed. Are there veils covering your spiritual vision right now?
What Did Jesus Teach About Servant Leadership? (Mark 10:35–45 Explained)
In Mark 10:35–45, James and John boldly ask Jesus for positions of honor at His right and left hand, revealing their cultural pursuit of status and their deep misunderstanding of the Kingdom of God. Jesus responds by teaching that true greatness in the Kingdom comes not through power, ambition, or self‑promotion, but through servant leadership, humility, and willingness to “drink the cup” of suffering with Him. While the disciples seek glory, Jesus points them to the cost of discipleship, reminding them that God alone appoints places of honor and that following Christ means embracing sacrifice rather than worldly success. Jesus then anchors His teaching in the ultimate act of service—giving His life as a ransom for many—showing that the path to true greatness is found in self‑denial, sacrificial love, and living for the coming Kingdom of God rather than earthly elevation.
Church in Oklahoma City Update
What an incredible 43 days it has been! It’s truly amazing to see all that the Lord has accomplished in such a short time. I wanted to share an update on the progress around our facility and what’s ahead.
What Can We Learn from the Road to Emmaus? (Luke 24 Explained)
The disciples didn't recognize Jesus on the road to Emmaus until He did one simple thing - broke bread with them. What if the key to seeing Jesus more clearly in your life isn't found in miracles or signs, but in the simple act of remembrance? When we remember who He is and what He's done, spiritual veils are lifted and hearts are transformed. Are there veils covering your spiritual vision right now?
Why God Allows Bad Things to Happen to Good People: Lessons from John the Baptist
What you refuse to control today will control you tomorrow. The tragic story of John the Baptist reveals the deadly cost of choosing lust over love and the power of speaking truth even when it's dangerous. Are you being ruled by your desires or by God's love? Discover the difference between earthly kingdoms that lead to destruction and the kingdom of heaven that leads to life.
What Does Mark 10:32–34 Teach About Jesus’ Death and Discipleship?
In Mark 10:32–34, Jesus leads His disciples on the road to Jerusalem, walking ahead with purpose as the disciples stand amazed and the followers behind them grow afraid. Jesus reveals the prophecy of His coming suffering—His betrayal, condemnation, crucifixion, and resurrection—showing that the “Son of Man” will be mocked, flogged, and killed before rising on the third day. This passage highlights the contrast between the disciples’ excitement and the crowd’s fear, exposing how little the disciples understood about the cross. Jesus’ journey to Jerusalem becomes a powerful picture of Christian discipleship: following Christ means embracing sacrifice, dying to self, and showing love even in suffering. For believers today—especially in the West where persecution is rare—this text challenges us to take up our cross daily, respond to others with humility instead of anger, love even when wounded, and walk the same road of costly obedience that Jesus walked.
When Familiarity Breeds Contempt
Why did Jesus' hometown try to murder him after being amazed by his teaching just minutes before? The answer reveals a dangerous heart condition that's still destroying lives today. Are you taking offense at Jesus because he's not working according to your timeline? Blessed are those who don't take offense at Him, even when His ways challenge our expectations.
What Jesus Taught About the End Times
Are you casting the net or trying to sort the fish? Jesus' parable of the fishing net reveals a powerful truth about our role in God's kingdom versus His role in judgment. What happens when we try to do God's job instead of our own?
What Does Mark 10:13–31 Teach About the Kingdom of God? (Children, Wealth, and Salvation Explained)
Previously Jesus warned of the dangers of causing a child to stumble in sin. He then reminded us of the danger of sin and that physical harm is better than what awaits us in judgement if we stray from Him. Lastly He spoke about marriage and divorce and how important marriage is to the kingdom. Continuing on with the theme of children, Jesus blesses children and instructs the Disciples not to try to keep them from Him. He further states that if we want to enter the kingdom, we must receive the kingdom like a child. In other words, we are to see what we lack, not what we have to offer. We see a story of a rich man who comes to Jesus, yet Jesus informs him that he must give up everything in order to follow Him.
The Kingdom of Heaven
Are you treating the kingdom of heaven like buried pirate treasure? Many believers receive this incredible gift but keep it hidden instead of letting it transform their daily lives. What if the secret to experiencing God's power isn't getting more, but actually using what you've already been given? Stop treating the kingdom as an afterthought and start living like you truly value the treasure within you.
What Does Jesus Teach About Sin and Divorce in Mark 9:42–10:12?
After the fight over who is the greatest and some lessons in humility, Jesus warns against several traps. He warns against causing a child to stumble in sin and even leave the Kingdom. He says that the most horrible death would be a mercy compared to the judgement against those who harm the least child. Jesus then warns of the danger of sin and reminds us that a harm of the physical body is more desirable than eternal suffering! Jesus then ends by warning His followers that they cannot divorce their spouse for just any reason. He instead places His emphasis on the importance of marriage.
Update on the Building
In less than 30 days, we’ve witnessed an incredible transformation at our new church home. So many of you have shown up for workdays, stopped by unexpectedly to lend a hand, or connected us with businesses to help reduce costs—and it has made all the difference. This church family knows how to make things happen!
Choosing the Better Portion
What if the most important thing on your to-do list isn't actually on your to-do list? Mary chose to sit at Jesus' feet while Martha worried about preparations. Jesus said Mary chose the better portion. In our world of endless distractions and responsibilities, are we choosing what matters most? Sometimes the most productive thing we can do is stop being productive and simply be with Jesus.
Who Is the Greatest in the Kingdom of God? (Mark 9:33–41 Explained)
After the greatness of Jesus is revealed with a transformation, and a man is healed, the Disciples find themselves in a place wondering who will be the greatest among them. Jesus does not approve of this but instead instructs them to see themselves as the lowest status, and to seek to serve. Not learning the lesson, the Disciples seek to hinder another man who is not “with them” who is casting out demons in Jesus name. Jesus refuses. Instead He explains that those who are fighting against His enemies are on His side.
What Happened at the Transfiguration of Jesus? (Mark 9:1–32 Explained)
Jesus hints at the coming resurrection by explaining that some of His disciples won’t die before they see the Kingdom of God coming with power. Jesus is then transfigured on Mount Hermon, the very place (according to the book of Enoch) of the rebellion of the elohim that rejected God! Coming down from that the Disciples were unable to cast out a demon out of a boy. Jesus casts the demon out and then explains that some of that kind can only be cast out through prayer. Jesus ends the moment by explaining that He had to die and resurrect. Even though He is the Son of Man, and will have an eternal kingdom, He must die first.
Understanding the Parable of the Tares
Ever wonder why God allows difficult people in your life? The Parable of the Tares reveals a shocking truth: the problem isn't with the sower or the seed. What if the tares around you have nothing to do with the truth within you? Discover the divine secret that changes everything about how you handle challenging relationships and circumstances.
New Church Home in OKC
Even on a limited budget, we have lacked nothing in strength, willingness, or manpower. We are already making an impact. Just yesterday, at a choir performance, we met a woman who lives across the street from our building. She shared how excited she is seeing how quickly the HFF family has brought life to the property. That’s the kind of witness you can’t manufacture—it’s the fruit of faith in action.
Who Did Jesus Say He Is? (Mark 8:27–38 Explained)
In the previous post we talked about the Pharisee challenge to Jesus where they demanded a sign from God to prove that He is the Messiah. Jesus rejected their request and warned the Disciples of the leaven of the Pharisees and Herod (the need for a sign, unbelief). Then He traveled to Bethsaida and healed a man who was blind. Now we see Jesus walking with the Disciples in the area of Caesarea Philippi where He asks them who they believe that He is. After they tell Him what others are saying Peter finally confesses that He is the Messiah, the Son of God. The location of this event is very important and we will discuss it later. Jesus then told the Disciples of His coming death and resurrection and made it clear that they must choose the cross to follow Him.
Understanding the Parable of the Sower
You're not stuck being spiritual roadkill. The Parable of the Sower reveals that you can choose what kind of soil your heart becomes. Will you be the rocky ground that withers under pressure, the thorny soil choked by worldly worries, or the good soil that bears fruit thirty, sixty, and a hundredfold? The kingdom of heaven is yours for the taking - but what kind of soil will you choose to be?
Why Did Jesus Refuse to Give a Sign? (Mark 8:11–26 Explained)
Some Pharisees come to Jesus with a challenge in mind. They have come to shut him up! They issue this challenge by demanding a sign from heaven. Jesus responds with frustration and tells them that they won’t get a sign (for now). After they exchange words Jesus sets out with the Disciples and He warns them to beware the leaven of the Pharisees and Herod. We will discuss what this means. Coming to Bethsaida Jesus performs a powerful miracle, healing the blind, but in a very interesting way.
Today’s lesson is all about believing God even when things seem a little strange and not demanding things of God, like a sign.