Marked By Grace: Day 4
Forgiveness and Fellowship
Scripture Reading: Mark 2:1-17
Reflection:
In this passage, Jesus heals a paralytic, first addressing the man’s sins, then his physical ailment, emphasizing the primacy of spiritual healing. The scribes question Jesus’ authority to forgive sins, but He demonstrates His divine authority through physical healing. This incident reveals the depth of Jesus’ compassion and His power to forgive and heal holistically. The calling of Levi, a tax collector, further illustrates Jesus’ mission to reach the marginalized and sinners, challenging social norms and religious prejudices.
Mark By Grace: Day 3
Solitude, Service, and Spreading the Good News
Scripture Reading: Mark 1:35-45
Reflection:
This passage begins with Jesus seeking solitude in a desolate place for prayer, showing the importance of personal communion with the Father. Yet, when people seek Him, He responds to their needs, emphasizing His mission to preach and heal. The healing of the leper not only displays Jesus' compassion and His power to cleanse and restore. Unable to keep silent about his healing, this man spreads the news, illustrating how personal encounters with Christ compel us to share the good news with others.
Marked By Grace: Day 2
Authority and Compassion in Action
Scripture Reading: Mark 1:21-34
Reflection:
In this passage, Jesus' teaching is marked by authority, distinguishing Him from the scribes. His authority is further demonstrated by casting out an unclean spirit and the healing of many, including Peter's mother-in-law. These acts of power are not just displays of authority but also compassion and care for those suffering. This section of Scripture invites us to reflect on the authority of Jesus' teachings in our lives and His compassionate response to our needs and sufferings.
Marked By Grace: Day 1
The Beginning of the Gospel
Scripture Reading: Mark 1:1-20
Reflection:
Mark 1:1-20 sets the stage for the public ministry of Jesus Christ. It starts with John the Baptist's preparatory work, emphasizing repentance and baptism. Then, Jesus' baptism and temptation in the wilderness signify His readiness for ministry. Jesus' proclamation, "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel," is a powerful call to action. The calling of the first disciples shows the immediate and total response that Jesus' call demands. This passage invites us to reflect on our own response to the Gospel and Jesus' lordship in our lives.
Secure in the Storm | Psalm 11 | Dwell in the Word
Psalm 11 opens not with despair but with confidence: “In the Lord I take refuge.” In this Dwell in the Word episode, Pastor Mark Groen walks through this short yet profound psalm to help us see what it means to trust God when the world feels like it’s falling apart. Whether we’re tempted to run or freeze in fear, this devotional reminds us that God is still enthroned—and He sees.
Peace in the Night | Psalm 4 | Dwell in the Word
Psalm 4 ends with these words: “In peace I will both lie down and sleep, for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.” In this episode of Dwell in the Word, Pastor Mark Groen unpacks this deep trust David has in God’s care, even when distress and danger surround him.
Dwell in the Word: 45:14-25
Well, we see throughout the Book of Isaiah that it is that God has spoken to the people of Israel. God has revealed Himself to them, and He has caused them to hear. He is doing this, and so they know who He is. Later on, down in this passage, after this acknowledgment of this God who did all this creating work, the God who made everything. Remember, as we've been seeing, as we've been through the Ten Commandments, there's this important idea between the gods of the nations and the God of Israel. The God of Israel is other. He is separate from the creation. He is not like the creation. There is a creator creation distinction, important to understand. They don't have this with the pagan gods that they go running after. And here we see that the real difference is that God speaks and He causes His people to listen. We see this in verse 19. I did not speak in secret in a land of darkness. I did not say to the offspring of Jacob, 'Seek me in vain. ' He didn't say, Hey, come find me if you can. God spoke with a purpose to His people.
Life Together in the Spirit | Acts 2:42–47 | Dwell in the Word
In this final episode on Acts chapter 2, Pastor Mark Groen walks through the closing verses of Peter’s Pentecost sermon and the Spirit-formed life of the early church. Acts 2:42–47 paints a picture of a community shaped by the Word, devoted to worship, fellowship, and generosity. This passage calls us to trust in the power of the Holy Spirit through ordinary means—preaching, prayer, breaking bread, and life together. As Pastor Mark emphasizes, gospel growth doesn't depend on clever methods, but on God's faithful work through His Word.
From Death to Life | Acts 2:22–41 | Dwell in the Word
In this extended Dwell in the Word reflection on Acts 2:22–41, Pastor Mark Groen unpacks the conclusion of Peter’s Pentecost sermon. He emphasizes that Jesus’ death was no accident but part of God’s definite plan, foretold in Scripture and fulfilled in history. This episode explores Peter’s use of Psalm 110, the call to repentance and baptism, and the remarkable promise that salvation is for all whom God calls—near and far, young and old. A powerful reminder that the gospel is for every generation.
Call Upon the Lord | Acts 2:14–21 | Dwell in the Word
In this Dwell in the Word episode, Pastor Mark Groen continues through Acts 2 with verses 14–21—the beginning of Peter’s sermon at Pentecost. Quoting from the prophet Joel, Peter explains that the coming of the Holy Spirit marks a new era of redemptive history where the gospel is for all people. No matter your background, age, gender, or status, the call to salvation is the same: Call on the name of the Lord and you will be saved. This passage is a powerful reminder of God’s mercy and the mission of the church to proclaim the gospel everywhere.
Tongues, Wind, and Witness | Acts 2:1–13 | Dwell in the Word
This Dwell in the Word episode focuses on Acts 2:1–13 and the remarkable outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. Pastor Mark explains how the Spirit’s coming brought clarity and life—not confusion—and how the gospel was proclaimed in every language for the salvation of many. The episode highlights how this moment fulfills Old Testament prophecy, reverses the judgment at Babel, and reveals God’s intent to build a people from every tribe and tongue. This is the story of how the church begins—and why it continues.
Witness to the Ends of the Earth | Acts 1:1–11 | Dwell in the Word
And so, the book of Acts starts out with an introduction and then quickly moves into the ascension and this Introduction is an interesting one. We've seen on Sunday morning. We have been looking at the book Luke and we saw in Luke chapter 1, Luke started out talking about how he was writing to this Theophilus.
And so, this book of Acts is a continuation of the story that Luke has told in the Gospel of Luke. And so, what we see here is that he's looking to tell a story beyond what happened. Notice that he's talking about Jesus and what he did until he was taken up. But now he's going to be talking about something else.
Dwell in the Word 1 Corinthians 3:16-23
I don't know how much you critique me as we go along here, probably not as much as I think you do or as much as I critique myself. But you may have wondered why didn't we include verses 16 and 17 with what we read on Monday? Well, I had a reason here. I wanted to go back to this idea. It was too much just to do the end of chapter 3 last time, but I wanted us to keep this thought here to connect verses 18 through 23 to what was above to see how all of this has sort of Come back here in chapter 3 to conclude some of Paul's opening thoughts about who they were siding with in the church in Corinth.
Dwell in the Word 1 Corinthians 3:1-9
So, we come to chapter three with Paul addressing this issue that he's mentioned before. He has people who are saying that, well, I follow Paul, or I follow Apollos, or I follow Christ, and they are having these factions among them. These are just some of the issues that are going on in the church in Corinth, but obviously it's a big deal.
And so, Paul is saying, hey, When I came to you, I addressed you as infants because you weren't ready for, you know, solid food. You weren't ready for the hard stuff, basically. And so, what Paul is saying is here, you need to continue to grow. You're not, you're still not ready because you're acting in the flesh.
The Spirit Poured Out | Joel 2:28–32 | Dwell in the Word
Joel's prophecy of the Spirit being poured out on all flesh comes into sharp focus in the New Testament, especially in Peter’s sermon at Pentecost. In Joel 2:28–32, we find that God's saving grace is not limited to one people group. By His Spirit, He calls people from every tribe, tongue, and nation to Himself.
This passage reminds us that we are living in the days foretold by Joel—days of salvation, where everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. It’s a call to rejoice in God’s mercy and to proclaim that saving grace to others. The gospel is for all who will believe.
Lift Up Your Heads | Psalm 24 | Morning Psalms & Prayer
In this Morning Psalms & Prayer reflection, Pastor Mark Groen walks through Psalm 24, exploring how its central question—“Who shall ascend the hill of the Lord?”—ultimately points us to the risen and ascended Christ. This short devotion highlights Jesus as the One with clean hands and a pure heart, the true King of Glory who entered heaven on our behalf. With pastoral warmth and biblical clarity, this episode encourages confidence in prayer and deep gratitude for our ascended Mediator.
Foundations that Hold | Psalm 11 | Morning Psalms & Prayers
Psalm 11 asks, “If the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?” In this episode of Morning Psalms and Prayers, Pastor Mark Groen reflects on the steadfast refuge we have in God, who reigns from His heavenly throne. Through Scripture, prayer, and reflection, we begin the day reminded that God’s righteousness is our foundation, and His mercy is new each morning.
Peace in the Night | Psalm 4 | Morning Psalms & Prayer
This Morning Psalms & Prayer episode with Pastor Mark Groen focuses on Psalm 4 and the peace God gives His people even in times of distress. Through heartfelt prayer, honest reflection, and the reading of Scripture, we are reminded that the Lord hears us when we call—and that only He can make us dwell in safety. A timely encouragement for anyone seeking rest in God’s promises.