These are my sermon notes for Sunday morning, June 21 . They’re not a full manuscript—just a listening guide to help our Tabernacle Church family to follow along. I encourage you to add your own notes as you listen each week. The service will be available on YouTube by Sunday afternoon. You can find Sermon Notes, Family Devotional Guides, our Prayer List, and more on our church website.

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People do not drift into spiritual maturity; they are intentional and determined. They press on in Christ through devotion, discipline, and diligence.

Devotion: Christ Must Be the Goal – v. 12

• Christ pursued us before we pursued Him.
• A godly father’s life is centered on Christ.
• Devotion flows from grace, not guilt.
• Matthew 6:33; Colossians 3:1-3; John 15:1-11

What has more of your heart than Christ right now? Reorder your priorities and pursue Him first.

Discipline: Growth Requires Intentional Effort – v. 13

• Spiritual growth does not happen by accident.
• Leave past failures and successes behind.
• Godly men train themselves for godliness.
• 1 Timothy 4:7-8; 1 Corinthians 9:24-27

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A Simple Plan for Spiritual Growth (15 MIN A DAY)

1. Read the Bible for 5 Minutes

• Get up 15 min and find a spot. Do not look at your phone.
• Read a portion of Scripture.
• Ask
  • What does this teach me about God?
  • What does this teach me about myself?
  • Is there something to obey, avoid, believe, or apply today?

2. Read a Good Christian Book for 5 Minutes

• Learn from faithful believers who have walked before you.
• Feed your mind with truth and wisdom.

3. Pray and Reflect for 5 Minutes

• Thank God for what you read.
• Pray through the truths you learned.
• Think about your day.
• Ask: How can I live this out today?

Then…WIN THE DAY

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We don’t drift into godliness. We pursue it. And by God’s grace, small daily disciplines produce long-term spiritual growth.

Where do you need greater discipline this week… God’s Word, prayer, purity, your speech, your time, or leading your family?

Diligence: Faithful Fathers Keep Pressing On – v. 14

• The Christian life is a marathon, not a sprint.
• Faithfulness matters more than perfection.
• God calls His people to persevere.
• Hebrews 12:1-2; 1 Corinthians 15:18: Galatians 6:6-10

Where are you tempted to quit? Keep praying, keep leading, keep trusting Christ, and keep pressing on.

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The What Now

1. Pursue Christ Above Everything Else – Make Christ your greatest priority. Let your family see that He has your heart before anything else.

2. Practice Daily Spiritual Discipline – Spend time in God’s Word, pray consistently, and lead your home intentionally. Growth does not happen by accident.

3. Keep Pressing On – Do not quit when you fail, grow weary, or become discouraged. Trust Christ, get back up, and keep moving forward.

A godly father is not a perfect father. He is a man who keeps pressing on in Christ through devotion, discipline, and diligence.

Mark 5:1–20

Intro

• Jesus has demonstrated authority through His teaching, miracles, and the calming of the storm.
• The disciples were left asking: “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?” (Mark 4:41)
• Mark 5 continues answering that question.
• Jesus encounters a man completely overcome by demonic power and beyond human help.
• The One who calmed the storm on the sea is about to calm the storm in a man’s soul.

Lostness — vv. 1–5

The Condition of the Sinner

• The man was demon-possessed, isolated, and hopeless.
• He lived among the tombs—a picture of spiritual death.
• Human effort could not change his condition.
• Sin promises freedom but produces bondage.
• Apart from Christ, people are spiritually dead and unable to save themselves.
• Truth: Our greatest problem is not external but spiritual.

Lordship — vv. 6–13

The Authority of Christ

• The demons immediately recognized Jesus.
• “Most High God” emphasizes God’s supreme authority over all powers.
• The name “Legion” suggests a large number of demons and overwhelming bondage.
• The demons feared Christ because they knew His authority.
• Jesus speaks and the demons obey.
• Truth: There is no power greater than King Jesus.
• Truth: Satan is powerful, but Christ is sovereign.

Transformation — vv. 14–17

The Power of the Gospel

• The man is now sitting, clothed, and in his right mind.
• Jesus did not merely improve the man; He completely changed him.
• Salvation is more than behavior modification; it is heart transformation.
• The gospel changes our desires, direction, and identity.
• The townspeople were amazed by the change but unwilling to embrace Christ.
• Truth: The power of the gospel is seen in transformed lives.
• Truth: People may admire change while still rejecting Christ.

Witness — vv. 18–20

The Mission of the Redeemed

• The healed man wanted to stay with Jesus.
• Jesus sent him home to tell others what God had done.
• “Tell” means to announce, report, or proclaim.
• The first missionary to the Decapolis was a man radically changed by grace.
• Every believer has a testimony of God’s mercy.
• We are called to point others to Christ, not ourselves.
• Truth: Those who receive mercy should proclaim mercy.
• Truth: A transformed life becomes a powerful witness for Christ.

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What Now?

• Remember what Christ has saved you from.
• Rest in the authority of King Jesus.
• Walk in the transformation He provides.
• Tell others what the Lord has done for you.

This is the list of challenges I shared on Sunday morning as introduced the sermon.

This list is not meant to criticize or condemn. Rather, it helps us understand the times in which we live and reminds us why we must Continue in the Word, Preach the Word, and Stand Firm in the Word.

I encourage you to check out the sermon on 2 Timothy 3:14–4:5 at pastorjonbeck.com as we consider why Paul’s charge to Timothy remains so relevant to the church today.

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Challenges We Face Today

1. Moral Relativism

• Truth is treated as personal preference.
• Right and wrong are determined by feelings rather than God’s Word.
• “Live your truth” has replaced “Thus says the Lord.”

2. Confusion About Gender and Sexuality

• God’s design for male and female is being rejected.
• Gender is increasingly viewed as self-defined rather than God-given.
• Biblical marriage and sexual ethics are often dismissed as outdated.

3. The Devaluing of Human Life

• Abortion continues to take innocent human life.
• Assisted suicide is gaining acceptance.
• Human worth is increasingly measured by convenience, ability, or usefulness rather than being made in God’s image.

4. The Breakdown of the Family

• Marriage is often viewed as temporary rather than covenantal.
• Fatherlessness continues to impact communities.
• Many children are growing up without biblical foundations in the home.

5. The Celebration of What God Calls Sin

• Behaviors once recognized as sinful are now applauded and promoted.
• Christians are pressured not merely to tolerate sin, but to affirm it.
• Darkness is called light and light called darkness.

6. The Worship of Self

• Personal happiness has become life’s highest goal.
• Self-expression is valued more than self-denial.
• The call to repent and follow Christ is often replaced with self-fulfillment.

7. Biblical Illiteracy

• Many people have access to the Bible but little knowledge of its truth.
• Social media and culture often shape beliefs more than Scripture.
• Feelings increasingly outweigh biblical conviction.

The challenges are real, but so is our calling. Let us be a people who continue in the Word, preach the Word, and stand firm in the Word. By God’s grace, may we remain faithful to Christ and His truth as we PRESS ON.

2 Timothy 3:14–4:5

Intro

• Truth matters because God’s Word matters.
• Churches do not drift toward faithfulness; they drift toward compromise.
• Paul wrote 2 Timothy during a time of false teaching and growing pressure.
• Timothy’s assignment was simple: remain faithful to Christ and His Word.
• In a time of confusion and compromise, God’s people must continue in the Word, preach the Word, and stand firm in the Word.

Continue in the Word – 3:14–17

Hold Fast to the Truth

• Know the truth.
• Believe the truth.
• Remain in the truth.

Submit to the Authority of Scripture

• Scripture is breathed out by God.
• Scripture is our final authority.
• Scripture teaches, corrects, and equips.

The church does not have authority over Scripture. Scripture has authority over the church.

Preach the Word – 4:1–4

Preach with Urgency

• Christ is coming.
• Eternity is at stake.

Preach the Whole Counsel of God

• Reprove — expose error.
• Rebuke — confront sin.
• Exhort — encourage obedience.

Preach Despite Opposition

• Many will reject sound doctrine.
• The church must not change its message to fit the culture.

When the church stops preaching the Word, it loses its voice.

Stand Firm in the Word – 4:5

Think Biblically

• Remain sober-minded.
• View life through Scripture.

Endure Faithfully

• Truth often carries a cost.
• Persevere through opposition.

Finish Well

• Stay focused on Christ’s mission.
• Fulfill the ministry God has given you.

A faithful church is not measured by popularity but by perseverance.

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The What Now

Continue in the Word. Know it. Believe it. Obey it. Refuse to let culture have more influence over your thinking than Scripture.

Prioritize the Preaching of the Word. Commit yourself to hearing, receiving, and applying God’s truth as it is faithfully preached and taught.

Stand Faithful and Finish Well. Remain steadfast in Christ. Hold your convictions with humility and courage. Fulfill the ministry God has given you and finish well.

These are my sermon notes for Sunday morning, June 7 . They’re not a full manuscript—just a listening guide to help our Tabernacle Church family to follow along. I encourage you to add your own notes as you listen each week. The service will be available on YouTube by Sunday afternoon. You can find Sermon Notes, Family Devotional Guides, our Prayer List, and more on our church website.

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1 Samuel 25:1–44

INTRO

• Saul continues pursuing David, forcing him to live as a fugitive in the wilderness.
• God has repeatedly protected and provided for David.
• Jonathan has strengthened David’s faith and reminded him of God’s promises (1 Sam. 23).
• David has just spared Saul’s life in the cave, refusing to take the kingdom by force (1 Sam. 24).
• David is learning that God’s purposes are accomplished God’s way.
• Chapter 25 presents a new test… not from Saul, but from an ordinary conflict that reveals what is happening in David’s heart.

Responding to Circumstances – vv. 1-13

• Samuel dies. David loses His spiritual mentor
• David faces uncertainty.
• Nabal responds with selfishness and contempt.
• David reacts in anger and prepares for revenge.
• David’s greatest challenge was not Nabal’s actions but his own response.
• Circumstances do not excuse sinful reactions.
• Being wronged does not give us the right to respond wrongly.

Receiving Wise Counsel – vv. 14-35

• God providentially uses a servant and Abigail.
• Abigail acts with wisdom, humility, and courage.
• She reminds David of God’s promises and God’s purposes.
  • Remember who God is.
  • Remember what God has promised.
  • Remember what God is doing.
  • Remember that vengeance belongs to the Lord.
• She warns David against taking vengeance into his own hands.
• David listens, receives correction, and changes course.
• Wise leaders are teachable leaders.

Resting in God’s Justice – vv. 36-44

• Nabal celebrates while judgment approaches.
• God deals with Nabal.
• David recognizes God’s hand in the situation.
• God restrains David from sin and vindicates him.
• David learns to trust God’s timing and God’s justice.
• God will and can win His battles.
• God is fully capable of defending His servants.

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The What Now?

• Respond biblically to difficult circumstances. Don’t allow emotions to control your actions.
• Receive wise counsel. God often protects and guides us through the wisdom of others.
• Rest in God’s justice. Trust God’s timing and refuse to take matters into your own hands.

My Bible study notes for Wednesday night, June 3. Remember, these are my personal study notes and not a manuscript of the sermon. They are provided as an outline each week for our Tabernacle Church family. You can find Sermon Notes, Family Devotional Guides, Prayer List, and other resources at our Church Website.

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This week, we are stepping away from our study of Mark 4 to take a deeper look at the Kingdom of God. Since Jesus’ teaching in Mark 4 centers on the kingdom, it is important that we understand what it is, how it advances, and what it means to live under Christ’s rule today.

Pastor Jon’s Definition – The Kingdom of God is God’s rule and reign over all creation, inaugurated through the person and work of Jesus Christ, advancing through the gospel as His people live under His lordship and make disciples, and one day fully revealed when Christ returns.

The Kingdom Reveals God’s Sovereign Rule

• Matthew 28:18; John 18:36–37; Ephesians 1:20–22; Colossians 1:16–17; Revelation 11:15
• God is King over all creation.
• Christ has been given all authority.
• He rules over nations, history, salvation, judgment, and eternity.
• Nothing exists outside His sovereign rule.
• The Kingdom begins with the King.

The Kingdom Advances Through the Gospel

• Mark 1:14–15; John 3:3–5; Acts 1:8; Acts 28:30–31; Romans 14:17; Colossians 1:13–14
• Jesus announced, “The kingdom of God is at hand” — Mark 1:15.
• The kingdom advances as the gospel is preached.
• Sinners are saved, disciples are made, churches are strengthened, and believers submit to Christ’s lordship.
• Entrance into the kingdom is through new birth, repentance, and faith in Christ.
• The Kingdom advances through the gospel, not human power.

The Kingdom Produces Kingdom People and Awaits Kingdom Glory

• Matthew 5:3–16; Matthew 6:33; Luke 17:20–21; Philippians 3:20–21; Titus 2:11–14; 2 Peter 1:10–11; Revelation 21:1–4
• Christ has come, died, risen, and reigns.
• The kingdom is already present, but not yet fully revealed.
• Believers live under Christ’s rule now.
• Kingdom people are marked by obedience, holiness, humility, gospel witness, fruitfulness, perseverance, and loyalty to Christ.
• The kingdom will be fully revealed when Jesus returns.
• Kingdom citizens live faithfully now while waiting for the King to return.

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The What Now

• Live under Christ’s lordship every day. The Kingdom is not merely something we believe in; it is a reality we are called to live in as we submit our lives to King Jesus.
• Advance the Kingdom through gospel witness and disciple-making. God’s Kingdom grows as the gospel is shared, people are saved, and believers are equipped to follow Christ.
• Live with hope and faithfulness. Christ is reigning today, His Kingdom is advancing, and one day He will return. Until then, we press on in faithful obedience.

These are my sermon notes for Sunday morning, May 31. They’re not a full manuscript—just a listening guide to help our Tabernacle Church family to follow along. I encourage you to add your own notes as you listen each week. The service will be available on YouTube by Sunday afternoon. You can find Sermon Notes, Family Devotional Guides, our Prayer List, and more on our church website.

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Intro

• The Lord’s Supper reminds us what we have in Jesus Christ.
• Through His blood, Jesus established the New Covenant that forgives sinners, transforms hearts, and changes lives.
• The New Covenant is the new relationship God established through Jesus Christ, where sinners are forgiven, hearts are transformed, and believers are brought into fellowship with God.

I. The New Covenant Brings a New Relationship – Luke 22:20; Romans 5:1-11

• Romans 3:23; Romans 5:1-11; Hebrews 10:14–18
• Sin is humanity’s greatest problem. We have all broken God’s moral law.
• Our sin leaves us guilty before a holy God.
• Jesus’ blood secured complete forgiveness and reconciliation.
• The cross accomplished what sacrifices never could.

The New Covenant addresses our greatest problem… sin against a holy God.

II. The New Covenant Creates a New Heart – Jeremiah 31:33

• John 3:3; Ezekiel 36:26–27
• God gives His people a new heart.
• True conversion changes a person from the inside out.
• Jesus called this being “born again.”
• The Holy Spirit gives new desires and affections.
• Believers are not perfect, but they are different people.

The New Covenant does not simply improve people… it makes sinners new.

III. The New Covenant Produces a New Life – 2 Corinthians 5:15

• Romans 12:1–2; Titus 2:11–14; James 2:17; Matthew 28:19–20; Ephesians 2:10; Colossians 3:17
• The gospel changes not only who we are, but how we now live.
• Our lives are no longer our own.
• We now live under the Lordship of Jesus Christ.
• The gospel reshapes our priorities and direction.
• We now live for His glory and His Kingdom.

Our New Calling

• Follow Christ
• Pursue holiness
• Serve others
• Love the church
• Make disciples
• Advance the gospel

The New Covenant produces a life increasingly shaped by the rule and reign of Christ.

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The What Now

• Because Christ has brought you into a new relationship with God, draw near to Him daily.
• Because Christ has given you a new heart, pursue holiness and obedience faithfully.
• Because Christ died and rose again for you, no longer live for yourself, but for Him.

My Bible study notes for Wednesday night, May 27. Remember, these are my personal study notes and not a manuscript of the sermon. They are provided as an outline each week for our Tabernacle Church family. You can find Sermon Notes, Family Devotional Guides, Prayer List, and other resources at our Church Website.

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Mark 4:26–34

INTRO

• Jesus continues teaching about the Kingdom of God through parables.
• The previous parables emphasized hearing and responding to God’s Word.
• Now Jesus explains how the Kingdom grows and spreads.
• Though the Kingdom may appear small and slow, God is powerfully advancing it through the gospel.

The Kingdom of God is the rule and reign of God over His creation through Jesus Christ, advancing through the proclamation of the gospel, empowered by the Holy Spirit, and displayed through the life and mission of the church until Christ returns.

1. The Kingdom Advances by God’s Power — vv. 26–27

• The seed is sown.
• Growth happens beyond human ability.
• God gives the increase.
• The harvest is certain.
• We are called to faithfulness, not sovereignty.

2. The Kingdom Brings Growth — vv. 28–29

• Blade. Ear. Full grain.
• God matures His people progressively.
• Spiritual growth is often gradual, but it should be evident.

3. The Kingdom Seems Small (insignificant)— vv. 30–31

• The mustard seed appeared insignificant.
• Jesus’ ministry appeared small in the world’s eyes.
• God delights in using what seems weak and small.
• Never underestimate what God can do through simple faithfulness.

4. The Kingdom Expands Beyond Expectation — v. 32

• The small seed becomes large.
• The kingdom spreads outward.
• Others find refuge and blessing under its influence.
• The gospel always impacts more than we can see.

5. The Kingdom Reveals the Heart and Demands a Response — vv. 33–34

• Jesus taught in parables.
• Some listened casually.
• Others leaned in to understand.
• The disciples desired more truth.
• Kingdom truth exposes the condition of the heart.
• The kingdom of God does not merely inform people — it calls them to repent, believe, follow, and submit to Christ as King.

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The What Now

• Sow the Word faithfully.
• Trust God with the results.
• Stay patient in slow seasons.
• Keep pursuing growth.
• Live under the rule of Christ daily.