Sermons on San Marcos 8:34:

Seeking The World

Contributed by D. Dewaine Phillips on Jan 30, 2022

Some of us are lost in a sea of material things, and bills, and debt, feeling like we’re drowning and that the very life is being sucked right out of us. In order to have abundant life, we must seek life in Jesus instead of life in the world.

Eddie Rickenbacker was America’s most famous army aviator during World War I. During World War II he was appointed special consultant to Secretary of War, Henry L. Stimson; and it was Rickenbacker’s task to inspect the various aspects of war. During one tour in 1942, Eddie and seven companions ...read more

Scripture: Mark 8:34-37

Denomination: Baptist

The Great Confusion - Mark 8:27-34 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Nov 19, 2023

The question, “Who do you say I am” is important, but it’s not everything. Equally important is the question, “What does the way you listen to the hard words of Christ say about who you really believe he is?"

Mark 8:27 Jesus and his disciples went on to the villages around Caesarea Philippi. On the way he asked them, "Who do people say I am?" 28 They replied, "Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, one of the prophets." 29 "But what about you?" he ...read more

Scripture: Mark 8:27-34, Matthew 16:13-24, Luke 9:18-23

Finders Weepers Losers Keepers - Mark 8:34-38 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Dec 16, 2023

What does it mean to deny yourself and take up your cross? And how does it help you in your daily battle with sin?

Excerpt #1: You are a radical, fundamentalist, extremist Christian or you are a non-Christian. Excerpt #2: People title this passage, "The Cost of Discipleship," but it could just as well be called, "The Cost of Non-Discipleship." Jesus wants us to compare costs. Excerpt #3: ...read more

Scripture: Mark 8:34-38, Matthew 16:13-27, Luke 9:18-26

Take Up Your Cross Series

Contributed by Lanny Smith on Mar 14, 2022

What does it look like to deny ourselves, take up our cross and follow Jesus?

[IMAGE] Philippine Passion Play - practice of literally crucifying people (voluntarily). The practice began in 1962 after a popular play about Jesus’ death. One man, Ruben Enaje, (as of 2019) had been hung on a cross 33 times. Many men and women have voluntarily submitted to temporary crucifixion ...read more

Scripture: Mark 8:31-38

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

"living In Reality"

Contributed by Ken Sauer on Mar 16, 2022

A sermon about what it means to deny self and live for God and others.

“Living in Reality” Mark 8:34-38 I want us to think about the following questions this morning: 1. What gives you the greatest joy in life? 2. What creates for you the deepest sense of purpose? 3. When do you feel most alive, most true to the person God created you to be? My guess is that ...read more

Scripture: Mark 8:34-38

Denomination: United Methodist

The Biggest Gambler Of Them All!

Contributed by Dr. Odell Belger on Mar 18, 2022

I want to look at a topic that should be a “no-brainer” for Christians. SHOULD CHRISTIANS GAMBLE?

Gambling has become accepted by many, and has become a widespread problem in our society. Sad to say, you can even find it among some churches. Illus: Did you hear about the man that heard a knock at the door. Opening the door he noticed a boy from his church selling raffle tickets. The boy said ...read more

Scripture: Mark 8:34-37

Denomination: Baptist

God's Secret Series

Contributed by C. Philip Green on Mar 25, 2022

If you want to get in on God’s secret, look for it in a simple package, then find it in a simple, spiritual message for spiritual people. Submit to God’s Spirit and let Him lead you into ways you can’t even imagine right now.

Mary Williamson, a pediatric nurse in Kirbyville, Texas, once neglected to tell her new patient, a little boy, how his hospital room intercom worked. Soon his light flashed. She called his name and asked what he wanted. There was complete silence. She repeated herself. After a long pause he said, ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 2:1-16, Colossians 2:2, Ephesians 3:6, Matthew 16:24, Mark 8:34, Luke 9:23  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical Free

A Pyrrhic Victory

Contributed by Rich O' Toole on Apr 26, 2023

Peter rebukes Jesus

A Pyrrhic Victory Mark 8:31-38 Have you ever heard the saying, “They won the battle, but they lost the war?” This is like a Pyrrhic (Pear rick) victory; which is a victory that ends up causing such a devastating toll on the victor, it ends up as a defeat, rather than a victory, due to its long ...read more

Scripture: Mark 8:31-38

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Responding To Persecution Series

Contributed by Richard Tow on May 8, 2023

Will we experience increased persecution in the days ahead? If so, will we respond in a way that facilitates the work of the Holy Spirit, or will we respond in the flesh, pursuing worthy goals in an unworthy manner? Message examines biblical revelation of how to respond.

Intro Persecution: Will we experience increased persecution in the days ahead? If so, will we be prepared and equipped to handle it well? These are questions that naturally arise as we read our text today. It’s found in Matthew 5:10--12: “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:10-12, Luke 6:22-26, John 3:19-20, 1 Peter 2:1-24, 1 Corinthians 4:11-18, Acts 5:41, Matthew 5:44, 2 Timothy 4:1-6, Matthew 13:1-21, Hebrews 10:26-29, Mark 8:34, 2 Timothy 2:3  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Charismatic

Answering Life's Most Important Question Series

Contributed by David Owens on Aug 8, 2023

This sermon marks a critical point in the ministry of Jesus. It is time for Jesus' disciples to know that He is the Messiah and to know what kind of Messiah He will be. They are shocked to discover there is a cross in store for Jesus and for all of Jesus' followers.

Introduction: A. One day, two men with the same qualifications interviewed for the same job and both did equally well in the interview. 1. The hiring manager decided to have them both take an exam with 10 questions to help him make a decision about who to hire. 2. As it turned out, both men only ...read more

Scripture: Mark 8:27-38

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

What Will You Gain? Series

Contributed by Brad Beaman on Aug 11, 2023

There are two sharply contrasting philosophies of life. One is seen in the rich fool story. It is about going for what the world offers. The other philosophy of life is about going for what Christ offers. Our passage contrasts these two philosophies.

What will you gain? Mark 8:34-38 The story is told of a rich farmer, his fields were particularly fruitful, so much so that there was not enough room to store everything. He tore down the barns and built new and bigger ones. After the new barns were built, he felt like he could sit back and ...read more

Scripture: Mark 8:34-38, Luke 13:13-21

Denomination: Baptist

Following Jesus

Contributed by Rolando, Jr Pama on Sep 23, 2023

What is it means to follow Jesus?

FOLLOWING JESUS MEANS: *SELF DENIAL AND CROSS BEARING. MATTHEW 16:24 – Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” *ABANDONING EVERYTHING. LUKE 14:33 – In the same way, any of you who does not give up ...read more

Scripture: Mark 8:34-38

The Way Of The Cross

Contributed by Dawn Duryea on Mar 4, 2024

In today’s Gospel reading, Peter responds to Jesus’ announcement that the Messiah will have to suffer and die by denying the cross. Peter is in essence denying the truth of this teaching – that the Messiah must suffer and by extension, his disciples.

Last week we heard about Jesus being tempted in the wilderness right after his Baptism. That’s the way it feels sometimes – you just make a decision and then things happen that immediately bring your decision into question. This wilderness, of course, is metaphorical and now we find ourselves in ...read more

Scripture: Mark 8:31-38

Denomination: United Methodist

The Secret Of Spiritual Power

Contributed by Pastor Renji George on Apr 3, 2025

Christians today are encouraged to seek more power, more anointing, and more gifts. Indeed, as the Lord calls us back to the Cross to become disciples of Jesus, He intends to first humble us before empowering us.

The basic need of a disciple of Jesus Christ is not seeking for more power from God, but more brokenness. Apostle Paul says in 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 “Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 12:9-10, Matthew 16:21-24, John 12:23-25, Mark 14:3, Mark 15:38, Hebrews 9:1-9, Matthew 27:50-53, Hebrews 10:19-20, Hebrews 4:14-16, Colossians 1:26-27, Luke 9:23, Mark 8:34, Matthew 16:24  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Living In Uncertain Times Series

Contributed by C. Philip Green on Apr 9, 2025

In these uncertain days, trust Christ as your Savior, follow Him as your Servant, and obey Him as your Sovereign.

At a conference in Houston, speaker Marti Ensign, a missionary to Africa, told of bringing some African pastors to the United States for a big meeting. During their free time, these Africans wanted to go shopping. Even though they were in a small town, Marti knew there was a chance someone might ...read more

Scripture: Mark 11:1-11, Zechariah 9:9, Mark 10:45, Mark 8:34, Mark 9:35, Mark 10:43-44  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical Free