Christ Presbyterian Church | Old Hickory Blvd

Mark 7:1-5, 14-23 Sermon Sources: Donald Carson, Editor, The New Bible Commentary ESV Greek Tools ESV Study Bible IVP Bible Background Commentary The Drive by Truckers, “What it Means” Gary Chapman, The Five Love Languages Drive by Truckers, “What It Means” Fyodor Dostoyevsky, Demons or the Possessed “Huxley’s LSD Death Trip,” YouTube video Aldous Huxley, The Burning Wheel Franz Kafka, The Trial Timothy Keller, Logos Sermon Archive Jean-Paul Sartre, Being and Nothingness Thomas Nagel, “The Last Word” Kenneth Woodward, “What Ever Happened to Sin?” in Newsweek NT Wright, For Everyone Commentaries

ESV Mark 4:35-41 PRIMARY SOURCES: Donald Carson, Editor, The New Bible Commentary ESV Greek Tools ESV Study Bible IVP Bible Background Commentary Richard Baxter, The Reformed Pastor Dietrich Bonhoeffer, The Cost of Discipleship Timothy Keller, Logos Sermon Archive Flannery O’Connor, A Good Man is Hard to Find Flemming Rose, “Safe Spaces on College Campuses are Creating Intolerant Students,” via Huffington Post Chris Sanders et al, The Lion King Horatio Spafford, “It Is Well With My Soul” Dylan Thomas, The Poems of Dylan Thomas NT Wright, For Everyone Commentaries

Mark 2:23-28, 3:1-6 ESV PRIMARY SOURCES: Don Carson, Editor, The New Bible Commentary ESV Study Bible IVP Bible Background Commentary Chariots of Fire, Film Craig Keener, NIV Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible Timothy Keller, Jesus the King Timothy Keller, Logos Sermon Archive C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity Netflix, “The Crown” Eugene Peterson, The Message N.T. Wright, Mark for Everyone

Mark 1:35-38, 2:1-12

ESV Mark 1:14-22, 29-31 Sermon Sources: Don Carson, Editor, The New Bible Commentary ESV Study Bible IVP Bible Background Commentary Craig Keener, NIV Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible Timothy Keller, Jesus the King Timothy Keller, Logos Sermon Archive Eugene Peterson, The Message N.T. Wright, Mark for Everyone John Mark Comer, The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry Jim Denison, “The Daily Article,” January 7, 2021 John Donne, Holy Sonnet 14 D. Martyn Lloyd Jones, Preachers and Preaching Rich Mullins, “Creed” J.R.R. Tolkein, Lord of the Rings U2, “Walk On”

ESV Mark 1:1-4, 9-13

ESV Isaiah 53:1-6

Scott Sauls, a respected speaker from Christ Presbyterian Church in Nashville, explores profound themes rooted in Isaiah 9:1-7. He discusses the hope and joy symbolized by the prophetic child, emphasizing liberation and divine authority. Reflecting on the pandemic, he highlights the importance of connection and faithful discipleship over personal validation. Sauls draws parallels between biblical resilience and contemporary struggles, emphasizing the power of mindset and spiritual discipline. Ultimately, he reminds us that while life’s challenges persist, God’s transformative peace offers boundless joy.

ESV Isaiah 54:1-10 PRIMARY SOURCES: Don Carson, Editor, The New Bible Commentary ESV Greek Tools ESV Study Bible IVP Bible Background Commentary John Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion Emily Dickinson, “I Saw No Way—the Heavens Were Stitched” Jonathan Edwards, Religious Affections Timothy Keller, Logos Sermon Archive C.S. Lewis, Reflections on the Psalms C.S. Lewis, The Great Divorce Ray Ortlund, Jr., Commentary on Isaiah Eugene Peterson, The Message David Powlison, “Idols of the Heart and Vanity Fair” David Foster Wallace, Commencement address, Kenyon College

Explore the paradox of Advent as a season of longing and trauma, highlighting modern tragedies. Discover the comforting message of Isaiah 40, emphasizing God's persistent love and the significance of 'double imputation.' Delve into who belongs in church during times of need and the importance of grace amidst Christian shame. Uncover the joy and hope that can flourish in the face of suffering, contrasting gospel hope with secular views. Lastly, reflect on the inclusive nature of God's love and practical expressions of Christmas through kindness and reconciliation.