Epikos Church Sermons

"Psalm 62 reminds us that true security isn't found in success, relationships, money, or our own strength—it is found in God alone. In a world filled with noise, uncertainty, and constant pressure, this psalm invites us to slow down, trust God's character, and rest in the One who is our rock, salvation, and refuge. This sermon explores what it means to wait quietly before God and how genuine faith produces steady confidence even when life feels unstable. Whether you're walking through hardship, wrestling with anxiety, or simply longing to deepen your trust in Christ, Psalm 62 offers timeless hope. Join us as...

"Psalm 13 captures a prayer that many people have quietly carried in their own hearts: ""How long, Lord?"" When God feels distant, suffering seems unending, and hope feels fragile, it can be difficult to know what faith is supposed to look like. In this message, we explore David's honest lament and discover that God welcomes our questions, our grief, and our cries for help. Rather than hiding our struggles, Psalm 13 shows us that bringing them before God is itself an act of trust. As the psalm unfolds, David moves from despair to confidence—not because his circumstances immediately change, but because he...

"Psalm 20 reminds us that real confidence isn't built on our own strength, resources, or plans—it's found in God. In a world that constantly tells us to trust ourselves, this psalm points us toward a different way of living: bringing our fears, hopes, and battles before the Lord. Whether you're facing uncertainty, praying for someone you love, or searching for peace in the middle of life's challenges, this message explores what it looks like to depend on God's faithfulness instead of our own abilities. In this sermon, we'll unpack the timeless truths of Psalm 20, discovering how prayer prepares us for li...

"Psalm 122 invites us to see worship as more than a weekly habit—it’s an opportunity to be reshaped by God’s presence alongside His people. In this sermon, we explore what it means to truly rejoice in gathering together, why God designed the church as a place of unity and encouragement, and how worship reorients our hearts toward His kingdom. Whether church has always felt like home or you're still searching for where you belong, this message offers a fresh perspective on the joy and purpose of coming into God's presence. As we walk through Psalm 122, we'll consider how God's...

"Psalm 73 gives voice to one of the hardest questions people ask: Why do the wicked seem to prosper while those who seek God struggle? In this sermon, we explore the honest doubts of Asaph, who wrestled with envy, discouragement, and the apparent unfairness of life. Rather than ignoring these questions, Scripture invites us to bring them before God, where our perspective begins to change. As Asaph enters God's presence, he discovers that lasting hope isn't found in earthly success but in God's faithful presence. This message reminds us that faith doesn't require pretending everything makes sense—it calls us to tr...

"What if the biggest challenge in life isn’t how much time you have—but how wisely you use it? In Psalm 90, Moses invites us to see our lives through the lens of God’s eternity. Our days are brief, our plans are fragile, and our accomplishments are temporary. Yet instead of leading us to despair, this perspective calls us to a deeper trust in the God who has been our dwelling place through every generation. This message explores what it means to number our days, pursue true wisdom, and find lasting hope in the One who remains faithful when everyt...

"Psalm 30 reminds us that God meets us in both the valley and the victory. In this sermon, we explore David’s journey from despair to praise, discovering how God’s faithfulness sustains us through seasons of suffering, uncertainty, and restoration. While pain may feel overwhelming in the moment, Psalm 30 invites us to see our lives through the larger story of God’s redeeming work—a story where sorrow is never the final word. Through thoughtful biblical reflection and practical application, this message encourages us to trust God’s character when circumstances are difficult and to respond with gratitude when His grace beco...

"What do we do with grief that refuses to go away? In Psalm 137, we meet God’s people in exile—far from home, carrying deep wounds, and struggling to sing songs of worship in a foreign land. This honest and often unsettling psalm gives voice to the pain of loss, injustice, and longing for restoration. In this message, we explore how God welcomes our lament, meets us in our sorrow, and reminds us that faith is not the absence of struggle but the willingness to bring our whole hearts before Him. Psalm 137 points us beyond the brokenness of exile and towa...

"Psalm 88 is one of the most honest prayers in all of Scripture. There is no neat resolution, no quick victory, and no easy answer to the pain. In this message, we explore how God invites us to bring our darkest fears, deepest grief, and hardest questions directly to Him. When life feels overwhelming and God seems silent, Psalm 88 reminds us that faith is not the absence of struggle—it is the willingness to keep turning toward God in the middle of it. Whether you are walking through suffering, wrestling with doubt, or standing alongside someone in a season of darkness, th...

"Psalm 37 reminds us that when the world feels upside down, God is still on the throne. In this message, we explore David’s invitation to trust the Lord instead of being consumed by anxiety, comparison, or frustration. While evil may seem to prosper for a season, God calls His people to remain rooted in His promises, delight in His presence, and faithfully walk in His ways. His timing is perfect, His justice is certain, and His faithfulness never fails. Whether you're waiting on God, wrestling with uncertainty, or seeking peace in a restless world, Psalm 37 points us to a deeper co...

"What does it mean to be human in a universe so vast? In Psalm 8, David looks at the heavens—the moon, the stars, the work of God’s fingers—and responds with awe, humility, and worship. This sermon explores the breathtaking reality that the Creator of the cosmos not only knows us, but crowns humanity with dignity and purpose. In a culture that often swings between pride and hopelessness, Psalm 8 calls us back to a biblical vision of identity rooted in the glory of God. Join us as we examine how God’s majesty shapes our understanding of worship, humanity, and our...

"Psalm 51 gives us one of the clearest pictures in Scripture of what real repentance looks like. After his sin is exposed, David does not defend himself, shift blame, or attempt to manage appearances. He comes before God broken, honest, and fully aware that his only hope is mercy. In this sermon, we explore how repentance is not about religious performance or self-improvement, but about turning to God with a humbled heart and trusting in His steadfast love. David’s prayer reminds us that God does not despise those who come to Him honestly, no matter how deep the failure or ho...

"In Psalm 119:25–32, we see an honest prayer from someone who feels worn down, discouraged, and desperate for God’s help. Yet even in the middle of weakness, the psalmist turns toward the Lord with trust, asking God to renew his strength, teach him His ways, and enlarge his heart to run in obedience. This message reminds us that spiritual growth doesn’t begin with having it all together—it begins with bringing our need before God. When we feel stuck in the dust, God meets us with His truth, His grace, and His sustaining presence. As we walk through this passage...

"How deeply do you love wisdom—not just in theory, but in the quiet, daily choices that shape your life? In this reflection on Psalm 119:97–104, we explore what it means to delight in God’s instruction, to meditate on it beyond surface familiarity, and to let it form a kind of inner compass. The psalmist doesn’t treat wisdom as abstract philosophy but as something lived—something that sharpens discernment, challenges assumptions, and anchors the soul in truth even when life feels uncertain. Through this message, we invite you to reconsider where your understanding comes from and how it’s being shaped...

"In this message from Psalm 119, we explore what it truly means to delight in the way of the Lord. Rather than a checklist or obligation, God’s Word is revealed as a source of deep joy, life, and transformation. The psalmist doesn’t rush through Scripture—they return to it again and again, reflecting, meditating, and treasuring it. This kind of delight isn’t accidental; it’s intentional. It begins as desire, grows through dependence, and ultimately becomes evident in every season of life. When we store God’s Word in our hearts, we begin to see it not as a burden, bu...

Today's message draws us into the powerful and hope-filled vision of Psalm 2—a world filled with noise, resistance, and unrest set against the unshakable calm of a sovereign God. This sermon explores the tension between human striving and divine authority, reminding us that no matter how unstable things may feel, God’s purposes remain steady and unshaken. With a tone that is both thoughtful and accessible, it invites us to reflect on where we place our trust and how we respond to a King who rules not with oppression, but with justice, mercy, and invitation. Whether you’re wrestling with doubt...

Step into the opening of our new series, Psalms: The Language of Faith, as we explore Psalm 1 and discover what it means to truly live a rooted, God-centered life. This message invites us to move beyond seeing the Psalms as just songs or poetry and instead embrace them as a powerful, God-given language—words that help us respond to Him in every season. Through the contrast of the righteous and the wicked, we’re reminded that the “good life” isn’t about circumstances, but about what is shaping and feeding our soul. As we unpack the ideas of delight and meditation...

In Gospel of Mark chapter 16, we arrive at an ending that feels unexpected—but maybe that’s exactly the point. Instead of a polished resolution, we’re met with an empty tomb, an angelic announcement, and a group of women overwhelmed with fear and awe. It raises the question that sits at the center of Easter: what do we do with the resurrection of Jesus Christ? The angel declares the truth—“He is risen”—but also gives a directive: go and tell. Even in these first moments, we see that the resurrection isn’t just something to believe; it’s something that mov...

We don’t naturally move toward discomfort—we avoid it, manage it, and keep it at a distance. But the story at the center of our faith invites us to do the opposite. As we walk through Gospel of Mark, the question rises again and again: who is Jesus Christ? The answer unfolds not in power as we expect it, but through suffering we’d rather ignore. The crown of thorns, the robe, the mocking cries of “hail, king”—what looks like humiliation is actually a kind of coronation. The King is lifted up, not onto a throne, but onto a cross. Joi...

In this message from Mark 15, we step into the tension of a Savior who is both rejected and resolute. As Jesus stands before Pilate, falsely accused and publicly condemned, His silence speaks louder than any defense ever could. While the crowd demands Barabbas and cries out for crucifixion, Jesus chooses the will of the Father over convenience, comfort, and self-preservation. This sermon invites us to wrestle with the same question the crowd unknowingly faced: will we choose what satisfies us now, or will we trust the One who saves us eternally? In a world driven by immediacy and self-interest, the...

In this message from Mark 14, we step into the unfolding suffering of Jesus—where loyalty falters, strength fades, and the weight of the cross draws near. From the upper room to the garden of Gethsemane, we see a Savior who knows exactly what lies ahead: betrayal, denial, abandonment. And yet, He does not turn away. Instead, Jesus reveals a deeper truth about suffering—that it does not break the surrendered heart, only the self-reliant one. Even as His closest friends fail Him, Jesus remains anchored in His purpose, choosing obedience over escape, surrender over self-preservation. Through these three scenes, we are...

In Mark 14:1–25, we’re invited into a tension-filled moment where devotion and betrayal sit side by side. A woman breaks open an alabaster jar and pours out costly perfume—an act others call wasteful, but Jesus calls beautiful. At the same time, Judas quietly prepares to trade Jesus for silver. It’s a scene that confronts us with a question: what is Jesus worth to us? Is He someone we measure and manage, or someone we surrender to without reservation? In a world driven by efficiency and image, this passage reminds us that authentic worship is often misunderstood—and always costly. As...

When the future feels uncertain, how should followers of Jesus respond? In this message from Mark 13, Epikos Discipleship Pastor Jacob Machielski walks through one of the most challenging passages in the Gospel of Mark—a chapter filled with unsettling descriptions of wars, persecution, deception, and tribulation. While many focus on timelines, predictions, and end-times charts, Jesus points His followers to something far more important. Instead of fueling fear or speculation, this passage calls believers to remain steady in their faith, trusting the One who holds the future. Even when the world feels unstable and the details remain unclear, our hope in...

In this message from Gospel of Mark 12:35–44, we step into the temple during the final week of Jesus’ life and watch Him confront the religious leaders with a question they cannot answer. Quoting Psalms 110 and pointing back to the promise of 2 Samuel 7, Jesus asks how the Messiah can be both David’s Son and David’s Lord. The riddle exposes more than bad theology—it reveals hardened hearts. The scribes know the Scriptures inside and out, yet their love for recognition, status, and control proves they have missed the very One the Scriptures point to. This sermon unpacks that tension and remind...

In Mark 11:27–12:34, Jesus enters Jerusalem and is immediately confronted by religious leaders demanding to know by what authority He acts. What follows is a series of searching questions and piercing parables that expose hardened hearts, misplaced allegiances, and shallow religion. Yet at the center of it all, Jesus reveals something deeper: true authority rests not in power plays or performance, but in the beloved Son who comes in humility and truth. In this sermon, we explore how Jesus dismantles counterfeit faith and invites us into wholehearted love for God — a love that engages our heart, soul, mind, and strength. As Jesu...

In Gospel of Mark chapter 11, we encounter a King who refuses to fit our expectations. As Jesus rides into Jerusalem to shouts of “Hosanna,” the crowd waves palms and projects their hopes of political victory onto Him. But this is no campaign rally—this is a confrontation. From the fig tree with leaves but no fruit, to the temple full of activity but empty of prayer, Jesus exposes a surface-level faith that looks alive from a distance yet withers up close. The message is clear: religion without repentance is nothing but leaves. Trusting Jesus isn’t meant to fit neatly into our...

What does it mean to truly see Jesus? In Mark 10:32–52, as Jesus sets His face toward Jerusalem, we encounter two very different responses to the same Messiah. James and John, confident and ambitious, ask for positions of glory. Bartimaeus, blind and desperate, asks simply to see. Through this contrast, Jesus exposes the danger of spiritual blindness—wanting a Savior without the suffering—and redefines greatness in His kingdom as humble service rather than power or position. At the center of this passage stands Mark 10:45, the heartbeat of the Gospel of Mark: “For even the Son of Man came not to be serve...

In this message, Pastor Mark explores what it means to truly follow Jesus through three teachings from the Gospel of Mark: Jesus's words on divorce, His encounter with the rich young ruler, and His blessing of the children. Using the tragic story of Sir John Franklin's lost Arctic expedition, he illustrates the danger of depending on our own expertise rather than the one who knows the way forward.

The central message is clear: following Jesus requires complete dependence on Him. Whether it's navigating the complexities of marriage, surrendering our wealth and control, or approaching God with childlike...

Jesus’ words in Mark 9:42–50 are intense, sobering, and deeply clarifying. In this teaching, we’re invited to rethink what it really means to follow Jesus and live as His disciples in the world. Using the imagery of salt, fire, and sacrifice, this message explores how discipleship isn’t about comfort, status, or appearances—but about wholehearted devotion to God. Drawing from the Old Testament sacrificial system, we see that to be “salty” is to live a life fully surrendered, one that’s willing to endure refining fire so it can faithfully reflect God’s covenant and character. This sermon presses into two core expr...

In this message from Mark 9:14–29, we encounter a father caught between belief and doubt, desperation and hope. Coming down from the mountaintop of the Transfiguration, Jesus steps into the chaos of a broken world and meets a man who prays one of the most honest prayers in all of Scripture: “I believe; help my unbelief.” This passage reminds us that faith is not the absence of doubt, but the courageous decision to trust Jesus in the middle of it. As we reflect on what it means to follow Jesus off the mountain and into real life, we’re invited to rethink...

On the mountain of transfiguration, Jesus is revealed not merely as another prophet, but as the beloved Son of God—radiant with glory and affirmed by the Father’s voice: “Listen to him.” In this message from Mark 9, we’re invited to slow down and truly hear what Jesus is saying about who He is and what it means to follow Him. Surrounded by Moses and Elijah, Jesus stands alone as greater than all who came before, calling His disciples—and us—to trust His words and His way. Listening to Jesus reshapes our expectations. He tells us plainly that suffering will...

"Join us today as we explore the question that Jesus asks His disciples in Mark 8: “Who do you say I am?” What feels like faith quickly reveals our instinct to shape Jesus into something manageable, something aligned with our expectations rather than God’s redemptive plan. Today's scripture confronts us with a defining choice: will we cling to our own version of life, or entrust ourselves fully to the crucified and risen King? "

Whether you’re joining us from home after Christmas or stepping into the new year with us for the first time, we’re so glad you’re here. This special at-home gathering invites our Epikos family into a long-form conversation centered on Advent—not as a season that ends in December, but as a way of living all year long. Together, our leaders reflect on what it means to wait with hope, faith, joy, and peace as we anticipate the second coming of Jesus. From personal stories and church history to Scripture and everyday practices, this conversation reminds us that Christma...

"Celebrate Christmas through the lens of Matthew 1 as we step into Joseph’s story and see the quiet strength of faithful obedience in the middle of chaos. This message reminds us that the arrival of Jesus didn’t remove uncertainty—it revealed character, trust, and the steady presence of God at work behind the scenes. At Christmas, we don’t just remember a moment in history; we proclaim a living reality. Jesus is fully God and fully man, the God who saves and the God who is with us. Whatever season you’re walking through, this story invites you to trust that...

Christmas is more than a season of traditions—it’s a holy disruption that reminds us who is in control. In this message, Pastor Mark invites us to name the chaos we live in, from personal anxiety to cultural disorder, and to see how the promise of Christmas meets us right there. Drawing from Isaiah 8–9, we’re reminded that the light of Christ doesn’t ignore the darkness; it enters it, bringing calm, hope, and meaning while we wait. As we prepare our hearts for Christmas, we’re invited into a simple but powerful rhythm: acknowledge the chaos, remember God’s faithfulness...

In Mark 8, Jesus encounters two groups who both misunderstand Him—the Pharisees and the disciples. Though they respond differently, each brings preconceived ideas about who the Messiah should be. The Pharisees demand a sign but refuse to trust what’s already been revealed. The disciples, while confused and distracted, remain with Jesus and are willing to keep learning. At the heart of this passage is a simple but challenging truth: Jesus has already given us everything we need to understand who He is—the real question is whether we trust Him. This message invites us to examine our own heart postur...

Join us for reading Mark 7:1-8:10

Join Epikos as we our journey through the Gospel of Mark, exploring the miracle of Jesus feeding the 5,000. In this message, we learn how Jesus shows deep compassion—for the disciples, for the crowd, and for each of us today. Discover what true, active compassion looks like and how we are called to live it out in our daily lives. Be encouraged, challenged, and reminded of God’s abundant provision and love.

In Mark 6, we see both the beauty and the cost of following Jesus. As Jesus is rejected in His hometown and sends His disciples out with nothing but faith and purpose, we’re reminded that the gospel invites us into a life of trust, mission, and perseverance. Even in the face of rejection, God calls us to share the good news with compassion and clarity. Through the story of John the Baptist and the sending of the Twelve, we’re invited to examine where God has placed us and how we can live out our faith with courage, humility, and hope