Teaching Text: Mark 1:1-15
If you’re reading this email, you likely consider yourself to be a follower of Jesus. Followers of Jesus know the cost of following is often our own comforts and selfish desires. While that cost is...well...costly, He’s also worthy.
Jesus Himself was confronted with the same temptations we face after He was baptized. In fact, Mark tells us that Jesus was immediately into the wilderness by the same Holy Spirit that descended on Him after He came up from the waters. In this wilderness, Jesus was tempted by Satan and tormented by the wild beasts (commonly referencing demons/evil spirits) for forty days. It was in those forty days that Jesus was able to reverse, represent, and perfectly redo everything that Israel and all of human history had failed to do in the story up to that point. He was able to resist.
Today’s teaching text reminds us that water baptism isn’t the finish line. It’s the beginning.
This is an encouraging thought for those of us who have been baptized and find ourselves wondering, “Why is this so hard? Am I doing this right?” Allegiance isn’t easy, but it’s required. The Messiah King calls us to turn our allegiance from satan and self to Him as King and Savior, and that process isn’t easy.
What does it look like to switch our allegiance to Jesus?
- Realize your sin. This is prompted by the Holy Spirit. (John 16)
- Repent, making a public recognition of allegiance like water baptism.
- Receive the Spirit, being adopted as sons and daughters.
- Renewal in living in ongoing sanctification and freedom.
- Represent the King’s purpose by inviting others to “repent and believe.”
Being truly allegiant to Jesus isn’t always easy, but He’s always worthy of our allegiance.
Love ya, friends!
Taylor Qualls and the Team
Ways to Engage
Day of Prayer is October 17! This is our first whole-day prayer event. We are kicking it old school and only having on-site signups. No links for this one! To sign up for a spot, grab a sticky note with the time you signed up for and write your name in that spot. Yes, you. ;) There are two more opportunities to sign up- First Wednesday (because you’re definitely coming to that, right?), or Sunday, October 11.
Consecration Sunday is coming up on October 25! Water Baptism, Family and Child Dedication, New Church Partner Recognition, and a whole lot of celebration! You can find more information on all things Consecration Sunday here.
Man Year registration is OPEN, but you can't register alone! Men, this is your reminder to invite a friend or two into our first Man Year Cohort. Registration closes October 24! You can read more about this here, or find it under the "Ways to Engage" drop down menu on our faithchurchks.org homepage.
Worship Through the Week
- Awake My Soul - Hillsong
- Who Else - Gateway Worship
- Alabaster Heart - Bethel Worship
- Worthy of it All - Brymer/Hall
Check out our Sunday Set Spotify Playlist!
Talk it Over (being honest & open with friends, a spouse, or your Group)












