7 Churches: Part 1

7 Churches: Part 1

Author: Epikos Church August 17, 2025 Duration: 39:29
This sermon explores Jesus's messages to the seven churches in Revelation chapters 2 and 3, emphasizing that these were real churches on a known route in ancient Turkey who received prophetic warnings about compromise and complacency. Rather than getting lost in the specific details of each church's problems, Pastor Mark Deering focuses on the big picture: Jesus is warning all churches against spiritual compromise and lukewarmness while encouraging them to repent and remain faithful. The key insight is that the entire book of Revelation, including all its visions, was written for the benefit and encouragement of the church—not just to tell us how the story ends, but to equip us to live faithfully as "Team Lamb" while navigating the spiritual battles and temptations of "Team Dragon" until Christ's return, with the challenge to "stop flirting with team dragon and follow the lamb."

Each week, the community of Epikos Church Sermons gathers in Milwaukee, and this audio feed brings those moments of reflection and teaching directly to you. These recordings capture the live messages shared from the pulpit, focusing on practical applications of Christian faith for modern life. You’ll hear thoughtful explorations of scripture that connect ancient wisdom to contemporary challenges, whether discussing relationships, purpose, or everyday spirituality. The tone is engaging and accessible, meant for both long-time believers and those simply curious about a life of faith. By tuning into this podcast, you become part of a wider conversation that extends beyond the Sunday service, offering a regular source of perspective and encouragement. Epikos Church creates these episodes as an extension of their local ministry, believing these teachings can provide a steadying rhythm and deeper understanding no matter where you are. It’s more than just a weekly recording; it’s an invitation to reflect and grow alongside a community seeking meaning and connection.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Epikos Church Sermons
Podcast Episodes
Jairus' Daughter [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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This message invites us into Mark 5, where we see Jesus step into desperate and impossible situations with authority, compassion, and life-giving power. Through the intertwined stories of a hurting father, a woman who ha…
Freed From Bondage [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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In this message, we look at Mark 5 and the powerful moment when Jesus meets a man bound by darkness. Through this encounter, we see that the spiritual realm is real—but so is Jesus’ authority and compassion. He brings fr…
Jesus in the Storm [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:14
In this sermon, Pastor Mark explores the story of Jesus calming the storm from Mark's Gospel, using it to address how believers can find peace amid life's turbulent circumstances. The message delves into the historical c…
Parable of The Sower [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:04
This message unpacks Jesus's parable of the sower from Mark 4, exploring why some seeds take root while others don't. Pator Tommy explains how Jesus uses this story to show what responses we can expect when sharing the g…
Jesus' Family [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:00
This message tackles one of the most misunderstood passages in Mark 3—the blasphemy of the Holy Spirit—by using the literary structure of a "Markan sandwich" to reveal the text's true focus. While addressing concerns abo…
Jesus vs. Religion: Part 2 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:08
This message explores what true rest looks like through Jesus's claim to be Lord of the Sabbath in Mark 2. While Pastor Mark acknowledges that physical rest—sleep, vacations, time off—is important and necessary, he chall…
Jesus vs. Religion: Part 1 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:00
This message examines Jesus's conflict with the Pharisees in Mark 2, exploring how Jesus confronted religious legalism by eating with tax collectors and redefining fasting practices. Pastor Mark Deering uses the analogy…
The Miracle of Forgiveness [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:53
This message explores the healing of the paralytic in Mark 2:1–12, challenging viewers to consider which miracle truly matters in the story. While four friends dramatically lower their paralyzed companion through a roof…
Jesus the Messiah [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:44
This message launches a new series exploring who Jesus truly is through the Gospel of Mark. Pastor Mark Deering explains how the apostle Mark wrote with urgency for a persecuted church, wanting them to understand Jesus a…
Our Neighbors [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:26
In the second week of the "Won't You Be My Neighbor?" series, Pastor Mark Deering shares a personal story about his family's relationship with their neighbor Ray—a struggling man his teenage self couldn't understand why…