Jesus vs. Religion: Part 1

Jesus vs. Religion: Part 1

Author: Epikos Church October 5, 2025 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 of a trellis to illustrate how spiritual rhythms (like Bible reading, prayer, and worship) should support our relationship with God rather than become rigid religious obligations. Three key principles emerge: we need healthy spiritual rhythms, those rhythms must be flexible for different life seasons, and we shouldn't use our rhythms to judge others. The central challenge is to let Jesus set the rhythm of our faith so we can live out of authentic relationship with Him rather than religious duty.

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
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…
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…
Our Neighborhoods [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:29
In this message from the "Won't You Be My Neighbor?" series, Pastor Mark explores what it truly means to love our neighbor in today's world. While we cerebrally know that our neighbor is everyone we encounter, do our liv…
Our Story of Hope & The Forevermore [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:02
This sermon concludes the Revelation series by exploring the final vision of God's ultimate victory and eternal kingdom in chapters 21–22. Pastor Anthony Caples describes how the story ends with a "new heaven and new ear…
7 Churches: Part 2 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:52
This sermon examines two faithful churches from Revelation 2–3 (Smyrna and Philadelphia) to show what it looks like to "follow the lamb" rather than compromise with spiritual opposition. Pastor Mark Deering draws three k…