Trusting Means Choosing

Trusting Means Choosing

Author: Epikos Church March 29, 2026 Duration: 40:57
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 quiet strength of Jesus reveals a deeper truth—trusting God often means choosing Him when it’s hardest. Through powerful storytelling and honest reflection, this message challenges us to examine where we might be choosing “Barabbas” in our own lives—opting for what’s easy, popular, or immediately gratifying instead of what’s eternal and life-giving. Jesus didn’t come to win arguments or meet expectations; He came to fulfill a mission that would cost Him everything so that we could go free. And because He chose the cross, we can choose Him—even when it’s inconvenient, uncomfortable, or costly. This is the invitation of the gospel: to trust deeply, surrender fully, and follow faithfully, knowing that true life is found not in having it our way, but in choosing His.

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 and Rome [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:57
In this week's sermon, Pastor Mark Deering discusses how Jesus' interactions with Pontius Pilate in the Gospels reveal important truths about the nature of Jesus' kingdom. While Pilate saw Jesus' kingship as a political…
Jesus, the Jews and Rome [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:01
This week's sermon by Pastor Mark Deering discusses a pivotal moment in the life of Jesus when he is confronted by the Pharisees and Herodians who try to trap him with a question about paying taxes to Caesar. Jesus maste…
Rebuilding Walls & Restoring Hearts [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:17
In this week's sermon, Pastor Frank Gil discusses how the books of Ezra and Nehemiah depict the rebuilding of the temple, the people, and the walls of Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile. However, Pastor Frank notes tha…
Esther's Faithful Task [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:23
In this week's sermon, Pastor Mark Deering's message centers around the biblical story of Esther and the theme of faithful action in the face of fear. Using a social psychology experiment about smoke-filled rooms, he exp…
Jeremiah's Faithful Presence [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:48
In this week's sermon, Pastor Mark Deering introduces the concept of having a "faithful presence" in whatever situation God has placed us, even if it's not where we want to be. He encourages us to be fully engaged with o…
Daniel's Faithful Obedience [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:03
In this week's sermon, Pastor Mark Deering emphasizes two key aspects of Daniel's character: his resolution to remain faithful to his beliefs and his ability to remain relevant in Babylonian society. Mark encourages us t…
From Prostitute  to Princess [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:58
In this week's sermon, Pastor Frank Gil discusses the biblical story of Rahab, a prostitute who helped Israelite spies and later became an ancestor of Jesus Christ. Pastor Frank uses Rahab's story to illustrate how God c…
Tower of Babel [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:33
In this sermon, Pastor Mark Deering discusses the story of the Tower of Babel from Genesis 11. He uses the narrative to illustrate the contrast between building one's own kingdom and participating in God's kingdom. Pasto…
Choose Your Kingdom [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:58
In this week's sermon, Pastor Jacob Michalski uses the biblical narrative in Genesis 4 to illustrate the human tendency towards anger, revenge, and sin, contrasting it with God's call for forgiveness and mercy. He relate…
Citizens of the Kingdom [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:39
This sermon introduces a new series called "Citizens" which explores the concept of the Kingdom of God and what it means to be a citizen of that kingdom. Pastor Mark Deering explains that the Kingdom of God is not a phys…