Were You There?: Questions of Faith explores the powerful exchange between Jesus and Pilate in John 18. In this sermon, Pastor Mark reflects on Pilate’s famous question—“What is truth?”—and invites us to consider how followers of Jesus live faithfully in a world shaped by power, politics, and competing allegiances. Wherever you are in your faith journey, this message invites us to rediscover that truth is not an idea, but a person: Jesus.
This discussion guide accompanies Pastor Mark’s sermon “Were You There?: Questions of Faith.” Through scripture, reflection, and thoughtful questions, it invites individuals and small groups to explore what it means to follow Jesus—the one who embodies truth—in a complicated and uncertain world.
As Jesus stands on trial, Peter stands by the fire—and denies him. In this sermon on John 18, Pastor Mark invites us to look beyond blame and ask a deeper question: Where do we stand? As we slow down and enter the tension of this moment in the Gospel story, we’re invited to consider the courage of Jesus, the way of peace, and what it means to stand with Christ in a complicated world.
This discussion guide accompanies Pastor Mark’s sermon “Were You There?” from John 18:12–27. It offers reflection questions for individuals, families, and small groups to explore what it means to stand with Jesus in moments of pressure and uncertainty. Wherever you are in your faith journey, these questions invite deeper conversation about courage, peace, justice, and the way of Christ.
What would you say if you knew time was short? In this Lenten sermon from John 13, Pastor Mark reflects on Jesus washing the disciples’ feet and the simple but demanding command that follows: love one another. This message invites us to slow down, imagine a love that does not give up on us, and consider how that love leads to justice right here in Baltimore. Wherever you are in your faith journey, there’s a place for you in this story.
Looking to go deeper? This discussion guide explores Jesus’ radical act of foot washing and what it means to love in action. Perfect for small groups, families, or personal reflection during Lent, these questions help us practice hospitality, pursue justice, and engage a curious faith together.
In this Lenten sermon, Pastor Mark reflects on John 11 and the raising of Lazarus—one of the most powerful turning points in the Gospel. What does it mean that Jesus wept? And how can we trust that “the worst thing is never the last thing”? This message invites us to face mortality and brokenness not with fear, but with hope in the God who walks with us through the valley.
This companion guide invites individuals, families, and small groups to reflect more deeply on John 11 and Pastor Mark’s Lenten message. Explore questions about grief, trust, resurrection hope, and what it means to walk through life’s valleys together. Wherever you are in your faith journey, there’s a place for you in this conversation.
Why do bad things happen? In John 9, Jesus confronts that question — and shifts the focus from blame to revelation. In this sermon, Pastor Mark explores what it means to truly see and truly listen, and how refusing to hear another person can compound suffering. This message invites us into courageous compassion, reminding us that while we can’t fix the world, we can offer ourselves — and that is holy work.
Go deeper into this week’s sermon with reflection questions designed for small groups, families, or personal prayer. Explore spiritual blindness, the power of listening, and how we are called into “holy trouble” as followers of Christ. Wherever you are in your faith journey, this guide invites honest conversation and deeper connection.
Roland Park Presbyterian Church is a local community of faith that was founded in 1901. RPPC is an inclusive and welcoming member congregation of the Presbyterian Church (USA) and More Light Presbyterians as well as an Earth Care and Matthew 25 Congregation that is pursuing justice, practicing hospitality and engaging curious faith. RPPC worships together each Sunday at 10:30 a.m.
Presbyterian Church (USA) and More Light Presbyterians
