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Partners in the Gospel

Sermon Transcript: May 10, 2026 Our reading today comes from Paul’s letter to the Philippians, chapter one. A few weeks ago, we read from the book of Acts about when Paul and Silas visited Philippi in northern Greece, where they ran…

Sermon Discussion Guide: Partners in the Gospel

This discussion guide for “Partners in the Gospel” invites individuals and groups to reflect on Christian community, vulnerability, hospitality, and belonging. Through thoughtful questions rooted in Philippians 1, participants are encouraged to consider how churches can embody deeper compassion, welcome, and mutual affection.

Something New and Something Old

In “Something New and Something Old,” Pastor Mark reflects on Paul’s time in Athens, the gift of a living and evolving faith, and the 125-year story of Roland Park Presbyterian Church. This sermon invites us to honor those who came before us, remain open to transformation, and give thanks for the grace that gathers us around the table. Wherever you are in your faith journey, there’s a place for you at RPPC.

Were You There?

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.

Were You There?: Take Care of Each Other

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.

Were You There? The Resurrection and the Life

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.

The Light of the World

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.

Co-Workers with God

In this week’s sermon from John 4:46–54, Pastor Mark explores the healing of the official’s son as a sign of divine partnership and human advocacy. With compassion and conviction, he challenges us to be co-workers with God in building a beloved community where justice and love prevail.

Sermon Discussion Guide: Co-Workers with God

This week’s guide invites deeper reflection on healing, advocacy, and divine partnership from John 4:46–54. Use these thoughtful questions to explore what it means to be beloved children of God and co-workers for justice in today’s world.

What's in Your Well?

When a snowstorm moved worship online, Pastor Mark invited us to reflect on what’s beneath the surface of our lives. In John 4, a Samaritan woman at a well discovers the living water Jesus offers—an image of grace and transformation that still flows today. Read the full sermon, “What’s In Your Well?” to dive deeper.