Posts

Disputing with God: Advocating for Others

In this sermon on Genesis 18, Pastor Mark Hanna revisits the story of Sodom and Gomorrah and invites us to read it through the biblical call to hospitality, not exclusion. He explores how Scripture asks us to wrestle with justice, mercy, covenant, and the ways our lives are bound together. This sermon offers permission to bring our questions, doubts, and evolving images of God into a living faith.

Disputing with God: Repairing Relationships

In this sermon on Exodus 33 and 34, Pastor Mark reflects on idolatry, certainty, and the living God who refuses to fit neatly into our boxes. Through Moses’ honest dispute with God, we are invited to consider a faith rooted not in formulas or fear, but in relationship, mystery, love, and repair.

Sermon Discussion Guide: Disputing with God: Repairing Relationships

This discussion guide invites reflection on Pastor Mark’s sermon “Disputing with God: Repairing Relationships.” Use these questions to explore idolatry, honest faith, divine compassion, and what it means to follow a God who meets us in the messiness of relationship.

Like-Hearted, Not Like-Minded

In “Like-Hearted, Not Like-Minded,” Pastor Mark reflects on Philippians 2:1–13 and explores the difference between unity rooted in love and conformity rooted in force. Through a deeply personal story and a challenging reflection on power, humility, and Christian community, this sermon invites us to walk together in the way of Jesus: with compassion, courage, and grace.

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.

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.

Voices of Advent: Mary

In this powerful Third Sunday of Advent message, Pastor Mark Hanna explores Mary’s revolutionary Magnificat and how her voice—like so many others on the margins—carries hope, justice, and deep joy. Discover how Advent invites us to sing our own songs of faith and join God in transformative work.

Voices of Advent: Zechariah

In this thought-provoking sermon for the second Sunday of Advent, Pastor Mark Hanna reflects on the story of Zechariah—not through his famous song, but through his silence. Explore what it means to find faith in doubt, hope in waiting, and God’s voice in the quiet.

Voices of Advent: John the Baptist

In this opening message of our Voices of Advent series, Pastor Mark lifts up the powerful presence of John the Baptist—calling us to prepare not with outward busyness, but with inner honesty and hope. This Advent, we begin in the wilderness, where truth, repentance, and the voice of disruption make way for Christ’s coming. “It’s okay not to be okay” becomes both a comfort and a challenge.

An Idea Is Born to Us

In this thought-provoking sermon on Isaiah 9, Pastor Mark Hanna explores how ancient words of hope continue to shape our evolving understanding of God. With humor, warmth, and depth, he reflects on metaphor, imagination, and how we find light in the darkness. A meaningful message for anyone navigating faith in uncertain times.