Berea Update for March 6, 2026
It has been a week filled with reminders that the world can change quickly. International tensions have escalated as military strikes target sites in Iran, and many people are wondering what the coming weeks may hold. News headlines seem to shift by the hour. Admittedly, I should probably be following things a bit more closely than I have because of the connections events like this has to Biblical prophecy, but if I'm being honest, I feel a desire to be slightly separated from all the headlines, and rather, just be in the Word. In moments like these, it becomes clear how little control we actually have over the direction of world events. Uncertainty has a way of pressing deeper questions into our hearts—questions about security, purpose, and where our ultimate trust really rests.
Closer to home, the rhythms of life remind us that seasons are shifting as well. Spring is slowly pushing its way in. The last week has brought heavy rain, flooded fields, and standing water in many places. Yet with that rain comes warmer air, longer daylight, and the first hints of new life beginning to emerge. God’s creation quietly reminds us that change is constant, and that new seasons often arrive through storms before they reveal their beauty.
In the middle of a world that feels unsettled and a season that feels transitional, the words of Jesus in Mark 1 speak with remarkable clarity. Standing on the shoreline of the Sea of Galilee, Jesus looked at ordinary fishermen going about their daily work and spoke two simple words: “Follow me.” Those words redirected the entire course of their lives. They left what was familiar and stepped into a future they could not yet see—simply because they trusted the One who called them. That same call still echoes today. Following Jesus does not mean we understand every circumstance around us. It does not mean the world becomes predictable or calm. It means that in the midst of uncertainty, we anchor our lives to the One who never changes.
This week’s devotional readings (below) are designed to help prepare our hearts (and reflect on it afterward) for Sunday’s message from Mark 1:16–20, where we will explore what it truly means to follow Christ. Each day of the devotion will hopefully invite you to reflect on different dimensions of discipleship—trusting Christ with our plans, learning His way of life, surrendering our priorities, and allowing our lives to point others toward Him. My prayer is that these reflections help us hear Christ’s call more clearly and respond with the same readiness we see in those first disciples along the Sea of Galilee.
Upcoming Events
1. This Sunday we'll continue in our sermon series on Mark called "Who Do You Say That I Am?" I'll pick up where I left off last Sunday. For those of you who were there, or listened online, you know that I ran out of time! I'll be preaching a message from Mark 1:16-20 called "Follow Me."
2. The memorial service for Norma Hayes will be held here at the church tomorrow, Saturday, March 7, at 1:00 PM in the Family Life Center. You are all invited to attend as we remember Norma's legacy of faith in the Lord, and share the Gospel with those in attendance.
3. A new quarter of Sunday School started last Sunday and if you haven't jumped in yet, we'd love to have you join one of the two classes here in the Spring! There are two options for adults:
A Study of the Sermon on the Mount
Teacher: Pastor Mark Gainer
This class, which is a continuation from the summer quarter, on the Sermon on the Mount, will explore Jesus’ transformative teachings in Matthew 5–7 diving into themes of kingdom living, righteousness, and discipleship. Discover how these timeless principles challenge and inspire us to live faithfully in today’s world. This sermon is as relevant today as it was back then! Participants will be encouraged to apply Jesus’ teachings to their own lives in very practical ways throughout the course.
A Study of Heaven
Teacher: Michael Greenwood
How much do you know about Heaven? The Bible tells us a lot about where we will spend eternity. We will address some of the following questions in this exciting class: How many Heavens are there? Has anyone seen Heaven? Is there time in Heaven? What will we do in Heaven? We will try to answer these and many more questions about life after death. Join us for an exciting study!
4. Last Sunday, we passed out updated "Deacon Care Team" lists. If you didn't pick up one, they'll be available at the Welcome Center each week going forward. Each of our six deacons have been assigned regularly attending families and individuals to check in on periodically throughout the year. Please know that you can call your assigned deacon anytime you have a need, and they'll do what they can to assist you! They will also let the elders and me know if additional follow up is needed. We apologize in advance for anyone who we may have inadvertently left off the list! If you need to be added, please contact the church office.
5. Looking for a fun way to stay active and connect with others? Pickleball will continue on Thursdays from 7:00–8:00 PM in the Family Life Center. All skill levels are welcome! We've had good turn outs, but would love to have you join in the fun! If you have any questions, please contact Mike Greenwood.
6. Speaking of getting a workout, Rev&Flow happens each Tuesday and Friday morning in the Family Life Center at 9:00 AM. This hour long workout is a great way to get your day started! We'd encourage you to come enjoy this time of fellowship and movement together! Contact Cierra Phillips if you have any questions.
7. College and Young Adults! Join us for lunch on Sunday, March 15 from 11:30 AM-3:00 PM at the home of Daniel and Lauren Koranek (3833 Malaga Circle, Springfield). Come hang out for an afternoon of food and fun! We'll have pizza, ice cream, and plenty of board games. It's a great chance to relax, connect, and enjoy time together.
8. LifeWise is an organization that teaches the Bible to public school students. They are planning a lauch at Kenton Ridge soon, so they could use our prayers! They are also hosting an event on March 10, 2026 at First Christian Church--doors open at 5:30 PM. They'll be showing the documentary "Off School Property" and sharing about LifeWise in our area!
Ways You Can Pray This Week
1. Cierra Phillips and Cameron Powell will be married on Sunday! Congratulations to both of them and their families! Pray for Sunday, and pray for Cameron and Cierra as they enter into this covenant of marriage with one another before the Lord.
2. Pray for the family of Norma Hayes as they grieve tomorrow, and beyond. The Gospel will be presented clearly tomorrow (Lord willing). Pray for soften hearts and minds ready to receive the message for those who are not currently walking with the Lord.
***Please know that there are many individuals who need prayer this week due to health concerns and other events going on in their lives. Out of sensitivity to each individual's situation, these requests may not appear in this weekly blog. We have a "Prayer Team" at the church who receives more detailed information, and commits to praying for individuals in our church family.
This Week's Devotions
Day 1 — The Simplicity of the Call
Matthew 11:28–29 (ESV): "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls."
Jesus’ call to follow Him is remarkably simple. It does not begin with a long list of requirements. It begins with an invitation to come. Yet simplicity should not be confused with it being trivial. When Jesus calls someone to follow Him, He is inviting them into a relationship that reshapes everything. Following Christ is not primarily about adopting religious behaviors—it is about attaching your life to a person. In the ancient world, a disciple would walk behind his teacher, listening, observing, and gradually becoming like him. Discipleship meant proximity. It meant learning a way of life. The same is true today. Christianity is not merely believing the right truths about Jesus. It is walking with Him. Learning from Him. Allowing His character to shape our character. Before we talk about sacrifice, mission, or obedience, we must begin here: Jesus invites people into relationship with Himself. Every step of discipleship begins with that personal call.
Reflection Question: Do you primarily think of Christianity as believing doctrines, following rules, or walking in relationship with Christ?
Day 2 — Jesus Interrupts Our Plans
Proverbs 16:9 (ESV) “The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.”
Most people assume they are in control of the direction of their lives. We plan careers, relationships, and futures with careful thought. Planning is not wrong—it is wise stewardship. But Scripture repeatedly reminds us that God often redirects human plans. Abraham planned to live quietly in Ur until God called him to leave everything familiar. Moses planned to live as a shepherd until God called him to confront Pharaoh. The disciples in the Gospels planned ordinary lives until Jesus walked into them. Following Christ often means allowing God to reshape the direction we assumed our lives would take. For some people, that redirection is dramatic. For others, it is gradual. But the principle remains the same: discipleship means yielding our plans to God’s purposes. The question is not whether we make plans. The question is whether we are willing to release them when Christ leads us somewhere unexpected.
Reflection Question: Is there an area of your future you are holding tightly instead of surrendering to God’s direction?
Day 3 — The Cost of Allegiance
Luke 14:27 (ESV) “Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple.”
In the first century, the image of carrying a cross was not symbolic or poetic. It was an image of execution. A condemned criminal carried the instrument of his death to the place where he would die. When Jesus used this imagery, His listeners understood immediately: discipleship involves surrender. This does not mean every believer experiences persecution or martyrdom. But it does mean following Christ requires reordering our loyalties. Christ becomes the highest authority in our lives. Our culture tends to treat faith as an accessory—a spiritual element added to an already-defined life. But Jesus presents discipleship differently. Following Him redefines everything. Our decisions, priorities, relationships, ambitions, and identity gradually come under His lordship. The paradox is this though: this surrender does not diminish life—it restores it. When Christ becomes Lord, we finally begin to live as we were created to live.
Reflection Question: Where do you find it most difficult to submit your desires to Christ’s leadership?
Day 4 — Learning the Way of the Master
John 13:15 (ESV) “For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you.”
Following Jesus involves more than listening to His teaching. It involves learning His way of life. Throughout the Gospels, the disciples observe how Jesus interacts with people. They watch His compassion toward the hurting. They see His patience with the slow to understand. They witness His courage before opposition. They hear Him pray. Discipleship always involves imitation. In modern culture we often assume transformation happens through information. We think learning something new will automatically change how we live. But spiritual formation works differently. We become like the people we walk closely with. That is why spending time in Scripture matters. It allows us to watch Jesus. To observe how He thinks, loves, responds, and obeys the Father. The more clearly we see Christ, the more our lives begin to resemble His.
Reflection Question: Which aspect of Jesus’ character most challenges you to grow right now?
Day 5 — Ordinary People in God’s Work
1 Corinthians 1:27–29 (ESV) "But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God.
One of the surprising patterns throughout Scripture is God’s consistent use of ordinary people. The Bible rarely highlights the most powerful or impressive individuals in society. Instead, God often works through shepherds, farmers, fishermen, widows, and outsiders. This pattern reveals something profound about God’s kingdom. The power of the mission never rests in the greatness of the messenger. It rests in the greatness of the One who sends them. Many believers quietly assume they are not useful to God because they lack extraordinary talent, education, or influence. But Scripture repeatedly dismantles that assumption. God delights in working through ordinary people who trust Him. Faithfulness matters far more than status. Obedience matters far more than ability. Throughout history, the gospel has advanced not primarily through famous leaders but through countless believers living faithfully where God placed them.
Reflection Question: Do you ever assume God cannot use you because you feel ordinary or unqualified?
Day 6 — The Shape of a Disciple’s Life
John 15:5 (ESV) “I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit.”
Following Jesus is not sustained by human determination alone. It is sustained by dependence. Jesus uses the image of a vine and branches to describe this relationship. A branch does not produce fruit by trying harder. It produces fruit by remaining connected to the vine. The same is true for discipleship. Spiritual growth does not come from willpower alone. It comes from abiding in Christ. This means cultivating habits that keep our lives connected to Him: prayer, Scripture, worship, fellowship with other believers, and obedience to what we learn. Over time, something remarkable happens. The life of Christ begins to shape our lives. Our desires change. Our priorities shift. Our character slowly reflects His. The fruit of discipleship grows gradually—but it grows inevitably where people remain connected to Christ.
Reflection Question: What habit or practice most helps you remain spiritually connected to Christ?
Day 7 — A Life That Points Others to Christ
Matthew 5:16 (ESV) “Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”
Following Jesus always has an outward dimension. From the beginning, God’s people were meant to reflect His character to the world. Israel was called to be a light to the nations. The church continues that mission today. This does not mean every Christian becomes a public speaker or missionary. But every believer becomes a witness. Sometimes that witness appears in conversations about faith. Other times it appears in quiet faithfulness, compassion toward others, or integrity in difficult circumstances. When people observe lives shaped by Christ, they see something different. They see humility in a proud world. Patience in an impatient culture. Hope in uncertain times. A life transformed by Jesus naturally points others toward Him. Discipleship is never merely personal. It always becomes visible.
Reflection Question: Who in your life might God be calling you to influence toward Christ?
Kids (and Kids at Heart) Korner
Q: Why don’t fish like basketball?
A: Because they’re afraid of the net!
Have a great weekend! Hope to see you Sunday!
Mark