Mandarin Baptist Church

A Transparent Family | Our Redemptive Family [Week 3] | Matt Dobson | May 2, 2021

Our Faith family must pursue honesty before God and one another to live out all that God has intended. A redemptive community must recognize their desperate need for God, and has a deep level of honesty & vulnerability. We will find power, comfort, and grace in honesty before God and one another. Our Redemptive Family (3) Honesty and Transparency James 5:13-16 1. Take a look at the research from BARNA https://www.barna.com/.../relationships-build-resilient.../ What surprises you? What ch...

A Nurturing Family | Our Redemptive Family [Week 2] | Mark Seagle | April 25, 2021

We were never intended to walk this rough journey alone. We all need nurturing people to come around us, and walk with us. Our gatherings are with the intent to stir Gospel confidence, mutuality in submission to one another, and a commitment to one another. A Redemptive Family is Nurturing Let us hold on to the confession of our hope without wavering…  This passage captures why our faith family needs to be nurtured; what needs to be nurtured within us and how this nurturing takes place.  ...

No Greater Wonder | Our Redemptive Family [Week 1] | Mark Seagle | April 18, 2021

If the church is God's people, then we should be where the world looks to for peace, love, comfort, wholeness, and healing. We should mirror the very character of Jesus to those who are part of the body, but also to those all around us. The true image of the church should create wonder for what has been done in the past, provide hope, possibility, and purpose in the present, and cast our imagination toward God's intended future. Our Redemptive Family [1] Scripture: Ephesians 2.7; Ephesians ...

Jesus Forevermore | Who He Is [Week 5] | Mark Seagle | April 11, 2021

We will always see the goodness and kindness of Jesus in the midst of sinners and sufferers. We should not only call Him good when we are feeling the good; we should call Him good even in the unknown. We will be experiencing the grace and goodness of God for all of eternity, and we will never see the end of His love toward us. Who He Is… Jesus Forevermore! (Easter 2021 with our Mandarin Family) Scripture: Ephesians 2.4-7 Jesus, who is rich in mercy and lavish in love, he seats us in the he...

Rich In Mercy | Who He Is [Week 4] | Mark Seagle | April 4, 2021

We are more than sinful, we were completely dead in our sin and transgressions. Jesus, not only gives us life, He gives us new mercy every single day. We are all covered in sin, guilt, and shame, but His mercy is so much more. He is rich in mercy, and He lavishes His love on us. That is who this Jesus is. WHO HE IS…. JESUS!  (4) Easter at Mandarin Scripture: Ephesians 2.4; Ephesians 2.1-6; John 21.1-19 Jesus turns graves into gardens. He is rich in mercy and lavishes us in His love. Take ...

The Joy Before Him | Who He Is [Week 3] | Mark Seagle | Mar. 28, 2021

Why do we so often run or hide because of our sin and shame? We should come out of the hiding to experience the Heart of Christ towards us. The joy of Christ is being made complete as His people come to Him to be made whole. He rejoices in seeing His people forgiven, made whole, new, and complete.

Compassion & Love | Who He Is [Week 2] | Matt Dobson | Mar. 21, 2021

Jesus showed us that  following God is more important than the rules the the religious people enforced. Looking at His life here on earth, it was defined by compassion, love, grace and mercy. The compassion of Christ defines His heart, and should shape our lives. True compassion doesn't stand still, but moves towards action. Who He Is [Week 2] Matthew 9:35-39 If Jesus is known for compassion… what are we known for? What is the church known for? How are we as Christ followers showing compas...

Rest For The Weary | Who He Is [Week 1] | Mark Seagle | Mar. 14, 2021

Who He Is….The Heart of Jesus (1) Easter 2021 Matthew 11.28-30 The heart is the central animating feature of all that we are and all that we do.   Come to me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take up my yoke and learn from me, because I am lowly and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” - Matthew 11:28-30 (CSB) * The one thing that we are to do, as His people is found in the first three words o...

Unity of Us | The Prayer [Week 5 | Mark Seagle | Mar. 7, 2021

The church is known for many things right now, but over all things, the church should be known for love. We should reflect the perfect love of God, as Jesus brought us into the 'Us-ness' of the Trinity. According to scripture, we are one church, one body of Christ, one movement, one 'Us'. This is what Jesus was praying for in John 17. The Prayer of Jesus (5) John 17.20-23 May they all be ONE…. - Jesus in John 17 * US greater than ME!  Jesus is praying for US!  Spend some time reading and...

Rest In His Word Most | The Prayer [Week 4] | Mark Seagle | Feb. 28, 2021

Are we too busy living FOR Jesus, when we really need to live FROM Him? Our lives, as followers of Jesus, should be lived out of the overflow of His presence, and His truth. Perhaps the greatest thing that He will ever show us is Himself. We are transformed by His word, and now we live as His representatives in this world. The Prayer of Jesus (4) John 17.13-19 Those who hear God’s voice best are people who know His word most. - Louie Giglio * May we experience and enter in to Jesus' joyou...

I Won | The Prayer [Week 3] | Mark Seagle | Feb. 21, 2021

We are on the winning side of eternity, yet have done nothing to contribute to that victory. It is entirely based upon Gods work of salvation. His prayer is not that we try harder, or do better, but that we fully trust in what He accomplished for us, and how He is continually working in us even now. If we are deeply convinced of this gospel of Jesus, it will unite us under His name. The Prayer of Jesus (3) John 17.9-12 Jesus is praying for you.   *Consider this quote: ‘preach the gospel t...

Make It Matter | DNOW Weekend | Matt Dobson | Feb. 14, 2021

DNOW MAKE IT MATTER Acts 7 Take a moment to read through Acts 7. What are some things that surprise you? What is something you take away from this scripture?  How are you actively apart of His story right now? If you are not engaging in God’s story right now, what needs to change? What is holding you back from living on mission?  Has there ever been a moment where you didn’t listen to a prompting of the Holy Spirit? What might be God leading you towards right now?  Stephen had no clue ho...

They Have Believed | The Prayer [Week 2] | Mark Seagle | Feb. 7, 2021

The prayer of Jesus is His heart connecting our heart with the Father's heart. Nothing at all can separate us from the love of God, as Jesus is constantly and passionately moving toward us, working in us, and interceding for us. Jesus' rescue and salvation reaches all the way into the darkest crevices of our souls. John 17.6-8 Father, I have manifested who you really are and I have revealed you to the men and women that you gave me. They are yours…. - Jesus, in John 17.6 * The work of Jes...

His Prayer; His Heart | The Prayer [Week 1] | Mark Seagle | Jan. 31, 2021

When we read John 17, we see a glimpse into the heart of Jesus. His heart is full of passion and focus. His heart is aimed on giving glory to the Father, but also on the love He has for his followers. Even then, we were in His heart, His mind, and His prayer.  Focus for this Week: John 17.1-5  ‘The Son of God… loved me and gave Himself for me.’ His heart for me could not sit still.  * Wonder… In this prayer, the heart of Jesus is one of glory, beauty, eternity and promise. His posture is ...

Jesus Is Making All Things New | DNA [Week 4] | Mark Seagle | Jan. 24, 2021

In Jesus, we are not who we once more. All things are made new in Jesus. It is all through Him, and by Him, and ultimately for Him. This is who we are, and this is what we pass on from generation to generation to generation. DNA (4) Scripture: * Ephesians 1.1-2 * Ephesians 1.3-14 Hello, my name is Paul….  * God is making all things new. He is changing our ‘name’ (Ephesians 1.1), which is the totality of our character into His own.  How is Jesus making Himself at home in you? In what ways...

For Such A Time As This | DNA [Week 3] | Mark Seagle | Jan. 17, 2021

As a church, and as individuals, we were placed here in this world and season for a purpose. We might never see all the results of our lives fully devoted to Christ, but we are called to live on mission and to befriend faithfulness. As a people after the heart of God, we should find our delight in the Lord, and we will find ourselves faithful to His purposes. Scripture: Psalm 37:3-5 If you are leading in the middle of this, there is a reason that you are leading in the middle of this.  1-...

Lose Control, Gain Wonder | DNA [Week 2] | January 10, 2021 | Mark Seagle

Who we are as individuals, and as a church, is not determined by external forces; it is by the indwelling Holy Spirit within us. He is our internal supply, and we should abide in Jesus. When we start to let go of our desire to be in control of our lives, we will begin to see Gods wonders in and through us. Scripture: Psalm 145.4-7; John 15.4-6 Pastor Mark talked about two lakes in the Keystone/ Melrose area.  One thriving and filled with life and the other, receding and drying up. The diff...

Lose Control, Gain Wonder | DNA [Week 2] | Mark Seagle | Jan. 10, 2021

Who we are as individuals, and as a church, is not determined by external forces; it is by the indwelling Holy Spirit within us. He is our internal supply, and we should abide in Jesus. When we start to let go of our desire to be in control of our lives, we will begin to see Gods wonders in and through us. Scripture: Psalm 145.4-7; John 15.4-6 Pastor Mark talked about two lakes in the Keystone/ Melrose area.  One thriving and filled with life and the other, receding and drying up. The diff...

Who We are | DNA [Week 1] | January 3, 2021 | Mark Seagle

As we enter the new year, we evaluate our mission: to demonstrate God's love to a broken world. We are called to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. This will lead us to multiply and reproduce that kind of love in our faith family, but also our community.  Scripture - Psalm 145: Matthew 22.37-39; Matthew 28.18-20 1- The most important idea ever given is that we ‘love God with our heart and soul; our mind and strength.’ (Matthew 22)   * If it is true that you love what y...

Who We Are | DNA [Week 1] | January 3, 2021 | Mark Seagle

As we enter the new year, we evaluate our mission: to demonstrate God's love to a broken world. We are called to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. This will lead us to multiply and reproduce that kind of love in our faith family, but also our community.  Scripture - Psalm 145: Matthew 22.37-39; Matthew 28.18-20 1- The most important idea ever given is that we ‘love God with our heart and soul; our mind and strength.’ (Matthew 22)   * If it is true that you love what y...

Who We Are | DNA [Week 1] | Mark Seagle | Jan. 3, 2021

As we enter the new year, we evaluate our mission: to demonstrate God's love to a broken world. We are called to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. This will lead us to multiply and reproduce that kind of love in our faith family, but also our community.  Scripture - Psalm 145: Matthew 22.37-39; Matthew 28.18-20 1- The most important idea ever given is that we ‘love God with our heart and soul; our mind and strength.’ (Matthew 22)   * If it is true that you love what y...

Communion Unifies | Behold [Week 4] | Matt Dobson | Dec. 27, 2020

We can all tend to forget, or move past things quickly and so easily. So as we celebrate the birth of Jesus through the Christmas season, we also should be reminding ourselves of the death and resurrection of Christ. Communion is not something we do only in remembrance as we look back. Communion is something that helps to unify us, focus us, and is a constant reminder of the Gospel we so desperately need. Scripture: 1 Corinthians 11:17-34 1) Pause and reflect on this past year. What is som...

Communion Unifies | Behold [Week 4] | Dec. 27, 2020 | Matt Dobson

We can all tend to forget, or move past things quickly and so easily. So as we celebrate the birth of Jesus through the Christmas season, we also should be reminding ourselves of the death and resurrection of Christ. Communion is not something we do only in remembrance as we look back. Communion is something that helps to unify us, focus us, and is a constant reminder of the Gospel we so desperately need. Scripture: 1 Corinthians 11:17-34 1) Pause and reflect on this past year. What is som...

Abundant Passion | Behold [Week 3] | Mark Seagle | Dec. 20, 2020

Isaiah 9:6 is one of the most used passages of scripture especially during the advent season. As we look at the time and context this was written, we will see a hope filled prophecy in the midst of a societal upheaval and captivity. But the one who is coming, brings a new, unimaginable Kingdom. And when we discover more of this King, we discover more of who we are: sons and daughters of God. There is only one problem on which all my existence, my peace and my happiness depend: To discover m...

Abundant Passion | Behold [Week 3] | 12.20.2020 | Mark Seagle

Isaiah 9:6 is one of the most used passages of scripture especially during the advent season. As we look at the time and context this was written, we will see a hope filled prophecy in the midst of a societal upheaval and captivity. But the one who is coming, brings a new, unimaginable Kingdom. And when we discover more of this King, we discover more of who we are: sons and daughters of God. There is only one problem on which all my existence, my peace and my happiness depend: To discover m...

Behold [Week 2]

Behold (2) Christmas at Mandarin 2020 Scripture: Luke 2.25-38; Psalm 136; Psalm 86.11; Micah 7.7 Suddenly there was a multitude of heavenly hosts with the angel, praising God and saying: Glory to God in the highest….  - Luke 2.13-14 1- Spend some time in Luke 2.25-38.  What do you learn about worship from Simeon and Anna? Talk about their character traits and how those traits postured their life as enduring worshippers? How is God developing your life and your preparations as a worshipper...

Behold [Week 1]

Behold (1)…. Christmas at Mandarin 2020 Jesus has put on flesh and He dwells among us and within those of us who believe. We BEHOLD His glory, the glory of the one and only Who is filled with grace and in truth. - John 1 Scripture: Micah 7.7; Galatians 4.4-5; Luke 2.9-14 But as for me, I will watch expectantly for the Lord. - Micah 7.7 (NASB)  * How is watching different from waiting?  * What are the ways that you can posture your life as one who watches, with expectancy, for Jesus at ...

Consuming Ambition [Week 3]

Consuming Ambition Week 3  1) Reread Acts 1:6-8. What stands out to you in these verses? What challenges you? Look at the question by the disciples. What is surprising about Jesus’ response? 2) A missionary by the name of Henry Martyn said “His last command should be our first concern. The Spirit of Christ is the spirit of Missions and the nearer we get to him the more intensely missionary we must become.” Why do so many believers struggle with sharing their faith? Is it a knowledge proble...

Consuming Ambition [Week 2]

Consuming Ambition (2) Scripture: 2 Timothy 2.2; Matthew 28.18-20; Ephesians 3.17-20; Matthew 5.16;  2 Corinthians 5.14; I Thessalonians 2.8 Let our lights and our light so shine before others, so that they see your good works and they give glory to our Father in heaven. - Matthew 5.16 * The ultimate aim of our lives is to bring glory to God. We desire for others to see, in our lives, the glory of the gospel. Describe the aim of your life? How can I sharpen my aim to align with God’s? Wha...

Consuming Ambition [Week 1]

Consuming Ambition Text: 2 Timothy 1.13-14; Matthew 28.18-20; Acts 11.15-25 Generations moving together in the advance of the great commission. * Based on Matthew 28.18-20, when all of the authority of Jesus is moving among His people, what is happening in His church? Sketch out the expectation and mission for His church shared in this scripture. What patterns do you anticipate forming when Jesus’ beautiful commission is becoming our consuming ambition?  * 'The Lord’s hand was with th...

Last Words: A Study of 2 Timothy [Week 12]

Grace is the means and the lens through which you accurately understand and interpret life   * Our venture through 2 Timothy has been significant. We have studied Paul’s last words and those words have studied us.  What is one truth that you read in this letter that was new to you?  How is one way that your thinking has shifted as you made your way through 2 Timothy?  In what specific way are you living differently because of this letter?  How has this letter increased your intimacy in conv...

Last Words: A Study of 2 Timothy [Week 11]

Last Words (11) Scripture: 2 Timothy 4.16-18 Everyone needs a Paul and everyone needs a Timothy.  1- Read. Think. Pray. Live.  Open your journal and ponder one chapter of 2 Timothy each day this week. Consider how what you experienced through reading, thinking and in prayer, and how that might compel you to live differently today. What new practices that you should consider? How does this impact your relationships? What do you need to do more?  What needs to become less? How do these tru...

Last Words: A Study of 2 Timothy [Week 10]

Scripture: 2 Timothy 4.6-8 Everyone needs a Paul and everyone needs a Timothy.  1- As a faith family, we are learning and practicing the discipline of Spiritual Reading (Read. Think. Pray. Live) This week, read one chapter of 2 Timothy each day and PRAY the Scripture. Talk with God about what you are learning, thanking Him for the truth of this letter, asking Him questions, inviting Him transform your life in Truth, engaging in repentance…. Praying Scripture allows for God to begin the co...

Last Words: A Study of 2 Timothy [Week 9]

Last Words (9) Scripture: 2 Timothy 3.16 - 4.5 If everyone needs a Paul, one who mentors and guides; models and mirrors Jesus. Then, who is your Paul?  Because everyone needs a Timothy, one who you mentor and guide; model and mirror Jesus. Who is your Timothy? ** What if you could know the way to every good work that God has for you?  2 Timothy 3.16-17 seems to promise that you do have this way within you. Using 2 Timothy 3.16-4.5 as a guide, how can you posture your life for all the good ...

Last Words: A Study of 2 Timothy [Week 8]

Last Words 2 Timothy 3:10-17 1- There is a transformative power found in the truths of God’s Word. Our hope is to practice in ‘spiritual reading’ that truth may grow us into the image of Christ. You have read 2 Timothy. You have opened a journal and given thought. This week, we will pray  the words of 2 Timothy. Talk with God about what you are learning, thanking Him for the truth of this letter, asking Him questions, inviting Him transform your life in Truth, engaging in repentance…. Prayi...

Last Words: A Study of 2 Timothy [Week 6]

1) Read and Think… Read one chapter of 2 Timothy each day. Open a journal and Think… Ponder… Meditate. Turn the words over in your heart and mind. Consider the abundance of truth in each chapter. Write insights, truth about God, truth about yourself, needed change, and hopes as you allow the Scripture to form Christ within. 2) When you read 2 Timothy 2:14-26, what are some hard truths you hear? What grabs your attention from the text? 3) Paul challenges Timothy to stay focused on the truth...

Last Words: A Study of 2 Timothy [Week 7]

Scripture: 2 Timothy Scripture to Remember: 2 Timothy 3.1-9; Psalm 15 But know this: Hard days will come….  - 2 Timothy 3.1      In these hard days, every one of us needs a Paul! 1- Who is one of your ‘heroes’? Talk about what makes this person a ‘hero’?  Why are ‘heroes’ important?  If it’s true that everyone needs a Paul (and it is true), how would you describe a spiritual hero.. one who shows you the way of Christ?    2- Paul tells us that we can anticipate hard times in these last day...

Last Words: A Study of 2 Timothy [Week 4]

Scripture: 2 Timothy Scripture to Remember: 2 Timothy 1.13 - 18 Everyone needs a Paul. One who speaks life and leads you toward maturity.  Everyone needs a Timothy. One in which you invest life and lead toward maturity.  1- Read & Think…. For the next three weeks, Read one chapter of 2 Timothy each day. Open a journal and Think… Ponder… Meditate. Turn the words over in your mind and heart; consider them from different angles and perspectives. Write down insights, truths, hopes, shifts, cha...

Last Words: A Study of 2 Timothy [Week 5]

Scripture: 2 Timothy Scripture to Remember: 2 Timothy 2.1-13 Everyone needs a Paul, who guides you in the mysteries of God’s grace and goodness.  Everyone needs a Timothy, to whom you pass on the mysteries of His grace. 1- Read & Think…. Read one chapter of 2 Timothy each day. Open a journal and Think… Ponder… Meditate. Turn the words over in your heart and mind. Consider the abundance of truth in each chapter.  Write insights, truth about God, truth about yourself, needed change and hope...

Last Words: A Study of 2 Timothy [Week 3]

Scripture: 2 Timothy Scripture to Remember: 2 Timothy 1.8-12 Every one needs a Paul and, everyone needs a Timothy 1- Read 2 Timothy this week. Read it through at least three times. Reading invites into His story and to feel at home in God’s economy.  2- How might you ‘remember’ the gospel on a daily basis?  What do you learn, from verses 8-12 about faithful endurance in the gospel? Open your journal and list thoughts and truths, then share them with friends and family. 3- Pastor Mark t...

Last Words: A Study of 2 Timothy [Week 2]

Everyone needs a Paul; Everyone needs a Timothy.

Last Words: A Study of 2 Timothy [Week 1]

Scripture: 2 Timothy Scripture to Remember: 2 Timothy 1.1-2 Every person needs a Paul; Every person needs a Timothy 1- Share or post online one truth that sparked life in your soul as we worshipped and then studied 2 Timothy 1.1-2.  There is so much that is good in this passage. So much that is remarkable. What is ONE thing that struck you? 2- Paul. Every word matters in Scripture. ‘Paul’ is the one word gospel testimony of God’s rescue, new life, transformation and Paul's life-altering p...

For This, I Kneel [Week 5] Ephesians 3:20-21

For This, I Kneel [Week 4] Ephesians 3:16-19

For This, I Kneel [Week 3] Colossians 1:9-12

For This, I Kneel [Week 2] Ephesians 1:17-19

Scripture: Ephesians 1.3 - 19 Scripture to Remember: Ephesians 1.17-19 For this reason, I kneel before the Father. - Ephesians 3.14 In the prison prayers of Paul, we discover the blessings that Paul wanted followers of Christ to enjoy. In none of these prayers does Paul request material possessions. His prayers are for spiritual wisdom and the Christ-centered character for those that follow Him.  He does not ask God to give them what they do not have, but rather prays that God will reveal...

For This, I Kneel [Week 1]

Scripture: Philippians 1.4-11 Scripture to Remember: Philippians 1.9-11 For this reason, I kneel before the Father. - Ephesians 3.14 The church of Philippi was forged through prayer and initiated by the supernatural work of God in Christ. The Spirit of God connected hearts, continents, circumstances, spiritual hunger and a heart to know our Rescuing Redeemer. At great cost, God connected Paul as a discipling leader for this church. With great passion, a small group of spiritually hungry s...

Habits [9] Conclusion

Special Guest: Bob Bumgarner

Habits: [8]