Study Guides

studyguide Roger Kirkhart studyguide Roger Kirkhart

Christian Worldview Part 3 - Identity

Where does your identity actually come from? In this message from our Christian Worldview series, Pastor Tim Carpenter looks at what the world tells us about who we are versus what Scripture says - that we're made in the image of God and, through Christ, redeemed and dearly loved. Whatever you've built your identity on, this is an invitation to find it in something that can't be shaken.

Read More
studyguide Roger Kirkhart studyguide Roger Kirkhart

Christian Worldview Part 2 - Origin

In week two of the Worldview series, Pastor Tim Carpenter tackles one of life's biggest questions: where did everything come from? Weighing quotes from atheist thinkers like Richard Dawkins and Bertrand Russell against Romans 1:18-32, he makes the case that a good, powerful Creator -- not random chance -- lies behind the universe, and traces what happens when a culture trades that truth for something else. Whether you're wrestling with faith or just curious what the Bible has to say about origins, this message lays out the evidence and the stakes.

Read More
studyguide Roger Kirkhart studyguide Roger Kirkhart

Christian Worldview - Part 1

In this opening message of our new series, Pastor Tim Carpenter explores what it means to build a "biblically grounded Christian worldview" —the overall lens through which we interpret all of reality, values, and existence. Anchored in 1 Corinthians 10:31, Pastor Tim challenges believers to glorify God in every area of daily life rather than blending Christian faith with secular culture. Discover how surrendering every decision, relationship, and daily routine to Christ brings true purpose and alignment with God’s design. Subscribe to Mercy Church for more weekly messages as we learn to do everything for the glory of God!

Read More
studyguide Roger Kirkhart studyguide Roger Kirkhart

The Law, Jesus and the Law

In this final installment of our series on the law, Pastor Tim Carpenter explores how we are to understand and relate to the 613 Old Testament laws in light of Jesus. While we are no longer obligated to keep these laws because Jesus fulfilled them perfectly on our behalf, we are called to a deeper standard: the law of love. Discover how transitioning from the guardian of the law to the freedom of grace shifts our focus from mere external performance to genuine, inside-out heart transformation.

Read More
studyguide Roger Kirkhart studyguide Roger Kirkhart

Strange Laws

In Week 3 of our series on the Law, Pastor Tim Carpenter dives into some of the most seemingly "strange" laws of the Old Testament to uncover their deeper, intentional purposes. By exploring ancient rules regarding mixed fabrics, rebellious sons, and dietary boundaries, we will see how these commands reveal a profound divine logic designed for our good. We'll also look at modern "weird" laws to understand how digging beneath the surface can move us from skepticism to a posture of humility. Join us as we discover how God calls us to live distinct, impactful lives in our culture today that ultimately point back to Jesus.

Read More
studyguide Roger Kirkhart studyguide Roger Kirkhart

The Parts of the Law

How do the 613 laws of the Old Testament connect to our lives today? In Week 2 of our series on the Law, Pastor Tim Carpenter dives into how theologians traditionally categorize these ancient directives into moral, civil, and ceremonial laws. Rather than being a collection of outdated rules, we discover how these interconnected categories shape our modern society, reveal God's holy character, and ultimately point us to the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Join us at Mercy Church as we explore the heart behind the Law and learn to see the grand story God is writing.

Read More
studyguide Roger Kirkhart studyguide Roger Kirkhart

What is “The Law”?

Welcome to week one of our new series, The Law, as Pastor Tim Carpenter explores why the Old Testament law is vital to understanding the story of God and His character. Far from a dry list of rules, the biblical law is designed for our flourishing and serves as a direct invitation to trust God's loving design. Discover how these ancient directives — including the Ten Commandments—ultimately point us directly to Jesus and His heart for us. Join us as we shift our perspective and discover the beautiful goodness of God's plan.

Read More
studyguide Roger Kirkhart studyguide Roger Kirkhart

I AM THE TRUE VINE

In this final message of the "I AM" series, we dive into John 15 to explore what it truly means to abide in Jesus, the True Vine. Discover how God, as our loving Vinedresser, prunes both fruitful and fruitless branches to refine our character and cultivate lasting spiritual fruit. This sermon shares a powerful "relational formula," showing how staying connected to Christ and walking in His commandments is the path to experiencing His fullness of joy. Ultimately, we learn how serving others through sacrificial love releases the very joy of Jesus in our daily lives.

Read More
studyguide Roger Kirkhart studyguide Roger Kirkhart

I AM THE WAY, THE TRUTH, THE LIFE

Join Mike Nagel as he continues our Mercy Church sermon series exploring the powerful "I am" statements of Jesus. In this message, we dive deep into John 14 to uncover what it means when Jesus declares, "I am the way, the truth, and the life". Discover how Jesus offers a beautifully inclusive path to the Father, a solid foundation of truth in a shifting culture, and a rich, satisfying life that begins today. Watch now to learn how building your life on the solid rock of Christ can bring you lasting peace and eternal hope.

Read More