Study Guides

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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.

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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.

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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 Rather than being a collection of outdated rules, we discover how these interconnected categories shape our modern society, reveal God's holy character, and ultimately point us to the redemptive work of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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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I AM The Resurrection and The Life

In this sermon from Mercy Church, Pastor Tim explores Jesus's powerful statement, "I am the resurrection and the life," through the miraculous story of Lazarus in John 11. When we face pain or delayed answers from God, it can be difficult to trust His timing, just as Mary and Martha did when Jesus seemingly waited too long to heal their brother. However, Pastor Tim reminds us that Jesus is not only deeply moved by our struggles, but His pauses are actually driven by His profound love for us. Discover how deeply knowing Jesus completely redefines reality, guaranteeing that those who believe in Him will never truly die.

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I AM The Good Shepherd

Join Nathan Mandsager at Mercy Church as we continue our seven-week series exploring the powerful "I Am" statements of Jesus. In this message focused on John 10, we dive into what it truly means for Jesus to be the "Good Shepherd" who relentlessly pursues, protects, and tenderly cares for His flock. Discover how Christ's perfect leadership offers a vital alternative to the worldly distractions, ideologies, and false shepherds that compete for our hearts today. Tune in to learn how to recognize His voice, accept His radical grace, and experience the abundant life He promises to those who follow Him.

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I AM The Gate

In this Mercy Church sermon, Pastor Tim explores Jesus's powerful claim in John 10 that He is the only true gate for the sheep. While modern false teachers and worldly influences act as "thieves and robbers" who ultimately lead to destruction, Jesus offers full and abundant life. Join us as we learn five ways to identify false leaders today and discover how Jesus continually saves us from ourselves, the world, and condemnation, Watch to explore whether you are truly depending on God or secretly trusting in your own success and power for salvation.

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