Sermons by Steve Kaptain
Moving from Obligation to Devotion
Sermon text: Mark 2:18-28 You can follow the path of obligation or the path of devotion. But only devotion leads into the life-giving presence of Jesus, which fuels our passion for His mission. How do we make that shift? We reset our habits to enter His presence, reframe the system around His presence, and then rest and recharge in His presence. Header image by Kyle Smith on Unsplash.
Despicable Me: Save Me a Place at the Table
Sermon text: Mark 2:13-17 Jesus doesn’t avoid the despicable—He calls, enjoys, and transforms them. And if we’re following Him, we’ll do the same. There’s a seat at the table for everyone—and like Levi, we learn to bring others there by following the way of Jesus. Header image by Goashape Studio on Unsplash.
The Rhythm of Jesus
Sermon text: Mark 1:29-45 In a world overwhelmed by busyness and noise, Jesus invites us into a better way—a sacred rhythm of life shaped by compassion, prayer, and presence. He calls us to follow His example: to serve with intention, to pray before we act, and to be fully present with those who are hurting. When we embrace this rhythm, it not only transforms our lives but also empowers us to bring healing and hope to the community around us.…
Get Off the Bench
Sermon text: Mark 1:16-28 Jesus begins building His team, calling ordinary fishermen to follow Him with a mission to become fishers of people. With this move, He shifts from preparation to advancing the kingdom—and immediately, the enemy pushes back. In the synagogue, Jesus confronts spiritual darkness head-on, silencing and casting out a demon with unmatched authority. His teaching astonishes the crowds, and His power reveals that God’s reign has arrived. Rather than retreating in fear, Jesus presses forward. The call…
Secure to Serve: Identity before Activity
Sermon text: Mark 1:1-13; Mark 1:17 Like the Israelites John called to repentance, many believers today remain stuck in a spiritual wilderness—wandering, unsure of their purpose, and disconnected from mission. But the way forward isn’t to escape the wilderness; it’s to anchor our identity in Christ. Just as Jesus heard the Father say, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased,” we too must receive and rest in the truth that we are deeply loved and fully…
From Failure to Faithfulness
Sermon text: Mark 1, Mark 15Let’s explore the life of John Mark—once a fearful deserter, later a bold gospel writer—as a living testimony of the transforming power of Jesus’ message. Rooted in Mark 1:1, 1:15, and the abrupt ending in Mark 16:8, it challenges us to see that while fear may silence us for a season, the gospel calls us to rise again in faith. Just as Mark moved from failure to faithfulness, we too can be redeemed, restored, and…
Be a True Friend to Jesus, and Bear Fruit
Sermon text: John 15:1-17 The real question isn’t “Is Jesus my friend?”—that’s already been answered. Of course He is. He proved His friendship beyond all doubt by laying down His life for us. The better question is, “Am I a friend of Jesus?” And the path to answering that isn’t found in trying harder or doing more. It’s found in remaining—abiding—in His love. As we stay connected to the One who demonstrated ultimate friendship at the cross, our lives begin…
Come, Follow Me, and Make a Difference
Sermon text: Matthew 4:18-25 After walking with Jesus for over a year, His early followers are invited to take the next bold step: to go from following Him to fishing for people. This deeper call isn’t just about activity—it’s about transformation. As we accept His invitation, our character begins to reflect His, and our priorities realign with His mission. Jesus doesn’t just call us to Himself—He calls us to a purpose that changes lives, starting with our own. Header photo…
Checkmate! The Daniel Game
Sermon text: Daniel 11:2-4; Daniel 11:36-45 The angel Gabriel pulls back the curtain of history to show Daniel—and us—that God is always in control, even when the world feels chaotic. The rise and fall of kings, the clash of empires, and the schemes of the enemy all seem overwhelming. At times, it feels like God’s people are held in checkmate, with no way out. But just when it looks like the enemy has the upper hand, God reveals His hidden…
Daniel Undone
Sermon text: Daniel 10:12-14 The prophet is granted a glimpse beyond the veil, revealing a cosmic battle between the forces of good and evil. This unseen spiritual warfare can stir fear and make us hesitant to pursue God’s calling on our lives. But there is hope: the sacrifice of Christ—God’s perfect love in action—breaks fear’s grip and empowers us to stand firm in His purposes. Header image by Gioele Fazzeri on Unsplash.
The Daniel Timeline
Sermon text: Daniel 9:20-27 There are four major ways to interpret Daniel’s prophecy concerning the 70 weeks. It is only through the illumination of the Spirit that we can avoid getting bogged down in the details to understand the point of the prophecy and apply it to our lives.
Daniel: Moving from Blame to Compassion
Sermon text: Daniel 9:1-19 Every Christian can shift from blame to compassion by seeking God’s presence, interceding for the hurting, and imploring Him to act. Intercessory prayer, in particular, deepens our identification with a lost world and compels us to bring them the gospel. Header image by Patrick Fore on Unsplash.