SUNDAY NOTES 4.19.26
Today’s Setlist:
THE JOY
HOLY SPIRIT
MORE THAN ABLE
AT THE ALTAR
SERMON NOTES
PHILIPPIANS Week 2
“WORTHY OF THE GOSPEL:
A FAITH THAT COSTS US SOMETHING”
Philippians 1:27–30
27 Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel, 28 and not frightened in anything by your opponents. This is a clear sign to them of their destruction, but of your salvation, and that from God. 29 For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake, 30 engaged in the same conflict that you saw I had and now hear that I still have.
Ephesisans 4:1-5
I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, 2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, 3 eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call— 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.
A life worthy of the Gospel
is active, not passive.
Matthew 20:26-28 26
It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, 27 and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, 28 even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Philippians 1:28
28 and not frightened in anything by your opponents. This is a clear sign to them of their destruction, but of your salvation, and that from God.
Isaiah 43: 1-2
“Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.
Philippians 1:29-30
29 For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake, 30 engaged in the same conflict that you saw I had and now hear that I still have.
Romans 5:3-5
Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, 4 and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, 5 and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.
Suffering is not evidence God is absent—
it’s often evidence He’s at work
Whether you’re new or have been around for a while, this is a great opportunity to take a closer look at who we are and how to get connected.
At Vertical Up Close, you’ll meet our staff team, hear about our mission and vision, and explore next steps in spiritual growth, serving, and community. We’ll also share opportunities like discipleship groups, Bible studies, and what it looks like to become a partner of the church.
Our next Vertical Up Close is happening Sunday, April 26th, immediately following the second service. If you’ve been looking for a next step, this is a great place to start.
We’re grateful for all God is doing in and through our church and would love for you to be part of it.
MAY 31ST is BAPTISM SUNDAY. if you have decided to follow jesus but have not taken this step, this day is for you.
SUNDAY NOTES 4.12.26
Today’s Setlist:
MOVE OF GOD
WHO ELSE
DO IT AGAIN
GREAT IS THY FAITHFULNESS
GOOD PLANS/DOXOLOGY
SERMON NOTES
PHILIPPIANS: Week 1
PHILIPPIANS 1:3–6
"I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus."
POINT ONE:
Your Faith Journey Didn't Start With You
"He who began a good work in you…"
POINT TWO:
He Promised to Finish It
and He Doesn't Break Promises
"…will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus."
POINT THREE:
Joy Is Found in His Faithfulness,
Not Your Perfection
"I always pray with joy…"
POINT FOUR:
He Is Pleased With Your Willingness.
Just Keep Trying
"…your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now."
He who began a good work in you,
in your church,
in your family,
in your own heart,
will carry it on to completion.
Whether you’re new or have been around for a while, this is a great opportunity to take a closer look at who we are and how to get connected.
At Vertical Up Close, you’ll meet our staff team, hear about our mission and vision, and explore next steps in spiritual growth, serving, and community. We’ll also share opportunities like discipleship groups, Bible studies, and what it looks like to become a partner of the church.
Our next Vertical Up Close is happening Sunday, April 26th, immediately following the second service. If you’ve been looking for a next step, this is a great place to start.
We’re grateful for all God is doing in and through our church and would love for you to be part of it.
MAY 31ST is BAPTISM SUNDAY. if you have decided to follow jesus but have not taken this step, this day is for you.
SUNDAY NOTES 4.5.26
While we naturally define significance by status, recognition, and influence, Jesus completely redefines greatness through the story of James and John in Mark 10. Instead of climbing to positions of power, true greatness in God’s Kingdom is found in humility, service, and sacrifice. Jesus Himself modeled this by choosing the lowest place—serving others and ultimately giving His life. The call for believers is not just to admire this example, but to live it out through obedience in everyday moments, where choosing to serve and sacrifice leads to a life that truly matters.
Today’s Setlist:
THE JOY
I Know A Name
All hail king jesus
Back to life
THE wonderful blood
SERMON NOTES
Bankrupt the Grave: Week 10
Mark 16:2
Very early on the first day of the week, just after sunrise, they were on their way to the tomb
Respond to what you do know about Jesus,
even if you don’t know everything yet.
Mark 16:3
and they asked each other, “Who will roll the stone away from the entrance of the tomb?”
Mark 16:4
But when they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had been rolled away.
Mark 16:5-6
As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side, and they were alarmed. 6 “Don’t be alarmed,” he said. “You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him.
He has risen. He is not here.
Mark 16:7-8
But go, tell his disciples and Peter, ‘He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.’” 8 Trembling and bewildered, the women went out and fled from the tomb. They said nothing to anyone, because they were afraid.
SUNDAY NOTES 3.29.26
While we naturally define significance by status, recognition, and influence, Jesus completely redefines greatness through the story of James and John in Mark 10. Instead of climbing to positions of power, true greatness in God’s Kingdom is found in humility, service, and sacrifice. Jesus Himself modeled this by choosing the lowest place—serving others and ultimately giving His life. The call for believers is not just to admire this example, but to live it out through obedience in everyday moments, where choosing to serve and sacrifice leads to a life that truly matters.
Today’s Setlist:
I Know A Name
All Hail King Jesus
At The Altar
The WOnderful Blood
SERMON NOTES
Bankrupt the Grave: Week 9
”the King on A Cross”
Mark 14:32-36
They went to a place called Gethsemane, and Jesus said to his disciples, “Sit here while I pray.” He took Peter, James and John along with him, and he began to be deeply distressed and troubled. “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death,” he said to them. “Stay here and keep watch.” Going a little farther, he fell to the ground and prayed that if possible the hour might pass from him. “Abba, Father,” he said, “everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.”
Mark 14:43-52
Just as he was speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, appeared. With him was a crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests, the teachers of the law, and the elders. Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: “The one I kiss is the man; arrest him and lead him away under guard.” Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, “Rabbi!” and kissed him. The men seized Jesus and arrested him. Then one of those standing near drew his sword and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear. “Am I leading a rebellion,” said Jesus, “that you have come out with swords and clubs to capture me? Every day I was with you, teaching in the temple courts, and you did not arrest me. But the Scriptures must be fulfilled.” Then everyone deserted him and fled. A young man, wearing nothing but a linen garment, was following Jesus. When they seized him, he fled naked, leaving his garment behind.
Mark 14:56,61-62, 65
Many testified falsely against him, but their statements did not agree. But Jesus remained silent and gave no answer. Again the high priest asked him, “Are you the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One?” “I am,” said Jesus. “And you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven.” Then some began to spit at him; they blindfolded him, struck him with their fists, and said, “Prophesy!” And the guards took him and beat him.
Mark 15:1, 12-15
Very early in the morning, the chief priests, with the elders, the teachers of the law and the whole Sanhedrin, made their plans. So they bound Jesus, led him away and handed him over to Pilate. “What shall I do, then, with the one you call the king of the Jews?” Pilate asked them. “Crucify him!” they shouted. “Why? What crime has he committed?” asked Pilate. But they shouted all the louder, “Crucify him!” Wanting to satisfy the crowd, Pilate released Barabbas to them. He had Jesus flogged, and handed him over to be crucified.
Mark 15:16-20
The soldiers led Jesus away into the palace (that is, the Praetorium) and called together the whole company of soldiers. They put a purple robe on him, then twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on him. And they began to call out to him, “Hail, king of the Jews!” Again and again they struck him on the head with a staff and spit on him. Falling on their knees, they paid homage to him. And when they had mocked him, they took off the purple robe and put his own clothes on him. Then they led him out to crucify him.
Mark 15:25-26
It was nine in the morning when they crucified him.
The written notice of the charge against him read: the king of the jews.
Mark 15:37-38
With a loud cry, Jesus breathed his last. The curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. And when the centurion, who stood there in front of Jesus, saw how he died, he said, “Surely this man was the Son of God!”
What’s Coming Up at Vertical
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SUNDAY NOTES 3.22.26
While we naturally define significance by status, recognition, and influence, Jesus completely redefines greatness through the story of James and John in Mark 10. Instead of climbing to positions of power, true greatness in God’s Kingdom is found in humility, service, and sacrifice. Jesus Himself modeled this by choosing the lowest place—serving others and ultimately giving His life. The call for believers is not just to admire this example, but to live it out through obedience in everyday moments, where choosing to serve and sacrifice leads to a life that truly matters.
Today’s Setlist:
The Joy
All Hail King Jesus
Back to Life
The Wonderful Blood
SERMON NOTES
Bankrupt the Grave: Week 8
”Redefining Greatness”
Mark 10:35-45
Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to him. “Teacher,” they said, “we want you to do for us whatever we ask.” “What do you want me to do for you?” he asked. They replied, “Let one of us sit at your right and the other at your left in your glory.” “You don’t know what you are asking,” Jesus said. “Can you drink the cup I drink or be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with?” “We can,” they answered. Jesus said to them, “You will drink the cup I drink and be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with, but to sit at my right or left is not for me to grant. These places belong to those for whom they have been prepared.” When the ten heard about this, they became indignant with James and John. Jesus called them together and said, “You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
WE WANT JESUS TO DO FOR US WHATEVER WE WANT
Mark 10:35–37
Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to him. “Teacher,” they said, “we want you to do for us whatever we ask.” “What do you want me to do for you?” he asked. They replied, “Let one of us sit at your right and the other at your left in your glory.”
WE DON’T LIVE LIKE THE WORLD
Mark 10:42
Jesus called them together and said, “You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them.
A LIFE OF SIGNIFICANCE IS FOUND IN SERVICE
Mark 10:43-45
Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
What’s Coming Up at Vertical
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SUNDAY NOTES 3.15.26
Mark 8:27–38 reveals that many people subtly reshape Jesus into the version they prefer—one who affirms their desires without challenging their lives—but Jesus confronts that tendency by asking His disciples the defining question: “Who do you say I am?” While Peter correctly identifies Him as the Messiah, he still misunderstands His mission, expecting power and political victory rather than suffering and the cross. Jesus clarifies that God’s plan brings victory through sacrifice, rebuking Peter for thinking with merely human concerns. He then extends the implication to everyone: following Him requires denying oneself, taking up the cross, and surrendering control of one’s life. In the paradox of the kingdom, the life we try to protect is the one we ultimately lose, but the life surrendered to Christ is the one truly saved. Therefore, recognizing Jesus as the true Messiah demands more than agreement—it requires complete surrender of one’s life to Him.
Today’s Setlist:
I Know A NAME
BACK TO LIFE
THE WONDERFUL BLOOD
SOUND MIND
SERMON NOTES
Bankrupt the Grave: Week 7
”WHO DO YOU SAY I AM?”
“What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us.” — A.W. Tozer
Mark 8:27-30
Jesus and his disciples went on to the villages around Caesarea Philippi. On the way he asked them, “Who do people say I am?” They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, one of the prophets.” “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” Peter answered, “You are the Messiah.” Jesus warned them not to tell anyone about him.
WHO DO YOU SAY I AM?
Mark 8:31-33
He then began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and after three days rise again. He spoke plainly about this, and Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. But when Jesus turned and looked at his disciples, he rebuked Peter. “Get behind me, Satan!” he said. “You do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.”
REVELATION BRINGS CLARITY
Peter loved Jesus. He believed in Jesus.
He just didn’t like the version of Jesus that included the cross.
Mark 8:34-37
Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it. What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?
LOSE TO SAVE // GIVE UP TO GAIN
Mark 8:38
“If anyone is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when he comes in his Father’s glory with the holy angels.”
WHO DO YOU SAY I AM?
What’s Coming Up at Vertical
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SUNDAY NOTES 3.8.26
Jesus doesn’t avoid graveyards—He crosses to the other side, steps into darkness, and confronts what death has claimed in order to restore what belongs to Him. In Mark 5:1–20, we see that the grave doesn’t get the final word—because when Jesus invades our chaos, He doesn’t manage it, He redeems it and turns our past pain into present purpose.
Today’s Setlist:
Move of God
Bless God
Who Else
More Than Able
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SERMON NOTES
Bankrupt the Grave: Week 6
”A Poverty mindset”
Mark 6:30-44
The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to him all they had done and taught. Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” So they went away by themselves in a boat to a solitary place. But many who saw them leaving recognized them and ran on foot from all the towns and got there ahead of them. When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he began teaching them many things.
By this time it was late in the day, so his disciples came to him. “This is a remote place,” they said, “and it’s already very late. Send the people away so that they can go to the surrounding countryside and villages and buy themselves something to eat.” But he answered, “You give them something to eat.” They said to him, “That would take more than half a year’s wages! Are we to go and spend that much on bread and give it to them to eat?” “How many loaves do you have?” he asked. “Go and see.” When they found out, they said, “Five—and two fish.” Then Jesus directed them to have all the people sit down in groups on the green grass. So they sat down in groups of hundreds and fifties.
Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to his disciples to distribute to the people. He also divided the two fish among them all. They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces of bread and fish. The number of the men who had eaten was five thousand.
A poverty mindset begins with focusing on what’s missing. A kingdom mindset begins with focusing on who is present.
OUR POVERTY MINDSET GETS EXPOSED
Mark 6:35-38
By this time it was late in the day, so his disciples came to him. “This is a remote place,” they said, “and it’s already very late. Send the people away so that they can go to the surrounding countryside and villages and buy themselves something to eat.” But he answered, “You give them something to eat.” They said to him, “That would take more than half a year’s wages! Are we to go and spend that much on bread and give it to them to eat?” “How many loaves do you have?” he asked. “Go and see.” When they found out, they said, “Five—and two fish.”
Jesus will never ask you for what you don’t have. He asks for what you have, but refuse to surrender.
OBEDIENCE OFTEN PRECEDES THE MIRACULOUS
Mark 6:39-41
Then Jesus directed them to have all the people sit down in groups on the green grass. 40 So they sat down in groups of hundreds and fifties. 41 Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to his disciples to distribute to the people. He also divided the two fish among them all.
Many of us are waiting for God to move.
But sometimes God is waiting on our obedience.
THE RHYTHM OF THE KINGDOM
Mark 6:41
“Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to his disciples to distribute to the people.”
He takes it.
He blesses it.
He breaks it.
He gives it.
Mark 14:22
“While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, ‘Take it; this is my body.’”
God reaches the world through surrendered people.
He blesses our lives so that through us, His life can reach others.
Mark 6:42–43
“They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve baskets of broken pieces of bread and fish.”
What’s Coming Up at Vertical
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SUNDAY NOTES 3.1.26
Jesus doesn’t avoid graveyards—He crosses to the other side, steps into darkness, and confronts what death has claimed in order to restore what belongs to Him. In Mark 5:1–20, we see that the grave doesn’t get the final word—because when Jesus invades our chaos, He doesn’t manage it, He redeems it and turns our past pain into present purpose.
Today’s Setlist:
THE JOY
ALL HAIL KING JESUS
THE WONDERFUL BLOOD
DO IT AGAIN
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SERMON NOTES
Bankrupt the Grave: Week 5
”He HEALS THE BROKEN”
Mark 5:1-20
1 They went across the lake to the region of the Gerasenes. 2 When Jesus got out of the boat, a man with an impure spirit came from the tombs to meet him. 3 This man lived in the tombs, and no one could bind him anymore, not even with a chain. 4 For he had often been chained hand and foot, but he tore the chains apart and broke the irons on his feet. No one was strong enough to subdue him. 5 Night and day among the tombs and in the hills he would cry out and cut himself with stones. 6 When he saw Jesus from a distance, he ran and fell on his knees in front of him. 7 He shouted at the top of his voice, “What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? In God’s name don’t torture me!” 8 For Jesus had said to him, “Come out of this man, you impure spirit!” 9 Then Jesus asked him, “What is your name?” “My name is Legion,” he replied, “for we are many.” 10 And he begged Jesus again and again not to send them out of the area. 11 A large herd of pigs was feeding on the nearby hillside. 12 The demons begged Jesus, “Send us among the pigs; allow us to go into them.” 13 He gave them permission, and the impure spirits came out and went into the pigs. The herd, about two thousand in number, rushed down the steep bank into the lake and were drowned. 14 Those tending the pigs ran off and reported this in the town and countryside, and the people went out to see what had happened. 15 When they came to Jesus, they saw the man who had been possessed by the legion of demons, sitting there, dressed and in his right mind; and they were afraid. 16 Those who had seen it told the people what had happened to the demon-possessed man—and told about the pigs as well. 17 Then the people began to plead with Jesus to leave their region. 18 As Jesus was getting into the boat, the man who had been demon-possessed begged to go with him. 19 Jesus did not let him, but said, “Go home to your own people and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.” 20 So the man went away and began to tell in the Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him. And all the people were amazed.
DEATH AND DARKNESS DEHUMANIZE
JESUS INVADES WHAT DEATH HAS CLAIMED
His authority is expanding before our eyes.
AUTHORITY RESTORES ORDER
THE GRAVE DOESN’T GET THE FINAL WORD
Mark 5:17-18
Then the people began to plead with Jesus to leave their region. As Jesus was getting into the boat, the man who had been demon-possessed begged to go with him.
Mark 5:19-20
Jesus did not let him, but said, “Go home to your own people and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.” So the man went away and began to tell in the Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him. And all the people were amazed.
What’s Coming Up at Vertical
We are thrilled to throw the biggest party for our community in the history of Vertical. Join us for our Spring Block Party on March 28, 2026, from 9:00 AM–12:00 PM—a high-energy, joy-filled morning designed especially for young families in our surrounding neighborhoods. We’ll be announcing all the activities and vendors soon. Every detail is built to serve, love, and connect. Enjoy popcorn, cotton candy, lemonade, iced coffee, and more as we create space for families to laugh, play, and build real relationships. This isn’t just an event—it’s a clear on-ramp to Good Friday and Easter at Vertical, and we can’t wait to welcome our community into the life of our church.
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SUNDAY NOTES 2.22.26
At Vertical, we believe spiritual transformation always follows a clear and intentional pathway: ENCOUNTER GOD, FOLLOW JESUS, EXPERIENCE FREEDOM, and MAKE AN IMPACT.
Today’s Setlist:
I KNOW A NAME
HOLY SPIRIT
BACK TO LIFE
GOOD PLANS
SERMON NOTES
Bankrupt the Grave: Week 4
Mark 4:35–41 NLT
35 As evening came, Jesus said to his disciples, “Let’s cross to the other side of the lake.” 36 So they took Jesus in the boat and started out, leaving the crowds behind (although other boats followed). 37 But soon a fierce storm came up. High waves were breaking into the boat, and it began to fill with water. 38 Jesus was sleeping at the back of the boat with his head on a cushion. The disciples woke him up, shouting, “Teacher, don’t you care that we’re going to drown?” 39 When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Silence! Be still!” Suddenly the wind stopped, and there was a great calm. 40 Then he asked them, “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?” 41 The disciples were absolutely terrified. “Who is this man?” they asked each other. “Even the wind and waves obey him!”
Mark 4:35-36
As evening came, Jesus said to his disciples, “Let’s cross to the other side of the lake.” 36 So they took Jesus in the boat and started out
FEAR ISN'T FAILURE
Mark 5:37
But soon a fierce storm came up. High waves were breaking into the boat, and it began to fill with water.
Mark 4:40
Then he asked them, “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?”
QUESTION YOUR FEAR
Fear shows us what we believe
is ultimate in that moment.
Mark 4:38
Jesus was sleeping at the back of the boat with his head on a cushion. The disciples woke him up, shouting, “Teacher, don’t you care that we’re going to drown?”
Do you even care?
Fear says,
“I am not safe because I am not in control.”
Faith says,
“I may not be in control, but He is present.”
HE HAS ULTIMATE AUTHORITY.
Peace is not the absence of waves.
Peace is the presence of Jesus in the boat.
SUNDAY NOTES 2.15.26
At Vertical, we believe spiritual transformation always follows a clear and intentional pathway: ENCOUNTER GOD, FOLLOW JESUS, EXPERIENCE FREEDOM, and MAKE AN IMPACT.
Today’s Setlist:
Move of god
Who else
do It Again
At the Altar
SERMON NOTES
Bankrupt the Grave: Week 3
Mark 2:1–12
A few days later, when Jesus again entered Capernaum, the people heard that he had come home. 2 They gathered in such large numbers that there was no room left, not even outside the door, and he preached the word to them. 3 Some men came, bringing to him a paralyzed man, carried by four of them. 4 Since they could not get him to Jesus because of the crowd, they made an opening in the roof above Jesus by digging through it and then lowered the mat the man was lying on. 5 When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralyzed man, “Son, your sins are forgiven.” 6 Now some teachers of the law were sitting there, thinking to themselves, 7 “Why does this fellow talk like that? He’s blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?” 8 Immediately Jesus knew in his spirit that this was what they were thinking in their hearts, and he said to them, “Why are you thinking these things? 9 Which is easier: to say to this paralyzed man, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up, take your mat and walk’? 10 But I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.” So he said to the man, 11 “I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home.” 12 He got up, took his mat and walked out in full view of them all. This amazed everyone and they praised God, saying, “We have never seen anything like this!”
THE FAITH OF A FRIEND MATTERS
HE SEES THEIR FAITH.
HE FORGIVES FIRST
If God gave us everything we thought we wanted without healing our hearts, it would destroy us.
ONLY GOD CAN FORGIVE SINS
Mark 2:7 “Why does this fellow talk like that? He’s blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?”
WHICH IS EASIER?
SUNDAY NOTES 2.8.26
At Vertical, we believe spiritual transformation always follows a clear and intentional pathway: ENCOUNTER GOD, FOLLOW JESUS, EXPERIENCE FREEDOM, and MAKE AN IMPACT.
Today’s Setlist:
I KNOW A NAME
GOOD PLANS
MORE THAN ABLE
BACK TO LIFE
Baptism Sunday - February 15
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Baptism is a public declaration of a personal decision to follow Jesus. It represents the old life being buried and a new life raised in Christ, marking the beginning of a transformed journey. If you’ve put your faith in Jesus, baptism is your next obedient step.
SERMON NOTES
Bankrupt the Grave: Week 2
Mark 1:22
“The people were amazed at his teaching, because he taught them as one who had authority, not as the teachers of the law.”
Mark 1:25–26
“‘Be quiet!’ said Jesus sternly. ‘Come out of him!’ The impure spirit shook the man violently and came out of him with a shriek.”
Mark 1:30–31
“Simon’s mother-in-law was in bed with a fever… So he went to her, took her hand and helped her up. The fever left her.”
Mark 1:32–34
“The people brought to Jesus all the sick and demon-possessed… and Jesus healed many who had various diseases. He also drove out many demons.”
Mark 1:40-45
A man with leprosy came to him and begged him on his knees, “If you are willing, you can make me clean.” 41 Jesus was indignant. He reached out his hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” he said. “Be clean!” 42 Immediately the leprosy left him and he was cleansed. 43 Jesus sent him away at once with a strong warning: 44 “See that you don’t tell this to anyone. But go, show yourself to the priest and offer the sacrifices that Moses commanded for your cleansing, as a testimony to them.” 45 Instead he went out and began to talk freely, spreading the news. As a result, Jesus could no longer enter a town openly but stayed outside in lonely places. Yet the people still came to him from everywhere.
Mark 1:40 says,
“A man with leprosy came to Him.”
Leviticus 13:45–46
Anyone with such a defiling disease must wear torn clothes, let their hair be unkempt, cover the lower part of their face and cry out, ‘Unclean! Unclean! As long as they have the disease they remain unclean. They must live alone; they must live outside the camp.
UNCLEAN
THEY HAD TO SHOUT THEIR SIN
WE HIDE WHAT THEY HAD TO SHOUT
THERE IS HEALING IN HIS HAND
CLOSE THE DISTANCE
SUNDAY NOTES 2.1.26
At Vertical, we believe spiritual transformation always follows a clear and intentional pathway: ENCOUNTER GOD, FOLLOW JESUS, EXPERIENCE FREEDOM, and MAKE AN IMPACT.
Today’s Setlist:
The Joy
Bless God
Good Plans
Make Room
Rooted Groups - February 1
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Rooted Groups are where real life and real faith meet in real community. These groups are designed to help you grow spiritually, build meaningful relationships, and live out the way of Jesus together. No matter your stage of faith, Rooted Groups are where growth happens best.
Partner Class - FEBRUARY 8
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Partner Class is where we talk about commitment, ownership, and living on mission together as the church. You’ll learn what partnership means at Vertical, our beliefs and values, and how every believer plays a role in the body of Christ. This class is for those ready to say, “This is my church.”
Baptism Sunday - February 15
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Baptism is a public declaration of a personal decision to follow Jesus. It represents the old life being buried and a new life raised in Christ, marking the beginning of a transformed journey. If you’ve put your faith in Jesus, baptism is your next obedient step.
SERMON NOTES
Bankrupt the Grave: Week 1
Series Big Idea:
Jesus didn’t just come to simply defeat death; He came to empty it of its power over our lives. In the Gospel of Mark, we follow the real Jesus as He confronts the brokenness of our world and brings resurrection to the places we thought were dead.
Mark 1:15
“The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!”
Mark doesn’t start with dates or manuscripts or long lineages. It starts with something different. It's URGENT.
Mark 1:1
The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
The time has come.
The kingdom of God has come near.
Repent and believe the good news!