Why was Jesus baptized — and what does it reveal about His mission?

In The Baptism of Jesus (Part 2), Pastor Bart Horton continues in Mark 1:9–11. As Jesus steps into the waters of baptism, it isn’t Jesus confessing sin — He’s identifying with sinners and committing Himself to the path of obedience that leads to the cross fulfilling all righteousness.

You’ll also see the glory of this moment as the heavens are torn open, the Spirit descends, and the Father speaks His approval over the Son — a powerful display that Jesus is the Messiah and that His rescue mission is underway.

In Mark 1:9–11, Jesus steps into the Jordan to be baptized by John — and nothing about that moment is accidental or merely symbolic.

In The Baptism of Jesus (Part 1), Pastor Bart Horton explains why Christ’s baptism marks the commencement of the greatest rescue mission in history. Jesus isn’t confessing sin — He has none. He’s identifying with sinners and committing Himself to a ministry that will certainly end in His death.

This is the starting point of Christ’s public work, the moment His path is set toward the cross — and it changes how we think about Jesus, and how we live for Him.

Growing In Grace is presented by Grace Bible Church in Hutchinson KS

What does real humility look like — and how do you know when you’re actually making much of Christ instead of making much of yourself?

In Be the Best Nobody You Can Be (Part 2), Pastor Bart Horton continues in Mark 1:2–8 and keeps our focus on John the Baptist — the promised messenger who prepared the way for Jesus. You’ll see why John refuses to be the point, and why his words in Mark 1:7–8 draw a bright line between what a messenger can do and what only Christ can do.

John can baptize with water, but only Jesus Christ can baptize with the Holy Spirit. And that difference isn’t small — it’s the difference between an outward symbol and the inward work only the Savior can accomplish.

What does real humility look like—and how do you live a life that points people to Jesus instead of yourself? In “Be the Best Nobody You Can Be (Part 1)” Pastor Bart Horton continues our verse-by-verse study through the Gospel of Mark with Mark 1:2–8, introducing the ministry of John the Baptist.

In this episode, you’ll see why Mark moves so quickly from Jesus’ identity to the forerunner God promised in the Old Testament. John the Baptist is the “voice crying in the wilderness,” sent to prepare the way for the Lord—not by building his own platform, but by calling God’s people to repentance and pointing them to the coming King.

Pastor Bart explains how prophecy, providence, and obedience shape John’s ministry—and why John’s example is a needed correction in a world that constantly tells us to make much of ourselves.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why Mark begins John the Baptist’s story with fulfilled prophecy (Isaiah and Malachi)

• What it means to “prepare the way of the Lord” and make His paths straight

• How John models humility by finding his place in God’s plan

• Why obedience is the real test of humility

Topics covered: Mark 1:2–8, John the Baptist, prepare the way of the Lord, humility, repentance, prophecy fulfilled, Gospel of Mark study, expository preaching, Grace Bible Church Hutchinson

Growing In Grace features verse-by-verse Bible teaching from Pastor Bart Horton at Grace Bible Church of Hutchinson, Kansas.

Who is Jesus to you—really? In “Framing Mark’s Portrait of Christ (Part 2B)” Pastor Bart Horton continues our verse-by-verse study in Mark 1:1, pressing the opening claim of Mark’s gospel: this is the beginning of the good news about Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

This episode highlights why Mark doesn’t allow a casual, middle-of-the-road response to Jesus. Knowing what Jesus claimed is not the same as trusting Him. Pastor Bart shows how Mark presents Jesus as both fully divine and the suffering Servant—the One who stops for the outcast, heals the broken, and moves steadily toward the cross to ransom sinners. If Jesus is truly the Son of God, then the only faithful response is repentance, faith, and submission to His authority.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why Mark’s opening verse is a life-or-death announcement, not a neutral biography
• What it means that Jesus is “the Christ” (Messiah) and “the Son of God”
• How Mark emphasizes Jesus as the suffering Servant who came to rescue sinners
• Why facts about Jesus don’t save—faith in Jesus does

Perfect for Christians seeking assurance, listeners wrestling with who Jesus is, and anyone who wants a clear, Christ-centered understanding of the Gospel.

Topics covered: Mark 1:1 explained, Jesus Christ Son of God, Gospel of Mark series, suffering servant, Isaiah 53, Mark 10:45, salvation by faith, expository preaching, Grace Bible Church Hutchinson

Growing In Grace features verse-by-verse Bible teaching from Pastor Bart Horton at Grace Bible Church of Hutchinson, Kansas. New episodes every week.

What is the Gospel of Mark really announcing—and why does it matter for your life right now? In “Framing Mark’s Portrait of Christ (Part 2A)” Pastor Bart Horton continues our new series in Mark by digging deeper into Mark 1:1: “The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.”

This episode explains why Mark’s gospel is more than history or biography—it’s good news with life-and-death urgency. You’ll hear how Mark wrote with Gentile believers in and around Rome in mind—Christians who were weary, persecuted, and suffering under the shadow of Nero. And you’ll see why Mark’s answer for hurting believers wasn’t a self-help plan, but a clearer view of Jesus: the Christ, the Son of God, and the suffering Servant who came to ransom sinners.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why “gospel” means good news—and why good news assumes there’s bad news
• How Mark’s original audience helps us understand the urgency of his message
• What Mark means by calling Jesus “Christ” (Messiah) and “the Son of God”
• Why knowing facts about Jesus isn’t enough—Mark calls us to faith and submission to Christ

Perfect for anyone beginning a verse-by-verse study of Mark, Christians seeking clarity about the gospel, and listeners who need real hope rooted in who Jesus is and what He came to do.

Topics covered:

Mark 1:1 explained, Gospel of Mark series, who is Jesus Christ, Son of God, meaning of the gospel, suffering servant, Christian faith, expository preaching.

Grace Bible Church in Hutchinson KS presents Growing In Grace featuring expository verse-by-verse Bible teaching from Pastor Bart Horton. New episodes every week.

Why does the Gospel of Mark feel so urgent, so direct, and so different from the other gospels? In Part 2 of “Setting the Stage,” Pastor Bart Horton continues our introduction to Mark—showing why the early church trusted this account, how Mark’s connection to Peter shaped the message, and why Mark’s fast-paced style presses every listener toward one central question: Is Jesus truly the Christ, the Son of God?

This episode highlights Mark’s unique focus on Jesus as the Servant—active, authoritative, and moving steadily toward the cross. You’ll also hear how God used a humbled, restored man (John Mark) to deliver a clear, candid portrait of Christ—one that doesn’t flatter human pride, but calls us to faith, repentance, and discipleship.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why the Gospel of Mark is trusted as inspired Scripture and rooted in eyewitness testimony
• How Mark’s relationship with Peter shaped the content and tone of this gospel
• What makes Mark’s writing style urgent, honest, and action-driven
• Why Mark presents Jesus as the suffering Servant—and why that matters for your life today

Perfect for anyone starting a verse-by-verse Bible study in Mark, Christians wanting a deeper understanding of Jesus’ life and ministry, and listeners who want Scripture that is practical, direct, and Christ-centered.

Topics covered: Gospel of Mark introduction, Mark and Peter, who wrote Mark’s Gospel, Jesus the Servant, Bible study, expository preaching, discipleship, early church testimonyGrowing In Grace features verse-by-verse Bible teaching from Pastor Bart Horton at Grace Bible Church of Hutchinson, Kansas. New episodes every week.

New Series Launch

What makes the Gospel of Mark unique among the four gospels? In this kickoff episode of our new series, Pastor Bart Horton sets the stage for an in-depth journey through Mark’s fast-paced, action-driven account of Jesus Christ. Discover why Mark’s gospel stands out for its urgency, honesty, and focus on Jesus as the suffering servant and Son of God.

Pastor Bart unpacks the background of John Mark—his close connection with Peter, his personal failures and restoration, and how God used these experiences to deliver a gospel that’s both raw and relatable. Whether you’re new to the Bible or a longtime student, this introduction will help you see Mark’s gospel with fresh eyes and prepare your heart for a series that brings you face-to-face with Jesus.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why the Gospel of Mark is sometimes called the “Newspaper Gospel”
• How Mark’s life story shapes his candid, urgent writing style
• The unique perspective Mark brings compared to Matthew, Luke, and John
• What to expect as we begin this verse-by-verse study

Perfect for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of Jesus’ life and ministry, or looking for practical encouragement from Scripture. Start your journey through Mark with us and discover how God uses ordinary, imperfect people to share His extraordinary message.

Topics covered: Gospel of Mark introduction, Mark’s background, Bible study series, Jesus the Servant, Peter and Mark, Christian discipleship, expository preaching

Growing In Grace features verse-by-verse Bible teaching from Pastor Bart Horton at Grace Bible Church of Hutchinson, Kansas. New episodes every week.