Through our study of nine Old Testament narrative books over the course of five years, we will see God’s faithfulness to His people and His heart for us.
Catch up on the Story so far here.
To view or download individual chapters, please visit the Leaders Guide page.
Week One | Jan 1, 3 & 4
A loving God—yet conquests and genocides in the Bible?
Week Two | Jan 8, 10 & 11
What happens 60 seconds after you die?
Week Three | Jan 15, 17 & 18
When should Christians disobey the government?
Week Four | Jan 22, 24 & 25
What about those crazy spiritual gifts?
Week Five | Jan 29, 31 & Feb 1
If Christians are to be one, why so many denominations?
Week Six | Feb 5, 7 & 8
Does God care what I do with my body? Fitness, tattoos, plastic surgery—all the things
Week Seven | Feb 12, 14 & 15
Borders and Immigration: Why do some Christians have different views?
As you continue to pursue the heart of God and invite Him into the big questions we are asking during this series, Mariners is offering these additional resources, events, and groups to support you on your journey.
Rooted
Start Your Journey with Rooted beginning the week of Jan 25: Rooted is a 10-week small group experience designed to connect you to God, the church, and your purpose. Together, in a group of 10-15 people from all walks of life, you’ll explore the Bible, engage in prayer and serve experiences, share stories, and develop spiritual rhythms.
Join a Life Group
If you’ve finished Rooted but aren’t currently in a Life Group, join one this January through our online Group Finder or by visiting the Next Step.
This 6-week seminar series is designed to go deeper into the big questions raised in On The Table. Join us as we explore how Scripture shapes our understanding of culture and morality, as we learn to have honest dialogue about what it means to follow Jesus faithfully today.
Courses at Mariners
We have several courses available through the Rooted Network where you and your Life Group can go deeper into God’s Word together! Visit the page here to learn more.
Re:generation: Bible-based Recovery
Re:generation is a biblically-based recovery group offering healing, recovery, and freedom from struggles with daily curriculum and weekly group-based support led by facilitators from your congregation.
Christianity in Culture with Ed Stetzer
This 6-week seminar series is designed to go deeper into the big questions raised in On The Table. Join us as we explore how Scripture shapes our understanding of culture and morality, as we learn to have honest dialogue about what it means to follow Jesus faithfully today. Learn more and register here.
Courses at Mariners
We have several courses available through the Rooted Network where you and your Life Group can go deeper into God’s Word together! Visit the page here to learn more.
If I Had More Time Podcast
Join Eric and author Rebecca McLaughlin for a deeper conversation about God’s character throughout Scripture.
Rebecca McLaughlin is a renowned author who holds a Ph.D. in Renaissance Literature from Cambridge University and a degree in theological and pastoral studies from Oak Hill Theological College in London. Her book, Confronting Christianity: 12 Hard Questions for the World’s Largest Religion, has been a major resource for several messages of our On the Table series through the years.
Further Reading on this Week’s Topic
These books and authors have been influential to Eric as he has prepared for this week’s sermon. If you’d like to keep digging into the question “A loving God— yet conquests and genocides in the Bible?” check out these books.
Rooted
Rooted is a 10-week small group experience designed to connect you to God, the church, and your purpose. Together, in a group of 10-15 people from all walks of life, you’ll explore the Bible, engage in prayer and serve experiences, share stories, and practice rhythms essential to a healthy spiritual life. Sign up for a Rooted group beginning the week of Jan 25 at your congregation or online through the link here!
If I Had More Time Podcast
In this week’s episode, Eric and Lee Strobel discuss common questions about Heaven and our eternity with Jesus.
After probing the evidence for Jesus for nearly two years, Lee Strobel became a Christian in 1981. He is the former award-winning legal editor of The Chicago Tribune and a New York Times best-selling author of more than 40 books and curricula, including The Case for Christ and The Case for Heaven. His books have sold 18 million copies worldwide and have been translated into 40 languages.
If I Had More Time Podcast
Listen to a conversation between Eric and former Newport Beach Mayor Will O’Neill as they dive into navigating faith and public service.
Will O’Neill has served in many roles, including as the Mayor of Newport Beach, a Newport Beach City Council Member, the Chairman of the San Joaquin Hills Transportation Corridor Agency, and the Chairman of the Republican Party of Orange County. Will and his family have been a part of Mariners Church for several years and are currently a part of Eric’s life group.
If I Had More Time Podcast
Hear a roundtable discussion with Eric and Lead Discipleship Pastor John Thomas as they walk through different spiritual gifts and how God moves through us to build His Church and serve others with His love.
Spiritual Gifts Paper
Read more about the different views on the Spiritual Gifts and our theological position as a church here.
If I Had More Time Podcast
This week, Eric and Scholar-in-Residence Ed Stetzer discuss the differences between denominations and how God is moving through His Church around the world.
Ed Stetzer, Ph.D., is the Dean and Professor of Leadership and Christian Ministry at Talbot School of Theology at Biola University. Ed has planted, revitalized, and pastored churches; trained pastors and church planters on six continents; earned two master’s degrees and two doctorates; and he has written hundreds of articles and a dozen books. He serves at Mariners Church as a Scholar-in-Residence & Teaching Pastor.
If I Had More Time Podcast
Join Eric, his daughter Eden, and Teaching Pastor Christine Caine for an impactful conversation about how we view and care for our bodies and what God says about our ultimate identity and worth.
Christine Caine is a speaker, author, and activist who has been serving the local church globally for over 30 years. She and her husband, Nick, founded the anti-human trafficking organization, The A21 Campaign, which works at the local, domestic, and international level to end modern-day slavery. She also founded Propel Women, an A21 initiative dedicated to coming alongside women all over the globe to activate their God-given purpose.
If I Had More Time Podcast
Join Eric and special guests for casual conversations to hear a few of the helpful insights and truths he wished he had time to include in the weekend message.
If you would like to enter digital notes into the downloadable magazine, please visit the Leaders Guide page.
September 4, 6 & 7
You are united with God NOT “Find your soulmate.”
Proverbs 19:23
September 11, 13 & 14
Guard your heart NOT “Follow your heart.”
Proverbs 4:20-5:14
September 18, 20 & 21
Looks are fleeting NOT “Love at first sight.”
Proverbs 31:10-31
September 25, 27 & 28
Find a wife NOT “Let love find you.”
Proverbs 18:22
October 2, 4 & 5
Commit in community NOT “It’s just between us.”
Proverbs 12:15, 15:22
October 9, 11 & 12
Let love cover conflict NOT “Cut discomfort out of your life.”
Proverbs 10:12
October 16, 18 & 19
Rejoice in your spouse NOT “Variety is the spice of life.”
Proverbs 5:15-20
Anchored
Anchored is a small men’s group which is uniquely designed to transform relationships for men like you. We all need help anchoring and deepening the relationships in our lives whether it’s with our wife, kids, family members or co-workers. Anchored meets on Monday nights at 6:30p at the Irvine Campus from Sep. 8 until Nov. 10.
If I Had More Time Podcast
Join Eric and one of our Teaching Pastors, Doug Fields, for a conversation on what it means to be united with God and not find your worth and value in a “soulmate.”
How We Love
Begin September 15
How We Love Groups are designed to help you understand your love style in your marriage or dating relationship, or discover what went wrong in your previous relationships so that you don’t repeat the same patterns. Groups are open to both couples and individuals.
If I Had More Time Podcast
Listen as Eric and Dallas answer common dating questions from our Young Adults community!
Marriage Matters
At Marriage Matters, we will share laughter, dinner, and practical tools to strengthen your marriage or relationship. Bring your spouse or significant other on September 20 and unwind with some humor, helpful tools, and a delicious dinner.
If I Had More Time Podcast
In this episode, Eric and Kaye Geiger and Jared and Kim Kirkwood unpack the world’s focus on physical beauty and what matters most.
A Better Us
Begins the week of October 5
A Better Us is a brand new 5-week video driven marriage resource designed to help couples invest in their relationship and build a strong marriage. Whether newlyweds or married and stuck in a rut, it’s time to pursue a one-heart marriage and become A Better Us.
The Pre-Marriage Course
The Pre-Marriage Course on September 27 is designed to help engaged couples or those exploring the possibility of marriage build strong foundations for their future together.
If I Had More Time Podcast
Check out this inspiring conversation between Eric and Kaye Geiger and Roddy and Liz Garcia as they walk through what it looks like to have a community supporting and encouraging you in your love life.
Young Adults Dating Panel
October 2
The Young Adults Dating Panel will give you an encouraging head start into the dating world. Come hear from trusted panelists, learn valuable information, and get an opportunity to meet others at the event.
Young Couples Panel
October 2
We want to gather you for a night of learning from other couples and connecting with other Young Couples for our Young Couples Panel. Hear from couples as they offer practical wisdom to you.
If I Had More Time Podcast
Join Eric and Kaye Gieger and Jim and Ines Franklin for a discussion on building your family wisely and sharing your faith with your kids!
The Pre-Marriage Course
Begins October 9th
The Pre-Marriage Course in October is designed to help engaged couples or those exploring the possibility of marriage build strong foundations for their future together.
If I Had More Time Podcast
Listen to a conversation with Eric and JP Pokluda on working through conflict and keeping Jesus central in our relationships.
Practical Hope Workshop for Relationships
This workshop led by Dr. John Townsend and Karen Bergstrom will give practical tools for navigating your love life, relationships, and friendships when it’s difficult. Join us on Sunday, Oct 19 to learn and practice the tool of confrontation and its crucial value in all relationships.
The Pre-Marriage Course
The Pre-Marriage Course on October 16th is designed to help engaged couples or those exploring the possibility of marriage build strong foundations for their future together.
If I Had More Time Podcast
In this episode, Eric and Kaye Geiger join Directional Elder Pete Anzaldo and his wife, Mimi, to talk about building a relationship that lasts and the blessing of marriage.
Shop the Mariners Online Bookstore for helpful resources throughout this series.
As you read Scripture, have you ever wondered where a passage fits into the whole story of the Bible? Download this Timeline for a practical reference tool to help you understand the context of what you’re reading and discover the overarching redemptive narrative of the Bible. Adapted from Deep Dive: The Story of God.
Download this week’s Leader’s Guide to delve into God’s Word with your Life Group!
