Series Topics
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?
Resources
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.
Grow Together
Grow Together
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.
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.
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.
A loving God—yet conquests and genocides in the Bible?
A loving God—yet conquests and genocides in the Bible?
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.
What happens 60 seconds after you die?
What happens 60 seconds after you die?
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.
When should Christians disobey the government?
When should Christians disobey the government?
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.
What about those crazy spiritual gifts?
What about those crazy spiritual gifts?
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 Christians are to be one, why so many denominations?
If Christians are to be one, why so many denominations?
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.
Does God care what I do with my body? Fitness, tattoos, plastic surgery—all the things
Does God care what I do with my body? Fitness, tattoos, plastic surgery—all the things
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.
Borders and Immigration: Why do some Christians have different views?
Borders and Immigration: Why do some Christians have different views?
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.
Series Topics
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
Resources
You are united with God NOT “Find your soulmate.”
You are united with God NOT “Find your soulmate.”
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.”
Guard your heart NOT “Follow your heart.”
Guard your heart NOT “Follow your heart.”
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!
Looks are fleeting NOT “Love at first sight.”
Looks are fleeting NOT “Love at first sight.”
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.
Find a wife NOT “Let love find you.”
Find a wife NOT “Let love find you.”
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.
Commit in community NOT “It’s just between us.”
Commit in community NOT “It’s just between us.”
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!
Let love cover conflict NOT “Cut discomfort out of your life.”
Let love cover conflict NOT “Cut discomfort out of your life.”
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.
Rejoice in your spouse NOT “Variety is the spice of life.”
Rejoice in your spouse NOT “Variety is the spice of life.”
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.
Additional Reading
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.
Life Group Leader Guides
Download this week’s Leader’s Guide to delve into God’s Word with your Life Group!
Download the Identity Statements from Week 7 of our series. Share it with others, use it as the wallpaper for your phone, or download the PDF to print and display as a daily reminder of your new name!
Download this week’s Leader’s Guide to delve into God’s Word with your Life Group!
Week 1
Week 2
Week 3
Week 4
Week 5
Week 6
Week 7
Week 8
Series Topics
Jan 2, 4 & 5
What happened to masculinity?
I Kings 2:1-4, I Corinthians 16:13-14
Jan 9, 11 & 12
Aren’t all religions the same?
Acts 4:12, Galatians 1:6-9
Jan 16, 18 & 19
How do I know the difference between good therapy and bad therapy?
John 11:40-44, Proverbs 13:20
Jan 23, 25 & 26
Why does God care who I sleep with?
Genesis 2:22-25, I Corinthians 6:18-20
Jan 30, Feb 1 & 2
Does God promise to make us rich or should Christians be poor?
I Chronicles 29:12-16
Feb 6, 8 & 9
Can a Christian lose their salvation?
John 10:27-29, Ephesians 1:13-14
Feb 13, 15 & 16
What should Christians do with things like Halloween, Yoga and Alcohol?
Romans 14:1-8, 19-23
Feb 20, 22 & 23
The cross and the flag: How much should we love our country?
Acts 17:26
Resources
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.
Grow Together
Grow Together
Rooted
Start Your Journey with Rooted Beginning Jan 12: 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.
Coexist? A Christian Perspective on World Religions With Ed Stetzer
Beginning Jan 15, join our Scholar-in-Residence for this seven-week course as we examine the tenets of other world religions and how we can live a faithful and compelling gospel witness in our communities.
Deep Dive: Theology and The Mission of God
Beginning Jan 22, this is a course designed to push you out of your comfort zone and into deeper spiritual maturity as you study and apply core doctrines from the global Church.
Re:generation: Bible-based Recovery
Beginning Jan 27, 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.
If I Had More Time Podcast
If I Had More Time Podcast
If I Had More Time Podcast
Eric goes deeper into each question every week with a new special guest as they cover insights not shared in the weekend message along with personal experiences and takeaways. New episodes drop on Saturday night.
What happened to masculinity?
What happened to masculinity?
Join us at any of our 9 locations, or online for this message.
If I Had More Time Podcast
Listen as Eric and Kenny Luck, Leader of Every Man Ministries and Pastor on our Trabuco Canyon team, discuss the place of masculinity in today’s culture.
All-Church Men’s Breakfast
Join the Men of Mariners from all our congregations on Saturday, January 18 in the Community Center at Mariners Irvine for a great breakfast, powerful worship, and an inspirational message from Kenny Luck, Discipleship Pastor of Mariners Trabuco Canyon, and world-renowned men’s speaker and author.
Mariners Women: Life & Leadership Night with Christine Caine
Jesus entrusted His mission to women—not just as supporters, but as active participants. As women, we are not only invited into leadership, we are called to it! Join us on February 10 at 7p in the Community Center as we gather to worship Jesus, be inspired by biblical teaching on leadership from our Women’s Leadership and Teaching Pastor Christine Caine, and learn from other incredible women at round table conversations.
Aren’t all religions the same?
Aren’t all religions the same?
Join us at any of our 9 locations, or online for this message.
If I Had More Time Podcast
Join us as Liz Garcia interviews three individuals who have come from various faith backgrounds but have come to put their faith in Jesus.
Coexist? A Christian Response To World Religions
Join our Scholar-in-Residence for this seven-week course beginning January 15th as we examine the tenets of other world religions and how we can live a faithful and compelling gospel witness in our communities.
How do I know the difference between good therapy and bad therapy?
How do I know the difference between good therapy and bad therapy?
Join us at any of our 9 locations, or online for this message.
Eric sits down with John Townsend to introduce us to a helpful guide for selecting a therapist.
Download guide: English Spanish
If I Had More Time Podcast
Join Eric and special guest John Townsend as they discuss therapy and its role in the lives of Christians today.
Care & Recovery Ministries
Mariners offers a variety of resources and support groups to help you in your journey toward healing and to find freedom from the pain and brokenness that you may be experiencing. Learn more about our Care & Recovery support options below.
Marriage Matters with Doug Fields
We share laughter and dinner as Doug Fields gives practical tools to strengthen your marriage or relationship. Bring your spouse or significant other and unwind with some humor, helpful tools, and a delicious dinner.
Why does God care who I sleep with?
Why does God care who I sleep with?
Join us at any of our 9 locations, or online for this message.
If I Had More Time Podcast
Join us as Eric and special guest Sam Allberry, author of Why does God care who I sleep with, discuss how God ultimately has given us the blueprint for love, sex and marriage, and how He himself is the only one who can satisfy our deepest desires.
How to Talk with Your Kids about Sex
Check out the resources Jared and Scott discussed in this episode through the links below:
- Jim Burns – Teaching Your Children About Healthy Sexuality & How God Makes Babies
- Sam Alberry – Why Does God Care Who I Sleep With?
- Axis Guide
Does God promise to make us rich or should Christians be poor?
Does God promise to make us rich or should Christians be poor?
Join us at any of our 9 locations, or online for this message.
If I Had More Time Podcast
Join us as Eric and Ed Stetzer, Mariners Church Scholar in Residence, discuss further wealth, poverty, and the role of money in the Christian life.
Can a Christian lose their salvation?
Can a Christian lose their salvation?
Join us at any of our 9 locations, or online for this message.
If I Had More Time Podcast
Join us as Eric and Steve Bang Lee discuss one of the most common questions Christians wrestle with about their faith.
What should Christians do with things like Halloween, Yoga and Alcohol?
What should Christians do with things like Halloween, Yoga and Alcohol?
Join us at any of our 9 locations, or online for this message.
If I Had More Time Podcast
Join us as Eric and Kaye Geiger discuss the dynamic of walking the fine line of engaging culture and representing Jesus versus knowing when to remain separate and different.
The cross and the flag: How much should we love our country?
The cross and the flag: How much should we love our country?
Join us at any of our 9 locations, or online for this message.
If I Had More Time Podcast
Join us as Eric and Ed Stetzer explore this difficult dynamic that’s so prevalent for us today. How do we love our country without elevating it above our faith?
Coexist? A Christian Perspective on World Religions with Ed Stetzer
Coexist? A Christian Perspective on World Religions with Ed Stetzer
Coexist? A Christian Response To World Religions
Beginning Jan 15, join our Scholar-in-Residence for this seven-week course as we examine the tenets of other world religions and how we can live a faithful and compelling gospel witness in our communities.
Youth
Youth
Youth Night
Youth midweek groups will address similar big questions during Youth Night each Wednesday night. Want to get connected? Learn more and sign-up below.
Jan 8 What does it mean to be a woman of God or a man of God?
Jan 15 Can Jesus be true for you and not for me?
Jan 22 How does God help me with my mental health?
Jan 29 Can I support what my friends say about sexuality?
Feb 5 What do I do with my money?
Feb 12 Are Heaven and Hell real?
Feb 19 How do I live like I belong to Jesus?
Feb 26 Do I have faith if I don’t always feel it?
Life Group Leader Guides
Download this week’s Leader’s Guide to delve into God’s Word with your Life Group!