Resurrection or Reincarnation?

Speaker: Pastor Jay Childs
Scripture: Mark 16
Series: The Gospel of Mark

Sermon Notes

1. The Reality of Death
2. The Reality of Resurrection

Discussion Questions

Download the questions as a printable PDF file.

GETTING TO KNOW ME

What most scares you about death? What most excites you about dying?

INTO THE BIBLE

1. Read Mark 15:21-32. Describe the scene of Jesus’ crucifixion. Note specific details.
2. Do you believe in reincarnation? Why? Why not?
3. Read Mark 15:33-41. Why did Jesus cry out, quoting Psalm 22? Why did the temple curtain rip?
4. Read Mark 16:1-8. What were the main points of the sermon?
5. Does the existence of several endings to Mark shake our confidence in scripture? (cf. a commentary on Mark; see blog post from January 2 for suggestions: http://goo.gl/MxCQ9o)
6. Read John 20:1-18. Note some additional information John adds about the resurrection.
7. Read John 20:24-31. Why is this section so important? What is John’s point here?
8. Read 1 Corinthians 15:1-11. What is of “first importance”? Why is this so?
9. Read Revelation 21:1-14. Describe the New Earth. How can we be sure to inherit eternal life?

APPLICATION

Who can summarize the gospel in 30 words or fewer? Offer loving critique of one another’s definitions.

What Is Your Response to Jesus?

Speaker: Pastor Jay Childs
Scripture: Mark 14-15
Series: The Gospel of Mark

Sermon Notes

1. Worship (vv. 14:1-9)
2. Betrayal (vv. 14:10-26)
3. Desertion (vv. 14:27-52)
4. Rejection (vv. 14:53-15:47)

Discussion Questions

Download the questions as a printable PDF file.

GETTING TO KNOW ME

Describe some of the responses you’ve seen people have to Jesus.

INTO THE BIBLE

1. What were the main points of the sermon? Discuss the different responses.
2. Read Mark 14:1-11. Discuss why this story is so simple, yet so powerful. What can we learn?
3. Read Mark 14:12-26. Notice verse 19.
   • Discuss the disciples’ surprise at Jesus’ statement.
   • If no one immediately suspected Judas of being the betrayer, how good of an impostor was he?
   • Why can counterfeit Christians look so authentic? What is the real test of saving faith?
4. Read Mark 14:27-52, 66-72. Contrast Peter and Judas. Why was one saved and the other lost?
   • Have you known someone who professed faith in Jesus but was later proved to be a “false disciple”?
   • What are ways we abandon Jesus? Would anyone be willing to share of a time they did so?
   • How can we come back to Jesus if we’ve wandered? Does anyone need prayer right now?
5. Read Mark 14:53-62 and Daniel 7:13-14. Discuss Jesus’ use of “Son of Man” as a title for Himself.
6. Read John 1:1, 14. Who is Jesus according to John?
7. Read Mark 15:1-20. Discuss Pilate’s complex response to Jesus—and his conflicting attitudes.
8. Research ahead of time: Pilate’s relationship with the emperor, Tiberius. How was Pilate walking a tight rope between the Jews and Tiberius?
9. Research ahead of time: What were the basic components of a Roman crucifixion?
10. Read Mark 15:33-34. What was going on here? Why did Jesus say this? What was really happening?

APPLICATION

Have you asked your own children the question, “What is your response to Jesus?”
When is the last time you presented the gospel to someone? Discuss what happened.

Back to the Future

Speaker: Pastor Jay Childs
Scripture: Mark 13
Series: The Gospel of Mark

1. A Prediction (vv. 1-2)
2. An Explanation (vv. 3:31)
3. A Warning (vv. 32-37)

Jesus Faces His Critics

Speaker: Pastor Jay Childs
Scripture: Mark 11:27-12:44
Series: The Gospel of Mark

Sermon Notes

1. Disbelief (vv. 11:27-12:12)
2. Hypocrisy (vv. 12:13-17)
3. Ignorance (vv. 12:18-34)
4. Pride (vv. 12:38-44)

Discussion Questions

Download the questions as a printable PDF file.

GETTING TO KNOW ME

What kind of criticism of Jesus bothers you the most? Why?    

INTO THE BIBLE

1. Read Mark 1:14-15.
   • How do these verses capture the theme of Mark’s Gospel?
   • What is the gospel? What are common false gospels?
   • What does it mean to repent?
   • Read Matthew 3:8. What does it mean to “produce fruit”?
2. How would you explain how to be saved to someone in fewer than 30 words?
3. Read Mark 11:27-33.
   • What are the four ways people reject Jesus according to the message?
   • Who were 1) the chief priests, 2) the teachers of the Law, 3) the elders?
   • Discuss how and where Mark’s Gospel emphasizes the authority of Jesus over all things.
4. Read the four responses we see to Jesus in this extended section. Which is closest to you?
5. Read Mark 12:13, 18. Who were the 1) Pharisees, 2) Herodians, 3) Sadducees?
6. Read Mark 12:24.
   • Why is ignorance of the Bible so dangerous?
   • Read Psalm 119:9-16. How do we develop this kind of attitude toward God’s Word?
   • Read 2 Timothy 3:16-17. Discuss how God’s Word is profitable; be specific with examples.
   • What are your Bible reading/study habits?
   • What kind of Bible reference tools have you found helpful?
7. Jesus quotes Psalm 110 in Mark 12:6. (Note: Psalm 110 is the most-quoted chapter of the Old Testament in the New Testament.) Read this Psalm and discuss how it applies to Jesus.
8. Read Mark 12:38-44.
   • Discuss the contrast Jesus draws here between the teachers and the poor widow.
   • What does this mean: “Such men will be punished most severely”? Where? How?
   • What were the “two small copper coins”? How much were they worth? Why is pride one of the worst sins?

Application

What is a practical way to boost your biblical/theological knowledge?

A Messiah No One Expected

Speaker: Pastor Jay Childs
Scripture: Mark 11:1-26
Series: The Gospel of Mark

Sermon Notes

1. Jesus as King (vv. 1-11)
2. Jesus as Judge (vv. 12-26)

Discussion Questions

Download the questions as a printable PDF file.

GETTING TO KNOW ME

What is one of your earliest misconceptions about Jesus?

INTO THE BIBLE

1. Read Matthew’s version of Jesus’ triumphal entry (Matthew 21:1-11).
   • Read the background to this in Zechariah 9:9-13.
   • Where is the Mount of Olives in relation to Jerusalem and the Temple?
   • What was the purpose of this event in the life of Jesus?
   • Why is Jesus suddenly a rock star?
   • What did the people want from Jesus? What did they get?
   • What’s the lesson for us today?
2. In what ways is Jesus “popular” today? In what ways is He not?
3. Read Mark 11:12-19.
   • Why would Jesus curse a tree? What was going on here?
   • Selling sacrificial animals and exchanging currency were normal events at the Temple. Why did Jesus get so angry then?
   • Read Isaiah 11:17. What does the Bible mean when it says “all nations”/”all peoples”?
   • Read Psalm 67. How is the Bible’s concept of “nation” frequently different than ours?
4. Read Isaiah 19:19-25.
   • How does this passage reveal God’s missionary heart for all nations?
   • Why would this passage be so utterly shocking to Jews?
   • What does this tell us about God’s plans for the nations? What should our response be?
5. Read Mark 11:20-25.
   • How do you explain 2 Corinthians 12:7-9 in light of Mark 11:24? Why was Paul’s request refused?
   • How could Mark 11:24 be misused? How would you explain this to someone who was confused?
   • What is the warning here about holding grudges? What does Jesus mean in verse 25?

APPLICATION

Have each person (or couple) pray out loud for someone in their lives who is not saved.  

Upside-down Values

Speaker: Pastor Jay Childs
Scripture: Mark 10
Series: The Gospel of Mark

Sermon Notes

1. Marriage
2. Wealth
3. Power

Discussion Questions

Download the questions as a printable PDF file.

GETTING TO KNOW ME

What are one or two biblical values that are increasingly under attack in our culture?

INTO THE BIBLE

1. Read Mark 10:1-11 and Deuteronomy 24:1-4 out loud as a group.
   • Why do you think God permitted divorce under the Law?
   • Discuss what Jesus said about divorce.
   • Why are a literal Adam and Eve important for what Jesus is saying?
   • What is Jesus’ conclusion about divorce and remarriage? Summarize.
2. Read Ephesians 5:21-33.
   • Why is marriage to be only between a man and a woman? Read Genesis 2:20-25.
   • What is the role of the wife in marriage? What does this look like?
   • What is the role of the husband? What does this look like?
   • How does marriage reflect the relationship between Christ and His Church?
   • The prophet Malachi calls marriage a “covenant.” What does this mean?
3. Read Mark 10:17-30.
   • Discuss why Jesus issues such a strong warning here.
   • Read Luke 12:15. Discuss how tithing helps us kill greed. Did you take the tithing challenge?
   • What is Jesus getting at in verses 29-31?
4. Read Mark 10:35-45.
   • Why do James and John make such a blatant request. Discuss the response of the others.
   • Discuss how we are seduced by power in our culture. What is the Bible’s response to this?

APPLICATION

Pray for the marriages in your group and also for singles in your group. 

Decision Time

Speaker: Pastor Jay Childs
Scripture: Mark 8:27-9:50
Series: The Gospel of Mark

Sermon Notes

1. The Confession (vv. 8:27-9:1)
2. The Confirmation (vv. 9:2-32)
3. The Call (vv. 9:33-50)

Discussion Questions

Download the questions as a printable PDF file.

GETTING TO KNOW ME

Did you take the tithing challenge? If so, how is it going so far?

INTO THE BIBLE

1. Read Mark 8:27-30.
   • What was the theme of the sermon? What were the main points?
   • Why did Jesus ask His disciples this question? What was His point?
   • Why did He ask this question in this exact location?
   • Who is Jesus? How would you answer this for an unbeliever? (Other verses?)
2. Read Mark 8:31-9:1.
   • Why would a suffering Messiah be so shocking to a Jew?
   • What does it mean—in practical terms—to “take up your cross”?
   • Why is an understanding of Jesus’ identity so important for suffering well?
   • In verse 36, what does it mean to “gain the world and lose your soul”? How do we do this?
3. Read Mark 8:38.
   • Read Matthew 26:47-51. Why did Judas’ actions exclude him from Heaven?
   • Read Matthew 26:69-75. Why did Peter’s action not exclude him from Heaven?
4. Read Mark 9:2-32.
   • What is the significance of Moses and Elijah appearing in this passage?
   • How do these stories confirm Jesus as Messiah? Why is this so important?
   • How does our view of Jesus authority impact our decision-making?
5. Read Mark 9:33-50.
   • Read Genesis 3:6-13. Discuss the origins of self-centeredness. WHy are we so self-centered and selfish?
   • How is pride related to seflishness?
   • Read Daniel 4:28-33. Why does God hate pride so much?

APPLICATION

What is a decision that you need to make and follow through on but have been putting off?  

A Messiah for All Peoples

Speaker: Pastor Jay Childs
Scripture: Mark 7:24-8:26
Series: The Gospel of Mark

Sermon Notes

1. Reaching Out to the Gentiles (vv. 7:24-8:10)
2. Warning the Jews (vv. 8:11-26)

Discussion Questions

Download the questions as a printable PDF file.

GETTING TO KNOW ME

How many different countries have you been in? (Who has been in the most? The strangest?)

INTO THE BIBLE

1. Read Mark 7:24-30.
   • Where is this woman from geographically? Why another demon story?
   • Why do you think this story is included in Mark?
   • What does she mean in verse 28? Why does Jesus respond as He does?
2. Read Mark 7:31-37.
   • Where was the Decapolis? (Reference a map.) Why would the disciples see this place as creepy?
   • Where is somewhere creepy you’ve been? How did you respond? Why?
   • Why did Jesus instruct them to remain silent about this healing in verse 36?
3. Discuss God’s heart for the nations from these passages: Psalm 67; Isaiah 19:19-25, 66:19-21.
4. Read Mark 8:1-10.
   • Go back and read the feeding of the 5,000 from chapter 6. Note similarities and differences.
   • How would the stories we’ve read today be a real jolt to the Jews?
5. Read Mark 8:11-26.
   • What is His warning to the Pharisees? Why is Jesus so harsh on religious leaders?
   • What is His rebuke to the disciples?
   • Why is it so easy to forget after a mountaintop experience with God?
   • Discuss some times when you’ve been amazed how quickly you forget.

APPLICATION

• Jesus reached out to all types of people. Discuss why it is easier to reach out to people who are most like us. What does Jesus model in these passages. How could we improve at this?
  
• Do you regularly pray for any missionaries on the field?
  

Skepticism, Unbelief, Rejection

Speaker: Pastor Jay Childs
Scripture: Mark 6:1-7:23
Series: The Gospel of Mark

Sermon Notes

1. His Hometown (vv. 6:1-6)
2. His Enemies (vv. 6:7-29)
3. His Disciples (vv. 6:30-56)
4. Religious Leaders (vv. 7:1-23)

Discussion Questions

Download the questions as a printable PDF file.

GETTING TO KNOW ME

What has been one of the most difficult aspects of following Jesus for you?

INTO THE BIBLE

1. What were the main points of the sermon? What was the main point of the sermon?
2. Read Mark 6:1-6. Why do those who’ve been raised in the church often become apathetic?
3. Read Matthew 7:21-23. Why does Jesus turn these people away? What is the point here?
4. Read 1 John 5:13. When can we have assurance of salvation? How important is this?
5. Read Mark 6:7-29.
   • Why was Herod attracted to Jesus? Why are people attracted to Jesus today?
   • How is it clear that Herod’s fear was not the Fear of the Lord?
   • Who are some public figures today who reject Jesus yet profess to admire Him?
6. Read Mark 6:30-56.
   • Why do you think these two miracles are placed back-to-back in Mark?
   • In verse 43, why were there twelve baskets left over? Why would Mark emphasize this?
   • Compare this story with the one in Mark 4:35-41; note similarities and differences.
7. Read Mark 7:1-23.
   • Note verses 8-9. Who are some religious leaders today who distort the teachings of Jesus?
   • How can we have better discernment when it comes to who we read, who we listen to?
8. Read Matthew 11:20-24.
   • Why will some be judged more harshly than others on Judgment Day?
   • Where were Korazin and Bethsaida? What was unique about them in relation to Jesus?

APPLICATION

Read 1 John 2:3-6. How can verbal professions of faith in Jesus be deceptive? What can be done to help encourage a true faith commitment to Jesus?  

A Messiah with Authority

Speaker: Pastor Jay Childs
Scripture: Mark 4:35-5:43
Series: The Gospel of Mark

Sermon Notes

1. Authority over Nature (vv. 4:35-41)
2. Authority over Demons (vv. 5:1-20)
3. Authority over Death and Disease (vv. 5:21-43)

Discussion Questions

Download the questions as a printable PDF file.

GETTING TO KNOW ME

What is something that you are earnestly praying for right now?

INTO THE BIBLE

1. What were the main points of the sermon? How do these offer encouragement to you?
2. Read Mark 4:35-41. Discuss how fear can get a foothold in our lives.
3. Read Philippians 4:6-8. What does Paul say here? How does it relate to fear?
4. Read Mark 5:1-20. Rummage around in Mark. How many demon stories can you find?
5. Discuss the common theme in each of these stories:
   • Why is the realm of demons generally ignored by Western Christians?
   • What are ways some Christians can overly emphasize demons in their daily lives?
6. Read Mark 5:21-43. Read out loud any footnotes that your study Bible may offer.
7. Why does Jesus say twice in this section, “Who touched Me?” What is Mark getting at?
8. Does the Bible always promise physical healing? Why? Why not? (Texts to consider: Exodus 4:11; Luke 13:10-13; John 5:7-8, 9:1-12; Psalm 119:67, 71; James 5:13-16. Compare Isaiah 53:4 and Matthew 8:17).

APPLICATION

• What is an area in which you have experienced the authority of Jesus?

• If you are saved, have you been baptized after your conversion? How does your answer demonstrate your view of Jesus’ authority in your life?