Posts filed under The Gospel of Mark

A Messiah Who Specializes in New Beginnings

Speaker: Pastor Jay Childs
Scripture: Mark 3:13-4:34
Series: The Gospel of Mark

Sermon Notes

  1. A New Nation (vv. 3:13-19)
  2. A New Family (vv. 3:20-35)
  3. A New Kingdom (vv. 4:1-34)

Discussion Questions

Download the questions as a printable PDF file.

GETTING TO KNOW ME

Did someone ever give you a second chance? Who was it, and why?

INTO THE BIBLE

  1. What exactly is blasphemy of the Holy Spirit? Read Matthew 12:31-37.
  2. Why is this sin unforgivable?
  3. Read Ezekiel 8:6 and John 19:8-11. In light of these verses and Mark 3:29, discuss whether or not there are degrees of sin. Use Scripture to support your answer.
  4. Will there be degrees of punishment in Hell? Why or why not, biblically?
  5. Read Mark 3:13-34 out loud together, dividing up sections among the group.
  6. What were the main points of the sermon?
  7. Read Mark 4:10, Isaiah 6:8-13, and Romans 9:16-18.
    • Why did Jesus use parables? How does this differ from many people’s perception?
    • Why does God sovereignly “close” the ears and eyes of some people?
    • Is it fair that God has mercy on some and hardens others? Why or why not?
  8. Why is community such a big deal? Why is it so difficult to find in Western culture?
  9. Read Mark 4:10-12. Discussion how God uses preaching to soften some to the gospel—and to harden others.
  10. Read Mark 4:1-34. From these stories, discuss what the Kingdom of God is like. How does Jesus describe it? What kinds of metaphors does He use?

APPLICATION

Are you saved? If so, what do you look forward to most on the New Earth? 

Posted on January 18, 2015 by EFCCL and filed under The Gospel of Mark and tagged Jay Childs.

You Can Be Set Free

Speaker: Pastor Jay Childs
Scripture: Mark 2:1-3:12
Series: The Gospel of Mark

Sermon Notes

  1. Forgiveness from Sin (vv. 2:1-17)
  2. Freedom from Legalism (vv. 2:18-3:12)

Discussion Questions

Download the discussion questions as a printable PDF file.

GETTING TO KNOW ME

Did you take up the Tithing Challenge? Why or why not?

INTO THE BIBLE

  1. Read Mark 2:1-3:12 out loud together, dividing up sections among the group.
  2. What were the main points of the sermon?
  3. Read Mark 2:7. How was their reason correct here? Who was Jesus claiming to be?
  4. Jesus often made extreme claims. Look at a few others and describe what He is claiming in each text. Read John 5:22-24, 8:48-58, and 14:1-6. Read Mark 2:10 and Daniel 7:13-14 (what title does Jesus claim; what does it mean?).
  5. Why are the claims of Jesus a big deal? (Read John 8:24.) What’s at stake?
  6. Discuss how people misunderstand the doctrine of justification: declared forgiven of all sins—past, present, and future—and forever secure in God’s love and grace.
  7. In Mark 2:23-3:6, Jesus refers to the Sabbath several times. What is this? (Read Exodus 20:8-11.)
    • What parts of the Jewish Sabbath no longer apply?
    • What aspect still applies to all Christians? Why? How?

APPLICATION

What is an area where you’ve struggled with legalism? How did you break free?  

Posted on January 11, 2015 by EFCCL and filed under The Gospel of Mark and tagged Jay Childs.