Skepticism, Unbelief, Rejection

EFCCL Skepticism, Unbelief, Rejection
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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?  

Posted on February 1, 2015 by EFCCL and filed under The Gospel of Mark and tagged Jay Childs.

A Messiah with Authority

EFCCL A Messiah with Authority
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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? 

Posted on January 25, 2015 by EFCCL and filed under The Gospel of Mark and tagged Jay Childs.

A Messiah Who Specializes in New Beginnings

EFCCL A Messiah Who Specializes in New Beginnings
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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

EFCCL You Can Be Set Free
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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.

Why People Reject Jesus

Why People Reject Jesus
EFCCL
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Speaker: Pastor Jay Childs
Scripture: —
Series: —

  1. Because of the Worries of Life
  2. Ignorance of the Scriptures
  3. Pride
  4. Too Familiar with Him
  5. A Refusal to Change Their Lifestyle
  6. God Is Not Actively Drawing a Person
Posted on December 21, 2014 by EFCCL and filed under Special Services and tagged Jay Childs.

Roots

Roots
EFCCL
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Speaker: Pastor Jay Childs
Scripture: Matthew 1:1-17
Series: —

  1. Protected Roots
  2. Unexpected Roots
  3. Rejected Roots
Posted on December 14, 2014 by EFCCL and filed under Special Services and tagged Jay Childs.

A Call to Take Inventory

A Call to Take Inventory
EFCCL
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Speaker: Pastor Jay Childs
Scripture: Malachi 4:1-6
Series: Malachi: God's Unchanging Love

  1. A Reminder about God's Coming Judgment (vv. 1, 5-6)
  2. A Reminder about God's Offer of Forgiveness (vv. 2-6)
Posted on December 7, 2014 by EFCCL and filed under Malachi and tagged Jay Childs.

You Can't Outgive God

You Can't Outgive God
EFCCL
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Speaker: Pastor Jay Childs
Scripture: Malachi 3:6-15
Series: Malachi: God's Unchanging Love

Sermon Notes

  1. The People Were Robbing God (vv. 6-9)
  2. The People Were Robbing Themselves (vv. 10-15)

Discussion Questions

Download the discussion questions as a printable PDF file.

GETTING TO KNOW ME

What is your biggest fear when it comes to sacrificial giving?

INTO THE BIBLE

  1. Read Genesis 14:20 and 28:22. Why do you think Abram and Jacob chose to give the amount of “a tenth”?
  2. Tithing appears before the Mosaic Law, so is it for all time? Why? Why not?
  3. What were the main points of the sermon this week?
  4. Read Malachi 3:8-10. What does God promise to faithful tithers here? Why? Who is cursed?
  5. Read Malachi 19:21. What does it mean to have “treasure in Heaven”? How do we get this?
  6. In light of 1 Corinthians 16:1-4, how is the New Testament even more radical than the Old Testament when it comes to sacrificial giving? Be specific.
  7. Should our tithe be directed to our local church? Why? Should we tithe gross or net?
  8. Read 2 Corinthians 8:1-4. What does Paul mean: “they gave . . . beyond their ability”?
  9. Read Matthew 6:21. What does it mean: “wherever your treasure is—there is your heart also”?

APPLICATION

How did you make your decision about what amount of money to regularly give EFCCL?

Posted on November 30, 2014 by EFCCL and filed under Malachi and tagged Jay Childs.