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? 

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? 

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?  

Behold the Son of God

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

1. His Identity (vv. 1-13)
2. His Message (vv. 14-15)
3. His Authority (vv. 16-45)

What Sort of People Should We Be?

Speaker: Cal Hiebert
Scripture: 2 Peter 1:3-9, 3:11
Series: —

1. A Life of Holiness: God’s Part (1:3-4)
2. A Life of Holiness: Our Part (1:5-7)
3. Results of Adding These Qualities (1:8-11)

Why People Reject Jesus

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