Colossians 1:15-17 “Overwhelmed?” (Roger Wilson)

Who is the visible representation of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation? Jesus Christ! Roger takes us through these powerful verses from Colossians 1: 15-17, and what this means for us.

Colossians 1:15 – 17 (ESV)

The Preeminence of Christ

15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. 16 For by[a] him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. 17 And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.

Mark 12:38-13:2 “Her Whole Life”

Sermon Details:
What does true discipleship look like? Are those who know the most and look the most holy an example of what a follower of God should be? This week, Jesus notices the those who appear to love God, but don’t really, and compares them with a poor widow.

Questions for Reflection:

  1. How can the story of the poor widow be misused? How doe the context inform how we read her story?
  2. What is exemplary about the poor widow?
  3. Have you seen Christians using Christianity as both the justification and the means of serving themselves?
  4. How might you be tempted self-centred religiosity?
  5. How does the poor widow point us towards Christ and true discipleship?

Mark 11:12-26 “Jesus’ Judgement on the Unfruitful”

Sermon Details:

This week we continue our study in Mark, with the story of Jesus cursing the fig tree and clearing the temple. There is a strong warning in this passage as we look at our own lives. It raises the question for each of us- “Am I bearing real fruit, or just leaves?”

Questions for Discussion:

1. Why Does Mark intentionally link the stories about Jesus in the temple and his cursing of the fig tree?

2. What are some ways that you have seen economic gain come before worship in the church?

3. In what ways can our own unfaithfulness hurt others? Can we always see this?

4. Why is it important to understand that Jesus is the temple, as well as those who are joined to him by faith?

5. Do you feel convicted about anything from today’s sermon? What could you do about that?

Mark 11:1-11 “The True Messiah”

This week it is Palm Sunday, when we remember Jesus entry into Jerusalem. Then as now, people tend to believe in the Jesus that they expect. This is often greatly influenced by the values of the culture around them. But Jesus comes as the true messiah who was promised by God and the messiah we actually need.

Questions for reflection:

  • What ways do you think our western culture tends to believe about who Jesus is?
  • How has your view of Jesus been shaped by your past? Has your view of him been refined or changed over time?
  • Why is it important to understand Jesus on his own terms?
  • How can we seek to be like Jesus instead of making Jesus like us?
  • How can we avoid reading the bible in an overly biased way, seeing what we expect to see, rather than what is there?

Mark 10:35-45 “Self-centred or Sacrificial Service?”

This week we are getting back into the Gospel according to Mark. Mark’s gospel was written to justify and explain why Jesus has the right to call everyone to repentance, faith, and discipleship. In the first 8 chapters, Jesus established his authority through his ministry that is mostly in Galilee. Chapters 8-10 describe Jesus on the way to Jerusalem and the cross. This morning we are looking at Jesus teaching about servant leadership.

Questions for Discussion:

  1. How can we tell if we are self-centred in our service?
  2. What did the disciples misunderstand about who Jesus was? What do many people today misunderstand about who Jesus was?
  3. In what ways do you think we can be tempted to follow the world with regards to leadership in the church?
  4. How does Jesus example change the way we should think about greatness?
  5. Is there a problem with doing good things for the wrong reasons? Why?