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

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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?

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Mark 11:1-11 “The True Messiah”

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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?

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

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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?

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1 Samuel 23 “Encouragement”

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In conjunction with looking at discipleship. Recently, I have been meditating on Jonathan’s encouragement for David. So before going into normal time of working through a book I wanted to take just this week to look in 1 Samuel 23. There is so much in David and Jonathan’s friendship that is worth our attention.

Questions for Reflection:

  1. Think of a time when you have been significantly encouraged. What things made the encouragement so helpful?
  2. What could you do to cultivate deeper gospel friendships?
  3. What things can hinder encouragement?
  4. How does Christ’s coming encourage us?
  5. Who could you encourage this week?

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Colossians 1:12-14 “Gospel Rule” (Roger Wilson)

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This week Roger takes us through Colossians 1: 12 – 14, and three reasons why we are to give thanks to the Father.

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Colossians 1:12-14 (ESV)

12 giving thanks[a] to the Father, who has qualified you[b] to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. 13 He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.