The Crown and The Cross: A Study of Mark’s Gospel
Discussion Questions:
JESUS: POWER, PURPOSE, AND PRIORITIES Mark 4:35-5:43 Pastor Doug Schillinger October 22, 2017
I. November 4-5, 2017 This year’s conference theme is Better Together: The Central Role of Biblical Community in Global Outreach. There are events happening throughout the weekend, including Saturday men’s and women’s breakfasts, the Taste of Nations Dinner Saturday evening with guest speakers from around the world, and Sunday evening seminar discussions. Please come to as many events as you are able! Visit the Events tab at parkviewchurch.org to register online, or stop by the kiosk in the foyer for more information.
JESUS’ POWER: The Storm (Mark 4:35-41) On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, “Let us go across to the other side.” And leaving the crowd, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. And other boats were with him. And a great windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking into the boat, so that the boat was already filling. But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion. And they woke him and said to him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. He said to them, “Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?” And they were filled with great fear and said to one another, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?”
Mark 4:35-41
Sundays, Nov 5-19 11AM in Room 107 Discover more about the love of Christ and how to love others well. Learn how our call to friendship ministry and encouragement can make a difference. This is an excellent class for community group leaders or ministry leaders. Cost is $10. Sign up under the Events tab at parkviewchurch.org. For more information, contact Steve at
[email protected].
Sunday, Oct 29 8AM in the Atrium In our everyday relationships as women, we encounter others who are hurting and in need of care. Depression, difficult life circumstances, health issues, and spiritual emptiness are common in today’s world. Sara Iverson, licensed mental health therapist, will speak to us on the Biblical Care of Others. Come be encouraged as we discover how the Bible can guide our care of the women in our lives. Sign up under the Events tab at parkviewchurch.org.
A big storm, and 3 big questions Jesus’ power on display, and what it means to follow Him What storms are swirling around you?
II. JESUS’ PURPOSE: The Demon-Possessed Man (Mark 5:1-20) And when Jesus had stepped out of the boat, immediately there met him out of the tombs a man with an unclean spirit. He lived among the tombs. And no one could bind him anymore, not even with a chain, for he had often been bound with shackles and chains, but he wrenched the chains apart, and he broke the shackles in pieces. No one had the strength to subdue him. Night and day among the tombs and on the mountains he was always crying out and cutting himself with stones.
Mark 5:2-5
A picture of the destruction of sin Jesus’ power on display: complete restoration What storms are swirling within you?
III. JESUS’ PRIORITIES: A Dying Girl and a Sick Woman (Mark 5:21-34)
Nov 10-12 Cedar Rapids Marriott This two-and-a-half day romantic weekend getaway is a time to be together as a couple to invest in, and strengthen, the foundation of your marriage, no matter how firm or fragile it is. Find out what over 3 million couples worldwide have experienced at FamilyLife’s Weekend to Remember! Save $100 per couple by registering at parkviewchurch.org/events, or stop by the kiosk in the foyer for more information.
Tuesday, November 7 7PM in the Atrium Dave Ramsey will be live streaming his Smart Money event to churches across the country. We are excited to announce that Parkview will be a host site for this event. The best part? It’s absolutely free for you to attend. Visit us online at parkviewchurch.org/events to sign up for this great event.
An urgent request: My little girl is dying A divine interruption: a sick woman, an amazing encounter Jesus power on display: from death unto life What delay are you enduring? What is Jesus revealing about your faith?
Begin your discussion by asking the group about their individual study of God’s Word and hearing God’s Word preached. The Spirit is working among you! Spend some time asking the group about what God is teaching them. If this is challenging, or if no one is sharing, take some time to remind the group about God’s abiding presence in them through the Holy Spirit to help them understand truth and convict them of sin. Orient Your Minds to God’s Word Read Mark 4:35-5:43, or select a specific passage. (4:35-41 or 5:1-20 or 5:21-43) Ask some basic questions: • Can anyone paraphrase this passage in their own words? • What surprises you? What do all these stories have in common? • If you gave these verses to someone who had never heard of Jesus before, what do you think their response would be? • Always try to move the discussion towards real life application. It’s very common and easy to fall into “information transfer” mode vs. hearing and doing the Word. Press here, often. • What is one concrete step you can take in your life to live out this passage? • What is one concrete step we can take as a Community Group to live out this passage? Application for the Heart and Life (This section is designed for Formation Groups = small (2-3) genderspecific groups for confession of sin and reminding one another of Gospel truth) Gospel growth: Confession and Repentance In 4:35-41 we see the disciples wrestling with fear. Even though Jesus is with them, they are gripped by fear that they might drown. Fear is a very powerful motivator, and it often can drive our sin, anxiety, and anger. • What are your greatest fears? (Example: Loss of job, loss of relationship, loss of security) • If you have trouble confessing one, what do you worry about? The root of anxiety is fear. • Confess your fears together and seek to meet your fears with the truth of the Gospel. Gospel promise Jesus Christ meets us in our fears. He is greater than our fears, and He continually rescues us from our fears. The disciples learned this when Jesus woke up, and rebuked the storm. Encourage one another to deny fear and fight for faith. When you are anxious and afraid, practice 1 Peter 5:7 by “casting all your anxieties on him, for he cares for you.”
