April 30, 2021 - How much should we give? Jesus watched the widow put the equivalent of 50 cents into the temple treasury. Why did he say she gave more than anyone else? Let’s find out together as we study Mark 12:41-44. Then ask yourself: Have I ever given to the point of sacrifice?
April 29, 2021 - What is “the Messiah”? Jesus identified himself as the Messiah. But what does that even mean? Let’s look through scripture together and find out. Then spend some time reflecting on His second coming — not when or where, but the fact that He is coming!
April 28, 2021 - What is the most important commandment? Mark 12:28-34 A religious leader asked Jesus which was the most important commandment. Why was that an important question? Let’s find out together as we look at Mark 12. Then ask yourself: Do I love enough that people see that I’m a disciple?
April 27, 2021 - Will we rise from the dead? Mark 12:18-27 Jesus answers the Jewish religious leaders’ question about the resurrection. What will it be like after death? Let’s find out together as we study Mark. Then spend some time meditating on the New Heaven and the New Earth.
April 26, 2021 - What does it mean to be humble? Jesus calls us to be humble. Why? Let’s look through scripture together and find out. Then ask yourself: Do I consider myself to be humble?
April 23, 2021 - Should we resist the government? Mark 11:13-17 The religious leaders try to trick Jesus with a tough question about paying tax to an unjust government. How does Jesus answer? Let’s find out together as we study Mark 11:13-17. Then ask yourself: In what ways do I support my current government? Am I resisting it in any way simply for my own convenience?
April 22, 2021 - Why do ministry? Mark 12:1-12 Jesus tells a parable to the religious leaders that causes them to want to kill him. What in the world did he say? Let’s find out together as we study Mark 12. Then ask yourself: Am I sure that I am not trying to take possession of the ministry that the Lord has asked me to do?
April 21, 2021- Why did Jesus do what he did? Mark 11:27-33 The religious leaders questioned Jesus’ authority to do what he did. Where did Jesus get his authority? Let’s find out together as we study mark 11:27-33. Then ask yourself: Where does my authority to minister come from?
April 20, 2021 - Why go to church? Mark 11:15-17 Jesus cleared the temple of animals and money-changers. Why did he do that? Let’s find out together as we study Mark 11:15-17. Then ask yourself: What motivates me to go to church?
When Jesus prayed, did he pray “in Jesus’ name?” Why would Jesus, being God, pray to God? Let’s find out together as we look at several passages in the gospels where Jesus prays. Then ask yourself: Do I pray to connect with God? How can I do that more?
April 16, 2021- Why did Jesus curse the fig tree? Mark 11:12-14; 20-25 In a strange little paragraph, Jesus curses and kills a fig tree. Why in the world would he do that? Let’s find out together as we study Mark 11. Then ask yourself: In what area of my Christian walk do I need to learn to “walk the talk?”
April 15, 2021 - Did Jesus bring war or peace? Mark 11:1-11 If Jesus is the “Prince of Peace,” why did his people think he would bring war? Did Jesus come to bring war or peace? Let’s find out together as we study the “Triumphal Entry.” Then ask yourself: What war is going on in my own heart? How can Jesus bring peace to it?
April 14, 2021- Are we supposed to handle snakes? Mark 16:15-20 What about those churches where they pass around rattlesnakes? Is that for real? Am I supposed to do that? Let’s find out together as we study Mark 16:15-20. Then ask yourself: Who in my own sphere of influence is ready to hear the gospel? Ask Jesus to show you the right time and right place to do just that.
April 13, 2021 - Can we trust the Bible? Mark 16:9-14 Why does my Bible put brackets around Mark 16:9-20? If it’s not really part of the gospel of Mark, can I really trust my Bible? Let’s find out together as we study Mark 16:9-14. Then ask yourself: What other questions do I have about the Bible that might cause me to question it? Let Jesus know about them!
April 12, 2021 - Is Jesus God? Is Jesus really God? Where did we get that idea? Let’s find out together as we study several different New Testament passages. Then ask yourself: Why is it so hard for those around me to believe that Jesus is God?
April 9, 2021 - What if I’m afraid? Easter #21 Mark 16:1-8 Mark tells us that the first eyewitnesses of the resurrection were too afraid to say anything. What if I’m too afraid to say anything? Let’s find out together what Jesus tells us. Then ask yourself: Who do I need to tell about my love for Jesus? When will I do that?
April 8, 2021 - What if I have doubts? John 20:24-31 Easter #20 Thomas still had doubts after he heard about Jesus’ resurrection. What if I have doubts? Let’s find out together that Jesus said about doubts. Then ask yourself: What doubts do I still have today? Let Jesus know about them!
Easter #19 Luke 24:35-37 and John 20:19-23 Jesus appears to ten of the disciples gathered in the Upper Room. What did he tell them? Let's find out together. Then ask yourself: What do I need to move on from to engage with God's mission going on around me?
Easter #18 Luke 24:13-34 Two disciples walking to Emmaus found Jesus walking with them. How did that happen? Let's find out together. Then ask yourself: Where have I seen Jesus walking with me and I didn't recognize him?
Easter #17 John 20:14-18 Mary saw the gardener... she thought. But it was Jesus! What happened there in the hours after the resurrection? Let's find out together! Then ask yourself: Who can I show Jesus to today? How?
Easter #16 Matthew 27:62-66 Some say that Jesus' body was stolen by his followers. He didn't really rise from the dead. Where did that story start? Let's find out together as we study Matthew 27. Then ask yourself: What impact has the reality of Jesus' resurrection had on my life?
Easter #15 Mark 15:42-47 Can I be a secret Christian? Joseph of Arimathea tried to be. Did it work? Let's find out together as we study this fascinating figure. Then ask yourself: Have I tried to keep my Christianity a secret?
Easter #14 John 19:33-37 Some say that you can't prove scientifically that Jesus died on the cross. How should you respond? Let's find out together as we study John 19. Then ask yourself: How significant is Jesus' death to me?
Easter #13 Mark 15:40-41 How does the Bible view women? Is it sexist? Let's find out together as we study the women at the cross. Then ask yourself: How do I view the role of women in the church?
Easter 2021 #12 Luke 23:46 With his final breath, Jesus gave over his spirit to the Father. What does that mean? Let's find out together. Then take time to thank Jesus for dying for you.
Easter 2021 #11 John 19:30 Jesus cries out, "It is finished." What did he mean by that? Let's find out together. Then ask yourself: Is there something in my life that has run its course?
Easter 2021 #10 John 19:28 Jesus tells the soldiers that he's thirsty. Is it ok for us to ask God for physical needs? Let's find out together. Then ask yourself: What is the main physical need I need God to provide for me today?
Easter 2021 #9 Mark 15:34 In his last minutes on the cross, Jesus quotes Psalm 22. Why? Let's find out together. Then ask yourself: Have I ever felt abandoned by God? Do I feel that way now? Tell that to God!
Easter 2021 #8 John 19:26-27 Today, Jesus provides for his mother from the cross. Why remit his mother to a disciple's care when Jesus had other physical brothers and sisters? Let's find out together. Then ask yourself: Who do I know who is in mourning that I can reach out to today?
