Discussion question: Have you ever wondered how different life would be as a king or queen? OR Do you think Queen Elizabeth watches Neighbours? Read Mark 6:14-29 Context This story of the death of John the baptist is included in the three Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark and Luke). It appears in Mark right in the … Continue reading Mark 6:14-29 – What Herod heard →

Discussion question: Where do you feel most at home? Ie, welcomed and relaxed. Read Mark 6:1-13 Context Jesus has been travelling from town to town to preach the word – for that is why he came (1:38). He has crossed over the lake a few times and healed on many occasions. Chapter 5 concluded with … Continue reading Mark 6:1-13 – Home and Away →

Discussion question: Have you ever touched or held something that is rare and precious? Read Mark 5:21-43 Context Jesus has become known as a healer. He can heal many with ease. Great crowds are drawn to Jesus mainly due to his healing ability. He healed a man with an impure spirit in a synagogue on … Continue reading Mark 5:21-43 – If only we could touch his clothes →

Discussion question: What’s the most impressive thing you have ever seen? Read Mark 4:35-5:20 Context Jesus began his ministry by preaching the gospel (Mk 1:14-15) and after a growing popularity through healing he determined that he would preach the word (Mk 1:38). He taught in parables and when confronted with a paralysed man to be … Continue reading Mark 4:35-5:20 – Who is this man? →

Discussion question: What do you remember about the parable of the four soils? Read Mark 4:21-34 Context Jesus declared in Chapter 1 that he has come to preach the word about the kingdom of God (Mk1:14-15, 38, 2:2). In Chapter 4 he used a quote from Isaiah to explain that he will be preaching many … Continue reading Mark 4:21-34 – Figuratively Speaking →

Discussion question: What is the biggest threat to your faith (or spiritual well-being)? Read Mark 4:1-20 Context Mark’s gospel began quickly. Both John and Jesus’ preaching ministry was about repentance and belief that the kingdom of God has come near. Jesus has attracted attention from all around through his healing ministry but he has said … Continue reading Mark 4:1-20 The parable of the soils →

Losses and gains – crosses and chains “What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?” Mark 8:36 Context This week’s study is on the topic of Christian maturity. It does not fit into a series of other studies and yet it does naturally follow on from our focus … Continue reading Mark 8:31-38 →

We are in the middle of mission week. We heard last week how Jesus tells us what our greatest need is – forgiveness of sin. This week, in mark 2:13-17 we see how Jesus demonstrates the need for forgiveness to reach for beyond our comfort zone. This is a shortened blog and I challenge you … Continue reading Mark 2:13-17 Jesus calls us to follow →

For the next 2 Growth Group weeks, we all have the opportunity to reflect on the universal mission of the Lord Jesus Christ. That’s not to say we don’t think of that every week but here we are focusing our attention on it. The sermons for the next two weeks will be on Mark 2:1-12 … Continue reading Mission week#1: Mark 2:1-12 →