Sermon Guide

February 22: Mark 7:31-37

What stood out to you most from the sermon? Why? 

Key Takeaways:

1. Jesus treats people with dignity, not as projects. He pulled the deaf man aside privately and gave him his full attention.
2. Jesus groans with us, not at us. His compassion moves Him to feel our pain in a broken world.
3. Jesus doesn't just repair—He re-creates. The healing was immediate because the Creator was restoring His creation.
4. We're called to be storytellers, not sales reps. Witnessing means sharing what we've personally seen, heard, and experienced.
5. The formerly demon-possessed man prepared the way for Jesus' return to the Decapolis by simply telling his story.

Discussion Questions:

1. Read Mark 7:31-37 together. What stands out to you about the way Jesus healed this deaf man compared to other healings in Mark's Gospel?
2. Why do you think Jesus took the man aside privately rather than healing him in front of the crowd? What does this teach us about how Jesus values individuals?
3. What does Jesus’ groaning (verse 34) reveal about his heart toward human suffering and brokenness?
4. Have you ever experienced feeling alone even when surrounded by people? How does knowing that Jesus groans with you (verse 34) rather than at you change your perspective on bringing your brokenness to Him? What has Jesus touched and restored in your life when you are in the middle of crowded loneliness?
5. Which is harder for you: keeping quiet when Jesus says "be quiet" or speaking up when Jesus says "go tell"? Why do you think that is?
6. Read Isaiah 35:4-6. How does understanding this Old Testament prophecy deepen your appreciation for what Jesus was doing in Mark 7?
7. The crowd said Jesus "has done everything well" (verse 37)—echoing Genesis 1. What does it mean that Jesus is in the business of re-creation, not just repair? How does this apply to our spiritual lives?
8. Compare Mark 5:1-20 with Mark 7:31-37. How did the demon-possessed man's obedience to "go tell" prepare the region for Jesus' return? What does this teach us about the power of personal testimony?
9. We've taken the greatest news in human history and treated it like a socially inappropriate dinner conversation. Why do you think Christians often find it easier to talk about everything except Jesus?
10. Who are the people God has placed around you who know about your politics, hobbies, and medical history, but don't know your Jesus story? Name them specifically (you don't have to share names aloud if it's too personal).
11. What is your story? If you had to share in 2-3 minutes what Jesus has done for you, what would you say? (Consider practicing with your group.)

Practical Applications:

1. Option 1: Write Your Story - Take 30 minutes this week to write out your testimony in 3 parts. Keep it to one page so you can share it naturally in conversation. What was your life like before Jesus?  How did you encounter Jesus? How has your life changed since?
2. Option 2: Share Your Story - Identify one person from your answer to question 10 above. Pray for an opportunity this week to share part of your Jesus story with them. Don't force it—just be ready and willing when the opportunity comes.
3. Option 3: Practice Storytelling - Partner with someone in your group this week. Practice sharing your testimonies with each other (3-5 minutes each). Give each other feedback and encouragement. Pray together for opportunities to share with others.
4. Spend a few minutes in silence reflecting on these questions. Share with the group if you feel comfortable. What part of my life still feels "bound" or "stopped up" like the deaf man's ears and tongue? Am I willing to let Jesus touch those broken places? What would it look like for Jesus to say "Ephphatha—be opened" over that area of my life?

 Sermon Guide

March 1: Mark 9:2-13

What stood out to you most from the sermon? Why? 

Key Takeaways:

1. Jesus is the glorified King who will reign forever in a perfect kingdom where there is no death, pain, grief, or crying.
2. Mountaintop experiences are meant to sustain our faith, not become our permanent residence. We must come down to serve others and fulfill Jesus' mission.
3. Remembering what God has done helps us trust Him in difficult times when His presence feels less evident.
4. Listening to Jesus through His Word is the most reliable way to sustain our faith when memories fade and feelings fluctuate.
5. We can live now in light of the future kingdom, bringing God's kingdom to earth by obeying Jesus' commands today.

Discussion Questions:

1. Why do you think Jesus chose only Peter, James, and John for this experience? What does this teach us about how God works with different people?
2. What was the significance of Moses and Elijah appearing with Jesus? How would this have impacted the disciples' understanding of who Jesus was?
3. Peter wanted to build shelters and stay on the mountain. Why did they have to come down? What does this teach us about spiritual "mountaintop" experiences?
4. Have you ever had a spiritual "mountaintop moment" where God's presence felt especially real? What was that like? How did it impact your faith afterward?
5. Since memories fade, what practices help you remember God's faithfulness when you're going through difficult times?
6. God commanded the disciples to listen to him. How would you honestly assess your listening-to-talking ratio when it comes to your relationship with God?
7. Do you view the Bible as "Genesis 3 to Revelation 20" (just managing sin) versus remembering Eden and looking forward to the new creation? How does this shift in perspective change the way we live today?
8. If we're supposed to pray "Thy kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven," what does that look like practically? What would change in your daily life if you lived more like you will in the perfect kingdom?
9. Which of these commands of Jesus is God calling you to focus on right now: repent, follow, let your light shine, love enemies, seek God's kingdom first, forgive, love one another, make disciples. 

Practical Applications:

1. Option 1: Write down 5-10 times when God has been clearly evident in your life. Keep this list somewhere you'll see it during difficult moments, and add to it as you recognize God's faithfulness.
2. Option 2: For one week, spend the first 5 minutes of prayer time in silence, simply listening. Write down anything God brings to your attention. Share with the group next time what this practice was like
3. Option 3: Choose one of Jesus' commands mentioned in Mark 9:2-13. Identify one specific way you'll obey that command this week, and ask someone in the group to check in with you about it
4. Option 4: Commit to reading through the Gospel of Mark this week (it's only 16 chapters). Underline or highlight every command Jesus gives, and pick one to focus on implementing

 Sermon Guide

March 8: Mark 13

What stood out to you most from the sermon? Why? 

Key Takeaways:

1. Christianity is defined by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone - not by our views on secondary issues.
2. Don't be alarmed by world events - birth pains are not death rattles. Creation is groaning, waiting to be remade.
3. The Holy Spirit shows up in our weakness - when we're out of words, out of strength, on trial.
4. Being alert means working, not watching - we're called to carry the message of hope to a world that has none.
5. Jesus' return is GOOD NEWS - we should live with hope and urgency, not fear and speculation.

Discussion Questions:

1. Jesus will return. Evil will be defeated. The dead will be raised. God will make all things new. Why is it important to keep this as the main thing rather than getting caught up in debates about specific end-times details?
2. How have you seen Christians disagree on secondary issues (worship style, end times views, etc.) in ways that broke fellowship? What would it look like to disagree well on these topics?
3. Read Mark 13:5-8. Jesus says "don't be alarmed" when we see wars, earthquakes, and disasters. Why do you think Christians often respond with alarm instead of peace? What's the difference between being aware and being alarmed?
4. Our current time can be understood as "the valley" between two mountain peaks. What are some of the challenges and hardships of living in this valley that you've personally experienced?
5. Read Mark 13:11. Jesus promises the Holy Spirit will speak through us when we're on trial or out of words. Can you share a time when you felt completely out of words or strength, and God showed up in that moment?
6. The Holy Spirit doesn't just “show up” during the high moments of our life... The Holy Spirit shows up while you're on trial. How does this change your perspective on difficult seasons?
7. Read Mark 13:33-37 and Acts 1:6-11. Jesus repeatedly tells the disciples to stop obsessing about "when" and start focusing on their task. What is the task He's given us? Why do you think we're so tempted to focus on "when" instead?
8. We've turned "being alert" into "birdwatching" - casual observation rather than active work. What does it practically look like to "be alert" in your daily life? At work? In your neighborhood? With your family?
9. "There's thousands of people at the bottom of this hill who are lost and going to hell. Get off the hill." What keeps us comfortable on the hill instead of engaging with people who need Jesus?
10. On a scale of 1-10, how much time do you spend thinking/worrying about "when Jesus will return" versus actually doing what He's called you to do? Be honest.
11. What specific "work" has God given you to do? This could be a person He's placed in your life who needs to hear about Jesus, a ministry or service opportunity, a relationship that needs reconciliation or a habit or sin you need to address with His power.
12. Read 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24. How does knowing that "He who calls you is faithful; He will do it" give you confidence to do the work He's called you to?

Practical Applications:

1. Stop the Speculation: Commit to spending less time consuming end-times content (social media posts, videos, articles) and more time in actual Scripture and prayer.
2. Share Your Story: Identify one person in your life who doesn't know Jesus and intentionally share your testimony or invite them to church/coffee to talk about faith.
3. Serve in the Valley: Look for someone in your life who is in a "valley moment" (trial, hardship, loss) and show up for them practically this week.
4. Memorize Scripture: Commit Mark 13:31 to memory: "Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away."
5. Pray for Power: Daily ask God for Holy Spirit power to be His witness where you are - Jerusalem (home), Judea (work/school), Samaria (uncomfortable places), ends of the earth (missions).

 Sermon Guide

March 15: Luke 3:21-22

What stood out to you most from the sermon? Why? 

Key Takeaways:

1. Jesus identified with us completely - Though sinless, Jesus stood in line with sinners to be baptized, foreshadowing His ultimate substitution for us on the cross.
2. Baptism is obedience, not salvation - Baptism doesn't save us; only faith in Jesus does. Baptism is a public declaration of what has already happened in our hearts.
3. Baptism is not graduation - You don't need all your questions answered or your life completely cleaned up before being baptized. It's a step of obedience taken in faith.
4. The Trinity is revealed - At Jesus' baptism, we see the Son in the water, the Spirit descending like a dove, and the Father declaring His pleasure.
5. Reading Scripture changes us - As we engage with God's Word daily, we fall more in love with Jesus and respond with obedience.

Discussion Questions:

1. Why do you think Jesus, who was sinless, chose to be baptized? What does this tell us about His mission?
2. What made John the Baptist's message so effective?
3. Read Romans 6:3-4. How does the pastor's explanation of baptism as a picture of burial and resurrection help you understand this passage better?
4. Have you been baptized? If so, share your baptism story with the group. If not, what has kept you from taking that step?
5. The Father said "This is my son in whom I am well pleased" before Jesus had performed any miracles or preached any sermons. How does it feel to know that God's pleasure in you isn't based on your performance?
6. What "kindergarten questions" or uncertainties have you been waiting to resolve before taking a step of obedience in your faith journey?
7. Reading Scripture daily is causing people to fall more in love with Jesus. How has the Every Word reading challenge impacted your relationship with God?
8. Jesus stood "shoulder to shoulder with the greedy, the tax collectors, the soldiers, the violent, the broken, the dishonest." How does Jesus' willingness to identify with sinners encourage you?
9. John the Baptist gave very practical instructions for repentance: share your coat, collect only what's necessary, use power for good. What would practical repentance look like in your life right now?
10. Baptism is "not graduation" but more like the first day of kindergarten. How does this perspective change the way you think about spiritual growth and obedience?

Practical Applications:

1. Continue (or start) the Every Word daily reading challenge. Share what you're learning with at least one person this week. utown.org/everyword
2. If you've been baptized, find a picture or recall your baptism story and share it with someone who hasn't been baptized yet.
3. Identify one area where you've been waiting for "ideal conditions" before obeying God. Take one small step of obedience this week.
4. If you are considering baptism, talk to your home group leader or a pastor about your questions regarding baptism. Read Acts 2:36-41 and Acts 8:26-39 and journal about what these passages teach about baptism. If you're ready, sign up for the next baptism opportunity at church. utown.org/nextsteps
5. If you’ve already been baptized, reflect on what has changed since your baptism. Write down 3-5 ways God has grown you. Encourage someone who is considering baptism by sharing your story. Identify one "next step" of obedience God is calling you to take (like baptism was a step for you).