CONNECT: Who could you invite to Alpha or a Sunday to learn more about who Jesus is?

WARM-UP

1. When we think of a kingdom, what type of images come to mind? Where do we see kingdoms in modern society?
2. What is the key question at the heart of the Gospel of Mark? Why does it matter?

READ Mark 1:14-20

1. What is the ‘good news of God’ that Jesus was proclaiming? Why is it good news?
2. What is the ‘kingdom of God’? What does Jesus mean by saying that it has come near? How is the kingdom both now and not yet?
3. In light of this proclamation of Jesus, what is the appropriate response of the listener or hearer of Jesus’ words? What does this look like in practise?
4. How is this response different to just a ‘head’ belief system?
5. What does Jesus say to the fishermen in V17? What does it look like to follow Jesus?
6. What is the response of the first disciples? How does this show both Jesus’ authority and also human responsibility in discipleship?

READ Mark 1:21-45

1. How was the teaching of Jesus different to the teachings of the religious leaders of the time?
2. What did the man with the impure spirit say about Jesus? Is there any truth to this claim? 
3. What did Jesus say in response and what was the response of the impure spirit? What does this demonstrate about the authority of Jesus and the kingdom of God?
4. The following verses describe Jesus healing many different diseases and driving out demons. What do we learn about the kingship of Jesus and the nature of his kingdom?
5. If Jesus, who is the Son of God and in the closest relationship with the Father, made time for prayer, what are the implications for us and our prayer life?
6. What is the priority for Jesus? What is the role of miracles in this?
7. How should being part of the kingdom of God shape our lives today? How can we demonstrate what it is like being part of the kingdom on our frontlines? 

APPLY:  How does Jesus’ authority shape the way that you live?

‍

On Your Frontline This Week: Prayer is powerful and it is a great privilege to pray together. Think about finding someone to pray with regularly. One place to start could be our Prayer and Fasting day on Monday August 3.

For Families: Download some of the family resources to use at home

Listen and Watch:          

• AUDIO: “Kingdom News” by Simon Manchester
• AUDIO: “Jesus: His Message and His Mission” by Alistair Begg
• AUDIO: “A New Authority” by Christopher Ash
• AUDIO: “The Kingdom and the Social Gospel” by Dick Lucas:
• AUDIO: “Who is Jesus” by William Taylor (Mark 1)

Series Resources:

• RESOURCES: The Gospel of Mark (Video Overviews and More)
• RESOURCES: Gospel Coalition Mark Courses
• VIDEO: The Bible Project Mark Overview
• VIDEO/AUDIO: iTunes U, Introduction to the Gospel of Mark
• VIDEO: Training on the Purpose of Mark

‍