Anisa Blomquist – SIM Bob & Chris Davis – Multiply; ICOMB Advocate Sandy Fender – Multiply Erin Heizelman – Operation Mobilization Bob & Kelly Pankratz – The Morningstar Ministry Drew & Allie Pankratz – The Greenhouse Church Jonas & Lisa Sanz – Campus Crusade Jennifer Schroeder – Heart 2 Heart Charles D– Multiply

Mark 10:17 - 52 FURTHER DISCUSSION What are the two areas of hindrance to discipleship that this passage addresses? What are some areas that might hinder us from true discipleship? Why are we drawn to material things and “greatness”? What does this passage teach about these? What do you think a servant leader looks like?

Mark 9:2 – 10:16 FURTHER DISCUSSION What was the purpose of the transfiguration? What might it have been like to experience it? Why did the disciples have so much difficulty coming to grips with Jesus’ teaching that He (the Messiah) must be killed and come back to life in three days? What were some of the areas or issues that the disciples seemed to be wrong about – had human thoughts not divine thoughts? Are there areas where we have trouble grasping divine ideas and cling to human ideas? What might they be?

Mark 9:2 – 10:16 FURTHER DISCUSSION What was the purpose of the transfiguration? What might it have been like to experience it? Why did the disciples have so much difficulty coming to grips with Jesus’ teaching that He (the Messiah) must be killed and come back to life in three days? What were some of the areas or issues that the disciples seemed to be wrong about – had human thoughts not divine thoughts? Are there areas where we have trouble grasping divine ideas and cling to human ideas? What might they be?

Mark 8:27 – 9:1 FURTHER DISCUSSION (Take some time [as needed] to remind yourselves about the first half of the book of Mark – themes & big ideas) How would you answer if someone asked you: “Who is this Jesus?” Are you comfortable with your grasp of who Jesus is? What does it look like to “deny” yourself? What does it mean to “take up” your cross? What are some hindrances to being able to follow Jesus as described in this passage?

We are blessed by your presence with us! We do not believe your visit to our church was by chance, so we pray that you would experience God's blessing as we worship, learn, grow, and encourage one another.

We are blessed by your presence with us! We do not believe your visit to our church was by chance, so we pray that you would experience God's blessing as we worship, learn, grow, and encourage one another.

Jeremiah 29:13; John 15; Ephesians 3:14-19; James 4:8 FURTHER DISCUSSION Do you have some idea of what it means to experience God? Would you say that you really experience God on a regular basis? What might keep you from experiencing God? Does God ever seem absent or distant? What are some things you might do to foster experiencing God?

FURTHER DISCUSSION How does forgiveness lead to genuine communication? Are Christians supposed to have a “covenant” relationship with fellow members of the body? See 1 Samuel 18:1-4. If we want to be great, does that mean we have to judge others and compare ourselves to them? How are Christians supposed to be different?

Psalm 16 FURTHER DISCUSSION • How has the church (God’s people) impacted your life? What was David’s view of God’s people (v. 3)? • Read verses 7-8. Where have you seen God’s guidance and presence in your life? • If you were talking to a non- believer, what would you say the value of your faith is (relationship with Jesus)? • What does verse 11 tell us about our relationship with God?

Ephesians 3:10 FURTHER DISCUSSION • Who is watching church activities? 1 Tim. 5:21; 1 Cor. 11:10 • What are angels sent to do? Hebrews 1:13-14 • Can angels visit people? Hebrews 13:2 • What gives angels great joy? Luke 15:10 • Why do you think salvation is an interesting subject to angels? 1 Peter 1:10-12 • How might demons view God’s wisdom differently? • How does the idea of angels and demons watching the church influence how you view the church?

Ephesians 3: 20-21 Do you believe that God is able to do exceedingly MORE than anything you can ask or imagine? (Eph. 3:20). What does it mean for you to bring your "two small pennies," or "few fish and loaves" to put in the Lord's hands? Do you think God expects you to bring him your very best? What does that mean for you personally? When you consider our church's mission statement and hear Jesus say, “You give them something to eat…” Is it fear that touches your mind? Or a thrill that fills your soul? Or is it something else? If your trust in the promise that “God is able” were STRONGER tomorrow than it is today… what might you dare to do that you’ve never done? What’s holding you back?

2 Peter 1: 1-11 FURTHER DISCUSSION What are some things we think we lack, or need, in the course of our every day lives? What about in our spiritual lives? What are some of God’s great and precious promises that you lean on consistently? What does it practically look like for you to participate in the divine nature? In this passage, Peter asks the reader to participate in several activities. What are the things he asks of us?

Psalm 139 FURTHER DISCUSSION What is a relationship word in verse 3? How would you explain it to someone else? Share a personal experience that echoes the truth of Deuteronomy 31:6: “I will never leave you or forsake you.” Have you ever allowed yourself to sit quietly and think about the truth that God completely knows you, warts and all, yet loves you unconditionally? How would you respond to that, and how would you share that truth with someone who is not a Jesus follower?

Romans 12: 9-21 FURTHER DISCUSSION Which of the commands in this passage come easiest to you? Which are the most difficult? In this passage, what is the believer’s role and what is God’s role? What does it look like to live out our calling as loving peacemakers in daily life? When do you think a Christian is called to bring justice, and when are they called to “leave room for the wrath of God” (v. 19)?

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Romans 12: 1-8 FURTHER DISCUSSION What does it mean to be a “living sacrifice”? Where might this be a challenge in your life? In what ways do we as humans fight against God’s work of transformation within us? How have you seen or experienced someone using their spiritual gifting? How can a believer learn how God has gifted them? Have you investigated it for yourself? In this passage, what is the believer’s role and what is God’s role?

Mark 7:31 - 8:26 FURTHER DISCUSSION What was unusual about the healings of the deaf/mute man and the blind man? Why would the Pharisees ask for a sign? Why didn’t Jesus give them one? What do you think it means to really have ears that hear and eyes that see? This section can be considered the end of Jesus’ ministry in Galilee. What has stood out to you about this first part of the book of Mark? Has it impacted your own walk with Jesus?

Mark 7:31 - 8:26 FURTHER DISCUSSION What was unusual about the healings of the deaf/mute man and the blind man? Why would the Pharisees ask for a sign? Why didn’t Jesus give them one? What do you think it means to really have ears that hear and eyes that see? This section can be considered the end of Jesus’ ministry in Galilee. What has stood out to you about this first part of the book of Mark? Has it impacted your own walk with Jesus?

Mark 7: 1-30 FURTHER DISCUSSION Are all religious traditions or customs bad? What helps us discern well? What might be some of the non-biblical, non-gospel traditions or customs that the church needs to let go or has let go? Was Jesus being mean or uncaring to the Syrophoenician woman? What does her response show about her? Are there people that you are reluctant to have relationship with because of things like gender, religion or race?