Eastbrook Church Sermons

“You Belong in the Family” [Family Portrait] Text: Deuteronomy 6:6-9; Matthew 12:46-50; Galatians 3:26-29; Revelation 7:9-10 April 20/21, 2013 Pastor Matt Erickson Yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom all things came and for whom we live (1 Corinthians 8:6) Family Beginnings Family at creation (Genesis 4) Family in Torah (Deuteronomy 6:6-9) Family: a calling from God, not merely self-fulfillment or a moral expectation Jesus’ Radical Family (Matthew 12:46-50) Jesus’ physical family Jesus’ radical opening of the definition of family Jesus’ family and the will of God Family: a community of those who do the will of God The Early Church as a Family Paul and singleness (1 Corinthians 7:1-16) The expectation of intergenerational community (1 Timothy 5:1-16; The radical opening through Jesus (Galatians 3:26-29) Family: those adopted by God through Jesus Christ God’s Multi-Everything Family (Revelation 7:9-10) The radical welcome of God’s family The diversity of God’s family Family: a multi-everything expression of God’s mission in Jesus Christ Discussion Questions: When you hear the word, ‘family’, what do you think of? This week, we are beginning a new series called “Family Portrait.” Whether on your own or with a group, begin your study by asking God to speak to you. We are looking at some broad themes in the Scripture. To do this, we will explore a lot of Scripture. Read the following passages and consider what you think these verses are saying about the concept of ‘family’ and what it means to be a part of a family as Christians: Matthew 12:46-50 1 Corinthians 7:1-16 1 Timothy 5:1-16 One of the key concepts in the New Testament related to family is our adoption by God as His children through the work of Jesus Christ. Read and reflect on what each of these Scripture passages says about adoption by God: Romans 8:14-16 Galatians 4:4-6 Ephesians 1:4-6 What does the idea of adoption by God mean to you personally? How has this changed your life, or how should it change your life? At Eastbrook, we desire to look like a glimpse of the community seen in Revelation 7:9-10. Read those verses. What is unique about this picture in our world today? How might we grow in this direction as a church? What is one specific thing that God is speaking to you from this study? Write it down. If you are in a small group, discuss this together. Take time to pray that you will grow in love. [Next week: We will talk about what the ideal family is like, if there is one. You can prepare by reading the story of Abraham and Sarah in Genesis 11:27-25:11]

“Beginning to Live with Love” [Beginning to Live] Text: 1 Corinthians 13:1-13 April 13/14, 2013 Pastor Matt Erickson “And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love.” (1 Corinthians 13:13) A Life Not Worth Living The Beginning of it All The God Who Loves Us and the Us Who Responds to God The Us Who Loves Others and Others Who Respond to God What Really Endures Discussion Questions: We are concluding our series, “Beginning to Live,” this week with attention to the topic of love. Who is someone that has exemplified love for you and why? Whether on your own or with a group, begin your study by asking God to speak to you. Read 1 Corinthians 13:1-13 out loud. Up to this point in his letter to the Corinthian church, Paul has been addressing the topic of spiritual gifts; that is, special abilities or gifts given by God to followers of Jesus. Given that context, what do you think Paul is addressing in 1 Corinthians 13:1-3? How would you describe the difference between someone who does the right thing without love and someone who does the right thing with love? 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 speaks about love with some positive and negative statements. One way to think of love is to remember what is written elsewhere about God: “God is love” (1 John 4:16). Read 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 with ‘God’ in place of the word ‘love’. How does this impact you? Of course, the real goal of Paul’s words here are to convey that we are supposed to live with love. Now, put your name in the place of the word ‘love’ and consider how your life reflects love. Where are the places you love well? Where are the places that you could grow in love? 1 Corinthians 13:8-13 contrasts what is enduring, or complete, and what is temporary, or incomplete. Paul uses some different metaphors to talk about this. What are those metaphors and what does that tell you is unique about love? What is one specific thing that God is speaking to you from this study? Write it down. If you are in a small group, discuss this together. Take time to pray that you will grow in love.

Text: Romans 5:1-5; 2 Corinthians 3:7-12 April 6/7, 2013 Pastor Matt Erickson “And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.” (Romans 5:5) What is Hope? Hope’s Opposite Hope’s Companions Living with Present Hope Living with Eternal Hope Discussion Questions: Our present series, “Beginning to Live,” focuses this week on hope. When was a time that you experienced the realization of one of your greatest hopes? While the message explores broad themes of hope, our study this week will look at Romans 5:1-5. Whether on your own or with a group, begin your study by asking God to speak to you. Then read these verses aloud. Looking at Romans 5:1-2, what would you say are the sources of Christian hope? Based on your previous answer, how would you describe your own personal sense of hope in Jesus Christ? Do you have hope in Him or not? What shows that to be true? In verses 3-4, Paul indicates that suffering and hope are related to one another. How does Paul explain that? Part of what Paul is describing is a different perspective on suffering and trials. What trials or sufferings are you facing right now? What would it practically look like to live within your sufferings out of the approach Paul describes in Romans 5:3-4? In verse 5, Paul references the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is the presence of God in our lives now when we come to God by faith through Jesus Christ. What is the Holy Spirit’s role in hope-filled living? What is one specific thing that God is speaking to you from this study? Write it down. If you are in a small group, discuss this together.

Beginning to Live with Faith [Beginning to Live series] Text: Mark 16:1-20 "You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him." (Mark 16:6) Faith is an active belief in Jesus as the promised One who changes everything about the world and our lives. From dead ends to new beginnings From looking backward to moving forward From fear-filled to fearless From shut-up to overflowing Discussion Questions: What would you say is the most well-known thing about Jesus in the world today, whether for Christians or non-Christians? This week, we are looking at Mark 16:1-20 as we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus from death. Whether you are studying on your own or with a group, take a moment to read this passage out loud. Then ask God to speak to you throughout your time of study. After reading this passage, how would you describe the situation of each person or group of people here? Then, take some time to consider how they responded to Jesus in their encounter with Him. Return to verses 6-7. What are the main points of what the angelic messenger speaks to the women who came to Jesus' tomb? How would you describe your situation in life when you first encountered Jesus in a way that changed you? What would you say God most clearly spoke into your life at that point? Now look at the latter verses in this chapter. What does Jesus ask of His followers as He returns from the Father? How are you living out that same command of Jesus in your life? How might you need to take some new steps of faith forward with that instruction? Identify one person in your life who needs new life in Jesus Christ. Commit to praying for them each day of this week.

“The Cross” [Journey to the Cross, Gospel of Mark, part 4] March 23/24, 2013 Pastor Marc Erickson YOU SEE, AT JUST THE RIGHT TIME, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Rom 5;6 9 AM [CRUCIFIXION BEGINS] Jesus said , “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” Luke 23:24 Jesus answered him , “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.” Luke 23:43 “Woman, here is your son,” “Here is your mother.” John 19:26-27 NOON [ THE SUN STOPS SHINING .....SILENCE !] Circa 700 B.C. [and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all. Isaiah 53:6] [ “ Very truly I tell you,” Jesus answered, “before Abraham was born, I am!” John 8:58] 12 A.M. [“Abba, Father,” he said, “everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.” Mark 14:36] Circa 56 A.D. [God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. 2 Corinthians 5:21] Circa 65-85 A.D. [Then I saw a Lamb, looking as if it had been slain, standing at the center of the throne, Revelation 5:6] 3 PM “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” Mark 15:34 [Psalm 22:1 1000 B.C.] “I am thirsty.” John 19:28 “It is finished.” John 19:30 “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” Luke 23:46 THE SUN LIGHT RETURNS! For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross. Col 1:19

“Facing Trials” [Journey to the Cross, Gospel of Mark, part 4] Text: Mark 14:53-65; 15:1-15 March 16/17, 2013 Pastor Matt Erickson “Very early in the morning, the chief priests, with the elders, the teachers of the law and the whole Sanhedrin, made their plans. So they bound Jesus, led Him away and handed Him over to Pilate.” (Mark 15:1) Level 1: The Superficial Situation of Jesus’ Trials Urgency of Its Timing (14:53-54; 15:1) Jesus’ Apparent helplessness (14:61; 15:5) Jesus’ Solitary Vulnerability (14:64-65; 15:1) Level 2: A Look at Jesus’ Accusers The Jewish Authorities (14:53-55) The Surrounding Crowds (14:56-59; 15:8-13) The High Priest (14:60-64) Pontius Pilate (15:1-2, 15) Level 3: A Deeper View of Jesus The Messiah The King Courageous Confident Discussion Questions: When was a time when you felt that you were undergoing trials in your life? What happened and how did you react? This week we are looking at Jesus’ trials before the Jewish and Roman authorities in Mark 14:53-65 and 15:1-15. Whether on your own or with a group, begin your study by asking God to speak to you. Then read these verses aloud. It is important to understand that in Jesus’ day the Jewish religious authorities did not have permission to execute prisoners; only the Romans could do that. Because of this, Jesus’ trial before the Jewish authorities has a prearranged verdict; what is it (see verse 55)? What charges are laid against Jesus in this passage? What is the final charge that leads to a unified response from the High Priest and others? Look at Daniel 7:13 and Psalm 110:1 and describe what you think Jesus was really saying about Himself with His response in verse 62. The Jewish trial concludes with Jesus being blindfolded and beaten. When was a time that you felt like you were blindly suffering and how did you respond? When Jesus is taken to Pilate for trial by the Roman authorities, what do you notice about how Jesus responds to the situation? How would you describe the Jewish authorities and the Roman authorities’ attitude toward Jesus in these sections of Scripture? What is one specific thing that God is speaking to you from this study? Write it down. If you are in a small group, discuss this together.

“Surrendered” [Journey to the Cross] Texts: Mark 14:32-52 March 2/3, 2013 Pastor Matt Erickson Gethsemane 32 They went to a place called Gethsemane, and Jesus said to his disciples, “Sit here while I pray.” 33 He took Peter, James and John along with him, and he began to be deeply distressed and troubled. 34 “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death,” he said to them. “Stay here and keep watch.” 35 Going a little farther, he fell to the ground and prayed that if possible the hour might pass from him. 36 “Abba,[a] Father,” he said, “everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.” 37 Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. “Simon,” he said to Peter, “are you asleep? Couldn’t you keep watch for one hour? 38 Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” 39 Once more he went away and prayed the same thing. 40 When he came back, he again found them sleeping, because their eyes were heavy. They did not know what to say to him. 41 Returning the third time, he said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? Enough! The hour has come. Look, the Son of Man is delivered into the hands of sinners. 42 Rise! Let us go! Here comes my betrayer!” Jesus Arrested 43 Just as he was speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, appeared. With him was a crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests, the teachers of the law, and the elders. 44 Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: “The one I kiss is the man; arrest him and lead him away under guard.” 45 Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, “Rabbi!” and kissed him. 46 The men seized Jesus and arrested him. 47 Then one of those standing near drew his sword and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear. 48 “Am I leading a rebellion,” said Jesus, “that you have come out with swords and clubs to capture me? 49 Every day I was with you, teaching in the temple courts, and you did not arrest me. But the Scriptures must be fulfilled.” 50 Then everyone deserted him and fled. 51 A young man, wearing nothing but a linen garment, was following Jesus. When they seized him, 52 he fled naked, leaving his garment behind.

“Broken and Poured Out” [Journey to the Cross] Texts: Mark 14:12-26 March 2/3, 2013 Pastor Matt Erickson “Take it; this is my body…This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many.” (Mark 14:22, 24) Jesus and the New Passover Meal (Mark 14:12-17; Exodus 12) The Passover Meal with Moses (Exodus 12) The bread and the cup Jesus - the New Passover Lamb (Mark 14:18-24) 3 predictions (Mark 8:31; 9:31; 10:33) John's proclamation (John 1:29-30) Jesus' declaration (Mark 10:45) Three New Realities (Mark 14:22-26) A new covenant (Mark 14:24; Exodus 24:8; Jeremiah 31:31-34) A new future (Mark 14:25; Isaiah 25:6-8; Revelation 19:9) A new song (Mark 14:26; Psalms 113-118) Discussion Questions: This week, we continue our journey to the cross by looking at Mark 14:12-26. Whether you are alone or with a small group, read these verses out loud. Ask God to speak to you as you continue the study. Jesus is moving from Bethany back to the city of Jerusalem for the Passover meal, a distance of about one and a half to two miles. From this point forward, Jesus will face great conflict and difficulty, but first He has some settled time with His disciples. What do you think the atmosphere or tone would be in the upper room where they are gathering? The background for this section of Scripture is the Passover meal. Take a look at Exodus 12 for further background in order to help your understanding. The disciples know they are gathering for a Passover meal. How do you think the words Jesus speaks to them about the bread and the cup would seem to them? Would it be surprising? Jesus words' about His body and blood tie in with so many portions of Scripture. Look at some or all of these verses and consider their significance for Jesus: Exodus 24:8; Isaiah 53:12; Jeremiah 31:31-34; Zechariah 9:11. What does Jesus' sacrifice mean to you? How will you respond to Jesus' dramatic sacrifice as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world? What is one thing you have learned in this study? How will you put that into practice in your life this week? Write some of these things down. If you are in a small group, discuss this together.

Who is my Neighbor? Pastor Elie Hasbani Text: Luke 10:25-37 “the Parable of the Good Samaritan” What did the expert in the law ask Jesus? Why? What problem did he have in his heart? Who is the Jew’s neighbor? The Lost Who is the Good Samaritan? Jesus How can I love my neighbor? How do I become a Good Samaritan? Capture God’s vision for the lost and not your own vision Receive God’s love and compassion for the lost and not walking by your law and ideas Discover yourself in Christ (love your neighbor as yourself) Discussion Questions Read Luke 10:25. What did the expert in the law ask Jesus? Why? What problem did he have in his heart? Read verse 26. With what question did Jesus counter? What does this reveal about Jesus’ attitude toward the law and toward the man? Read verses 27-28. What was the expert’s answer? How did Jesus respond? Why was it correct? (Deut 6:5; Lev. 19:18; 1Jn 3:16) What now did the man need to do? How would this solve his inner problem? Read verse 29. What was the man’s second question? Why did he ask it? What does this show about him? What answer do you think he wanted? (John 4:20,22) Jesus replied with a parable. How does Jesus define "neighbor”? Read verses 30-32. In the parable, what happened to the man going from Jerusalem to Jericho? Who were the first two people to see the wounded man? What did they do and what did they have in common? How might they have justified themselves? Read verses 33-35. Why did the Samaritan stop when he saw the man? How did the Samaritan help the injured man? What did he lose in time, money, and effort to help this man? What were the dangers involved? What does this show about the Samaritan? How is he different from the religious leaders? Is the Good Samaritan another way of showing how Jesus loved? Read verses 36-37. What was Jesus’ last question? And the expert’s honest answer? How is this related to verse 28? Why do you think Jesus chose a Samaritan to be the hero of this story? How can you and I “go and do likewise”? Look at the characters in the story: the priest, the Levite, the Samaritan, the man who was beaten. Who might these people be today? What if the injured person was someone you don't get along with? Examine your own thoughts about people of other races, and ask God to help you overcome any racist attitudes you may have. Encourage your neighbor to visit your congregations and to participate in joint worship services. “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” Psalm 139: 14 The following statements help me know that I am God’s new creation. · I am a new creation in Christ: the old things are passed away, behold all things are become new (2 Cor. 5:17) · I am a family member...a child of the Most High God (1John 3:1) · I am redeemed in his blood, blessed in every spiritual blessing in Christ and God forgave my sins (Ephesians. 1:3-14) · I am a member of God’s royal priesthood, a holy and one of his own (1Peter 2:9) · I am the temple of the Holy Spirit. (1Cor 6:19) · I am a joint heir with Christ (Rom 8:17) · I am protected by God (Psalm 91; 23) · I am in Christ and free from condemnation (Rom 8:1) · I am secure in Christ and can not be separated from God (Rom 8:28-29) · I will delivered from temptation (1Cor 10:13) · I am...

“Preparation” [Journey to the Cross, Gospel of Mark, part 4] Text: Mark 14:1-11 February 16/17, 2013 Pastor Matt Erickson “She did what she could. She poured perfume on my body beforehand to prepare for my burial.” (Mark 14:8) Insiders Moving Outside (Mark 14:1-2, 10-11) Two sandwiches The chief priests and the teachers of the law (14:1; 11:18) Judas Iscariot (14:10-11) An Outsider Moving Inside (Mark 14:3-7) The action and the gift The indignant onlookers The rebuke of Jesus The Appropriate Place of Extravagance (Mark 14:8-9) Foretelling Gospel impact Discussion Questions: What is one of the most extravagant situations you have ever been a part of? This week we will look at Mark 14:1-11. Whether on your own or with a group, begin your study by asking God to speak to you. Then read the passage aloud. In the background of this passage are the Feasts of Passover and Unleavened Bread. Take a moment to read through Exodus 12:1-30 for background on these Feasts. How would you describe the chief priests and teachers of the law (14:1)? You may also want to look at 11:18 and 12:12. Why do you think Judas agreed to betray Jesus? You may want to look at other parallel passages in the gospels of Matthew, Luke and John. According to Jesus, what does the woman’s extravagant gift relate to? Earlier, Jesus taught that “whoever wants to be first must be slave of all” (10:44). How do you think this woman lives out this reality in Mark 14? What is one specific thing that God is speaking to you from this study? Write it down. If you are in a small group, discuss this together.

“The Greatest Thing” [Remade, Gospel of Mark, part 3] Text: Mark 12:28-34 February 2/3, 2013 Pastor Matt Erickson “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.” (Mark 12:30) The Greatest Thing The rabbis’ riddle Jesus’ unique approach to the question Beginning with God and the Shema Love for God Heart Soul Mind Strength Love for Your Neighbor Leviticus 19:18 The definition of neighbor Drawing Near to the Kingdom of God What leads us close What holds us back Discussion Questions: What would you say that Christianity is all about? This week we will look at Mark 12:28-34. Whether on your own or with a group, begin your study by asking God to speak to you. Then read the passage aloud. In the midst of Jesus’ ongoing conversations with religious leaders (Mark 11-12), he has the only positive conversation with a teacher of the law. Behind this question is a long, and still ongoing, discussion about what the heart of faith in God is all about. One rabbi suggested four different summary Bible passages that talked about life with God. Take a moment to look them up and consider them: Psalm 15, Isaiah 35:15-16; Micah 6:8; Isaiah 56:1. Jesus brings together two key Bible passages for the people of Israel: Deuteronomy 6:4-5 and Leviticus 19:18. Why do you think that Jesus brings these two passages together to answer the scribe’s question? On a scale of 1-10, how would you rate your love of God? Why would you rate it in that way? Jesus calls us to love our neighbor. Leviticus 19 is mostly a discussion of care and love within the Israelite community. Jesus broadens that out to all people in Luke 10:25-37. What ‘neighbors’ are easy for you to love? What ‘neighbors’ are hard for you to love? In his response, the religious teacher agrees with Jesus’ response. What do you think Jesus means by saying he is not far from the kingdom of God? What is one specific thing that God is speaking to you from this study? Write it down. If you are in a small group, discuss this together. Next week we will start a new part of our study of the Gospel of Mark called “Journey to the Cross.” To prepare for next week’s message, you might want to read Mark 14-16.

“The Beginning of the End” [Remade, Gospel of Mark, part 3] Text: Mark 13:1-35 February 2/3, 2013 Pastor Matt Erickson “‘Do you see all these great buildings?’ replied Jesus. ‘Not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down.’” (Mark 13:2) “Birth Pains”: The Beginnings that Are Not the End (Mark13:1-13) Do not be deceived Expectation of suffering The Gospel expansion and suffering “The Abomination”: A Sign that Tells You Something is Coming (Mark 13:14-24) ‘The abomination that causes desolation’ Signs of the past that point to signs of the future (Daniel 11:31) Intense suffering and the First Jewish War (66-73) “Those Days”: A Sign that Tells You Something Has Happened (Mark 13:25-31) The Fall of the Temple (70) The change of world orders (Isaiah 13:9-10) The Son of Man (Daniel 7:13-14) “That Day”: A Sign to Look For (Mark 13:32-37) A future hope A call to attentive waiting A call to endurance to the end Discussion Questions: What comes into your mind when you think about the end of the world? This week we will be looking at Jesus’ challenging teaching about coming persecution and the end of time. Whether on your own or with a group, begin your study by asking God to speak to you. Then read aloud Mark 13. This section of Mark’s Gospel can be very confusing because of the variety of prophetic, apocalyptic, and historical references. It might be helpful to consult a few other sources for further background: Daniel 9:27; 11:31; 12:11; Isaiah 13:10; 34:4. Some of the apocryphal books also provide historical background: 1 Maccabees 1:41-64; 2 Maccabees 6:1-11. There are four major places where Jesus calls people to ‘watch out’ or ‘be on your guard’ (13:5, 9, 23, 33). What is Jesus calling His disciples to be attentive to? It is likely that Jesus’ words were in part fulfilled when Jerusalem fell to the Romans in A.D. 70. Take a moment to look up more information on that historical event. How does it shed light on this text? At the same time, some of Jesus’ words point to a future event when He will bodily return at the end of human history. Verses 32-37 should be read in this light. What does Jesus call us to in that regard? What do you think it means for us to be attentive today? What is one specific thing that God is speaking to you from this study? Write it down. If you are in a small group, discuss this together. Next week we will continue in the Gospel of Mark by looking at Jesus’ words in Mark 12:28-34. To prepare for next week’s message, please read that Scripture passage ahead of time.

“Unmasking Authorities” [Remade, Gospel of Mark, part 3] Text: Mark 11:27-12:27 January 26/27, 2013 Pastor Matt Erickson “Then the chief priests, the teachers of the law and the elders looked for a way to arrest him because they knew he had spoken the parable against them. But they were afraid of the crowd; so they left him and went away.” (Mark 12:12) Jesus and His Authority (Mark 11:27-33) The chief priests, teachers of the law and the elders question the source of Jesus’ authority Jesus reveals the human tendency to use authority to control Jesus and His Politics (Mark 12:13-17) The Pharisees and Herodians question Jesus’ approach to government Jesus reveals the human tendency to use authority as a way to trap people Jesus and His Theology (Mark 12:18-27) The Sadducees question Jesus’ understanding of heaven and the resurrection Jesus reveals the human tendency to use authority as a competition about who is right Jesus the Loved and Sent Son (Mark 12:1-12) The Vineyard The Owner The Tenants The Servants The Son Discussion Questions: When you hear the word ‘authority’ what do you think of? This week, we continue our look at Jesus’ interactions in and around the Jerusalem temple. Whether on your own or with a group, begin your study by asking God to speak to you. Then read aloud Mark 11:27-12:27. This section of Mark’s Gospel is structured around Jesus’ interactions with different religious and political authorities. Take a moment to identify the authorities in each of the following sections: Mark 11:27-33; 12:1-12; 12:13-17; 12:18-27; 12:28-34 (we will look at this last section in greater depth in two weeks). Now, what would you say was the main conflict at the heart of Jesus’ conversation with the authorities in each of the following sections and how does Jesus deal with it: Mark 11:27-33; 12:13-17; and 12:18-27? In the midst of each of these conversations, what would you say was the underlying issue at the heart of each conflict between Jesus and the authorities? When looking at Mark 12:1-12 it is important to remember that this is not an allegory where every character and item has a spiritual meaning. Instead, it is a parable with one main meaning being conveyed. That being said, it is pretty clear from verse 12 that some of the characters represent real people. Who might the characters in this parable represent? What is Jesus saying about Himself through this parable? What is one specific thing that God is speaking to you from this study? Write it down. If you are in a small group, discuss this together. Next week we will continue in the Gospel of Mark by looking at Jesus’ words about the Temple and the times to come in Mark 13:1-37. To prepare for next week’s message, please read that Scripture passage ahead of time.

Reject Religion [ Remade: The Gospel of Mark Part 3] Texts: Mark 11:12-25 January 19/20, 2013 Pastor Will Branch On reaching Jerusalem, Jesus entered the temple courts and began driving out those who were buying and selling there. (Mark 11:15) The Fig Tree Full of leaves Absent of fruit Cursed The Temple Full of activity Absent of God Ripe for God's judgment Our Temple We are full of activity Is it bearing fruit? Are we ripe for harvest or judgment? Discussion Questions Talk about your church history and involvement. Why do you come to church? What fruit does it produce: in your life? in the body of Christ? in the world? Read Mark 11:12-25. Compare the fig tree and the temple. What does this tell us about: God's expectations for the church? God's expectations for us as His temple? How can we as the Body Christ do a better job of reproducing Christ? What are some specific ways you as an individual can better reproduce Christ in your own life?

“What If…?” [Find Your Place] Text: Luke 1:26-38; Acts 9:10-19 January 12/13, 2013 Pastor Matt Erickson “I am the Lord’s servant” Mary answered. “May Your word to me be fulfilled.” (Luke 1:38) “The Lord called to him in a vision, ‘Ananias!’ ‘Yes, Lord,’ he answered.” (Acts 9:10) Two Towering Figures of the New Testament: Jesus and Paul Their life, mission, and legacy Two Servants of God: Mary and Ananias Hearing God’s invitation (Luke 1:28; Acts 9:10) Seeing God’s purposes for us…and others (Luke 1:29-33; Acts 9:11-12, 15-16) Asking our questions about God’s call (Luke 1:34) Facing our fears about God’s call (Acts 9:13-14) Submitting as servants of God (Luke 1:38) Moving forward in response to God’s call (Acts 9:17-18) What if…? Discussion Questions: What person has most impacted your growth with Christ, and what was it about them that made such an impact on you? We continue our look at the theme of finding your place in the church through service this week by looking at two people in the New Testament: Mary, the mother of Jesus, and Ananias, a disciple from Damascus. As you prepare for study, take a moment to ask God to speak to you and then read the following two Scripture passages out loud: Luke 1:26-38 and Acts 9:1-19. Begin your study of these two passages by stating what the calling of God was both on Mary and Ananias. How did Mary and Ananias respond to God? What questions of God, concerns, or areas of resistance did Mary or Ananias have to God’s call in each situation? There are two aspects of God’s calling in these situations. The first, which we already discussed, is the calling on Mary and Ananias. The second aspect is God’s purpose for others through the obedience of Mary and Ananias. How would you describe God’s larger purposes which both Mary and Ananias are invited to participate in through their obedience? Mary’s statement in Luke 1:38 is a paradigm for Christian service and obedience to God. How ready and willing are you to respond to God like Mary does here? What excites you about serving God like Mary? What fears do you have about serving God like Mary? What is one specific thing that God is speaking to you from this study? How will you respond to God in obedient service? How might you step forward to serve at Eastbrook Church? Write some of these things down. If you are in a small group, discuss this together. Next week we will return to the Gospel of Mark by looking at Jesus’ entry into the Temple in Mark 11:12-25. To prepare for next week’s message, please read that Scripture passage ahead of time.