Day 10: Desperation and Faith (5:21-43)

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Discussion Questions

(1) Pastor Cook talks about the importance of having faith in the midst of fear (pg. 40). What are some ways you have been fearful, yet God has granted you courage in the midst of seeking Jesus?  (5:36, c.f 4:40)

(2) How has your faith anchored you in the desperate times of life?

(3) Not everyone receives healing. How can we persist in obedient trust in the midst of suffering and trials?

(4) Following up, discuss the difficulties we face in true faith by trusting God in both his timing and when He does not heal or do that for which we prayed (pg. 41).

(5) In our Christian walk, many times we desire comfort over holiness. In these moments of desperation and faith, how does God use these moments to drive us to the feet of Jesus where the real power of Christ resides? (pp. 41, 42)

Day 9: Kingdom Authority over Nature and Demons (4:35-5:20)

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Discussion Questions

(1) Pastor Cook says many Christians believe in the devil intellectually but not theologically (pg. 36). What are some ways Christians might live differently in spite of these opposing viewpoints?

(2) How are you submitting to Jesus’ authority in your own life through His Word and deed?

(3) What is the importance of Jesus being both fully God and fully man?

(4) When circumstances are less than desirable, does your faith reflect what you believe about Jesus?

(5) Why is God willing to put you into difficult circumstances?

(6) We read about the disciples referring to Christ as “Teacher” instead of Lord. What are some examples in our lives where we see Jesus as our Teacher but fail to surrender to Him as Lord? (pg. 36, c.f. Mark 5)

(7) When we ask ourselves or others, “What is the most important question I will ever ask or answer?”, do we think firstly about who we believe Jesus to be? If not, why? (pg 36-38)

(8) Pastor Cook charges us in the “Living Out” portion not to give up on family and friends in prayer so that they may receive Jesus. Why do we find it hard to pray for our lost family and friends? Doubt? Frustration? Anger?  (pg. 38)

Day 8: More Kingdom Parables (4:21-34)

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Discussion Questions

(1) What obstacles keep you from hearing God? (ears to hear, 31)

(2) Are there some areas where we hear God, but neglect to listen and/or obey? As God’s children, how ought we respond? (32)

(3) Who can you share Jesus with this week? (33)

Day 7: Kingdom Parables (4:1-20)

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Discussion Questions

(1) What are some examples of being good soil? Would they be similar or the same to having the fruit of the Spirit?

(2) What are some examples of ways we are to be doers of the Word and not just hearers? How do you put the Word into practice in your daily life?

(3) What kind of soil are you?

Day 6: Family, Accusations, and Followers (3:20-35)

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Discussion Questions

(1) We read about how Jesus’ family doubts him during his ministry (pg. 24). Does that motivate or discourage us to be more faithful in proclaiming the Word?

(2) Pastor Cook discusses the controversial topic of the unpardonable sin in the “Digging In” portion of the chapter. Were there any surprises with Pastor Cook’s conclusion of that passage? What are some of these implications?

(3) How does knowing Jesus’ family doubted him help you know that Jesus is able to sympathize with you when you experience hurts and pains?

(4) Am I living so closely to Jesus and saturated by his gospel that I’m a light to non-believers?

(5) How can I encourage the faith family of Ninth & O Baptist Church?

Day 5: An Expanding Ministry (3:7-19)

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Discussion Questions

(1) “Jesus’ philosophy of ministry focused heavily on discipleship (pg. 20).” What are some ways we can utilize discipleship in our own lives?

(2) How are you encouraged to know that the disciples were ordinary men?

(3) How does the Holy Spirit empower you in your sphere of influence?

(4) Who is pouring into you right now? Is there someone you can walk alongside in discipleship?

Day 4: Controversies Continue (Mark 2:18-3:6)

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Discussion Questions

(1) What are some examples of following rules whilst lacking love for our neighbor?

(2) On pp. 17-18, Pastor Cook discusses how both Pharisees and we are guilty of elevating preferences or oral traditions to the level of Scripture. What issues or traditions do we elevate on par with Scripture?

(3) How can we change Pharisaical thinking into thinking with the compassion of Jesus?

(4) How do we serve those who are like the Pharisees in our church?

Day 3: Blasphemy and Bad Company (2:1-17)

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Discussion Questions

(1) Do we ever get upset/surprised by someone receiving Jesus? If so, why (c.f. 2:17, Luke 19:7)?

(2) After seeing all the miracles and fulfilled promises throughout Scripture, why do we lack faith or doubt when God has told us He will do something?

(3) Following Jesus as the only hope for sinners is considered intolerant in today’s culture (pg. 13). What are some hardships you face when sharing Jesus with friends/family/coworkers?

(4) Jesus refers to himself using a more veiled title “Son of Man” in order to remove himself from the political aspirations placed on the coming Messiah. In what ways do we project aspirations on Jesus in our day that might not fit who He has told us he is (p 12)?

(5) Why did the Pharisees hate Jesus?

(6) Does your faith lead you to share with those closest to you? Why or why not?

Day 2: The Kingdom Inaugurated (1:21-45)

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Discussion Questions

(1) Does knowing God has already defeated Satan empower us to live more boldly (pg.8)? How does this help us with evangelism?

(2) Pastor Cook mentions how Jews missed the true Messiah by hoping He would abolish Roman rule (pg. 8). In what ways does our flesh desire a different messiah?

(3) Are our lives saturated in prayer? Why? Why Not? Do we pray intently about the critical moments in our lives? What are some reasons we don’t pray more? What can you do to develop more consistency in prayer (pp. 8, 10)?

(4) Do we allow people to determine or guide our agendas? If so, why don’t we rely on God and seek his direction for our lives (pg. 9)?

(5) Do you believe that God is willing to help you (pg. 9)?

(6) God has already defeated Satan. The Kingdom has arrived and is expanding. How does Jesus’ victory and rule give you confidence in your fight against sin and boldness in sharing the gospel?

Day 1: Jesus Christ, The Son of God (1:1-20)

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Discussion Questions

(1) Why is Jesus the One worth following (c.f 1:1, top of paragraph 2)?

(2) “Now, with the veil torn, we can more fully approach God the Father because of the intercession of Jesus.” What is the significance of this truth (c.f. 1:10; 15:38, 3 paragraph pg. 3)?

(3) What hinders you from following God immediately in full obedience (c.f. 1:18, pg. 4)?

(4) Will you commit to 40 days with Jesus?