3-16-22 Wednesday - Seeing in the Dark
Seeing in the Dark - A Deep Dive into the Passion of Christ in Mark
Press Logo above to play service. For 3-16-22
What Had happened at Grace this week.
![[Sunday] All Things - Keep It Simple](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5852f18a20099e30cd2c01dc/1731687836393-04YTHZK3FOM503Y57MM3/Simple4a.jpg)
![[Sunday] Mark 11 | Throw This Mountain - Revealing True Power](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5852f18a20099e30cd2c01dc/1647021457464-2LDO7FXTR7JT03N80J53/Revealing+10a.jpg)
[Sunday] Mark 11 | Throw This Mountain - Revealing True Power
If only you have enough faith, you can throw this mountain into the sea. But it would also take an immense amount of faith to throw all that we hold dear away and say God is all I need.
Questions for the week
Describe a time when you got so busy that you missed out on what God was doing.
Read 1 Kings 8:22-56. This is Solomon’s prayer at the dedication of the temple. What does this prayer show us about the purpose of the temple? What does this prayer show us about God?
Read Mark 11: 12-26. What has the temple turned into? Is it reflecting the prayer Solomon prayed? How does Jesus respond to what He sees in the temple?
As you are baptized and have the Holy Spirit dwelling in you, how might you reflect the presence of God to those around you this week?
What Had happened at Grace this week.
![[Sunday] Royal Introduction - Kingdom Way](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5852f18a20099e30cd2c01dc/1732292654207-IOAL90WWETSNSYJWNI92/KW+1a.jpg)
3-9-22 Wednesday - Seeing is Not Believing
A Deep Dive into the Passion of Christ in Mark
Press Logo above to play service. For 3-9-22
What Had happened at Grace this week.
![[Sunday] Mark 10 | Amazing Ask - Revealing True Power](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5852f18a20099e30cd2c01dc/1646407608226-YGIP23HKDVXLYDYGTKM2/Revealing+9a.jpg)
[Sunday] Mark 10 | Amazing Ask - Revealing True Power
The new student threw up his hand yet again, into the view of the increasingly frustrated teacher. The teacher marveled that the questions were not questions at all but merely statements to show off the intelligence of the new student.
Questions for the week
Describe a time when you saw someone ask questions just to prove they were right.
Read Mark 10:17-30. What is the question the rich man asks Jesus? Why do you think he asks this question?
How does Jesus respond to this man?
What then do the disciples ask Jesus? How is this different from the question the rich man asks?
How does Jesus respond to the disciples? How is it astonishing for you, to know that Jesus has done the impossible and saved you?
What Had happened at Grace this week.
![[Ash Wednesday] 2022 Live Stream](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5852f18a20099e30cd2c01dc/1645890318218-RJYOH0LWBMCI1JQL46IT/ash+wednesday.jpg)
[Ash Wednesday] 2022 Live Stream
Ash Wednesday we ponder the question of how we got here. What have we done to ourselves. This day invites us to sit in dust and ashes and seek repentance.
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What Had happened at Grace this week.
![[Sunday] Mark 9 | Greatness - Revealing True Power](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5852f18a20099e30cd2c01dc/1645670853111-JMRIV51D3MRCJCCVZJVD/Revealing+8a.jpg)
[Sunday] Mark 9 | Greatness - Revealing True Power
Welcome a little child, and you welcome Jesus himself. Easy! But what if it does not mean what we think it does? And what does this have to do with the disciples arguing about being great?
Questions for the week
What qualities and actions make someone great?
Read Mark 9:33-37, 42. How does Jesus define greatness?
In our pursuit of greatness, what does that do to our relationships with God and with one another?
In Jesus’ actions, how does he free us from the pursuit of greatness?
What Had happened at Grace this week.
![[Sunday] Mark 8-9 | Knowing Christ - Revealing True Power](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5852f18a20099e30cd2c01dc/1645195551708-CUSHQ2SIAVLECPQ3IJUX/Revealing+7a.jpg)
[Sunday] Mark 8-9 | Knowing Christ - Revealing True Power
Why can’t the disciples cast out that demon? They have seen Jesus heal people. They have seen the lame walk and the blind see. They have even heard the voice of God blessing his son Jesus. They know who Jesus is. He is the Christ, and yet we struggle.
Questions for the week
Describe a time when you’ve said all the right things, but been completely wrong?
Read Mark 9:14-29. What are the disciples unable to do?
What does Jesus do? What does He say about why the disciples couldn’t do it?
How have you been mistaken about Jesus in your life? How can Jesus reorient your thinking about him through humbleness and prayer?
What Had happened at Grace this week.
![[Sunday] Mark 7-8 | 4,000 Crumbs - Revealing True Power](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5852f18a20099e30cd2c01dc/1644589361217-RVQ9K1GHDMH1T276G416/Revealing+6a.jpg)
[Sunday] Mark 7-8 | 4,000 Crumbs - Revealing True Power
The religious leaders clutched their pearls at the sight of Jesus' disciples eating without washing their hands. What is this, Covid? Or is it strict religious devotion which has left so many feeling lost and alone, wanting satisfaction?
Questions for the week
What is a ridiculous rule someone has tried to make you follow?
Read Mark 7:1-23. What is the issue that Jesus is concerned about?
What are some rules we put on our faith that actually point people further away from Jesus and each other?
How does Jesus bring us closer to Him and each other?
Read Mark 7:24-30. How is it encouraging to know that even if we get the crumbs of God’s grace, it is enough?
What Had happened at Grace this week.
![[Sunday] Mark 6 | Hearts & Loaves - Revealing True Power](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5852f18a20099e30cd2c01dc/1643842311327-PVL7KCR7DQCS85OR4B4Y/Revealing+5a.jpg)
[Sunday] Mark 6 | Hearts & Loaves - Revealing True Power
The disciples look straight at Jesus and yet all they see is a ghost on the water. The newly freed people of God stuck in the wilderness long to return to their oppressors in Egypt. It seems even the best of us lose heart during tenuous times. But Jesus looks back at our fearful faces, saying, “Take heart, and remember the loaves.”
Questions for the week
What is the craziest abuse of power you’ve heard about in the news recently?
Read Mark 6:14-29. What words would you use to describe Herod as a leader? What does his reaction to the girl’s dance show us about him?
Read Mark 6:30-43. Specifically looking at verse 34, how is Jesus a different type of leader than King Herod?
When our hearts are hard, how does Jesus show us compassion? How does having a serving and compassionate king in Jesus change how we view power in the world?
What Had happened at Grace this week.
![[Sunday] Mark 4-5 | Bad Soil Good - Revealing True Power](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5852f18a20099e30cd2c01dc/1643378948145-XIDUHB0VSGU2LVAX9BRE/Revealing+4a.jpg)
[Sunday] Mark 4-5 | Bad Soil Good - Revealing True Power
Bless your heart, Jesus, but this is just all bad soil. The waves were too much. The man was filled with too many demons. There is no way she could be close to God with all her problems. And that little girl just died. But where the soil is bad, Jesus seems to turn it good.
Questions for the week
Describe someone who was in a hopeless situation that was so bad, you would say that they were “beyond saving.” What made it seem like they were “beyond saving?”
Read Mark 4:35- 5:43. In each of these 3 sections, identify how Jesus takes hopeless situations and brings good news to them. In other words, how do we see Jesus turn bad soil to good soil?
Where in your life have you seen Jesus turn bad soil into good soil?
What Had happened at Grace this week.
![[Sunday] Mark 3-4 | Seeds & Trees - Revealing True Power](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5852f18a20099e30cd2c01dc/1642699895172-WO44ULUMEID6JAR01WRM/Revealing+3a.jpg)
[Sunday] Mark 3-4 | Seeds & Trees - Revealing True Power
What does God and His kingdom look like? When Jesus is asked this simple question, He does not give us pictures of great military battles in the sky, or with thinking of answers to difficult questions. No, He said it is like seeds and trees.
Questions for the week
Describe a time in life in which you saw or felt God working in a big way.
Read Mark 4:1-20. What is the parable of the sower about? Who causes the seeds to grow?
Read Mark 4:26-33. Who causes the seeds to grow? How is the Kingdom of God like a mustard seed?
This week, go and find a big tree. As you sit by and look at that big tree, think of how it started as a seed. Reflect on your own faith and promise of Jesus that comes like seeds.
What Had happened at Grace this week.
![[Sunday] Mark 2-3 | Bringing Down the House - Revealing True Power](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5852f18a20099e30cd2c01dc/1641956797095-1IS76SH7XUHXY32XAJ5W/Revealing+2a.jpg)
[Sunday] Mark 2-3 | Bringing Down the House - Revealing True Power
Jesus is surrounded. People are everywhere pushing in, wanting to hear a fresh word of good news, wanting Him to heal their hurts. Some are even there blocking others just to catch Jesus in a slip of the tongue. But when some bring down the roof to be restored, others attempt to use the opportunity to bring down the entire house on Jesus.
Questions for the week
Think of a time when it was difficult for you to forgive someone. What emotions did you feel as you wrestled with what it meant to forgive them?
Read Mark 2:1-12. If you were busy and someone broke into your home to be healed, how would you respond? How does Jesus respond?
Why do scribes get angry? When have you gotten angry in a similar situation?
How does Jesus bring restoration to the paralyzed man?
Read the rest of Mark 2 and 3. How does Jesus restore different people back to God in each of the stories?
What Had happened at Grace this week.
![[Sunday] Mark 1 | Let's Go! - Revealing True Power](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5852f18a20099e30cd2c01dc/1641434966389-3XZQQDGP8R27KATYWSU8/Revealing+1a.jpg)
[Sunday] Mark 1 | Let's Go! - Revealing True Power
The Heavens are ripped open, hurling God’s grace and power into the world. The sick are healed! The demons are cast out! He speaks new life into God's message! He doesn’t even fall to temptation. He is the one -- Good News at last! Let’s go!
Questions for the week
What is something in your life that has been a wake up call?
Read Mark 1. There is a lot about Jesus in this chapter. What is your favorite part of the chapter?
Specifically looking at verses 14 and 15, what does it mean to “repent and believe the gospel?”
Looking at all of these stories where we see that “Jesus is the Son of God,” how do these stories in Mark 1 help us see that Jesus is the Son of God and good news for you?
What Had happened at Grace this week.
![[Sunday] Await Epiphany](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5852f18a20099e30cd2c01dc/1640701470511-JW1U7GVOJZGZ5EGTWN8F/await+epiphanya.jpg)
[Sunday] Await Epiphany
The Prophet Isaiah is getting us ready for the king’s coming, not just a Jewish king but a wonderful counselor, almighty God, and Prince of Peace.
What Had happened at Grace this week.
![[Sunday] Await Holy Night](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5852f18a20099e30cd2c01dc/1640274898409-HRS2H9CH8NZA5G7B0FT0/Await+5a.jpg)
[Sunday] Await Holy Night
“Oh Holy Night” is a loved Christmas carol that speaks of the magi in more than one way.
Questions for the week
Describe a time when an unlikely or unwelcomed person came to an event. How did the other people at the event react?
Read Matthew 2:1-12. What would Matthew’s Jewish audience have thought about the wise men or magi worshiping Jesus? If you were to guess, which god would you think they had worshiped before this?
God leads the magi, these unlikely people, to worship Jesus. What hope does this give you?
What Had happened at Grace this week.
Christmas Day Service 2021
How beautiful upon the mountains of those whose feet bring good news. On Christmas, we see the world with renewed vision and with gladness as the hope of the world has been born.
Click To watch Service
Questions for the week
What are some of the most beautiful mountains you’ve seen?
Read Isaiah 52. According to Isaiah what is beautiful upon the mountains?
Looking specifically at Isaiah 52:8-10, how does the Lord comfort his people? What does this have to do with Christmas?
What Had happened at Grace this week.
Christmas Eve Service 2021
The angles Startled the poor shepherds with heavenly songs of Glory to God in the Heights. This is how you will know that God has come. You will find a baby poor and in a manger. This changed everything and left the shepherds joyfully singing the song of heaven with breathy human voices.
What Had happened at Grace this week.
![[Sunday] Await the Empty Tomb](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5852f18a20099e30cd2c01dc/1639758127214-0JWS87ILEHZ44BP3W3Z5/Await+4a.jpg)
[Sunday] Await the Empty Tomb
“He will swallow up death forever," pronounces the prophet Isaiah as he looks across the future, seeing the shroud which is holding all the creation down. Those words from the prophet ring out with a sure hope as we look inside the empty tomb.
Questions for the week
Why can Christmas be hard for people who have lost loved ones?
Read Isaiah 25:6-9. How does Isaiah beautifully describe what happens to death?
What about this great feast, brought about by Jesus’ return, do you look most forward to?
What Had happened at Grace this week.
![[Sunday] Await the Christmas Ham](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5852f18a20099e30cd2c01dc/1639149545618-L5PE1GGD1ICPLYK0PY6K/Await+3a.jpg)
[Sunday] Await the Christmas Ham
Oh the humble Christmas ham. It’s easier to cook than a turkey, but it's still tasty. In the nation of Israel the ham would never have been accepted as a gift. And yet the glory of the “ham nations” was given at the birth of the Hebrew messiah.
Questions for the week
Describe a time when you messed up preparing a holiday dinner.
Read Isaiah 19:16-25. What do you find surprising about Egypt and Assyria? Why would they be able to worship just like Israel?
Think of a group of people that you dislike; how would it make you feel if they were part of God’s promise?
Through Christ, how does God make all the nations part of his promise? In regards to Christ, how are you no different than all the other nations?
What Had happened at Grace this week.
![[Sunday] Await the Nativity](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5852f18a20099e30cd2c01dc/1638495832421-GE6I616E0YQQ1RHNDQH4/Await+2a.jpg)
[Sunday] Await the Nativity
The prophet Isaiah is warning us of our proclivity to build foundations upon the power of Babylon rather than the kingdom of God. The gift of the nativity is the place where the world's power structures are completely upended and the original creation is put back to rights.
Questions for the week
Describe a time when you were so focused on perfection but were actually just shallowly covering up your faults?
Read 2 Kings 20:12-19. Why is Isaiah upset with Hezekiah? What have they tried too hard to be like?
In what ways have you sought pride, power, and prestige trying to be like Babylon?
Read Isaiah 13:6-16, 14:1. The day of the Lord comes to call us from pride, power, and prestige. How does the day of the Lord bring about God’s wrath as well as his compassion (hint: connect this to Jesus on the cross)?
What Had happened at Grace this week.
Introducing Him who completes all of creation with everything humanity has to offer.