Buhler Mennonite Brethren Church

Mark 16:1 - 8 FURTHER DISCUSSION What is your impression of the women at the tomb? Why is the resurrection important to the story of who Jesus is? Do you think Mark has painted a good picture of who Jesus is? (Can we answer: “Who is this Jesus?”) Do you find yourself wishing Mark had included many more details throughout or do his short/quick accounts work for you? Does his account seem incomplete? How has our look at the book of Mark impacted your discipleship journey? Has it drawn you closer to Jesus?

Mark 15:16 - 47 FURTHER DISCUSSION Compare and contrast the many responses to Jesus’ passion and crucifixion as King (e.g. religious leaders, disciples, soldiers, Pilate, women, centurion). How was Jesus different from the expected Messiah, Son of God King? Why does this matter? How do you respond when asked: “Why did Jesus have to die?”

Mark 14:27 – 15:15 FURTHER DISCUSSION What are the differences and similarities between Judas, Peter and the other disciples in this passage? Have you ever had a situation to deny being a follower of Jesus? What were those circumstances? What is significant about Jesus’ prayer in Gethsemane? What strikes you about the trials Jesus endured?

Mark 14: 1 - 26 FURTHER DISCUSSION Compare and contrast the religious leader’s response to Jesus and the woman who anointed Him. Compare and contrast the woman and Judas. What is the relationship of the Passover Meal to the “Last Supper”? How does regularly sharing the Lord’s Supper impact our day-to-day walk with Jesus (discipleship)?

Mark 13:1 - 37 FURTHER DISCUSSION How do you generally feel about “apocalyptic” (dealing with the end times) bible passages? Why are so many Christians preoccupied (obsessed??) about timing and signs for the end times? Why does Jesus include these end times comments in this passage? How do you understand the idea that Jesus’ return is “imminent”? What would our lives look like if we took seriously Jesus’ command to keep watch?

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.

Mark 11:27 – 12:24 FURTHER DISCUSSION What might you notice about the way Jesus handles conflict and what can we learn from His approach? Do you ever think about Jesus’ authority? Why or why not? How does authority work with following Jesus? What questions might come up regarding tax paying (vs. 13-17), life in eternity (vs. 18-27) and giving offerings (vs. 41-44)?

Mark 11:1 - 25 FURTHER DISCUSSION Are there some things (practices, attitudes) that have become ritualistic (i.e. lacking real fruit) in the modern church? What might they be? How does the modern church sometimes look like a business and how can we avoid this? What might it look like for the modern church – our church – to be a house of prayer? How do we understand faith in light of vs. 22 – 24?

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.

1 Peter 1:18 & 19 FURTHER DISCUSSION How would you describe what humans are in bondage to? What all might encompass the “empty way of life” in verse 18? What do you think it means to be redeemed? Why are perishable things inadequate to redeem us? Why is it important to regularly remind ourselves of the cost Jesus paid?

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.

Matthew 2:1 – 12; Romans 12:1; Galatians 2:20 FURTHER DISCUSSION What is your initial response when you consider Jesus coming as King, Savior, Lord? Are there other “gifts” or expressions that we can give to God beyond worship, obedience, life, heart? How are these similar and how are they more distinct? How can we encourage one another to truly give these things to God?

Matthew 2:1 – 12; Romans 12:1; Galatians 2:20 FURTHER DISCUSSION What is your initial response when you consider Jesus coming as King, Savior, Lord? Are there other “gifts” or expressions that we can give to God beyond worship, obedience, life, heart? How are these similar and how are they more distinct? How can we encourage one another to truly give these things to God?

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.

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.

Matthew 2:9 - 11 FURTHER DISCUSSION Why was it appropriate for the Magi to give gifts to Jesus? Do you think they modeled meaningful gift giving well? Had you heard of the symbolism & significance of the Magi’s gifts to Jesus? Does any one stand out to you? How might the Magi’s giving gifts to Jesus impact our gift giving at Christmas? How do the Magi inspire you on your journey with Jesus?

Ecclesiastes 5:10; Luke 12:15; 2 Corinthians 9:7; Hebrews 13:5 FURTHER DISCUSSION Do you agree with the pitfalls mentioned in the sermon? Is one more problematic than the other or are they about the same? What other pitfalls might there be to gift giving at Christmas? Does one (or more) of the suggestions for meaningful gift giving stand out? Why can gift giving be so difficult (emotions, feelings, attitudes, approaches)? Do we really believe “it is more blessed to give than to receive?”

John 3:16; 2 Corinthians 9:15 FURTHER DISCUSSION Have you ever considered the reasoning behind gift giving at Christmas? Does gift giving seem biblical or at least spiritually proper? What does it mean that God is the first and greatest giver? What does that say about His character and His attitude toward us? How do we give “gifts” to God? What might that look like? Why do people give gifts to one another, at Christmas or anytime?

Luke 17:11 - 19 FURTHER DISCUSSION How do you feel about the other nine in the story? Why is it important for followers of Jesus to live in gratitude? What are some things that hinder us from living lives of thankfulness? What does this story indicate about Jesus’ relationship with marginalized people – like a Samaritan leper? If there is time, share stories of thankfulness or things you are thankful for with your group.

Mark 9:23 & 24 FURTHER DISCUSSION What is your impression of the father in the narrative? Does his statement seem more encouraging or discouraging, in general? Do you think faith can be measured? What is the most important aspect of faith? What are some things that keep us from having a confident faith? Or where do doubts seem to stem from?

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?

Mark 6:30-56 FURTHER DISCUSSION How do you think the disciples felt about the crowd? What does Jesus feeding 5,000 show us about His character? Why might have Jesus sent the disciples in the boat without Him? How do you think you would react to seeing someone walking on stormy waves? Would your reaction change if you knew it was God in a human body? How did Jesus respond to the crowds who came for healing? What might this say about their faith?

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.

Mark 6:1-29 FURTHER DISCUSSION Why do you think Jesus’ hometown people treated Him with resentment and/or disdain? Why do you think Jesus had such a minimalist approach regarding preparation for missional work? (vs. 8-9) And what were the disciples to do if they were not welcomed, or rejected? (vs. 11) What might we learn from this about our current approach to missional work?

Mark 4:35 – 5:43 What is the relationship between fear and faith? How do they interact with each other? Besides their physical ailments (demons, bleeding, death) how did Jesus heal these people? What was Jesus’ purpose in performing these miracles? How should we view miracles today?

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.

Mark 4: 1-34 Is story telling an effective teaching technique? Why or why not? How would you define the term “parable”? Jesus tells four parables in this passage. Which one impacts you the most? What do you think it means to have “ears to hear”?

Key Verse: “Proclaim the Lord’s greatness with me; let us exalt his name together.” Psalm 34:3

Mark 3:7-35 Do you ever find yourself wanting things Jesus can give you instead of just wanting Him (relationship)? What is the significance of the Apostle’s commissioning? What do you think “binding the strongman” means? Are you ever fearful that you may have committed the “unpardonable” sin? How does Jesus redefine family? How does this make you feel?

Mark 2:1 – 3:6 How is Jesus deliberately establishing His authority in this passage? Why were the religious leaders so adverse to Jesus’ teachings? Does it seem like Jesus was intentionally “in their face” in these accounts? Are there people you are reluctant to befriend or socialize with? How can we encourage each other to see everyone as Jesus does? Did Jesus eliminate fasting and keeping the Sabbath or put them in perspective? Explain.