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Southside Church of Christ, Lexington, KY
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4 days ago
4 days ago
Mark 1:1
1 The beginning of the gospel about Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
1 The beginning of the gospel about Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
Lesson Notes
The Beginning of the Gospels:
Matthew - a genealogy
Mark - an announcement
Luke - a birth narrative
John - a theological statement
Three Aspects of Mark's Gospel:
1 It's a "not too late" gospel
2 It's a "do not wait" gospel
3 It's a "speak it straight" gospel
NT Wright on the Beginning of Mark's Gospel:
“It’s as if you are sound asleep and dreaming, when suddenly the door bursts open and a bright light shines full in your face. A voice, breaking in on your dream-world, shouts ‘Wake up! Get up! You’ll be late!” And without more ado, the speaker splashes your face with cold water to make the point. Time to stop dreaming and face the most important day of your life.”
Unique Features of Mark's Style of Writing:
It is written entirely in the present tense.
It is the shortest of the four gospels and most fast paced.
There is less teaching and more action in Mark’s gospel.
Mark asks a lot of questions - over 100 questions.
Mark uses the word - immediately - 41 times in his gospel.
Marcus Borg on Mark's use of the term "Son of God":
“We will not fully understand Mark’s affirmation that Jesus is the Son of God unless we realize that there was another Son of God in that world. For Christians to call Jesus “the Son of God” directly countered Roman imperialism and its rule of the world that they knew. So, already in the first verse, Mark names the conflict that will by the end of his story lead to the execution of Jesus.”
The Beginning of the Gospels:
Matthew - a genealogy
Mark - an announcement
Luke - a birth narrative
John - a theological statement
Three Aspects of Mark's Gospel:
1 It's a "not too late" gospel
2 It's a "do not wait" gospel
3 It's a "speak it straight" gospel
NT Wright on the Beginning of Mark's Gospel:
“It’s as if you are sound asleep and dreaming, when suddenly the door bursts open and a bright light shines full in your face. A voice, breaking in on your dream-world, shouts ‘Wake up! Get up! You’ll be late!” And without more ado, the speaker splashes your face with cold water to make the point. Time to stop dreaming and face the most important day of your life.”
Unique Features of Mark's Style of Writing:
It is written entirely in the present tense.
It is the shortest of the four gospels and most fast paced.
There is less teaching and more action in Mark’s gospel.
Mark asks a lot of questions - over 100 questions.
Mark uses the word - immediately - 41 times in his gospel.
Marcus Borg on Mark's use of the term "Son of God":
“We will not fully understand Mark’s affirmation that Jesus is the Son of God unless we realize that there was another Son of God in that world. For Christians to call Jesus “the Son of God” directly countered Roman imperialism and its rule of the world that they knew. So, already in the first verse, Mark names the conflict that will by the end of his story lead to the execution of Jesus.”
Discussion Questions
1. How does Mark’s personal story—his early failure and later usefulness to God—shape the way we understand the Gospel as a “not too late” message?
2. What does the unique style of Mark's writing (see the examples in lesson notes) tell us about the urgency of the message and mission of Jesus? How does this sense of urgency influence your own faith and action?
3. How does Mark’s bold proclamation that Jesus is “the Son of God” directly confront the culture and political power of his time? Discuss what it means to declare allegiance to Jesus in a world with competing loyalties.
4. The sermon compares Mark’s Gospel to a college signing day announcement. How does this metaphor help us understand what it means to publicly declare our faith to Jesus? Share personal experiences of making faith “announcements” in your own life.
1. How does Mark’s personal story—his early failure and later usefulness to God—shape the way we understand the Gospel as a “not too late” message?
2. What does the unique style of Mark's writing (see the examples in lesson notes) tell us about the urgency of the message and mission of Jesus? How does this sense of urgency influence your own faith and action?
3. How does Mark’s bold proclamation that Jesus is “the Son of God” directly confront the culture and political power of his time? Discuss what it means to declare allegiance to Jesus in a world with competing loyalties.
4. The sermon compares Mark’s Gospel to a college signing day announcement. How does this metaphor help us understand what it means to publicly declare our faith to Jesus? Share personal experiences of making faith “announcements” in your own life.
Monday May 05, 2025
Monday May 05, 2025
Hebrews 13:7, 17-21
7 Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider their way of life, and imitate their faith.
17 Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.
18 Pray for us, for we are sure that we have a clear conscience, desiring to act honorably in all things.
19 I urge you the more earnestly to do this in order that I may be restored to you the sooner.
20 Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant,
21 equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom by the glory forever and ever. Amen.
7 Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider their way of life, and imitate their faith.
17 Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.
18 Pray for us, for we are sure that we have a clear conscience, desiring to act honorably in all things.
19 I urge you the more earnestly to do this in order that I may be restored to you the sooner.
20 Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant,
21 equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom by the glory forever and ever. Amen.
NOTES ON THE LESSON ON FOLLOWERSHIP
Three Questions of Followership:
1 Whose faith are you imitating?
2 Are you willing to submit to someone else?
3 Are you a joy to lead?
A Call to Imitate:
1 Corinthians 11:1 - "Be imitators of me, just as I imitate Christ."
It is beneficial to have people in our lives whose faith we can imitate.
Jesus Learned Obedience:
Hebrews 5:8 - “Although Jesus was a son, he learned obedience from what he suffered.” Obedience and submission are learned behaviors.
The Whole of Christianity:
The whole of Christianity is about learning to surrender and yield every aspect of your life – every part of it – all of it – to the lordship of Jesus Christ. That’s what the Christian faith is all about.
The Followership Continuum:
The Hebrew writer makes a continuum for following leaders. On one side of the continuum is joy and on the other side of the continuum is burden.
NOTES FROM THE LESSON ON SOUL CARE
Book on Church Leadership:
The Care of Souls:Cultivating a Pastor's Heart by Harold L. Senkbeil
The task of the leader in the church is to maintain a constant watch over the souls who have been committed to his care.
The Role of the Watchman in the Old Testament:
Watchmen were individuals who were appointed to their role and given the responsibility to watch over a city. Typically, they would be posted on a high wall or a tower so that they could see either a messenger or the enemy coming from long distances.
The Primary Task of the Church Leader is to "Tend to the Soul"
Humans do not have souls, humans are uniquely souls. We are both physical and spiritual, mortal and immortal, ordinary and unique in all of creation. There is nothing else like us in all of God’s creation. We are souls.
Three Questions of Followership:
1 Whose faith are you imitating?
2 Are you willing to submit to someone else?
3 Are you a joy to lead?
A Call to Imitate:
1 Corinthians 11:1 - "Be imitators of me, just as I imitate Christ."
It is beneficial to have people in our lives whose faith we can imitate.
Jesus Learned Obedience:
Hebrews 5:8 - “Although Jesus was a son, he learned obedience from what he suffered.” Obedience and submission are learned behaviors.
The Whole of Christianity:
The whole of Christianity is about learning to surrender and yield every aspect of your life – every part of it – all of it – to the lordship of Jesus Christ. That’s what the Christian faith is all about.
The Followership Continuum:
The Hebrew writer makes a continuum for following leaders. On one side of the continuum is joy and on the other side of the continuum is burden.
NOTES FROM THE LESSON ON SOUL CARE
Book on Church Leadership:
The Care of Souls:Cultivating a Pastor's Heart by Harold L. Senkbeil
The task of the leader in the church is to maintain a constant watch over the souls who have been committed to his care.
The Role of the Watchman in the Old Testament:
Watchmen were individuals who were appointed to their role and given the responsibility to watch over a city. Typically, they would be posted on a high wall or a tower so that they could see either a messenger or the enemy coming from long distances.
The Primary Task of the Church Leader is to "Tend to the Soul"
Humans do not have souls, humans are uniquely souls. We are both physical and spiritual, mortal and immortal, ordinary and unique in all of creation. There is nothing else like us in all of God’s creation. We are souls.
The Shepherd and His Sheepdog:
The relationship of the shepherd and his sheepdog beautifully illustrates the work of the shepherd in the local church with his ears tuned attentively to the voice of the Great Shepherd and his eyes focused carefully on the Great Shepherd’s sheep.
The Because of Submission:
We submit to the shepherds of the local church because they are in a position of responsibility and accountability to the one who is in a position of authority – our Lord Jesus, the Great Shepherd of the sheep.
The relationship of the shepherd and his sheepdog beautifully illustrates the work of the shepherd in the local church with his ears tuned attentively to the voice of the Great Shepherd and his eyes focused carefully on the Great Shepherd’s sheep.
The Because of Submission:
We submit to the shepherds of the local church because they are in a position of responsibility and accountability to the one who is in a position of authority – our Lord Jesus, the Great Shepherd of the sheep.
Discussion Questions
1. Who are some people who you have imitated in your life (in any aspect of life)? Who are two or three people whose faith you imitate? What is it about their faith that you imitate?
2. Are you willing to submit to someone else? Can you think of a time when it was hard to submit to someone else? What made it so difficult? Can you think of a time when it was a good thing to submit to someone else? What made it good? Does knowing the "because" of submission in verse 17 help you to be someone who is more willing to submit to them?
3. Where might you place yourself on the followership continuum? Can you think of an example when you or another person was a joy to lead? Can you think of an example when you or another person was a burden to lead?
4. What aspect of the lesson on soul care helped you to better understand the role of the leader in the church?
5. Spend some time praying for the shepherd nomination process at Southside. The shepherd selection team has provided us with a great prayer guide. There is a link to the prayer guide on church center.
1. Who are some people who you have imitated in your life (in any aspect of life)? Who are two or three people whose faith you imitate? What is it about their faith that you imitate?
2. Are you willing to submit to someone else? Can you think of a time when it was hard to submit to someone else? What made it so difficult? Can you think of a time when it was a good thing to submit to someone else? What made it good? Does knowing the "because" of submission in verse 17 help you to be someone who is more willing to submit to them?
3. Where might you place yourself on the followership continuum? Can you think of an example when you or another person was a joy to lead? Can you think of an example when you or another person was a burden to lead?
4. What aspect of the lesson on soul care helped you to better understand the role of the leader in the church?
5. Spend some time praying for the shepherd nomination process at Southside. The shepherd selection team has provided us with a great prayer guide. There is a link to the prayer guide on church center.
Monday Apr 28, 2025
Monday Apr 28, 2025
Hebrews 13:7, 17
7 Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider their way of life, and imitate their faith.
17 Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.
7 Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider their way of life, and imitate their faith.
17 Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.
Notes from the Lesson
Three Questions of Followership:
1 Whose faith are you imitating?
2 Are you willing to submit to someone else?
3 Are you a joy to lead?
A Call to Imitate:
1 Corinthians 11:1 - "Be imitators of me, just as I imitate Christ."
It is beneficial to have people in our lives whose faith we can imitate.
Jesus Learned Obedience:
Hebrews 5:8 - “Although Jesus was a son, he learned obedience from what he suffered.” Obedience and submission are learned behaviors.
The Whole of Christianity:
The whole of Christianity is about learning to surrender and yield every aspect of your life – every part of it – all of it – to the lordship of Jesus Christ. That’s what the Christian faith is all about.
The Followership Continuum:
The Hebrew writer makes a continuum for following leaders. On one side of the continuum is joy and on the other side of the continuum is burden.
Three Questions of Followership:
1 Whose faith are you imitating?
2 Are you willing to submit to someone else?
3 Are you a joy to lead?
A Call to Imitate:
1 Corinthians 11:1 - "Be imitators of me, just as I imitate Christ."
It is beneficial to have people in our lives whose faith we can imitate.
Jesus Learned Obedience:
Hebrews 5:8 - “Although Jesus was a son, he learned obedience from what he suffered.” Obedience and submission are learned behaviors.
The Whole of Christianity:
The whole of Christianity is about learning to surrender and yield every aspect of your life – every part of it – all of it – to the lordship of Jesus Christ. That’s what the Christian faith is all about.
The Followership Continuum:
The Hebrew writer makes a continuum for following leaders. On one side of the continuum is joy and on the other side of the continuum is burden.
Discussion Questions
1. Who are some people who you have imitated in your life (in any aspect of life)? Who are two or three people whose faith you imitate? What is it about their faith that you imitate?
2. Are you willing to submit to someone else? Can you think of a time when it was hard to submit to someone else? What made it so difficult? Can you think of a time when it was a good thing to submit to someone else? What made it good?
3. Where might you place yourself on the followership continuum? Can you think of an example when you or another person was a joy to lead? Can you think of an example when you or another person was a burden to lead?
4. Spend some time praying for the shepherd nomination process at Southside. Pray specifically for the Lord to bless our church family with a spirit of followership.
1. Who are some people who you have imitated in your life (in any aspect of life)? Who are two or three people whose faith you imitate? What is it about their faith that you imitate?
2. Are you willing to submit to someone else? Can you think of a time when it was hard to submit to someone else? What made it so difficult? Can you think of a time when it was a good thing to submit to someone else? What made it good?
3. Where might you place yourself on the followership continuum? Can you think of an example when you or another person was a joy to lead? Can you think of an example when you or another person was a burden to lead?
4. Spend some time praying for the shepherd nomination process at Southside. Pray specifically for the Lord to bless our church family with a spirit of followership.
Sunday Apr 20, 2025
Sunday Apr 20, 2025
Matthew 27:50-53
50 And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit.
51 At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook and the rocks split.
52 The tombs broke open and the bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life.
53 They came out of the tombs, and after Jesus' resurrection they went into the holy city and appeared to many people.
Sunday Apr 13, 2025
Sunday Apr 13, 2025
Mark 11:1-11
As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage and Bethany at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two of his disciples, 2 saying to them, “Go to the village ahead of you, and just as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, which no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. 3 If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you doing this?’ say, ‘The Lord needs it and will send it back here shortly.’”
4 They went and found a colt outside in the street, tied at a doorway. As they untied it, 5 some people standing there asked, “What are you doing, untying that colt?” 6 They answered as Jesus had told them to, and the people let them go. 7 When they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks over it, he sat on it. 8 Many people spread their cloaks on the road, while others spread branches they had cut in the fields. 9 Those who went ahead and those who followed shouted,
“Hosanna!”
As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage and Bethany at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two of his disciples, 2 saying to them, “Go to the village ahead of you, and just as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, which no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. 3 If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you doing this?’ say, ‘The Lord needs it and will send it back here shortly.’”
4 They went and found a colt outside in the street, tied at a doorway. As they untied it, 5 some people standing there asked, “What are you doing, untying that colt?” 6 They answered as Jesus had told them to, and the people let them go. 7 When they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks over it, he sat on it. 8 Many people spread their cloaks on the road, while others spread branches they had cut in the fields. 9 Those who went ahead and those who followed shouted,
“Hosanna!”
“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”
10 “Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David!”
“Hosanna in the highest heaven!”
11 Jesus entered Jerusalem and went into the temple courts. He looked around at everything, but since it was already late, he went out to Bethany with the Twelve.
FROM THE SERMON
Cherubim - creatures with human heads, animal bodies, and often wings. They were guardians, standing outside of temples and other sacred spaces to serve as a warning.
The Garden
Genesis 3:22 - Humanity in its sinfulness is no threat to God, but a threat to itself and creation.
Genesis 3:24 - The Cherubim guard the entrance to Eden for our own protection.
From the book: The Garden, the Curtain, and the Cross
"It is wonderful to live with Him, but because of your sin you can't come in."
The Curtain
The account of building Solomon's Temple - 1 Kings 6, 2 Chronicles 3
Garden Iconography in the Temple:
Cherubim - creatures with human heads, animal bodies, and often wings. They were guardians, standing outside of temples and other sacred spaces to serve as a warning.
The Garden
Genesis 3:22 - Humanity in its sinfulness is no threat to God, but a threat to itself and creation.
Genesis 3:24 - The Cherubim guard the entrance to Eden for our own protection.
From the book: The Garden, the Curtain, and the Cross
"It is wonderful to live with Him, but because of your sin you can't come in."
The Curtain
The account of building Solomon's Temple - 1 Kings 6, 2 Chronicles 3
Garden Iconography in the Temple:
- Carved with trees, flowers, and fruit (1 Kings 6:18, 29)
- Golden lampstand (Menorah) represents a tree (Exodus 25)
- The CURTAIN is covered in Cherubim
Palm Sunday
Mark 11:11 - Jesus visits the temple, remembers the garden, and sees the curtain.
Mark 11:11 - Jesus visits the temple, remembers the garden, and sees the curtain.
Discussion Questions
- Share a time when you or someone you know failed to heed a warning (funny or serious).
- What does the garden narrative in scripture (Genesis 2 and 3) tell us about God's design and intentions for humanity?
- How does the temple (or the tabernacle before it) point back to Eden? (Some examples were shared during the sermon, but there are more ways that weren't discussed as well!)
- Why would God have instructed the creation of the tabernacle and temple in a way that would reference and remind people of the Garden of Eden?
- How do you think Jewish people felt when they saw the curtain covered with Cherubim blocking the way to the Most Holy Place?
- When Jesus rode into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, the beginning of the week of his death, he went into the temple and looked around (Mark 11:11). What thoughts do you think went through his mind, knowing that his death was soon approaching?
- One way we worship God is by loving and caring for those who bear His image. What are some ways you could join others or your family in doing that this week to prepare to celebrate the resurrection on Easter?
Sunday Apr 06, 2025
Sunday Apr 06, 2025
Romans 1:16-17
16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel; it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who has faith, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed through faith and for faith; as it is written, “The one who is righteous will live by faith.” NRSV
16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel; it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who has faith, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed through faith and for faith; as it is written, “The one who is righteous will live by faith.” NRSV
Discussion Questions
1 Have you ever been offended by the gospel? Which one of these three is more offensive - Jesus is the only way, Jesus died for your sins, Jesus is your King. Is it possible for us to proclaim an offensive message without being offensive?
2 Share with your group some specific ways that you have experienced the explosive power of God in your life. How have you seen His transforming power most at work in your life in the past month?
3 The righteousness of God can be summarized in three ways: God is right. God does what is right. God is making everything right. How do you see the righteousness of God revealed in the faith of Jesus Christ? How have you experienced the righteousness of God in your life of faith?
1 Have you ever been offended by the gospel? Which one of these three is more offensive - Jesus is the only way, Jesus died for your sins, Jesus is your King. Is it possible for us to proclaim an offensive message without being offensive?
2 Share with your group some specific ways that you have experienced the explosive power of God in your life. How have you seen His transforming power most at work in your life in the past month?
3 The righteousness of God can be summarized in three ways: God is right. God does what is right. God is making everything right. How do you see the righteousness of God revealed in the faith of Jesus Christ? How have you experienced the righteousness of God in your life of faith?
Monday Mar 31, 2025
Sunday Mar 23, 2025
Sunday Mar 23, 2025
ACTS 16:25-34
25 About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them, 26 and suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken. And immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone's bonds were unfastened. 27 When the jailer woke and saw that the prison doors were open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself, supposing that the prisoners had escaped. 28 But Paul cried with a loud voice, “Do not harm yourself, for we are all here.” 29 And the jailer called for lights and rushed in, and trembling with fear he fell down before Paul and Silas. 30 Then he brought them out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” 31 And they said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.” 32 And they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house. 33 And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their wounds; and he was baptized at once, he and all his family. 34 Then he brought them up into his house and set food before them. And he rejoiced along with his entire household that he had believed in God.
FROM THE LESSON
Rome demanded allegiance.
Rome demanded allegiance.
- Matthew 22:15-22
- Matthew 5:41
Philippi was a proud Roman colony.
The Philippian jailer had a deep allegiance to Rome.
3 FACETS OF FAITH
- Belief - intellectual agreement
- Confession - Belief acknowledges Jesus is THE king, Confession says “Jesus is MY king.”
- Allegiance - a shift in loyalty that is lived out
The way for early Christians to clear their name and regain their status in Roman culture was to proclaim “Caesar is Lord” rather than Jesus.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
- Jeremy shared the story of Benedict Arnold. How do you feel about someone who betrays their allegiance?
- Roman allegiance was a powerful force in its time. Do we have any parallels today?
- We looked at 3 facets of faith: Belief, Confession, and Allegiance. What other facets of faith do you see present in scripture?
- What are some other things we might give our ultimate allegiance to rather than Jesus? (examples: ourselves, job, someone we’re in love with, family, etc.)
- What does it look like for you to live out a pledged allegiance to Jesus as your king? What shifts would you like to make?
Sunday Mar 16, 2025
Sunday Mar 16, 2025
MARK 1:14-15
14 Now after John was arrested, Jesus came into Galilee, proclaiming the gospel of God, 15 and saying, "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel."
14 Now after John was arrested, Jesus came into Galilee, proclaiming the gospel of God, 15 and saying, "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel."
FROM THE LESSON
To be fluent in a language is when you have the ability to speak that language easily and effectively.
Faith is a response to the Gospel, faith is not a part of the core content of the Gospel.
Jesus' most central message, according to these Gospel writers, was that the kingdom of God had drawn near.
When our need for Jesus is met with our submission to Jesus, our lives begin to reflect Jesus to those around us.
To be fluent in a language is when you have the ability to speak that language easily and effectively.
Faith is a response to the Gospel, faith is not a part of the core content of the Gospel.
Jesus' most central message, according to these Gospel writers, was that the kingdom of God had drawn near.
When our need for Jesus is met with our submission to Jesus, our lives begin to reflect Jesus to those around us.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1 If you had to rate your gospel fluency, how would you rate yourself? Beginner, Elementary, Intermediate, Advanced, or Expert.
2 In your experience, what are some things that are commonly withheld or added in relation to the Gospel?
3 What encourages you or challenges you that the central message of Jesus was about the kingdom of God?
4 In your current season of life, what ways are easiest for you to submit to the Kingship of Christ? What is the hardest?
1 If you had to rate your gospel fluency, how would you rate yourself? Beginner, Elementary, Intermediate, Advanced, or Expert.
2 In your experience, what are some things that are commonly withheld or added in relation to the Gospel?
3 What encourages you or challenges you that the central message of Jesus was about the kingdom of God?
4 In your current season of life, what ways are easiest for you to submit to the Kingship of Christ? What is the hardest?
Sunday Mar 09, 2025
Sunday Mar 09, 2025
ROMANS 1:1-6
1 Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God— 2 the gospel he promised beforehand through his prophets in the Holy Scriptures 3 regarding his Son, who as to his human nature was a descendant of David, 4 and who through the Spirit of holiness was appointed the Son of God in power by his resurrection from the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord. 5 Through him and for his name's sake, we received grace and apostleship to call people from among all the Gentiles to the obedience that comes from faith. 6 And you also are among those Gentiles who are called to belong to Jesus Christ.
1 Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God— 2 the gospel he promised beforehand through his prophets in the Holy Scriptures 3 regarding his Son, who as to his human nature was a descendant of David, 4 and who through the Spirit of holiness was appointed the Son of God in power by his resurrection from the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord. 5 Through him and for his name's sake, we received grace and apostleship to call people from among all the Gentiles to the obedience that comes from faith. 6 And you also are among those Gentiles who are called to belong to Jesus Christ.
FROM THE LESSON
Book about Fatih - Salvation By Allegiance Alone by Matthew Bates
Gospel - it literally means "good news." It translates the Greek word - euangelion - where the prefix eu- means "good" and then angelion means "message." It relates to the Greek word - angelos - meaning "messenger" from which the English word angel is derived.
Characteristics of the Gospel -
1 The priority of the gospel (verse 1)
2 The promise of the gospel (verse 2)
3 The person of the gospel (verses 3-4)
4 The purpose of the gospel (verse 5)
The Full Gospel - "the gospel tells the whole story of Jesus; it's not just a Good Friday story. No matter how central the cross is to the Story, we need to keep in mind that the story is much more than the story of the cross. Jesus didn't just die." Scot McKnight
Faith-Fueled Obedience - The NIV translates it as the "obedience that comes from faith." The ESV translates it as the "obedience of faith." NT Wright translates it as "believing obedience."
Book about Fatih - Salvation By Allegiance Alone by Matthew Bates
Gospel - it literally means "good news." It translates the Greek word - euangelion - where the prefix eu- means "good" and then angelion means "message." It relates to the Greek word - angelos - meaning "messenger" from which the English word angel is derived.
Characteristics of the Gospel -
1 The priority of the gospel (verse 1)
2 The promise of the gospel (verse 2)
3 The person of the gospel (verses 3-4)
4 The purpose of the gospel (verse 5)
The Full Gospel - "the gospel tells the whole story of Jesus; it's not just a Good Friday story. No matter how central the cross is to the Story, we need to keep in mind that the story is much more than the story of the cross. Jesus didn't just die." Scot McKnight
Faith-Fueled Obedience - The NIV translates it as the "obedience that comes from faith." The ESV translates it as the "obedience of faith." NT Wright translates it as "believing obedience."
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Ice Breaker: What if you had to share the gospel with another person only using one sentence? How would you summarize the gospel in one sentence?
1 When was the last time you had some really good news that you couldn't wait to share with someone else? What was the news? God gives us the honor and joy of being the ones to share His good news with the world. Is there someone in your circle of influence with whom you could share the good news?
2 Have you ever purposefully read the Old Testament through the lens of the gospel? When you do this, you see the promise of the gospel almost on every page. Is there an example of this that comes to your mind?
3 The good news of Jesus is about "the whole career of Christ." We know that the story of the cross is good news, but how is the rest of the story also good news?
4 In verse 5, Paul says the purpose of the gospel is to bring about "believing obedience." Discuss the important connection between faith and obedience.
Ice Breaker: What if you had to share the gospel with another person only using one sentence? How would you summarize the gospel in one sentence?
1 When was the last time you had some really good news that you couldn't wait to share with someone else? What was the news? God gives us the honor and joy of being the ones to share His good news with the world. Is there someone in your circle of influence with whom you could share the good news?
2 Have you ever purposefully read the Old Testament through the lens of the gospel? When you do this, you see the promise of the gospel almost on every page. Is there an example of this that comes to your mind?
3 The good news of Jesus is about "the whole career of Christ." We know that the story of the cross is good news, but how is the rest of the story also good news?
4 In verse 5, Paul says the purpose of the gospel is to bring about "believing obedience." Discuss the important connection between faith and obedience.