Bible Study

Welcome to a new Grace Presbyterian Church Bible Study! Since Bible study is foundational to Christian life we want to invite everyone to be part of this study in 2008. To make this possible the study will be available after Sunday worship in the narthex and on the literature table in the fellowship room. It will also be here on the church website.

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"These things happened to them to serve as an example, and they were written down to instruct us, on whom the ends of the ages have come." — I Corinthians 10:11

We have come to the midpoint of Mark’s Gospel. Mark seems very conscious of balancing his account with events from the first chapter (or opening since he didn’t write in chapters) along with foreshadowings of the conclusion. Jesus’ instruction is repeatedly addressed to the disciples who struggle greatly here to understand what is going on.

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"These things happened to them to serve as an example, and they were written down to instruct us, on whom the ends of the ages have come." — I Corinthians 10:11

Two central themes emerge in the eighth chapter of Mark's Gospel. The first is a continuing revelation of the power of Jesus now with the added theme of Jesus' necessary death and resurrection. The second is the unpredictability of Jesus. Jesus is confusing to the Pharisees and to Peter. The disciples don't understand him. He himself does not follow a set model but commands us to take up our cross and follow him.

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“These things happened to them to serve as an example, and they were written down to instruct us, on whom the ends of the ages have come.” – I Corinthians 10:11

The seventh chapter of Mark's gospel focuses on the incredible authority of Jesus Christ. Jesus here is revealed not only as a great teacher but as one who can actually redefine God's Word. This chapter also sets up a strong contrast between the Jewish religious leaders who are critical of Jesus and Gentiles who readily submit to his authority.

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"These things happened to them to serve as an example, and they were written down to instruct us, on whom the ends of the ages have come." — I Corinthians 10:11

The sixth chapter of Mark focuses on the theme of discipleship. We first see the people in Jesus’ hometown rejecting him (Mark 6:1-6a). One would think they would be obvious disciples, knowing Jesus from childhood, but they are not. We then read of the first mission of the twelve (Mark 6:6b-13) and the death of Jesus’ first disciple, John the Baptist (Mark 6:14-29). The disciples are then given instructions to rest and later to feed the multitude who follow them (Mark 6:30-44). Their encounter with Jesus on the Sea of Galilee leaves them terrified (Mark 6:47-52). Their relationship with Jesus is still only in the beginning stages.

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"These things happened to them to serve as an example, and they were written down to instruct us, on whom the ends of the ages have come." — I Corinthians 10:11

Welcome to our fifth study in the Gospel of Mark. Chapter five presents several demonstrations of Jesus' incredible power. Jesus the Victor is very much emphasized here. He overpowers demons, death and sickness. The focus here is on the tremendous healing which results from Jesus' power. The reality of this power provides deliverance for people facing the most extreme conditions of suffering and turmoil. Jesus is not to be taken lightly. He is not to be laughed at (Mark 5:40). Through faith his victory becomes our victory.

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“These things happened to them to serve as an example, and they were written down to instruct us, on whom the ends of the ages have come.” – I Corinthians 10:11

Welcome to our fourth study in the Gospel of Mark. In chapter 4 Jesus expounds on the meaning of his call to discipleship. The disciples are “to be with him” and “to be sent out to proclaim his message” (Mark 3:14). In chapter five we will see the “authority to cast out demons” (Mark 3:15). In both parables and life experiences Jesus describes what it means to be with him and to proclaim his message. The descriptions given here apply to Jesus’ disciples through the ages.

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“These things happened to them to serve as an example, and they were written down to instruct us, on whom the ends of the ages have come.” — I Corinthians 10:11

Welcome to our third study in the Gospel of Mark. In chapter 3 we see Jesus both facing intense pressure and using great power. All of us face opposition and conflict in our lives. This chapter helps us understand the nature of that opposition and the enormous power which Christ gives to his disciples.

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“These things happened to them to serve as an example, and they were written down to instruct us, on whom the ends of the ages have come.” — I Corinthians 10:11

This is our second study in the Gospel of Mark. In Mark chapter 2 we encounter four specific incidents in which religious leaders question what Jesus is doing. In fact they do more than question. They are clearly critical. In their eyes Jesus is wrong. Not only is he not a good example he’s actually a bad example. Yet the bad religion of Jesus is our salvation. Let’s look now at these four events.

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Welcome to our first study in the Gospel of Mark. We will first look at who Mark is, who his audience is, and why his Gospel is important. The first chapter introduces the different pictures of Jesus that are key themes of the book. The chapter tells the story of Jesus' baptism, his testing by Satan in the wilderness, and the beginning of his ministry.

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