Mark Chapter 1

1 The beginning of the good news about Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God,

2 as it is written in Isaiah the prophet:

“I will send my messenger ahead of you,

who will prepare your way”—

3 “a voice of one calling in the wilderness,

‘Prepare the way for the Lord,

make straight paths for him.’”

- Mark 1:1-3

Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image,in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky

- Genesis 1:26

The Lord declares to you that the Lord himself will establish a house for you:

12 When your days are over and you rest with your ancestors, I will raise up your offspring to succeed you, your own flesh and blood, and I will establish his kingdom.

13 He is the one who will build a house for my Name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever.

- 2 Samuel 7:11-13

A voice of one calling:

“In the wilderness prepare

the way for the Lord;

make straight in the desert

a highway for our God.
- Isaiah 40:3

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“I will send my messenger, who will prepare the way before me. Then suddenly the Lord you are seeking will come to his temple; the messenger of the covenant, whom you desire, will come,” says the Lord Almighty.
- Malachi 3:1

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"Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” At once they left their nets and followed him.
- Mark 1:17-18

Mixer

When you were a kid, what was something fun about St. Patrick’s Day?

Neighborly - Daily Devotional

To get the Daily Devotionals delivered to you every morning, text ‘dailydevotional’ to 97000.

1. In Counseling/Groups Director, Som’s 3/9/22 entry, Ready When You Are, she asks the question: Are you sinking? Like Peter, we all can say a resounding YES! Som reminds you that God is ready to extend His hand out to save you. Will you cry out “Lord, save me!” and trust Him today?
2. In Pastor Pam’s, 3/12/22 entry, Sword Wielding, she reminds us that Easter brings us the peace of the resurrected Prince of Peace. Perhaps you are far from peace and feel compelled to swing your sword like Peter did at anyone and anything. Consider this question: When do I need to put down my sword, swallow my pride, and apologize or offer forgiveness to someone who has hurt me deeply?

Sermon Questions

Scriptures: Mark 1:1-3, 17-18, 3:27; Genesis 1:26; 2 Samuel 7:11-13; Isaiah 40:3; Malachi 3:1

1. What impacted or challenged you in today’s message?
2. Pastor Jared pointed out that our own imaginations often create a more “palatable” Jesus. What did he mean by this?
3. Pastor Jared said Jesus is a different kind of King - how so? How can you prepare the way for this new kind of king? (Read Mark 1:1-3; Gen 1:26; 2 Sam 7:11-13; Malachi 3:1)
4. Pastor Jared shared the story of his son and the confusion over cleaning his room. How often do you catch yourself studying what Jesus said, but not doing it? Give some examples.
5. If the message of Mark is not the usual one of being a good person so you can be evacuated, then what is the author saying to us?
6. What is one thing you can do this week to start living your life outside of your Sunday morning persona? What does following a new leader look like in you, your family, your workplace, your activities?

Live Deeper

How can you determine if Jesus is on the throne of your heart? Pastor Jared suggested reading the Beatitudes in Matthew 5:1-12 and also 13-14 and use them as a roadmap/blueprint.

• What does verse 2 tell you about the characteristics of a disciple? What is a disciple? How do you prepare yourself to be a disciple?
• Examine each verse 3-10 and determine how each one makes you look more and more like Jesus. Back it up with what Jesus actually said or did in his time of ministry.
• In each one, what is the blessing? What scriptures support these blessings?
• Write out each one as a personal prayer of loyalty to Christ’s Kingdom, and gratitude.
• Which one, or ones, give you the most trouble and why?
• Does reading the reality of verse 11 encourage you or discourage you? Why does verse 12 tell us to rejoice and be glad? Can you do it? What will be your strategy for when it happens to you?
• What do verses 13 & 14 tell you about why our partnership with Jesus is so valued by Him?
• Where in your life can you begin to apply the principles of salt and light, and a city on a hill?

Serve

• CHANGE: Good Neighbor Day is coming up Saturday, April 9! Register online or in app.
• Vacation Bible School is coming up June 20-24! If you would like to be a part of kids experiencing the best week of their summer, contact heidi@thechurchrb.org or lisak@thechurchrb.org !

Pray

While Ukraine remains at the forefront of our minds, there are other difficulties and sorrows in our own church family. Pray for the families of Ukraine and The Church at RB uprooted and broken, grieving over losses, and troubled by uncertain futures. We are united in pain, and we are united under the reign of one God who feels it too. And by His compassion and mercy, He has the power and a plan to heal it all. Pray that He shows each Christ follower how to partner with Him to this end. Amen.

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