Week 7: Sticks & Stones
Date: July 11, 2021
Primary Text: Mark 6:14–29
Supplementary Texts: 2 Samuel 6:1–5, 12b–19; Psalm 24; Ephesians 1:3–14
Topic(s): John, Death, Resurrection
Big Idea of the Message: John’s story tells the disciples what they will be facing in their preaching and shows the reason to face it all.
Application Point: Do not fear those who can kill the body, but trust in the one who resurrects you.
Smashed into the middle of our walks of faith are reminders that, in the world’s opinion, the Christian life is not compatible with the world. Declarations we make, whether about moral actions, political philosophies, or about Jesus himself, will sometimes lead to frustration, pain, and suffering. And yet, we still speak with the words of Christ, because he gave us those words. Through our words and our deeds, then, let us bring about God’s will for the world.
Discussion Questions:
Primary Text: Mark 6:14–29
Supplementary Texts: 2 Samuel 6:1–5, 12b–19; Psalm 24; Ephesians 1:3–14
Topic(s): John, Death, Resurrection
Big Idea of the Message: John’s story tells the disciples what they will be facing in their preaching and shows the reason to face it all.
Application Point: Do not fear those who can kill the body, but trust in the one who resurrects you.
Smashed into the middle of our walks of faith are reminders that, in the world’s opinion, the Christian life is not compatible with the world. Declarations we make, whether about moral actions, political philosophies, or about Jesus himself, will sometimes lead to frustration, pain, and suffering. And yet, we still speak with the words of Christ, because he gave us those words. Through our words and our deeds, then, let us bring about God’s will for the world.
Discussion Questions:
1. What is one thing that stood out to you from this week’s message?
2. How do you feel after hearing the story of John the Baptist’s death?
3. Does your faith connect to your politics? How?
4. How does your faith challenge your politics?
5. Do you think about the resurrection? If so, how often? If not, why not?
6. Close your time together in prayer.