4/7 Competitors

 LifeGroup & Discussion Questions:

1. Read aloud Mark 1:14-20. Take a few minutes to read the passage again in silence, reflect, and write one observation.

”After John was arrested, Jesus went to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God: “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!” As he passed alongside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew, Simon’s brother, casting a net into the sea  — for they were fishermen. “Follow me,” Jesus told them, “and I will make you fish for people.” Immediately they left their nets and followed him. Going on a little farther, he saw James the son of Zebedee and his brother John in a boat putting their nets in order. Immediately he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and followed him.“

‭‭Mark‬ ‭1‬:‭14‬-‭20‬ ‭CSB‬‬

”After John was arrested, Jesus went to Galilee preaching the Message of God: “Time’s up! God’s kingdom is here. Change your life and believe the Message.” Passing along the beach of Lake Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew net-fishing. Fishing was their regular work. Jesus said to them, “Come with me. I’ll make a new kind of fisherman out of you. I’ll show you how to catch men and women instead of perch and bass.” They didn’t ask questions. They dropped their nets and followed. A dozen yards or so down the beach, he saw the brothers James and John, Zebedee’s sons. They were in the boat, mending their fishnets. Right off, he made the same offer. Immediately, they left their father Zebedee, the boat, and the hired hands, and followed.“

‭‭Mark‬ ‭1‬:‭14‬-‭20‬ ‭MSG‬‬

2. What lingers with you from this passage (i.e., context, circumstance, transition, detail)?

A. A huge change in what Jesus did. A sense of urgency. Calling of disciples. 

3. What does the passage teach us about God and people?  God knows every detail. The calendar is filled with His appointments. Jesus’ call upon His followers is compelling. UNL speech teacher talked about Jesus or Billy Graham - the construction of their words made a difference. 

4. What other scriptures help you understand the passage (i.e., Lk 5:1-11, Jn 1:35-42)?

”He got into one of the boats, which belonged to Simon, and asked him to put out a little from the land. Then he sat down and was teaching the crowds from the boat. When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into deep water and let down your nets for a catch.” “Master,” Simon replied, “we’ve worked hard all night long and caught nothing. But if you say so, I’ll let down the nets.” When they did this, they caught a great number of fish, and their nets began to tear.“

‭‭Luke‬ ‭5‬:‭3‬-‭6‬ ‭CSB‬‬

https://bible.com/bible/1713/luk.5.3-6.CSB

5. What resonated most from Adrian's message? Why so?

6. What is the Kingdom of God? Say it in your own words.

The kingdom is God’s economy. It is grace and mercy that provides redemption, renewal, restoration. Grace is the currency of this economy. Nothing is earned but trust and faith re required. The mission of the kingdom is to love God completely and love others unconditionally. The goal is to go, teach, make disciples baptize. 

7. Have two lifegroup members briefly share a change in direction initiated by their relationship with Jesus.

- what difference does the kingdom make?  

- how is the term kingdom an important way to describe the way Gos works. 

8. Write down what God is impressing upon you to do in response to the passage.