The Beginning of the End (Mark 13:1-23)

Sparta Evangelical Free Church

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The Beginning of the End (Mark 13:1-23)

June 4, 2023 • Pastor Doug Thuen • Mark 13:1–23

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Following Jesus / The Beginning of the End

June 3, 2023

Mark 13:1-23

Study Questions

1. Read Mark 13:1-8. What is so significant about this time Jesus left the temple?

2. How did Jesus’ disciples feel about the Temple? What was the Temple actually like? How did Jesus feel about this Temple? Why did He highlight its coming destruction?

3. Read Mark 13:9-13. What are the signs that will happen before Christ Jesus returns? Have they happened yet? Are they still happening? What does this mean to you?

4. Read Mark 13:14-23. What makes this ‘tribulation’ different than other difficult times in history? How many years will this event take place? See also: Daniel 9:24-27. What is the ‘Abomination of Desolation’ and what will the antichrist do? Why is it such an abomination to the Lord? See also: Daniel 9:27;11:31;12:11.

5. What hope will the ‘elect’ (those who were saved in the tribulation) have during this period?

6. In light of these prophecies, what does Jesus call His followers to do? See: Mark 13:5,9,11,13. What effect will this passage have on your faith walk with Jesus? Why? See also: Luke 21:28.

More from Following Jesus: The Gospel According to Mark

The End is just the Beginning (Mark 13:24-37)

June 11, 2023 • Mark 13:24–37

Following Jesus / The End Is Just the Beginning Mark 13:24-37 Study Questions June 11, 2023 1. Read Mark 13:24-37. Reflect on these things: a. How will the Lord Jesus come again (v.24-25)? Will this return be… • public or private? See also Isaiah 13:9-11. • imminent or gradual? Read Matthew 24:27 and 2 Peter 3:10. • global or local? Look at Philippians 2:8-11. b. When will the Lord Jesus come again (v.28-32)? c. What should we do in light of the Lord Jesus’ return (v.33-37)? 2. Why do you think Jesus referenced the new season of a fig tree when He spoke about His Second Coming in verses 28-29? 3. Read 2 Peter 3:10-13. What will be the fate of the present heavens and earth? What will replace them? How are believers in Jesus to live in light of this? 4. Explain how Jesus did not “know that day or that hour” when He Himself would return (v.32)? See also John 5:19-20; John 17:4-5. 5. What hope do followers of Jesus have through, and after, these things He spoke about? Read these verses as well: Titus 2:12-13; Romans 8:18; John 14:3. 6. According to Mark 13:32-37, what did Jesus warn His followers about? Why? 7. Identify practical applications in response to this passage by reading the following corresponding scriptures: a. John 9:4 b. 1 John 2:28 c. 2 Peter 3:11-13 d. Hebrews 10:24-25 8. How does this focus on the Second Coming of our Lord Jesus Christ affect the way you live this week? With your family, at school or work, in the community, and with your hobbies and personal interests?

I Believe in the Resurrection (Mark 12:18-27)

May 28, 2023 • Pastor Doug Thuen • Mark 12:18–27

Following Jesus / “I Believe in the Resurrection” May 28,2023 Mark 12:18-27 Study Questions 1. Read Mark 12:18-27. Who were the Sadducees and what was their intent in approaching Jesus? 2. Why did they question Jesus about marriage in heaven? What was Jesus’ response? 3. Jesus’ teaching on the resurrection reveals to us that there will not be marriage in heaven. Is this new information to you? If you are married or single, have you made an idol of marriage? How does this truth challenge you? 4. Read 2 Corinthians 5:6-8, Philippians 1:23 and 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18. What are the implications of the spiritual resurrection of the saints and the bodily resurrection of the saints? In what order do they occur? 5. Which words that Jesus said in Mark 12:27 would be terrifying if they were spoken to you? How does this impact you? 6. What is Jesus’ point in quoting Exodus 3:6? Why should that have been persuasive enough for the Sadducees? Do you or anyone you know reject the Bible’s teaching of the resurrection of the saints? What arguments are given? How can you respond to them? 7. What will eternity be like for those who have trusted and followed Jesus as their personal Savior? See Philippians 3:20-21; Revelation 21:1-7. What will eternity be like for those who reject Christ? See Revelation 21:8. 8. How does this study impact the way you will face the challenges of this week? What hope can you hold to that will bring courage?

Till Death Do Us Part (Mark 10:1-12)

May 21, 2023 • Pastor Doug Thuen • Mark 10:1–12

Following Jesus: The Gospel of Mark / “Til Death Do Us Part” May 21, 2023 Mark 10:1-12 Study Questions 1. Read Mark 10:1-5. How did the Pharisees attempt to test Jesus in this account? Why was this considered a test and not a sincere question? If God doesn’t approve of divorce why did He allow it? 2. Read Mark 10:6-9. According to Jesus’ response, what is God’s view of divorce? Is it different from our culture’s view? Why or why not? Read the following verses: Malachi 2:14-16; Romans 7:2-3; 1 Corinthians 7; Genesis 2:24; Matthew 5:31-32; Hebrews 13:4. 3. If you or someone you know has gone through a divorce, identify some of the painful results. 4. What is the biblical model for marriage according to Ephesians 5:24-27? How does divorce affect the representation of marriage between husband of wife as an allegory of Christ and the church? 5. Read Mark 10:10-12. How does this impact your view of sex outside of the marital covenant between a husband and wife (before, during, or after the covenant takes place)? 6. Can God offer forgiveness, grace and blessing if someone has been unfaithful, divorced, and/or remarried? See also: Psalm 86:5; Proverbs 28:13; 1 Corinthians 6:9-11; Isaiah 1:18; Colossians 1:21-23; 1 Timothy 1:15. Have you experienced the Lord’s forgiveness and healing? Why/why not? What options do you have for biblical support and love? 7. What are some practical things that husband and wife can do to build up their marriage? What are some practical things which singles can do to prepare for a strong marriage, should they enter into that covenant? 8. What is the most important application you can take away from this passage and apply to your life this week?