Group Notes | April 3

Agents of Grace: Shared Grace
April 3, 2016
Dr. Ben Gutierrez

 

Open:

Often we fight any situation that causes us to step out of our comfort zone and take a risk. Can you give an example when you have been forced to “step outside the box”?

This week we continue the new series, Agents of Grace. We will focus on the lesson the disciples learned when they stepped out of their comfort zone, and discover how we may apply that example to our own lives as we carry out the Great Commission.

 

Discuss:

Within Your Comfort Zone

  1. As Jesus began His ministry, where (geographically) did He mainly focus? What are some reasons this would have been comfortable for the disciples?
  2. As you have read through the Gospels, what type of responses do you recall Jesus causing as He walked the streets in the towns of Israel?
  3. As you seek to share the story of Jesus in your community, even though your words may not be received, most people understand what you are talking about; how is that the same as the disciples and Jesus ministering in the towns in Israel? Were they in their comfort zone?

Outside the Box

  1. Read Mark 4:35. Jesus instructed the disciples to prepare to go to an extremely pagan country. What do you imagine they said or felt?
  2. Read Mark 5:1-16. Who met Jesus when the boat landed? What was he like?
  3. Read verse 5:18, 19. What did Jesus instruct the man to do?
  4. Read Mark 7:31-8:9a. What happened when Jesus returned to the area on a second trip?
  5. How many had been affected by the man’s story?
  6. What can this teach us?

 

Close:

As you break up into small groups, discuss the potential for ONE person to change a country! It seems impossible, but the pagan land of Decapolis witnessed a reformation because one person’s life was changed by Jesus Christ, and he told “what the Lord had done for [him].” That is all you need to do: tell your story. Discuss what may be holding you back from witnessing, when all you are told to do is “tell what He has done for you.” Check out the Life Groups to see if there is one that encourages sharing your story. As “Agents of Grace,” you are going to be challenged to take the story of Jesus to your family, job, or community. Get out of your comfort zone and obey God (Matt 28.19,20).

Focal Passages: Mark 4:35-5:19; Mark 7:31-8:9a.

Memory Verse: Mark 5:19b: “Go home to your own people and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how He has had mercy on you.” (NKJV)

Further Study: Dr. Lew Weider & Dr. Ben Gutierrez, (2011). Consider. Academx Publishing Services.

 

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