We came together this week to continue “Christianity Explored” Session 2 “Identity” working through Mark’s gospel. We were so pleased that those who were unable attend the first session were there for the second.

We made a start by recapping on how the course would run and then moved into a time of sharing testimonies. It is always so encouraging hearing how Jesus is working in the lives of our community.

We then moved onto a time of worship, during which a scripture from Marks gospel was shared along with a prophetic word as follows:

 “This is what the kingdom of God is like. A man scatters seed on the ground. ²⁷ Night and day, whether he sleeps or gets up, the seed sprouts and grows, though he does not know how. ²⁸ All by itself the soil produces grain—first the stalk, then the head, then the full kernel in the head. ²⁹ As soon as the grain is ripe, he puts the sickle to it, because the harvest has come.” (Mark 4:26-29)

And this is how it is at Hope Central, as leaders we do our best to be led by the Holly Spirit coming up with talks and programmes but it is the unseen work of the King of Kings that really matters. Jesus is building up and transforming lives at Hope Central, in ways that as leaders we could not foresee. Jesus loves the way our HC community love and support each other, He is cheering us on and only asks that we keep our eyes fixed on Him. Whatever stage we are in: just planted; stalk, then head etc Jesus will produce the harvest in us and through us. So be encouraged, He is raising up an army of new believers in this the 18-30’s generation. 

During Christianity Explore we have split Hope Central into two groups with two leaders in each. We started session 2 by asking if anyone had any questions form last week and during our discussions we discovered the following about Jesus:

Jesus is the Lord, that if we are willing, He will fill us with the Holly Spirit and that He is the Son of God

We also learnt that Jesus calls people to follow Him, Jesus is a teacher with heavenly authority, Jesus can cast out evil spirits, He can heal the sick and most important of all Jesus can forgive sins.

Then one of the leaders read Mark 4:35-41 ‘Jesus Calms the Storm” and in our groups we discussed the followings questions

1. What hope of surviving the storm did the disciples have?

2. What is so remarkable about the way in which Jesus calms the storm (Mark 4:39)

3. The following verse from Psalm 107 were a familiar song praising God for the power over the Sea. The disciples would have known it well. As you read it, look for similarities with the experience in Mark 4:35-41

4. The song and the story end in two different ways.

Psalm 107:30 They were glad when it grew calm, and he guided them to their desired haven

Mark 4:41 41 They were terrified and asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!”

Why were the disciples still terrified after the storm had been calmed?

This was followed by watching a video which started with narrator explaining that he once waited outside a room with Prince William without recognising who he was. We then discussed and discovered the following: 

It is important to get the identity of Jesus right – otherwise we’ll relate to him the wrong way

Mark reveals the identity of Jesus by showing:

His power and authority to teach (Mark 1:21-22)

His power and authority over sickness (Mark 1:29-31, 32-34, 3:22)

His power and authority over nature (Mark 4:35-41; see also Psalm 107:23-31)

His power and authority over death (Mark 5:21-24, 35-43)

His power and authority to forgive sin (Mark 2:1-12)

As God’s Son and God’s only chosen King, Jesus behaves with God’s authority and displays God’s power

We finished by encouraging everyone to do some homework by reading Mark 3:7 – 5:43 and then answering the questions set in the handbooks. Ready for discussion and question time next week.

Thank you, Jesus, for another great evening at Hope Central, You will build Your church and the gates of hell will not prevail against it…

Thank you Taste & See for your continuing prayer support please continue to do so it is vital

Can you hear those dry bones RATTLING…..