We came together this Saturday for the “Christianity Explored” Day at Home which incorporates three sessions “THE SOWER”, “JAMES AND JOHN” and “HEROD” as we continue to work through Mark’s gospel.

We did things a little differently by kicking off with worship without testimony time, which would happen later in the day.

We then started the Day at Home session 1 “THE SOWER”. We had the normal time of scripture reading (Mark 4:1-9 and 13-20) followed by small group discussions on questions in the handbook and a video, where we learnt the following:

“The Jesus said, ‘He who has ears to hear, let he hear.” (Mark 4:9)

• The good news about Jesus will only change your life if you hear it properly.
• The parable explains four different responses to the good news.

1. Satan is like a thief who wants to take the gospel message from you.
2. Some people give up on Jesus rather than put up with the cost of following him.
3. Some let their desire for other things become stronger than their desire for Jesus.
4. Some understand that Jesus is the greatest treasure in the world.

We then had a great time discussing the following set questions

1. As you look back over the course, do you think some of the word has been taken from you?
2. Which type of soil would you say best describes you?
3. Has grace made a difference to the view of God you had in Session 1?

We then grabbed a quick refreshment and moved onto session 2 “JAMES AND JOHN” where we watched a video where we learnt the following:

“What do you want me to do for you?” (Mark 10:36)

• If God said, “What do you want me to do for you?”, what would you ask for?
• James and John wanted power and prestige but Jesus offers something fae more valuable – himself.
• Following Jesus is about service, not status.
• Contentment, satisfaction and fulfilment don’t come from status-seeking, or anything else – they come from God.
• We make these things more important than God. The Bible calls this idolatry – turning something God has created into a substitute for God.
• Bartimaeus called Jesus “Son of David” and asked for mercy. He received it, and followed Jesus.
• What do you want Jesus to do for you

We then had a time of personal reflection which was followed by a testimony, before moving onto the final session “HEROD” where we watched a video where we learnt the following:

“The king was greatly distressed, but because of his oaths and his dinner guests, he did not want to refuse her.” (Mark 6:26)

• We are the choices we have made.
• King Herod had John the Baptist put in prison.
• He liked to listen to John, but would not repent.
• Herod didn’t act on what John said about Herodias. So, in the end he felt forced to do something he didn’t want to do – and had John killed.
• If we listen to Jesus, and take his words seriously, our family or friends may reject us. But there is a loving family of fellow believers who will support and encourage us.
• Though following Jesus will bring persecutions of one kind or another, Jesus promises that with them will come extraordinary blessings and joy.
• Ignoring Jesus’ call to repent and believe may give us the approval of other people- but it will eventually earn us the rejection of Jesus.

We finished the day by eating together and sharing…

Thank you, Jesus, for another great time 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

Our declarations – This is the generation of those that seek him, that seek your face, O God of Jacob (Psalm 24v6)

A generation with clean hands and a pure heart

A generation with baptised with fire

A generation who pursues and loves Jesus

A generation with a simple but powerful faith

A revival generation

Can you hear those dry bones RATTLING…..