We came together to complete “Christianity Explored” with Session 7 “COME AND DIE” the end of our time working through Mark’s gospel.

We shared Tests & Testimonies, which is always so encouraging, followed by a time of worship.

We then started Christianity Explored by recapping the sessions covered at our Day at Home. We had the normal time of scripture reading (Mark 14:14-15) followed by small group discussions on questions in the handbook and a video, where we learnt the following:

“If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.”

 (Mark 8:34)

• The disciples saw Jesus’ power and authority – but still asked, “Who is this?”

• Jesus healed a blind man gradually

• The gradual healing of the man’s sight reflects the gradual growth of the disciples’ understanding.

• Peter sees that Jesus is the Christ, God’s only chosen King

• But the disciples’ “sight” is not fully healed. Although they see who Jesus is, they don’t yet see why he has come or what it means to follow him.

• Following Jesus means denying self, and taking up our cross.

• A true follower of Christ is someone who clearly sees what it will cost to follow him – but does it joyfully anyway, knowing that Jesus is worth infinitely more.

• What do you see when you look at:

• Jesus’ identity? (Is he just a good man, or is he the Christ, the Son of God?)
  • Jesus’ mission? (Is his death a tragic waste, or is it a rescue- a “ransom for many?)
  • Jesus’ call? (Is it a way of losing your life, or a way of gaining it?)

We then had a great time discussing the following set questions

1. “What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul?” (Mark 8:36) How would you answer that question?

• If anyone is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when he comes in his Father’s glory with the holy angels.” (Mark 38:8) “How might you be ashamed of Jesus and his words?

• How would you score the following statements? (0 = completely unconvinced, 10 very sure)
• Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God
• Jesus came to rescue me from sin
• Following Jesus means denying myself and putting Jesus first, whatever the cost

What now?

Keep coming to Hope Central and learn in community what it is to be a disciple of Jesus

Our Mission (Isaiah 61)

To proclaim good news to the poor.

To bind up the broken hearted,

To proclaim freedom for the captives and release them from darkness,

To proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour,

To comfort all who mourn, 

To bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.

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

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…..