Called to Testify (South Fork Campus)

Mark 5:1-20

Intro:

From biographical books to reality TV, many people are fascinated by stories about others' lives. What makes us so captivated by learning about other people? What makes for the most interesting stories?


Scripture Discussion & Application:

Read Mark 5:1-5

What stands out to you about this man's condition?

In this story, demons have seized control of this man in his sinful condition and are pushing him to self-destruction. What's an example of a way that sin has proved destructive in your life?

Read Mark 5:6-13

Jesus had the power to free this man from hurting himself and others when no one else could. What's an example of a time in your life when Jesus has freed you from something that was hurting you or others?

The demons beg Jesus not to torment them. Why do you think they say that?
(For leaders: Jesus saves people by breaking the power of evil – sin, Satan and the world – over them. Only when evil is removed and punished are God's people truly free. For followers of Jesus, our evil has been punished on Jesus on the cross. The demons know that Jesus is right to punish them with eternal hell, so they try to buy time by asking that he not do it immediately.)

Read Mark 5:14-17

After being freed by Jesus, this man is radically changed. What are one or two big changes in your life since you've begun a personal relationship with Jesus?

Read Mark 5:18-20

Rather than letting the Gerasene man come with him in the boat, Jesus sends him back to tell people in his country about what Jesus did for him. Why would that have been hard for the man? Why would Jesus tell him to do it?

Why do you think Jesus has decided to spread his message of salvation through witnesses like the Geresene man, you and me instead of through some other means?


Next Steps:

Although we know that as followers of Jesus we should live bold and share our faith and our stories of life change, sometimes we're resistant to do so. What are some things that keep us from living bold?

Sometimes practice helps. Think through your stories of life change though Jesus and practice telling them to friends or family that you're comfortable with. Make a goal to tell one new person one story involving Jesus every week.


How to Pray This Week:

Reflect on how much grace you've received from Jesus. Then spend time in prayer thanking Jesus for the ways that he's found, freed, changed and sent you.

Ask God to embolden you to share Jesus' story through your story regularly. Ask him to help you look for good opportunities and to confidently take them when they occur.


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Happenings

21 Days of Prayer (Launch Service)
January 6th, 5pm at South Fork Campus

This is the kickoff to our yearly 21 days of prayer as a church. What better way to start off our year than by gathering to focus our hearts and minds on prayer as 2019 is beginning. We will worship through singing, corporate prayer, and hearing stories of answered prayers from 2018. This service is designed to help you see how God works through prayer and how you can apply prayer to your life and relationship with God this year. Prayer guides for 21 Days of Prayer will be in seats at the AM and PM services so we can aim or prayers to the same focus each day.