[Sunday] Divorce is Adultery? - Jesus Said What?!

Even a difficult teaching on divorce ultimately points not to a legalistic rule, but to the boundless grace that unconditionally welcomes everyone.

Questions for the Week: Jesus Said What?! - Divorce is Adultery?

1. Why is it so difficult to speak about personal failures, especially divorce, today?

2. Read Mark 10:1-16. The Pharisees tried to use the scriptures on divorce as a “clobber verse” against Jesus.  In what ways have we, or people we know, used scripture to judge others instead of showing grace?

3. Jesus teaching on marriage with the disciples contrasts their pursuit of greatness.  How do you think our modern culture’s focus on success and perfection influences our view of marriage and relationships?

4. Read Ephesians 5:21-33.  Marriage is a reflection of Christ and the Church. What does this mean to you, and how does viewing a marriage in this light change the way you might approach it, either your own or someone else's?

5. Jesus welcoming the children is similar to us as the church welcoming those who have experienced "failure." How can our household be more welcoming to people who feel they have failed or been pushed away from God or the church?

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What Had happened at Grace this week. 

[Sunday] Cut Off Your Hand? - Jesus Said What?!

Jesus' challenging words invite us to cut off the very things that are keeping us from Kingdom greatness.

Questions for the Week: Jesus Said What?! - Cut Off Your Hand?!

1. Can you think of an example, where someone's pride (in their talent, authority, or possessions) had a negative impact on others?

2. Read Mark 9:33-37.  Jesus repeatedly used the example of a child to teach humility, in a culture that viewed children as weak and unimportant. In what ways do you think we still struggle to see value in the "weakest" members of our society or communities?

3. Read Mark 9:42-50 and Mark 10:17-31.  How does the rich young ruler fail to cut off his “hand” or “eye”?  What is a "hand" or "foot" in your own life—something you're proud of or cling to—that might be getting in the way of a deeper walk with Jesus and cause harm to your neighbor?

4. How does seeing Jesus “cut off” for you on the cross change the way you view greatness?

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What Had happened at Grace this week. 

[Sunday] She’s a Dog?! - Jesus Said What?!

When so many feel like they are pushed to the outside, Jesus reveals a profound truth about His kingdom where even the smallest portion of His grace is more than enough.

Questions for the Week: Jesus Said What?! - She’s A Dog?

1. What is a ridiculous rule someone has tried to make you follow?

2. Read Mark 7:1-23.   What is the issue that Jesus is concerned about?

3. What are some rules we put on our faith, that actually point people further away from Jesus and each other?

4. How does Jesus bring us closer to Him and each other?

5. Read Mark 7:24-30.   How is it encouraging to know that even if we get the crumbs of God’s grace, it is enough?

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What Had happened at Grace this week. 

[Sunday] Unforgivable Sin - Jesus Said What?!

Despite the alarming mention of an unforgivable sin, the truth of Jesus' words point towards all sins being forgiven for the children of man.

Questions for the Week: Jesus Said What?! - Unforgivable sin?

1. Even very godly people struggled with the idea of the "unforgivable sin." Why do you think this particular verse (Mark 3:29) causes so much anxiety or misunderstanding for people, even those with strong faith?

2. Read Mark 3:22-30.  The scribes accused Jesus of being demon possessed.  Why would Jesus’ opponents make such an illogical accusation?

3. What kinds of accusations does the Devil level at believers today?

4. The sermon emphasized that Jesus' mission is to forgive sins, even blasphemies. What specific examples or phrases from the sermon or the scriptures (like Mark 3:28 or Jesus' words on the cross) stood out to you as reminders of God's incredible grace and willingness to forgive?

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What Had happened at Grace this week. 

Say What? - Jesus Said What? 25’

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Jesus says some things about the Christian life that often seem confusing. Come and explore the teachings of Jesus as He shows us the Kingdom of God.

Reading Plan
Read around the readings for Sunday

• 8/3/25 Unforgivable sin: Mark 3:28-29

  • Isaiah 43:18-25
    2 Corinthians 1:18-22
    Mark 3:20-35

• 8/10/25 Did He Call Her a Dog: Mark 7:27

  • Song of Solomon 2:8-13
    Philippians 3:1-9
    Mark 7:24-30

• 8/17/25 Cut off your hand mark 9:43-47

  • Jeremiah 11:18-20
    Romans 15:1-6
    Mark 9:42-50

• 8/24/25 Divorce is Adultery: Mark 10:11-12

  • Deuteronomy 24:1-6
    Ephesians 5:21-33
    Mark 10:1-12

• 8/31/25 Beleive and Receive Mark 11:24

  • Amos 5:21-27
    1 Corinthians 1:18-25
    Mark 11:12-25

Jesus Said What?

By Kennedy, Christopher M

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