“The Assurance of Christmas” (Mark 9:1)
THE ASSURANCE OF CHRISTMAS
(Mark 9:1)
INTRODUCTION: What event was Jesus speaking of here?
I. WE MUST SEEK GOD’S CONFIRMATION.
II. WE MUST ACCEPT GOD’S CONFIRMATION.
III. WE MUST HOPE IN GOD’S CONFIRMATION.
Questions for Family Review/Discussion:
- Are you generally optimistic (glass half full) or pessimistic (glass half empty)? Explain your answer.
- What was it about Jesus’ statements in Mark 8:31 that would have discouraged Jesus’ disciple? What is supremely encouraging about it?
- What is an “historical religion”? What about this sets it apart from all others? Which religions are historical? What aspects of the biblical faith makes its claims compelling?
- What are some suggestions regarding the meaning of Jesus’ promise that some standing would “see the kingdom of God after it has come with power”? What view does the pastor suggest? What reasons support this view?
- Whom was Mark trying to encourage with this truth? Why would they find it helpful? Why should we also find it helpful?
- What evidence from the later history of the church demonstrates that the kingdom of God has come with power?
- What evidence do you see in the world today that the kingdom of God is still coming with power?
- What evidence do you find in your own heart and life that the kingdom of God is still coming with power?
- What impact should this cumulative evidence have on us today? What impact does it have on your life?
- Who are some people you know who live with confident assurance in Christ? Why do you think they are able to be so sure and so secure in their faith?
- What helps would you give to those who lack this assurance and follow Christ hesitantly and half-heartedly?