Following Christ: Training: Teaching Followed by Testing - Mark 4:35-41
Sermon Outline
Boat Scenes and the Life of Faith
Jesus often introduces challenging situations in order to grow our faith for the future.
(Mark 4:35-41; 6:45-52; 8:14-21)
Stilling the Storm
A life of faith involves recognizing Jesus’ power and care. (Mark 4:35-41)
Walking on Water
A life of faith involves remembering Jesus’ previous provisions. (6:45-52)
Warning about Leaven
A life of faith involves remembering Jesus’ previous provisions. (8:14-21)
The Power of Jesus and People of Faith
True Disciples of Jesus will constantly deepen their understanding and dependence on Him. (Mark 4:35-41)
What we learn about Jesus
• Jesus has confidence in the Father’s plan (35-38).
• Jesus has control over nature (39).
• Jesus has concern for our growing faith (40-41).
What we learn about following Jesus
• Disciples rest in Jesus’ care (35-38).
• Disciples recognize Jesus ' power (39).
• Disciples reflect on Jesus’ identity (40-41).
Jesus demonstrates who He is and what He can do, so that we will be able to trust Him completely.
Next Steps
•. Rest in the compassionate care of our powerful Savior.
•. Recognize the absolute power of our compassionate Lord.
•. Reflect constantly on the way Jesus is training you to follow Him.
Home Church Questions
Read Mark 4:35-41
Training through Teaching and Testing
1. Tell a story when Jesus taught you something about Himself and then tested you to see if you really internalized the message.
2. What “boat lessons” are you learning right now?
“Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?” (4:38)
3. When have you been tempted to think Jesus didn’t care what was happening to you? Why did you feel that way? How did you walk through that time?
“Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!” (3:14)
4. What are you learning about Jesus? Who is He?
“Be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” (James 1:22)
5. What did you learn about God in this passage? How does this affect you?
6. How are you encouraged or challenged by this passage?
7. How will you respond to God this week?
Mission Focus
UPG FOCUS: The Layao in Laos
The Layao people of Laos (around 5,600) primarily follow Theravada Buddhism mixed with traditional animistic beliefs. Family and village life are deeply connected to Buddhist and spirit traditions, and most have had little exposure to a clear presentation of the gospel. Pray that they would hear and embrace the truth of Jesus, that God would raise up compassionate workers and strong Lao believers to reach them, and that those who follow Christ would remain grounded in Scripture rather than blending Christianity with Buddhist and animistic beliefs.
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Feed the Need | October 25 | 10 - 2:00 p.m.
Join us for this incredible one-day opportunity to serve our community and make a tangible difference! Fellowship will host the Walmart Neighborhood Market location as part of this countywide effort benefiting our local partner, Conway Ministry Center. We have two volunteer shifts to choose from, register at fellowshipconway.org/register.
Deacon Ministry: Serving for Our Church Family
Over the past year, our deacons have cared for widows and elderly members, supported families during times of loss, prayed with hospitalized members, and tackled long-standing campus maintenance projects. We’re grateful for the heart and hands of those serving, and we’re just getting started! To help identify needs, we’ve launched a Deacon Request Form primarily for physical repairs and maintenance around the Fellowship campus and practical needs among our widows and elderly. If you notice something broken, a door that won’t close on the Fellowship campus, or know someone who could use a helping hand, let us know! Visit fellowshipconway.org/deacons to learn more and submit a request.
Petra Project
Please pray for Ken and John Hargrave as they travel to the Middle East to train pastors and learn more about Fellowship’s newest missions partnership, the Petra Project. Together with local churches, this initiative shares the gospel with refugees, equips refugee believers, and prepares refugees to carry the gospel as they return home and plant churches. Stay tuned for more in January!