Following Christ: A Journey Through the Gospel of Mark
The Beginning of the Gospel
Introduction of Jesus Christ, the Son of God
Mark 1:1-8
For the bulletin in PDF form, click here.
Introduction to the Gospel of Mark
•Message: Jesus Christ is the Promised Suffering Servant Messiah—Follow Him!
•Outline: Who is this Messiah? (1:1-8:30) • What Kind of Messiah is He? (8:31-16:8)
•Themes: Son of God - Son of Man - Servant - Discipleship - Authority - Action - Character Development
The Promise of the Prophets
The Former Prophets Affirm that Jesus is God
(Mark 1:1-3)
The Preaching of the Preparer
The Forerunner Affirms that Jesus is God
(Mark 1:4-8)
The Proclamation of the “Pater”
The Father Affirms that Jesus is God. (Mark 1:9-11)
The Power of the Person
The Forces of Evil Affirm that Jesus is God. (Mark 1:12-13)
The Good News we need to hear is that Jesus Christ is the Son of God,
which is a message affirmed by many witnesses.
Read Mark 1:1-8
“The Beginning of the Gospel about Jesus Christ, the Son of God” (1:1)
1. How would you frame the “good news” of the gospel? Try to put it into one sentence. “I will send a messenger before you who will prepare your way” (1:2)
2. John “prepared the way for Jesus” by calling people to repent of their sins. How does repentance prepare the way for you to encounter Jesus today? “John came baptizing in the desert region and preaching a baptism of repentance…” (1:4)
3. John invited people into a baptism that symbolized their repentance and pictured cleansing from their sins, with forgiveness as the result. Jesus would come and actually provide the sacrifice for sins, bringing full forgiveness and the greater baptism of the Holy Spirit, symbolizing God's intimate presence with us. “I baptize you with water, but He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit” (1:7)
4. In what ways is Jesus and His message greater than John and his message? “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? The Proclamation of the “Pater”
UPG FOCUS: The Mappila in India
The Mappila are a large Muslim people group living primarily in southern India, with a history shaped by Arab traders. Family and religious life are deeply influenced by Islam, and local imams hold significant spiritual authority. Although the Bible and other gospel resources are available, fewer than 2% of Mappila are followers of Christ. Pray that many would come to know Jesus, that courageous believers would boldly share their faith, and that God would raise up leaders who point their communities to Him.
Finances
Weekly Budget 35,915
Giving For 08/02 27,535
Giving For 08/09 33,704
YTD Budget 215,490
Giving 165,252
OVER/(UNDER) (50,238)
Fellowship 101
We invite you to join us on Sunday, September 13, at 9:00 a.m. To learn more about Fellowship. This is a great opportunity to hear about our mission, values, and our ministries. If you’re new to Fellowship, join us in the conference room (first floor) to hear what God is doing and where He is taking us. During this time, you will meet some of our ministry leaders and get to ask questions. Register at fellowshipconway.org/register.
New to Fellowship?
We are so glad that you chose to worship with our Fellowship Family this morning. If you are joining us for the first time or have been checking us out for a few weeks, we are excited you are here and would love to meet you. Please fill out the “Connect Card” and bring it to the Connection Center in the Atrium, we would love to say “hi” and give you a gift.
Home Church
Home Church is where a large church begins to feel like home. It’s where relationships are formed, faith is strengthened, and people walk through life together. We believe God designed us to grow in community—not alone—and our Home Churches are the primary place where that happens at Fellowship. If you’re ready to build meaningful relationships, grow in your faith, and become part of a community that encourages and challenges you, we’d love to help you find the right Home Church. We encourage you to go to fellowshipconway.org/homechurch complete the form, and our team will connect with you to find a group that’s a great fit. We look forward to helping you get connected in time for our Fall Home Church launch!
Women’s ministry Bible Studies
• Galatians: True Freedom - Tuesdays, starting September 8, 11:3o AM or 6:30 PM
• Joshua: Precept Study - Starting Mondays, September 14, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
For more information on either study, or to register go to fellowshipconway.org/register. . Child care available for both studies by texting Shanna at 501-336-0332.
Widows Luncheon
Join us for a time of visting, relaxing, and enjoying GirlTIME around the table with Ambra, Tara, and Meg. Thursday, September 3rd, noon, at 3680 Gresham Drive. RSVP to Ambra at 501-730-6795 by August 20.
Men’s Mini-Muster
One Muster a year isn’t enough — so we’re having our first-ever Mini Muster this September. It’s the same connection, games, and food you love, just no overnight stay. At Muster this year, we talked about brotherhood. At Mini Muster, we’re talking about the next part of our credo: Together, we are growing. We’ll dig into how you actually learn something that sticks, how to go deeper in Scripture and with others, and how you let God’s Word reshape your life. Our FBC Chefs will handle the food. The rest is up to you — board games, pickleball, baggo, puzzles, or just a quiet place to pray or talk.
Date: Friday, Sep 25 (6–10 pm) & Saturday, Sep 26 (8 am–12 pm)
Location: The Venue at FBC
Cost: FREE - Register at fellowshipconway.org/register
Fellowship KIds Baptism class
Is your child asking questions about faith, or has already chosen to follow Christ? Join us for our Baptism Class, where we’ll explore the character of God, sin, salvation, baptism, and what comes next. Classes will meet on Sundays, starting September 6 - 27 during the second service in Room 2110. Register at fellowshipconway.org/register. For more information, contact Ashley at aoverstreet@fellowshipconway.org.