Know Grow Show

Thank you message from Rev Joe Ocran (Ghana)

Weekly Podcast from Cornerstone Wesleyan Church, North Gower, Ontario
www.knowgrowshow.ca
 

The Servant King - Mark 3.1-19

Weekly Podcast from Cornerstone Wesleyan Church, North Gower, Ontario
www.knowgrowshow.ca
 
 
 
growgroups are taking a break for the summer, but here are some questions for personal study, or for discussion around your meal table at home. 
Which resonates with you at the moment regarding Jesus: would you consider yourself to be a Couch Critic (3:1-6), a Fair-weather Fan (3:7-12) or a Faithful Follower (3:13-18)?
3:5 Jesus was angry, deeply sad (distressed) and full of healing compassion all in the same moment. What does this tell you about Jesus, about God?
3:7 Why do you think Jesus withdrew to the lake? What might His state of mind / heart been at this moment?
Keeping in mind the deity of Christ and His omniscience and foreknowledge, why do you think He chose Judas Iscariot as one of His apostles?
Why is it amazing that Matthew (Levi) and Simon the Zealot served together under Christ? Does the gospel still have the power to bring contrary people together? Think of an example of people you know personally. Mark 3:21
3:13 Take some time (preferably outside in nature) with Jesus and imagine Him saying to you “I want you. I choose you.” Do you believe this? Let this truth that Jesus wants you and chooses you grab your heart.
3:13 How significant is it that the first thing on the job description of the disciples was that they might “be with Jesus”? Take some time over this week to be with Him and let Him minister to you.
3:13 Why is it important that we are “with Jesus” before He sends us out?
Who can you tell this week that Jesus (a) wants them (b) to be with Him (c) so that He can send them out?

The Servant King - Mark 2.18-28

Weekly Podcast from Cornerstone Wesleyan Church, North Gower, Ontario
www.knowgrowshow.ca
 
 
growgroups are taking a break for the summer, but here are some questions for personal study, or for discussion around your meal table at home. 
The centennial bulb (centennialbulb.org) has been shining non-stop for 117 years. People think that light bulbs don’t last this long anymore because of planned obsolescence (the idea that things are built to break down). What are your thoughts on this? Where else have you seen planned obsolescence in your life?
Mark 2:21-22. In what way is the ‘new way’ of Jesus doing things incompatible with the old way?
What is the result if we just try to ‘add’ Jesus onto our lives rather than letting Him become our life?
Matthew 5:17 – Jesus came to fulfill the law and the prophets? What place does the Old Testament still have in the lives of Christians today? How is it obsolete? How is it not?
Warren Wierbse: There are two ways to destroy a thing. You can smash it or you can permit it to fulfil itself. An acorn, for example, can be smashed with a hammer, or it can be planted and allowed to grow into an oak. In both cases, the destruction of the acorn is accomplished, but in the second instance, the acorn is destroyed by being fulfilled. [i] How does this quotation speak to the passage we’ve been studying this week?
Mark 2:19-20 – What does Jesus mean by referring to Himself as the Bridegroom? What is He trying to say?
Mark 2:19 – Jesus said that He is the Lord of the Sabbath. What does this mean on a practical level? How should knowing this truth change how we ‘do’ the Sabbath?
What did Jesus mean by ‘The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath’?
Matthew 11:28-30 (from the Message): 28 "Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. 29 Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. 30 Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly." Use these verses to start a conversation with God this week.
 
[i] Be Diligent, Warren Wiersbe

The Servant King - Mark 2.1-17

 
Weekly Podcast from Cornerstone Wesleyan Church, North Gower, Ontario
www.knowgrowshow.ca
 
 
growgroups are taking a break for the summer, but here are some questions for personal study, or for discussion around your meal table at home. 
What is the scariest or most uncomfortable crowd experience you have been in?
2:2 People came for miracles. Jesus preached. Do you think that people would have been disappointed? Why or why not?
2:4 Try to imagine what might have been going through the paralyzed man’s four friends’ minds as they tore apart the roof of the house Jesus was in. What would it take for you to be willing to destroy your neighbours’ property?
2:5 You could not miss the fact why the paralyzed man was brought to Jesus. In what way might it have been surprising for him to hear Jesus’ pronouncement: Son your sins are forgiven? In what way might he not have been surprised? What does this statement reveal to you about Jesus?
When Jesus turns on the spiritual infra-red and looks at your life, what do you think He sees? What colour are you – a cool purpley blue or a hot white? What would it take for your internal spiritual temperature to rise? Talk to him about this and act in obedience.
2:17 – Doctors don’t call their patients to make appointments; if anything, it’s the reverse! What does it tell you about Jesus that Jesus is type of doctors who calls his patients to Him?

The Servant King - Mark 1.21-45

Weekly Podcast from Cornerstone Wesleyan Church, North Gower, Ontario
www.knowgrowshow.ca
 
 
growgroups are taking a break for the summer, but here are some questions for personal study, or for discussion around your meal table at home. 
Dan said that Mark 1:1-20 is about showing Jesus’ credentials, whereas verse 21-45 shows Jesus’ track record. What are some of the credentials we see in verse 1-20? What does Jesus track record look like in verses 21-45?
In 1:25 Jesus tells the demon to be quiet, even though what the demon said was true about Jesus. In 1:34 Jesus would not let the demons speak. In 1:44 Jesus tells the man healed of leprosy not to tell anyone. Why was Jesus so secretive? For more information, research the Messianic Secret.
Mark 1:41 When faced a man asking to be cleansed from leprosy the NIV says ‘Jesus was indignant’, the ESV says ‘Jesus was moved with compassion’. In what way do these two translations shed light on Jesus’ response to this man? What do we learn about Jesus from this situation?
In Mark 1:37 Jesus was told “Everyone is looking for you”. Jesus responds in verse 8 by saying “Let us go somewhere else…”. What does this exchange tell us about Jesus’ ministry priorities? What might Jesus be showing us through this?
Mark 1:41 What is your emotional response to these five words of Jesus: “I am willing. Be clean”. Talk to Him about it.
Dan said that “Miracles lay the groundwork for the true miracle of the message”. Why is the message of the Jesus (Mark 1:15, 1:41) greater than the miracles Jesus did?
What miracle do you need God to do in your life? If it’s been a while since you’ve asked Him, why not ask Him for it today?

The Servant King - Mark 1.1-20

Weekly Podcast from Cornerstone Wesleyan Church, North Gower, Ontario
www.knowgrowshow.ca
 
 
 
Know
Imagine Jesus was in a police line-up. What would lead you to positively ID Him as Messiah?
Grow
Compare how Mark starts his gospel compared to Matthew, Luke and John. Why do you think Mark starts of his account so abruptly?
Mark 1:1 - Why is it important to the Roman Christians reading Mark’s account that he presents it as good news? Why would this have been so important considering their situation?
Dan said that the following things identified Jesus as the Messiah: prophecy, John the Baptist, God the Father and the Spirit, Satan, Jesus Himself and the disciples who followed Him. Why is Mark trying to hard to make this point that Jesus is identified as Messiah?
Mark 1:8 – What is the difference between baptism with water and baptism with the Holy Spirit?
Mark 1:10 – What is the significance of the heavens being ‘torn open’ rather than just opened? Use your imagination – what might this scene have looked like?
Mark 1:10 – Why do you think the Holy Spirit chose to appear like a dove? God the Father did not appear as anything visible (unlike the Spirit). Is this significant?
Mark 1:12 After being empowered and commissioned for ministry, why did the Spirit “at once” send Jesus out to the wilderness?
Why did Dan say that without Mark 1:13 there would be no Hebrews 4:15?
Mark 1:18 Do you think if the disciples had known all the suffering and trials they would endure in following Jesus, that they would have followed Him anyways? Why or why not?
 
Show
Mark 1:17 Do you think that the command “Come follow me” and the promise “and I will send you out to fish for people” was just for the disciples or is also for followers of Jesus now? Explain your answer.
How is God calling you to “Come follow me and I will send you out” in your context?

The Servant King - Mark 10.45 (Key Verse)

Know
What has been your worst / funniest restaurant experience?
Grow
If you were at the Big Give, share a story you have.
How have you personally seen Cornerstone serving outside its walls this year? Share your stories.
How have you been involved? How has this impacted you?
In what was is Mark’s gospel the gospel according to Peter?
Read Mark 10:37 - What do you think motivated James and John to make this request?
What else do you know about James and John from the Bible?
Read Mark 10:38 – What did Jesus mean by ‘you don’t know what you’re asking’?
Read Mark 10:43-44 – Is Jesus saying that it is legitimate, in some way, for us to pursue greatness or being first? Explain your answer.
Dan said that through the past year we’ve shown ourselves as a church that serves? What indicators support this?
What areas of service do we still need to grow in?
Show
Now that growgroups are wrapping up, what’s something that you can do over this summer as a deliberate act of service.

Ultimate Questions - Is the Bible trustworthy?

Weekly Podcast from Cornerstone Wesleyan Church, North Gower, Ontario
www.knowgrowshow.ca
 
 
Know
Have you got any stories about GPS, maps, or map apps unexpectedly taking you off course? If not, share with the group about a time you got lost.
Grow
Was there anything that Dan shared in his message that surprised you or stood out to you?
Dan talked about some people needing a second opinion that the Bible is trustworthy (that for some it’s not enough that the Bible itself says it is trustworthy). What do you think of this?
Is it better to have a simple faith that trusts the Bible without outside evidence, or is it better to have a faith that seeks out this outside information to support the Bible? Share your reason for your answer.
Read 2 Peter 1:20 – What does it mean that the prophets were ‘carried along by the Holy Spirit’ when they spoke from God? Were they parrots repeating what God said or was there a level of human agency involved? Discuss this as a group.
Of the M.A.P., which evidence was most convincing for you – the Manuscript evidence, the Archaeological evidence, or the Prophecy evidence? Share with the group why.
There is no original text of the Bible left (for example Moses writings from his own hand or Paul writings from his own hand). Was this a surprise to you? What impact does this have on how you view the Bible?
What would you say to someone who says to you “All you have is copies of copies of copies so you can’t trust the Bible”?
What would you say to someone who said “Jesus just fulfilled the prophecies of the Messiah by deliberately going out of his way to fulfil them”? Can you think of any OT prophecies He fulfilled that He would have had no control over?
If you believe the Bible is trustworthy, thinking back through your own life, when and how did you reach this conclusion?
Dan shared that Sunday’s sermon was about trying to instil in us greater confidence in the Bible. Would you say he succeeded with you? Why or why not?
Show
Knowing what you now know about the external evidence for the trustworthy nature of the Bible, how (if at all) is this going to change your Bible reading approach or habits?

Inheritance - Joshua 23.1-24.33

Weekly Podcast from Cornerstone Wesleyan Church, North Gower, Ontario
www.wearecornerstone.ca
 
 
 
Know
Joshua reminds God’s people of how God has led them and fought for them. What is one thing that you need to be regularly reminded about God, that perhaps you forget all too easily?
Grow
Joshua gathered the leaders of Israel around him to hear his last words (23:1-2). Who would you gather around you if you knew you did not have long to live?
What would you say to them?
What are some false gods that you are tempted to cling to, that you need to throw away (24:14)? Be as honest as you can.
We are a reminded people: Why does God remind His people of what He has done (23:3)?
We are a commanded people: What does are some of the commands that God gives in 23:6-8 and 23:11.
Joshua commands the Israelites to obey God (23:6) and love God (23:11). Read 1 John 5:2-4 – how does this help us understand the connection between love and obedience?
Staying with the idea of love and obedience, read Matthew 24:12 – how does wickedness lead to love getting cold?
We are a promised people: Dan said that if we live on mission for Jesus we will never be bored, it’s when we live for ourselves that life gets ‘lacklustre’. Do you agree with him? Why or why not?
We are a warned people: Read Joshua 23:15-16. Why is God so harsh with His warning? When and where do we see these consequences played out later in Israel’s life?
Do you think that as a Christian, it’s possible to reach a point of disobedience that in effect our relationship with Jesus is over (that we’re no longer saved)? Why or why not? Use scriptures to support your answer.
Read 24:14. Does this mean that the Israelites were still literally carrying around idols or gods with them? If so, why hadn’t they thrown them away yet?
Read 24:15. Are you and your household serving the Lord? If so, what indicators do you see? If not, how can your group pray for you?
Think back through the inheritance series. What's one thing that you will takeaway from the book of Joshua? Perhaps you were challenged or changed or encouraged in some way. Perhaps it's something new you've learned. Share with the group.
Show
Have your growgroup decided how to get involved in the Big Give yet? Have you reached out to Terry Black and offered your services? If not, you still have time!

Inheritance - Joshua 22.1-34

Weekly Podcast from Cornerstone Wesleyan Church, North Gower, Ontario
www.wearecornerstone.ca
 
 
 
 
Know
Have you ever been quick to judge, and then realize you were way off track in your assessment? Share with the group what this was like for you (being careful to respect people’s privacy as you share – don’t let this turn into a gossip session).
Grow
Read chapter 22 verse 5. This can be viewed as a helpful guide to living the Christian life. Which of these reminders speak most powerfully to you? Why is this?
How should the Western tribes have done before mobilizing for war?
Why do you think the Western tribes were so quick to mobilize for war (think about what they had been doing for the past seven years)?
When looking at a resolving a conflict or misunderstanding, which part of the process is easiest for you?
Hold up (resist your assumptions)
Speak up (reach out in dialogue)
Listen up (rigorously listen to understand)
Climb down (report back with humility and repent if necessary)
Huddle up (recommit to unity in Christ)
Out of the above steps, which is most difficult for you? Why do you think this is?
Dan said that both the Western Tribes and the Eastern Tribes had good intentions. Think about our own context: how can misunderstanding arise even when both sides have pure motives?
Can you think of any other Biblical examples where this has happened (where conflict has arisen despite pure motives)?
Why is it wise to ask the question “What’s one more thing I need to know about this situation”? Talk this through with each other.
Dan said that truth is like a skeleton and that love is like the flesh. How is this a helpful picture in aiding us as we communicate with each other in times of suspicion and or doubt?
Are there any conversations that you believe God wants you to have, stemming from this study of Joshua 22?
Show
Discuss as a growgroup how you could envisage yourselves being involved with the Big Give (2nd June). Choose a spokesperson to contact Terry Black and offer your group’s services. Ask her how best your growgroup could be used.