6. Scripture Study: Mark 1
What is the gospel according to Jesus as
written by Mark? (Avoid reading your
existing presumptions into the text.)
How does Jesus demonstrate the gospel?
What are the implications of the gospel to
those whom Jesus ministered to?
7. The Big Story
The gospel according to Jesus is that the Kingdom
of God is at hand.
This redemption affects three relational dimensions:
Our relationship with God
Our relationship with each other
Our relationship with creation
The traditional view of atonement for personal sin is
not the full story!
A more robust gospel presentation may provide
more handles for us to engage in conversation with
an increasingly secular world.
8. Your Big Story
Your testimony is the story of Jesus lived out
in your life.
Telling your story is often one of the best
ways to approach a spiritual conversation is
by starting with your story.
We must reflect on our story and practice
telling it in a concise and compelling way.
9. Starting Spiritual
Conversations
The Direct approach. “What’s your spiritual
background?”
The Indirect approach. “I know what you mean
about feeling like giving up on your teen, but I
just read a great book by a Christian counselor
whose advice really helped us get through that
era with our kids.”
The Invitational approach. “I’ll pick you before
the game so we can go together.”
11. Group Activity
Analyzing your timeline:
Look at your peaks and valley. What was going on in your life
during those times? What influenced your shifts into spiritual
valleys and spiritual peaks?
Do you see any themes? Are there any reoccurring
questions, doubts, truths, that are interwoven throughout
your journey?
What are ways in which God kept resurfacing for you?
Are there particular Bible verses or stories from Scripture
that have been of comfort or encouragement?
Take turns sharing a 3-minute version of your story to your
group. Then take two minutes to respond and ask
questions. Then switch.
12. Growth-work
Commit to learning one of the gospel
models discussed in the beginning of class,
and practice presenting it to a friend (or a
unbeliever!).
Find one non-Christian to share you story
with this week.
