Impact, Thursday January 15th

Impact will be starting up again with a new 8-9 week series this Thursday. We’ll be studying from a workbook titled “A Spiritual Formation” and we feel this book will be an excellent resource for developing a deeper walk with the Lord.

Come a little early to get your book (cost is $10) and then we’ll start at 7:00 PM with Steve R’s slide show from New Years Eve! I look forward to seeing you there!

More information on the book may be found online here.

Impact will meet from 7-9 pm at 700 Santa Cruz behind Ace Hardware in Menlo Park. We look forward to seeing you!

Thursday, December 11th

This Thursday we will continue studying 1 Corinthians Chapter 15 and Ron Sackman will discuss the questions from last Thursday.

Impact will meet from 7-9 pm at 700 Santa Cruz behind Ace Hardware in Menlo Park. We look forward to seeing you!

Impact - Thursday December 4th

This Thursday we will study 1 Corinthians Chapter 15. I encourage you to do a few daily pages and share one with your small group. Potential questions are below.

Impact will meet from 7-9 pm at 700 Santa Cruz behind Ace Hardware in Menlo Park. We look forward to seeing you!

The Significance of the Resurrection

Read verses 1-19

1. How does Paul define the gospel in the early verses of chapter 15? Does the term
"gospel" mean the same thing everywhere it is used in the New Testament, or does its
meaning depend on the context of a passage? Primarily, to what is the gospel referring
in chapter 15?

2. What evidence does Paul give for the resurrection?

3. In verse 12, Paul mentions that some people in the church had been saying
there is no resurrection of the dead. What are the ramifications of this teaching?
Do you think their disbelief was due to intellectual considerations (see Eph 4:17-18)?
How do we guard ourselves from such disbelief?

Read verses 20-58

4. To what does the term "first fruits" refer in verse 20?

5. What contrast does Paul make between Adam and Christ in verse 22? What
comparison does he make between Adam and Christ in verse 45? Specifically,
why is Christ called "the last Adam?" (Hint: Consider the following verses: Gen 1:28,
Psalm 8:6).

6. What examples of sowing and reaping does Paul give in verses 36 - 45? What is the
point of these examples?

7. From this chapter, what is the significance of the resurrection of Jesus Christ? Is the
main point of the resurrection that it validates the factuality of Jesus' identity and teaching,
or is there more to it?

8. In light of the resurrection, what words of exhortation does Paul give in verse 58?
How can we apply these words in our lives?

Questions by Ron Sackman

Impact, November 20th

This Thursday we will study 1 Corinthians Chapter 14. Paul asks that we pursue the ways of love and he asks that we desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophesy. What does Paul mean by prophesy?

I look forward to seeing you there!


I encourage you to do a few daily pages and share one with your small group.

Impact will meet from 7-9 pm at 700 Santa Cruz behind Ace Hardware in Menlo Park. We look forward to seeing you!

Impact, November 13th

This Thursday we will study 1 Corinthians Chapter 13. I look forward to seeing you there!


I encourage you to do a few daily pages and share one with your small group.

Impact will meet from 7-9 pm at 700 Santa Cruz behind Ace Hardware in Menlo Park. We look forward to seeing you!

Thursday, October 30th

This Thursday Impact will be studying 1 Corinthians 11. In this chapter Paul discusses conduct in worship and we'll discuss how this applies today in the Church. Then Paul talks about what a sacred thing we're doing when we come together and eat the Lord's Supper. I look forward studying this with you this Thursday!

Christian

Here are the questions we'll be studying:

Questions by Grant Kim

1 Corinthians 11:2-16

1.) What does it mean for the man to be head of the woman?

2.) Very few of us attend churches today where women wear head coverings. Why do we disobey Paul’s directive? What makes some laws “out of date” and some laws still applicable today?

3.) Is there such as thing as equal but different? If so, are there differences between men and women?

4.) Is Paul a male chauvinist? Do you believe that Paul teaches different roles for men and women?


1 Corinthians 11:17-34

5.) In the 21st century we would never make another group sit at a table with lesser food, but what are some subtle ways we make some people feel first-class and second-class? Are there things we do in Impact or in our circle of friends that make people feel second-class?

6.) Every church has richer and poorer members. Usually richer members donate more money and usually end up in higher positions and make more decisions. Is there anything wrong with this?

7.) Why do we celebrate the Lord’s Supper?

Impact - Thursday October 23rd

This Thursday Impact will continue studying 1 Corinthians. We'll read 1 Corinthians 10 and discuss it in our small groups. Here Paul reminds us of warnings from Irael's history and tells us to stand firm: God will never allow us to be tempted beyond what we can bear and He always gives us a way out. Paul also talks again about our freedom, but how we should seek not our own good but the good of others. We'll dive into studying about what is meant by this freedom and more on Thursday. I can't wait to study with you!

Blessings,
Christian

Impact - Thursday October 9th

This Thursday Impact will continue studying 1 Corinthians. We’ll read 1 Corinthians 8 and discuss topics like knowledge, food sacrificed to idols and warnings about causing others to stumble. I look forward to studying with you!

Impact meets from 7-9 pm at 700 Santa Cruz behind Ace Hardware in Menlo Park. We look forward to seeing you!

Impact - Thursday October 2nd

This Thursday Impact will be having a praise and worship night. You and your friends are invited to join us worship the Lord and share our praises!

Impact meets from 7-9 pm at 700 Santa Cruz behind Ace Hardware in Menlo Park. We look forward to seeing you!

Impact - Thursday September 25th

This Thursday we will study 1 Corinthians Chapter 7 where Paul discusses marriage. We’ll study questions about Paul’s view on marriage and how God is calling us to use our time, energy and efforts. I look forward to seeing you there!


I encourage you to do a few daily pages and share one with your small group.

Impact will meet from 7-9 pm at 700 Santa Cruz behind Ace Hardware in Menlo Park. We look forward to seeing you!

Impact - Thursday September 18th

This Thursday we will continue our study of 1 Corinthians with 1 Corinthians 6. The chapter starts by discussing how to handle lawsuit type disputes with one another and continues with topics like who we are and the importance of pursuing sexual wholeness. Paul reminds us what our bodies are meant for and he reminds us of the profound reality that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit.

I encourage you to do a few daily pages and share one with your small group.

Impact will meet in the normal place: meet from 7-9 pm at 700 Santa Cruz behind Ace Hardware in Menlo Park. We look forward to seeing you!

Impact - Thursday September 11th

This Thursday we will continue our study of 1 Corinthians with 1 Corinthians 5. We'll have guest speaker Peter Kockelman leading the discussion of the deep topics in this chapter such as dealing with immorality and how to approach this both inside and outside of the church. I encourage you prepare daily pages and I look forward to seeing you Thursday!

I encourage you to do a few daily pages and share one with your small group!

Impact will meet in the normal place: meet from 7-9 pm at 700 Santa Cruz behind Ace Hardware in Menlo Park. We look forward to seeing you!

Impact - Thursday August 21st

It was really good getting back into small groups last week and starting our Corinthians study! This week we’ll continue our study in Corinthians by studying 1st Corinthians Chapter 2. We’ll study about wisdom from the Spirit and the amazing reality that we have not received the spirit of the world but “the Spirit who is from God, that we understand what God has freely given us.” I can’t wait to study this with you!

I encourage you to do a few daily pages and share one with your small group!

Where in the world does Impact meet?

We meet from 7-9 pm at 700 Santa Cruz behind Ace Hardware in Menlo Park. We look forward to seeing you!

Impact - Thursday August 14th

This week we will begin our study of 1 Corinthians. Please read 1 Corinthians chapter 1 and fill out a daily page.

If you were unable to attend last week you are always welcome to come!

We meet from 7-9 pm at 700 Santa Cruz behind Ace Hardware in Menlo Park. Please bring your Bibles. We look forward to seeing you!

Impact Begins Thursday, August 7th!

I want to invite you to join us for the start of a new year at Impact. Our first meeting will be Thursday August 7th, meeting at 7:00 PM in the 700 Santa Cruz building in Menlo Park.

This is a good opportunity for you to start attending Impact if you've been thinking about coming: we will study the Bible together and have opportunities to discuss and learn about the deep questions and issues we face as Christians.

If you haven't signed up for Impact you may sign up at this meeting or you may send Christl Kirchner an email: christl.kirchner@gte.net. We'll have a potluck and introduce 1st Corinthians at this first meeting.

We meet from 7-9 pm at 700 Santa Cruz behind Ace Hardware in Menlo Park. Please bring your Bibles. We look forward to seeing you!

Sara McMinn has volunteered the girls to host our Potluck. Please contact her for details on what to bring:

saramcminn@msn.com

Blessings,
Christian

Thusday, June 26th Potluck and Final Impact!

This Thursday, June 26th, we will have a potluck and then finish a two part series on evangelism. We'll have a quick review of last week and then have more discussion and role-play based on the Four Spiritual Laws. We meet from 7-9 pm at 700 Santa Cruz behind Ace Hardware in Menlo Park. Please bring your Bibles. We look forward to seeing you!

Potluck Last Name:
A - F bottled water or drinks
G - M fruit or dessert
N - Q main or side dish
R - Z vegetables or salad


Homework before Thursday:

Please look up and memorize the scriptures that back up the Four Spiritual Laws, found here and practice sharing the Good News.

Thursday, June 19th

This Thursday, June 19th, we will start a two part series on evangelism. We'll talk about discipleship, the Good News, and have an introduction to evangelism. We meet from 7-9 pm at 700 Santa Cruz behind Ace Hardware in Menlo Park. Please bring your Bibles. We look forward to seeing you!

Thursday June 12th

This Thursday we will conclude our series of watching and discussing Nooma Videos (From Rob Bell). We'll have praise and worship, watch the video and have time for discussion and prayer.

The Nooma videos communicate in an amazing way information on spiritual situations we may be facing. Watching a few of these at Impact will allow us to discuss what we've heard together in a safe and informed environment. I look forward to watching these and hearing your thoughts!
More about the Nooma Series: http://www.nooma.com/Info/About.aspx

Thursday June 5th

This Thursday we will continue in our series of watching and discussing Nooma Videos (From Rob Bell). We'll have praise and worship, watch the video and have time for discussion and prayer.

The Nooma videos communicate in an amazing way information on spiritual situations we may be facing. Watching a few of these at Impact will allow us to discuss what we've heard together in a safe and informed environment. I look forward to watching these and hearing your thoughts!
More about the Nooma Series: http://www.nooma.com/Info/About.aspx

Thursday May 29th

I am very excited to announce that Chris James from MPPC will lead a discussion about research they've done on Discipleship this Thursday. Chris James has a passion for seeing people grow in their walk with the Lord and a passion for seeing people lead a Christ centered life. You are invited to join us this Thursday to participate!

As usual, we'll meet at 700 Santa Cruz Blvd. behind Ace Hardware at 7:00 PM. See you there!

Thursday May 22nd

This Thursday we will continue in our four-part series of watching and discussing Nooma Videos (From Rob Bell). We'll have more praise and worship, watch the video and have time for discussion and prayer.

Last week we watched and discussed Nooma's first video titled Rain. If you missed it I encourage you to watch it here.

The Nooma videos communicate in an amazing way information on spiritual situations we may be facing. Watching a few of these at Impact will allow us to discuss what we've heard together in a safe and informed environment. I look forward to watching these and hearing your thoughts!

More about the Nooma Series: http://www.nooma.com/Info/About.aspx

If you can't make it on Thursday, you are welcome to fellowship with us on one of our events. Check out our new events here for hikes, beach retreats, tennis, homeless outreach and more!

Thursday, May 15th - Potluck

This Thursday we will have a Potluck followed by the first night of a new four-part series of watching and discussing Nooma Videos (From Rob Bell).

We'll have food, praise, worship, a video, discussion... And! Prayer. I encourage you to come this Thursday and fellowship with us! Dinner is at 7:00PM.

Here are some suggestions for what to bring for the potluck:
Last name:

A - F fruit or dessert
G - M main or side dish
N - Q vegetables or salad
R - Z bottled water or drinks

More about the Nooma Series: http://www.nooma.com/Info/About.aspx

The Nooma videos communicate in an amazing way information on spiritual situations we may be facing. Watching a few of these at Impact will allow us to discuss what we've heard together in a safe and informed environment. I look forward to watching these and hearing your thoughts!

Thursday May 8th

This Thursday, May 8th, we will have a praise/worship night and sharing. I encourage you to think of a praise to share on anything, or a praise related to your experience with compassion weekend or your experience with Impact. We'll meet from 7-9 pm at 700 Santa Cruz behind Ace Hardware in Menlo Park and you are always welcome to join us!

Thursday May 1st

This Thursday, May 1st, we will be concluding our series on Social Justice. For the first talk we discussed what it meant to be a disciple and watched a brilliant video by Rob Bell titled Dust. If you missed the video, you may watch it here:

Dust Part1
Dust Part2

We've also been working through a devotional produced by MPPC, which may be found here.

Join us this Thursday for the conclusion of our Social Justice/Compassion series. We meet from 7-9 pm at 700 Santa Cruz behind Ace Hardware in Menlo Park and you are always welcome to join us!

Discussion #1 –

tba

Thursday, April 17th

This week we will begin our 3-week series on Social Justice presented by Betty Ann. A devotional is available and you are encouraged to read through the first two chapters for this Thursday to prepare for the discussion. You may access the devotional here:

http://www.mppcfamily.org/app/w_page.php?id=61&type=section

Fun Night! Miniature Golf - Thursday April 10

Announcing Miniature Golf Night This Thursday April 10th in Redwood City! We will not be meeting at the 700 Santa Cruz building, instead we will meet in the Malibu Castle at 7:00 PM.

What? Miniature Golf

Where? Malibu Castle 320 Blomquist St. Redwood City

When? This Thursday, April 10th, 7:00 PM

Directions: Take 101 Freeway NORTH to the Seaport Boulevard/Woodside Road exit. Stay RIGHT at the fork and take Seaport Boulevard (EAST). Make a LEFT at the first stop light onto Blomquist Street. Malibu Grand Prix is the first driveway on your LEFT, Malibu Castle is just a bit further on your LEFT.

Discussion Questions for Thursday, April 3rd

Mark 16 Discussion Questions

Verses 1-13
* Marys find empty tomb with angel inside
* Jesus appears to Mary and non-disciples

1. How would you describe the feelings and thoughts of the women as they set out for the tomb?

2. What options did they have if they encountered the stone still in place?

3. What things that the angel told the women had Jesus already told them? When did Jesus tell them?

4. What were the disciples doing when they were told the good news and what was their response?

Verses 14-20
* Jesus commissions followers to proclaim the gospel to the world

5. In what order and to whom did Jesus reveal Himself? Why do you think He did not start by revealing Himself to His inner circle band of 11 disciples?

6. What do you think was the mood in the room when Jesus appeared to the 10 disciples?

7. What was Jesus' parting command / instruction to His followers?

8. What is the gospel / Good News? Can you summarize it?

Thursday, April 3th

This Thursday, April 3th, we will be discussing Mark chapter 16. We meet from 7-9 pm at 700 Santa Cruz behind Ace Hardware in Menlo Park. Read ahead of time so you'll be ready for the discussion. The Daily Page Homework may be found here. We look forward to seeing you!

Mark 16 - Jesus Rises from the Dead; Jesus Appears to Mary Magdalene; Jesus Appears to Two Believers Traveling on the Road; Jesus Appears to the Disciples Including Thomas; Jesus Gives the Great Commission; Jesus Ascends into Heaven
(NIV Headings)

Questions may not be available until Thursday Night.

--questions by

Thursday, March 27th

This Thursday, March 27th, we will be discussing Mark chapter 15. We meet from 7-9 pm at 700 Santa Cruz behind Ace Hardware in Menlo Park. Read ahead of time so you'll be ready for the discussion questions below. The Daily Page Homework may be found here. We look forward to seeing you!

Mark 15 – The Council of Religious Leaders Condemns Jesus; Jesus Stands Trial before Pilate; Pilate Hands Jesus Over to be Crucified; Roman Soldiers Mock Jesus; Jesus Is Led Away to be Crucified; Jesus Is Placed on the Cross; Jesus Dies on the Cross; Jesus is Laid in the Tomb
(NIV Headings)

Mark 15:1-32

1.) Why did Pilate marvel at the silence of Jesus?

2.) Why did the crowd choose Barabbas instead of Jesus?

3.) Why did Pilate have Jesus flogged before his crucifixion?

4.) Why did Roman soldiers mock Jesus with such cruelty?

Mark 15:33-15:47

5.) Why is there darkness in the land?

6.) What is the significance of the curtain being torn in two?
Hint: take a look at Leviticus 16 to get an idea how serious the curtain is.

7.) Why did Jesus have to die on the cross?

--questions by Grant

Thursday, March 20th

This Thursday, March 20th, we will be attending Menlo Presbyterian's Maundy Service. We'll meet around 7 PM at 700 Santa Cruz behind Ace Hardware in Menlo Park like normal. Then around 7:15 PM we will walk down the street as a group to the service. We look forward to seeing you!

Thursday, March 13th

This Thursday, March 13th, we will be discussing Mark chapter 14:32-72. We meet from 7-9 pm at 700 Santa Cruz behind Ace Hardware in Menlo Park. Read ahead of time so you'll be ready for the discussion questions below. The Daily Page Homework may be found here. We look forward to seeing you!

Mark 14:1-31 – Jesus Agonizes in the Garden; Jesus is Betrayed and Arrested; Caiaphas Questions Jesus; Peter Denies Knowing Jesus

Discussion #1 – Vs. 32-52

1. What is Jesus referring to when He says "take this cup from me" in verse 36?

2. In the garden of Gethsemane we read about Jesus' intense struggle to follow God's will for Him to go to the cross. Why do you think this is recorded in Scripture? Does it offer any encouragement to you when your will differs from God's will. Feel free to share examples.

3.In verse 38 Jesus says- "Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The Spirit is willing but the body is weak." What does Jesus mean when He says the Spirit is willing but the body is weak? How did Jesus get His body in line with the Spirit? How might you do so?

4. (extra credit) Who do you think is the naked man is V. 51 and 52 and why does Mark include this odd event in the middle of this scene?

Discussion #2 – Verses 53-72


5. The High Priest asks Jesus a question in v. 60 and another question in v. 61. Why do you think Jesus was silent for the first question but responded to the second question?

6. The chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin ( the high court of the Jews) were looking for "evidence against Jesus so that they could put Him to death, but they did not find any." V. 55 Why do you think these leaders were so intent in wanting to kill Jesus? Why are some people today so hostile toward Jesus?

7. What is your response to Jesus having to go to the cross? Was it really necessary? Do you feel that it is a true historical event?

--questions by Christl

Thursday, March 6th

This Thursday, March 6th, we will be discussing Mark chapter 14:1-31. We meet from 7-9 pm at 700 Santa Cruz behind Ace Hardware in Menlo Park. Read ahead of time so you'll be ready for the discussion questions below. We look forward to seeing you!

Mark 14:1-31 – Jesus Anointed at Bethany; The Lord's Supper; Jesus Predicts Peter's Denial

Discussion #1 –

Mark 14:1-11

1. Why do you think the woman poured the perfume on Jesus' head? What do you think of the indignant response of some of those present? How would you react in the same situation?

2. Judas walked alongside Jesus for three years and witnessed all His miracles. Why do you think he betrayed Jesus? What can you learn from Judas' act regarding your own faith?

Discussion #2 –

Mark 14:12-31

3. What is the covenant that Jesus mentions in verse 24? What did it replace? What does the practive of communion mean to you?

4. Have you ever expressed the confidence of Peter in promises you've made to God? If you didn't keep those promises, how did you feel when you realized it? How did you respone to God afterwards?

--questions by Virginia

Thursday, February 28th

This Thursday, February 28th, we will be discussing Mark chapter 13. We meet from 7-9 pm at 700 Santa Cruz behind Ace Hardware in Menlo Park. Read ahead of time so you'll be ready for the discussion questions below. We look forward to seeing you!

Mark 13 – Jesus Tells about the Future, tells of His return, and tells us to remain watchful

Discussion #1 –

1. What is the point of Jesus communicating the future events to the disciples?

2. Jesus warns against identifying modern phenomenon with Biblical prophecy. Discuss how you have seen this happen historically, in the world today, or in your own life personally.

Discussion #2 –

3. What is the "abomination of desolation"? Review the cross references in Daniel and discuss.

4. When you and I are challenged about our faith, we are to speak boldly by the Spirit in our answer. Dioscuss the realities of when you feel you would be challenged to stand in the face of persecution for your faith. Have you known anyone who has fallen away from the faith? What are your own thoughts about losing faith?

5. The disciples are warned to be prepared. Discuss what obstacles you feel to this sort of preparedness (for the lord's return) you feel in your life. Do you experience restlessness, knowing that you are not precisely where God wantes you? Are you ready to give an account today?

--questions by Laura

Thursday, February 21

This Thursday, February 21st, we will be discussing Mark chapter 12. We meet from 7-9 pm at 700 Santa Cruz behind Ace Hardware in Menlo Park. Read ahead of time so you'll be ready for the discussion questions below. We look forward to seeing you!

Mark 12
_____________________________

Discussion #1

Mark 12:1-34 For reference you may wish to compare Isaiah 5:1-7 which is the original story about the vineyard.

1.) Why is Jesus telling the story of the tenants?

2.) What does it mean to render to Caesar what is Caesar’s? What does it mean to render to God what is God’s?

3.) The original questions about the woman with seven husbands was supposed to be a trap question and the Sadducees did not expect a real answer. But Jesus does give a substantive answer. What does Jesus’ answer say about marriage? What does Jesus’ answer say about God?


Discussion #2

Mark 12:28-12:44

For reference you may wish to compare Deut 6:4,5 which is known in Jewish culture as the Shemah.

4.) What do you think it means to love God with all your heart?

5.) What do you think it means to love God with all your soul?

6.) What do you think it means to love God with all your mind?

7.) What do you think it means to love God with all your strength?

--questions by Grant

Thursday, February 14

This Thursday, February 14th, we will be discussing Mark chapter 11. We meet from 7-9 pm at 700 Santa Cruz behind Ace Hardware in Menlo Park. Read ahead of time so you'll be ready for the discussion questions below. We look forward to seeing you!

Mark 11 - Jesus Rides to Jerusalem on a Donkey; Jesus Clears the Temple; Jesus Teaches His Disciples about Faith, Prayer and Forgiveness; Religious Leaders Challenge Jesus' Authority
_____________________________

Discussion Questions:

Discussion #1:
Verses 1-19* Day 1: Jesus rides colt into Jerusalem * Day 2: Jesus curses fig tree and cleanses temple

1. Where is the first place Jesus went upon entering Jerusalem and what did He do before returning to Bethany that first day? What do you think He accomplished?

2. How would you explain or justify Jesus' strong reaction to the fig tree? See also vv. 20-21.

3. Who were all the different groups that Jesus shut down in the temple and why do you think He shutdown each group?

Discussion #2

Verses 20-33* Day 3: Jesus teaches on prayer and responds to Jewish leaders in temple

4. How do you explain Jesus' prescription for receiving things through prayer?

5. Why do you think Jesus did not just tell the Jewish leaders plainly the source of His authority?

--questions by Paul

Thursday, February 7

This Thursday, February 7, we will be discussing Mark chapter 10. We meet from 7-9 pm at 700 Santa Cruz behind Ace Hardware in Menlo Park. Read ahead of time so you'll be ready for the discussion questions below. We look forward to seeing you!

Mark 10 - Marriage and Divorce; Jesus Blesses the Little Children; The Rich Young Ruler; Jesus Predicts His Death For the Third Time; Serving Others; Jesus Heals a Blind Begger

_______________________________

Discussion Questions:

Discussion #1:

1. Matthew 10:1-12: In v. 5, Jesus says that Moses wrote the Old Testament law permitting a man to divorce his wife because the people’s hearts were hardened. What does it mean to have a hardened heart? Jesus says that divorce exposes hardness of heart. Today, about 50% of marriages end in divorce, including in the church. Where in your life have you experienced hardness of heart and what were the consequences? Thankfully, we have a loving God who desires for us to allow Him to search our hearts so that we can repent and be restored to Him. Have you ever repented (turned away from your sin and sought to change with God’s help) and felt God change your life in a meaningful way?
   
   
2. (Vv. 13-31) The rich young ruler was disappointed because Jesus asked him to give up the wealth (and power and status that goes with it) to follow Him. Has Jesus ever asked you to give up something that you thought you couldn’t? What happened? Have you ever felt “poor” or empty in an area of your life (opposite of the rich young ruler)? If so, how did this cause you to be childlike in your dependence upon God?
   

Discussion #2:

1. (vv. 32-45) After Jesus had just predicted His death for the 3rd time to the disciples, James and John again asked Him about sitting next to Him on the throne. What were they misunderstanding that Jesus was referring to in verse 18? What can we learn from Jesus definition of greatness in vv. 42-45?
   
   
2. (vv. 46-52) What actions of the blind begger model the child-like qualities that Jesus said were necessary for entering the kingdom of God (v. 15)? How can we learn from the example of the blind man in our own lives?

--questions by Angie

Thursday, January 31

This Thursday, January 31, we will be discussing Mark chapter 9. We meet from 7-9 pm at 700 Santa Cruz behind Ace Hardware in Menlo Park. Read ahead of time so you'll be ready for the discussion questions below. We look forward to seeing you!

Mark 9 – The Transfiguration; Healing of a Boy with an Evil Spirit; Who is the Greatest; Whoever is Not Against Us; Causing to Sin

___________________________________

Discussion #1

Mark 9:1-32

1. Why do you think the transfiguration of Jesus occurred? How does knowing about the transfiguration of Jesus help you in your spiritual walk?
   
2. Looking at verses 14-30, why couldn’t the other nine disciples cast out the demon in the boy? If faith is a prerequisite for action by Jesus, why did he cast out the demon after hearing the father’s words in verse 24?

Discussion #2

Mark 9:33-50

1. Jesus said that to be the greatest one had to be the last and a servant to all. Why does he use a child to illustrate His point? How are some ways you could live out this principle in your everyday life?
   
2. What do you think Jesus is saying in verses 42-48? Can you think of any sin in your own life you need to confront to avoid any eternal “loss” to you?

Thursday, January 24

This Thursday, January 24, we will be discussing Mark chapter 8. We meet from 7-9 pm at 700 Santa Cruz behind Ace Hardware in Menlo Park. Read ahead of time so you'll be ready for the discussion questions below. We look forward to seeing you!

Mark 8 - What does it mean to deny Self?
___________________________________

Discussion #1

Mark 8:1-21

When you read Mark 8 you probably had a sense of Deja vu. Mark 8 seems to repeat many of the same events of Mark 6 and 7 we looked at two weeks ago. Take a look starting at Mark 6:30. Mark's book is short, concise and deliberate. The author would not repeat a similar incident unless there was a very intentional reason.

1. What are the similarities and differences between Mark 6/7 and Mark 8?
2. What do you think is the reason that Mark seems to repeat himself? What is the point Mark is trying to convey?
3. The Pharisees come to Jesus and ask for a sign. Why do you think Jesus refuses the Pharisees?

Discussion #2

Mark 8:22-9:1

1. In Mark 7, Jesus touches the deaf man once. In Mark 8, Jesus touches the blind man twice. Do you think there is any significance to this?
   
2. Why does Jesus continue to tell recipients of healing not to publicize?
3. Why does Jesus rebuke Peter?
4. What does it mean to deny self? (Mk 8:34)

Thank you for your prayers and support!

Last Thursday was a very special night for me. Thanks to all of you for giving such an incredible gift and for your sharing your memories and your prayers! I am so grateful to Impact for all the friendships I have made through this group -- I will miss you so much!



It is truly overwhelming to have a new Dell XPS 1330 computer to use at Talbot! The best part about it is that it is red! I know I won't get lost in the crowd that way. And to show my thankfulness for my new digital camera, I have posted some photos that were taken at Impact. I love you all and will be praying for you while I am in Southern Cal!

May the Lord richly bless you in all you do!

Much love,

Marsha





"Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always offering prayer with joy in my every prayer for you all, in view of your participation in the gospel from the first day until now.
For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus."
Philippians 1:2-6

Thursday, January 10

This Thursday, January 10, we will be discussing Mark chapter 7. We meet from 7-9 pm at 700 Santa Cruz behind Ace Hardware in Menlo Park. Read ahead of time so you'll be ready for the discussion questions below. We look forward to seeing you!

Mark 7 – How do we become clean?

Discussion #1 – Mark 7:1-23

Jesus discusses with the Pharisees what is clean and unclean

1.

A. Traditions and the keeping of the law were very important to the Pharisees. Why does Jesus speak against the Pharisees’ emphasis on cleanliness in this passage?

B. Jesus calls the Pharisees “hypocrites,” and quotes the passage from Isaiah which says “their heart is far away from me.” What does it mean to have a heart that is close to Jesus?

2. The people in Jesus’ day seemed to feel that by washing hands, cups and the food, that a person would be “clean.” To us it may seem obvious that this does not make us clean on the inside. But can you think of ways we still practice this way of thinking that something external rather than internal can make us clean? List examples…

Discussion #2 – Mark 7:24-36

A Gentile woman’s young daughter is healed of an unclean spirit

A deaf and dumb man is healed

1. Jesus makes an interesting comment in verse 27 when he says, “First, let the children eat all they want, for it is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to their dogs.” What does that mean and why does Jesus reward the Gentile woman’s response in verse 28 when she says, “Yes, Lord, but even the dogs under the table eat the children’s crumbs”?

2. What do you find intriguing about the story of the healing of the deaf and mute man or of the reaction of the people who watch the miracle?

Mark 6

Join us tonight, January 3, at 7 pm, as we read and talk about Mark chapter 6. Below are the discussion questions for the evening:

Discussion #1 – Mark 6:1-31

Jesus visits his home town
The 12 are sent to serve
John the Baptist is beheaded

1. When Jesus visited his hometown, he runs into some issues. It says, “He could do no miracle there except that He laid His hands upon a few sick people and healed them.” Is it possible that our unbelief can limit God? Why could he not do a miracle there?

2. In verses 14-29, the horrible story of John the Baptist’s death is played out. Who is responsible for John’s death and what was the cause of his death?

What is our responsibility to intervene when we witness an immoral act?

Discussion #2 – Mark 6:30-56

The 12 return
5,000 are fed
Jesus walks on water
Jesus heals at Gennesaret

1. In verses 30-31, the 12 disciples return and report all they were able to do as they had been sent out. But in verse 51-52, they are frightened after Jesus walked on water. The passage says:

“And He got into the boat with them, and the wind stopped; and they were greatly astonished, for they had not gained any insight from the incident of the loaves, but their heart was hardened.”

How do you explain the inconsistency in their faith? What was meant by describing their hearts as being hardened?

In the story of Herod, the feeding of 5,000, and in the storm on the seas, fear has a major role in terms of the actions and thoughts of these people. If fear is the force that may be our biggest obstacle in our spiritual lives, how can we identify our fears and grow our faith? What are some of your fears?

2. Read silently together the passage Matthew 14:22-33. What extra insights does this give you beyond what we read in Mark? Is there anything troubling to you? Why would Jesus walk by them on the water?