STUDY GUIDE – Skipping Christmas

Icebreaker: Share an example of some really good news you have recently received.

Sermon Title – Good News of Great Joy – Mark 1:1

Group Discussion

Read Mark 1:1 & Luke 2:10 – The beginning of the good news… How does the message of Jesus’ arrival as “good news” bring joy to your life today? Consider examples of how we can share this joy with others.

Read Mark 1:1, John 1:14, & John 20:31 – Jesus the Messiah… How can these passages help us understand the significance of Jesus’ identity as the Messiah at His birth, through His life-ministry, His death, and today?

Read Mark 1:1, Mark 15:37-39, & John 14:10–11 – The Son of God… How can these revelations at the beginning and end of Mark’s Gospel influence our discipleship journey? Discuss ways we can use the centurion’s statement as evidence, as Jesus described in John 14:11, when we share the good news.

Read John 14:27 & Romans 8:38-39 – Live a life without fear. How can these truths empower us to live a life free from fear? What steps can we take to live fearlessly in Jesus while compelling others to do the same?

Read John 1:12 & Galatians 4:4-7 – Live life as a son or daughter. Share examples of how we can embrace and live out the privileges and responsibilities of being part of God’s royal family. What might change in your daily life if you truly lived with the confidence of this truth? Discuss how this might impact others in your life.

Read Mark 10:45 & John 13:1-5 – Live a life of action and service. How can these examples of Jesus’ service challenge and inspire us to live a life of action and service? Discuss examples of how adopting a servant’s heart can transform our relationships and influence the world around us? Perhaps you have a servant’s heart, how can you compel others, like members of your family or friends, to also live with a focus on serving others?

Spiritual Discipline: Take time to study our other sermon resources that support this message on “good news of great joy,” such as the “tips for memorizing scripture” at: Church Center / Home / Sermon Resources

Action Steps: (1) Follow Jesus’ example of service: Identify one way to serve someone in need this week through a simple act of kindness, volunteering, or offering encouragement, (2) Prioritize humility: Look for opportunities to put others’ needs before your own, reflecting the humility that Jesus demonstrated washing His disciples’ feet, (3) Make a habit of serving: Commit to regularly serving others as a lifestyle.