Big Idea: Following Jesus doesn't just change what you do. It changes what you're made of.  

1. The man who took a seat in the shadows. Nicodemus (John 3:1-3).   

2. The Woman who Took a Seat at the feet of Jesus: Mary (Luke 10:38-42) 

3. Fans Confuse Behavior Modification for True Transformation.  

Micro-Skill #1: Start with Five Minutes. 
Micro-Skill #2: Find Your Chair.
Micro-Skill #3: PRAY to Encounter Jesus.  

• P = Praise. Start by telling God who he is. Before you ask for anything, remember who you're talking to. What's true about his character?  
• R = Repent. Come honest. Where have you been running on your own power? Where have you shut him out? You don't clean up before you sit down.  
• A = Ask. Bring your needs. Physical, relational, spiritual. But notice where this comes in the order. You're not leading with your wish list.  
• Y = Yield. Stop talking. Start listening. Open your hands and say, God, I've told you what I want. Now I want to hear what you want. And then sit in the silence.  

Next Step: practice taking a seat with Jesus. Pick one of the 3 micro-skills and actually do it. 

Find more series information at whoisgrace.com/read  

Excuse #1 - “I’m not good enough.” 

1. ANYONE is Welcome.  

Excuse #2 - "I'd never fit in here.”  

2. ANYONE means Everyone.  

Excuse #3 - "I need to get my life together first."  

3. ANYONE means No Excuse.  

Excuse #4 - "I'm already good with the man upstairs."  

4. It’s ANYONE but it’s Everything.  

Next Steps: 

• Spend some time this week to DTR - honestly define the relationship between you and God 
• Join us for the next 2 weeks as we explore what it means when Jesus says Follow Me.  

For more series information visit whoisgrace.com/read   

Big Idea: Jesus was forsaken so you would never have to be.  

3 things Jesus’ question exposes in us. 

1. We've all known darkness.  

2. We fear the temporary silence of God means He’s abandoned us forever.   

      - Deus absconditus = The hidden God.  

3. We want a faith that always feels good.  

      - Psalm 22  

Next Step  

Pray Psalm 22 slowly and out loud.  

Holy Week details at: whoisgrace.com/easter  

Get other series resources at whoisgtace.com/read  

Jesus wants you to remember your history. (John 21:1-14; Romans 7:24) 

Jesus wants to restore you relationship with Him. (John 21:15-19; Romans 8:1-2) 

“Do you love Me?” 

Jesus wants to commission you for your calling. (John 21:15-19; John 14:15) 

“Feed my lambs… Follow Me.” 

Next Step: Find your chair and honestly answer Jesus: “Do you love Me?” 

• If your answer is “Yes!” then meditate on obeying His command: “Follow Me.” 
• If you’re not ready to answer, spend time with Jesus. Read one chapter a day in John’s gospel. 

Big Idea: Agreement with Jesus is not the same as allegiance to Jesus.  

• Agreement is most often intellectual or emotional. 
• Allegiance, is relational and action-oriented.  

“Comes to Me”  - “Hears My Words”  - “Follows Me” 

How To Move from Agreement to Allegiance: 

1. Get to Know His Voice  
2. Identify the Competing Voice 

• Voice of the Flesh 
• Voice of the World 
• Voice of the Enemy 
• Voice of Wounds 

3. Name the “But” 

Next step.  

• Write your answer to Jesus' question, “Why don’t you do what I say?”  

Jesus reveals 2 truths about himself (Matt 16:24) 

1. He is serious about dying.  
2. He is dying for the sake of your soul 

Soul = the essence of your life 

“For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul?  

Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?”  

Jesus exposes a truth in you (Matt 16:26) 

1. How you prioritize the soul is a big deal. 
2. Success 
3. Self 

Next Step: Find your chair and honestly answer Jesus’ questions: 

• What do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul?  
• Is anything worth more than your soul? 

1. The Poll question: “Who do people say that I am? (:13-14)  
2. The Personal Question: “Who do YOU say that I am?” (vv. 15-16) 

Big idea: Your answer to the question of Jesus determines your approach to everything else.  

3. Jesus’ three incredible declarations (vv. 17-19) 

• The revelation of faith comes from the Father. 
• Jesus is building his church.  
• Jesus entrusts his mission to his people.  

Next step. 

• Commit to being here all 5 weeks of this series.  
• Write your answer to Jesus' question, “Who do you say that I am?”  

For more series information visit whoisgrace.com/read  

Big Idea: When ordinary people take steps of ordinary obedience, God can awaken entire regions.  

Three Small Steps Toward Our Big Dream 

1. Multiplying everyday disciples. 
2. Multiplyingeverydayinfluencers.

whoisgrace.com/handcrafted  

1. Multiplying everywhere churches.

whoisgrace.com/awakethelake  

Pray: "God, stir a spiritual awakening in our time, and let it begin with me."  

Find more series resources at whoisgrace.com/read  

1. Compassionate Storyteller: I know God’s story, my place in it, and am motivated to tell the people in my life.  

2. Savvy Follower: I will discern God’s voice and follow his lead at the right time in the right way.  

3. Intentional Friend: I will build healthy relationships and help God restore broken ones,  

4. Embedded Influencer: I understand how God has purposefully gifted and positioned me to multiply His work in the world  

Four Roles: Role Models 

1. Compassionate Storyteller: The Samaritan Woman (John 4) 
2. Savvy Follower: Daniel (Daniel 1, 6)  
3. Intentional Friend: Barnabas (Acts 9, 11, 15)  
4. Embedded Influencer: Esther (Esther 4)  

Next Step:  

Decide to Own your Spiritual Growth (find information at whoisgrace.com/awakethelake ) 

• Join a LAUNCH Class in February/ March  
• Try a Training Lab Sampler  
• Savvy Follower – March 2 
• Intentional Friend – March 3 
• Familiarize yourself with the Dream Disciple roles and tools 

Find more series information at whoisgrace.com/read 

Make the decision to plan.  

Plan #1 - Make a BUDGET plan  

3 Easy Steps to Budgeting  

• Determine your income for the NEXT month.  
• Enter all of your expenses for NEXT month.  
• Make your income and expenses equal EXACTLY ZERO.  

Plan #2 - Make a DEBT plan.  

Plan #3 - Make a GENEROSITY plan.  

Generosity Motivation Scale.  

• Tips.  
• Cause or Crisis.  
• Systematic Obedience.  
• Spirit-Directed Generosity.  

Next steps.  

• Access tools, forms and resources over at our read page at whoisgrace.com/read.  
• Sign up for Financial Peace University classes starting on February 15 and February 17 –Go to whoisgrace.com/give  

3 Questions  

1. What does it mean that God is the Owner?  (Psalm 24:1)  

• God owns everything 
• God owns You. You belong to God.  
• Everything you have belongs to God.  
• Everything you have is a gift from God.   

2. What are our responsibilities with God’s Money?  (Dt. 8:10-18) 

3. What Are the Benefits of This Arrangement?  

• It Improves Your Prayer Life  
• It Frees you to Be Generous  
• It Eliminates Fear  

Next Steps  

• Take Financial Peace University – more details at whoisgrace.com/give  
• Every time you spend money, pause and whisper, "This is Yours, God. Help me manage it well."  

Find more series information at whoisgrace.com/read  

General Paul’s Battle-Preparedness Plan 

1. Spiritual Battles Require Spiritual Solutions 
2. Analyze Before You Attack: The fundamental struggle of believers is not against other people but against the spiritual forces of hell 
3. Spiritually Suit Up 
4. Use Unconventional Methods  

“Stop fighting and know that I am God” -Psalm 46:10 

Next Step:  

• Memorize 1 John 4:4 
• Bring your physical Bible with you wherever you go this week 

• Oppression – demonic forces working externally around us.  
• Possession – demonic forces totally take over someone’s body  
• Occupation – demonic forces are given space in our lives to fuel sin and lies.  

What does demonic activity actually feel like in real life?  

• lies that feel true  
• temptations that feel irresistible.  

Specific times you can expect spiritual attack.  

• Seasons of spiritual growth.  
• Times of kingdom advancement.  
• Trying to break free from sin.  
• Preparing for a season of blessing.  

5 Practices that protect your soul 

1. Renew your mind by protecting what you put into it.  
2. Familiarize yourself with the promises of God  
3. Guard your heart against temptation.  
4. Overcome your sinful blind spots through community.  
5. Pray faith-filled prayers in the Spirit.  

Next Step  

A call to prayer 

For more series resources visit: whoisgrace.com/read  

• Our FLESH 
• The WORLD  
• Our ENEMY  

Where Did Satan Come From?  

• Ezekiel 28 and Isaiah 14.  

What was Satan's Rebellion?  

• “I will ascend to heaven” - Entitlement  
• "I will raise my throne above the stars of God" – Ambition.  
• "I will sit on the mount of assembly" – Control  
• "I will ascend above the heights of the clouds" – Vainglory.  
• "I will make myself like the Most High" – Self-Worship.  

Three schemes of the Devil:  

1. Deception 

• He Lies About God 
• He Lies TO and ABOUT You.  

2. Division  

3. Destruction  

Next step  

• Write down a lie you’re believing. Then find the truth from Scripture that corrects the lie.  
• Memorize 1 John 4:4. "Greater is he who is in you than he who is in the world.”  

5 Truths about Spiritual Warfare 

Truth 1 – There is an invisible world that’s just as real as the visible world. 

Truth 2: We are involved in an invisible war.  

Truth 3: Our Foe Is Formidable 

Truth 4: We must respect our foe but not fear him  

• Satan is a created being.  
• Satan is not God's equal.  
• Satan is not omniscient.  
• Satan is not omnipotent.  
• Satan is not omnipresent.  

TRUTH 5: We Don't Fight FOR Victory—We Fight FROM Victory 

Next Step 

• Memorize 1 John 4:4. "Greater is he who is in you than he who is in the world."  

The Only 2 Responses that Make Sense  

• The Electrician's Caution: The power is real, but it's limited.  
• The Pilot's Trust: trust your gauges, not your senses. 

For more series resources visit whoisgrace.com/read  

• Act one: Promise.  
• Act two: Kingdom.  
• Act three: Exile and beyond.  

Big Idea: God always keeps his covenant promises.  

Meeting Mary 

How God Keeps His Promises.  

1. God Keeps His Promises Through Unexpected People.  
2. God’s promises require costly surrender 
3. God's Promises Always Point to Jesus.  

Next Steps:  

• Pray Mary's prayer: "Let it be to me according to your word."  
• Think of one person in your life who needs to hear that nothing is impossible with God. Send them a text today. Just say, "Come with me to Christmas at the Warner." 

For more series resources visit whoisgrace.com/read  

3 Truths from Jesus’ Messy Family Tree

1. Your Mess Doesn’t Disqualify You.  

• Tamar the Forsaken.  
• Rahab the Fearful.  
• Ruth the Foreigner.  
• Bathsheba the Fallen.  

 The Common Thread: your mess doesn't disqualify you.  

 
2. God draws straight lines with crooked sticks.  

3. Your worst moment isn’t your last chapter.   

Next Step:  

• Stop pretending and bring your brokenness to the table this Christmas.  
• Pray about who God wants you to invite to Christmas at the Warner and then extend an invitation.  

Find more series resources at whoisgrace.com/read  

The Story We’re All Living In.

Creation | Fall | Redemption | Mission | Restoration

The Feast is the Destination.

The Feast points us to Joy.

Both Brothers at the Feast.

• What should a seat at the Father’s table do to us?

A New Communion

“Let the kingdom feast begin right now!”

For more series information, visit whoisgrace.com/read

What it Means to Walk in the Way of Grace.  

1. Understand that your homecoming was free to you but cost someone everything 
2. Admit you need someone to come for you. 
3. Trust that the perfect grace-giver has made a way for you to come home.  

Next Step: Come Home 

For more series resources visit whoisgrace.com/read  

• Run in public.  
• Cancel the Shunning Ceremony.  

Act II. The Older Brother’s Response  

4 Indicators You’re Religious but May not Know Jesus. 

1. You get furious when life doesn't go as planned (:28)  
2. Your obedience is mechanical and joyless. (:29)  
3. You feel superior to people who sin differently than you. (:30) 
4. You have no assurance of the father’s love. (:29)  

2 Challenges to Older Brothers 

• You need a new kind of repentance.  
• You need a new level of rejoicing.  

Next Step:  

This week, stop and honestly answer this question: What's keeping me outside?  

Name it. Confess it to God.  

For more series resources visit whoisgrace.com/read  

1. Longing for love. 
2. Longing for identity.  
3. Longing for purpose.  

Idolatry = wanting the father’s things more than the father himself. 

2 Decisions that Have Eternal Consequences. 

1. The decision to RUN from the father. (15:13-16) 

• Eventually sin will cost you everything. 
• When you break your attachment with God, you end up attached to something else,  

Where will you go to satisfy your God-given longings?  

2. The decision to RETURN home. (15:17-20) 

• Take an honest assessment of your mess.  
• Admit your sin.  

Next Step:   

• Get honest about what you’ve been chasing other than God. When you're tempted to go back to it pray a simple prayer: "God, I don't want this anymore. I want You. Help me come home."  

Find more series resources at whoisgrace.com/read  

• “tax collectors and sinners”   
• “Pharisees and the scribes”  

Three Categories Jesus Upends (15:4-10) 

1. He upends our understanding of sin.  

• Like sheep, we need to be rescued.  
• Like sheep, we don’t need to be pointed home we need to be carried home.  

2. He upends our understanding of God.  
3. He upends our understanding of his kingdom to come.  

What is repentance?  

• Confession  
• Contrition  
• Change  

Next Step: Respond to God’s love 

For more series resources visit whoisgrace.com/read  

Invitation #1: You are invited to receive God’s Love.  

Invitation #2: You are invited into a bigger story.  

Creation | Fall | Redemption | Mission | Restoration 

• CREATION answers questions of WORTH 
• FALL answers questions of BROKENNESS  
• REDEMPTION answers questions of RESCUE  
• MISSION answers questions of PURPOSE 
• RESTORATION answers questions of HOPE  

Invitation #3: You are invited to make a choice about the God of the Bible.  

Big Idea: God's reckless grace is your only hope.  

Next Steps:  

1. Come back for the series.  

2. Bring someone with you.  

Text a friend: "I've been thinking about you and wanted you to know you matter to me. And I think you matter to God too. Do you want to come to church with me on Sunday."  

For more series resources visit whoisgrace.com/read  

How to pray and praise when the circumstances don’t change:

1-     Remember God’s Faithfulness (Habakkuk 3:2-15; Job 42:1-6)

Selah = a musical or liturgical notes that indicates a pause

2-     Be Honest (Habakkuk 3:16-19)

3-     Trust God’s Whole Story (Habakkuk 3:1-19; Genesis 3:15; Revelation 22:12-13)

Habakkuk reminds us that to be saved doesn’t mean we’re rescued out of the brokenness of the world. Rather, we’re rescued from the hopelessness of that brokenness.  

Next Step: Practice honest prayer and praise:

Are you in a Habakkuk 1:2 moment? Get on your knees.

Are you in a Habakkuk 2:1 moment?  Open your hands and lift your eyes.

Are you in a Habakkuk 3:17-18 moment? Stand and raise your hands.

1. Clarity for the Mind: Evil is unleashed through pride and idolatry. (2:5, 16 & 18-19).  

The 5 Woes: God's Detailed Indictment (2:6-19)  

• Woe #1: Predatory Wealth (2:6-8)  
• Woe #2: Building Security from Corrupt Scheming (2:9-11)  
• Woe #3: Bloodshed and City-Building by Violence (2:12-13)  
• Woe #4: Debauchery and Humiliating the Vulnerable (2:15-17) 
• Woe #5: Trusting in Idols (2:18-19)  

2. Anchor for the Heart: God is still sovereign over every evil (2:14, 20).  

Divine Justice is Coming, just not Yet. (2:20)  

3 Lessons on Not Giving Up on God: 

1. Reflect Honestly (Habakkuk 1:12-17) 
2. Wait Confidently (Habakkuk 2:1-3; Isaiah 40:31) 
3. Live Obediently (Habakkuk 2:4-5; Romans 3:10-12, 7:24-25) 

Don’t give up on God. 

“Here on earth, you will have many trials and sorrows.  

But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”  

(John 16:33b NLT) 

“I am coming soon.” 

Amen. Come, Lord Jesus! 

(Revelation 22:20) 

Next Step: Practice honest prayer (Habakkuk 1:12). 

• Chapter 1: Two complaints from Habakkuk and God's responses. 
• Chapter 2: God's final answer and five pronouncements against injustice.  
• Chapter 3: Habakkuk's psalm of faith and worship.  

3 Ways to Navigate the Silence of God 

1. Bring your honest questions to God without reservation (1:1-4)  
2. Expect that God's answers might surprise you (1:5-6)  
3. Trust God's sovereignty even over what seems evil (1:7-11)  

Next Step: Practice honest praying.  

Start with phrases like:  

• "God, I'm really struggling with..."  
• "I don't understand why..."  
• "I'm angry that..."  

For more series resources go to whoisgrace.com/read  

Big Idea: Contentment isn't settling, it’s recognizing what actually satisfies.  

3 Ways to Recognize What Actually Satisfies 

1. Reject accumulation’s false promise of gain (:9, 17).   
2. Embrace true wealth by learning contentment (:6-8)   
3. Redirect your accumulation energy toward eternal investments (:9-10, 17)   

Next Step: Identity Reset  

Replace the lie: "I am what I own" with the truth: "I am content in Christ"  

Complete this sentence: "Even if I never acquire another _______ again, I am still completely content and satisfied in Christ because _________."  

For more series resources please visit whoisgrace.com/read  

Modern Traps of Knowledge that Puff us Up 

• Information Overconsumption - we confuse consuming data with acquiring wisdom.  
• Credential Collecting - achievements become trophies rather than tools for service.  
• Platform Building - expertise becomes about establishing authority rather than serving others.  
• Comparison Culture - knowledge becomes competitive rather than collaborative.  

3 Shifts from Know-it-All to Known-by-God  

1. Find great relief in your true identity 
2. Acquire Knowledge and Wisdom at the Same Pace  
3. Apply the "Love Test" to Your Expertise  

Next Step 

Identity Reset: Replace the lie "I am what I know" with the truth "I am known by God"  

Complete this sentence:  

"Even if I never learned another thing about _______, I am still fully known and loved by God because...__________"  

For more series information visit whoisgrace.com/read 

Lie #2: You are who you know: the lie of social capital.  

Big Idea: When you live for human approval, you become enslaved to human opinion. 

Slavery to Approval or Security in Christ? 4 Questions to Diagnose your Heart 

1. The question of PERFORMANCE: “Who am I trying to impress?”  
2. The question of WORTH: “Where do I find my value?” 
3. The question of TRUTH TELLING: “What am I afraid to say?”  
4. The question of SECURITY “What am I afraid to lose?”  

The Gospel Solution: Ground your identity so deeply in God's approval that you're free to serve people without needing their validation.  

Next Step = Identity Reset:  

• Replace the lie "I am who I know" with the truth "I am approved by God"  
• Complete this sentence: "Even if I never gained another follower/ connection/ endorsement from _____, I am still fully approved and loved by God because ______" 

For more series information visit whoisgrace.com/read  

Identity statement that counters the lie of productivity. 

1. In God’s Economy: You’re Embraced by a Father, Not Interviewed by a Boss

2. In God’s Economy: Your Value is Given, Not Proven

3. In God’s Economy: You Work From Love, Not For It

NEXT STEPS TODAY

• Commit to these next 4 weeks. 
• Complete this Identity Reset statement:

“Even if I never succeed at __________ again, 

I am still fully loved and embraced by God because __________.”

What prevents us from being present?  

• Digital Distraction.  
• Mental Preoccupation.  
• Hurry Sickness.  
• Judgment and Assumptions.  
• Fear of Vulnerability.  
• Messiah Complex.  

3 Disciplines for Being more Present  

1. Discipline of Slowing: A pause amidst the busyness. (4:3-8)   
2. Discipline of Noticing: Seeing beyond the surface (4:7-18) 
3. Discipline of Listening: Creating space for their story (4:13-26)   

Next Steps  

• Choose one person this week with whom you'll practice being fully present.  
• Choose to practice at least one discipline: slowing, noticing, and listening  

For more series information visit whoisgrace.com/read  

Big Idea: The most influential people lead with questions instead of answers.  

Why questions are such a powerful tool for influence.  

1. Questions bypass mental resistance and create receptivity.  
2. The Holy Spirit often works in the space created by a good question.  
3. Question-asking engages both the head and heart simultaneously.  

Applying Jesus’ Question Ladder: from Surface to Soul 

1. Opening Questions: Meet people where they are because that’s where Jesus met us (6:25)  
2. Seeing Questions: Help people see God’s provision because He’s already providing (6:26)  
3. Feeling Questions: Give permission to name emotions because God can handle our honesty (6:27)  
4. Believing Questions: Reveal the father’s heart because we're not orphans (6:30)  

Get the Question Ladder tool and other series resources at whoisgrace.com/read  

Next Step: Replace some statements with some questions.  

Big Idea: Encouraging words create spaces where God can work.  

The Architecture of Encouragement 

1. The Foundation: Encouragement starts with a generous heart (Acts 4:37)  
2. Framework: Encouragement imagines their better future (Acts 9:26-28) 
3. Finishing: Encouragement reminds them it will be worth it (Acts 14:23; 1 Thess. 4:18) 

3 Keys to Great Encouragement:  

• Make it Sincere: Be honest about the struggle before you offer the hope.  
• Make it Specific: Use the "I noticed" formula. 
• Make it Strengths-Focused: Look for their "easy."  

Next step 

Write a note or a text to 3 people this week who could use some encouragement.  

For more series resources visit whoisgrace.com/read  

Ephesians 2:10  

3 Declarations of God Over those He has Designed.  

1. God says, “I have called you by name” (Ex 31:1-2)  
2. God says, “I will fill you with My Spirit for your specific assignment” (Ex 31:3-6) 
3. God says, “Your assignments will flow from how I’ve gifted and positioned you.” (35:30-36:2) 

Big Idea: God has perfectly created you and positioned you for the assignments He's given you.  

Next Step  

Reflect on these two simple questions: 1. What has God given me? 2. Where has God placed me? 

Find more series resources at whoisgrace.com/read  

Get a weekly video encouragement from Pastor Derek as you live out your calling whoisgrace.com/bless  

Big Idea: Your ordinary is God’s altar 

Joseph: The Original Embedded Influencer. 

4 Ways to See Your Ordinary 9-5 as God’s Altar 

1. Recognize that where God has placed you is not an accident (Gen 45:5-8)  
2. Understand that being great at what you do earns trust. (Gen 39:2-4)  
3. Realize that you can fit in socially, but be distinct spiritually (Gen 41:41-45)  
4. Remember that your position is about purpose not personal promotion (Gen 50:19-21)  

4 New Bottom Lines at Work:  

1. Who can I demonstrate God’s love to today?   

2. How can my community be better served by what I do?  

3. How can I model excellence and hard work to my co-workers?  

4. How can my God-given gifts be maximized in my current position?  

Find more series information at whoisgrace.com/read

C - Connect (Time and Presence)  

A - Assist (Helping Hand)  

R - Remember (Gifts and Moments)  

E - Encourage (Words that Build) 

Some Context:  

• Hints of Jesus.  
• God’s countercultural methods.  
• 71 Words of Symmetry.    

Big idea: The journey from despair to joy is not STRAIGHT, but it is SURE.  

5 Signposts on the Surprising Journey toward Joy  

1. Depths of Despair (1:21)  
2. Hidden Hope (1:22 
3. Faith-Driven Effort (2:2)  
4. Patient Perspective (3:18)  
5. Bigger Picture (4:16)  

Next Step  

Identify yourself along the journey toward joy:  

Depths of Despair  |Hidden Hope | Faith-Driven Effort |Patient Perspective | Bigger Picture 

Pray: “God please help me to trust your plot twists, even when I can't see the ending you’re writing?”  

Find more series resources at whoisgrace.com/read

• Connect: Give time and presence  
• Assist: Offer a helping hand  
• Remember: Provide meaningful gifts and acknowledge important moments  
• Encourage: Speak words that build them up.  

Enter the Kinsman Redeemer (3:1; 2:20)  

3 qualifications:  

1. Blood relative 
2. Qualified  
3. Willing  

How to Catch a Husband (:1-6).  

What Happens on the Threshing Floor Stays on the Threshing Floor (:7-11) 

The Roadblock: Meet Bachelor #2 (3:12-4:11) 

Big idea: Like Naomi, we need a redeemer  

Jesus is our true Kinsman Redeemer 

1. Jesus became our kin  
2. Jesus was qualified to pay the price  
3. Jesus was willing to redeem us  

Next Step:

• Follow Jesus – www.whoisgrace.com/salvation/  

Big idea: God is always working behind the scenes in unseen ways 

3 Ways God Moves Behind the Scenes 

1. God orchestrates 'coincidences' that aren't coincidental at all (:3)  
2. God works through people who become his hands and feet (:4-14)  
3. God directs our steps when we put in the work (:1-2; 11-14)   

Next Step  

• CARE- Connect, Assist, Remember, Encourage 
• This week “Assist” with a helping hand 
• Run the errand your friend keeps putting off.  
• Fix a small household problem.  
• Watch the kids so they can breathe.  
• Help with a project they've been dreading.  
• Use your skills to lift their burden in some way 

For more series information visit whoisgrace.com/read

• Historical setting: The dark days of the Judges (1:1)  
• Geographical Significance: From bread to emptiness (1:1-2)  
• Cultural Contrast: Running to the dark side (1:1-5).  

3 Truths to Remember When Life Falls Apart 

1. Sometimes life leaves us with no good options (:1-13)  

Big idea: when life falls apart, remember it’s only chapter 1!  

2. The only way forward is coming back to God (:7)  

3. Spiritual friendship is a key ingredient to faith (:14-22)  

Intentional Friend. I partner with God to build healthy relationships and restore broken ones. 

Next steps  

• Come back for the whole series 
• Practice the CARE Tool.  
• C - Connect: Give time and presence  
• A - Assist: Offer a helping hand  
• R - Remember: Provide meaningful gifts and acknowledge important moments  
• E - Encourage: Speak words that build others up.  

This Week: Focus on "C" – Connect with someone who is in their own “chapter 1.”  

For more series resources visit whoisgrace.com/read

1. Fear Exposes our Idolatry: Twelve Spies (Numbers 13-14) 
2. Fear Reveals our Insecurity: Moses (Exodus 4) 
3. Fear Seeks Control: Jonah  

BIG IDEA: Let your fear lead you to obedience. 

FEAR IS AN OPPORTUNITY FOR OBEDIENCE 

1. Fear Increases our Trust: Joshua 1:6-9 
2. Fear Reminds us of our Dependence: 2 Corinthians 12:9. “There are only two kinds of people in the world: the weak ones who make themselves available to God and the weak ones who don’t” -Greg Livingstone, missionary  
3. Fear Leads us to Humble Submission: Isaiah 6:8; Mary (Luke 1:38; Jesus (Mark 14:36) 

Next Steps:  

• A Savvy Follower says, “I discern God’s voice and follow his lead at the right time and in the right way.” 
• What is God saying to you? 
• What are you going to do about it? 

For more information on partnering with local and global missions partnerships and opportunities, please visit whoisgrace.com/missions. 

We must become new creations in order to experience and offer reconciliation. 

-Individually (2 Cor 5:17). “I once was ______. I met Jesus. Now I am ______. 

-Cosmos (2 Cor 5:18-19). Church. Humanity. Creation. 

Where have you felt the freedom and joy of being a new creation in Jesus? Where have you struggled to be the new creation that you already are? Consider asking the same questions concerning your family, church, workplace, country, etc… 

We (as individuals and as a Church) are Jesus’ ambassadors. 

-An ambassador is a direct representative of the king or executive. Ambassadors are meant to bring about conversation, friendship, goodwill; form and maintain alliances. 

-Christ-followers are to be Jesus’ representatives here on Earth. 

Do people experience the real Jesus through your words and actions? Where have you excelled as an ambassador for Christ? Where have you struggled? 

“For we are His (God’s) workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” (Ephesians 2:10) 

How has God prepared you for the good works He is doing through you now? How might He have prepared you through the good and hard seasons of your life to do good works in the future? 

Next Steps: 

1. Where can you begin to bring about God’s reconciliation and human flourishing in your immediate context? 

2. Where are you called to assist in bringing God’s reconciliation and human flourishing to the world? 

Three Pillars of Gospel Partnerships 

-Prayer (Phil 1:3-5) 

-Resources (Phil 4:16; 18) 

-Relationship (Phil 4:14-15) 

Which pillar comes more naturally to you? Which one is more difficult? How do you think God is calling you to support His global work? 

Three Roles of Global Missions 

-Go (Acts 10:19-20) 

-Welcome (Acts 8:26-40) 

-Send (Acts 13:1-3) 

Which role is God calling you to in this season? Do you foresee God calling you into a different role in the future? 

“And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.” (Matt 24:14) 

What is your first reaction when you read this Scripture? In light of these words from Jesus, is there any specific action that you should take? 

Next Steps: 

1. Consider taking the Perspectives class. (email brittney@whoisgrace.com for more information) 

2. Check out whoisgrace.com/missions and explore other steps such as: 

-Have your LifeGroup adopt a missionary. 

-Sign-up for a short-term mission trips. 

-Financially support one of our country partnerships. 

4 things a relationship with Jesus affects in you 

1. PROXIMITY: It affects where you go (:16-17)  
2. COMPASSION: It affects how you feel (:16)   
3. PERSPECTIVE: It affects what you see (:16)   
4. ENGAGEMENT: It affects what you do (:17-20)  

Next step: Identify and confess your personal barrier to reaching unreached people.  

Proximity problem  

• Confession: "God, I admit that I've stayed in my comfort zones instead of going toward people who need Your love."  
• Step: Identify a specific place or group of people you usually avoid. Set a specific time this week to intentionally go there and begin forming just one authentic connection.  

Compassion problem

• Confession: "Lord, I've become numb and apathetic toward lost and hurting people. I don't feel what you feel anymore."  
• Step: take a prayer walk or a prayer drive and pray specifically for each house or business you pass.  

Perspective problem 

• Confession: "Father, I've only been looking at the surface and missing the deeper spiritual realities in people's lives. Help me see as You see."  
• Step: ask God to reveal one idol that's competing for people's devotion. Then stay attentive throughout the week for how this idol shows up around you.  

Engagement problem

• Confession: "Jesus, I've been silent or hesitant to share Your story because of fear or uncertainty. Give me courage to speak."  
• Step: Write out your personal faith story. Then pray for just one opportunity to share it naturally with someone this week.  

For more series info: Visit whoisgrace.com/read

5 Movements of God’s Story: 

Creation- Fall- Redemption- Mission- Restoration 

3 Questions: 

1. What is God’s Mission? (Luke 24:44-49) 
2. What is the Church’s Mission? (Acts 1:8) 
3. What is my Mission? (John 20:21) 

Big Idea: God’s Mission is your mission. 

Next Steps:  

1. Commit to this sermon series 
2. Ask God, “What is my mission?” 

• The Fearful Rejection 
• The Utopian Embrace 

Big Idea – Personhood flows from the breath of a personal God.  

6 Soul-Sustaining Breaths in an AI World 

1. Breathe AWARENESS by preparing for dramatic global changes.  
2. Breathe GRATITUDE by celebrating innovation and human ingenuity.  
3. Breathe DISCERNMENT by recognizing the pull toward idolatry and sin.  

Two opposite sinful tendencies  

PRIDE & SLOTH 

1. Breathe TRUTH by resisting secular ideologies.  
2. Breathe CONNECTION by prioritizing real relationships. 
3. Breathe LIMITATIONS by leaning into your humanity.  

God’s PERSONAL NATURE is the Source of Genuine Connection.  

Next step: Pray 3 Breath Prayers  

• “I am known by name”  
• “I am loved by choice”  
• “I am created for connection”  

Find more series information at whoisgrace.com/read

1. The Cultural View: Sex Positivity and the Promise of Freedom.   
2. The Church's Struggle: Fear, Fixation, and Hypocrisy.  

Big Idea: True sexual wholeness comes by embracing God’s design.  

Thinking Christianly about Sexuality and Gender 

1. Our Sexuality Reflects God’s Image, Purpose, and Design.  

God's DESIGN is the Framework for Human Flourishing.  

• God created.  
• God created humanity,  
• God created humanity in His image.  
• God created humanity male and female 
• God created male and female for covenant relationship.  

 2. Sexual Morality Honors the Body as God’s Good Creation.  

• Christianity views personhood holistically: body and soul form an integrated unity.  
• Secular personhood theory promotes a two-level dualism that separates body from person,  

 3. Our flourishing comes from following God’s plan, not our feelings.  

 4. The church must be a beacon of compassion and clarity to the sexually broken.  

Next step:  

Pick one aspect of your sexuality and choose to do it God’s way.  

For more series resources go to whoisgrace.com/read  

Thinking Christianly about the Environment 

When We Recognize That Creation Belongs to Jesus... 

1. We Remember That We're Stewards, Not Owners  
2. We Value All Creation While Honoring Humanity's Primary Place in It.  
3. We Balance Dominion with Care.  
4. We steward the Creation as an Act of Love and Worship.  
5. We are Motivated to Join in God's Restoration Story.  

Next Step: Audit your Creation Stewardship Habits  

1. Food Waste 

2. New Purchases  

3. Transportation  

4. Creation Appreciation  

CHARACTER QUALITY OF GOD:  

God's CREATIVITY is the Blueprint for Abundant Living.  

For more resources, visit whoisgrace.com/read  

Some important distinctions:  

• Ancient vs. Modern 
• Biblical Principles vs. Specific Policies 
• Immigrants vs. Refugees 
• National Policy vs. Local Responsibility 

Big Idea: What if immigration was not a threat, but an opportunity to make disciples of all nations?  

3 Ways to Think Christianly About Immigration 

1. God has always commanded compassionate provision for the displaced. 
2. God establishes government to maintain order and promote flourishing for its citizens.  
3. God JUSTICE is a Refuge for the Vulnerable.  

Biblical justice = equal treatment whether through punishment or protection. 

Next Step:  

Volunteer to help local immigrants and refugees.  

• Visit serverie.com  
• U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants  
• Catholic Charities  
• Multi-Cultural Community Resource Center 

Find more series resources at whoisgrace.com/read 

Your Mind is a Battlefied of Ideas 

• Abiding in His Word = 1) Holding to his teachings, 2) Living in union with Jesus himself 

Big idea: Thinking Christianly places God's truth above cultural narratives.  

The Rise and Fall of Secularism.  

The Story of Secularization in 5 Chapters:  

1. The Enlightenment (17th-18th C) - Reason over Revelation.  

2. The Industrial Revolution (18th – 19th C) - Progress over Providence 

3. Darwin's theory of Evolution (late 19th C) Nature over Creator.  

4. Psychology (late 20th C) - Therapy over Theology.   

5. Post-Christian Secularism (Present) - Self over Surrender.  

The False Dichotomy: King Without Kingdom, Kingdom Without King 

God's Sovereignty: The Unshakable Foundation 

Next step  

• Every morning: scripture before phone 
• For more series resources visit whoisgrace.com/read

Three Ways We Fail 

1. We fail to SHOW UP 
2. We fail to WISE UP 
3. We fail to STEP UP 

JESUS NEVER FAILS!  

• Come and meet the risen Lord 
• Take a spiritual step at whoisgrace.com/next 

Vision: Imagine if, by 2035, a new dawn has arrived where 30,000 people have been mobilized to step into their kingdom, calling to bring gospel influence into the everyday places of life.

Mission: Following Jesus as we live out God’s story every day, everywhere 

Dream Disciple Roles: Compassionate Storyteller, Savvy Follower, Embedded Influencer, Intentional Friend 

Embedded Influencer: I understand how God has purposefully gifted and positioned me to multiply his work in the world. 

3 Lessons for the Embedded Influencer from Joseph of Arimathea: 

1. Be aware: You have Influence. 
2. Beware: You are Influenced. 
3. Be prepared: God will call you out. 

BIG IDEA: Let Jesus be the greatest influence in your life. 

Next Step:  

• As an Embedded Influencer, where has God placed me? 
• As an Ordinary Hero, what is my next small step of obedience today? 

3 powerful ways Jesus transformed our relationship with God on the cross:  

1. As the Darkness Fell: Jesus absorbed God’s wrath (:33)  

- When was the last time you truly reflected on what it cost Jesus to absorb God’s judgment for your sin?  

2. As the Cry Echoed, Jesus endured God’s absence (:34-37)  

- Jesus was separated from the Father so you would never have to be. How does knowing that change your perspective when you feel abandoned or alone?  

3. As the Curtain Ripped, Jesus ushered us into God’s presence (:38-39).  

- What barriers are you still keeping between yourself and God's presence, even though the curtain has been torn?  

Next Step:  

Practice Gratitude for the Cross.  

For more series information go to: whoisgrace.com/mark 

1. Are you the King of the Jews?

• Jesus answers, “I’m a different kind of King.” 

2. Why aren’t you fighting back?  

• Jesus answers, “I wield a different kind of power.”  

3. What shall we do with the king?  

• Why did the crowd choose Barabbas? The crowd chose Substitution.  
• Jesus answers, “I apply a different kind of justice.”  

Next Step 

• Respond to receive salvation 
• Visit whoisgrace.com/next and choose “salvation”  

Find more series resources at whoisgrace.com/mark 

A Redemption Story: 5 Stages of a Spiritual Comeback.  

Part I: Failure’s ORIGIN Story 

1. A PRIDEFUL ATTITUDE reveals early cracks in your spiritual foundation (Mk 14:27-29)  
2. SPIRITUAL COMPLACENCY leaves you vulnerable in critical moments (Mk 14:37-42)  
3. Major denials usually follow a series of COWARDLY COMPROMISES. (Mk 14:50, 54)  

Part II: Failure’s REDEMPTION Story. 

1. Genuine restoration prepares you for greater purpose than before. (John 21:17)  
2. Your REDEEMED BETRAYALS become the source of renewed strength (Acts 5:29) 

Next Step: Tell your spiritual comeback story to someone this week.  

Their name____________________________________ 

For more series resources visit www.whoisgrace.com/mark 

Confronting the Claims of Jesus: 

1. LIES (14:55-61a) 
2. TRUTH (14:61-64) 

Next Step:  

• If you’ve never considered that Jesus is telling the Truth, read Mark’s whole story and ask yourself- “what if this is all true?” If you know that you’re the one who was condemned and Jesus took your place, you may need to be confronted by the Truth again. Not only that you’re forgiven, but that He is the Lord to whom you surrender your will. Read Mark’s gospel as if for the first time. 
• If Jesus is the Son of Man, the Son of God- how does this picture of Jesus compel me to live differently? 
• For resources to help you, visit whoisgrace.com/mark. 

3 Lessons from Gethsemane 

1. When you lose sight of Jesus’ glory, you’ll start seeking a savior in personal gain. 
2. When you don’t count the cost of following Jesus, your only options are fight or flight. 
3. When you lose control in the light, you'll seek control in the shadows. 

What do we learn, and how can we live differently based on Jesus’ reaction? 

1. Staying in communication with God is vital to our spiritual growth and health. 
2. 1 Peter 5:8-9 
3. Severe testing has the power to turn hesitant followers into dynamic leaders 
4. James 1:1-4 
5. There is a cost associated to both sticking with and abandoning Jesus 

Next Step: Examine your heart 

Lessons from Two Gardens: What is Revealed Under Pressure.   

1. Pressure reveals your CHARACTER: Adam chose blame … Jesus chose prayer: Genesis 3:11-13 | Mark 14:35-36 
2. Pressure reveals your CONNECTIONS: Adam chose isolation … Jesus chose community: Gen 3:8-10 | Mark 14:32-34 
3. Pressure reveals your MASTER: Adam surrendered to his own will … Jesus surrendered to God’s will: Gen 3:1-6 | Mark 14:36b-42 

Next Step: 

Worship Jesus for 2 profound truths: 

• for being our model in times of pressure because he truly understands our struggles.  
• for enduring his suffering to accomplish our salvation.  

Find more series resources at www.whoisgrace.com/mark  

Four Historical Views  

• Transubstantiation (Catholic View).  
• Consubstantiation (Lutheran View).  
• Mystical Presence (Reformed Anglican).  
• Memorial (Zwingli & Anabaptist).  

What a seat at the Lord’s table does for us:  

1. Look Back: It’s a seat that points to your forgiveness (:12-16).  
2. Look Now: It’s a seat that enables the power of the new covenant (:22-24) 
3. Look Ahead: It’s a Seat that Secures Your Future (:25)  

Next Step: Express GRATITUDE to God for your seat at the table.  

Find more series resources at www.whoisgrace.com/mark  

Jesus demonstrated to His disciples that He was in total control of the situation (Mark 14:12-16) and knew exactly what would happen next. (Mark 14:17-21) 

--In what area of your life are you tempted to forget that God knows what will happen next and that He is in control? 

--In what area of your life do you struggle to believe that God is actively orchestrating everything for your ultimate good? 

Jesus told His disciples that He would go ahead of them. (Mark 14:26-31) 

God promises to prepare us for suffering - and often prepares us through our suffering. 

--Can you identify a difficult season or experience that God sovereignly prepared you for beforehand? 

--Can you identify a difficult season or experience that God used to prepare you for future opportunities? 

Next Steps: 

Ask yourself: What’s your next small step of obedience? 

Find more series resources at whoisgrace.com/mark. 

How to respond to the true worth of Jesus 

1. Make Jesus the highest value that shapes everything else (:3a).  
2. Break your backup plans (:3b)  
3. Let criticism confirm your scandalous conviction (:4-5)  
4. Offer what you have in timely moments of surrender. (:6-8a)  
5. Let Christ’s story become your story (8b).  

Next steps:  

3 Acts of Surrender 

1. Name your alabaster jar. Identify your most precious thing.  
2. Break the bottle. Give what you have back to God.  
3. Pour yourself out in scandalous surrender. What would extravagant obedience look like?  

Find more series resources at www.whoisgrace.com/MARK 

Big idea: What you believe about the future will have a dramatic impact on how you live now.  

The Lesson from the Fig Tree (:28-30).
- When you see the signs of the times, his return is just around the corner.  

Jesus’ authority is timeless!
- Every person has to make a decision about Jesus.  

Jesus urges us to live a life of readiness (:32-37).  

Next Steps:  

4 Ways to Live a Ready Life  

1. Live a life on mission.  
2. Live a life of purity  
3. Live a life of helping those in need.  
4. Live a life of forgiveness.  

Which of these steps did the Holy spirit highlight for you? Talk to Him about it this week.  

Find more series resources at www.whoisgrace.com/mark  

Big idea: A rhythm of missional living will move your faith from boring to breathtaking.  

5 Timeless Truths about Missional Living 

1. Look for missional opportunities during times of personal difficulty (:1-4)   
2. Open your heart to people who are not like you (:5-8)  
3. Follow the promptings of God (:26-29)  
4. Pay attention to the smallest details in front of you (:30-31) 
5. Start where people are at and then point them to Jesus (:32-38)   

3 Entry Level Tips to Live on Mission.  

• Be more interruptible.  
• Ask great questions.  
• Reclaim Mealtimes.  

Next Step  

• Find your chair. Access whoisgrace.com/read to get started  
• Pick one of these missional living truths or tips you could incorporate into your life this week?  

Big Idea – A rhythm of discipling relationships is the main path to bearing spiritual fruit.  

A Disciple-Making Model (2 Timothy 2:2)  

Four generations of discipling relationships - Paul to Timothy to faithful men to others 

A New Testament Example: Everyone needs a Barnabas, a Paul, and a Timothy.  

1. Bring in a Barnabas. 
2. Pursue a Paul. 
3. Train a Timothy.  

Elements of an Effective Discipling Relationship:  

• Natural Connection 
• Time & Presence  
• Ordinary Moments  
• Centrality of Scripture  
• Ask Good Questions  
• Transparency  
• Provide Wisdom for Life Decisions  
• Activate Discipleship Roles in Real Life -  www.whoisgrace.com/dreamdisciples 

Next step 

• Find your chair and answer “who?”  
• Who is your Paul, who is your Barnabas, who is your Timothy?   

Find more series information and reading plans at www.whoigrace.com/read  

3 Ways the Lord’s Prayer Postures you to Move Through Life on God’s Agenda  

1. God is the loving Father; You are his Child (:6-9a)   

•  Be RELATIONAL  

2. God is the rightful Ruler; you are his Servant (:9b-10)  

• Be RESPONSIVE.  

3. God is the generous Provider; you are Dependent upon him (:11-13)  

• Be REPENTANT  

What is your rhythm of prayer?

Next Step  

• Find your chair. More information on this tool at www.whoisgrace.com/dreamdisciple  
• Practice the Lord’s prayer. Find the prayer tool at www.whoisgrace.com/read  

Big idea: A rhythm of scripture reflection helps you choose a wise life instead of a wicked one.  

The progression of a wicked way of life 

1. Avoid ungodly thoughts: don’t walk in the counsel of the wicked. 
2. Avoid ungodly behaviors: don’t stand in the way of sinners.  
3. Avoid an ungodly identity: don’t sit in the seat of scoffers.  

The Key to a Flourishing Life: Make time for the Word of God 

3 things God does when you reflect on His Word.  

1. God reveals who He is and who you are.
2. God reveals the wisdom of the ages.  
3. God reveals the path ahead.  

Next Step

Find Your Chair 

Find more details about this tool at www.whoisgrace.com/dreamdisciple  

Find series resources and read plans at www.whoisgrace.com/read 

The Great Tribulation = a time of outpouring of God’s wrath on all the earth that will mark the end of history.  

5 Markers of the Great Tribulation  

1. Growing numbers of Spiritual Imposters (:5-6, 21-22)  
2. Increasing Global Calamities (:7-8)  
3. Unparalleled defections and betrayal (:12-13; 21-22)  
4. The rise of the Antichrist (:14)  
5. Historic violence and suffering (:15-20)  

The Second Coming of Christ (:23-27) 

• 1 Thessalonians 4:16  
• Hebrews 9:28  
• Revelation 19:11-16  

Next Step  

Be on guard | Live ready   

Embrace a way of life that anticipates Jesus’ return.  

For more series resources go to www.whoisgrace.com/mark  

Context: Herod’s Temple 

Living in the Birth Pains: 

1. Watchful (Mark 13:5-8) 
2. Withstanding (Mark 13:9, 11-13a; Philippians 4:5-7) 
3. Waiting (Mak 13:b; Ephesians 6:10-18) 
4. Welcoming (Mark 13:10; Acts 1:8) 

Next Step:  

When the world goes crazy, will you be sidelined by fear, distracted by prophecy, or ready with the gospel? 

Choose one of the “Ws” as your posture this week (Watchful- Withstanding- Waiting- Welcoming). 

3 Surprising Lessons from the Story of the Widow’s Mite 

1. Jesus is the ultimate proof of the truth of Christianity (:35-37) 
2. Spiritual imposters will incur God’s wrath (:38-41).  
3. The kingdom of God is built on small acts of total surrender (:42-44)  

Five things giving is NOT 

• Giving is NOT TRANSACTIONAL  
• Giving is NOT MEMBER DUES.  
• Giving is NOT a means to gain INFLUENCE.  
• Giving is NOT a STRATEGY to combat WEALTH GUILT.  
• Giving is NOT to PACIFY GOD.  

Find more series resources at www.whoisgrace.com/mark

3 Realities of an Unhealthy Heart.

1. Unhealthy hearts will hinder a clear understanding.

A contenious person is most vulnerable not through their points of weakness, but rather when their perceived strength are dismantled.

2. Unhealthy hearts will cast a shadow over God’s beauty.

3. Unhealthy hearts will ultimately cloud us from the resurrected Jesus.

Next Steps: 

What is holding you back from looking more like Jesus?

Find more series resources at www.whoisgrace.com/mark  

00:00 Introduction and Message Overview

00:21 Timing of the Message and Election Context

02:36 Historical Context: Judas the Galilean

03:04 Jesus' Teaching on Taxes and Authority

06:19 The Trap Set by Pharisees and Herodians

07:09 Jesus' Revolutionary Answer

11:24 God and Government: Different Authorities

16:28 Primary Identity and Citizenship in God

27:41 Choosing the Right Hill to Die On

33:40 Conclusion and Call to Prayer

Background/Context: 

1. God is Provider  

• Mirror moment 

2. Provision Comes with Responsibility 

• Mirror moment 

3. Action Have Consequences 

• Mirror moment 

Next Steps: 
Discipleship Question: What’s holding me back from looking more like Jesus? 

1. The Fig Tree #1.  

Big Idea: The true test of discipleship is not looking good on the outside; it’s bearing spiritual fruit.  

2. The Temple.  

Commerce in the court of the gentiles.  

- temple tax.  

- animal offerings  

- money changers.  

3. The Fig Tree #2.  

Three Lessons from Jesus’ Bills Mafia Moment 

1. Sometimes it’s OK to get angry.  

• Unrighteous anger vs. Righteous anger.  
• Does this grieve the heart of God or is this mostly about me?  

2. God expects his people to bear fruit.  

What is the fruit?  

• Galatians 5:22-23; 2 Peter 1:5-8.  
• love | self-control| joy | peace | patience | kindness | goodness |faithfulness |  

gentleness | virtue | knowledge | steadfastness | godliness | brotherly affection 

3. The presence of God resides in a person not a place. (:22-25).  

Next Step: Prayer of Confession and Repentance. 

For more series resources visit www.whoisgrace.com/mark  

Context on Jerusalem and about Kingdoms.  

“The Kingdom of God” = the rule and reign of God in the whole earth. 

Three Processionals into Jerusalem.  

#1 The Procession of Jesus Son of David  

#2 The Procession of Pilate the Governor  

Three ways Jesus disappointed the crowd:  

1. Political disappointment.  

2. Religious disappointment.  

3. Personal disappointment.  

#3 The Procession of the Lambs.  

Next Step  

Son of God and Son of Man Discipleship Question:  

“How does this picture of Jesus compel me to live differently?”  

Find more series resources at www.whoisgrace.com/mark  

4 Ways of Seeing Clearly: 

1. See Jesus as Messiah (:47-48) 
2. See Jesus as the only Hope (:47-52) 
3. See Jesus as the Way (:52) 

I once was _____________, but through Jesus I am ____________. 

Question: Do I see Jesus clearly? 

Challenge: Tell your story. 

Discipleship Failure theme: Ask “What is holding me back from looking more like Jesus?”  

The audacious request (:35-41)   

2 Ways Jesus upends our definitions of Power 

1. Jesus teaches that radical servanthood is a power move (:42-44).  
2. Jesus is our example of power in humility and our source of true life (:45)  

“Ransom” = the price paid to secure the freedom of someone from captivity.  

3 Elements of a Ransom.  

1. The Peril.  
2. The Price.  
3. The Person.  

1 Tim. 2:5-6 For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom… 

Next Step: 

Go to www.whoisgrace.com/next choose “Salvation” fill out the form and in the box that asks, “What step are you taking today?” Choose the option that says “First time step of faith in Jesus” 

Follow along in our journey through Mark at www.whoisgrace.com/mark  

A man and his question (:17).  

Jesus and his response (:18-20) 

A Line-in-the-Sand Challenge (:21-22)  

3 Lessons from the Guy Who “Had it All” 

1. Scrutinize the power wealth has over you.  
2. Recognize that the kingdom of God will cost you everything.  
3. Realize the sacrifices you make will pay off in the end.  

Next Step:  

Ask: what do you need to leave behind in order to follow Christ?  

Find more resources at www.whoisgrace.com/mark  

3 Choices of Those Who are Faithful 

1. Choose urgency over apathy (:16-19)  
2. Choose risk-taking over playing-it-safe (:20-27)  
3. Choose to share in the master’s joy over becoming an object of his wrath (:21, 28-30)  

Two pillars of our Awake the Lake Vision  

- Help every believer at Grace to walk in deep discipleship.  

- Help every believer at Grace to live out their Kingdom calling. 

Visit www.whoisgrace.com/dreamdisciple for more discipleship tools and resources 

Three Unique Truths about Your Unique Calling.  

1. Your Calling has been handcrafted by God (:4-5)  
2. Your Calling will be accompanied by doubts (:6-8)  

Four Excuses when it Comes to Calling 

• The “Jungles of Africa” excuse  
• The “I don’t have anything to offer” excuse  
• The “I’m too busy” excuse  
• The “I’m already using all my gifts” excuse  

 3. Your calling is your reason for being alive (:9-10)  

5 missional arenas 

1. your neighborhood 

2. the marketplace 

3. the church 

4. a non-profit 

5. an affinity group 

Next Step:  

Ask, “what is holding me back from discovering or stepping into my calling?”  

Visit www.whoisgrace.com/read for more series resources 

• Every person is a disciple of someone or something 
• Every person is becoming who they are by who or what disciples them.  
• In the New Testament the word “Christian” is used 3x, the word “Disciple” is used 260x.  
• Discipleship is more caught than taught because it’s primarily relational.  

Big idea: God has a disciple-making journey for you to walk. Will you take the next step?  

Original Discipleship Handoff  

Command #1 - Make Disciples 

• "As you are going."  
• "Baptizing."  
• “Teaching them to obey”  

Command #2 - Be sure of this, I am with you always!  

Changing the Scorecard: A Deep Discipleship.  

What is a disciple?  

An apprentice of Jesus who imitates his ways and then makes more disciples.  

What is Grace’s Dream Disciple?  

• Compassionate Storyteller  
• Savvy Follower 
• Intentional Friend 
• Embedded Influencer  

What is Disciple Making? 

Consistently helping someone take their next step toward becoming like Jesus.  

The Progression toward a Disciple-Maker  

Step 1 – SEEKER - ‘come and see.’  

Step 2 – BELIEVER – ‘follow me.’  

Step 3 – WORKER - ‘follow me and I will make you fishers of men.’  

Step 4 – DISCIPLE-MAKERS - ‘go and bear fruit.’  

Find more resources at www.whoisgrace.com/read  

Four Major Shifts We Are Making at Grace.  

1. A Missional Reorientation.  
2. Changing the Scorecard of “Success”  
3. Changing the Finish Line for discipleship.  
4. Creating an all-play, everyday mission statement.  

Following Jesus as we live out God’s story every day, everywhere.  

The Path of Hope When you Feel Written-Off (Ez. 37:1-14)  

1. The path forward starts with a realistic picture of WHAT IS (:1-3)  
2. The path forward maintains a resolute faith in what God CAN DO. (:4-13) 
3. The path forward involves finding yourself in God’s story (:14)  

• 3 basic things we receive from God: 1. His Spirit, 2. Life itself, and 3. Our place.  
• 3 things we must know, 1. He is the Lord, 2. He has spoken, 3. He will do it.  

Next Step:  

What has been written off in your life that God needs to resurrect? 

Pray for our church. 

Find more series resources at www.whoisgrace.com/read  

Big Idea: cultivating contentment counteracts the silent killer of chronic envy.  

3 Stops on the Journey from Envy to Contentment 

1. An envious heart points to sin that must be dealt with (:13-15)  

Where are we most susceptible to envy?  

a. With people closest to us.  

b. In Achievements most important to us  

2. An envious heart invites residual chaos (:16)  

Personal Chaos 

restless spirit | depression | consumerism and debt | prayerlessness.  

Relational Chaos  

distancing | secret satisfaction when someone else fails | harsh words| lack of love 

3. A heart at peace is the antidote to envy (:17-18)  

At peace with God.  

At peace with others.  

Contentment = finding enough in God’s current provision for you.  

How is it with your heart?  

Next Steps:  

Find more series resources at www.whoisgrace.com/READ 

Greed says I Owe Me. 

Big Idea: Cultivating generosity counteracts the craftiness of chronic greed. 

Four Practical ways to Cultivate a Heart of Generosity 

1. Develop a strategic awareness of needs around you.
2. Liquidate some stuff and give it away. 
3. Don’t accumulate more without applying Kingdom filters. 
4. Become a percentage giver. 

Next Step 

choose one of the 4 ways to cultivate a heart of generosity and commit to practicing one this week

For more series resources visit www.whoisgrace.com/READ