Reading from The Gospel According Mark 1:9-15 (NLT) ~The Baptism and Temptation of Jesus~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. Self-evaluation. The burden we are under is not the oppression from other humans but the aftermath of the fall and centuries of us choosing for ourselves what is right. Recognition that God’s presence is with you right now. Eyes need to focus on the Good News and not our circumstance.

Reading from Psalms 1 (NLT) ~The Joy of Those Who Delight in the Law of the LORD~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. God is love. The law of the LORD is love God & love People. Being a tree planted by the riverbank, made in the image of God and spiritual trees. The children of God are those who walk and live with their identity planted in the fact that they are made in the image of love.

Reading from The Gospel According Mark 1:1-8 (NLT) ~John the Baptist Prepares the Way~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. Johns messages relevance today. There is a call from God and we have an opportunity and responsibility to respond. Hiding behind or being distracted by the obstacles, our ability to clear the road is only by the power and strength of God.

Reading from The Gospel According to John 21:10-25 (NLT) ~Jesus Appears to Seven Disciples Conclusion~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. The temptation to give up and go back to old routines, God provides. Jesus operating out of His Playbook, Peter acting out of his own. Jesus approaching the Disciples in a relational manner before bringing the challenge to grow.

Reading from The Gospel According to John 20:30-21:9 (NLT) ~Purpose of the Book, Epilogue: Jesus Appears to Seven Disciples~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. Referring to Thomas as the twin instead of “doubting Thomas”. Giving up on mission and returning to familiar tasks that take up their time. Jesus example of invitation and challenge with His disciples.

Reading from The Gospel According to John 20:19-29 (NLT) ~Jesus Appears to His Disciples, Jesus Appears to Thomas~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. Where was Thomas? If we are not pressing in, we are falling away. Coming again specifically for Thomas, even with the doubts, Jesus is faithful to show up.

Reading from The Gospel According to John 20:11-18 NLT ~The Resurrection~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. The extra helping Mary receives as she stays at the tomb. The Angels and Jesus ask Mary why she’s crying. Personal witness strengthens belief. The Rollercoaster of emotions Mary must have felt. Passing on the message plants seeds.

Reading from The Gospel According to John 20:1-10 (NLT) ~The Resurrection~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. Having an open heart and open mind to what God is saying.

Reading from The Gospel According to John 19:38-42(NLT) ~The Burial of Jesus~ Scripture reading followed by discussion looking at Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus and the regret they must have felt. The idea of being a secret disciple being contrary to Jesus teaching that no one lights a lamp and hides it under a bowl. Jesus teaching on those who are forgiven much, love much.

Reading from The Gospel According to John 19:28-37 (NLT) ~The Death of Jesus~ Scripture reading followed by discussion looking at Jesus words “It is Finished”. Jesus teachings in the Sermon on the Mount. Hyssop being used in Egypt during the first Passover and at the cross. Details that fulfill OT writings about the Messiah.