As we celebrated one year together as Parkside Westside we took some time to reflect on God's faithfulness in bringing us to this point. We looked back upon some important dates that preceded our first Sunday service and also a handful of highlights from year number one. We also used this occasion to remind ourselves about our individual and collective responsibility in doing our part to help people become committed followers of Jesus Christ.

In this final story of chapter 10 we are introduced to a man called Bartimaeus. He becomes a disciple of Jesus, and in many ways, illustrates the themes of discipleship that run throughout the chapter. He is weak and needy but calls out to Jesus for...

In this final story of chapter 10 we are introduced to a man called Bartimaeus. He becomes a disciple of Jesus, and in many ways, illustrates the themes of discipleship that run throughout the chapter. He is weak and needy but calls out to Jesus for mercy and help. While the rich young ruler, from earlier in the chapter walked away from Jesus sorrowfully, Bartimaeus ends up following after Jesus joyfully. | Outline: [I] Perceptive (vs. 46-47) [II] Persistent (vs. 48) [III] Called (vs. 49-50) [IV] Cured (vs. 51-52a) [V] Committed (vs. 52b)

As Jesus and the disciples journey on their way he once again speaks about his impending death and resurrection. As they head toward Jerusalem Jesus is resolutely and courageously leading the way, knowing full well the horror that he will face. He’s...

As Jesus and the disciples journey on their way he once again speaks about his impending death and resurrection. As they head toward Jerusalem Jesus is resolutely and courageously leading the way, knowing full well the horror that he will face. He's not a prisoner dragging his feet as he's headed toward his execution. He's voluntarily leading the way, facing death as a willing sufferer. | Outline: [I] Jesus's Third Prediction (vs. 32-34) [II] Self-Serving Brothers (vs. 35-40) [III] Self-Sacrificing Jesus (vs. 41-45)

Our passage in Mark presents to us a young man who is wealthy, respected, who had much but still lacked one thing. He came to Jesus for help but walked away sorrowful because he was unwilling to give up everything he looked to for security and...

Our passage in Mark presents to us a young man who is wealthy, respected, who had much but still lacked one thing. He came to Jesus for help but walked away sorrowful because he was unwilling to give up everything he looked to for security and instead, orient all of his life around Jesus. | Outline: [I] A Sorrowful Man (vs. 17-22) [II] Astonished Disciples (vs. 23-31)

What Jesus says in Mark 10:14 is a familiar theme that runs through the Bible. It’s not the notion of being childish that Jesus is on about, but rather, being childlike. In this study we learn that as Christians we are to trust our Heavenly Father...

What Jesus says in Mark 10:14 is a familiar theme that runs through the Bible. It's not the notion of being childish that Jesus is on about, but rather, being childlike. In this study we learn that as Christians we are to trust our Heavenly Father, with childlike faith, in the way that a son or daughter trusts his earthly parents, simply and in a trusting manner. | Outline: [I] The Kingdom of God is for the Weak and Needy…as Illustrated by Children (vs. 14) [II] We Only Receive the Kingdom of God by Accepting it with Unassuming Trust…Like Little Children (vs. 15)

In Jesus’s day, marriage and divorce were matters of great importance, just like they are in our day. Divorce was a hotly debated topic among the rabbis who agreed that the Scriptures made allowance for divorce but disagreed for the reasons. In this...