When the disciples climbed into the boat that day, they did what they had done on countless other occasions. It was all familiar and ordinary to them; even the potential of a storm was an expected concern. So why did they come so undone on this trip? In part, because their focus was diverted from trusting in Jesus as they became consumed with emotional distress in the face of their circumstances. Through this frightening experience they would discover that faith in Jesus, in the storm, would settle their fears. | Outline: [I] Together in the Boat (vs. 35-42) [II] Two Take Aways (a) Jesus takes them into the Storm (b) In the Storm, Faith in Jesus, Settles our Fears

Mark has placed these four shorter parables together at the end of chapter four because they tie in with similar themes in the Parable of the Sower: seeds, growing and hearing. However, each of these smaller parables is independent from the others and...

Mark has placed these four shorter parables together at the end of chapter four because they tie in with similar themes in the Parable of the Sower: seeds, growing and hearing. However, each of these smaller parables is independent from the others and provides four lessons for us about the Kingdom of God. | Outline: [I] Be Brilliant in Daily Living (vs. 21-22) [II] Be Diligent in Bible Listening (vs. 23-25) [III] Be Patient in Bible Sharing (vs. 26-29) [IV] Be Confident in God's Timing (vs. 30-32)

This parable that Jesus tells about plants and soil is a lesson about life. Its intent is to give us a window into the inner life of men of women who hear the word of God taught. Some people receive the word of God into their hearts and it produces...

This parable that Jesus tells about plants and soil is a lesson about life. Its intent is to give us a window into the inner life of men of women who hear the word of God taught. Some people receive the word of God into their hearts and it produces great change in them but the majority of those who hear it remain unaffected. | Outline: [I] The Parable of the Sower [a] The Telling of the Parable (vs. 1-9) [b] The Purpose of the Parable (vs. 10-12) [c] The Meaning of the Parable [II] Four Types of Soil that Reflect the Hearts of Listeners [a] The Hard Heart (vs. 15) [b] The Shallow Heart (vs.16-17) [c] The Distracted Heart (vs. 18-19) [d] The Fruitful Heart (vs. 20) [III]  What are the Practices of a Person with a Fruitful Heart? (a) They Write Down something to Remember (b) The Turn the Scriptures into Prayer (c) They Talk with Others about what they're Learning (d) They Listen and Do what the Bible Says

In this section of Mark two scenes are tied together as Jesus’s family tries to reign him in and the scribes try to suppress him. These two groups are, in different ways, attempting to bind him. Mark is creating a contrasting picture so that we will...

In this section of Mark two scenes are tied together as Jesus's family tries to reign him in and the scribes try to suppress him. These two groups are, in different ways, attempting to bind him. Mark is creating a contrasting picture so that we will be swept up by what it means for Jesus to be un-boundable, because he's come to do the binding. | Outline: [I] Jesus's Family think that he's Mad (vs. 20-21) [II] The Scribes think that Jesus is Bad (vs. 22) [III] Jesus Responds Strongly to the Scribes (vs. 23-30) [IV] Jesus Responds Surprisingly to his Family (vs. 31-35)

In this next two stories in Mark's gospel we learn that although there are many in the crowd, only a few are truly committed to Jesus. | Outline: [I] A Great Crowd Follows Jesus - They come from all over and with various needs (vs. 7-12) [II]...

In this next two stories in Mark's gospel we learn that although there are many in the crowd, only a few are truly committed to Jesus. | Outline: [I] A Great Crowd Follows Jesus - They come from all over and with various needs (vs. 7-12) [II] Jesus Calls out a Few to Follow Him - They will be his companions, speak his message and act in his name (vs. 13-19)

Gideon and his 300 men teach us that God's purpose is that we might depend on Him entirely so that He alone receives the glory. | Outline: [I] Weakness Required - In order for God to give Israel victory, they must be weak (vs. 1-8) [II] Weakness...