Just the Beginning (Mark 13:1-8) // Saturday, November 13, 2021

Just the Beginning (Mark 13:1-8) // Saturday, November 13, 2021

#LetUsWorship Read the scripture and download the bulletin to prepare for 10:00 am Sunday worship, Holy Communion and Weekly Bible studies!

After-Worship Zoom Fellowship instructions @ https://inglewoodfirst.org/worship!



Mark 13:1-8 (Common English Bible)

As Jesus left the temple, one of his disciples said to him, “Teacher, look! What awesome stones and buildings!”  2 Jesus responded, “Do you see these enormous buildings? Not even one stone will be left upon another. All will be demolished.”

3 Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives across from the temple. Peter, James, John, and Andrew asked him privately, 4 “Tell us, when will these things happen? What sign will show that all these things are about to come to an end?”

5 Jesus said, “Watch out that no one deceives you. 6 Many people will come in my name, saying, ‘I’m the one!’ They will deceive many people. 7 When you hear of wars and reports of wars, don’t be alarmed. These things must happen, but this isn’t the end yet. 8 Nations and kingdoms will fight against each other, and there will be earthquakes and famines in all sorts of places. These things are just the beginning of the sufferings associated with the end.


Summary:

For the month of November, we will prioritize how God’s grace transforms us from the inside out. It may not be obvious that God is at work, but beneath the surface the Holy Spirit is moving in mighty ways.  Don’t be discouraged if it doesn’t look like change has come fast enough.  Hold on, for God is doing great things in us and through us from the inside out!

In this passage of scripture, the disciples are impressed by the large buildings they see in the city, but Jesus helps them see that they were built on shaky spiritual foundations. The coming destruction may be the end, but it is just the beginning of God creating something new to lift up all God’s children.

Reflection Questions:

  1. What is a word, phrase or image that comes to mind when you read or hear the text?
  2. What does this scripture teach you about rebuilding?
  3. What does God invite you to do, change or be through this passage?