Glencairn Church

Going Deeper is designed for use with your small group, a friend, or on your own. Its aim is to create time for you to spend with God and his word. Do as much or as little as you like.

1. Pray for each other, our church and leaders, for the not-yet believers in your life, and for opportunities to disciple others. Share a recent entry from your Life Journal with the group.

2. The story of John the Baptist’s beheading is tragic, but not because of his death. Rather it is a warning to not let our doubts do to us, what it did to King Herod. Having doubts aren’t the problem, in fact, doubts can
lead to a window of opportunity to examine your foundational beliefs. Herod misses that opportunity and closes his heart to the truth of Jesus. What thoughts or questions did the message raise for you? Which ones,
encouraged you or posed a challenge to you?

3. Everyone experiences some level of doubt in their walk with God. Have you ever felt from others, or even yourself, that you should not express your doubts? Why is that? What impact has that had on your faith?
Can you think of some doubts that you no longer have? What changed? If comfortable, share with one another a doubt you had, or still have about God. (Don’t try and fix or resolve each other’s doubt, but listen and acknowledge the struggle).

4. Read Mark 6:14-20. Herod’s wife Herodias was not only the (former) wife of his brother but also his niece. John the Baptist was one of the few that were willing to point out immorality. What was Herodias’
reaction to John’s accusation? Herod’s reaction was more complex. Why did Herod put John in prison? How did he view John? Why did he like to listen to John?

5. Read Mark 6:21-29. Whose “opportune time” was it (v21), and what was the opportunity? Why did Herod
give such a rash offer to his stepdaughter? This impulsive act led to a series of consequences that Herod
wasn’t expecting or wanting (see v26). How do you think he should have handled the situation? What did it
do to his doubts? Hint: Read Luke 23:6-11. How did Herod respond to Jesus? How did Jesus respond to
Herod?

6. Philosopher Soren Kierkegaard said that sin is building your identity on anything besides God. What kinds of things do you see people using to build their identity? What did Herod build his life on? Why was it so
devastating for him? How do you know what your foundation is for your life?

7. Read Mark 9:14-27. The father in this story had doubts that Jesus could heal his son. Why then did Jesus precede to heal the boy? Talk about this statement: “It’s not about the quality of your faith in Jesus that saves you, it’s Jesus.” How might having this as your foundation help you in dealing with your doubts?

8. Take a moment of silence to consider how God is speaking to you. Is He asking you to make changes or to do something new? What concrete steps of response do you want to take? How can your group support you
in these steps?