StoneBridge Community Church
Storytime: Good Soil
Senior Pastor Jon Saur
Locations & Times
StoneBridge Community Church
4832 Cochran St, Simi Valley, CA 93063, USA
Saturday 5:15 PM
Sunday 5:20 PM
Online Connection Card
Worship With Generosity
Jesus often taught through parables. The term "parable" comes from the Greek and refers to "throwing alongside" one idea to make another idea clearer. In order to help his followers understand the Kingdom of God, Jesus "threw alongside" simple stories.
In January, we will be looking at Jesus' parables in the Gospel of Mark, in order to understand how Mark presents Jesus and how Jesus presented the Kingdom of God to his followers.
The Text In Context
I. The Gospel of Mark
A. Who wrote it?
B. When was it written?
C. How does it relate to the other Gospels?
D. What makes Mark unique?
1. Shorter
2. Poorer
3. Less teaching
4. Persecution
II. Parables
A. What is a parable?
B. The Kingdom of God.
C. Helps us understand.
III. The Parable of the Sower
A. The parable.
B. What is going on here?
IV. Falling Away
A. People are falling away.
B. How do we persevere in the faith?
V. Tell others about Jesus.
1) Set up a reading plan to read the Gospel of Mark, beginning to end, between now and Easter.
2) Commit to that reading plan.
1) Does the Gospel of Mark seem distinct to you from the other Gospels? What is in Mark that isn't in the others? What does Mark leave out that the others include?
2) Do you have a favorite parable of Jesus'? If so, which one?
3) Which group of people described in the parable of the sower do you identify with the most? Which group seems most common to you?
4) How do you think someone perseveres in the faith? What has helped your faith to remain strong?
5) In your opinion what is the best way of telling others about Jesus?
The ALPHA Course is a 10-week opportunity to explore the validity and relevance of the Christian faith for our lives today. A new session begins Thursday, January 19th @ 7pm. ALPHA is a practical introduction to the basics of Christianity. ALPHA is informal, and friendly and provides a safe environment for questions and discussion. Dessert and childcare provided. Call Paul or Katrina Dixon at 579-8066 for more information or click below to sign up.
Alpha Sign-Up
https://forms.gle/5AMHvYpmdPgvadTt7
Starting the first weekend in February, StoneBridge will be launching a new series – called Truly Natural. Truly Natural will insightfully journey through Gospel of Mark. Whether in-person or by Zoom, experience your own spiritual blessing by facilitating or hosting a new Spring growth group. No prior experience is necessary. Sign up on your connection card this weekend or click the link below. If you have any questions, please contact the church office.