CONVERSATION STARTERS

1. Read Mark 13:1-36.

2. Faithfulness Over Fear – Jesus warns against being alarmed by wars, disasters, and persecution (Mark 13:7–13). In a world filled with uncertainty, talk about a time you have held onto faith rather than fear. What practices help you stay anchored in God’s promises when life feels chaotic?

3. Trusting in God’s Sovereignty – Jesus speaks of distress but also of God’s control over history (Mark 13:24–27). How does believing in God’s sovereignty shape the way we respond to hardship? In what ways have you seen God’s hand at work even in difficult seasons?

4. Staying Alert for the Right Reasons – Jesus urges his followers to stay spiritually alert—not by predicting his return but by remaining faithful (Mark 13:32–36). How do we focus on living in readiness without obsessing over timelines? What does alertness look like in your day-to-day walk with Jesus?

5. Perseverance in Suffering – Jesus acknowledges that discipleship may lead to hardship but reassures us that the Holy Spirit will be present (Mark 13:11). How does knowing God is with you in suffering shape your endurance? Where do you need renewed strength to remain faithful?

Title: Jesus Judges
Reference: Mark 13:1-8
Speaker: Jonathan Neef, JonathanN@cckc.church

– Embrace the Mystery

If one assumes that the goal of interpretation is to eliminate ambiguity, it is easy to see why there are so many different interpretations of Mark 13. The chapter contains an astonishing number of ambiguous expressions. Hence, many references and even whole sentences can be read in more than one way. Eliminating the ambiguity involves choices about the ‘right’ meaning. The more choices that need to be made, the greater the chance that interpreters will widely diverge. My view is that Mark has deliberately created or incorporated virtually all the ambiguity that many interpreters are aiming to eliminate. Interpreting this chapter does not mean getting rid of the ambiguity but understanding why it is there and what role it plays. ~ Timothy Geddert, Mark

– Expect His Return

We believe in the personal, bodily and glorious return of our Lord Jesus Christ. The coming of Christ, at a time known only to God, demands constant expectancy and, as our blessed hope, motivates the believer to godly living, sacrificial service and energetic mission. (EFCA Statement of Faith)

– Endure in Hope

– Experience His Presence