Community Church of West Garden Grove

Mark: Real Commitment

This past Sunday, we combined two passages: Jesus' prediction of Peter's denial, and the Peter's denial of Jesus.  In these passages, the main issue of commitment - Jesus' commitment to the Peter/disciples/us, and our "commitment" to Jesus.  This was based off a quote from F. Dale Bruner:
“Jesus’ commitment to us… not ours to him is the ground, ‘the rock,’ the foundation of the whole Christian life.”Text: Mark 14.27—31; 66—72
Teacher: Eric Williams

Mark: 5 Names for Communion

This week we look at the passage of the Passover Meal... aka The Last Supper.
The early church had 5 names for this: The Bread Breaking, The Thank You Meal, Communion, The Mass and The Lord's Supper.  We look at each aspect and then take Communion in 4D!
Text: Mark 12.12--26
Teacher: Eric Williams

Mark: Taxes to Caesar

This week we look at Jesus' teaching regarding paying taxes to Caesar.  He is put in a vice by the Herodians and Pharisees... yet he elevates the conversation from the typical dualism to the beauty of the Kingdom of God. 
Text: Mark 12.13--17
Teacher: Eric Williams

Mark: Wicked Tenants

This week we look at the parable of the Wicked Tenants - how Jesus utilizes a teaching technique called a remez - to point the religious leaders toward Isaiah 5: 6 Woes and a Song of Judgment.  
Text: Mark 12.1--12
Teacher: Eric Williams

Mark: Authority

This week we look at the question of Jesus' authority in light of his actions in the temple, and triumphal entry.  Unable to answer Jesus' question regarding John's authority, they lie.  How do we tell lies and listen to lies... and what can we do to combat this in our lives. 
Text: Mark 11.27--33
Teacher: Eric Williams

Mark: Killing Trees and Temples

This week we look at the passage in which Jesus curses, then kills a fig tree... and what that says about his temple actions which are sandwiched in between.  Lastly we close with how this all relates to prayer!
Text: Mark 11.12--26
Teacher: Eric Williams

Mark: The 'Triumphal' Entry

This week we look into Jesus' upside down 'Triumphal' entry.
They/We - Shout Hosanna, Waive Palm Branches, Go 'Ahead' and 'Behind'... 
And our calling to be with Jesus in Bethany.
Text: Mark 11.1--11
Teacher: Eric Williams

Mark: The Rich Young Ruler

The Rich Young Ruler  - This morning we look into Jesus' encounter with the Rich Young Ruler and the obstacles of wealth we all face.  
Text: Mark 10.17--31
Teacher: Eric Williams

Resurrection Sunday: A Strange Ending

This week we discuss the strange ending in the book of Mark!  Three possible ideas are: Missing Text, Dull Discipl'us', and Intended Genius.  Then we connect the possible endings with thoughts on our own lives with Christ. 
Text: Mark 16.1--8
Teacher: Eric Williams

Mark:Divorce... and Marriage Vows

This week as we look into Mark 10.1--12 the Pharisees try and ambush Jesus with questions about divorce while he is residing in Herod's jurisdiction...hint, hint, wink, wink. 
Then we end it up with some marriage vow renewals!!
Text: Mark 10.1-12
Teacher: Eric Williams