Mark 1:40-45 – Christ Heals a Leper

healing a leperHow are all humans, Christians and non-Christians, like the leper in the story?

How are Christians in particular like the leper in the story?

Tell a story about a time when you felt like the leper in your approach to Jesus.

Why is approaching Jesus in this way important for all disciples in all times and places?

In the beginning of worship we read a Call to Worship based on Genesis 1. How was God’s “speaking and it was so” like what we Jesus doing in this passage?

The leper approaches Jesus, is forgiven by Jesus and then is given directives by Jesus. As Colin pointed out the leper did not listen to Jesus. Are there words of Jesus that you find you have trouble carrying out? How would life be better if, hearing them, you obeyed?

Christian Education Classes – Fall 2015

Christian Education – Fall 2015

Sundays from 11:15 – 12:15

October 4 through December 20, 2015

 

Preschool (Ages 2–4) GOD CREATED ALL THINGS: learn of God’s creation, human rebellion, the promised Savior and the new heavens and new earth. Taught by Kipp and Ruby Dunn

Younger Elementary (Grades K–3) LIVING TOGETHER – lessons focused on how God values the family in both creation and redemption. Taught by Robert Mourad

Older Elementary (Grades 4–6) GENESIS: an excellent overview of this foundational book and its connections to Jesus Christ. Taught by Maria Dunn

Youth Group (Grades 7-12) Come join us to discuss a young man named Shorty Wescott as he seeks the right ‘lenses’ through which he can see. This class is a youth oriented walk through the Westminster Shorter Catechism as it applies in our daily lives. Taught by Chuck Assadourian

Friendship Class (Special Needs Education)

Choose Courage: Those with disabilities will be learning the Spirit-enabled courage of Joshua and Caleb. Taught by Peggy Van Lowe and one adult/teen mentor for each student.

 Adult Education

Exploring the Westminster Confession of Faith – The Westminster Confession has been described as “the ablest, clearest, and most comprehensive summary system of Christian doctrine ever framed.” You will discover many biblical truths that are sure to help guide you in your daily walk with the Lord. Note: This class is required for those in church officer training, but everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend. Taught by Don Sampson and Bennett Wethered

 Getting the Message – How ought we to read Scripture? Better yet, how can we properly respond to God’s Word? Whether you read the Bible for personal application or you are preparing to teach others join us and be equipped to faithfully apply the Bible with facility and confidence. Taught by Tim Carroll

Prayer Focus for Argentina – Sunday, September 27

Argentina, Latin America: Deep-seated problems are masked by recent economic and political progress. The nation emerged from its crises with a much wider gap between rich and poor. In the past, the nation prided itself on its egalitarian society, but now as many as 500,000 live in slums in and around Buenos Aires. Two pillars of Argentina, its strong middle class and education system, are under threat. Pray for the country’s decision makers to focus beyond mere economic growth to assisting the most needy and building a solid foundation for the future. For more information go to www.operationworld.org.

 

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Prayer Focus for Antigua & Barbuda – Sunday, September 20

Two local Christian radio stations. Pray that Abundant Life Radio and Caribbean Radio Lighthouse might be powerful influences for the Kingdom. For more information go to www.operationworld.org.

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Mark 1:35-39

35 Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. 36 Simon and his companions went to look for him, 37 and when they found him, they exclaimed: “Everyone is looking for you!” 38 Jesus replied, “Let us go somewhere else—to the nearby villages—so I can preach there also. That is why I have come.” 39 So he traveled throughout Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and driving out demons.

Care Groups – Fall 2015

Care Groups ~ Fall 2015

Each week these small groups will gather in homes for prayer and fellowship and will explore the sermon from the prior Sunday. Please call the care group leader for more information.

 

Dumfries/Woodbridge Area – Sundays at 5:00 p.m.

Starting Sunday, September 20th

Begins with a meal

Child Care provided – please call with number/age of children

Leaders: Kim Haney and George Kessler

Hosts: George and Michelle Kessler (703-221-1201)

17810 Oyster Bay Ct. Dumfries, VA 22026

Kim Haney: (703-221-4130)

 

Montclair Area – Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m.

Begins with soup & salad at 6:30 p.m.

Leaders: Tim Carroll, Fritz Thornton & Jim Neice

Hosts: Jim and Linda Neice (703-730-3281)

15027 Holleyside Drive, Dumfries, VA 22025

 

Lake Ridge Area – Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m.

Leaders: Colin Dunn and Aaron Root

Hostess:  Maria Dunn (571-213-4171)

12706 Knightsbridge Drive, Lake Ridge, VA 22192

 

Prayer Focus for Anguilla – Sunday, September 13

angu-MMAP-smAnguilla, Caribbean:

Anguilla is a remnant of a bygone era as a little colonial outpost. Pray that this small island and its churches may not be bypassed by the Holy Spirit. Pray that religious traditions might be infused with real spiritual life. For more information visit www.operationworld.org.

Accrediting Authority, Widening Horizons – Mark 1:29-34

Did last week’s sermon prompt any questions or trains of thought?

The main point of the sermon was that Jesus certifies his authoritative right to disciple the world and thereby broadens our horizons for what it means to come under his authority as disciples.

Read Mark 1:21-34

How did Jesus certify or accredit his authoritative claims in Mark 1:21-34?

Watch A.J. Miller claiming to be Jesus during his interview with “Mary Magdalene”.

How does he certify the authority he claims? On what basis does he claim we should believe he is Jesus?

With every word or miracle of Jesus Peter’s horizons are broadened regarding what following Jesus means.

How has Jesus broadened your horizons regarding discipleship? In the area of scholarship, religious or otherwise? In the area of the invisible creation? In the arena of the visible creation? In the area of seasons or time?

Prayer Focus for Angola – Sunday, September 6

AngolaAngola, Africa: The Church, despite great growth, has not emerged unscathed from decades of conflict. Much prayer is needed, specifically for: a) Forgiveness and love in action. The Church must be at the forefront of activities aimed to overcome the longstanding tribal loyalties and partisan politics. Such forgiveness must include many who perpetrated crimes against Christians and Christians who compromised under pressure. b) The right relationship between Church and state. Religious freedom is a blessing, but Angola has a reputation for having dangerous syncretistic cults that mix elements of Christianity with animistic tribal religions. The government attempts to encourage the work of established and reputable denominations, while limiting the effects of the cults. c) Christ-like, holy living by followers of the Lord Jesus that commends the gospel to unbelievers and passionately reaches out to their disillusioned, apathetic neighbours – non-practising Christians number in the millions. For more information visit www.operationworld.org.

Mark 1:21-28

 Mark 1:21-28

21 And they went into Capernaum, and immediately on the Sabbath he entered the synagogue and was teaching. 22 And they were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one who had authority, and not as the scribes. 23 And immediately there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit. And he cried out, 24 “What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are– the Holy One of God.” 25 But Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be silent, and come out of him!” 26 And the unclean spirit, convulsing him and crying out with a loud voice, came out of him. 27 And they were all amazed, so that they questioned among themselves, saying, “What is this? A new teaching with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him.” 28 And at once his fame spread everywhere throughout all the surrounding region of Galilee.