Life Group Questions for THE GOSPEL OF MARK

Don't forget to fuel along the way. A few years ago I signed up for an Ultra Marathon in the Siskiyou Mountains of Southern Oregon. Sounded like fun. I'd never run a marathon before. Or even a half marathon. So I figured I'd start out with a 50k Ultra Marathon. That's just over 31 miles of running. I was an inexperienced runner and on game day and I showed up with my shoes, shorts, and shirt. And that's it. I was ready! But as I looked around I noticed the other runners that day had more than shoes, shorts, and shirts. They had backpacks, belts with bottles attached to them, fanny packs, walking sticks, hats, and more. It was like REI was about to run the race! I began to ask questions. People saw me and began to ask me questions as well. "Where's your water bottle and 'Gu' packets and supplies?" My simple answer was, 'Aren't there aid stations every 6-8 miles along the course?' Of course I knew the answer was yes. They had a half dozen aid stations along the treacherous red rock mountains leading into Northern California with water and supplies for the runners. But an aid station every 6-8 miles is not enough to sustain a runner during the July heat at over a mile high elevation for a 7 hour run. I was in trouble. It was too late. I was about to learn some valuable lessons. As you can imagine it was a hard race with lots of battles both mental and physical. Each aid station was a welcome sight where I did my best to fuel and regroup so I could finish the race. Against all odds I finished the race in 6 hours and 36 minutes and got a case of altitude poisoning. But I did it! And lessons were learned. The next year I decided to sign up for the same race again. Only this time I came prepared. This time I had supplies with me and some mental toughness accompanied by a bit of experience that allowed me to not only finish the course once more but I was able to shave over an hour off my previous time and finished in 5 hours and 14 minutes. And I felt better! Right now we are running a spiritual race and God has given us ways to stay fueled along our journey so we don't run out of steam. God's asked us to pray, read His Word, gather with others, serve and not grow weary to name a few. If you're feeling like your fuel is running low, carve out some time to seek His face, spend time in His presence, and be with His people. Don't forget to fuel along the way! 

He is for you!

Pastor Luke 

4 IS MORE GROUPS: 

Have you prayed about starting a 4 Is More group for you and some of your friends? 

We believe that discipleship and fellowship in the Lord is more important now than ever before so we are encouraging EVERYONE to press into greater friendships with like minded believers so we can GROW together! If you have questions or need help getting your groups started, email us and we'll do what we can. 

WHAT'S GOING ON AT SBC:

• Young Adult Group Monday's at 6p at the Offices 

• Women’s Bible Study THIS WEDNESDAY April 17th

• Monday Bible Study at FTK 6p

• Celebrate Recovery Tuesdays Step Study at 6p at Foursquare 

• Food Pantry Tuesdays 2:30-4p at First Presbyterian Church

• Middle School Youth Group Wed at 4p Foursquare 

• High School Youth Group Wed at 6:30p at the Foursquare 

• Thursday Morning Prayer 7:30a at the Offices! 

• Series 33 Men's Bible Study at FTK Friday's at 6p

UPCOMING EVENTS: 

• Women's Night Out Friday April 19th 6p at Foursquare 

• Oregon Women's Conference May 18th Lebanon Oregon 

• Sunday's Church Live at 8a, 10a, 12p and online at 6p FOURSQUARE! 

SBC Offices open Mon-Thur 10a-3p

1164 SW Coast Hwy Suite A

OUR WEBSITE southbeachchurch.org

SERVICES ONLINE: youtube.com/southbeachchurch

5x5x5 Reading program. 

Keep reading your Bibles! 

Download the reading plan at southbeachchurch.org 

GIVING AND OFFERINGS:

You can mail in your offerings at 

South Beach Church

PO Box 950

Newport Or 97365

LIFE GROUP QUESTIONS:

1) On Sunday we heard from my good friend Adam Pearson about his new outreach to skateboarders in Medford, Faceplant Ministries. I was so encouraged by his story and how the Lord is using him to reach the unreached. How did his story encourage or challenge you? What are some ways you see the Lord challenging or inviting you to 'bless' others near you?

2) In Mark chapter 2 we see Jesus goes back to Capernaum 'after some days'. It'd been awhile since Jesus was in the house. This can happen to all of us in various seasons. Seaons can be dry, busy, hardened, distracted, carnal, difficult or a variety of other reasons why it's been some days. What season are you in right now? What are some ways you can get Jesus to come to your house again? 

3) While Jesus was preaching the Word to them, the four buddies brought they're paralyzed friend to Jesus so he could be healed. They had to have 5 qualities to see the task through. Talk about each of these in your life as it pertains to finding Jesus and bringing others to Him. 

#1 Active: They went from observation to action. They moved! Just do it! 

#2 Persistent: They didn't quit when it was crowded and the doors were shut. 

#3 Creative: They solved a problem.

#4 Sacrificial: There was work and dirt and sweat involved 

#5 All in: This wasn't a halfway commitment. 

Guys! 

Let's draw near to the LORD! 

He will draw near to you. 

KEEP GOING! 

Pastor Luke