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Bible Study: Demonstrative faith in Jesus


NASHVILLE (BP) — This weekly Bible study appears in Baptist Press in a partnership with Lifeway Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention. Through its Leadership and Adult Publishing team, Lifeway publishes Sunday School curricula and additional resources for all age groups.

This week’s Bible study is adapted from The Gospel Project curriculum.

Bible Passage: Mark 4

Discussion Questions:

  • What makes you fearful today, and what would God say to you about that fear?
  • How might you respond differently to a crisis if you truly believe that God is all-powerful?
  • How might asking ourselves why we are afraid bring us to see our own faith honestly?

Food for Thought:

Jesus revealed His identity as Messiah and Lord through His words and His actions. From some He shrouded these truths; but to others, namely His disciples, He made these truths plain. Those followers didn’t always grasp the significance of Jesus’ identity, but sometimes they couldn’t help themselves from doing so.

In Mark 4, Jesus began teaching in parables by the Sea of Galilee. Because of the large crowd, He got on a boat to allow space for all to hear Him. It was important for people to hear His words. Curiously, Jesus’ concern for understanding was reserved for His disciples, a fulfillment of God’s warning in Isaiah 6:9-13. Jesus would then follow this time of teaching and explanation with a firsthand experience of God’s glory and power. Specifically, God calmed a storm with mere words.

Jesus showed that He cared for His disciples by calming the storm that threatened their lives. Even more so, He revealed that He is the Son of God, the One who has all authority over nature. Then Jesus called on them to have faith in Him.

Jesus would later demonstrate God’s love for the perishing in a greater way by laying down His life to provide salvation from sin and death. All who have faith in Him receive not just another day to sail, but the gift of eternal life with God.

If we are followers of Jesus by faith, then we know firsthand the love of God who has authority over all creation. God’s love has been shown supremely in the gift of His Son Jesus. We who believe in Jesus should seek to demonstrate bold faith in Him, no matter our circumstances, so others might trust in Him for salvation.

The Gospel Project

The Gospel Project is a chronological, Christ-centered study for kids, students and adults. The Bible is not a collection of stories. It is one story of God’s plan to rescue His people from sin and death. It is the story of redemption, the gospel message of Jesus Christ. More information can be found at Lifeway.com/gospelproject.

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    About the Author

  • Staff/Lifeway Christian Resources