The Gospel in a Nutshell

John 3:16 is probably the most famous verse in the Bible. It's known by just its numbers. It's everywhere. Even the secular world acknowledges it. And it's not just a recognizable verse; it's the whole gospel message in a nutshell.

John 3,17:2-3,6:38,15:12-14
Romans 10:9
Matthew 28:18,7:21
Philippians 2:11

Henry Russo
Crossroads Christian Fellowship Church
Greenville, PA

He Is Willing to Cleanse If There Is Faith to Come

Leprosy brought with it exclusion, separation, and shame. It was essentially incurable. Yet the Old Testament detailed a means to be reinstated to society if the priest declares the leper clean. Our sinful hearts are a lot like leprosy and separate us from God. Our High Priest Jesus is willing to cleanse our hearts if we are faithful to come to Him for healing.

Mark 1:40-45
Leviticus 13:45-46

Sean Byham
Crossroads Christian Fellowship Church
Greenville, PA

Mark: Who Do You Serve?

Who do you serve? What is Greatness? These are important questions that Jesus answers in surprising ways in the book of Mark.

Mark 10:32-45
1 Corinthians 1:18-24
Luke 18:34

Let us mark this well. There was nothing involuntary and unforeseen in our Lord's death. It was the result of his own free, determinate, and deliberate choice. From the beginning of His earthly ministry He saw the cross before Him, and went to it a willing sufferer. He knew that His death was the needful payment that must be made to reconcile God and man. That payment He had covenanted and engaged to make at the price of His own blood. And so when the appointed time came, like a faithful substitute, He kept His word, and died for our sins on Calvary.

Let us ever bless God that the Gospel sets before us such a Savior, so faithful to the terms of the covenant--so ready to suffer--so willing to be reckoned sin and a curse in our stead. Let us not doubt that He who fulfilled his engagement to suffer, will also fulfill His engagement to save all who come to Him. Let us not only accept Him gladly as our Redeemer and Advocate, but gladly give ourselves, and all we have, to His service. Surely, if Jesus cheerfully died for us, it is a small thing to require Christians to live for Him. J.C. Ryle The Gospel of Mark

Sermon discussion questions for parents to use with their children:

• Why did Jesus have to force Himself to go to Jerusalem?
• Have you ever had to force yourself to do something like this?
• Why was the disciples' attitude so wrong?
• How can we be like them today?
• What is greatness in Jesus kingdom?
• What is one of the questions God will ask you on the Final Day?

Pastor Todd Jaussen
Crossroads Christian Fellowship Church
Greenville, PA

Mark: Sins Forgiven... A Big Deal

Jesus delays healing a paralytic while he forgives his sins. That is not what the man wanted... he wanted to walk. What is Jesus teaching here in Mark about what is most important?

Daniel 7:9-14
Mark 1:45-2:12,1:1,1:11

Sermon discussion questions for parents to use with their children:

• What does it mean that Jesus saw their faith?
• Why did Jesus not heal the man first and then forgive his sins?
• How were the scribes sort of right and also very wrong?
• How do people today want Jesus' blessings but are not really concerned about having their sins forgiven?
• Why is having our sins forgiven the most important thing?

Pastor Todd Jaussen
Crossroads Christian Fellowship Church
Greenville, PA

Mark: But Are You Willing?

Mark describes a man with leprosy who believed Jesus was powerful but wondered if He was willing to help Him. How many people find themselves in that situation?

Leviticus 13:38-46,14:1-20
Mark 1:40-45
John 14:6

Sermon discussion questions for parents to use with their children:

• Why would it have been hard for the sick man to come to Jesus?
• Why is Jesus so willing to help?
• Why did the man have no questions about Jesus' ability?
• Why do we desperately need Jesus?
• Will He treat us differently than this man?
• What would it be like to see this healing?

Pastor Todd Jaussen
Crossroads Christian Fellowship Church
Greenville, PA