Calvary Albuquerque with Skip Heitzig Audio Podcast

Mark shows us “the beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ” (v. 1). After introducing John the Baptist, he includes three (really four) foundational scenes that mark the beginning movement of the gospel—from the lips of Jesus to those who followed Him and then took it around the world.I. Identification (v. 9)II. Confirmation (vv. 10-11)III. Confrontation (vv. 12-13)IV. Proclamation (vv. 14-15)Learn Your Bible: What does this passage teach you about how God works before great things begin?Love Your Neighbor: Share the gospel with a friend or family member this week—or simply invite them to our Good Friday and Easter services.Live in Freedom: What step of obedience is God calling you to take so you can walk in freedom and purpose as you follow Jesus?Talk with kids: Why do we have to turn from our sin to trust Jesus as Savior?

Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “To be great is to be misunderstood.” John the Baptist was certainly that! This unusual figure dominates the first part of Mark’s gospel account. Let’s discover what made him so great and why his role was so important to the ministry of Jesus.I. John Was Anticipated by Scripture (vv. 2-3)II. John Was an Unusual Character (v. 6)III. John Was Preparing the Future (vv. 4-5, 7)IV. John Was Introducing the Savior (vv. 7-8)Talk with God: As you prepare for Easter, ask the Lord to soften your heart, deepen your faith, and draw you closer to Jesus.Talk with others: Invite an unbelieving friend or family member to join you for one of our Good Friday services.Talk with kids: How did Elisha display God’s power?

Today we begin an extended series on the gospel of Mark, a document that reveals the story of Jesus Christ and His first followers. Jesus stands at the very center of history’s stage. He has no equals; He has no peers. Let’s examine four aspects of this unique book.I. The Presentation of Jesus (“The beginning”)II. The Proclamation of Jesus (“The gospel”)III. The Person of Jesus (“Jesus Christ the Son of God”)IV. The Prediction of Jesus (“As it is written in the Prophets”)Talk with God: Meditate on Ephesians 1:7 and spend time in worship thanking the Lord for His faithfulness to redeem.Talk with others: Invite your friends and family to join you for Easter Sunrise service.Talk with kids: How was Ahab disobedient, stubborn, and greedy?

I. Jesus People GrowII. Jesus People GatherIII. Jesus People GiveIV. Jesus People GoTalk with God: Ask the Lord to show you the areas of your life in which you can be a better reflection of Jesus.Talk with others: Intentionally lift up the Jesus People around you and look for one practical way to come alongside someone walking through a difficult season this week.Talk with kids: How do we know God hears us when we pray?

For our final study together in this Overlooked series, we examine five courageous women who faced a crisis with grace. As we unpack their bold response, we will see how it correlates to believers today as we relate to God, to others, and to our future.I. The Crisis (v. 1)II. The Courage (vv. 2-4)III. The Confirmation (vv. 5-11)IV. The CorrelationTalk with God: Ask the Lord to fill you with the courage to boldly face crises and dilemmas with faith and grace.Talk with others: If you’re walking through a difficult season, reach out to your Connect Group and invite them to stand with you in prayer, encouragement, and support.Talk with kids: Why were the kings of Israel considered evil?

Most of us have a hard time saying this man’s name, but Paul knew it well. He was a loyal friend to the apostle, especially in his darkest hour. In just three verses we find six characteristics of this wonderful man who’s been overlooked for far too long. If you have a friend like this, you’re blessed.I. RefreshingII. RepetitiousIII. Risk-TakingIV. ResoluteV. RenownedVI. RewardedTalk with God: This week, take time to thank the Lord for the true friends He’s blessed you with, as you pray over their lives.Talk with others: Ask your friends how you can come alongside them as “iron sharpens iron” (Proverbs 27:17) in their walk through this season of life.Talk with kids: What is the wise way to live?

I. He Was a Genuine DiscipleII. He Was a Gentle DiscipleIII. He Was a Generous DiscipleTalk with God: Ask the Lord how He’s inviting you to greater generosity with your time, resources, attention, and compassion.Talk with others: In your Connect Group, discuss practical ways you can be known for your love for others (see John 13:35).Talk with kids: Why was the queen amazed by Solomon’s kingdom?

Anna is one of the Bible’s most unusual women. She, along with a man named Simeon, had spent a lifetime in loyal service to God and was finally able to meet her Messiah. Though only three verses give us all the information we have about her, it’s sufficient to get a profile of her.I. SpiritualII. VenerableIII. SingleIV. FaithfulV. VocalTalk with God: Meditate on Lamentations 3:25–26 this week, and surrender the things you’ve been holding too tightly, trusting the Lord and His perfect timing.Talk with others: Encourage your Connect Group to remain deeply rooted in God’s Word as they walk through their present season.Talk with kids: Why is knowing God and following Him most important?

Many a transformative event can be traced to the influence of one person. Mordecai was one such person in the lives of the Jews living in Persia. By inspiring Queen Esther, Mordecai turned a blasting into a blessing; he changed a national catastrophe into national continuity for the Jews.I. A National Tragedy (3:13-15)II. An Expected Anxiety (4:1-3)III. A Strategic Opportunity (4:10-14)IV. An Inspired Bravery (4:15-16)Talk with God: Reflect on God’s work in your life (recently or across several years) and thank Him for His providence in guiding your steps (see Proverbs 16:9).Talk with others: Encourage a fellow believer or your Connect Group by reminding them the Lord has a plan in every difficult situation they face this week.Talk with kids: What was special about the temple?

I. Jesus People Belong TogetherII. Jesus People Carry One AnotherIII. Jesus People Live Life TogetherTalk with God: Meditate on Ecclesiastes 4:12 and thank the Lord for the people He’s placed in your life.Talk with others: Ask your friends and family how you can pray for them this week.Talk with kids: Why did Solomon ask for wisdom?