Here are some questions based on last Sunday’s sermon text (Mark 1:14-15), in case they’re helpful to you for personal growth or group discussion…

• [14] The “gospel of God” that Jesus proclaimed is the good news from God and about God that Jesus has brought with him into the world. What’s your interpretation of Jesus (including his whole life and teachings)? Is he good news, or something else? Why? What do your friends say when you ask them questions like this?

• [15] The summary content of Jesus’ gospel teaching is this: “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand.” That is, in the person of the King all things are made right with reference to God. How has this restoration already been made visible (“the time is fulfilled”)? In what ways does this restoration remain a matter for our faith until the King’s return? How do you feel about this tension between the “already” and the “not yet” of the kingdom?

• Repentance—turning to God—is our response to Jesus’ good news. Really, his vicarious repentance, his turning our humanity once and for all to God on our behalf, his restoration of the kingdom of God in our relationship enables our repentance. (Remember his baptism and faithfulness when tempted to turn away from God). What are some ways you’ve sought to establish your own kingdom apart from God, from which you need to turn to embrace the kingdom come in Jesus? How has Jesus already made this return to God on your behalf? What’s your response to his repentance?

• It’s the 500th anniversary of the Reformation. The Reformers were only seeking the (continual) corporate repentance of the church in accordance with the Scriptures. What are some ways the church today can repent/reform in light of the Gospel?