Stephen Sheane: Recent Episodes
Bramalea Baptist Church
Looking Back 1. How are you growing and applying what youve learned in the last week? Explore What does Mark 14:54 reveal about Peters spiritual condition when it says he followed him at a distance and sat with the guards? Pastor David said that while Jesus was on trial before the high priest, Peter was experiencing his own trial. How does Mark 14:5372 illustrate this dual scene of contrasting faith under pressure? Examine In Mark 14:61-62, Jesus finally answers directly, I am, and references the Son of Man coming on the clouds. How does this declaration connect to Daniel 7 and challenge the Jewish leaders' understanding of the Messiah? Pastor David said that trials reveal the depth or shallowness of our faith. According to John 21:1517, how does Jesus lovingly restore Peter after his failure, and what does this teach us about redemption through repeated questioning? Apply Pastor David said discomfort, injustice, and truth-telling all put our faith under pressure. Which of these challenges are you currently facing, and how are you responding in light of Jesus example of standing firm (Mark 14:62)? Looking at Peters progression from denial to restoration, what does this sermon encourage you to do if you find yourself distant from Christ today?
Looking Back1. How are you growing and applying what youve learned in the last week?Explore2. Why did the womans anointing of Jesus provoke outrage among the disciples, and howdoes Mark 14:45 reveal the tension between generosity and perceived waste?3. In Mark 14:69, Jesus praises the womans action. What does this reveal about his viewof worship and sacrifice, especially in light of the gospel being remembered through heract?Examine4. Pastor John noted that worship often comes during chaos. How does the contrastbetween the womans act in Mark 14:3 and the conspiracy in verses 12 highlightdifferent responses to Jesus' presence?5. What does Jesus statement in Mark 14:7You will always have the poor with yousuggest about priorities in worship and charity, and how did Pastor John explain itsdouble meaning?Apply6. Pastor John asked, How have you given sacrificially to the Lord? In light of Mark 14:8and Philippians 3:8, how might you re-evaluate your own approach to givingfinancially,emotionally, or in service?7. Jesus said her story would be remembered with the gospel (Mark 14:9). As Pastor Johnemphasized, the gospel is costly. How can your life reflect this kind of legacycostlydevotion that honors Christ and spreads the gospel?
Growth Group Discussion QuestionsLooking Back 1. How are you growing and applying what youve learned in the last week? Explore Jesus said in Mark 12:17, "Render to Caesar the things that are Caesars, and to God the things that are Gods." Based on this, what trap were the Pharisees and Herodians trying to set for Jesus, and how did He avoid it? In Mark 12:24, Jesus corrected the Sadducees, saying, "Is this not the reason you are wrong, because you know neither the Scriptures nor the power of God?" What misunderstanding about the resurrection did Jesus expose in their question? Examine In Mark 12:2627, Jesus said, "'I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.' He is not God of the dead, but of the living." How does Jesus use God's present-tense words to prove that Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob are still alive with Him? In Mark 12:3031, Jesus taught, "'You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.' The second is this: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'" According to Pastor David, why is obeying these two commands impossible without first recognizing our need for Jesus? Apply Jesus said in Mark 12:34, You are not far from the kingdom of God. When Pastor David explained this, he challenged us: if knowledge alone does not bring salvation, how must we respond to God's truth in order to enter His Kingdom? Jesus asked in Mark 12:35, "How can the scribes say that the Christ is the son of David?" After hearing Jesus reveal His greater identity, how does recognizing Him as both Lord and Savior change the way you give your life back to God today?
Growth Group QuestionsLooking Back1. How are you growing and applying what youve learned in the last week?Explore2. By what authority are you doing these things, or who gave you this authority to do them? (Mark 11:28). What specific actions of Jesus prompted the religious leaders to challenge His authority?3. And they answered Jesus, We do not know. And Jesus said to them, Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things. (Mark 11:33). How does Jesus response expose the leaders unwillingness to acknowledge the truth?Examine4. Was the baptism of John from heaven or from man? (Mark 11:30). Pastor David said, To reject the authority of Jesus is to reject the authority of God. How does the link between Johns baptism and Jesus authority reveal the divine origin of Jesus mission?5. This is the heir. Come, let us kill him, and the inheritance will be ours. (Mark 12:7). How does this line from the parable illustrate the heart of humanitys rebellion against God?Apply6. He had still one other, a beloved son. Finally he sent him to them. (Mark 12:6). What does Jesus willingness to be rejected and suffer reveal about how you can trust Him in seasons of resistance or uncertainty?7. Every knee will bow... and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. (Philippians 2:1011). Pastor David said, We can either embrace Christs authority today or face Him in judgment tomorrow. How will you respond to the authority of Jesuswho reigns from heaven, loves sacrificially, and warns those who reject Him?
Looking Back1. How are you growing and applying what youve learned in the last week?ExploreMark 10:51 says,And Jesus said to him, What do you want me to do for you? Whydo you think Jesus asked Bartimaeus this question? How does this moment highlight faith in action?Pastor David said,"Seeing Jesus clearly isnt about your physical vision, but its all about faith."How does Bartimaeus' cry, Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me (Mark10:47), embody spiritual clarity?ExamineInvestigating Zechariah 9:9, where it's written,"Behold, your king is coming to you; righteous and having salvation is he, humble and mounted on a donkey,"how does Jesus fulfill this prophecy in Mark 11:710?Pastor David said,"When we see Jesus clearly, we see ourselves clearly."Reflecting on Mark 10:4852, how does Bartimaeus request for mercy shape our understanding ofspiritual humility?ApplyHow can Jesus call to repentance in Mark 11 challenge us to worship authentically intruth and spirit, as described in John 4:24?Pastor David said,"The clearer we see Jesus, the closer we get to Him."Considering Mark 10:4611:11 and John 14:6, how does seeing Jesus clearly transform trust, obedience, and worship in your own life?
Growth Group Discussion QuestionsLooking Back 1. What teaching from the last sermon and group discussion applies to your life today? Explore In Luke 22:3134, Jesus tells Peter that Satan demanded to sift him like wheat, yet assures him that He has prayed for his faith. What does this reveal about spiritual warfare and Jesus intercession in our discipleship journey? What does Peters emotional journey in Luke 22:5462from following at a distance to weeping bitterlyteach us about the role of conviction and restoration in the life of a disciple? How does this passage reflect Gods grace even in our failures?(Luke 22:62 And he went out and wept bitterly.) Examine Pastor Nestor said that guilt can either destroy us like it did Judas or lead us to repentance like it did Peter. How can we discern when guilt is drawing us back to God versus when it is leading us into deeper separation? (See 2 Corinthians 7:10) What are some signs that a person's discipleship might be based more on comfort than on true commitment, and how can the church encourage believers to embrace the cost of following Jesus? Apply Pastor Nestor said, It is easy to be a Christian in the presence of other Christians. How does Peters denial in Luke 22:5462 challenge us to evaluate our faith when its tested in uncomfortable or hostile environments? What can we do to stay faithful in those moments? Reflect on your own discipleship journey: Are there areas where youre following Jesus from a distance, blending in with the crowd, or denying Him in subtle ways? What practical steps can you take this week to move toward deeper devotion, dedication, and declaration (John 15:5, Romans 12:1-2)?
Looking Back1. What teaching from the last sermon and group discussion applies to your life today?Explore2. Pastor David said that following Jesus is like walking an uphill path, sometimes uncertain and difficult. How does Mark 10:32 describe the disciples emotions as they followed Jesus to Jerusalem?3. Why do you think James and John asked to sit at Jesus right and left in His glory (Mark 10:37)? How did their request show misunderstanding about Jesus mission?Examine4. Pastor David said that Jesus reveals His plans to us one step at a time, just as He did with the disciples. How did Jesus progressively reveal His coming suffering in Mark 8:31, 9:31, and 10:33-34?5. What did Jesus mean when He said in Mark 10:45, For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many (ESV)? How does this redefine greatness?Apply6. Pastor David said that Jesus modeled servant leadership. What is one practical way you can serve others this week with humility?7. Jesus led the way to Jerusalem knowing He would suffer and die (Mark 10:32-34). What is one area in your life where you struggle to trust Jesus' leadership, and how can you surrender it to Him?
Growth Group Discussion QuestionsLooking Back1. What teaching from the last sermon and group discussion applies to your life today?Explore2. Pastor David said that Jesus used the faith of children to teach us about receiving the Kingdom of God. How does Mark 10:14-15 challenge the way we think about what it means to follow Jesus?3. In Mark 10:17, the rich young man asks, What must I do to inherit eternal life? PastorDavid said his mistake was in thinking he could earn his way into the Kingdom. How does Jesus' response in Mark 10:21-22 reveal the true nature of salvation?Examine4. What does Mark 10:27 mean when it says, With man it is impossible, but not with God. For all things are possible with God?5. Jesus told Peter that anyone who has left behind possessions or relationships for His sake will receive a hundredfold now in this time... and in the age to come eternal life (Mark 10:29-30). How does this promise encourage believers who face sacrifices for following Jesus?Apply6. Pastor David emphasized that salvation is not earned but received as a gift. How does this message apply to how we view our own good works and religious efforts today?7. Jesus calls his followers to let go of anything they love more than him (Mark 10:29-31). What might God be calling you to sacrifice in order to follow Jesus more fully?
Growth Group QuestionsLooking Back1. What teaching from the last sermon and group discussion applies to your life today?Explore and Discuss 2. In the parable of the Good Samaritan, what possible religious reasons prompted the Priest and Levite to pass the other way, instead of heling the man in need?3. What is the significance of the Samaritan being the one to offer neighborly love? Why a Samaritan?4. What was the reason the expert of the Law decided to test Jesus regarding Gods Laws (v.29)? What does this mean and how does it relate to your own life?5. What did Pastor Nestor mean when he said love is relational?6. What did Pastor Nestor mean when he said love is intentional?7. When Pastor Nestor said Christian love is sacrificial, how is that different from other types of love in the world? Share with the Group a time when you another person showed sacrificial love toward you, or you toward them.
Growth Group QuestionsLooking Back 1. What teaching from the last sermon and group discussion applies to your life today? Explore Mark 9:35 If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all. Jesus taught that true greatness comes through serving others. How does this challenge the worlds definition of success? Mark 9:37 Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me. In Jesus time, children had little status, yet He used them as an example. What does this reveal about how we should treat others? Examine Mark 9:43 If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. Pastor John said Jesus used extreme language to show the seriousness of sin. Why is it necessary to take drastic steps to remove sin from our lives? Mark 9:41 Whoever gives you a cup of water to drink because you belong to Christ will by no means lose his reward. Pastor John said the disciples assumed they had exclusive rights to Jesus' power, but Jesus corrected them. How does this challenge the way we view other believers and churches today? Apply Mark9:33-34Theyhadarguedwithoneanotheraboutwhowasthegreatest.PastorJohnsaid people naturally seek status, even in subtle ways. What sin does this represent, and how can you repent from it? Mark 9:50 Salt is good, but if the salt has lost its saltiness, how will you make it salty again? Jesus calls believers to be a preserving influence in the world. What specific ways can you live out this calling as a sacrifice to Jesus?
Looking Back1. What teaching from the last sermon and group discussion applies to your life today?Explore2. In Mark 10:2, the Pharisees tested Jesus by asking, "Is it lawful for a man to divorce hiswife?" Instead of answering directly, Jesus responded in Mark 10:3 by saying, "What didMoses command you?" Why do you think Jesus redirected their question?3. Pastor David said that Jesus took the Pharisees back to "Gods original intent and designfor marriage." In Mark 10:6, Jesus stated, "But from the beginning of creation, Godmade them male and female." Why did Jesus emphasize creation when discussingmarriage?Examine4. In Mark 10:9, Jesus said, "What therefore God has joined together, let not manseparate." How does this verse emphasize the significance of commitment inrelationships, and what does it teach us about Gods design for unity in marriage, family,and the church?5. Pastor David said, "Divorce happens because of the hardness of the human heart." InMark 10:5, Jesus said, "Because of your hardness of heart he wrote you thiscommandment." How does hardness of heart contribute to broken marriages today,even within the church?Apply6. In Mark 10:78, Jesus quoted Scripture saying, "'Therefore a man shall leave his fatherand mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.' So they areno longer two but one flesh." How can Christians practically "fight for their marriage" inlight of Jesus teachings, and what steps can couples take to strengthen their marriageand reflect Christs love?7. Pastor David said, "There is always, always hope for your marriage." In 1 Corinthians7:1011, Paul wrote, "To the married I give this charge (not I, but the Lord): the wifeshould not separate from her husband... but if she does, she should remain unmarriedor else be reconciled to her husband." How can believers extend grace and pursuereconciliation in difficult marriages, even when separation seems like the only option?
Growth Group Discussion QuestionsLooking Back1. What teaching from the last sermon, and our group discussion, are you applying to yourlife today?Explore2. In Mark 9:23 it says, And after six days Jesus took with him Peter and James and John, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his clothes became radiant, intensely white, as no one on earth could bleach them. What does the transfiguration reveal about Jesus' identity and mission?3. Pastor David said, Seeing the glorified, resurrected Christ in all his glory encourages our hearts in the in-between. In Mark 9:8 it says, And suddenly, looking around, they nolonger saw anyone with them but Jesus only. How does this moment remind us that in every season of lifewhether on the mountain or in the valleyJesus is alwaysenough?Examine4. In Mark 9:23 Jesus says, All things are possible for one who believes. How does this statement challenge us to rely on Christs strength when we feel weak or doubtful?5. In Mark 9:29, Jesus says, This kind cannot be driven out by anything but prayer. What does this teach us about the importance of prayer in strengthening our faith anddependence on God?Apply6. In Mark 9:24 the father of the possessed boy cries out, I believe; help my unbelief!How can we apply this honest prayer in our own struggles with faith, and what does itteach us about bringing our doubts to Jesus?7. Pastor David said, Living in the in-between creates a longing for Christs return. In Mark 9:1 Jesus says, Truly, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the kingdom of God after it has come with power. How does this statement from Jesus remind us to live with an eager expectation for His kingdom?
Growth Group Questions:Examine Jesus asked his disciples, "Who do people say that I am?" and "Who do you say that I am?" (Mark 8:2729). Why do you think Jesus waited until halfway through His ministry to ask these questions? Jesus said, "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me" (Mark 8:34). What does this mean, and how does it relate to denying oneself? Explore Jesus said, "For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospels will save it" (Mark 8:35). How does this paradox challenge the world's view of success and fulfillment? In the sermon, Pastor David highlighted that many people try to mold Jesus into the Saviour they want rather than accepting Him as the Saviour they need. Jesus said, "For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man" (Mark 8:33). How does this misunderstanding reflect in modern Christian culture? Peter confessed, "You are the Christ" (Mark 8:29). Why is this public confession significant, and how does it shape the understanding of Jesus' mission? Apply Jesus said, "What does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul?" (Mark 8:36). How can this truth influence your priorities and decisions in daily life? Pastor David shared personal stories of sacrifice, such as saving for his first car and giving up sinful behaviours after following Jesus. What personal sacrifices have you made (or could make) in your journey of faith, and how have they drawn you closer to God?
Due to technical difficulties, we are unable to provide the sermon video for Sunday July 9th. We apologize for the inconvenience. Feel free to browse our other Sunday messages.