Hindsight: Torn Curtain

We have all heard the statement: "Hindsight is 20/20." The insight gained through hindsight frequently resources us to live with foresight. That is why we are going to spend the Fall looking at the Gospel of Mark in reverse. Why is the message about Him called "the Gospel" (from Old English meaning 'good news') and what is the message that is proclaimed? 

Today, we are looking together at the 15th chapter of Mark, the moment of Jesus’ death and the torn curtain. This is a perfect example of a story in scripture that is critical for us to engage in new ways - so that our eyes are refreshed, and our hearts are renewed, as God comes close to us in Jesus. 

This morning's speaker is Serene Neddenriep. Serene serves with InterVarsity Christian Fellowship as the National Associate Director for Planting, and on InterVarsity's Council of National Evangelists. She loves to help people to become effective Spirit-led witnesses and empower them to start new things that reach people for Jesus. She lives in San Diego with her husband Jonathan and children River and Pax. Bonus for people who actually read this far: She also likes ice cream.

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE | Mark 15:37-47

37And Jesus uttered a loud cry and breathed his last. 38 And the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom.

39 And when the centurion, who stood facing him, saw that in this way he breathed his last, he said, “Truly this man was the Son of God!”

40 There were also women looking on from a distance, among whom were Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the younger and of Joses, and Salome.41 When he was in Galilee, they followed him and ministered to him, and there were also many other women who came up with him to Jerusalem.

42 And when evening had come, since it was the day of Preparation, that is, the day before the Sabbath, 43 Joseph of Arimathea, a respected member of the council, who was also himself looking for the kingdom of God, took courage and went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. 44 Pilate was surprised to hear that he should have already died. And summoning the centurion, he asked him whether he was already dead. 45 And when he learned from the centurion that he was dead, he granted the corpse to Joseph.46 And Joseph bought a linen shroud, and taking him down, wrapped him in the linen shroud and laid him in a tomb that had been cut out of the rock. And he rolled a stone against the entrance of the tomb. 47 Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses saw where he was laid.

SERMON NOTES

Click here to view/download this morning's sermon notes/slides.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Here are some books and resources we recommend for your own reflection and study:

The Weekend Resource Guide can be used for further reflection and is the resource tool that most of our LifeGroups use.

Serene recommends Miracle Work: A Down-to-Earth Guide to Supernatural Ministries, by Jordan Seng. "This book has been a great teacher for me in the ministry of the Holy Spirit."

Basic Christianity by John Stott will provide you with insight and understanding whether you are seeking Jesus or have been following Him for years. Thin and profound.

Simply Jesus: A New Vision of Who He Was, What He Did, and Why He Matters is a great introduction into the life of Jesus and how we can relate to Him today.

Reunion: The Good News of Jesus for Seekers, Saints, and Sinners is a dynamic investigation of the most earth-shattering, piety-smashing, life-changing news ever. Discover your true citizenship in the Jesus nation, where you might be ready to die for a cause but never willing to kill for it. 

The Hole in Our Gospel Special Edition: What Does God Expect of Us? The Answer That Changed My Life and Might Just Change the World demonstrates that the whole gospel was always meant to be a world-changing, social revolution, a revolution that begins with each one of us. 

Who is Jesus is a video produced by Alpha... a GREAT introduction:

ONLINE GIVING:

If you would like to join us in worshiping the Lord through financial giving to the ministries of Faith Community please click here.