Worship Guide
Message & Sermon Notes
A Scandalous Savior
Mark 2:13-17
Pastor Jason Carlson
Mark 2:13-17
As a scandalous Savior:
1. Jesus calls the rebellious (v. 13-14)
Matthew 7:13-14
John 6:44a
2 Timothy 2:24-26
Ephesians 1:3-6
2. Jesus comforts the repentant (v. 15)
Luke 5:29
Revelation 3:20
“(God) has put eternity into man’s heart” Ecclesiastes 3:11
“You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our heart is restless until it finds its rest in you.” – Augustine of Hippo
Matthew 5:3
• “Blessed” = Makarios (the recipient of divine favor, the smile of heaven)
• “poor” = Ptochos (inferior, destitute, beggarly)
“It is just this tremendous awareness of our utter nothingness as we come face to face with God.” - Martyn Lloyd-Jones
Romans 3:10
Romans 5:8
Romans 5:1-2
3. Jesus confronts the religious (v. 16-17)
Isaiah 64:6a
2 Corinthians 4:4
2 Corinthians 5:20
“I am a great sinner, but Christ is a great savior.” - John Newton
Sermon Discussion Questions
Questions for reflection:
1. In what ways can you identify with Levi’s story? How does it impact your understanding of God’s grace?
2. What kind of “sinners” are you reluctant to befriend? How does today’s passage encourage you to show Christ’s love to them?
Questions for discussion:
1. How might Jesus’ calling of Levi give us hope for unbelievers we know who seem unreachable with the gospel?
2. Have you ever found yourself looking at unbelievers through the lens of the Pharisees? How so? How do you think Jesus would encourage you in this area?
3. What is the message of the gospel for sinful people? What is the message of the gospel for self-righteous people?
Sundays at Lakes Free
Welcome Visitors!
If you are visiting for the first time today, stop by the Next Steps counter to pick up a welcome gift from Lakes Free!
Worship Services: 9:00 & 10:40 am. (Livestream at 10:40am)
Sunday School & Adult Bible Fellowships (ABFs):
Nursery & Preschool Sunday School: 9:00 & 10:40am
Elementary Sunday School: 9:00am
Middle & High School Sunday School: 9:00am
Adult Bible Fellowships: 9:00 & 10:40am (More info here)
Lakes Cafe Open Sunday Mornings: Purchase a cup of coffee for $2 and 100% will be donated to support Lakes Free missionaries. Each month will feature a current Lakes Free Mission partner.
What is the Next Steps Area? You may be wondering what, exactly, is the corner with Next Steps written on the wall? It’s your 1-stop information place for any “next steps” you have such as resources, registrations, questions or ways to get connected at Lakes Free.
Children’s Activity Packs: Activity packs for kids attending worship services are available at the main Worship Center door.
Announcements
Grandparenting Ministry: Love encouraging other grandparents? If you are interested in serving on a leadership team for ministry to Grandparents at Lakes Free, please contact Pastor Jeremy Lind.
Guitarists & Drummers Needed: Our Worship Ministry is looking for guitarists & drummers. If interested, contact Lyle Fashant.
New Member Candidates: The Elder Board has interviewed and is recommending the following for membership at our Annual Meeting on Oct. 26: Joseph & Emily Anderson, Robert Bratrud, Andrew & Hannah Brosted, Travis & Victoria McCollum, Michael & Krystal Pritchett, Nick & Kaitlin Rogney, Danielle Rupard, Pete & Chelsea Sandman, Dick & Jenny Smith.
Stephen Ministry Training: Are you like Stephen? Stephen was the first layperson the Apostles asked to care for needs of the early church (Acts 6:1-6). Our church’s Stephen Ministry is starting a new training group in January; the distinctively Christian 50-hour training will prepare you to give one-to-one caring support to a person going through a challenging time in life. Stop by Next Steps to chat with our current Stephen Ministry Leaders.
Iron Man Evening of Prayer: Mon, Nov. 10, 6:30pm. Home of Doug Wallis. We’ll be practicing how to pray straight from Scripture. No pressure if you’ve never prayed out loud before—it’s easier than you think when the Bible’s open in front of you. All men 18+ are welcome!
Operation Christmas Child: Spread the Good News of Jesus Christ by packing a shoebox for children around the world. Boxes and brochures with guidelines & labels are available at Next Steps. Return packed shoeboxes by 9:00 service on Sun, November 23.
Offering Envelopes: Offering envelopes for the 2025-25 fiscal year are available at Next Steps.
T-Shirts Needed: MS students will be helping with an Operation Christmas Child Project and need T-shirts. Any condition accepted. Drop off any donations in the Youth Center by Sunday, Oct. 26.
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