Worship Guide
Message & Sermon Notes
In The Valley of Reality
Mark 9:14-29
Pastor Jason Carlson
Mark 9:14-29
In the valley of reality we can expect:
1. Confrontations with the curse (v. 14-19)
Opposition from the world (v. 14)
Opposition from the devil (v. 17-18, 22)
John 10:10
1 Peter 5:8
Opposition from our flesh (v. 17-19)
Romans 5:12
Romans 8:22-23
2 Corinthians 5:1-4
Mark 6:7, 12-13
John 15:4-5
2. Help for the humble (v. 20-24)
2 errors we can make in regards to this verse (Mark 9:23):
1) Thinking all our wishes will come true if we just have enough faith
2 Corinthians 12:8-10
Philippians 4:12-13
2) Not having faith at all
Hebrews 11:6
Proverbs 3:5-6
Two fundamental truths about faith:
1) It only takes a little faith to secure one’s position in Christ
Matthew 19:14
2) It only takes a little faith to experience the power of Christ
Matthew 17:19-20
1 John 5:14-15
3. Power in our prayer
Colossians 1:16-17
1 John 4:4
Prayer is placing our finite inadequacy in the hands of His infinite sufficiency.
1 Thessalonians 5:17
John 16:33
Sermon Discussion Questions
Questions for reflection:
1. What lessons has God taught you on the mountaintops of life? In the valleys?
2. What in your life are you trusting God for in faith? What encouragement do you find in today’s passage?
Questions for discussion:
1. Why are our mountaintop experiences with Jesus so important for our more regular experience of life in the valley?
2. What errors can we make with the Lord’s promise in v. 23? How should we understand this correctly?
3. What was the disciples’ fundamental error in today’s passage? What can we learn from their experience and the Lord’s words to them?
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
Guitarists & Drummers Needed: Our Worship Ministry is looking for guitarists & drummers. If interested, contact Lyle Fashant.
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Summer Camp Scholarships: We are offering scholarships for our kids, Kdgn-12th grade, to attend Camp Shamineau and other Bible Camps this summer. One per child/per year. Contact the church office for details and to get a sponsorship code. Camp Shamineau is now accepting registrations and offers a discount if paid in full by April 1.
Sharing Shop Now Accepting Spring/Summer Clothing: We are now accepting new and gently used clothing of all ages and sizes for our Spring Clothing Event. Please leave donations by the Sharing Shop Door in the Fellowship Hall (down the stairs and to your right).
Easter Flowers: Help us celebrate Easter by ordering flowers in memory or honor of someone special in your life. On Easter Sunday there will be a special bulletin insert listing the names of those being honored or remembered. You may take your flower home after the 11:15 service. Place your order here.
VBS Decorating MeetingSat, April 11 | 9:00am: If you’re interested in helping with VBS decorations, join us for a planning meeting to learn how you can get involved. For more details, contact Chloe Hildreth.
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