A 5-Week
Journey of Reflection & Growth
Introduction
This booklet is designed to accompany our five-week sermon series, "The Gospel of Mark: Finding Refuge in Christ." Each week, we will explore a different way in which Jesus invites us to find refuge in Him— through our identity, our church community, moments of solitude, worship, and trust in His will.
Each week's theme aligns with the sermon, so we encourage you to join us in person or watch the sermon recordings online to fully engage with the study. This booklet will help you reflect on the weekly messages, apply them personally, and deepen your understanding of the Gospel of Mark.
Each week includes:
A sermon theme
A weekly reading plan
A focal passage from Mark (Digging Deeper section)
Reflection questions for personal or group discussion
A prayer to guide your time with God
We invite you to commit to this journey, engaging with the sermons, reading along in Mark, and seeking Christ as your refuge. May this study strengthen your faith and encourage you to walk with Him each day.
How to Use This Booklet
Attend or watch the weekly sermon to stay connected to the series.
Set aside time each day to read and reflect.
Journal your thoughts and prayers.
Engage in conversations with others to grow in faith together.
Follow one of the three Gospel of Mark reading plans to immerse yourself in the life of Christ.
The Gospel of Mark Reading Plan
Choose the plan that best fits your schedule:
Option 1: Read the whole Gospel of Mark every day for 40 days. (Takes about 1-2 hours per day.)
Option 2: Read the whole Gospel of Mark in a week. (Perfect for a rapid overview.)
Day 1: Mark 1-3
Day 2: Mark 4-5
Day 3: Mark 6-7
Day 4: Mark 8-9
Day 5: Mark 10-11
Day 6: Mark 12-13
Day 7: Mark 14-16
Option 3: Read a little bit of Mark every day through Lent. (This full plan is integrated within the booklet for easy use!)
Weekly Reflections & Readings
Week 1
Remember Whose You Are
Sermon Theme: Remember who you are – finding refuge in our baptismal identity. (Mark 1:9-13)
Weekly Reading: Mark 1:1-3:30
Focal Verse:
“Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” – Mark 1:16-20
Reflection Questions:
Baptism marks you as a child of God, bringing you into His family. How does your baptismal identity shape the way you live out your faith daily?
Jesus’ call to be a “fisher of men” is an invitation to share the Gospel. What are some ways you can be more intentional about reflecting Christ’s love to those around you?
Is there someone in your life who needs to hear your story of how Jesus has changed your life?
Prayer:
Gracious Father in Heaven, I thank You that in Your mercy, You have given Your only begotten Son, Jesus, my Lord and Savior, to redeem me. In His baptism, He set the example for me, and in my baptism, You have given me the gifts of faith, forgiveness, and eternal life. Jesus has invited me to follow Him, to walk in the freedom of being Your child, and to share Your love with others. By the power of Your Spirit, open my eyes to those who need to hear the Good News. Fill me with boldness and compassion to share the hope I have in Christ. Lead me in obedience, that my life may glorify You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Week 2
Refuge in Community (Church)
Sermon Theme: Refuge in community – the body of Christ. (Mark 3:31-35)
Weekly Reading: Mark 3:31-6:29
Focal Verse:
“And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, ‘Peace! Be still!’ And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.” – Mark 4:39
Reflection Questions:
We all have and will continue to encounter difficulties (storms) in life. Who do you turn to when life is difficult?
Do you have a memory of being the hands and feet of Jesus for someone else when they were walking through a difficult time?
How can you be more intentional about encouraging and uplifting others in your church community?
Prayer:
Gracious Father, I thank You for the love and care of Your Son, Jesus, who walks with me through every storm. You have given me the gift of community, calling me into the body of Christ, where I can find refuge and encouragement. Teach me to lean on my brothers and sisters in faith and to be a source of strength for those who are struggling. Open my eyes to those who need a helping hand, a word of encouragement, or a reminder of Your love. May I reflect Jesus in my actions, serving others with kindness and compassion. Help me to trust in You and in the people You have placed in my life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Week 3
Refuge in Desolation
Sermon Theme: Refuge in desolation – finding a quiet place. (Mark 6:30-44)
Weekly Reading: Mark 6:30-9:50
Focal Verse:
“Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.” – Mark 6:50
Reflection Questions:
Can you remember a situation where you were afraid and Jesus showed up to remind you of His care?
What distractions in your life keep you from fully trusting in Christ’s care?
How can you create intentional time to be alone with God?
Prayer:
Father in Heaven, I thank You for the refuge You provide in my moments of need. In times of uncertainty and fear, remind me that You are near. When I feel overwhelmed, help me to pause and seek You in the quiet, knowing that You are my source of peace. I trust in Your presence, Your protection, and Your provision, even when I cannot see the way forward. Strengthen my faith, Lord, and help me to see others who are struggling so that I may offer them the same comfort You have given me. May my life be a reflection of Your steadfast love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Week 4
Refuge in Worship
Sermon Theme: Worship as a place of refuge. (Mark 7:1-8)
Weekly Reading: Mark 10:1-13:37
Focal Verse:
“With man it is impossible, but not with God. For all things are possible with God.” – Mark 10:27
Reflection Questions:
What are some ways that you practice worship in your everyday life?
How does worship give you peace in everyday life?
How can you develop a deeper, more meaningful approach to worship?
Prayer:
Gracious Father in Heaven, I thank You for who You are—faithful, good, and full of mercy. You have given me everything I need, and apart from You, nothing is possible. Teach me to worship You not only in song, but in how I live my daily life. Let my thoughts, words, and actions bring glory to Your name. When I am anxious, remind me to fix my eyes on You. Fill my heart with gratitude and trust, knowing that Your love never fails. I praise You for the ways You reveal Yourself in my life, and I offer all that I am to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Week 5
Refuge in Jesus’ Transcendence
Sermon Theme: The Transfiguration – Jesus’ Glory Revealed. (Mark 9:2-13)
Weekly Reading: Mark 14:1-16:20
Focal Verse:
“Abba, Father, all things are possible for you. Remove this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.” – Mark 14:36
Reflection Questions:
How does Jesus’ surrender in Gethsemane help you trust God in seasons of uncertainty?
What are some areas of your life where you need to trust God’s plan, even when it is difficult?
Prayer:
Holy Father, I thank You for the glory revealed through Your Son, Jesus. In His suffering and obedience, I see the depth of His love for me. When I face trials and uncertainties, help me to trust in Your perfect will, just as Jesus did in Gethsemane. Strengthen my faith to follow where You lead, even when the path is difficult. Remind me that I can come to You in prayer, bringing my burdens before You with confidence. Fill me with courage, wisdom, and love as I seek to live according to Your purpose. May my life reflect the hope and power of Christ. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Final Encouragement & Next Steps
As you’ve walked through this five-week journey in the Gospel of Mark, our hope is that you have discovered new depths of who Jesus is and the refuge He offers in every season of life.
In your identity – You are His, fully known and fully loved.
In your community – The Church is a place of belonging, encouragement, and strength.
In solitude – Even in desolation, Jesus meets you with peace.
In worship – Surrendering to God reorients your heart to His goodness.
In trust – When life is uncertain, He is always faithful.
This is not the end of the journey—it is only the beginning.
Next Steps
We invite you to continue growing in your faith through the following next steps:
Join a Small Group: Connect with others as you continue exploring Scripture, praying together, and supporting one another in your faith.
Stay Connected with Our Community: Scan the QR code below or visit christgreenfield.church for upcoming events, resources, and ways to stay engaged with our church family.
Continue Reading the Bible: Keep exploring God’s Word, whether by revisiting Mark or diving into another book of the Bible.
Join Us for Our Next Sermon Series: Stay involved by attending or watching online as we begin our next teaching series. We’d love for you to be part of it!
Wherever you are in your journey, know that you are never alone—Christ is your refuge, and He is walking with you.
Keep seeking Him. Keep growing in faith. Keep walking with Him. He is your refuge.