The Vine Austin The Vine; a church in Austin, TX

In this second sermon of this series, Mark talks about Hebrews chapters 3-4. In this message, we explore the comparison between the Exodus story and the deliverance we find in Jesus.

Scripture Reading: Hebrews 3:12-18

thevineaustin.org

REFLECTION QUESTIONS:
1. What sequel is better than the original?
2. Respond to this concept- the journey to the Promise Land wasn’t as important as the journey towards trust. How does that concept relate to your life or experience?
3. How would you describe your relationship with the concept of sin? What role has it played in your religious life in the past?
4. Read Hebrews 3:12-15. What do you notice about the effects of sin in our lives?
5. Discuss the three effects of sin that Mark shared- hardening, deception, and restlessness. How does sin lead to these experiences?
6. Read Hebrews 4:6-7. What is the good news found in these verses?

In this introductory message to the book of Hebrews, Mark begins with opening remarks about this writing and the importance of placing Jesus at the center.

To see the resources for this series, including a daily reading, go to thevineaustin.org/hebrews

RELFECTION QUESTIONS:
1. Share your experience with the daily devotional reading plan on Hebrews.
2. Read Hebrews 1:1-3. What do you see the author doing in this introduction?
3. As you consider the three word pictures that Mark highlighted in verse 3 (radiance of God’s glory, exact representation, and sustaining word), discuss the meaning of them all, and share which word picture stands out to you.
4. Reflect on the three ways we look at the world: glance, glare, and gaze. What uniquely holds you back from being able to gaze, especially gaze upon Christ?
5. Read Hebrews 2:9-10. How do you see the paradox between what is found in chapter 1 and these verses?
6. What else has stayed with you from the sermon- either as encouragement, confusion or a challenge?

Happy Easter. This message not only marks the end of the Lenten season, but also marks the end of our series on peacemaking. This sermon explores John 20, the gift of the Spirit, and the call for us to make peace.

John 20:19-23

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REFLECTION QUESTIONS:
1. What was Easter like for you growing up?
2. As you consider the disciples' reality, what do you imagine the disciples were experiencing, thinking and feeling before Jesus stepped into the room?
3. Read John 20:19-23. What stands out to you today?
4. What significance do you find between the interconnection of the words spirit, wind and breath?
5. Jesus combines breathing peace with being sent into this world. "As the Father sent me, so I send you..." Where do you think Christ is sending you to go and make peace?

On this Palm Sunday, Mark shares a sermon about how we can make peace with death as we consider John 12:12-16 and 23-28.
Credit: Song "No Hard Feelings" by the Avett Brothers

thevineaustin.org

REFLECTION QUESTIONS:
1. As we near the end of Lent, how was your experience with the Lenten Audio Devotional or the Peacemaking notebook?
2. What has stayed with you from the sermon- either as an encouragement, confusion, or frustration?
3. Expand on Mark's points- what are the negative consequences when we ignore the promise of death?
4. Read John 12:23-28. What wisdom do you find in these words?
5. Read Hebrew 12:1-3. How do these verses give us instruction on how to live well and prepare for death?

In this message, Mark turns the conversation about peacemaking to creation. Exploring scriptures and quotes from theologians, this sermon seeks to move us into a restorative relationship with Creation.

www.thevineaustin.org

REFLECTION QUESTIONS:
1. What is your favorite landscape?
2. Why is a consumeristic relationship with nature problematic and opposite the way of Jesus?
3. What is something from the sermon that has stayed with you- either as an encouragement, confusion, or frustration?
4. Read Colossians 1:15-16, 19-20. How do these verses frame our understanding of Jesus and Jesus' mission?
5. Discuss Romans 8:19-23. How do you see mutuality and the calling for peacemakers?
6. What is a practice you are considering in response to the call to make peace within creation?

As we continue our Peacemaking series, we're looking at what it means to make peace in the world. This week we talked through what it means to make peace among the marginalized.
What have you taken from the journal this week?
Who would you consider marginalized in our country? Our city? What about in your specific communities?
Read Matthew 25: 31-45. What do you notice in this passage?
What challenges do you see in your own life when it comes to making peace among the marginalized?
Have you ever seen someone live this out in a way that you find encouraging or inspiring?
We spent some time on Sunday praying. What is your experience with prayer? What meaning does it hold in your life?