Foundations of Faith Week 1-3 Review

Purpose of This Review: Before we conclude the Foundations of Faith series next week, this discussion helps us pause, reflect, and connect what God has been teaching us so far. These weeks have shown us that faith is not passive—it moves, submits, and acts in love toward others.

Big Picture Recap:

Over the last three weeks, we’ve seen a clear progression:

Week 1: Jesus calls us to follow.

Week 2: Jesus has the authority to lead our lives.

Week 3: Faith trusts Jesus enough to act—together.

Faith begins with a call, grows under authority, and is proven through action.

Week 1 Review — The Call to Follow (Mark 1:14–20)

The calling of Simon and Andrew; James and John

Core Truth: Following Jesus is more than believing—it requires movement.

Jesus calls ordinary people in ordinary moments. His call is urgent, personal, and costly—but it always leads to greater purpose.

Key Themes Remembered:

Jesus calls us in the middle of real life, not ideal conditions.

Delayed obedience often turns into disobedience.

Following Jesus means leaving something behind.

What feels like loss becomes purpose.

Discussion Questions:

What stood out to you most from the image of leaving the truck running?

Why do you think urgency is such a key part of Jesus’ call?

What “nets” are hardest for people to let go of today?

How does knowing that Jesus calls us before we’re ready change how you view discipleship?

Personal Reflection:

What might Jesus be asking you to step away from in order to follow Him more fully?

Week 2 Review — The Authority of the Kingdom (Mark 1:21–34)

Recognizing Jesus’ authority

Core Truth: Jesus’ authority restores rather than crushes—and our response to it matters.

Jesus doesn’t demand attention through force or fear. His authority is recognized because it is real, healing, and uncontested by darkness.

Key Themes Remembered:

Jesus teaches with inherent authority.

Darkness recognizes Jesus even when people debate Him.

Jesus’ authority brings healing, order, and restoration.

Amazement is not the same as obedience.

Discussion Questions:

How does Jesus’ authority differ from the authority we’ve experienced in the world?

Why do you think people are often comfortable admiring Jesus but hesitant to submit to Him?

Where do you see the temptation to trust morality instead of surrendering to Christ?

What does it look like to “rest under” Jesus’ authority instead of resisting it?

Personal Reflection:

What area of your life is hardest to surrender to Jesus’ authority—and why?

Week 3 Review — Faith That Trusts in Jesus (Mark 2:1–12)

The paralytic and his four friends

Core Truth: Real faith acts—and often it acts together.

Faith doesn’t quit when the path is blocked. It finds another way. And often, faith shows up most powerfully through community.

Key Themes Remembered:

Faith pushes through obstacles.

Faith often belongs to a community, not just an individual.

Jesus addresses the deepest need first—forgiveness.

Jesus has authority to forgive and to heal.

Discussion Questions:

What do you learn about faith from the friends who carried the paralytic?

Why do you think Jesus forgave sins before healing the body?

How does this story challenge the idea of “private faith”?

Who has been part of your faith journey by carrying you when you were weak?

Personal Reflection:

Who might God be asking you to carry toward Jesus right now?

Connecting the Weeks:

Take a moment to look at how these truths build on one another:

Week 1: Will I follow Jesus?

Week 2: Will I submit to Jesus’ authority?

Week 3: Will I trust Jesus enough to act—especially for others?

Faith begins with surrender, is shaped by authority, and is revealed through action.

Group Application:

As we prepare to finish the series next week, consider this together:

What has God been emphasizing to you personally through this series?

How has your understanding of faith changed?

What step of obedience, surrender, or action is God inviting you into now?

Closing Thoughts:

Faith isn’t clean. Faith isn’t convenient. Faith isn’t comfortable.

But faith that truly trusts Jesus moves, submits, and won’t leave people stuck.

As we finish this series next week, ask yourself—and each other:

Am I just admiring Jesus… or am I truly following Him?