Mark 1:1-20

1. Discuss why it is important to slow down and observe the Scripture as you read.

2. What are the three phases of Bible Study?

3. What is the first thing we do when we begin to study the Bible? (Recommended reading - RW Dale)

4. Discuss the three capacities of observation (Student, journalist, detective) and how they differ.

5. A student is taught the rule of context. What is this and what is the impact if you do not set the context?

6. What are the two types of context?

7. Does Philippians 4:19 apply to all Christians in all times? Why or why not? Who is the "your" in Philippians 4:19?

8. How does a journalist view things? What questions do they ask?

9. Ask the journalistic questions of Mark 1:1-20 and list the answers in your journal. (Who, Where, What, When, Why, How)

10. What did you learn about from this? What picture does Mark give us of Jesus?

11. As a detective ask...

a. Observe repeated words (gospel, preach-ing),

b. Observe peculiar words (repentance, remission)

c. Observe comparative words/thoughts/ideas (messenger points to the Lord, Satan vs Angels)

d. Observe figurative language (idioms) (sandal strap not worthy to bow down and loose; fishers of men)

e. Observe strange things (out of the ordinary) in the text (camels hair and eating bugs, speech and manner of John, location too is odd)

f. Picture yourself in the text