Community Church of West Garden Grove

This week - The Crucifixion of Jesus Christ.  After a few brief introductory statements--we go verse by verse to understand the "strangeness" of the text. Then we spend some time reading and meditating on our own to see "What" the Spirit might say, and "Why" the Spirit might say that.  Text: Mark 21--39 Teacher: Eric Williams

As we draw to the end of Mark - Jesus stands on trial before Pilate and Pilate turns over Barabbas instead of Jesus.  What do we observe about the King of the Jews--and the Kingdom of Jesus as political, theological and personal Text: Mark 15.1--20 Teacher: Eric Williams

Who really is on "trial" when Jesus is brought before the Jewish leaders?  And how do we see ourselves in the midst of this conviction?   Text: Mark 14.53--65 Teacher: Eric Williams

This week we look at the arrest of Jesus, and the reactions of the disciples as Jesus is led away.  When pressed squeezed--Judas chooses selfishness/greed, Peter chooses violence/force, and the rest of the disciples choose fear/cowardice.  When pressed or squeezed--how do we respond? Text: Mark 14.42--53 Teacher: Eric Williams

This week we look at Jesus' prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane.  In looking at prayer we examine the significance/fidelity of prayer, the relationship of prayer, and the obedience of prayer.   Text: Mark 14.32--42 Teacher: Eric Williams

This past Sunday, we combined two passages: Jesus' prediction of Peter's denial, and the Peter's denial of Jesus.  In these passages, the main issue of commitment - Jesus' commitment to the Peter/disciples/us, and our "commitment" to Jesus.  This was based off a quote from F. Dale Bruner: “Jesus’ commitment to us… not ours to him is the ground, ‘the rock,’ the foundation of the whole Christian lif...

This week we look at the passage of the Passover Meal... aka The Last Supper. The early church had 5 names for this: The Bread Breaking, The Thank You Meal, Communion, The Mass and The Lord's Supper.  We look at each aspect and then take Communion in 4D! Text: Mark 12.12--26 Teacher: Eric Williams

This week we look at Jesus' teaching regarding paying taxes to Caesar.  He is put in a vice by the Herodians and Pharisees... yet he elevates the conversation from the typical dualism to the beauty of the Kingdom of God.  Text: Mark 12.13--17 Teacher: Eric Williams

This week we look at the parable of the Wicked Tenants - how Jesus utilizes a teaching technique called a remez - to point the religious leaders toward Isaiah 5: 6 Woes and a Song of Judgment.   Text: Mark 12.1--12 Teacher: Eric Williams

This week we look at the question of Jesus' authority in light of his actions in the temple, and triumphal entry.   Unable to answer Jesus' question regarding John's authority, they lie.  How do we tell lies and listen to lies... and what can we do to combat this in our lives.  Text: Mark 11.27--33 Teacher: Eric Williams

This week we look at the passage in which Jesus curses, then kills a fig tree... and what that says about his temple actions which are sandwiched in between.  Lastly we close with how this all relates to prayer! Text: Mark 11.12--26 Teacher: Eric Williams

This week we look into Jesus' upside down 'Triumphal' entry. They/We - Shout Hosanna, Waive Palm Branches, Go 'Ahead' and 'Behind'...  And our calling to be with Jesus in Bethany. Text: Mark 11.1--11 Teacher: Eric Williams

The Rich Young Ruler  - This morning we look into Jesus' encounter with the Rich Young Ruler and the obstacles of wealth we all face.   Text: Mark 10.17--31 Teacher: Eric Williams

This week we discuss the strange ending in the book of Mark!  Three possible ideas are: Missing Text, Dull Discipl'us', and Intended Genius.  Then we connect the possible endings with thoughts on our own lives with Christ.  Text: Mark 16.1--8 Teacher: Eric Williams

This week as we look into Mark 10.1--12 the Pharisees try and ambush Jesus with questions about divorce while he is residing in Herod's jurisdiction...hint, hint, wink, wink.  Then we end it up with some marriage vow renewals!! Text: Mark 10.1-12 Teacher: Eric Williams

This passage focuses on Mark 9:38--50 where the disciples are upset at others doing miracles who aren't "in the loop" and Jesus' subsequent call to extreme measures in the pathway of discipleship.   Text: Mark 9.38--50 Teacher: Eric Williams

This week we look at the roll of Children, Disciples and Jesus in Mark's Gospel. Drawing from Mark 9.30--37, 10.13--16 and Matthew 18.1--6 we look at: How children were viewed as insignificant and small rather than innocent and pure.  And then we spend some discussing how the disciples were on an olympic quest to be great. And finally - how the whole passage centers around Jesus as all emphasis is...

This week, we dive into the current state of the Church. I discuss some personal hurdles, along with our board transition and utilized the: Financial Accountability, Event Coordinating, Pastoral Support, Mission Oriented, and Spiritual Direction/Discernment paradigm as a way to think through where our church has been and where it is going.  Teacher: Eric Williams

This week we discuss one of the patterns in Mark 9/10 of: Jesus predicting his suffering--the disciples misunderstanding and selfishness--Jesus call to be a servant/slave.  It is helpful in this passage to consider the age of the disciples as well as the nautre of being a servant as explained in Richard Foster's book - The Celebration of Discipline. Text: Mark 9.30--35, 10.32--45 Teacher: Eric Wil...

This week we look at one of the most famous cries in the scripture: "I believe!  Help my unbelief!"  The healing of the father's son, is mainly framed around those in the story who are "unable"--disciples, father, son, crowd.  The necessity for faith and prayer are the key elements to move us from "unable" to "able." Text: Mark 9.14--29 Teacher: Eric Williams

This week we return to Jesus' Transfiguration - the importance of this narrative in the Early Church, the importance of "Listening to Him" - and some tie-ins from the Matthew account.  Text: Mark 9.1--10 Teacher: Eric Williams

Merry Christmas Eve - this week we look at Jesus' Transfiguration--defining the word, how he is transfigured, and the importance of "Listening to Him." Text: Mark 9.1--10 Teacher: Eric Williams

This week, we look at Peter's confession of the Christ, and what it means to see Jesus clearly through the lens of his call to discipleship. Text: Mark 8.24--9.1 Teacher: Eric Williams

This week we study Jesus' healing of the blind man in Mark 8.22--26.  We engage this primarily through a group Lectio Divina which looks like this: What is the word that falls on my ear? Why is that—life, circumstances, relationships, struggles, victories? What now?—is there a next step that God is inviting me to take? Then end our time with a few textual notes. Text: Mark 8.22--26 Teacher: Eric W...

This week we look at Jesus feeding 4000 in the gentile territory of the Decapolis.  Comparing it with his feeding of the 5000, Jesus is symbolically stating his claim as the provider and giver not only to Israel, but also the gentiles.   Text: Mark 8.1--10 Teacher: Eric Williams