Gospel of Mark Bible Part 6: Jesus' Preaching Ministry II [Bible Study]

Bible Study Title: Repent and Believe – The Core of the Gospel

Scripture Focus: Mark 1:14-15

Opening Prayer

Ask God to soften your heart toward His truth, lead you to genuine repentance, and strengthen your faith so you fully trust in the gospel.

Introduction

Jesus’ message was not merely an announcement of God’s kingdom—it was a call to action. He told people to repent and believe in the gospel. Repentance and faith are inseparable in the Christian walk: repentance turns us from sin, and faith turns us toward God.

Bible Reading

Read Mark 1:14-15 and then 2 Corinthians 7:9-10 to understand the difference between godly and worldly sorrow.

Section 1 – What Repentance Really Means

• Misconception 1: Repentance is simply feeling sorry.

  • Godly sorrow is grief over sin because it offends God—leads to life (Peter, Prodigal Son).

  • Worldly sorrow is regret over consequences—leads to death (Judas, Pharaoh).

    
    

• Misconception 2: Repentance is a changed life.

  • In reality, repentance is a change of mind that leads to turning from sin toward God.

  • The changed life (conversion) follows repentance.

    
    

Discussion Questions:

1. Have you experienced godly sorrow that led you to real change?

2. Why is repentance more than just stopping certain behaviors?

   
   

Section 2 – The Ongoing Need for Repentance

• Jesus commanded it (Luke 24:46-47).

• God commands all people everywhere to repent (Acts 17:30).

• True repentance produces works worthy of repentance (Acts 26:20).

• Any gospel preaching that leaves out repentance is incomplete (Acts 20:21).

  
  

Discussion Questions:

1. Why is repentance essential for entering the Kingdom of God?

2. How can believers keep a repentant heart even after salvation?

   
   

   

Section 3 – What It Means to Believe

• Biblical belief means trust—a firm conviction that God’s Word is true (Hebrews 11:1).

• Faith acts based on God’s proven trustworthiness, even without seeing.

• Belief in Jesus includes believing:

  • He reigns over all (Matthew 28:18).

  • Obedience to the gospel brings entrance into His kingdom (Colossians 1:13-14).

  • Perseverance leads to inheriting the everlasting kingdom (2 Peter 1:10-11).

  • Persistent sin keeps one out of the kingdom (1 Corinthians 6:9-10).

Discussion Questions:

1. How is believing more than just agreeing that something is true?

2. What truths about Jesus do you most need to trust in your daily life?

   
   

Section 4 – Repentance and Faith Together

• Repentance turns from sin.

• Faith turns to God.

• Both are necessary for entering and living in God’s kingdom today and forever.

  
  

Reflection: Is there an area of your life where you’ve repented outwardly but still struggle to trust God fully?

Memory Verse

Acts 20:21 – “Solemnly testifying to both Jews and Greeks of repentance toward God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Closing Challenge

The call of Jesus is urgent: “Repent and believe in the gospel.” This is not a one-time event but a daily way of life for the believer. The kingdom is present now—enter it through submission to Christ’s rule and live with eternity in view.

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