"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us."
Hebrews 12:1 (NIV)
Marathon Fellowship is a multi-generational group focused on Bible study, prayer, fellowship, and serving others—both at Stonebriar Community Church. and through missions around the world.
We meet weekly on Sundays at 10:45 a.m. in B219. Our current teacher is Dr. Stephen Kim, Professor of Bible Exposition at Dallas Theological Seminary. Previous teachers include Dr. Stanley Toussaint, Wayne Stiles, and Rhome van Dyck. You can explore archives of their lessons on this website.
For questions about our class or weekly activities, email us at Marathon@MarathonFellowship.org.
Scripture: Mark 4:21-34
Wayne Stiles’ lesson from Mark 4:21-34 shows how God works in ways that are often unseen, using the parables of the lamp and the growing seed to reveal His hidden, yet powerful, activity in the world. He encourages believers to trust God’s timing and providence, even when circumstances seem inactive or uncertain.
Scripture: Mark 4:1-20
Wayne Stiles’ lesson from Mark 4:1-20 shows how the parable of the sower illustrates the impact a faithful life can have when rooted in God’s Word. He emphasizes that perseverance, obedience, and a receptive heart allow believers to bear lasting spiritual fruit and influence others for Christ.
Nov 26, 2017
Mark Lesson 7: Not All in the Family
Scripture: Mark 3:20-35
Wayne Stiles’ lesson from Mark 3:20-35 shows how Jesus defines true spiritual kinship beyond biological relationships. He emphasizes that obedience to God and alignment with Christ, rather than mere family ties, determine who truly belongs to God’s kingdom.
Nov 19, 2017
Mark Lesson 6: Whom God Chooses He Uses
Scripture: Mark 3:7-19
Wayne Stiles teaches from Mark 3:7-19, showing how God calls and equips ordinary people to accomplish His extraordinary purposes. He emphasizes that God’s choice is based on His sovereign wisdom, not human merit, encouraging believers to step into His calling with faith and obedience.
Nov 12, 2017
Mark Lesson 5: Jesus and the God Squad
Scripture: Mark 2:23-3:6
Wayne Stiles teaches from Mark 2:23-3:6, highlighting Jesus’ interactions with the Pharisees and the tension between legalism and compassion. He encourages believers to follow Christ’s example of mercy and righteousness, showing that God’s priorities often challenge human traditions and expectations.
John Coulombe and Jeanne Hendricks explore how faith can be nurtured across generations, emphasizing the vital role of grandparents, parents, and mentors in guiding children and youth. Through stories, practical examples, and Scripture, they highlight the power of relationships, prayer, and intentional engagement to influence and support the next generations.
Lesson Scriptural Highlights
- Hebrews 4:14-16
Jesus is our Great High Priest who understands our weaknesses and invites us to approach God boldly in prayer. - Psalm 78:4
It’s our responsibility to pass faith and God’s truth to the next generation. - Psalm 127:3
Children are a blessing from God and a trust to nurture in His ways. - Psalm 19:7-8
God’s Word is reliable and practical for teaching wisdom and guiding life decisions. - Psalm 148
Creation praises God, and we are called to join in worship from a young age. - James 3:9-10
Our words matter; we are called to speak life and honor God in our speech.
General Scripture Themes
- Obedience to God: Living in alignment with His commands brings blessing.
- Prayer and reliance on the Holy Spirit: God invites us to depend on Him for guidance and strength.
- God’s faithfulness: We can trust His promises in every season of life.
Oct 29, 2017
What’s at the Center of the Reformation?
Scripture: Romans 1 & 1 Corinthians 1
Rhome van Dyck teaches from Romans 1 and 1 Corinthians 1, examining the heart of the Reformation and the biblical focus on righteousness by faith. He explores what the Bible says, historical developments, and the personal significance for believers today, encouraging them to align their lives with God’s transformative truth.
Lesson Outline
- What does the Bible say?
- What Happened?
- How and Why does this matter to me?
Oct 22, 2017
Who’s Driving?
Scripture: Matthew 16:13-20
Rhome van Dyck teaches from Matthew 16:13-20, exploring Jesus’ identity and authority as the foundation of the Church. He examines what Jesus said, its meaning, and the implications for believers today, encouraging them to allow Christ to take the lead in their lives.
Lesson Outline
- What Did Jesus Say?
- What Did Jesus Mean?
- What Happened?
- What Did Jesus Mean?
Oct 15, 2017
Mark Lesson 4: Bad Company
Scripture: Mark 2:13-22
Wayne Stiles teaches from Mark 2:13-22, showing how Jesus’ interactions with tax collectors and sinners reveal the inclusiveness of God’s kingdom. Stiles encourages believers to evaluate their relationships and to embrace fellowship that reflects Christ’s call to mercy, grace, and transformation.
Valimir Pikman reflects on God’s enduring faithfulness to Israel, the complexities of ministering to the Jewish people, and the life of Martin Luther—highlighting both his contributions to the Reformation and his tragic anti-Semitism. He exhorts believers to study Scripture carefully, confront their own biases, and demonstrate love and patience in sharing the gospel.